ARMENIAN GENERAL BENEVOLENT UNION AGBUAGBU ARMENIAARMENIA NEWSLETTERNEWSLETTER ,

IN THIS ISSUE ISSUE 9, AUGUST-SEPTEMBER, 2010

 AGBU and Holy Etchmi- AGBU AND MOTHER SEE OF HOLY ETCHMIADZIN adzin Children’s Center opened in (p. 1, 2) CHILDREN’S CENTER OPENS IN VANADZOR WITH  AGBU sponsors 1st pan- THE FINANCIAL SUPPORT OF SARKIS BEDEVIAN Armenian chess olympiad (p. 1, 2) On September 23, the opening ceremony of the "St. Gregory of Narek" Children’s Center was held in Vanadzor under the presidency of His Holiness Karekin II, Su-  AGBU AVC presented in preme and of All , and with the participation of bene- Petersburg (p. 3) factors, Mr. and Mrs.  AGBU YP Yerevan met Sarkis and Ruth - with Turkologist Artak vian of the United Sta- Shakarian (p. 3) tes. Armenian General Benevolent Union and  AGBU “Discover Armenia” completes 7th season (p. 4) Holy Etchmiadzin Chil- dren’s Centers operate  AGBU Yerevan Scouts in in Yerevan (Arabkir, Shoushi (p. 4, 5) Nor Nork and Malatia)  AGBU-funded APO organ- and the regions (Ashta- izes 4th Yerevan Interna- rak, Vanadzor and tional Music Festival (p. 5) Etchmiadzin). For more than 20 years  “State-Diaspora coopera- the Children’s Center of tion” roundtable discussion His Holiness Karekin II and Mr. and Mrs. Bedevian cut the red ribbon Vanadzor functioned in (p. 6) at the entrance of the new Children’s Center building cabins. Today, with 16  AGBU Manoogian- classrooms, two event halls, a gym, open-air basketball and tennis fields, and a Demirjian School represen- boiler-house, the new building of the Children’s Center occupies a territory of 3500 tatives in Armenia (p. 6) square meters, and already has 400 students. The ground blessing ceremony for the new Children’s Center of Vanadzor was held on August 30, 2007.  AGBU The Pontifical retinue and regional authorities traveled to the Diocesan Cathedral of women’s committee mem- St. Gregory of Narek, which was also built through the benefaction of the Bedevian bers in Armenia (p. 6) family. Following the service in the Cathedral, His Holiness went to the "St. Gregory  AGBU youth groups visit of Narek" Children’s Center. (Continued on page 2) Armenia (p. 7)

 European neighborhood AGBU SPONSORS policy (p. 8) THE FIRST PAN-ARMENIAN CHESS OLYMPIAD

As part of the “One Nation, One Culture” festival the first pan-Armenian chess olym- piad took place in Yerevan from August 15 to August 23. The joint initiative of the RA Diaspora Ministry and the Chess Academy of Armenia brought to Yerevan forty high-ranking Armenian chess players from Diaspora, Artsakh and Armenia. For most of them this was the first opportunity to visit their homeland. The tournament was spon- sored by the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU), the Chairman of the Union of French in Armenia Raymond Yezeguel- ian and “Armavia” company. The total prize fund of the tournament, 22,000 USD, was provided by the AGBU. 10 teams (7 from Diaspora, 2 from Armenia and 1 from Artsakh) participated in the tour- nament each consisting of four players. The participants from the Diaspora were divided into groups based on their regions: Russia – 2 teams, CIS - 1, Europe - 1, Near and Mid- 40 high-ranking Armenian chess players compete in their homeland dle East - 1, North America - 1, South Ame- rica - 1. The Yerevan team was headed by Tigran Petrossian. (Continued on page 2) Page 1 AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER ISSUE 9, AUGUST-SEPTEMBER, 2010 AGBU SPONSORS THE FIRST PAN-ARMENIAN CHESS... (see page 1) The opening ceremony of the first pan-Armenian chess Olympiad took place at the Chess Academy of Armenia on August 14 with the participation of RA President , RA Diaspora Minister Hranoush Hako- bian, and First Vice-President of the RA Chess Federation, President of the Chess Academy of Armenia and chess grandmaster Smbat Lputyan. The tournament gave a new impetus to the development of Armenia-Diaspora relations and contributed greatly to the spreading of Armenian chess traditions among the Armenian youth. It also helped boost sport and youth ties between Ar- menia and different Armenian communities of the world and promote a love of chess among the youth. This was an unfor- gettable opportunity for the Armenians from 12 countries of the world to compete with each other in their homeland. The results of the tournament were summed up and the win- ners were announced during the closing ceremony of the olympiad at the Chess Academy of Armenia on August 23.

