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$5 Million Raised For ARF Political Activities At Dubai Gala

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  • $5 Million Raised For ARF Political Activities At Dubai Gala

    $5 MILLION RAISED FOR ARF POLITICAL ACTIVITIES AT DUBAI GALA

    ARF Press Service
    Monday February 2, 2009

    DUBAI (ARF Press Service)--An unprecedented $5 million dollars
    was raised over the weekend at a gala benefit for the Armenian
    Revolutionary Federation's political activities throughout
    the world. The benefit gala, held Saturday at the Festival City
    Intercontinental Hotel in Dubai was attended by hundreds of benefactors
    and presided over by His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great
    House of Cilicia.

    The event's contributions surpassed previous such gatherings held in
    Geneva in 2001 and in Paris in 2005.

    The global economic crisis did not deter benefactors from stepping
    forward this year and recognizing the important work of the ARF's
    international political offices in the last four years. The money
    raised will greatly elevate the work of Hai Tahd in meeting the
    challenges facing Armenia's foreign policy priorities.

    Presided over by Catholicos Aram I, a large number of businesspeople
    and ARF members and supporters from Europe, Russia, the Middle East
    and Armenia came together to reaffirm their commitment to the political
    activities of the ARF. More than 250 donors took part in the event.

    Members from the ARF's ministerial rank in Armenia, Arsen
    Hamabrtsoumian, Aramayis Grigorian and Spartak Seyranian were joined
    at the event by their counterpart in Lebanon Andre Tabourian. Members
    from the ARF's Armenian parliamentary bloc and th e ARF's Lebanon
    member of parliament, Hagop Pakradouni were also at the gala. Also
    present were Armenia's Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates Vahagn
    Melikyan, Armenian Relief Society Central Executive chairwoman Vicky
    Marashlian, as well as the majority of the ARF Bureau and directors
    of Hai Tahd offices in Europe, the Middle East and Moscow.

    Shahe Barsoumian, a Master of Ceremonies and a member of the organizing
    committee, welcomed the guest and those who were unable to attend
    for their continued support and generosity. He discussed the various
    the activities of the ARF's political offices around the world,
    underscoring the positive impact of their work on Armenia's standing
    in the world.

    Representing the UAE and Dubai region, Hrair Soghomonian welcomed
    those gathered and throughout the evening recognized the donors who
    had generously contributed to the event.

    Armenian President Serzh Sarkisian's message was read by Armenia's
    Education Minister Spartak Seyranian.

    "New components are continually being added to the concept of %u218Hai
    Tahd'," said Sarkisian in his message, adding that international
    recognition of the Armenian Genocide and the just resolution of the
    Nagorno-Karabakh conflict are being supplemented by new challenges. "We
    need to assist in the strengthening of our homeland."

    The second Master of Ceremonies, ARF Bureau member and chairman of
    the ARF parliamentary bloc, Vahan Hovannesian, presen ted the gathered
    guests with a list of donors.

    With a message to "believe, work and triumph," ARF Bureau chairman
    Hrant Markarian addressed the gathering, expressing gratitude to
    the generous benefactors gathered at the event on behalf of the
    organization.

    Markarian said the network of Hai Tahd offices are "effectively second
    embassies in Washington, Brussels, Moscow, Beirut and Tbilisi. They
    coordinate and marshal the efforts of Armenians and our friends toward
    elevating Armenia's political stature internationally, securing
    economic assistance to Armenia, defending rights of the people of
    Nagorno-Karabakh, the realization of the international recognition
    and condemnation of the Armenian Genocide and to counter Turkish and
    Azeri anti-Armenian propaganda."

    Markarian added that defense of the Armenian Cause was, for decades,
    an undertaking and priority of the Diaspora. He welcomed that Armenia
    and its population have now joined the fight for justice, making Hai
    Tahd a truly pan-Armenian reality.

    At the conclusion of the event, Catholicos Aram I addressed the
    gathering highlighted the pan-Armenian nature of Hai Tahd, commending
    the current Armenian leadership for elevating the Armenian Cause within
    the country's foreign policy priorities. He called the event not merely
    a fundraiser but rather an opportunity to renew the commitment toward
    the successful fruition of national aspirations.

    Renowned and popular singer Roub en Hakhverdian entertained the guests
    during the banquet.

    A DVD chronicling the ARF's political activities in Europe, Russia and
    the CIS, the Middle, and within international bodies was distributed
    to the guests and donors.
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