WATERTOWN, Mass. (A.W.)—Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) Eastern Region Central Committee (CC) members held a closed-door meeting with Armenia’s President Serge Sarkisian on March 28, which marked the first day of the president’s working visit to the United States.
President Serge Sarkisian with member of the ARF Eastern Region Central Committee
ARF Eastern Region CC chair Hayg Oshagan, CC members John Avedissian, Khajag Mgrdichian, Hovsep Avakian, and Levon Attarian, and CC executive director Maral Choloyan met with the president and his delegation at the Hairenik Association building in Watertown. Sarkisian was joined by Armenian Minister of Education Levon Mgrthchyan, Minister of Diaspora Hranush Hakopyan, Armenia’s Ambassador to the U.S. Grigor Hovhannisian, and other high-ranking members of the presidential delegation.
President Serge Sarkisian with ARF Eastern Region chair Hayg Oshagan
Oshagan opened the meeting with welcoming remarks, noting the historic significance of the visit. The Central Committee discussed the future of Armenia, the post-constitutional reform period, and the role of the Armenian Diaspora in the betterment of the country. The parties also discussed the 2018 centennial of the First Republic of Armenia, the 25th anniversary of the Second Republic, efforts to pass resolutions in various U.S. states recognizing Artsakh’s independence, and future collaboration in digitizing the archives of the First Republic currently housed at the Hairenik.
Sarkisian acknowledged the key importance of the diaspora for Armenia, and noted that the state previously had not understood the diaspora well, and therefore had not been able to harness its full potential to benefit Armenia. He said that he expects much from the diaspora, as he recognizes its potential and strength.
In closing the meeting, Oshagan wished the president well in his future endeavors, and noted the preparedness of the ARF Eastern Region Central Committee in assisting efforts to build the nation from these shores.
A scene from the meeting
Source: Armenian Weekly
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