The winning teams were the Europe team (3rd prize, 2000 USD), the Yerevan team (2nd prize, 2400 USD), and the CIS team (1st prize, 3000 USD). Individual winners included Grikor Sevak Mekhitarian (Brazil, 3rd prize), Tigran Petrossian The winning team from CIS: Yevgenia Dolukhanova (Ukraine), (Yerevan, 2nd prize), Poghos Nahapetyan (Russia, 1st prize), Harutyunyan (Georgia), Yuri Hayrapetian (Ukraine), and Manvel Poghosian (Belarus) Katerina Rohonian (USA, 3rd prize), Siranoush Andreasian (Etchmiadzin, 3rd prize), Tatev Abrahamian (USA, 2nd prize), and Diana Arutyunova (Ukraine, 1st prize). All winners received financial awards from the AGBU. Several participants of the Pan-Armenian Olympiad received international norms: WFM Tatev Abrahamyan fulfilled the norm of Women's Grandmaster, Diana Arutyunova - Men's International Master, FM Poghos Nahapetian, Manuel Petrosyan and FM Hovik Hayra- petian - International Master. RA Diaspora Ministry and Chess Academy of Armenia awarded the sponsors and the organizers with certifi- cates, letters of gratitude and medals. For four years now the Armenian General Benevolent Union is cooperating with the Armenian Chess Federa- The winners of the tournament after the closing ceremony tion sponsoring the annual republican interschool chess tournaments.

For the video material please visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVifH0eLe8Y&translated=1

AGBU AND MOTHER SEE OF HOLY ETCHMIADZIN CHILDREN’S...

(see page 1) The students of the Youth center and residents of Vanadzor welcomed the Armenian Pontiff at the en- trance of the Children’s Center. His Holiness along with Mr. and Mrs. Bedevian cut a red ribbon at the entrance to open the facility. The Armenian Pontiff and the guests entered the new building and toured the facilities.

All the speakers of the day, Rev. Fr. Hov- nanian, Dean of the Children’s Centers, His Grace Bishop Sepuh Chuljian, Primate of the Diocese of Gou- gark, Mr. Aram Kocharian, Governor of Lori, and Ms. Hranush Hakobian, RA Diaspora Minister extended their message of gratitude to His Holiness and the benefac- tors reflecting on the importance of having such an es- tablishment.

On the occasion of the memorable day, benefactors Sarkis and Ruth Bedevian expressed their heart-felt The new building of the Vanadzor Children’s Center feelings to the people in attendance. Addressing the students of the newly opened Children’s Center, he said, "Be joyous; preserve and enjoy this house like a jewel".

At the conclusion of the ceremony, His Holiness Karekin II extended his message of blessings and gratitude to those present. The Pontifical message was followed by a concert performed by the students of the "St. Gregory of Narek" Children’s Center in Vanadzor and the "Nork" Youth Center in Yerevan. Page 2 AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER ISSUE 9, AUGUST-SEPTEMBER, 2010

