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NKR Presedent Arkady Ghoukasian
Lays Memorial Wreath in Solemn "Ground Zero" Prayer Services
PRESS RELEASE
November 21, 2002
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| Arkady Ghoukasian, the president of the Nagorno-Karabagh
Republic, lays a wreath at a memorial located at the edge of the
six-story crater that was once the World Trade Center. Written on
the ribbons of the wreath, it says, "In memory of the victims of
September 11th terrorist attacks. The Nagorno-Karabakh Republic
extends its sympathy and support to the people of the United States." |
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| NKR President Ghoukasian looks into the "Ground
Zero" site during a prayer service on Wednesday, November 20, 2002. |
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| Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Eastern
Diocese, (right) joins NKR President Ghoukasian; Vardan Barseghian,
representative of the Nagorno-Karabagh Republic in the United States;
and Fr. Mardiros Chevian, dean of New York's St. Vartan Cathedral,
for a solemn prayer service at "Ground Zero." |
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| During a reception with leaders of the Armenian-American
community in New York City, President Ghoukasian stresses the importance
of the proposed North-South highway that connect all of Nagorno-Karabagh.
The reception was hosted by the Diocese of the Armenian Church of
America (Eastern) on Tuesday, November 19, 2002. |
The President of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic Arkady
Ghoukasian and Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of
the Armenian Church of America (Eastern) laid a memorial wreath Wednesday
at the "Ground Zero" site of last year's attack on the World Trade Center.
The President and his delegation went to the site
of what once was the soaring 110-story tall twin towers to show support
for the families of the victims, to stand against terrorism, and to
pray for peace. President Ghoukasian said that like all people of Nagorno
Karabakh, he knows first hand the sense of loss that comes with violence
and hatred. He was visibly touched by the scene of destruction in New
York City.
In his remarks at the wreath-laying ceremony President
Ghoukasian said "We express our heartfelt condolences to the relatives
of the victims of the September 11 terrorist attacks and to all American
people. The entire world community is joined with you in the effort
to rout out international terrorism. Nagorno Karabakh was also attacked
by international terrorists when Azerbaijan hired Afghani mujaheddin
mercenaries to fight against us." He added, "We are as one with the
American people in its fight against our common enemy."
Archbishop Barsamian offered a prayer in memory of
the victims and called for peace and stability throughout the world:
"Lord, bring peace and stability to all - to the United
States, Armenia, Artsakh, and the entire world - and restore justice
among your creatures, true justice that comes only from you. By the
mystery of your all-powerful and miraculous holy cross, transform the
pain and devastation into life and hope," said Archbishop Barsamian.
"Let us not lose faith, but bring us closer to you and embolden us in
the assurance of your loving care and mercy. For you are our God, creator
of heaven and earth, our hope and our refuge."
Earlier, President Ghoukasian attended a reception
at the Diocesan Center in New York City. Meeting with leaders of the
Armenian American community, he urged them to support a fund-raising
effort to build the North-South highway that will unite all of Nagorno
Karabakh.
With the crucial help of the Diaspora, President Ghoukasian
said the highway could be built in just three years. He emphasized that
this strategic project should be given a top priority.
The proposed highway will stretch 105 miles from Martakert
to Hadrut, providing a vital communication link and uniting more than
100 towns and villages with the capital, Stepanakert, and the outside
world. Nineteen miles of the project have already been completed.
President Ghoukasian said that while physical battles
with neighboring Azerbaijan may be over, the economic battles are just
starting and the highway is the key to Nagorno Karabakh's success.
His stop in New York comes after a successful trip
to Paris. The President will leave for Los Angeles tomorrow to participate
in the All Armenian Hayastan Fund's telethon, raising funds for the
construction of strategic North-South highway in Nagorno Karabakh. The
telethon will be held on November 28.
The President's delegation includes his advisor, Naira
Melkumian as well as the Executive Director of the All-Armenian Hayastan
Fund, Vahan Ter-Ghevondian. Representative of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic
in the United States Vardan Barseghian joined the delegation in New
York City.
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