For the fifth time, in the name of the Japanese people, the Japanese government supports the ARCL providing financial aid to upgrade the ARCL “Araxi Boulghourjian Socio-Medical Center; this time financing the installation of a Computed Radiography System, a new elevator for the Center’s building, and 15 split system air conditioners.
On May 20 2016, the ABSMC held a ceremony to celebrate the successful installation of these systems. The ABSMC gladly welcomed its guests which included representatives of local and international non-governmental organizations of the Lebanese Armenian community, representatives of the Lebanese Ministry of Health, members of the ARS Central Executive Board and the ARCL Regional Executive Board, members of the municipality of Bourj Hammoud, as well as Ambassadors of Japan and Armenia to Lebanon.
After listening to the anthems of Lebanon, Armenia and Japan, ARCL chair Taline Kelbashian spoke about the ARCL history and its mission. Then, she thanked the friendly people of Japan for helping the ARCL ABSMC mission grow by their constant support and aid.
The ceremony also included a video presentation briefing about the cooperation between the ABSMC and the Japanese Embassy in various stages that has and keeps replenishing the Center with technical and medical supplies throughout the years.
ABSMC director Mary Choloyan thanked the Japanese Ambassador for the financial aid and spoke about the benefits of these new installations for the Center including but not limited to allowing the ARCL to provide better, faster, and broader care for all patients without discrimination.
Ms. Salpi Keushguerian captivated the guests with the bouquet of Armenian music she played on her Qanun.
Japanese Ambassador to Lebanon Mr. Seiichi Otsuka expressed the pleasure of the Japanese Government and Embassy for the successful implementation of these three projects. He also expressed his amazement of how quickly these projects came to fruition.
He remembered that since his appointment as Ambassador of Japan to Lebanon three years ago, the ABSMC has been the first center with which the Embassy has signed a collaboration accord.
The ambassador also addressed the Syrian refugee situation. He said he was aware that the ABSMC has been welcoming the refugees from the first day. However, he said this situation is a major crisis that no organization or government can solve, and that the International community should put additional effort to resolve this crisis.
Prelate Father Shahe Archbishop Panossian expressed gratitude to the Japanese Government and people for their financial support of the Armenian community in both Bourj Hammoud and Ainjar.
Ambassador Otsuka was presented with a memento from the ARCL CEB; the Ceremony was concluded with cake cutting.
