Lory in Ha! Ha! Land
The divine comedy of writer, actor, and producer Lory Tatoulian
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November 30, 2007
NKR's New President, Bako Sahakyan, Visits AGBU Headquarters
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Newly elected President of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (NKR), Bako Sahakyan (center) and other NKR officials meet with AGBU board members and staff during a November 15 visit to AGBU Central Office in Manhattan. -
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NKR President Bako Sahakyan (center) speaks about the special connection between AGBU and Karabakh during his November 15 tour of AGBU Central Office.
Newly elected President of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (NKR), Bako Sahakyan, made an official visit to AGBU headquarters on November 15, 2007 before traveling to Los Angeles for the annual Thanksgiving telethon held for the benefit of the "Hayastan" All-Armenian Fund. He began his remarks by saying, "On my first trip to the U.S., I couldn't help but visit AGBU and meet board members and staff," and indeed took the time from his busy schedule to tour AGBU Central Office.
Accompanying President Sahakyan were Archbishop Barkev Martirosyan, Prelate of the Diocese of Artsakh (Karabakh); Ambassador Armen Martirosyan, Permanent Mission of the Republic of Armenia to the United Nations; Rudik Hyusnuts, Deputy Speaker of NKR's National Assembly; Narine Azatyan, NKR's Minister of Social Security; David Babayan, Head of NKR's Information Department; and Vardan Barseghian, NKR Representative in Washington, DC.
Welcoming remarks were made by M. Michael Ansour, member of the Central Board of Directors, who stressed the importance of Karabakh to Armenia and the Armenian ethos. He also congratulated the people of Karabakh for getting back on their feet after the devastating war, and underscored AGBU's continuing efforts to rebuild the country.
Speaking on behalf of AGBU staff was Bedros Piandarian, director of the accounting department. After congratulating Bako Sahakyan upon his election as NKR President through a free and democratic process, he touched on the historical connection between AGBU and Karabakh, which dates back to the time of Melik Toros of Chavandur, who was one of 18th c. Karabakh freedom fighter David Bek's generals. Toros was an ancestor of AGBU Founder Boghos Nubar. He went on to mention the efforts made by successive presidents Alex Manoogian, Louise Manoogian Simone and Berge Setrakian to address the humanitarian, cultural and repopulation needs of the people of Karabakh. He concluded by wishing President Sahakyan success on his inaugural US visit and return to NKR.
President Sahakyan followed with brief remarks, stating, "We are overcoming the devastating effects of the war and taking steps to improve the social conditions of the people. Programs are underway to achieve these goals, and we are confident that these projects will bear fruit." He stated that the two main goals were the development of agriculture and education, including the building of schools, without other spheres being neglected. Elaborating further, President Sahakyan said that special emphasis was being placed on defense needs. Expressing the gratitude of the people of Karabakh to AGBU, he concluded, "We have felt and continue to feel AGBU's presence in Karabakh, particularly as a result of the efforts of Louise Manoogian Simone and Berge Setrakian, and, of course, Alex Manoogian will always have a place in our hearts."
Before departing, NKR President Bako Sahakyan and the members of his entourage had a brief meeting with AGBU board members M. Michael Ansour, Joseph Basralian and Arda Haratunian Nazerian, in addition to other AGBU representatives. During the meeting, the status of the various projects implemented by AGBU in Karabakh was discussed, along with prospects for future endeavors. In this regard, AGBU representatives expressed readiness to continue various infrastructure projects.
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