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Melkonian Alumni Association of Cyprus
The Hon. Mr. Demetris Christofias August 9, 2004
Re: The closure of the Melkonian
school, repercussions for the Armenian community and the negative climate in
a multicultural Cyprus
We are obliged to appeal to you and all those who have contributed to the
struggle to help save the historic Melkonian school, in order to ask for
your urgent intervention in this matter. - they have intimidated parents, both in Cyprus and abroad, dissuading them from sending their children to the school in September 2004; - they have refused registration of new students who graduated this year from the Nareg Elementary schools; - they terminated the 2003-2004 school year sooner than expected, in direct violation of Ministry of Education regulations; - they continue to ignore the Chairman and members of the House Education Committee that had asked the local representative of the AGBU in March to present all the relative plans regarding the school, the historic buildings, the forest and the future of the Armenian Cypriots who study at the Melkonian, which has not been done to the day; - they are insulting the authority of the House of Representatives, and you personally, Mr. President, ignoring the unanimous Resolution of 26th of March; - they are using every possible means to overturn the Preservation Order issued by the Ministry of Interior on the 2nd of April, with the aim of breaking up the land to develop it commercially, despite the widespread objections of the Municipality of Aghlandjia and the whole of the Greek population of Cyprus. Many say: “the Melkonian is a symbol, not only for the Armenians, but in the name of resistance in general to every struggle for a noble cause”. And they ask us, “is it possible for an Armenian to bring about destruction to another Armenian?” Unfortunately, the history of both our nations has similar examples of utmost treason, something which we thought we had left behind us when we entered the 21st century. The recent bombing attacks in Iraq, where the Armenian catholic Church (in service at that moment) was one of the targets of the terrorists, reminds us of past conflicts, when the people of Cyprus, they too with the wounds of 1974, opened their hearts to the new refugees, many of whom live and prosper all around the world thanks to the hospitality and shelter they found at the Melkonian. Besides, this was and should continue to be the mission of the founders of the Melkonian. Mr. President, This arrogance and “social terrorism” must stop. The Armenian community of Cyprus under the wise leadership of our Representative, Mr. Kalaydjian, and all the alumni of the Melkonian school, are ready to fully undertake the administration of the school. For this reason, we ask for the intervention of the state at a political level to uphold all the resolutions and orders and to start comprehensive negotiations with the A.G.B.U., in order to find a solution and give a favourable end to this crisis. It is imperative that a new independent body be established in Cyprus, under the guardianship or auspices of the Government and in direct cooperation with the alumni, to operate the Melkonian school as an independent international institution for all Armenians, just as was envisioned by the founders 80 years ago. We are at your disposal to discuss all the aspects of this matter and to present you with our comprehensive rescue plan, for the revival and upgrade of the school. Respectfully Shavasb Bohdjalian, Chairman Masis der Parthogh, Vice Chairman
cc. : Chairman and members of the House Education Committee
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