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PRESS RELEASE
March 26, 2008
ARTSAKHIAN BORDER TOWN GETS IMPROVED WATER SUPPLY
Detroit Family Continues Tradition of Patriotic Involvement
Washington, DC – The town of Askeran, located only a few miles from
the border with Azerbaijan, will double its drinking water supply as a
result of a project co-sponsored by the Armenian Children’s Relief
Fund (ACRF) and implemented by the NKR Government. The town
authorities now have the necessary capacity to supply water to the
population for longer hours daily than they did previously.
Availability of drinking water still remains one of the most pressing
challenges for both the urban and rural population in
Artsakh. Shortages with supply in towns and the remoteness of springs
in villages affect the standard of living and hinder economic
development.
Last year, the Kchikian family through ACRF pledged to help the 2,000
inhabitants of Askeran.
"We dedicated this project to the memory of my father, who for many
years stood beside the people of Artsakh as they fought for their
freedom and then struggled to restore their lives and their land
devastated by the Azerbaijani aggression," said Eric Kchikian who now
chairs the fund.
"We will continue helping our brothers and sisters in Artsakh", he
added.
In a letter to the Kchikian family, NKR Prime Minister Ara Harutiunian
thanked them for their critical support in solving a priority
issue. In a separate letter, the Askeran district governor Samvel
Harutiunian noted that additional water supply meets the demands of
the town’s growing population and facilitates the ongoing economic
development.
A long list of past ACRF projects includes building of schools in
Taghaser, Vardashat and Mariamadzor villages, upgrades to water supply
networks in a number of villages, sponsorship of dozens of Artsakh War
veterans and children to receive medical treatment outside Artsakh,
and renovation of the Stepanakert Museum and Memorial of Fallen Heroes
of the Artsakh Liberation War.
Last year Mr. John Kchikian, Eric’s father and the founder of the
Fund, was posthumously awarded with the Gratitude Medal by a
presidential decree. One of Artsakh’s highest awards, the medal is
bestowed on individuals and organizations for their substantial
contributions to the reconstruction and development of Artsakh’s
economy, science, culture and social sphere.
"The Kchikian family and the ACRF continue in their mission to help
Artsakh – one school, one water network, one veteran or child at a
time. I commend their patriotism, commitment and generosity," said
Vardan Barseghian, NKR Representative to the United States.
"We call on Artsakh’s friends in the United States and elsewhere to
continue stepping forward and sponsoring similar projects that make a
big difference in the daily lives of the people of Artsakh,"
Barseghian said.
***
To request images of the Askeran Water Project for publishing with
this press-release, send an email to [email protected]
* * *
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