Americans for Artsakh Opens its Liaison Office in Stepanakert, Nagorno Karabakh

Washington, DC — Stepanakert office of the Americans For Artsakh (AFA) organization has begun its operations in Nagorno Karabakh Republic, Artsakh.

AFA application for registration in Nagorno Karabakh followed a July 2004 resolution of the AFA Board of Directors to open a representation in Artsakh. By another Board decision, Elvina Azarian was appointed director of the AFA Liaison Office in Artsakh. A native of Stepanakert, Elvina volunteered her time and skills to advance AFA’s innovative projects in Artsakh.

Nagorno Karabakh President Arkady Ghoukasian voices his strong support for the Americans for Artsakh’s (AFA) objectives and pledges close cooperation. From left to right Mrs. Sona Khanjian, President Arkady Ghoukasian and AFA President Zaven Khanjian

Working in close cooperation with both the NKR government and the public, the AFA Liaison Office in Artsakh will be responsible for project implementation, regular updates on humanitarian and development needs of Artsakh, and on-site support for visiting members.

In separate meetings with AFA President Zaven Khanjian and Executive Director Hrant Jamgochian, NKR President Arkady Ghoukasian voiced his strong support for the AFA objectives and pledged close cooperation.

In May 2004, AFA sponsored two seismologists from Nagorno Karabakh to participate in the "2004 Disaster Resistant California" international conference in Sacramento, CA. Since last year, Liaison Office director Azarian has represented AFA in the CIMAP - a local committee tasked with implementation of medical assistance projects for Artsakh’s children and veterans.

This month AFA launched a first-ever food market study in Artsakh. AFA Board of Directors is currently reviewing a number of innovative projects in democracy development and education for their possible implementation.

Americans For Artsakh is a non-profit 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization established to preserve freedom, strengthen democracy, foster economic development, protect the cultural identity and promote the heritage of the people of Artsakh. The founding Board of Directors include: Zaven Khanjian, President; Dr. Hratch Abrahamian, Vice President; Savey Tufenkian, Treasurer; Rita Balian, Secretary; and Edward Chobanian.

Americans for Artsakh is a non-profit 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization established to preserve freedom, strengthen democracy, foster economic development, protect the cultural identity and promote the heritage of the people of Artsakh.