ANCA Discusses Plight of Georgian Armenian Community in Meetings with Leaders, Officials

ANCA Chairman Ken Hachikian explores efforts to expand assistance to Armenian communities in Javakhk and Tbilisi

TBILISI, Georgia—Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) Chairman Ken Hachikian conducted a series of high-level meetings with Georgian authorities and Armenian community leaders in the organization’s efforts to call broader attention to the plight of the Armenian community in that country.

U.S. Ambassador to Georgia John Bass (center) with ANCA Chairman Ken Hachikian and Communications Director Elizabeth Chouldjian

“This trip was an excellent opportunity to have a frank and open discussion with Georgian authorities and our own U.S. representatives in that country about the opportunities and challenges facing the Armenian communities in Javakhk and Tbilisi,” said ANCA Chairman Ken Hachikian.  “In the upcoming months, we look forward to working with the administration and Members of Congress, and exploring ways to expand cooperation with our compatriots in the region.”

In a week-long trip to Georgia’s capital Tbilisi and the Armenian-populated Samtskhe-Javakheti (Javakhk) region, Hachikian was joined by ANCA Communications Director Elizabeth Chouldjian in discussing the Armenian American community’s concerns about the socio-economic situation in the region, and efforts to maintain the Armenian culture and language of the community in the broader tapestry of Georgia’s cultural diversity.

Hachikian and Chouldjian met with Georgian Foreign Minister Grigol Vashadze, Cultural Minister Nikoloz Rurua, and representatives of the Ministries of Education, Justice, Regional Development and Infrastructure, and Regional Integration, and the National Security Council, which assisted in coordinating the meetings.  They also discussed U.S. policy and assistance efforts in the region with U.S. Ambassador to Georgia John Bass, outgoing USAID Country Director Jock Connelly, and Millennium Challenge Corporation Resident Country Director Jim McNicholas.

Georgian Foreign Minister Grigol Vashadze with Hachikian

In Javakhk, as in Tbilisi, the ANCA representatives spoke with a broad range of Armenian representatives of non-governmental organizations and the Armenian Church.  The ANCA looks to continue this dialogue with Armenian community leaders, the Georgian government, as well a U.S. administration and Congressional leaders in an effort to help address the needs of the local community.

2 Comments

  1. I don’t know to be happy or sad, excited or cry, but the fact is a fact. Armenian representative travels to Georgia from USA to promote the interests of Armenians who are living next door to Armenia. Wow, i am just shocked. Its a shame that Armenian administration could care less. This administration does not care about anyone or anything. Is this ever going to change ??? Can Ken might as well run for presidency in Armenia ? I would love to see him to become one. Thank you Ken and ANCA for everything you do. 

  2. I can say only one thing,short and usefull,Giorgians give much importance to a person who can have 
    some influence in USA,sad to say, they do not love us. elaborate …….

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