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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, April 22, 2005

UNITED STATES FEDERAL COURT DISMISSES ACTION AGAINST AGBU

NEW YORK, NY, April 22, 2005 – In an order issued on April 15, 2005,
Hon. Judge Manuel L. Real of the United States District Court in
Los Angeles dismissed without leave to replead a complaint brought
by the Patriarch of Constantinople, Archbishop Mesrob Mutafyan,
against the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU), relating to
the closing of the AGBU Melkonian Educational Institute in Nicosia,
Cyprus and the claim of the existence of a Trusteeship.

“AGBU is gratified with the decision of the U.S. District Court,
Central District of California. While change is always difficult,
we are committed to serving the evolving needs of the Armenian people
in a proactive and dynamic fashion. AGBU embraces the vision of the
Melkonian brothers and will continue to implement their noble intention
for the benefit of Armenians everywhere, including the Armenian
community in Cyprus.” noted Berge Setrakian, President of AGBU.

Setrakian further added that AGBU looks forward to working with His
Beatitude Patriarch Mesrob Mutafyan toward common national goals,
as the organization has worked very closely with Armenian religious
leaders since its inception.

AGBU strongly believes that the Church remains the most important
institution of the Armenian nation, and the Union will continue to
support the strengthening of the Armenian Christian faith and practice.