ArmInfoA new memorable date may appear in Armenia - the Day of National Minorities. The RA National Assembly, at its session on January 20, in the first reading, introduced amendments to the law "On Holidays and Memorable Dates".
As one of the authors of the bill, Rustam Bakoyan, a deputy from the "My Step" faction, noted, although Armenia is a mono-ethnic country, nevertheless, there are about 11 national minorities living here, whose representatives, including, in different periods, played their role in the history of Armenia .
"The legislation stipulates that they have the right to preserve their national and ethnic identity, develop their national language, traditions, faith and culture. This change will be another step that will draw attention to ethnic minorities, their problems and needs, and help find their solution." , - said Bakoyan. According to him, there is a similar practice in Romania, India, Estonia and other countries. The legislative amendments propose to celebrate the Day of National Minorities in Armenia on the last Saturday of September, since during this period the Council of National Minorities holds a meeting and various events. For his part, Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports Ara Khzmalyan noted that this initiative emphasizes strong ties with friendly peoples, which represent national minorities in Armenia.
"The consolidation at the legislative level speaks of the need to also raise the level of cultural events and present their cultural identity," Khzmalyan said. Armenia is considered a mono-ethnic country, however, according to the 2011 census, about 1.8% of the population are ethnic minorities. There are 11 relatively large communities living in Armenia - Yazidis, Assyrians, Greeks, Russians, Germans, Georgians, Kurds, Poles, Ukrainians, Belarusians and Jews.