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November 18, 2011
NKR President Meets with AGBU Leadership at AGBU Central Office
Shortly after arriving to the United States on Wednesday, November 16, 2011, Nagorno Karabakh Republic President Bako Sahakyan, who was accompanied by Primate of the Artsakh Diocese Archbishop Barkev Martirosyan, NKR Permanent Representative to the United States and Canada Robert Avetisyan, and Press Attaché of the NKR President David Babayan, attended a dinner-meeting hosted by AGBU President Berge Setrakian and members of the Central Board at the Armenian General Benevolent Union Central Office, during which a number of issues related to Karabakh were raised and discussed. Also in attendance were Armenia's Ambassador to the United States Tatoul Markarian, Armenia's Permanent Representative to UN Garen Nazarian and Primate of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America Archbishop Khajag Barsamian.
Discussions focused on new and developed projects implemented in Karabakh. President Sahakyan stressed AGBU's important role in the development of the republic over the past several years, as well as the need for AGBU's further involvement. NKR's leader also called on AGBU to give a new impetus to the organization's programs and projects throughout the country.
After welcoming the guest of honor, AGBU President Berge Setrakian said that he was pleased to have had the opportunity of meeting with the Karabakh President to discuss the national policies and programs of AGBU, its long-standing commitment to the safety and well-being of Armenia and Karabakh, the integrity of ancestral territories, as well as the various venues through which AGBU could coordinate and channel assistance to Karabakh by encouraging and organizing investment strategies from the Diaspora, toward its socio-economic development. He then introduced Central Board member Joseph Oughourlian, who has been involved actively in developmental efforts in Karabakh. Oughourlian, in turn, expressed his admiration for the heroic qualities of the citizens of Karabakh and extolled their noble character and integrity, which he had come to appreciate through his personal experiences and business dealings in the country. President Setrakian said that Mr. Oughourlian will act as the board representative on issues related to Karabakh, emphasizing the importance of investing in the very rich natural resources of the country that Azerbaijan is unfairly trying to stifle through its diplomatic and oil-powered leverage.
AGBU continues to sponsor various projects in Karabakh, including the Artsakh Chamber Orchestra and chess competitions, and has recently partnered with the Fruitful Armenia Fund (FAF) to launch the NUR plan, which is similar to the One Laptop Per Child project.
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