Annie Koulaksezian-Romy

AGBU MONTRÉAL WELCOMES VALENCE COUNCILOR ANNIE KOULAKSEZIAN-ROMY

On July 28, 2005, AGBU Montréal hosted a reception in honor of Annie Koulaksezian-Romy, the Municipal Councilor of Valence, France at the AGBU Alex Manoogian Community Center. Romy, who headed the construction of Valence's Armenian Heritage Center, conducted a presentation on the project for over 50 local community members, including Montréal City Councilor Hasmig Belleli.

The first of its kind in France and entirely funded by the local government, the Armenian Heritage Center (http://www.patrimoinearmenien.org) opened on July 11 of this year. The Center houses extensive information about the history, exile and integration of the country's Armenian population into the fabric of the French nation. Since the 1920s, the town of Valence has been home to a significant French Armenian community making up 10% of its population.

While in Montréal, Romy and husband, Paskal, were treated to a tour of the Armenian community by AGBU Montréal, including visits to St. Gregory The Illuminator Armenian Cathedral, Alex Manoogian Community Center, Armen Quebec - Alex Manoogian School, Tekeyan Armenian Cultural Center and Abaka newspaper.

Founded in 1957, AGBU Montréal is dedicated to preserving and promoting the Armenian heritage and culture through educational, cultural and humanitarian programs. For more information on AGBU Montréal, please call (514) 748-AGBU (2428) or email agbumontreal@bellnet.ca.

AGBU Press Office
Email: kyacoubian@agbu.org

PRESS RELEASE

Friday, August 26, 2005