| Top A.R.F. News Archives May 2008 | |
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Friday May 30, 2008
THIRD ANNUAL ARMENIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY FESTIVAL SET TO TAKE PLACE IN
Hollywood, CA - The Armenian Cultural Foundation (ACF) is pleased to announce that it will host the third annual Armenian Independence Day Festival on Sunday, June 1, 2008 from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. in Little Armenia, Hollywood. Building on the successes of previous years, this year's festival promises a larger scale celebration, which will be made possible with the assistance of corporate and community sponsors, as well as the co-sponsorship of Los Angeles City Council President Eric Garcetti, whose district encompasses Little Armenia.
Thursday May 29, 2008
Tuesday May 27, 2008
Friday May 23, 2008
Thursday May 22, 2008
Tuesday May 20, 2008
Monday May 19, 2008
Thursday May 15, 2008
Wednesday May 14, 2008
UK government member uses term Armenian Genocide for the first time
Turkish historians’ statements on Armenian Genocide can’t be treated seriously
Congressman Adam Schiff to deliver Keynote Speech at Burbank ANC Banquet
Monday May 12, 2008
Turkey has a lot of opportunities to provide stability in region, U.S. says
Armenian opposition groups set to form Armenian National Congres
Saturday May 10, 2008
$6 Million Pledged to Build Armenian High School
in Glendale
GLENDALE--The largest
Armenian community in Southern California will finally have an Armenian
High School, announced the Western Prelacy on Friday.
Western Prelate Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, the Executive
Council of the Prelacy, and the Board of Regents of Prelacy Schools all
announced Friday that Armenian Philanthropist Raffy Manoukian, during his
visit to the Prelacy in August 21, 2007, expressed his readiness to
financially support the establishment of an Armenian high school in the
Glendale area.
The Board of Regents of the Western Prelacy Schools said it has
already begun searching for a suitable property for the high school.
Wednesday May 7, 2008
Pope Benedict XVI greets Supreme Patriarch Catholicos Karekin II of the Holy Armenian Apostolic Church (L) as he leads his weekly general audience in Saint...
Tuesday May 6, 2008
Monday May 5, 2008
Saturday May 3, 2008
Friday May 2, 2008
Montebello Armenian Community to Host Armenian Food Festival
MONTEBELLO --The
Montebello Armenian community will be having its annual Armenian Food Fair
and Festival on Saturday May 31 at the Holy Cross Cathedral at 900 W.
Lincoln Avenue in Montebello.
The Armenian Food Fair & Festival will be a food extravaganza
featuring mouth-watering, authentic Armenian home-cooked foods prepared by
talented local community members. The public is invited to come and enjoy
delicious foods at the festival or may opt to purchase and take home. But
attendees will need to save room for fabulous Armenian baked goods and
pastry that will be on sale all day. The option to pre-order food is also
available online.
Activities for all ages are scheduled throughout the day as well.
Seasoned experts will be offering Armenian cooking lessons and Armenian
circle dance lessons. Hai Katch Do (Armenian Martial Arts Academy,) a
Dumbeg Session (drum circle), a Guitar Hero contest, a Backgammon
tournament and dance performances are scheduled for the public's delight.
Hourly raffle drawings and great shopping for interesting finds are not to
be missed.
Children will be pleased with a “Kid's Fun Zone” including, pony rides
and petting zoo, a bouncy house, face painting, game booths, plus a
special performance by popular children's performer, “Maggie.”
Join Armenian community locals in ethnic Armenian dancing to live
Armenian music provided by the Hosharian Brothers Armenian Band from 6 -
11PM.
Public of all ages and backgrounds are welcome and encouraged to
attend with family and friends.
Festival Sponsors include: ACF-Dro Chapter, Athens Disposal Co.,
Harout & Stella Baronian & Family, Bicycle Casino, Commerce Casino, Ron &
Goharik Gabriel & Family, NASA Services, Inc., and The Poochigian Family.
