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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, August 19, 2005

Harry Koundakjian Gives Picture-Perfect Lecture to AGBU YPGNY

On Wednesday, July 20, 2005, renowned Associated Press (AP) photojournalist and photo editor, Harry Koundakjian spoke at AGBU Central Office in New York about his life’s work in pictures. Organized by AGBU Young Professionals of Greater New York (YPGNY), Koundakjian presented a selection of his most captivating images from the thousands of photos he has taken during his fifty years as a photographer.

>>From terrorist hijackings to royal weddings, his stories made the images come alive for the 60 guests, which included the participants of the 2005 AGBU New York Summer Intern Program. A longtime advocate for Armenian issues, Koundakjian recounted many colorful anecdotes from the years he covered the Lebanese Civil War (1975-1991), various natural disasters in Asia, as well as, a slew of Armenian events and commemorations around the world.

“There is no doubt in my mind that press photography is one of the most important in modern times. You cover events from beginning to end. From the happiest to the most harrowing days in someone’s life-you see all. Nothing can escape your eyes. You click the shutter and you make history,” Koundakjian says.

Currently planning his retirement, a zealous Koundakjian hopes to tour his exhibit to demonstrate the power an image has to communicate more than words.

Under the auspices of AGBU, AGBU YPGNY is part of a global YP network which preserves and promotes the Armenian identity and heritage by adding dimensions to the lives of young professional Armenians through educational, cultural, social and humanitarian programs. For more information on AGBU YPGNY please email, ypgny@agbu.org, or visit,