OREANDA-NEWS. July 31, 2008. For significant contribution to the cause of strengthening and developing Armenian-Jewish relations, under a decree signed by RA Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan, "Jewish Community of Armenia" civil society organization chairwoman Rima Varzhapetyan has been awarded RA Prime Minister's commemorative medal.

Today at the Office of Government, the Prime Minister handed in the medal to Mrs. Varzhapetyan and expressed appreciation of those active efforts exerted towards organizing and consolidating the local Jewish community which is a minority group in our country, as well as for the activities aimed at addressing community concerns, upholding cooperation with Armenian authorities and strengthening the Armenian-Jewish relationship.

"We can see very well and welcome your dedication to this noble cause," Tigran Sargsyan said and asked about the problems faced by the community and the future plans of the organization.

The chairwoman of "Jewish Community of Armenia" CSO thanked the Prime Minister for his thoughtfulness of her endeavors and the attention given to Armenia's Jewish community. She said this is an occasion to shape a better image of Armenia worldwide and speak of the Armenian-Jewish friendship: "What has been done is the outcome of sincere devotion, and I am prepared to redouble my efforts to this end. Armenia is well placed to become a powerful and prosperous country. I am confident that our joint efforts will help achieve this target," Rima Varzhapetyan said and thanked the Government for the allocation of AMD 21 million in 2007 to rehabilitate a Jewish historical monument dating back to XIV-XVII B.C., as situated in Yeghegis village of Vayots Dzor marz of Armenia.