YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 2, ARMENPRESS. In the framework of the Armenian Chairmanship in the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, the Exchange on the religious dimension of intercultural dialogue: "Freedom of religion in today's world: challenges and guarantees", launched in Yerevan on September 2. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia, the Chairman of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe Edward Nalbandyan made opening remarks and noted that such phenomena as religious intolerance, discrimination, and xenophobia trample down human dignity and may cause tensions in the society. As reports "Armenpress" the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia, the Chairman of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe Edward Nalbandyan underscored: "The history proved that inefficient struggle against such phenomena can hamper the harmony of society, thus endangering the solidarity of the society."

The Republic of Armenia has included the promotion of European values through intercultural dialogue among the main priorities of its Chairmanship (16 May – 13 November 2013) with a view to stepping up action in combating intolerance and promoting freedom of religion.

Also, at the course of the event Bishop Gevork Saroyan read the address of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians.

High-level religious leaders of different communities, representatives of non-religious convictions, human rights experts and media specialists will share their views around three panels and plenary sessions.