71st International Convention of the ARS Held in Yerevan

ARS Releases Statement on Baku’s Aggression

The official opening of the 71st International Convention of the Armenian Relief Society, Inc. (ARS) took place on Oct. 4, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Yerevan, Armenia. Several officials were present, including Armenia’s Minister of the Diaspora Hranoush Hagopian, representatives of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) Bureau and sister organizations, European Armenian Federation for Justice and Democracy (EAFJD) Director Kaspar Karampetian, ARS supporters, convention delegates, and observers.

The official opening of the 71st International Convention of ARS, Inc. took place on Oct. 4, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Yerevan.

Remarks were offered by ARS chair Vicky Marachelian, ARF Bureau member Hagop Der Khatchadourian, Minister Hranoush Hagopian, and ARS Armenia representative Jenik Barsamyan.

During the official opening, a formal agreement of cooperation with regards to cultural, educational, and social projects was signed between the Diaspora Ministry and the ARS.

The ARS “Ararat” Award for Excellence was bestowed upon Dr. Eleni Theocharous, a member of the European Parliament and head of the EU-Armenia group, in appreciation of her voluntary humanitarian and medical assistance during the Artsakh conflict.

Currently, Theocharous continues her dedicated work on a political level while promoting and supporting the Armenian cause in the European Parliament. As a result of her diligent efforts, Theocharous has received awards from the Artsakh government, Armenia’s president, and the Armenian Parliament. EAFJD Director Kaspar Karampetian accepted the award on her behalf.

In her video message presented to the audience, Theocharous said, “The struggle of the Armenians for their nation, their religion, their freedom…their self-determination is great and continues. In this struggle, I am an Armenian as well. We are all Armenians…I feel the need to congratulate the ARS in the organization of such important activities. I feel deeply moved and grateful and I want to thank you for remembering, recognizing, and honoring my work with such a prestigious award, but mostly for not forgetting those who adore Armenia.”

In the absence of Theocharous, the "Ararat" award was presented to EAFJD Director Kaspar Karampetian — In the absence of Theocharous, the ‘Ararat’ Award was presented to EAFJD Director Kaspar Karampetian

The “Ararat” Award for Excellence was established in 2003. It is granted to individuals in recognition of their outstanding commitment to humanitarian endeavors and in deep gratitude for their unsolicited and meritorious service to the Armenian people.

The 71st International Convention of the ARS is taking place from Oct. 4-9 in Yerevan — The 71st International Convention of the ARS took place from Oct. 4-9 in Yerevan

ARS Releases Statement on Baku’s Aggression

The convention released the following statement condemning Azerbaijani aggression against Armenian villages:

“The 71st Convention of the Armenian Relief Society stands in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Armenia and the Nagorno-Karabagh Republic (Artsakh), and strongly condemns the Azerbaijani Army’s attacks against innocent civilians in the border villages of Armenia and Artsakh.

“The Convention delegates from 22 countries, who are in Yerevan, Armenia, are gravely concerned that the Azerbaijani Army continues to violate the ceasefire agreement and attacks peaceful civilians. Children, women, and the elderly are among the dead and injured following the continuous attacks on the border villages.

“The Convention condemns the violations, and requests that the international community and world leaders make every effort to stop the aggression.”

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The 71^st International Convention of the ARS took place from Oct. 4-9 in Yerevan. Attending the meeting were delegates elected from 20 regions, as well as observers, invitees, and representatives of sister organizations.