AGBU ARMENIAN VIRTUAL COLLEGE PRESENTED IN ST. PETERSBURG

On September 19, in the Events Hall of the Armenian Apostolic Church’s St. Petersburg residence, Dr. Yervant Zo- rian, member of the AGBU Central Board of Directors and Founding-Chairman of the AGBU Armenian Virtual Col- lege (AVC), met with local Armenian youth, students, members of “Nor Serund” (New Generation) Armenian youth organization and representatives of the Armenian com- munity of St. Petersburg to present AGBU’s activities, educational and youth programs, particularly the Un- ion’s newest learning institute - the Armenian Virtual College (AVC). The meeting was organized by “Nor Serund” youth organization and an opening speech was made by Sedrak Kalashyan, representative of “Nor Serund”. During the presentation Dr. Zorian mentioned that the Armenian community of Russia is in a leading position in terms of registered AVC students compared with other Armenian communities, and that he wouldn’t be surprised if that number doubled in the near future. Nevertheless, he noted that not all the Armenian com- munities are lucky enough to have Armenian Sunday (From left) Sedrak Kalashian, Karen Mkrtchian, Dr. Yervand Zorian and schools, which further emphasizes the importance of Reverend Father Nshan Petrossian AVC. Throughout the whole presentation Dr. Zorian was assisted by Sedrak Kalashyan and community activist Vahan Ba- bakhanian as translators. The local Armenian community was greatly interested in the AGBU projects, which will certainly influence the life of the community with a rich educational and cultural history. At the end of the meeting Dr. Zorian answered all the questions raised by those present. Closing remarks were made by the Spiritual Leader of the Armenian community of Saint Petersburg Reverend Father Nshan Petrosyan. The meeting was also attended by Karen Mkrtchyan, Head of the local Armenian community. During his stay in Saint Petersburg Dr. Zorian got acquainted with the activities of the local Armenian community, visited the local Armenian Sunday school and attended a Holy Liturgy at the Armenian Church of Saint Petersburg. In September 2009, the AVC was presented to the Armenian community of and was warmly welcomed by Bishop Yezras Nersissian, Primate of the Armenian Apostolic Church’s Diocese of Nor Nakhijevan and Russia, who expressed eagerness to support AGBU’s activities in Russia. Officially launched in June 2009, the Armenian Virtual College has had four academic terms and more than 500 stu- dents from 35 countries of the world. Education at AVC is conducted in six languages; Eastern Armenian, , English, Russian, French and Spanish. AGBU YOUNG PROFESSIONALS’ YEREVAN TEAM MET WITH ANALYST, TURKOLOGIST ARTAK SHAKARIAN

Opening the new working season and continuing the tradition of holding meetings with famous political figures and analysts of the Republic, the members of the Yerevan team of the AGBU Young Professionals held a meeting with political analyst, Turkologist, professor and Director of the School of Young Leaders Artak Shakarian on September 14.

During the two-hour-long meeting Shakarian spoke about Turkish foreign policy and diplomacy, Armenian-Turkish relations, the recent and possible future developments in this field. The meeting was open to the public and was attended by YPs, students of numerous universities, as well as various interested parties.

Active discussions followed the lecture, during which the YPs voiced their positions and viewpoints on Armenian- Turkish relations, “football diplomacy”, opening of bor- ders between the two countries and the possible political, regional and economic consequences of that.

These kinds of meetings are an important part of AGBU YP Yerevan team’s activities and will certainly have a AGBU YP Yerevan members met with Turkologist and Director of the School of Young Leaders Artak Shakarian continuation in the future.

Page 3 AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER ISSUE 9, AUGUST-SEPTEMBER, 2010 AGBU’s “DISCOVER ARMENIA” SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETES ITS 7TH SEASON

“Discover Armenia” Youth Trip is one of the most successful youth programs of the Armenian General Benevolent Union carried out in Armenia. Every year it brings together 15-18-year-old diasporan Armenian youths to spend un- forgettable days in their homeland. Held for the 7th year in a row, this year AGBU’s “Disco- ver Armenia” program brought to Armenia 31 partici- pants from Canada, France, Greece, Lebanon, United Arab Emirates, UK and US. The program, coordinated by AGBU Diaspora Youth Programs Coordinator in Ar- menia Hermine Duzian, took place from August 7-26. The participants visited various sites in Yerevan and the rest of Armenia, including Holy Etchmiadzin, Sardara- pat, Tsisternakabert Genocide Memorial, , Garni, Geghard, Sevan, Khor Virap, Noravank, Goris and Artsakh, ascended mount Aragats. They also vis- ited the Yerevan offices of AGBU and the Armenian Vir- tual College, where they got acquainted with the organi- zation’s programs carried out in Armenia and Karabakh, toured the AGBU and Holy Etchmiadzin Children’s Cen- ters. On August 10, the group was received by the RA Participants of “Discover Armenia” in Artsakh Diaspora Minister Hranoush Hakobian. The program also has a strong community component promoting volunteerism and service to others. As part of their community service this year’s participants of “Discover Armenia” helped construct houses for underprivileged fami- lies in Armavir and Lori regions together with Fuller organization, visited the Gavar orphanage to spend a whole day with the children and help renovate one of the orphanage rooms. They also donated new books to the foreign lan- guage literature stand of the Karabakh Children’s Library established by last year’s participants of the AGBU “Dis- cover Armenia” program. The youths paid a visit to the AGBU and Holy Etchmiadzin Senior Dining Centers, where they prepared and served meals.

