Long-time Armenian Revolutionary Federation leader and chairman Hrair Maroukhian passed away in the early hours of Monday–after a long illness. He left behind a legacy of resilient adherence to the ARF ideology and the embodiment of a leader.
For more that 25 years–Maroukhian led the ARF–until one fateful day on July 17–1994–when he suffered a debilitating brain aneurysm and was bed ridden until his passing.
In the days and months prior to his illness–Maroukhian personally became the target of the anti-ARF smear campaign waged by the previous regime in Armenia. June 29–1992 will forever be etched in history–as the day the president of Armenia expelled Maroukhian from his own sacred homeland–further driving a wedge between the authorities and the ARF.
Although–with the shift in power in Armenia–the new administration reversed the June 29 decree–Maroukhian was unable to personally acknowledge the change in the political climate of Armenia. Due to his illness–he was also unable to once again–pronounce to the world that the campaign waged against the ARF was unjustly misguided and the ARF had emerged victorious–yet again.
It had been Maroukhian’s dream to live in Armenia and to devote his life to the mission of further strengthening the newly independent Armenian state. But fate dictated that he would return to the homeland in his death.
Born in 1928 in Iran–Maroukhian joined the ARF ran’s at a young age and assumed leadership posts in the party–serving as chairman of the Central Committee in Iran–until the 18th ARF World Congress–in 1963–elected him to the Bureau–the highest administrative body of the ARF.
He served on the Bureau continuously–assuming its chairmanship in 1971. Maroukhian’s name and legacy will remain embedded in the minds of generations of Armenia’s.
This week–Maroukhian’s body will be transported to Armenia–where he will be laid to rest.
The ARF Bureau has appointed a special commission to oversee funeral preparations and arrangemen’s. Condolence messages may be sent to the ARF Bureau via email at [email protected]–or via facsimile to 011-3742-15-18-91.