For Performance Schedules, Food Pre-sales or for more information, please
contact the Holy Cross Cathedral at :
(323) 727-1113 or visit
www.armenianfoodfair.com.
FREE ADMISSION & FREE PARKING
The Holy Cross Armenian Apostolic Church is a non-profit
organization. Proceeds for the Armenian Food Fair and Festival will fund
the renovation of the Holy Cross Cathedral and banquet halls.
Schiff Travels to Armenia with Fellow Lawmakers, Meets With Sarkisian
YEREVAN --Three members
of the US House of Representatives expressed concern about the Armenian
government's post-election crackdown on the opposition as they met
President Serzh Sarkisian and other senior officials in Yerevan over the
weekend.
Representatives Adam Schiff, Wayne Gilchrest and Allyson Schwartz, all
of them members of the House Democracy Assistance Commission, underlined
those concerns by also meeting with close aides to opposition leader Levon
Ter-Petrosian.
While in Armenia, Schiff, who headed the delegation, visited the
Dzidzernagapert Genocide Memorial Complex, where he planted a tree in the
memorial's garden and signed his name in a book for distinguished visitors
located in the Dzidzernagapert museum.
During his meetings, Schiff spoke of a "step backward from democracy"
taken by Armenia following last February's disputed presidential election.
"We are concerned with the problems that occurred during the election,
the violence that occurred after the election," the California Democrat
told RFE/RL after the talks. "We consider ourselves very strong friends of
Armenia. We want a good and successful future for Armenia, a democratic
Armenia."
"So we are here to try to assess the situation and talk with the
Armenian government about how we can help move the government further in
the direction of democracy," he said.
Echoing statements by senior US diplomats, Schiff said he and his
colleagues are particularly worried about the mass arrests of
Ter-Petrosian supporters on charges mainly stemming from the March 1
clashes in Yerevan between riot troops and opposition protesters. The
Armenian authorities maintain that the violence, which left at least ten
people dead, was the result of Ter-Petrosian's botched attempt to seize
power by force. They say the corresponding charges brought against dozens
of oppositionists are not politically motivated.
The United States and other Western powers believe, however, that at
least some of the detainees were jailed for their peaceful political
activities. Washington has threatened to suspend $236 million in economic
assistance to Armenia, promised under the Millennium Challenge Account
(MCA) program, if the Armenian government fails to release them and to end
the broader crackdown on the opposition.
"We've raised concern about the detention of anyone who was detained
for political reasons, and we certainly hope that the government addresses
these issues," said Schiff. "No one is advocating that people that
committed violent crimes be released or not be subject to trial. But
people should not be detained or put to trial for merely expressing their
views."
At the same time Schiff, who represents one of the most
Armenian-populated areas of the US and is known for his strong advocacy of
pro-Armenian legislative measures, made it clear that he is against the
suspension of MCA funding.
"It's enormously important for people particularly in rural areas [of
Armenia], and it would be a great shame if that program was threatened by
this step backward from democracy," he said.
Responding to the US criticism, Sarkisian argued that the Armenian
presidential ballot was judged by Western observers to have been
administered "mostly in accordance" with democratic standards. "We will
seek to ensure that the next elections are much better," he told the
visiting legislators on Saturday, according to the presidential press
service.
Sarkisian was also reported to call for a "deepening of US-Armenian
relations" which he said is an "important prerequisite for Armenia's
development and regional stability." He commended Schiff and his
colleagues for maintaining "warm relations" with the Armenian-American
community.
Highlighting those relations, Schiff drafted earlier this month a bill
that calls on the administration of President George W. Bush to press
Turkey to unconditionally lift its long-running economic blockade of
Armenia. It also requires the US State Department to report to Congress
about concrete steps taken by Washington in that effort.
The Bush administration has for years been urging Turkey to drop its
preconditions for opening its border and establishing diplomatic relations
with Armenia.
"I think that more does need to be done," Schiff said during a visit
to RFE/RL's Yerevan bureau. "This economic blockade is an anachronism.
This is something that, as a thing of the distant past, has no place in
the Caucasus or Europe or elsewhere. We want to really light a fire under
our own administration."
When asked about chances of the passage of the bill, he said, "I am
optimistic but I would anticipate that Turkey will fight it, like it's
fought some of my other resolutions."
One of those resolutions recognized as Genocide the 1915-1923
massacres of over 1 million Armenians in Ottoman Turkey. The House of
Representatives looked set to pass it last fall but backed down under
strong pressure from the White House, which warned of serious damage to
US-Turkish relations. Schiff and other sponsors of the proposed
legislation have pledged to continue to lobby for its passage.
Schiff would not say whether they will make another attempt to push
the genocide resolution, endorsed by the House Committee on Foreign
Affairs, through the full chamber this year.
"Before we bring it up on the House floor we want to make sure that we
have the votes to pass the House floor," he said. "We don't want to bring
it up and not succeed and have Turkey spin that as the Congress voting
against genocide recognition."
"I believe that the Congress will recognize the genocide," he added.
"I only hope that we do it while there are still some survivors left. And
time is running out."
ARF Bureau representative speaks about party's congress
Yerevan
-
Delegates from more than 30 countries participated in the Armenian
Revolutionary Federation, held on May 21-26 in Armenia. The delegates
discussed the party's activities for the past four years, and adopted
resolutions for the four years to come. ARF Bureau representative Hrant
Margarian spoke at a news conference held at the Christapor Mikayelian
center on May 27.
He said the congress discussed thoroughly all the strategic Armenian
issues. The congress elected the ARF Bureau, comprising 11 members: Hrant
Margarian, Vahan Hovhannisian, Aghvan Vardanian, Davit Lokian, Levon
Mkrtchian, Vigen Baghumian, Mkrtich Mkrtchian, Hakob Ter-Khachatrian,
Vigen Hovsepian, Hayk Ohsakan, Mario Nalbandian.
"By electing the cabinet ministers to the Bureau, the congress surprised
us," Margarian said, adding that the ministers will soon resign, and new
ministers will be appointed. He said this was the ministers' decision.
"Being a Bureau member is a higher position than that of a minister's, and
they decided to resign to be able to fulfill their tasks in the Bureau,"
Margarian said.
Speaking about the media reports about the congress, Margarian said: "The
ANM press published many reports that I don't want to speak about. We said
the truth without disrespect to anybody. We will not get so low to respond
them."
Margarian said that the congress wrapped up by pointing to the need of a
stronger organization, fair Armenia and national unity.
Friday May 23, 2008
ARF Western US Central Committee Meets with Ambassador
BEVERLY HILLS--A delegation
representing the Armenian Revolutionary Federation Western US Central
Committee met with the visiting Armenian Ambassador to the US Tatul
Markarian.
During the more than 90-minute meeting, the Ambassador discussed the
Embassy's political and diplomatic activities in the nation's capital.
The ARF delegation, which included chairman Avedik Izmirlian, John
Kossakian, Krikor Atchekian, Karekin Khanjian, Anahit Stepanian and Aram
Kaloustian, emphasized the uniqueness of the Armenian community on the
Western US and presented the Ambassador with the challenges facing the
community.
During the discussion, the sides also discussed the recent wave of
activity by Azeri diplomatic missions and efforts to immediately counter
these efforts were emphasized.
The Central Committee delegation also discussed the recent post-election
developments in Armenia, emphasizing developments that threaten Armenia's
international image. The CC also pointed out the ramifications of the
March incidents on the Western Region community and expressed hope that
the Armenian government will undertake the necessary reforms through
concise programs.
Armenia's Consul General to Los Angeles was also present at the meeting.
European Parliament Adopts Turkey's Report, Without Mention of Genocide
STRASBOURG (Combined
Sources)--In its latest progress report on Turkey, adopted by a large
majority of 467 for, 62 against and 61 abstentions, the European
Parliament rejected amendments to the report regarding the Armenian
Genocide submitted by a group of French Members of the European
Parliament.