"My trip to Armenia was an amazing experience. It was enlightening, and extremely rewarding", 2010 Discover Armenia participant Raffi Khatchadourian of New York said of his summer.

AGBU is already getting ready to follow up the success of this year's Discover Armenia program with preparations Diaspora-Armenian youth participating in house-building in a remote for the summer of 2011, when a new group of bright, ea- village in Armenia ger Armenian youths from around the world will arrive to explore their homeland. AGBU ARMENIA SCOUTS IN SHOUSHI “Hayordiner” scout movement founded in Artsakh

Thanks to the efforts of “Haik’s Generation” youth or- ganization the first scout camp opened its doors in Art- sakh from August 3-10, marking the launch of the new “Hayordiner” scout movement in Artsakh. Starting a scout movement in Nagorno-Karabakh has long been one of the goals of “Haik’s Generation”. The 5-member delegation of the AGBU Armenia scout movement (members of the scout council Minas Levonian and Satenik Eloyan, scout leader Gevork Simonian, scouts Sveta Gyozalian and Asia Baghdoyan), Senior scout leader Rubik Sardaryan from Tehran, other scout lead- ers had arrived in Shoushi to support “Haik’s Genera- tion” and the newly-established scout movement. (Continued on page 5) The first scout camp in Artsakh

Page 4 AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER ISSUE 9, AUGUST-SEPTEMBER, 2010

AGBU ARMENIA SCOUTS...

(see page 4) Members from “Miasin” youth movement and the youth wing of the Republican Party of Armenia from Yerevan also participated in the camp. The participants of the camp were from Stepanakert, Shoushi, Martakert, Shahumian and Kashatagh. Assisted by junior scouts the scout camp was supervised by Aram Harutiunian, who is also the chief scout of the newly-established “Hayordiner” scout movement. “True is the path that leads to Homeland” is the motto of the scout movement of Artsakh. Through different scout games, exercises and lectures the AGBU and Tehran scouts passed on their experience and knowledge to the members of the new scout movement of Artsakh.

The closing ceremony of the camp was attended by the President of the Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh Bako Sa- hakyan, Primate of the Artsakh Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church Archbishop Parkev Martirossian, writer and publicist Zori Balayan, NKR Ministers, army represen- tatives and other state officials.

NKR President Bako Sahakyan emphasized the important role of the scout movement in upbringing and education of Members of the newly-established scout movement of Artsakh the new generation. Archbishop Parkev Martirossian bles- with NKR President Bako Sahakyan sed the newly-established “Hayordiner” scout movement and Archbishop Parkev Martirossian of Artsakh. AGBU-FUNDED ARMENIAN PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA HOLDS 4TH YEREVAN INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL APO has a new “Steinway and Sons” piano

