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November 09, 2012
Armenia's National Assembly Speaker Hovik Abrahamyan Meets with AGBU Delegates during General Assembly Week
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Armenia's National Assembly President Hovik Abrahamyan discusses the importance of diaspora-Armenia ties alongside AGBU President Berge Setrakian. -
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Before meeting with National Assembly President Hovik Abrahamyan, close to 200 AGBU delegates gather in front of Armenia's Parliament building. -
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AGBU delegates fill the Parliament during a session led by Armenia’s National Assembly Speaker Hovik Abrahamyan and AGBU President Berge Setrakian during AGBU's 87th General Assembly.
Diaspora-Armenia Ties and Current Affairs Focus of Discussions
AGBU delegates got a rare glimpse into the inner workings of Armenia's government last month during a special visit to the Republic's National Assembly (NA), organized around the 87th General Assembly in Yerevan. Led by AGBU President Berge Setrakian, close to 200 AGBU representatives gathered in the Parliament Session Hall on Friday, October 19, 2012, where NA Speaker Hovik Abrahamyan discussed a range of international and domestic issues, and the great role that AGBU can continue to play in the country's growth.
The session was opened by Mr. Abrahamyan, who welcomed the delegates and praised AGBU for the role it has played in the county's development over the past century. He credited the organization's strong leadership through the decades, from the visionary founder Boghos Nubar to the presiding president, Mr. Setrakian. Each, he detailed, has kept Armenia's interests – both present and future – close to their hearts and at the top of AGBU's agenda. As a result, AGBU has become what he describes as "the sound pillar of the homeland."
Abrahamyan also praised AGBU for harnessing the power of the diaspora, reinforcing Armenia-diaspora ties and ensuring that Armenian communities around the world are thriving. Commenting on the Armenian Genocide, he stated, "Nobody would envy our people for the great pain and tragedy that we have suffered, but many would like to enjoy the opportunities that our people have today because of our robust, worldwide network." It is critical, he stressed, to continue to unite Armenia and the diaspora – a point that Mr. Setrakian reiterated in his remarks. Addressing the AGBU representatives, Mr. Setrakian thanked Mr. Abrahamyan for his remarks. On behalf of the delegation, Mr. Setrakian also assured the NA Speaker that AGBU always stands ready to support the homeland and preserve the Armenian identity.
Throughout the session, Mr. Abrahamyan also reviewed the structure, functions and activities of the Parliament, highlighting the challenges they currently face. He discussed pressing problems, including the blockade, the economic crisis, emigration – and potential resolutions of each. Paying particular attention to Karabakh, he noted that while the conflict there is ongoing, parliamentary diplomacy has made great strides, bringing the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic even closer to becoming a recognized, democratic state. Finally, Abrahamyan reviewed the Armenian Republic's continuous efforts to support the Syrian-Armenian community amidst the unfolding crisis.
Following both Mr. Abrahamyan and Mr. Setrakian's presentations, the delegates had the opportunity to ask questions and engage in discussions, marking one of the General Assembly week's many interesting events. For a full text of Mr. Abrahamyan's speech please visit the website of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia: http://www.parliament.am/news.php?cat_id=2&NewsID=5437&year=2012&month=10&day=19&lang=eng.
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