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After Barcelona in Spain and Frankfurt in Germany, AGBU Europe is continuing its European policy of establishing a new representation office in Brussels.
For Alexis Govciyan, AGBU Europe Chairman, “after the launch of AGBU Europe on January 1, 2008, we needed a physical presence and visibility in Brussels where many European institutions are headquartered. This office will provide a permanent presence and implement AGBU strategies with European institutions.”
1. Nagorno - Karabakh. 15 years after the end of hostilities, the conflict that divided Armenians and Azerbaijanis is still simmering, the risk of war is real, and people continue to suffer.
The EU can contribute to alleviating suffering and in preventing war: it should help reduce tensions by sponsoring confidence-building measures between the two sides; it should engage with Karabakh by establishing contact with the territory’s authorities and providing assistance, as it does in all other territories with a similar status, including neighbouring Abkhazia and South Ossetia; and it should send observers to monitor the cease fire.
2. The Armenian Republic and the European Union. The Republic of Armenia, a member of the Council of Europe, belongs in Europe by virtue to its geography, of its identity and of the aspirations of its people. The EU is an indispensible driver of economic and political modernisation in Armenia and its region, and the Eastern Partnership represents a major opportunity for the country.
We wish to make sure that this opportunity is not missed, that the Eastern Partnership maintains its momentum and effectively deepens relations between the EU’s and Armenia’s peoples and economies. We wish agreements on deep free trade and visa facilitation to be concluded as early as possible. And we also wish to look beyond the short term negotiations and look to Armenia’s future as a Member of the Union.
The multilateral and civil society dimensions of the EaP are particularly important, and should be used to encourage neighbouring countries to cooperate at all levels and in all relevant policy areas.
3. Armenian culture. There are more than one million EU citizens of Armenian origin live within the EU. Though well integrated, they are usually keen to retain their Armenian identity and culture. We will work with the European institutions, in the wake of the European Year for Intercultural Dialogue, on ways in which Diaspora cultures can be nurtured and acknowledged as an integral part of Europe’s cultural heritage.
4. Turkey and Armenia. After a blockade of 16 years, Turkey now envisages to normalize relations with Armenia. AGBU has welcomed the prospect, but warned that the international community should press for a quick and effective implementation of the protocol and should hold Turkey to account, should it seek to delay its implementation. The Nagorno Karabakh peace process should remain separate from Armenia-Turkey negotiations. Finally, the recognition in Turkey of the 1915 genocide of the Armenians should not be entrusted to an intergovernmental commission. Rediscovering a long-suppressed truth will be achieved through free public debate and ultimately for political leadership in Turkey.
From October 31 to November 3, 2009, the third Diocesan Representative Assembly of the Armenian Apostolic Church was held in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin presided over by His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians and with the participation of representatives from the Armenian Patriarchates of Jerusalem and Constantinople; Diocesan Primates from Armenia and the Diaspora; high ranking clergy; Members of the Supreme Spiritual Council and representatives of the laity. President of the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) Mr. Berge Setrakian also arrived in Armenia to participate in the meeting.
On October 31, the opening ceremony of the meeting was held under the presidency of His Holiness Karekin II. In attendance for the opening session were Mr. Bako Sahakian, President of the Republic of Nagorno Karabakh; and Mr. Tigran Sargsian, Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia; and Mr. Berge Setrakian, President of AGBU. In his remarks, His Holiness reflected on the current process of development of general guidelines for the Armenian Church.
“AGBU Levon Zaven Surmelian Printing House” opened at the Writers Union of Armenia. For the first time the Writers’ Union of Armenia has its own printing house
Continuing its traditional support to various cultural programs, particularly its contribution to the development of Armenian literature and book publishing both in Armenia and Diaspora, Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) expands cooperation with the Writers’ Union of Armenia (WUA). During the years with the financial support of AGBU the Writers’ Union of Armenia has published works of Armenian writers and organized pan-Armenian conferences.
With a new initiative to promote book publishing Armenian General Benevolent Union has sponsored the establishment of a printing house at the Writers’ Union of Armenia, which will carry the name of prominent Armenian-American writer Levon Zaven Surmelian. (more…)
Today AGBU Europe called upon the government of the United Kingdom to rescind its established policy of denying the Armenian Genocide and initiate a more ethical and constructive policy towards Turkey and Armenia by acknowledging the 1915 genocide and its consequences in order to build confidence and contribute to security in the region.
The call follows the publication of a legal opinion by Geoffrey Robertson QC, an authority of matters of international criminal law, on the British government’s long-held policy of considering that there is “insufficient evidence” to consider the 1915 mass slaughter of the Armenians in Turkey as genocide. The United Kingdom is the only government in Europe that effectively denies the Armenian genocide.
(more…)
YP Hambourg organizes the first Armenian debating event in Germany on November 21 at 6pm30 at Matitim Hotel Reichshof.
The program includs a group debate, exhibition, improvisation, & night-out.
Address: Kirchenallee 36, 20099 Hamburg, Germany
Cost: 8€; 7€ for students
RSVP: info@yp-hamburg.de or call 15703322911, 1747236184 or 1729078950
Click here to download the program of the event
This year AGBU – Sofia camp “UNGER” 2009 took place at “Tri Buki” Hotel near Kiustendil in the Osogovo Mountain from August 29th to September 5th.
It was a great week for both, 25 young Armenians and for their passionate mentors. The children cruised through various activities that improved their leadership and communication skills. Also, they carefully attended several lectures about the Armenian history and traditions.
The busy curriculum of the campers was garnished with fun games, dance lessons, and sports competitions that further helped the team-building. This year camp turned out to be one of the most successful ones.
All members of the Youth Section of the Armenian General Benevolent Union in Sofia were pleased to see how by helping little Armenians they can flourish into serious and intelligent individuals who can learn the history and speak the language of their ancestors.
The AGBU Sofia camp “UNGER” initiative plays a vital role in the development of such character in young Armenians living in Bulgaria.
The purpose of this event is to bring the Armenian community of England closer, and to help undergraduate/graduate students and young professionals learn how to launch or further develop successful careers by consulting with more experienced professionals.
We are particularly focusing on such fields as law, banking and finance, medicine and dentistry, and communications and technology. The event is not only aimed at providing university students and novice professionals with guidance, but would also allow Armenian professionals from London and throughout England the opportunity to network with one another. It is intended to be an informal get-together and we are aiming to create an environment that is conducive to encouraging communication between all the participants.
In order to make this event a success, the London YP would like to invite both junior and senior professionals working within the aforementioned fields of practice or in similar professions to attend our Networking Event. The professionals are key to making this event a success and your participation would be greatly appreciated.
You may confirm your attendance by emailing YP London at yp@agbu.org.uk along with your profession and years of practice. Although registration is not required, we would prefer if you sent us an email if you are going to attend. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact us via email at yp@agbu.org.uk or by calling Sylvia Sultanyan at 075 3162 9683.
Address:
Bonds London, 11-16 Dering Street, Mayfair W1S 1AR
