VZCZCXRO6627
RR RUEHDBU RUEHLN RUEHVK RUEHYG
DE RUEHYE #0457 1061240
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 161240Z APR 07
FM AMEMBASSY YEREVAN
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 5310
INFO RUCNCIS/CIS COLLECTIVE

UNCLAS YEREVAN 000457 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SIPDIS 
 
DEPARTMENT FOR EUR/PPD, EUR/CARC, PM/WRA 
 
E.O. 12958; N/A 
TAGS: DMIN PHUM KMDR KPAO EAID KHDP MASS PARM PREL AM
 
SUBJECT: NIGHT OF 1000 DINNERS RECEPTION RAISES FUNDS FOR NGO'S 
FIGHT AGAINST LANDMINES 
 
REF: SECSTATE 23284 
 
¶1. (U) Summary:  At a fundraising reception held as part of the 
Night of 1000 Dinners (reftel), Post helped raise over 4,000 USD for 
the Armenian Red Cross Society, a local NGO working to reduce 
landmine casualties through a Mine Risk Education program.  The 
event drew more than 70 guests, including well-known political 
figures, influential businessmen, and owners of media outlets.  This 
event increased awareness about the threat of landmines in Armenia 
and throughout the world, and raised funds for an important local 
NGO.  End summary. 
 
¶2. (U) While we had hoped for greater turnout by local business 
leaders, we were pleased that more than 70 government officials, 
politicians, NGO representatives, academics, members of the 
Diaspora, and local diplomatic mission staff attended the event. 
Some of the largest donations were contributed by such influential 
figures as the president and CEO of Hovnanian International, a U.S. 
company that is one of the largest real estate developers in 
Armenia; the director of H2 TV, a nationally broadcast private 
television station; and the leader of the Heritage Party, who is one 
of the most popular opposition leaders in the country.  A number of 
individuals and NGOs associated with Armenia's humanitarian landmine 
effort also attended, including the MOD's head of engineering 
troops. 
 
¶3.  (U)  In his remarks to the audience, the Charge d'Affaires 
stressed the importance of humanitarian landmine assistance in 
promoting regional and internal stability and economic development. 
He noted, "Clearing up mines and other dangerous residues of war is 
often the first step in reestablishing peace and 
stability....Because they remain armed and intact for decades, 
landmines have a long-term and far-reaching economic impact on 
entire societies."  He also stated that, while landmine causalities 
have been decreasing, much more needs to be done, by governments, 
individuals and groups.  After the Charge finished his remarks, UNDP 
Democracy and Governance Portfolio Coordinator Alla Bakunts 
presented an overview of the landmine situation in Armenia, and 
showed a video from the European Commission-funded "2005 Armenia 
Landmine Impact Survey."  In addition, the secretary general of the 
Armenian Red Cross Society thanked the Embassy for organizing the 
reception, and stated that she hoped the event would further 
strengthen local collaboration. 
 
4.(U) Afisha, one of Armenia's most popular magazines known for its 
coverage of glitzy events and elite life, will publish an article 
with a number of photos on the event.  In addition, the Embassy 
distributed a press release, which was published by the 
government-run news agency, and which appears on the Embassy 
website.  We hope that this positive press coverage will lead to 
increased participation in future fundraising events related to this 
issue. 
 
GODFREY