The MEPs expressed their concern about "the excessive use of force by
Turkish police against demonstrators at this year's May Day parade in
Istanbul.
The amendment also said the changes made in the controversial article 301
of Turkish Penal Code were not enough and urged Turkish parliament to
revise the article and completely remove other restrictive stipulations.
The report, adopted last month by the European Parliamentary Committee on
Foreign Affairs, expressed concern about the potential consequences of the
recent dissolution case filed against Turkey's ruling Justice and
Development Party (AKP).
Another amendment to the report said the EP expected Turkish
Constitutional Court to act in accordance with the Venice Commission
guidelines and European standards on the prohibition of political parties.
It also called on the Turkish government to respect pluralism, secularism
and democracy while carrying out reforms and to reach a compromise with
political parties and urged the political parties to distance themselves
from violence and terrorist organizations.
Armenian National Committee Glendale Chapter
104 N. Belmont St., Suite 200A, Glendale, CA 91206
818.243.3444
www.ancglendale.org
CONTACT SENATOR JACK SCOTT TODAY!
Contact Senator Jack Scott at (916) 651-4021 and urge him to support AB 1089.
Simply stated, AB 1089 would prohibit a state agency from entering into a contract of $100,000 or more with a company supporting the Sudanese government and their ongoing genocide in Darfur.
Due to the recent escalation of violence in Sudan , increased attacks against the people of Darfur, and in an effort to support the spirit of the federally adopted Sudan Accountability and Divestment Act, you can join with community organizations throughout the state and country in supporting AB 1089. Communities supporting this legislation include the Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region, the Genocide Intervention Network, STAND, the Save Darfur Coalition, and Jewish World Watch (to name a few).
Click Here to view Sample Phone Script
|
Thursday May 22, 2008
Mayor Villaraigosa to Attend Independence Day Festival
HOLLYWOOD--California State
Assemblymembers Paul Krekorian and Kevin de Leon have joined LA City
Council President Eric Garcetti and a growing list of elected
officials who will co-sponsor the Third Annual Armenian Independence
Day Festival in Little Armenia. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Turkey Claims it Offered $20 Million to Open ARF Archives
ANKARA--Head of Turkey's
state-funded Turkish Historical Society Yusuf Halacoglu told the
daily Hurriyet Monday that Turkey has offered to give $20 million
for the classification and the opening of the Armenian Revolutionary
Federation Archives housed in Boston, claiming the archives
allegedly contained what he called “very important” documents about
the “incidents” of 1915.
Burbank ANC Raises Tens of Thousands for DC Advocacy
BURBANK--More than 420 people
gathered at the Arbat Banquet Hall on Sunday for the 3rd Annual
ANC-Burbank fundraiser banquet, where tens of thousands of dollars were
raised in support of the ANCA in Washington DC.
Dr. Kaiser Visits Ferrahian High School Students
By: Hovig Keushgerian, 12th grade student
Dr. Hilmar Kaiser, a very serious and knowledgeable historian, presented a photo exhibition, followed by a very inspiring and down to earth lecture to Ferrahian High School students. The photos in the exhibition were all the result of Kaiser’s unrelenting and rigorous work in updating and researching archives from around the world that have any information regarding the Armenian Genocide and Turkish history during World War I. Armed with high resolution photos and immense knowledge, Kaiser was able to dissect and analyze piece by piece every photo in the exhibition, paying close attention to details and their implications. Details that would have been invisible to the untrained eye were explicitly pointed out to the students and teachers present in the room. Just listening to Dr. Kaiser’s insightful explanations was spellbinding, because not only were the details remarkable, but every point that he made was backed by undisputable proof. “My job is just like genetics,” Kaiser said, “you can assume nothing. You know only what you know and start from there. This is real work.”
