YEREVAN (Noyan Tapan)–The 28th World Congress of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation concluded in Tsaghkadzor on February 12–the ARF Press Service said in a press release.
The meeting proved a milestone event in the sense that it was held in Armenia for the first time in 81 years. The last World Congress to convene in Armenia was in 1919.
The meeting announced that "due to the long-standing struggle–hardships and will of the entire party–today the ARF has an opportunity to hold its general meeting in Armenia."
The general meeting assessed and discussed the activities of the party–and revealed the breaches and oversights of the past four years. At the same time–it recognized the progress made and activities the ARF accomplished within various international political circles–such as elevation of its status within Socialist International and the activities of Armenian communities throughout the world in pursuit of the Armenian Cause.
In discussing the party’s strategies for the coming four years–the World Congress outlined the main trends of political and organizational activities for the ARF to follow with firm resolution and stern discipline.
Among the top-priority strategies the party regards the preservation of the achievemen’s of the Artsakh struggle vis–vis the Armenian Cause and the strengthening of the two independent Armenian states–with the aim of encompassing a broad sphere of activities to address these issues.
The meeting formulated specific strategic tasks to be encompassed in pursuit of a stronger unity between Armenia and its Diaspora.
Expressing deep concern over the growing exodus from Armenia–the party legislated appropriate instructions to the newly elected Bureau.
During the World Congress–which lasted for about two weeks–regional representatives also discussed the situation in Diasporan communities–emphasizing several aspects of national life–starting with the Armenian Apostolic Church and ending with problems in the spheres of education and culture.
A new ARF Bureau was elected following the meeting. It includes: Albert Ajemian–Garo Armenian–Hagop Yenikomshian–Vahan Hovanessian–Viken A. Hovsepian–Vicken S. Hovsepian–Hrant Markarian–Mario Nalbandian–Yervand Pamboukian. During its first meeting the newly elected Bureau elected Hrant Markarian as its Representative. Armenian–Hovanessian and Nalbandian were selected to be representatives of the ARF political secretariat.