President attends event devoted to ABGU 88th General Assembly

Today, at Alexander Spendiaryan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre, President Serzh Sargsyan and Mrs. Rita Sargsyan attended an event devoted to the 88th General Assembly of the Armenian General Benevolent Union (ABGU). The Armenian President delivered a speech. On the occasion of the AGBU 88th General Assembly there took place a gala concert.

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Address by President Serzh Sargsyan on the 88th General Assembly of the Armenian General Benevolent Union

Distinguished President of the Armenian General Benevolent Union,
Distinguished executives of the union, benefactors, guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,

I am glad to greet all the participants of the union’s 88th ordinary general assembly. I am very pleased to meet you in our Homeland.

Your assembly has been convened at a very responsible and important moment for all Armenians – in the year of the Armenian Genocide Centennial – in April. Hence, we first of all need to assess and evaluate the path we have shared in the past and the present destination.

It is a fact that throughout the last 109 years, the light of patriotic activities stemming from fundamental ideas that lie at the core of the union has always been burning. Your merited organization has passed through the roads of the Armenian people’s fate. Like the refugees and orphans who survived the Mets Eghern, it grew higher, weathered various storms, endured challenges and overcame all big and small difficulties. The Armenian people’s powerful will helped the organization move forward under the slogan “Unity is Power.” In a short period of time, the union transformed into a true pan-Armenian organization, spreading its wings in our colonies all over the world.

It is very important to praise the AGBU members to value their devotion and support for Armenia and Armenians. Thus, as President of the Republic of Armenia, I express my deepest gratitude for your efforts aimed at carrying out patriotic activities in Armenia, Artsakh and the Diaspora. Thank you very much.

Dear compatriots,

Regardless of location, the gravitational force of the Homeland and the nation will not leave any Armenian in peace. With this very force, each of us finds its way to get involved in the life of Armenia and Armenians. Here, too, the union plays a significant role in spreading the flame and sense of patriotism and national preservation throughout different corners of the world.

The Armenian Diaspora took in a new breath and got enthusiastic with Armenia’s independence. From the War of the Vardanank to Sardarapat, from Bash Aparan to the Atsakh heroic war and to the liberation of heaven-kissing Shushi, our people continue to struggle, create and build. Altogether we have managed to defend the homeland of all Armenians, our pride, our identity, the source of our strength and vital power.

The union was of the first diaspora organizations which was established in Armenia and became Armenia-centered, realizing that it was the best way to further reinforcement. It initiated some effective youth, educational, healthcare, social, sports and cultural projects which are targeted at developing the spiritual, cultural and economic life of Armenia and Artsakh. During the implementation of its large-scale projects, the union has managed to create around 2000 jobs.

It is very important that the union has always closely cooperated with Yerevan and Stepanakert authorities, as well as with local self-government bodies. That practice proved that it is the most effective way to clarify priorities, accurately assess the needs and to find the best means of rendering assistance.

I attach special importance to the union’s activities aimed at supporting our compatriots in Syria. It is worth highlighting that the union and the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation lent a helping hand to the Armenian government to cope with education issues of our young students emigrated from Syria.

Dear friends,

Armenia is the guarantee for the preservation of our national identity. Every Armenian’s conception of future is linked to Armenia. As a relic, his past is consigned in his native land. His present is bound by all threads to the homeland. For this very reason, the overarching goal of all Armenians must be to support and back the safeness of Armenia and Artsakh. In this regard, I would like to emphasize those projects of the union which are targeted at the reinforcement and progress of Armenia, as well as at consolidating Armenians around the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church.

All the issues set forth by you have nationwide significance. Naturally, they require all Armenians to combine their efforts which is first of all implies promotion of cooperation between the diaspora and the two Armenian states. I assure you that we will stand beside you throughout the realization of all your patriotic undertakings, serving as a firm foundation and a reliable partner.

During these days of the general assembly, I wish your organization to continue its mission devoted to the well-being of our nation, the church and our homeland.

I wish the AGBU second centenary to be more fruitful, steadier and full of victories.

Thank you for your attention.