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PRESS RELEASE
Friday, February 6, 2009
AGBU President Meets With Cypriot President & Government Officials
During his visit to Cyprus on January 22, 2009, the President of the
Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU), Berge Setrakian, accompanied
by Mr. Benon Sevan, was received by the President of the Republic of
Cyprus, H. E. Demetris Christofias, and the President of the House of
Representatives of the Republic of Cyprus, H. E. Mr. Marios Garoyian.
Mr. Setrakian used this opportunity to brief them on the Organization’s
activities and the challenges that it faces in the 21st century for the
maintenance and perpetuation of the Armenian identity in both the
Diaspora and the Republic of Armenia. He also discussed the future
prospect of the Melkonian property in Nicosia.
The Cypriot President and the House Leader expressed their support and
friendship toward the Armenian people and their commitment to further
strengthen the positive relations between Cyprus and the Republic of
Armenia. They also conveyed their full understanding of AGBU’s
objectives and the importance of the Organization’s focus on its
programs for strengthening the relationship of the worldwide communities
with Armenia.
Furthermore, they expressed their appreciation to Mr. Setrakian that
AGBU was considering the development of a project in Cyprus for the
benefit of all Cypriots as a token of gratitude toward the government
and the people of the Republic of Cyprus for their longstanding support
of the Armenian community.
The following day and at the suggestion of the Cypriot President, Mr.
Setrakian met with H.E. Dr. Andreas Demetriou, Minister of Education and
Culture. Also in attendance were House Representative Takis
Hatzigeorgiou and Nicos Peristianis, Executive Dean of the University of
Nicosia. During this meeting, the development of educational projects of
mutual intent were considered and discussed.
Established in 1906, AGBU () is the world’s largest
non-profit Armenian organization. Headquartered in New York City, AGBU
preserves and promotes the Armenian identity and heritage through
educational, cultural and humanitarian programs, annually serving some
400,000 Armenians on five continents.