YEREVAN, OCTOBER 10, ARMENPRESS. Each Armenian must attach importance to contribution to the prosperity of their Homeland. Honorary Consul of Armenia to Fresno Berj Apkarian expressed such an opinion during his conversation with “Armenpress” journalist. Berj Apkarian arrived in Armenia with USA delegation of highly experienced doctors to provide the needy inhabitants of Armenia’s regions with medical treatment and consultation.

“You must not necessarily be a Consul to support the development of your homeland. Any contribution is important. The most important work we all should do is to assist in improving the life conditions of different segments of the society of our homeland. We cannot make our homeland powerful by just talking; we must be active in the world of business,” Honorary Consul noted.

The medical and dental mission of American doctors is being organized under the auspices of the Ministry of Healthcare of Armenia. It was proposed by Berj Apkarian and accepted by the ministry with great pleasure. The mission aims to provide direct medical and dental assistance to the needy inhabitants of regions and carry out trainings of local doctors. The 25-member delegation consists of American surgeons, gynecologists, oncologists, pediatricians, nurses and translators who have already visited medical centers in Armavir, Shirak, Lori, Aragatsotn, Kotayk and Ararat, got acquainted with the local medical workers, examined the patients. They have brought with them necessary medicines, medical equipment and supplies, which will be provided to local medical centres.

“The first visit is also of cognitive nature. The aim is to familiarize ourselves with the needs of healthcare sector in the regions, and to return with targeted approach and better preparations in the years to come. The program will be implemented annually,” Berj Apkarian informed. By appreciating the work done in the healthcare sector of Armenia, Mr. Apkarian particularly emphasized that special attention is paid to boosting the performance of public healthcare. Speaking of the activities of the Honorary consulate, Berj Apkarian gladly stated that although the consulate had been established only 11 months ago, it had fostered greatly the community life. “Having the flag of the Republic of Armenia waived on Fresno's tallest building is a great honor to me. Our office has completely assumed to the consular functions and the members of the large Armenian community of Fresno no longer need to get to Los Angeles. On 21 September, we had a grand celebration of the Independence Day of the Republic of Armenia. We are negotiating with Fresno Mayor to obtain authority over William Saroyan's house, in order to turn it into a museum,” he said.

With more than 50 thousand population, Fresno is also the first US city to recognize the independence of Artsakh, which was achieved in seven days due to Mr. Berj Apkarian's efforts. During the 2014 visit of NKR President Bako Sahakyan to Fresno details of various projects in Artshakh and the future cooperation were discussed. “We are supporting and remain faithful to the international recognition of Artsakh. For me, 23 April 2013 was a very important day,” stressed Mr. Apkarian. When asked about the existing opportunities of cooperation between the Armenian community and the Republic of Artsakh, Honorary Consul added. “I shall not conceal that there are a number of obstacles, especially in the economic sphere. There are problems with import. We are working to overcome these problems and I am confident that our ties will have been further strengthened by the time of our second meeting with the President of Artsakh.” Information about the activities of the medical mission from Fresno, initiated by Honorary Consul Berj Apkarian is available at the Facebook page of the Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Armenia in Fresno.