WASHINGTON, DC - The Armenian Assembly of America announced recently that it is accepting applications for its 2001 Armenia Internship Program.

Students who have completed the Armenian Assembly Summer Internship Program in Washington, DC may apply.

In response to requests from the Armenian government and Armenian non-governmental organizations (NGOs), the Assembly will recommend qualified candidates. Several governmental offices have already approached the Assembly requesting an opportunity to participate in its program.

"By taking advantage of this opportunity to work in Armenia, Assembly Internship alumni will be able to use the experience they have gained in Washington for the benefit of Armenia. They will gain practical and invaluable job experience. And, more importantly, they will establish a lifelong link with Armenia," said the Assembly's Acting Executive Director, Arpi Vartanian. "Interns serving in Armenia will be able to apply themselves in a variety of areas including foreign affairs, culture or economics and more."

Armenian Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian originally proposed the idea for the Internship Program in Armenia during a speech at the Assembly's Gala in 1998. He invited Assembly Intern Alumni to serve Armenia by working in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Assembly Board of Directors then approved the development of a second-year internship in Armenia to be completed after students acquire Washington experience.

Minister Oskanian calls the Assembly's Internship Program a "program for the future."

Armenian Assembly Internship Alumni accepted for the 2001 Armenia Internship Program will be placed according to their experience and interests. Positions for the 2001 summer program are limited. For more information, interested persons should contact the Armenian Assembly Summer Internship Program Coordinator Sarin Hacatoryan at (202) 393-3434 or e-mail at [email protected] or write to the Armenian Assembly of America, 122 C Street, NW, Suite 350, Washington, DC 20001. Application deadline is February 26, 2001.