The 4th Yerevan International Music Festival started on September 11 at Aram Khachaturian Concert Hall of Yere- van. This year the festival has hosted 22 well-known musicians from12 countries of the world. The artistic directors of the festival are Maestro Eduard Topchjan, Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of the Armenian State Philhar- monic Orchestra, and cellist Alexander Chaushian from Great Britain. The festival is held under the high patronage of Mrs. Rita Sargsyan, the spouse of the RA Presi- dent, and Sir Simon Bowes- (UK). Within the framework of the festival the music-loving society of Armenia will have the opportunity to listen to such world famous musicians as pianists Francois- Frederic Guy, Alessio Bax, Konstantin Lifschitz, Ash- ley Wass, Milana Chernyavska, Vahan Mardirossian, violinists Julia Fischer, Isabelle Faust, Alexander Sitkovetsky, Pavel Vernikov, Daishin Kashimoto, An- ton Sorokov, Svyatoslav Moroz, violist Diemut Pop- pen, Samvel Barsegian, cellists Steven Isserlis, Na- talia Gutman, Alexander Chaushian, Mikayel Hakhnazarian, trumpet player Sergey Nakariakov, horn player Radovan Vlatkovic, tuba player Harri Lid- sle, and mezzo soprano Zandra McMaster. Besides Maestro Eduard Topchjan and the Armenian Philharmonic Orchestra the concerts the famous musicians will also hold mas- at the opening concert of the festival ter classes. The opening concert of the festival presented Shostakovich’s symphony #10 and Brahms’ “I am deeply impressed piano concert #2 performed by famous French pianist Francois-Frederic Guy, who was by the sound of the or- the first to perform on the new “Steinway and Sons” piano, purchased for the Armenian chestra. It’s deserving of Philharmonic Orchestra with the support of RA President and RA Prime Minister and with the highest praise. As for the efforts of the RA Culture Ministry. the piano, having such A number of jubilee concerts are held as part of the 4th Yerevan International Music Festi- an instrument is very val: the September 17 concert was dedicated to the 90th anniversary of famous Armenian important both for the orchestra and for the composer Alexander Harutyunyan, while the September 21 concert was dedicated to the concerts”, said Francois- Independence Day of the Republic of Armenia. Young and talented musicians from Arme- Frederic Guy nia take part in the chamber concerts of the festival. The 4th Yerevan International Music Festival comes to an end on October 22.

Page 5 AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER ISSUE 9, AUGUST-SEPTEMBER, 2010

“STATE-DIASPORA COOPERATION: PROSPECTS OF DEVELOPMENT” ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSIONS

Roundtable discussions entitled “State-Diaspora cooperation: prospects of development” organized by the RA Dias- pora Ministry in cooperation with USAID took place in the “Queen Erato” hall of the Marriott Armenia Hotel on July 30.

RA state governmental bodies, representatives of political par- ties, pan-Armenian organizations and NGOs participated in the discussions. Ashot Ghazarian, Director of the Armenian Repre- sentation of the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) was also among the participants of the event and held a meeting with the experts at the roundtable discussions.

RA Diaspora Minister Hranoush Hakobian presented the devel- opments of the state policy on state-diaspora cooperation in the current conditions of globalization and liberalization. Deputy Min- ister of Diaspora Stepan Petrossian spoke on the subject of “State-Diaspora cooperation in action”. Other speakers of the day Roundtable discussions on State-Diaspora cooperation at were David Braxton, Georgios Florentis and Oleg Gabrielian. Armenia Marriott Hotel REPRESENTATIVES OF THE AGBU MANOOGIAN-DEMIRJIAN SCHOOL OF CALIFORNIA IN ARMENIA

Dr. Ellie Andreassian, Deputy Director of AGBU Manoogian-Demirjian School of California, Dr. Sylva Karayan, Head of the Education Committee of the Manoogian-Demirjian School Board and professor of Babayan Pedagogical Insti- tute, and Minas Kojayan, teacher of and editor-in-chief of “Nor Or” weekly paid a visit to Armenia to participate in the 4th pan-Armenian education conference organized by the RA Ministry of Education and Science. The conference took place on August 13-17. Issues of maintaining Armenian education in the Armenian commu- nities of the Diaspora were touched upon during their meetings with different educational representatives of the Republic. On August 10, the delegation of the AGBU Manoogian-Demirjian School of California was received by the Armenian Minister of Diaspora Hranoush Hakobian. The main topic of discussion was the necessity of publica- tion of a joint textbook of Armenian language and literature for the Armenian communities of the Diaspora. On August 17, the group visited the AGBU Armenian Representation, got acquainted with the activities of the Armenian Virtual College. On the same day, the school representatives Minas Kojayan, Anahit Ordyan, Head of AUA Administration, Dr. Sylva Karayan and Dr. Ellie Andreassian also visited the American University of Armenia.

