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PRESS RELEASE
Friday, November 30, 2007
NKR’s New President, Bako Sahakyan, Visits AGBU Headquarters
Newly elected President of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (NKR), Bako
Sahakyan, made an official visit to AGBU headquarters on November 15,
2007 before traveling to Los Angeles for the annual Thanksgiving
telethon held for the benefit of the "Hayastan" All-Armenian Fund. He
began his remarks by saying, "On my first trip to the U.S., I couldn’t
help but visit AGBU and meet board members and staff," and indeed took
the time from his busy schedule to tour AGBU Central Office.
Accompanying President Sahakyan were Archbishop Barkev Martirosyan,
Prelate of the Diocese of Artsakh (Karabakh); Ambassador Armen
Martirosyan, Permanent Mission of the Republic of Armenia to the United
Nations; Rudik Hyusnuts, Deputy Speaker of NKR’s National Assembly;
Narine Azatyan, NKR’s Minister of Social Security; David Babayan, Head
of NKR’s Information Department; and Vardan Barseghian, NKR
Representative in Washington, DC.
Welcoming remarks were made by M. Michael Ansour, member of the Central
Board of Directors, who stressed the importance of Karabakh to Armenia
and the Armenian ethos. He also congratulated the people of Karabakh for
getting back on their feet after the devastating war, and underscored
AGBU’s continuing efforts to rebuild the country.
Speaking on behalf of AGBU staff was Bedros Piandarian, director of the
accounting department. After congratulating Bako Sahakyan upon his
election as NKR President through a free and democratic process, he
touched on the historical connection between AGBU and Karabakh, which
dates back to the time of Melik Toros of Chavandur, who was one of 18th
c. Karabakh freedom fighter David Bek’s generals. Toros was an ancestor
of AGBU Founder Boghos Nubar. He went on to mention the efforts made by
successive presidents Alex Manoogian, Louise Manoogian Simone and Berge
Setrakian to address the humanitarian, cultural and repopulation needs
of the people of Karabakh. He concluded by wishing President Sahakyan
success on his inaugural US visit and return to NKR.
President Sahakyan followed with brief remarks, stating, "We are
overcoming the devastating effects of the war and taking steps to
improve the social conditions of the people. Programs are underway to
achieve these goals, and we are confident that these projects will bear
fruit." He stated that the two main goals were the development of
agriculture and education, including the building of schools, without
other spheres being neglected. Elaborating further, President Sahakyan
said that special emphasis was being placed on defense needs. Expressing
the gratitude of the people of Karabkh to AGBU, he concluded, "We have
felt and continue to feel AGBU’s presence in Karabakh, particularly as a
result of the efforts of Louise Manoogian Simone and Berge Setrakian,
and, of course, Alex Manoogian will always have a place in our hearts."
Before departing, NKR President Bako Sahakyan and the members of his
entourage had a brief meeting with AGBU board members M. Michael Ansour,
Joseph Basralian and Arda Haratunian Nazerian, in addition to other AGBU
representatives. During the meeting, the status of the various projects
implemented by AGBU in Karabakh was discussed, along with prospects for
future endeavors. In this regard, AGBU representatives expressed
readiness to continue various infrastructure projects.
Established in 1906, AGBU () is the world’s largest
non-profit Armenian organization. Headquartered in New York City with an
annual budget of $36 million, AGBU preserves and promotes the Armenian
identity and heritage through educational, cultural and humanitarian
programs, annually touching the lives of some 400,000 Armenians on six
continents.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress