PRESS RELEASE                                                       March 30, 2006

Ambassador Markarian Visits the Armenian Community of Philadelphia

Ambassador Tatoul Markarian, accompanied by his wife Anna, visited the Armenian-American community of Philadelphia on March 11, 2006, meeting with the representatives of nineteen Armenian organizations and prominent activists. A reception hosted by Mr. and Mrs. Papken and Anahid Megerian brought together organizations representing the entire spectrum of the local Armenian-American community.

In his remarks before the community members, Ambassador Markarian presented the current developments in Armenia and the region. He outlined the current state of U.S.-Armenia relations, and presented the bilateral cooperation in political, economic, commercial, and security areas. The Ambassador then discussed the Government’s vision for further expanding the synergies between Homeland and the Diaspora.

Ambassador Markarian thanked the hosts, as well as co-chairs of the welcoming committee, Dr. Ara Chalian and George S. Yacoubian for organizing an event. He noted that the presence of so many Armenian-American organizations was an indication of the spirit of unity and deep interest in the Armenian issues that has continued unabated for fifteen years since Armenia’s independence.