ARF, ARS Hold Reception in Honor of Amb. Mnatsakanyan

NEW YORK (A.W.)—On Thurs., June 26, community leaders gathered at a reception hosted by Virginia Davies and Willard Taylor to welcome Zohrab Mnatsakanyan, the Republic of Armenia’s newly appointed ambassador to the UN.

Attending the event, which was jointly organized by the ARF Eastern Region and ARS Eastern Region, were representatives of the ARF, ARS, Near East Foundation, Hamazkayin, ANCA, area clergy, as well as correspondents for the Hairenik and Armenian Weekly.

Following the reception, Davies spoke about her long-term involvement with the Armenia Mission in the UN and wished Mnatsakanyan a successful and prosperous tenure in his new post.

“We’ve seen a number of ambassadors come and go over the past 23 years, but the level of cooperation with Ambassador Garen Nazarian reached a new level,” said ARS UN NGO chair Valentine Berberian. “Now, it gives me great pleasure to have the opportunity to welcome Mr. Zohrab Mnatsakanyan. Your Excellency, welcome to the Big Apple.”

Following Berberian’s speech, Mnatsakanyan extended his thanks to the host and the attendees for their warm welcome. “I am not going to stand here and pretend like I am telling you something original. The challenges facing our nation are common knowledge. During my tenure, I hope to strengthen the Republic of Armenia’s ties with different states and international organizations,” he said. “I am confident that the local communities and organizations will support our mission to ensure a secure and prosperous future for both Armenia and the Nagorno Karabagh Republic.”

ARF Central Committee chair Richard Sarajian welcomed Mnatsakanyan and expressed the ARF’s commitment to support Armenia’s Mission to the United Nations.

“Most of the people present here today remember our struggle for the independence of the Republic of Armenia and its consequent membership within the UN,” said Sarajian. “The ARF and its sister organizations are here to support your efforts. The Armenian National Committee of America is eager to support you in finding a just and peaceful solution to the Artsakh [Karabagh] conflict.”