YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 25, NOYAN TAPAN. On the occasion of International Mother Language Day on February 25 was held an event with the support of the UN Department of Public Information where partook 11 national minorities, government and legislature representatives. According to the report of UN Office in Armenia they gathered at a round table discussion to talk about issues of equal rights, equal opportunities for national minorities in Armenia. UN Department of Public Information Representative Maria Dotsenko stated: "Languages are the most powerful instruments of preserving and developing our heritage. Promotion and protection of mother tongues serves not only to encourage linguistic diversity and multilingual education but also to develope fuller awareness of linguistic and cultural traditions and to inspire solidarity based on understanding, tolerance and dialogue." "The situation in Armenia is unique in the sense of celebrating this UN Observance. Since 2006 International Mother Language Day has been announced as a National Holiday. Moreover, 2010 has been announced a Year of Mother Language. However, we are going to continue supporting the development and promotion of national minorities and their languages in Armenia", said Vardan Astsatryan, head of the Government Department of National Minorities and Religious Affairs.

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