PRESS RELEASE
January 11, 2005

Embassy Hosts Christmas Open House, Concert by Armenian Musicians

On January 7, 2005, the Embassy of Armenia hosted the traditional Christmas Open House reception for the Armenian American community of Greater Washington area that featured a concert by famous Armenian musicians performing in the U.S., Noune Karapetian (soprano) and Vahan Sargsyan (piano).

Before the concert, Armenian Ambassador to the U.S., Dr. Arman Kirakossian spoke briefly on Armenia’s achievements and challenges in 2004, emphasizing the need for continued economic, political, humanitarian, and commercial cooperation between the Diaspora and Homeland to sustain Armenia’s economic growth and help address the social needs of the vulnerable people in Armenia. Ambassador Kirakossian also presented his vision for the U.S.-Armenian bilateral relations and cooperation in 2005.

The Armenian Ambassador then paid tribute and handed out certificates of appreciation to Armenian-American friends of the Embassy who have contributed toward maintenance and preservation of the historical building of the Armenian Embassy in Washington in 2004.

The recital that followed featured selected pieces of Armenian and international classical and folk music by Noune Karapetian and Vahan Sargsyan.

The reception was attended by members of the Armenian-American community and officials from the National Security Council, and State Department. Among the guests were Chief Economic Adviser to the President, Vahram Nercissiantz and former U.S. Ambassador to Armenia Michael C. Lemmon.