For Immediate Release
December 03, 2005

ARMENIA FUND USA HOSTED PRESIDENT ARKADY GHOUKASIAN OF KARABAKH AT THE “REBIRTH OF ARTSAKH” DINNER RECEPTION

To benefit Agricultural Initiative for Karabakh

NEW YORK, New York – On November 14, 2005, Armenia Fund USA hosted a benefit reception and dinner at the Long Island residence of Raffi and Haigouhi Megerian, Bayville, NY to raise funds for the Agricultural Initiative of the “Rebirth of Artsakh” Regional Development Program being launched this year. The dinner was well- attended by many supporters and friends of Armenia Fund USA, among them the President of Nagorno-Karabakh, The Honorable Arkady Ghoukasian and Executive Director Naira Melkoumian of Hayastan Himnadram All-Armenia Fund, Yerevan, Armenia.

The cool autumn breezes of the Long Island Sound welcomed the Megerians’ guests to their elegantly-appointed waterfront home where, once inside, they were met with the splendor of lighted Christmas boughs bouquets of long stemmed roses. The cocktails and traditional Armenian meal – presented in the warm atmosphere that Armenian homes offer so graciously contributed to the friendly discussion and sharing of ideas among all present. Chairman of Armenia Fund USA, Mr. Kevork Toroyan welcomed the guests introducing the new initiative Armenia Fund USA is undertaking this year – Agricultural Initiative phase of the “Rebirth of Artsakh” Regional Development Program. Mr. Toroyan emphasized the necessity and need in Nagorno Karabakh of a major economic boost, an agricultural revitalization of the land that once served as one of the most fruitful ‘brad baskets” of the former Soviet Union. He shared with the guests his vision of a new Karabakh – strong, stable and in well-being, able to provide basic agricultural products (presently imported into the country) not only for Artsakh, but also for the Republic of Armenia.

Mrs. Melkoumian and President Ghoukasian also greeted the guests talking about the importance of the three-region, three-year program launched by Armenia Fund USA and its 18 worldwide affiliates. The President particularly highlighted the political and economic strategic importance behind the “Rebirth of Artsakh” initiative, and how, after having provided the political stability, an economic boost would revitalize the agricultural economy and improve the standards of live in the country. “During my first presidential campaign,” the president remembered, “villagers I met would ask me to make sure peace prevails in the region, while during the second campaign, they would ask for jobs and better standards of life… the picture is very clear – we have to sustain the land that was so heroically liberated” the president added.

The “Rebirth of Artsakh” Regional Development Program is a three-year three-region strategic plan designed to stabilize and improve the economic well-being of the country. The Project involves an agricultural initiative that would be spearheaded by Armenia Fund USA and would start from Mardakert region – the region that suffered most during the war. Following a comprehensive development plan provided by highly professional experts in the field, the Agricultural Initiative will directly help farmers to cultivate the land, and train them with strategies to integrate new ways of sustainable agricultural development.

Over $15,000 was raised through the reception dinner. The Megerian family’s hospitability made the event very memorable. Armenia Fund USA would like to extend special thanks and gratitude to the host and hostess, Mr. Raffi and Haigouhi Megerians, for their efforts and willingness to help organize and host the dinner.

ABOUT ARMENIA FUND USA: ARMENIA FUND USA, founded in 1992, was the first of Hayastan All-Armenian Fund’s 19 international affiliates and serves constituents in all states east of the Mississippi. As a non-profit, non-governmental, nonsectarian organization, the Fund represents all Armenian constituents.

Armenia Fund USA is the largest contributor among the 19 international affiliates – supporting strategic infrastructure projects in Armenia and Karabakh, and having helped build 138 miles of roads, 100 miles of waterways, 36 schools, 3 electric transmission networks, 210 residential buildings and 15 healthcare institutions.

Armenia Fund USA’s Mission is the development of strategic socio-economic infrastructure in Armenia and Karabakh, focusing on major projects such as major highways, schools, drinking water to communities and humanitarian programs in education, training and medical facilities. The Fund has adopted a policy to go “Beyond Bricks and Mortar” to provide sustainability for projects it sponsors.

To learn more about Armenia Fund USA, please visit our website at
www.ArmeniaFundUSA.org or call us at 212-689-5307.

Armenia Fund USA
80 Maiden Lane, Suite 301
New York, NY 10038