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PRESS RELEASE
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Statement by Berge Setrakian, President of the Armenian General
Benevolent Union
Agreement between the Ministry of Education and Culture of the Republic
of Cyprus and the Armenian General Benevolent Union
As President of the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) I welcome
the Agreement between the Ministry of Education and Culture of the
Republic of Cyprus and the AGBU, signed today, 20 June 2007, to
temporarily house the Gymnasium of Aglandjia with over 400 students
during the 2007/2008 academic year at the designated premises of the
Melkonian Education Institute. The temporary relocation of the Gymnasium
is necessary in order not to disrupt the normal functioning of the
Gymnasium and to allow the authorities concerned to expeditiously
complete the urgently required repairs of the existing buildings of the
Gymnasium.
AGBU’s positive response to the request by the Ministry of Education and
Culture was immediate. Furthermore, AGBU has decided to offer the
Melkonian premises free of charge with the intent that the substantial
rent offered by the Ministry to the AGBU for the temporary accommodation
of the Gymnasium should be instead used to defray the cost of the
repairs to the Gymnasium’s buildings.
AGBU’s offer was extended to the Ministry of Education and Culture as a
simple token of appreciation for all the support that the Armenian
Community and the AGBU in particular have enjoyed for so many years in
Cyprus.
The AGBU, which during the current year has been celebrating its
centennial, continues to be the largest Armenian organization world
wide, with numerous chapters in 75 cities in 28 countries, and reaches
over 400,000 Armenians annually with its active educational,
humanitarian and cultural programs, not only in the Armenian Diaspora
but also in the Republic of Armenia. The AGBU reiterates its commitment
to the Armenian Cypriot community. The AGBU is also considering the
development of a project for the benefit of all Cypriots as a token of
gratitude toward the Government and people of the Republic of Cyprus for
its continued loyalty and support toward the Armenian people.
On this occasion, I wish to express my sincere appreciation to the
distinguished President of the Republic of Cyprus, H.E. Mr. Tassos
Papadopoulos, and the Minister of Education and Culture, H.E. Mr. Akis
Cleanthous, for their personal support and cooperation. I look forward
to further strengthen our cooperation.