Ottawa: Minister Kenney Issues Statement Recognizing Armenia’s Indep

MINISTER KENNEY ISSUES STATEMENT RECOGNIZING ARMENIA’S INDEPENDENCE DAY

Canadian Government News
September 24, 2012 Monday

The Citizenship and Immigration Canada has issued the following
press release: The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship,
Immigration and Multiculturalism, issued the following statement
recognizing the celebration of Armenia’s Independence Day:

I am pleased to join with Armenians in Canada and around the world
in celebrating the 21st anniversary of Armenia’s declaration of
independence from the Soviet Union. That independence brought an end
to almost seven decades of tyranny under the former communist regime.

Over the past 21 years, Canada has been proud of its close ties with a
free and sovereign Armenia. Those bonds are made stronger by the active
participation of Armenian-Canadian individuals, church groups and
community organizations in a great number of international initiatives.

Canada was a strong supporter of Armenia’s candidacy to become an
associate member of l’Organisation internationale de la Francophonie
in 2008. Canada and Armenia have also signed a number of bilateral
trade agreements that are to the great benefit of both countries.

The Armenian-Canadian community has a history in this country that
goes back more than a century, and has played an important role in
building our society. Although relatively small in size, this community
has fostered an impressive number of accomplished and internationally
celebrated individuals, including legendary photographer Yousuf Karsh,
filmmaker Atom Egoyan and actress Arsinee Khanjian.

As Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism,
I wish all Canadians and Armenians celebrating today a very happy
Independence Day.

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From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress