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April 16, 2002 For Immediate Release The National Citizens' Initiative
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Hrach Hakobyan, the coordinator of the Initiative, introduced the Coordinating Council members: Dr. Haik Sargsian, Dean of Economics at Yerevan State University; Dr. Hranush Kharatyan, lecturer at Yerevan State University and head of the Center for Ethnographical Research; Aidin Morikian, editor in chief of "Hayatsk Yerevanits" monthly and "Orran" daily; Dr. Tatoul Manasserian, research director of the Armenian Center for National and International Studies; Dr. Hrach Tatevian, senior lecturer at the Valery Bryusov Yerevan State Linguistic University; Moushegh Lalayan, editor of "Dartz" magazine; Sos Gimishian, advisor to the Gesellschaft fur Technische Zusammenarbeit Community Development Program; Knarik Ohanian, co-chairwoman of the Armenian Young Lawyers Association; Gevorg Kalenchian, director of Aviacompania Veteran; and Arshavir Kapoudjian, Secretary of the Board of the Bible Society of Armenia.
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Speaking of the Initiative's goals, Hrach Hakobyan stated: "Our activities are aimed at developing and carrying through the very programs, national projects, and policies that focus on development in all aspects of public life. The National Citizens' Initiative is open and ready for combined action with individuals and institutions who share our concern and commitment. Today the Armenian citizen is insufficiently involved in active participation in our country's life and destiny. We wish to encourage the citizens of Armenia to engage in building a progressive and prosperous country."
Hranoush Kharatian presented the activities of the Coordinating Council's Commission on Spiritual and Cultural Challenges. Haik Sargsian introduced the current activities and ongoing projects of the Commission on Socioeconomic Issues. Sos Gimishian and Knarik Ohanian detailed the programs and concepts set forth by the Commission on Law and State Administration and the Commission on Youth.
Together with numerous questions regarding the activities of the Coordinating Council, the journalists focused primarily on whether the Initiative intends to evolve into a political party, and if it will participate in the upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections. Answering at length, Hrach Hakobyan stated: "The National Citizens' Initiative has been set up as a non-governmental organization and will continue to operate as such. Our goals are to draw up national projects and policies, which will be presented to our society through public discussions and submitted to the state authorities as alternative viewpoints. As for political aspirations, I can say that through the National Citizens' Initiative many competent and dedicated individuals have come together, each possessing creative and thoughtful perspectives which may help to strengthen the civic processes in the republic. Regarding the financial resources of the Initiative, I wish to stress that we are a non-profit organization and do not have any commercial interests." The activities, Hakobyan continued, are based on civic service, public participation, youth issues, socio-economic development, and educational, cultural, legal, and international affairs. Funding will be allocated in order to realize and implement certain projects as they arise.
For further information, please call
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