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PRESS RELEASE

Friday, August 26, 2005

AGBU MONTRÉAL WELCOMES VALENCE COUNCILOR ANNIE KOULAKSEZIAN-ROMY

On July 28, 2005, AGBU Montréal hosted a reception in honor of Annie
Koulaksezian-Romy, the Municipal Councilor of Valence, France at the
AGBU Alex Manoogian Community Center. Romy, who headed the
construction of Valence’s Armenian Heritage Center, conducted a
presentation on the project for over 50 local community members,
including Montréal City Councilor Hasmig Belleli.

The first of its kind in France and entirely funded by the local
government, the Armenian Heritage Center ()
opened on July 11 of this year. The Center houses extensive
information about the history, exile and integration of the country’s
Armenian population into the fabric of the French nation. Since the
1920s, the town of Valence has been home to a significant French
Armenian community making up 10% of its population.

While in Montréal, Romy and husband, Paskal, were treated to a tour of
the Armenian community by AGBU Montréal, including visits to
St. Gregory The Illuminator Armenian Cathedral, Alex Manoogian
Community Center, Armen Quebec – Alex Manoogian School, Tekeyan
Armenian Cultural Center and Abaka newspaper.

Founded in 1957, AGBU Montréal is dedicated to preserving and
promoting the Armenian heritage and culture through educational,
cultural and humanitarian programs. For more information on AGBU
Montréal, please call (514) 748-AGBU (2428) or email
agbumontreal@bellnet.ca.

For more information on AGBU and its chapters around the world, please
visit