Walls That Talk
The Armenian American Museum and Cultural Center starts new conversations on identity and heritage
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October 20, 2006
As French President Visits Armenia, Armenians in France Set Out to Celebrate AGBU Centennial
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French President Chirac and & his wife are joined by French minister Patrick Devedjian, who is of Armenian descent, during the ceremonial visit to “Tsitsernakaberd” Armenian Genocide memorial in Yerevan. -
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French President Jacques Chirac and Commissioner of the "Year of Armenia", Nelly Tardivier-Henrot (left), with AGBU France District Chair Denis Ketchedjian (right), & Board Member Sona Attamian (2nd from right) at a reception during the French leader -
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AGBU France District Chair Denis Ketchedjian (with microphone) presenting the Honor Member award to Antranik Kechichian (center) during a special ceremony in Valence, France.
September 29, 2006 marked an important milestone in the history of the Republic of Armenia and the friendship between the French and Armenian people, as President Jacques Chirac of France became the first Western head of state to visit Armenia since its independence in 1991. This unprecedented gesture of outreach and goodwill on the part of the French President is of particular significance to Armenia because France is a member state of Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe’s (OSCE) Minsk Group that has been mediating the Nagorno Karabakh conflict. Accompanying the President were several ministers and French members of congress, including the former minister Patrick Devedjian. The delegation also included French entrepreneurs of Armenian descent, including Serge Tchuruk, Alain Mikli, Alain Manoukian, and Armen Petrossian, and delegations from two Armenians organizations: AGBU France District, headed by Chairman Denis Ketchedjian, and "Croie Bleue."
The highlights of the visit included a state dinner given at the residence of the President of Armenia, Robert Kocharian, in honor of President Chirac, a visit to the “Tsitsernakaberd” Genocide Memorial, the inauguration of the “Place de France” square in central Yerevan, and a visit to Etchmiadzin on the invitation of his His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians.
In his speech, President Chirac paid a touching tribute to the French Armenian community, 500,000 strong. He acknowledged the courage of the Armenian Genocide survivors that found refuge in France and who succeeded in rebuilding a new life on French soil, integrating into society and making their mark with their achievements, while always remaining loyal to their origins.
The President’s tribute holds a special significance for AGBU France, which has for over 80 years preserved the Armenian identity in France. AGBU France serves as a crucial link in the friendship between the French and Armenian people, fostering cultural and political ties through its tireless work. Founded in September of 1910, AGBU France has since opened chapters in all regions of France. AGBU has given the French Armenians many important institutions, such as the Alex Manoogian Cultural Center, the Marie Nubar “Maison de l’Arménie,” part of the international university student campus in Paris, the “Tebrotzassere” school, and the Nubarian Library.
This year, AGBU France joins other chapters around the world to celebrate AGBU’s Centennial. Ahead of the 84th General Assembly and Centennial festivities scheduled in Paris in December, AGBU Valence (established May 1931) celebrated the centenary as well as the 75th anniversary of the Chapter with a Centennial Ball. The event gathered several generations of AGBU members, city officials, and five former AGBU Chapter Chairmen. The celebrations will continue throughout the fall in other regional chapters.
AGBU France District is dedicated to preserving and promoting the Armenian heritage and culture through humanitarian, educational, and cultural programs in France and Armenia. For more information, please contact AGBU France District by visiting its newly launched website www.ugab.info, e-mailing ugab@wanadoo.fr, or calling (33) (1) 45-20-03-18.
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