ARMENIAN
ASSEMBLY OF AMERICA
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date:

Contact:
Danielle Saroyan

Telephone:
(202) 393-3434

Web: www.aaainc.org

ARMENIAN
ASSEMBLY REGIONAL DIRECTOR IN ARMENIA ARPI VARTANIAN RECEIVES PRESIDENTIAL
AWARD

WASHINGTON, D.C. – President Serzh Sargsyan awarded Armenian
Assembly of America (Assembly) Yerevan-based Regional Director Arpi Vartanian
with the Medal of Gratitude last month for her "contributions to the
strengthening of Fatherland-Diaspora relations."

The Medal of
Gratitude is awarded to individuals who conduct state, economic, social,
scientific-technical, and public activities, as well as provide major personal
contribution, many years of devotion, and other fruitful activities aimed at
promoting the spheres of health, education, and culture in Armenia.

"I am
honored to receive this presidential award for my work with the Armenian
Assembly of America. I remain dedicated to Armenia and the work we do to better
relations with the United States for the good of our people in Armenia and
Artsakh," Vartanian said. "The work done by the Armenian Diaspora
does not go unnoticed, and has a significant impact on people's lives. Our
Diaspora should be proud of its role in that work."

The awards
ceremony took place at the Presidential Palace on May 28, Armenia's Republic
Day. In his remarks, President Sargsyan stated: "Today we celebrate the
anniversary of the creation of the First Republic of Armenia. In the last 99
years, many values have been created – material, spiritual, technological. They
are the results of the labor of dedicated and professional individuals, of
their talent and purposefulness. Nowadays, you have come to take their place,
and our society takes pride in your efforts and dedication."

Vartanian
was recognized earlier this year for her accomplishments in Armenia. During the
annual New Year Gathering at the home of Assembly Board Member Talin Yacoubian
and her husband Varuj Babikian in Glendale, California, Vartanian received a
Certificate of Congressional Recognition from Congresswoman Judy Chu (D-CA) for
strengthening relations between the United States, Armenia, and Artsakh, as
well as a Certificate of Recognition from the City of Los Angeles signed by
Mayor Eric Garcetti for her commitment and selfless dedication to gathering
stories from individuals in Armenia and Artsakh about the situation on the
Front Line.

A Michigan
native, Vartanian has been a pillar of Assembly activities. Since 1994, she has
served the Assembly in a number of capacities, both in Yerevan and in
Washington, D.C. Some of those positions included Country Director, Acting
Executive Director (in Washington), Armenian American Action Committee (ARAMAC)
& Internship Program Director, and NGO Center Director. In addition to
working with the Assembly, she has worked with the Armenian General Benevolent
Union (AGBU) and with the Armenian Monuments Awareness Project (AMAP) Human
Development NGO.

"We are
proud of our longtime friend and regional director, Arpi Vartanian. The
Presidential Award is well-deserved and a testament to her dedication to
Armenia and Artsakh, as well as the values and purposes of the Armenian
Assembly," Assembly Co-Chairs Anthony Barsamian and Van Krikorian stated.

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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NR#: 2017-049

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