April

9 Raffi K. Hovannisian launches the National Citizens’ Initiative (NCI).

10 The Armenian media focus on the launching of the National Citizens’ Initiative: “Raffi K. Hovannisian has Founded the National Citizens’ Initiative” on the Armenian News Network Groong; “Presentation of National Citizens’ Initiative Public Association Took Place Today in Yerevan” by ARKA News Agency; “Raffi K. Hovannisian: ‘Karabagh Self-Determination Point is to be Solved by Karabagh People’” in A1Plus News; “Armenian First Foreign Minister Raffi Hovannisian Established ‘National Citizens’ Initiative’ Organization" in PanArmenian Network online news; “Armenia’s Willingness to Establish Diplomatic Relations with Turkey Must Only be Hailed: Raffi Hovannisian,” “Karabakh Problem Must be Settled on Basis of Nation’s Right to Self-Determination: Raffi Hovannisian,” “National Citizens’ Initiative Established in Armenia,” and “Armenian Ex-Foreign Minister Sets up an NGO” by Arminfo News Agency; “New Force Emerges” in Azg daily; “Former FM Signals Political Ambitions” in Radio Liberty Armenia Report; “Ex-Foreign Minister of Armenia Presented the National Citizens’ Initiative," in Mediamax; “Ex-Minister of Foreign Affairs Raffi Hovannisian Founds NGO” in Noyan Tapan Highlights. Article headlined “We Need Crystal, Fair Elections” is published in Hayastani Hanrapetutiun, “The Opposition Should be More Constructive” in Aravot, “The Alternative is Needed” in Haikakan Zhamanak, “Raffi Hovannisian’s Pre-election Start” in Hayots Ashkharh, and “A New Force is Created to Participate in National Elections” in Azg. The opening is covered by Armenian public television’s Haylour program, Prometevs, Armenia, and Shant televisions.

12 Comments on the National Citizens’ Initiative, headlined “With a Commitment to Make the Projects Relevant,” and “To Cultivate Initiative,” are published in Zhamanak and Respublika Armenia weeklies.

16 The National Citizens’ Initiative holds its first press conference to present its programs to the public.

17 “Raffi K. Hovannisian Establishes the National Citizens’ Initiative in Armenia” is published in The Armenian Observer of Los Angeles.
Comments on the National Citizens’ Initiative first press conference are published by Arminfo News Agency, Hayastani Hanrapetutiun, and the Armenia media in diaspora.

18 The National Citizens’ Initiative first press conference, headlined “Free from Political Ambitions,” is published in Aravot daily.

24 Sydney’s Armenia weekly reports that “Hovannisian Founded National Citizens’ Initiative.”
NCI staff lay a wreath at the Tsitsernakaberd monument to the victims of the Genocide.

25 Hovannisian briefs 50 Australian community leaders about the National Citizens’ Initiative, at a reception given by national benefactors Heros and Katy Dilanchian.