Armenian Assembly of America
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Phone: 202-393-3434
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PRESS RELEASE

February 18, 2009
Contact: Michael A Zachariades
Email: mzachariades@aaainc.org
Phone: (202) 393-3434

ARMENIAN MINISTER OF THE DIASPORA TO ADDRESS ARMENIAN ASSEMBLY OF
AMERICA CONFERENCE BANQUET

Washington, DC – The Armenian Assembly of America (Assembly) is pleased
to announce that Armenia’s Minister of Diaspora Affairs, Hranush
Hakobyan, will be an honored guest at the 2009 National Advocacy
Conference Banquet in Washington, DC, on March 3.

"Diaspora organizations play a pivotal role around the world," said
Hakobyan. "I feel privileged to speak to Armenian-American activists
next month," said Hakobyan. "The Assembly’s continued advocacy in
Congress has benefited both Armenian-Americans and Armenia alike."

By the initiative of the President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan, the
first-ever Ministry of the Diaspora was established in 2008. Hakobyan
was appointed Minister by presidential decree. Through its programs,
this ministry will play a vital role in further strengthening the ties
between Diasporan communities worldwide and the homeland.

The Ministry of the Diaspora issued the following press release to
Armenian media on February 3, (translated from Armenian):

"Recently, ROA Minister of the Diaspora Hranush Hakobyan met with
Armenian Assembly of America Chairman Hirair Hovnanian; Assembly Country
Director Arpi Vartanian also attended. During the meeting, issues
surrounding Diaspora-Armenia relations and initiatives undertaken were
discussed. Hovnanian presented the Armenian Assembly of America’s recent
activities, as well as future plans. He specifically stressed the need
to continue working with the new U.S. Administration. Mr. Hovnanian
invited Ms. Hakobyan to participate in the Armenian Assembly’s National
Advocacy Conference to take place in Washington on March 1-3, 2009."

"I believe the Armenian Diaspora continues to have faith in, and a
commitment to, building a strong Armenian state and nation," said Arpi
Vartanian, Assembly Country Director for Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh.
"With a Diaspora reaching the four corners of the world, the
recently-established Ministry of Diaspora Affairs faces many challenges
to further strengthen Diaspora-Homeland ties. This can be done, but it
requires commitment and support from the Diaspora and Homeland alike.
Minister Hakobyan brings years of vast experience, as well as a palpable
and infectious enthusiasm to her new position. With our support, the
efforts of the Ministry of Diaspora Affairs will result in stronger
Diaspora-Homeland ties, and ultimately, in a stronger Armenian nation,"
concluded Vartanian.

Minister Hakobyan has held many important government positions prior to
her current posting. A well-respected member of the academic community
for 22 years, she was elected to the parliament for six consecutive
terms and was Deputy Head of the EU-Armenia Inter-Parliamentary
Commission, Head of the Armenian delegation to the Inter-Parliamentary
Union, Head of the Standing Committees on Social and Health Care Issues,
as well as the Science, Education, Culture and Youth Committee, and a
member of the Foreign Relations Committee of the National Assembly of
the Republic of Armenia. Hakobyan is a graduate of the Yerevan State
University Applied Mathematics Department and holds diplomas from the
Moscow Academy of Political Sciences and Yerevan State University Law
Department.

Hranush Hakobyan is a Doctor of Law and delivers lectures at the Public
Administration Academy of RA and Gavar State University. She is the
author of five books and more than 40 scientific publications.

By the decree of the RA President. Minister Hakobyan was granted the
ranking of RA Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary. She has been
awarded numerous state and governmental awards, medals and certificates.

Established in 1972, the Armenian Assembly of America is the largest
Washington-based nationwide organization promoting public understanding
and awareness of Armenian issues. The Assembly is a 501(c) (3)
tax-exempt membership organization.

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