Cypriot Armenian Representative visits AGBU Central Office

AGBU Press Office

PRESS RELEASE

Thursday, January 26, 2006

Cypriot Armenian Representative, Dr. Vahakn Atamian, visits AGBU Central Office

Dr. Vahakn Atamian, the Armenian Representative in the House of Representatives of the Republic of Cyprus recently visited AGBU Central Office in New York to meet with Berge Setrakian, President of AGBU. During the meeting, a number of key issues concerning the Armenian community of Cyprus were addressed including the Melkonian Educational Institute. Mr. Setrakian reiterated AGBU's commitment to the future of the Armenian community in Cyprus as the organization's chapters there remain very active.

Regarding the site of the Melkonian property, Mr. Setrakian reconfirmed that the Central Board has not yet considered the future of the property, and contrary to circulated rumors, AGBU has not approached any potential buyers or developers. He added that in reassessing its programs worldwide, various options to further develop AGBU programs in Cyprus are being considered.

At the suggestion of Dr. Atamian, it was considered that a committee be formed to include representatives of the Cypriot Government, AGBU, Melkonian Alumni and local Armenian Cypriot community. The committee's main task would be to suggest specific programs which would best benefit the Armenian community of Cyprus and continue honoring the legacy of the Melkonian Brothers.

Established in 1906, AGBU is the world's largest non-profit Armenian organization. Headquartered in New York City with an annual budget of $26 million, AGBU (www.agbu.org) preserves and promotes the Armenian identity and heritage through educational, cultural and humanitarian programs, annually serving some 400,000 Armenians in 35 countries.