There took place the second session of the State Commission on Coordination of the Events dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide

Today, at the new premise of Matenadaran there took place the second session of the State Commission on Coordination of the Events dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, which was chaired by the Head of the Commission President Serzh Sargsyan.

Before taking up items on the session’s agenda, President Sargsyan informed that since the first session held on May 30, 2011 the Secretariat has been working towards the implementation of the assignments set by the Commission. Instructions were also given to the RA Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora Issues to assist in the formation of the regional commissions in different countries and organization through the joint efforts of various events. According to the President of Armenia, on that direction too certain works have already been accomplished, and the pertinent information was provided during the session.

In the framework of the agenda items, the participants spoke about the composition of the State Commission and the Group of Experts attached to the Commission. A proposal was made to expand the composition of the Commission which was adopted. Decision was made to include into the Commission the Homentem, AGBU Armenian Youth and Homentem representatives taking into consideration the importance of involving young people in the events dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. The Chairman of the Pyunik Foundation, benefactor Gabriel Jambarjian (Jambarjin) has also become a member of the Commission. It was noted that the mentioned Foundation is financing the renovation and expansion works at the Museum-Institute of the Armenian Genocide and the construction works of the Komitas Museum-Institute. In addition, the Foundation is implementing in Armenia many other projects.

At the session approved was the composition of the Expert Group which comprises twenty-five members, with the option to expand it further if necessary. The Secretary of the State Commission Hayk Demoyan made a proposal to adopt as a principle to include into the Expert Group individuals who have made a significant contribution to the recognition of the Armenian Genocide and received for those activities the Presidential Award and augment the Group each year with the new awardees. The proposal was accepted. Today, Hayk Demoyan proposed to include into the Group Mr. Harutyun Marutian.

The State Commission on Coordination of the Events dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide took note of the report on the works of the Secretariat of the Commission accomplished in 2011-2012, which was introduced by the Secretary of the Commission, Director of the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute Hayk Demoyan.

The participants of the session held a broad discussion on the general strategy of the events dedicated to the 100th anniversary of commemoration of the Armenian Genocide, conceptual and program approaches and direction of works to be taken by the Commission. Stressed was the importance of the joint efforts and synchronized step of all segments of the Armenian nation – Armenia, Artsakh and Spyurk.

In the framework of the agenda items, the Commission discussed and adopted announcement of the competition for selecting the symbol and the motto of the 100th anniversary events. The Secretariat was instructed to publish the text of the announcement. Considering the importance of broadcasting and reporting of the commemorative events, as well as continual presenting of the relevant information to the Armenian and foreign public through the internet, the Secretariat of the State Commission presented the draft of the official website. The website is to be launched this year, initially in seven languages.

The President of Armenia informed the members of the Commission that works on the fundamental renovation of the Tsitsernakaberd Memorial, expansion of the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute and installation of a new exhibition have commenced. According to Serzh Sargsyan, this initiative is one of the events envisaged in the framework of the 100th anniversary events.

At today’s session, discussed was also the issue of financing of the State Commission and Expert Group. The RA Minister of Finance was instructed to look into the issue and present proposals to include them in the 2013 budget call.

The State Commission decided to invite its next session on May 27, 2013, on the eve of the 95th anniversary of the establishment of the First Armenian Republic and if need to invite also an additional meeting.