AGBU BUENOS AIRES WOMEN’S COMMITTEE MEMBERS IN ARMENIA

Members of the AGBU Buenos Aires Women’s Committee were in Armenia from September 23 to October 5. As part of their trip to homeland the group visited Sevan, Dilijan, Tsaghkadzor, Haghartsin, Garni, Geghard, Sardarapat, Osha- kan, Khor Virap, Noravank, Tsitsernakabert, , St. Gre- gory the Illuminator Cathedral, and . They also took a trip to the second largest city of Armenia, . On the first day of their arrival the group visited the AGBU Ar- menian Representation and the Armenian Virtual College. On September 26, the Women’s Committee members were received by His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos and Supreme Patriarch of All-Armenians. They also paid visits to the Armenian-Argentinean school in Yerevan, the Embassy of Argentina in RA, and participated in the opening ceremony of a cross-stone near the Nor Yedesia AGBU Buenos Aires Women’s Committee members in the Church. AGBU Armenian Representation office

Page 6 AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER ISSUE 9, AUGUST-SEPTEMBER, 2010

AGBU SCHOOL STUDENTS AND YOUTH GROUPS VISIT ARMENIA The traditional annual visits of the AGBU school students and youth groups to Armenia has seen expand their geog- raphy year after year. 23 members of the AGBU Canada scout movement’s venture group visited Armenia from July 22 to August 11 and participated in house-building in Taron-3 district of Vanadzor together with the Fuller Center. The group was headed by Lenya Galepjian, who, together with Hermine Duzian, AGBU Diaspora Youth Projects Coordinator in Armenia, organized sightseeing trips and interesting visits for the group. Members of the venture group were hosted at AGBU “Antranik” scout camp in Lori region of Armenia dur- ing the traditional fire ceremony. On August 6, the group visited the AGBU Armenian Representation, got acquainted with the activities of the Union carried out in Armenia and Artsakh, as well as the educa- tional programs of the Armenian Virtual College.

Students of the AGBU Marie Manoogian School of Buenos Aires were in Armenia from July 24 to Au- Members of the AGBU Canada Scout movement venture group gust 6. Besides the sightseeing trips to Etchmiadzin, on a sightseeing trip in Armenia Sardarapat, Garni, Geghard, Noravank, Khor Virap, Sisian, Tatev, Khndzoresk, Sevan, Dilijan, Haghartsin, Haghpat and Sanahin, the Diaspora-Armenian youths ascended mount Aragats. Headed by Rosita Yusufian, Director of the Armenian language department of the school, the group visited Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, attended the con- cert of the children of the AGBU and Holy Etchmiadzin Youth Centers, participated in voluntary community activities. They were also at AGBU camp “Antranik” during the fire ceremony. On July 26, the youth participated in the opening ceremony of the new drinking water system at Ditavan village, Tavoush region, financed by Mr. and Mrs. Armen and Nadia Ekserjian of Ar- gentina, donors of the “Hayastan” All-Armenian Fund.

On August 2, the students of the Marie Manoogian school visited the AGBU Armenian Representation office and met with Director Ashot Ghazarian. They were introduced to the educational programs of the AGBU Armenian Virtual College. On August 5, the group was received by RA Diaspora Minister Hra- noush Hakobian, who welcomed the students’ initia- Students of the AGBU Marie Manoogian School of Buenos Aires tive to visit homeland and asked them to stay true to in Armenia their roots.

From September 6-13, Armenia hosted the graduates of the AGBU Marie Manoogian Girls’ School of Tehran. In cooperation with Fuller Center, the Armenian-Iranian youths helped construct a house in Irind village, Aragatsotn region. During their stay the group visited Garni, Geghard, Sevan, Vaskenian Theological Seminary, Tsitsernakabert Genocide Memorial, Mother See of Holy Etchmi- adzin, Sardarapat, the American University of Arme- nia and AGBU and Holy Etchmiadzin Children’s Cen- ters.

At the Armenian Representation of the Armenian General Benevolent Union the graduates of the Marie Manoogian Girls’ School of Tehran got ac- quainted with the projects carried out by the Union in Armenia and Artsakh and the educational programs of the AGBU Armenian Virtual College.

