Press release

REF: PR /04/03/006

Assembly of Armenians of Europe

Rue de Treves 10, 1050 Brussels

Tel: +32 2 647 08 01

Fax: +32 2 647 02 00

e-mail: aae@euroarmenian.com

THE AAE calls upon the AGBU to reconsider its decision of closing the Melkonian School

Brussels, March 15^th, 2004 - It is with deep regret that the Assembly of Armenians of Europe learnt about the decision of the AGBU Administrative Board to close gradually the Melkonian School of Cyprus. The Boarding School of the Melkonian Educational Institution will be the first to be shut down.

It is undeniable truth that the Armenian School is the stronghold that preserves the Armenian Diaspora from being assimilated and keeps alive the Armenian spirit. Indeed, since its foundation the Melkonian Educational Institution has not been just a school, but the principle basis for the preservation of our national identity outside of Armenia. Many political and cultural figures have been educated here.

Taking into consideration that many young Armenians attend the Melkonian School, the closing of the latter will have grave consequences not only on the Armenian Community in Cyprus, but also in the countries of Middle East, Europe and countries of ex-Soviet Union Republic. The Melkonian School offers the best opportunity to the young Armenians to get acquainted with the Armenian history, culture and traditions and inspires them with the Armenian values. The fact that the Melkonian Educational Institution is the only Armenian secondary school in Europe (besides the school, recently established in France) emphasizes its importance.

Such decision puts under question the very principles and objectives of the AGBU Administrative Board which for many decades has been administrating the Melkonian School and their commitment to the preservation of Armenian values.

Therefore, the Assembly of Armenians of Europe calls upon the Administrative Board of the AGBU to reconsider their decision for the sake of the whole Armenian Diaspora. By applying such a decision, the AGBU will definitely fail to fulfill its historical mission, which is the preservation of the Armenian Identity and Armenian values.

Assembly of Armenians of Europe (AAE)