AGBU Press Office
55 East 59th Street
New York, NY 10022-1112
Phone: 212.319.6383, x118
Fax: 212.319.6507
Email: press@agbu.org
Website:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, June 16, 2006

AGBU CANADA TO REBUILD VILLAGE IN KARABAKH

Montreal – AGBU Montreal has joined forces with AGBU Toronto and other
Armenian communities in Vancouver, Ottawa and Calgary to build a new
village called Nor Jraberd in the Mardakert region of Nagorno Karabakh
(NKR) for refugees who lost their lands and homes during the war. This
is part of AGBU’s Karabakh Repopulation Project, which plans to adopt
new villages during its Centennial and beyond.

The NKR Government will provide the land for homes and farming
in Nor Jraberd, the necessary infrastructure (roads, electricity
and water), and a five-year exemption from taxes and start-up
payment per settler. AGBU Canada will build the homes and an entire
community, complete with a kindergarten, school, outdoor sports
facilities, medical centre, pharmacy, ambulance, church, museum and
more. Thirty-two families are already waiting to settle into the new
village. The cost of each home is about US$15,000, but more funds
are required to complete a viable village.

"We believe that the most valuable capital of a country is its happy
and satisfied population," says Mego Malkhassian, the Canadian project
manager. "And it is our objective to build this new village for the
people-to give them land, homes, work and possibility to live happily."

Nor Jraberd will be the third village built by AGBU-the first two,
Norashen and Pareshen, both located in the region of Hadrut, were
funded by AGBU France and AGBU London, respectively. Today Norashen is
home to 100 residents, 23 houses, a kindergarten, primary school and
medical centre; and the construction of homes is underway in Pareshen,
which was established at the end of last year.

"Now it is our turn to show our colours," adds Malkhassian. "This
is a major challenge that we are undertaking, and we are convinced
that with the support of our Canadian-Armenians, we will achieve
it successfully."

Historical background

During the war, about 150 villages and towns in NKR were
destroyed. More than 11,000 private homes and 226 multi-story
residential buildings – representing 60% of all housing in NKR –
were completely or partially ruined. NKR’s health-care system nearly
collapsed-17 clinics and 70 first-aid stations were abolished. The war
devastated NKR’s educational system, too-200 educational institutions,
121 theatres, museums and cultural centres, and more than 500 other
social or economic facilities were wiped out.

If you would like to contribute to the NKR Repopulation Project or to
learn about our upcoming events, please visit us at

Established in 1906, the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) is
the world’s largest non-profit Armenian organization. Headquartered in
New York City with an annual budget of $34 million, AGBU ()
preserves and promotes the Armenian identity and heritage through
educational, cultural and humanitarian programs, annually serving
some 400,000 Armenians in 35 countries.