YEREVAN. – A delegation from Armenia, and led by Deputy Foreign Minister Artak Apitonian, on Monday and Tuesday participated in an antiterrorism conference that was held in Bratislava, and within the framework of Slovakia’s chairmanship-in-office at the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).

Also, Apitonian delivered an address at the high-level part of this event, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs informed Armenian News-NEWS.am.

The deputy FM began his address by condemning the recent terrorist attacks on two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Reflecting on hate crimes, especially their praise at the state level by some countries, Apitonian expressed concern that such an approach creates a “fertile ground” for the spread of radicalism and terrorism.

The deputy FM stressed that Armenia has condemned at international platforms the terrorists’ atrocities against ethnic and religious groups in Syria and Iraq.

He added that foreign terrorist fighters’ return to their countries of origin negatively affects the security and stability of the OSCE region, and can lead to increased tension in the conflict and crisis zones.

In conclusion, Artak Apitonian underscored the need for comprehensive engagement by all countries as well as international and regional organizations in the fight against terrorism.