Minister with General Emile Lahoud, President of the Lebanese Republic

During his three day visit, June 30 through July 1, the Minister met with high-level Lebanese officials as well as leaders of the Armenian community. The dates of the visit were meant to coincide with the 50th anniversary of Haigazian University. The Minister was invited to the anniversary and commencement ceremonies, as the Keynote Speaker. (See Speech)

Minister with Prime Minister Najib Mikati

The Minister held very productive and contentful meetings with General Emile Lahoud, President of the Lebanese Republic , M. Nabih Berri, President of the Lebanese Parliament, Lebanese Foreign Minister M. Mahmoud Hammoud and with Prime Minister Najib Mikati. Discussions revolved around Lebanon’s political situation, the role of the Armenian community in Lebanon, Armenia-Lebanon relations, as well as regional issues affecting both countries.

Minister with M. Nabih Berri, President of the Lebanese Parliament

The Minister also met with M. Saad Hariri, son of the slain former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, who had visited Armenia three times and actively promoted Armenia-Lebanon relations. Following each meeting, the Minister addressed members of the press. Lebanese television as well as newspapers covered the visit extensively. Future TV interviewed the Minister who spoke about Lebanese-Armenian relations, past and present, as well as Armenia’s relations with Turkey, with Iran, and the Nagorno Karabakh conflict.

Minister with M. Mahmoud Hammoud, Foreign Minister

During his visit, Minister Oskanian also met with Catholicos Aram I, and with the leadership of the Armenian Catholic and the Armenian Evangelical communities. He also met with the representatives of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation, the Social Democratic Hunchakian Party, the Armenian Democratic League, as well the Armenian General Benevolent Union. The Minister spoke to members of the community at a public gathering held at the First Armenian Evangelical Church.

Minister Oskanian addressed the graduates of Haigazian University, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of that educational institution. He also participated in the presentation of diplomas.

Minister with M. Saad Hariri

At the conclusion of his visit, the Minister visited the town of Ainjar, near the Syrian border, and spent an afternoon visiting the Armenian schools, churches, and clubs in the all-Armenian town, which was established by the Armenian refugees of Musa Dagh, in the 1920s.

“This was an important visit,” said Minister Oskanian, “coming as it did at a very important time in Lebanese political life. The meetings with political officials, as well as the leadership of the Armenian community were very useful. It is a vibrant, active community that can and does serve as a bridge between our two countries.”

Minister at the Hariri Memorial	Minister at Haigazian University
Minister with Catholicos and Ambassador Areg Hovannisyan	Minister with Catholic Bishop
Minister with ADL Leaderships	Minister with AGBU Leaderships
Minister with ARF Leaderships	Minister with Hunchakian Leaderships
Minister in Ainjar