They also had a meeting with the AGBU Young Pro- fessionals’ Yerevan team, discussed possibilities of holding joint events and prospects of future coopera- Graduates of AGBU Marie Manoogian Girls’ School of Tehran meeting tion. with the members of the AGBU YP Yerevan team

Page 7 AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER ISSUE 9, AUGUST-SEPTEMBER, 2010 EUROPEAN NEIGHBORHOOD POLICY: MEETING WITH EU NGOs

On September 15, 2010, in Brussels, Nicolas Tavitian, AGBU Europe Board Member, participated in a meeting between Štefan Füle, European Commissioner for Enlargement and the Neighborhood Policy, and the repre- sentatives of a coalition of European civil society organizations. The meeting aimed to present to the Commis- sioner key NGO proposals or demands regarding EU policy in the countries targeted by the EU’s Neighbor- hood Policy1, including Armenia.

AGBU Europe is part of the “Quintet Group”2 which includes 17 organizations active in the area of human rights and democracy, conflict resolution, good governance, environment and development. The group’s proposals regarding conflict resolution emphasized the need for the EU to develop a “clearer and more resolute political stance” regarding conflicts in the neighbourhood.

According to the memorandum submitted by the group, “the EU should in particular work consistently and as- sertively with all parties to identify and exploit opportunities for cooperation at all levels” and “non-recognised entities should be included in bridge-building and confidence-building. Regardless of their final status, they are actors in the conflict and must be involved in the search for solutions“.

The group also emphasized the need for the EU to develop a more thorough understanding of individual con- flicts and to support civil society in responding to conflicts. Additional proposals were made in each of the fields covered by the coalition.

Nicolas Tavitian said: “It is important for Armenian organizations to work in close partnership with other organi- zations working for freedom, welfare and peace in Armenia and the other countries of the region. Armenia’s progress and European integration will require the combined efforts of civil society both in Armenia and in the rest of Europe”.

AGBU Europe established its European representation in 2008. Its mission is to contribute to policy making at EU level on matters of interest to Armenians, an in particular with regards to Armenia’s European integration and to EU policy regarding Nagorno Karabakh. In 2009 AGBU Europe launched a campaign for Karabakh to press the European Union to provide humanitarian and development assistance to Nagorno Karabakh, to es- tablish confidence building measures between Karabakh and Azerbaijan and to send observers to help monitor the cease-fire.

As part of the ENP review, further consultations in each 6 months with civil society are planned. ——————————————— 1. The European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) was developed in 2004, with the objective of avoiding the emergence of new dividing lines between the enlarged EU and our neighbours and instead strengthening the prosperity, stability and security of all. This ENP framework is proposed to the 16 of EU's closest neighbours – Algeria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Egypt, Georgia, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Moldova, Morocco, Occupied Palestinian Territory, Syria, Tunisia and Ukraine.

2. Transparency International, CONCORD, Euclid Network, EUROSTEP, EMHRN (Euromed Human Rights Network), OSI (Open Society Institute-Brussels), European Partnership for Democracy, ACSUR-Las Segovias, Paneuropa Foundation , APRODEV, AGBU Europe, WWF European Policy Office Heirich Böll Fondation – Brussels office, TRIALOG/EPAN (European Anti-Poverty Action Network), Coalition for the International Criminal Court (CICC), SAFERWORLD.

Please be advised that in the event of any full or partial reference or citation of the texts above AGBU Armenia Newsletter must be mentioned. All rights reserved.

Established in 1906, AGBU (www.agbu.org) is the world's largest non-profit Armenian organization. Headquartered in New York City with an annual budget of $36 million, AGBU preserves and promotes the Armenian identity and heritage through educational, cultural and humanitarian programs, annually touching the lives of some 400,000 Armenians on six continents. ARMENIAN GENERAL BENEVOLENT UNION NEW YORK YEREVAN 55 East 59th Street, 9 Alex Manoogian Street, New York, NY 10022-1112 Yerevan, Armenia Phone: 212 319 6383 Phone: (374 10) 51-22-51 Fax: 212 319 6507 Fax: (374 10) 51-22-52 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.agbu.org Website: www.agbu.am

PREPARED BY AGBU ARMENIAN REPRESENTATION Page 8