April 10, 2007

Heritage Starts Its Election Campaign

Yerevan—The Heritage Party today c

onvened the first of its citizens’ meetings at the Armenia Marriott Hotel, and formally announced the commencement of its campaign for the parliamentary elections scheduled for May 12. The event—which showcased the party’s unity and resolve—brought together leading intellectuals, representatives of non-governmental organizations, journalists, and members of the public.

After a singing of the national anthem, “Mer Hayrenik,” Vardan Khachatrian, the director of Heritage’s campaign headquarters, invited to the stage Raffi K. Hovannisian, Armenia’s first Minister of Foreign Affairs and leader of the Heritage Party, and the other fifty individuals who make up the party’s proportional list. This was followed by celebratory tunes from the world-famous Armenian Navy Band, with Arto Tuncboyaciyan at helm.

Raffi Hovannisian then took the podium. In a powerful keynote address, he declared: “Today, we embark on our journey toward May 12. We set out to become the masters of our Fatherland and our rights, our heritage and our liberty. We are on our way to victory.”

Some representatives of Heritage’s proportional list were then invited to the floor. Statements of solidarity were delivered by Armenia’s first Ombudswoman Larisa Alaverdian, school principal Anahit Bakhshian, and others. Renowned actress Varduhi Varderesian’s stirring address was especially well-received by the capacity crowd.

In his closing remarks, Vardan Khachatrian expressed his appreciation to Arto Tuncboyaciyan for his presence at Heritage’s campaign launch-off. In turn, Tuncboyaciyan expressed his own congratulations and commitments of partnership, saying that our strength is in our unity. A final performance of  “Ararat” crowned and concluded the afternoon, as Heritage supporters left the hall and began their campaign for Armenia.

Heritage has commenced its party campaign under the slogan “Faith and Fatherland.” In free and fair conditions, it is certain of its victory.