WASHINGTON, DC - The forty participants of the Armenian Assembly of America's seventh annual "Mission to Armenia" returned home last month, following a trip highlighted by meetings with top Armenian and international officials as well as visits throughout the country to historic, cultural and human-interest sites.

The "Millennial Mission," which took place October 19-30, 2000, included participants of all ages and, for most, this was their first trip to Armenia.

"This visit was my fifth Mission trip to Armenia and it was especially exciting," said Armenian Assembly Board of Directors Vice-Chair and Armenia Missions Chair Annie Totah. "Many of the participants experienced the country for the first time in their lives. We had several young people join us this year, which connected them to their ancestors' homeland in a very meaningful way."

In Yerevan, Armenia's President Robert Kocharian hosted a private briefing and photo session with the Mission participants. President Kocharian told the group that "the activities of the Armenian Assembly of America are very much appreciated both by the people and the Government of Armenia."

During the meeting, much of the discussion focused on President Clinton's request that the Genocide Resolution not go to the House for a floor vote. Given the current US failure to affirm the Armenian Genocide, Mission participants asked the President for his views on other methods of strengthening US-Armenian ties. Kocharian pointed to the Armenian economy as a key issue. "We would like to encourage businesses to invest in Armenia," President Kocharian said. "The experience of the Eastern European countries shows that 8-10% stable growth over a three-to five-year period has been very successful. But we have to be realistic and not deceive ourselves. There has been economic stability in Armenia for several years now...our economy is stable but too weak." He also added that because Armenian citizens are among the most highly educated of all the former Soviet republics, they are finding it easier to migrate to foreign countries in search of employment. "There is one way of combating this phenomenon: economic investment and the Diaspora is the key to this," he added.

The group's first Sunday in Armenia featured a visit to Etchmiadzin, built in the 4th century, where they attended mass and laid flowers at the gravesite and memorial of His Holiness Karekin I, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians. After the mass, a private baptism was held for two Mission participants from California. This was their first visit to Armenia and the religious ceremony proved to be an emotional moment for all the attendees.

The Assembly group also toured the Genocide Museum and Memorial, where flowers and a wreath were laid during a responsive reading at the Eternal Flame, in memory of the 1.5 million slain victims of the Armenian Genocide.

Another highlight of the Mission was a trip to the ancient Armenian city of Ani, near the Armenia-Turkey border. Called "city of 1,001 churches," Ani is located approximately 110 km (69 miles) from Yerevan. This was another emotional occasion for the trip participants, as they viewed some of the remains of the famous 1,001 churches of the ancient city. Due to poor weather conditions, a scheduled trip to Nagorno Karabagh was cancelled.

Mission participants also met with local officials in the city of Gumri. Still recovering from an earthquake that ravaged the city on December 7, 1988, Gumri is continuing to rebuild housing and reinforce damaged structures with the assistance of international aid organizations, yet thousands remain in sub-standard temporary shelters. The group visited the Gumri Center for Aesthetic Education, which established a shelter for orphaned children after the earthquake. The Center promotes creative approaches and the cultural education of children.

Later in the week, the US Ambassador to Armenia, Michael C. Lemmon, hosted the Mission participants at a private reception at the US Embassy. Armenia Mission Chair Annie Totah presented a painting, created by the children at the Gumri Center for Aesthetic Education, to the Ambassador and Mrs. Lemmon.

On October 27, the first anniversary of the assassination of eight senior Armenian officials, the members of the group attended a memorial service on the grounds of the Parliament Building, where they also planted eight trees.

Several visits with Armenian children were also arranged. A trip to the Zatik Orphanage for children who have been abandoned or suffer from mental or physical ailments concluded with the presentation of gifts. The group also met with patients at the Children's Cardiac Center.

Among the many concerts attended by the Mission participants, one was coordinated by the "New Names" organization for exceptionally talented young musicians between the ages of 9 and 14. Many of the performers have played all over the world and have won notable acclaim in national and international competitions.

For most Mission participants, the trip was a memorable, bonding, and exhilarating experience. Having witnessed firsthand the difficult conditions in Armenia, many indicated how much they appreciated the Assembly's wide-ranging and continuing support. Many participants increased their support and involvement with the Assembly.

As several Mission participants noted, "This Mission has been an experience of a lifetime; we are witnessing firsthand the difficulties Armenia is going through. We also greatly appreciate what the Assembly is doing and continues to do for our homeland."