“SPORT IS A PLACE FOR EVERYONE”

“The freedom of press, as the freedom of speech and expression are in the basis of a democratic society. Defending press we defend democracy, our right for truth. Free press today is a guarantee for the future of democracy”, said member of the RA NA Delegation to PACE in Strasbourg Vahe Hovhannisyan.
The PACE Committee on Culture, Science and Education discussed cases of violations against journalists (including in Belarus, Russia, Turkey).
During the discussion the Armenian representative noted that violence against journalists, physical abuses are acts of violence against the freedom of thought. They cannot have any justification or explanation. “Not depreciating the importance of journalistic and media ethics, still the persecution of journalists and acts of violence may have no justification and must be considered as unnatural in any country of the world”.
Vahe Hovhannisyan reminded that a year had passed since the famous journalist, editor of “Agos” Armenian newspaper Hrant Dink was killed in Istanbul. “We have to state that nationalistic spirits in any country have a negative influence on the freedom of thought and expression. This means that authorities in these countries must work harder to ensure increase of tolerance inside their societies”, he said. The members of Turkish delegation responded to him, strictly condemning the assassination. In the second part of the day they discussed the resolution on European Sport Model. The Head of the Armenian Delegation David Harutyunyan nad the member of the Delegation Vahe Hovhannisyan protecting adotpiotn of the resolution in their speeches.
“One of important characteristics of sport is its being away from politics. Amongst its social, cultural and educational features sport has to preserve this one, too, and remain above politics. It will allow strengthening its role of uniting people all over the world based on their interests and common features, and not - on their ethnic or political belonging.
I want to mention here the forthcoming match between Armenian and Turkish National Football Teams during World Cup qualification matches.
This match should become an evidence of the non-politicized nature of sport. It must also show the real capacities of contemporary sport to overcome the long-lasting tension between Armenian and Turkish publics. I want to remind that there are still no diplomatic relations between our states. It makes everything harder.
Armenian sport officials have already declared their readiness to ensure security and welcome for Turkish players and fans. Turkish side has also stated similar willingness. This must be a multi-sided work, and I hope it will result in a good football, uniting instead of dividing us”, said Vahe Hovhannisyan in his speech.
“Sport is a place for everyone, and the dearest value of the European Model is its principle of democracy. It’s something that lets people stay in touch with each other and be more humane. Everybody truly dedicated to sporting values should invest his effort to protect its democratic and open future” concluded Vahe Hovhannisyan.
The Armenian Delegation voted for the adoption of the resolution.

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