MEDALS FOR THE INTELLECTUALS OF DIASPORA
By Marietta Makarian

AZG DAILY
12-05-2011

RA Minister of Diaspora Hranush Hakobyan took part in the solemn
closing ceremony of the Global Summit of Women in Istanbul. The
three-day summit brought together nearly 1,000 women from 82 countries,
including First Ladies, 35 women ministers, businesswomen, public and
political figures and representatives of international organizations.

The RA Minister of Diaspora had meetings with representatives of
the Istanbul-Armenian community. Hranush Hakobyan visited the Holy
Virgin Church of Peshiktash, the St. Gregory the Illuminator Church
of Ghalatia and the St. Stepanos Church of Yeshilgyugh and met with
members of the churches' boards of trustees, also had meetings in
Yesayan and Central schools.

The minister had a meeting with journalists of the Istanbul-Armenian
"Marmara" and "Agos" newspapers, as well as Radio Liberty and "Armenia
Now" and answered their questions.

In the evening, the patriarchate organized a solemn reception in
honor of the RA Minister of Diaspora. During the reception, artists
and intellectuals were awarded medals of the RA Ministry of Diaspora.

Editor-in-chief of "Marmara" newspaper, prose writer Rober Hatejian
received the "Gold Medal"; Marlen Tekirtagltchan, Verzhin Shaptch,
Erol Sarafian and Ara Kuler received the "Arshil Gorky" Medal;
Karo Mafian, Mazhak Toshikian, Alis Manukian, Nshan Tchalktchian
and Artashes Akoshian received the "Komitas" Medal; Inga Saraslan,
Arman Vardanian, Vard Shikaher, Zareh Khrakhuni and Mgrdich Markosian
received the "William Saroyan" Medal.