NEW ORGANIZATION TO BUILD ON EFFORTS OF ANC EUROPE
BRUSSELS–Belgium–The Armenian National Committee of Europe (ANC Europe) Board of Directors announced today that the organization will–henceforth–be known as the "European Armenian Federation for Justice and Democracy" (European Armenian Federation).
"We have adopted the new name to more accurately reflect the nature and objectives of our political efforts," said Hilda Tchoboian–president of the European Armenian Federation. `As European institutions evolved and grew stronger over the years–our organization expanded–as well–to become a Europe-wide network of activists–working as early as 1987 for the proper recognition of the Armenian Genocide by the European Parliament–and later by the National Parliamen’s’.
The Federation will continue to advocate issues within key European Union institutions–including the European Parliament–the European Commission–the European Council and the European Convention. The Federation will also work with the UN–the Council of Europe and the European branches of international organizations.
"We share the concerns of the European Armenian community," noted Tchoboian. "We will work hand-in-hand with Europeans of Armenian descent to promote civic participation and to ensure that their aspirations are properly reflected in all levels of European politics and institutions."
The Federation will work to promote the rights of the Armenian people–both in Armenia and in the Diaspora. It will particularly focus on promoting the civil and political rights as well as economic–social and cultural rights of Armenia’s worldwide–as defined by the universal principles of human rights.
Serving as an umbrella group for a number of national associations and organizations–including the local chapters of the Armenian National Committee which share common goals and values–the Federation will be a compelling voice in efforts dealing with European and international institutions. "We look forward to building coalitions with organizations–institutions or representatives of civil society who espouse the same goals as the Federation," stressed Tchoboian.
The European Armenian Federation president concluded–noting that "We are committed to promoting the European values of justice and democracy in Armenia and in the Caucasus in general," stated Tchoboian. "We look forward to strengthening ties between Armenia and European institutions–as Armenia continues its efforts to integrate in the European family of nations."
The European Armenian Federation for Justice and Democracy is headquartered in Brussels–Belgium.