For Immediate Release
April 7, 2006

CHARLES AZNAVOUR AND BARONESS CAROLYN COX SUPPORT ARMENIA FUND USA’S PHONATHON 2006, APRIL 27-30, 2006

A message in your homes from two great philanthropists and supporters of Armenia

NEW YORK, New York – Armenia Fund USA (Fund), East Coast Affiliate of Hayastan Himnadram All-Armenian Fund, is pleased to announce that France’s most famed singer Charles Aznavour and Baroness Carolyn Cox of the British House of Lords have given their support to the Fund’s Phonathon 2006 that will be conducted on April 27th through 30th, 2006. With their messages of appeal delivered straight to many home phones, the fundraising campaign will benefit the Agricultural Initiative for Haterk farmers in Mardakert region of Nagorno-Karabakh.

The Fund has taken the lead among the 18 worldwide affiliates of Hayastan Himnadram in the implementation of the Agricultural Initiative of the larger, more comprehensive “Rebirth of Artsakh” Regional Development Program. (The other components of the larger program include medical facilities, auxiliary roads, water distribution projects, education and housing).

As part of the Fund’s awareness and fundraising campaign, French-Armenian singer Charles Aznavour and Baroness Caroline Cox of Queensbury, Deputy Speaker of the British House of Lords, and have given their encouraging support and endorsement to the recently launched Agricultural Initiative. The initiative is a three-year, three region development plan designed to help farmers in Nagorno-Karabakh move from subsistence farming to export production in order to economically strengthen both themselves as well as to stabilize the region economically. With these changes, they will move beyond producing only enough to feed their families - thereby improving their families’ health; providing for their families’ educational and day-to-day needs; and increasing their production of quality agricultural goods.

Charles Aznavour, one of France’s most popular singers, songwriters and actors, is a philanthropist and a well-known supporter of Armenian causes. He has stood beside the Armenian people since the disastrous earthquake of 1988 and delivered humanitarian aid to the devastated towns and villages in Armenia. Charles Aznavour has been honored with a statue in Gyumri, Armenia in recognition of his outstanding humanitarianism towards people of Armenia. What makes this honor even greater is that it was the first time in Armenia a statue was erected for an honoree while that person was still alive!

Baroness Caroline Cox - member of the British House of Lords, human rights advocate, head of Christian Solidarity Worldwide- is also a staunch supporter of Armenia and Karabakh, having made more than 60 trips there since the Soviet Union’s collapse in 1991.

The Fund, in cooperation with Hayastan Himnadram’s Yerevan affiliate and the Nagorno-Karabakh government, will establish Agricultural Development Associations (ADAs). Starting with Haterk, the ADAs will provide
modern agricultural equipment and technology to farmers who, by becoming members of the ADA, will have access to discount rates for fertilizers, seeds, tractors, etc. in order to work the land at affordable rates. The program’s initial goal is to substantially improve the overall agricultural productivity of Karabakh farmers; and the ultimate goal is to reduce rural poverty in the region.

Armenia Fund USA volunteers conducting the fundraising Phonathon

During April 27th-30th, Armenia Fund USA with the help of its enthusiastic group of volunteers - eager to make a difference- will conduct follow-up calls and take pledges from donors wishing to help the Fund in its efforts to combat rural poverty in Nagorno-Karabakh. The volunteers will answer their questions and spread the word about the Agricultural Initiative. Volunteers participating in Phonathon 2006, especially those who have visited Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh, are very passionate about donating their time during those 4 days to support the campaign.

If you would like to be part of Phonathon 2006, please call us at 212-689-5307, or e-mail: [email protected]

We need your help!

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