I
am writing this letter to urge you to take action towards
the preservation of the Melkonian School in Lefkosia. You
may know that Melkonian School was founded to accommodate
the scholarly needs of the children orphaned by the Genocide
of the Armenian nation in 1915. Since then the school has
grown into a renowned institution worldwide. It has had thousands
of graduates from Cyprus, and all over the world.
The Cypriot graduates of Melkonian have had a tremendous
input in developing Cyprus into a strong and vibrant country.
I am sure you know some of them.
Of all Armenian schools Melkonian has given a widely disproportionate
share of intellectuals, writers, politicians and persons of
political influence. The international students of Melkonian
have returned to their countries with utmost respect for the
Cypriot society and an in-depth knowledge of the Cypriot issue
and have continued to spread the word about Cyprus. This is
an important avenue for fostering and maintaining the Cypriot
goodwill around the world. These graduates have become influential
in their respective societies and continue to advocate for
the just resolution of the problems facing Cyprus, such as
the illegal occupation of the North.
Unfortunately, Cyprus is facing the prospect of losing this
important pipeline of cultural and international influence
abroad. The current trustees of Melkonian have shut down the
school. To me, and others concerned about Cyprus with whom
I have communicated my fears, this is not acceptable.
We have to seize this opportunity and show the world community
that the Cypriots value their heritage, and understand the
long-term consequences of losing Melkonian.
As a friend of Cyprus, I urge you to take a firm stand and
fight to keep Melkonian in Cyprus. It is far too important
of an institution to lose.
Sincerely;
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