The Report of the Armenian General Benevolent Union
To the Armenia-Diaspora Conference
Yerevan, September 22, 1999
Text of Address Given by Berge Setrakian
Vice President of AGBU, Central Committee
On behalf of Louise Manoogian Simone, President of the Armenian
General Benevolent Union (AGBU), and its membership, I applaud the
convening of the Armenia-Diaspora Conference in the capital city of
Yerevan. The AGBU is participating in this august Conference with a
representative delegation.
Making up our delegation are AGBU Central Executive Committee Vice
Presidents Nazar Nazarian and Berge Setrakian, as well as members
Sinan Sinanian, from the USA; Sarkis Demirdjian, from Lebanon;
Karnig Yacoubian, from Syria; and Levon Kebabdjian, from France. In
addition, Honorary Member of the Central Committee from the USA,
Barry Zorthian, and Albert Boyajian, representative from the West
Coast, as well as chairmen of AGBU chapters and/or executive
representatives who comprise part of the delegations from various
countries in the Diaspora. President Robert Kocharian President
Arkady Ghukasian National Assembly Chairman Garen Demirchian Prime
Minister Vazgen Sarkisian Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian Clergy
and Delegates:
The current Armenian state is faced with the necessity of solving
complex and thorny issues, which have been inherited from the past
and which require long-term systematic effort by all segments of
the Armenian people.
The Conference undoubtedly will discuss proposals pertaining to key
national issues, such as the rebuilding of Artsakh, the stemming of
emigration from Armenia, the return to Mesrobian orthography in the
Homeland, and the recognition of the Armenian Genocide by the
international community.
In the precious few minutes allotted to us, we would like to simply
share certain thoughts with you, which, although not new, yet perhaps
may serve as an impetus to new ways and means and through which our
Union, with its polycommunal structure and membership, can participate
in a positive manner in the progress of the Homeland.
The most important factor in strengthening Armenia is the
reestablishment of the Homeland's economy, for which it must utilize
all internal and external means. In this connection, we applaud the
definitive decision made by the Armenian government to rebuild the
country's economy. We must not spare any effort toward developing
domestic industry and foreign commerce, which are the keys to the
elimination of unemployment, the stemming of emigration, and our
bright future.
We are facing a critical new period as a nation. At this stage,
Armenia and the Diaspora, through unified efforts and by synthesizing
its world-class resources, must accomplish well-developed vital
projects. The realization of this initiative must be entrusted to a
Pan-Armenian Organization, which shall select a qualified group of
experts with international standing to develop both immediate and
long-term plans as well as oversee their implementation.
Since this organization shall enjoy the patronage of the Armenian
government, it is essential for it to be endowed with complete
powers, to synthesize Armenia-Diaspora cooperation and to have
offices and staffs in Armenia as well as the main Diasporan centers.
Naturally, Armenia-Diaspora relations have not been exempt from
difficulties in the past, and today there are difficulties which
shall certainly become smoothed out over the course of time. At this
stage in particular, it is mandatory for the Armenian government to
solve bureaucratic complexities so that Armenia may enjoy the
reputation of being a lawful and stable country and so that trust of
all segments of Armenian society as well as the international
community with regard to Armenia be and remain unwavering.
All of us know that, with the exception of the Middle East, the
majority of Western Armenians no longer live in traditional
Armenian colonies. We have third and fourth generations, which
comprise numerous talented and successful young Armenians. This
Armenian potential is in need of encouragement to return to the
Armenian fold. That encouragement can only come from a prosperous
and strong Armenia.
From the first day of its existence, the AGBU has been on the side
of Armenia and the Armenian people. During the period of the first
republic, the 70 years of Soviet rule and these years of independence,
we have remained loyal to our principles; we have done as much for
the fatherland as conditions and our means have permitted, and we
hold to the conviction that the Armenian Diaspora can survive only
with the presence of a powerful fatherland.
It gives me pleasure to state that, during the past ten years, the
AGBU has put forth over $40 million for its projects in Armenia.
Today, a work force of over 1200 people who live and work on its
soil is involved in those plans. During this period, thanks to the
generosity of its faithful donors, the AGBU has also established
funds amounting to more than $15 million, on behalf of its projects
in Armenia.
The AGBU shall continue its patriotic activity and offers its
polycommunal structure and membership for the strengthening and
flourishing of Armenia-Diaspora links and for Armenia-Diaspora
Union.
Under the present conditions facing the Armenian people, this
august conference can be a turning point in our history, if it
succeeds in finding the paths whereby the two segments of the
Armenian people can join forces to overcome the difficulties faced
by them.
Many thanks to the organizers and participants of this historic
Conference.
Translated to English by Aris G. Sevag.