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Press Release: 'We can't wait to return home'

Armenian Youth Federation of Australia
PO Box 238, Willoughby, NSW Australia 2068
publicaffairs@ayfaustralia.com
www.ayfaustralia.com

PRESS RELEASE
18 July 2006

‘WE CAN’T WAIT TO RETURN HOME’


Armenian Youth Federation of Australia member Garbis Kolokossian has reflected the mood of the 80-person touring dance troupe evacuated on Monday from under-attack Lebanon by declaring his eagerness to return home to Sydney.


Speaking to an AYF official from his hotel in Jordan, Enger Kolokossian confirmed his colleagues were relieved to be away from the bombings in Lebanon, with their evacuation by bus successful in bringing the Hamazkaine Sevan Dance Ensemble a step closer to belatedly returning to Australian shores from their performing tour in Armenia.

“We had a big day and are exhausted,” he said. “We are all safe and can’t wait to return home to our normal lives.”

He added that the group had handled the ordeal well until the bombing intensified in recent days.

“We were handling it well until the day of our evacuation, when we actually felt the ground move from the bombings,” he said. “We feel the bombs were getting closer and thankfully the Australian embassy came to our aid at the right time.”

“Some of us are suffering from shock, while many did not want to leave our hotel because we knew of the risks that existed.”

Enger Kolokossian thanked the local Armenian community for their support and assistance.

“Thankfully, we were in good hands throughout, with many members of the Syrian and Lebanese ARF (Armenian Revolutionary Federation) and AYF members offering their support,” he said.

Enger Kolokossian is one of four members of AYF Australia, along with Nejteh Demirian, Soseh Demirian and Tamar Gulumian, with the group, and said he appreciated the concern shown by the leadership of the organisation to which they belong.

“We are glad to know the AYF is showing a concern, and we look forward to returning to our duties as soon as a plane can be arranged for our return home,” he said.

The leaders of the group are now in talks with the Australian Embassy in Jordan and the existing airlines to negotiate the final step of their return to their families and friends in Sydney.