After the exhibition, Dr. Kaiser entertained a very rapid and robust question and answer session with the students. Two questions that kept arising were if the guest lecturer was any part Armenian and what inspired him to be so involved with the Armenian Genocide. “I am pure German. What inspires me is that this is a political issue and a major human rights issue. [After all,] this genocide was committed by a modern state and a modern state is what governs us. If we are to let this go, we will be permitting this type of behavior around the world.” As the question and session answer became more involved with the students, Dr. Kaiser became more expressive and passionate. One question that was posed was, “In your opinion, where do you see the Armenian Diaspora 100 to 200 years from now?” “In my opinion, the Diaspora will not survive outside the homeland, may it be in Europe, USA, or the Middle East. If Armenians have any hope of preserving their identity, it will be back on your ground. You can join Armenian organization like the AYF or the ARF to do real work that will keep the community alive. It is harder to be an Armenian than an American. You have had things taken away from you that you must fight to keep and preserve. The future is in the youth. If you do not literally take over the community, you will not survive.” Dr. Hilmar Kaiser most recently published an introduction and provided commentary in a book entitled "The Memoirs of Abram Elkus: Lawyer, Ambassador Statesman." Abram Elkus was the American Ambassador to Turkey following Henry Morgenthau.
Monday May 19, 2008
Shushan Lavash Brings In Over $3000
GLENDALE--The Armenian
National Committee - Glendale Chapter announced this week that over
$3,000 was raised through its partnership with Freedom Baking Inc.
The fundraiser, which began on April 14th and ran through April
30th, was the first initiative of its kind; to bring the business
community together with Armenian activism.
Friday May 16, 2008 Armenian Revolutionary Federation Western U.S.A. PRESS RELEASE Program for June 6-7
Los Angeles — The Armenian Revolutionary Federation will be hosting an "Armenians and Progressive Politics" Conference on June 6 and 7, 2008. The conference will be a critical examination of subjects pertinent to Armenians’ political, social, and economic situation within a global context. Featuring distinguished speakers, the panels’ topics are Raising Social Consciousness Through Art and Music, Women's Issues/Feminism, Social and Democracy Issues in Armenia, Labor and Related Social Issues, and Media Democracy and Reform. more..
“Armenians and Progressive Politics” Announces Program for June 6-7
Los Angeles — The Armenian Revolutionary Federation will be hosting an "Armenians and Progressive Politics" Conference on June 6 and 7, 2008. The conference will be a critical examination of subjects pertinent to Armenians’ political, social, and economic situation within a global context. Featuring distinguished speakers, the panels’ topics are Raising Social Consciousness Through Art and Music, Women's Issues/Feminism, Social and Democracy Issues in Armenia, Labor and Related Social Issues, and Media Democracy and Reform. Please see details below:
Organized by Armenian Revolutionary Federation, Sponsored by Armenian Cultural Foundation, Media Sponsor KPFK.
Conference on Social Justice
Moderator: tbd
Saturday Sessions at GLENDALE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Women's Issues/Feminism - 10:00am session
Moderator: Nayiri
Nahabedian
Social and Democracy Issues in Armenia - 11:45am session
Moderator: Markar
Melkonian
Local (Southern California) Labor and Related Social Issues - 2:15pm
session
Moderator: Aram
Kouyoumjian
Media Democracy and Reform - 4:00pm session
Moderator: Maral
Habeshian For more information, visit the conference website at: www.armenianprogressive.com |
ANC Glendale Announces 2008 Honorees
Glendale, CA – The Armenian National Committee – Glendale Chapter, announced today the honorees for its highly anticipated Annual Banquet which will take place at Brandview Collection on Thursday, June 5, 2008 at 6:30 PM.
Awards
will be presented to Mr. Alec Baghdasaryan, President of the Armenian
Educational Foundation, Ms. Zizette Ayad, Community Relations Coordinator
- City of Glendale, Officer John Balian, Public Information Officer -
Glendale Police Department and Davidian & Mariamian Educational
Foundation, provider of after-school educational services to youth in the
area. Decisions for the “Youth Activist of the Year Award” have not been
made due to a high volume of nomination forms submitted by local schools
and organizations. Each of the aforementioned individuals will be
recognized for their outstanding contributions to the Armenian-American
community and their ongoing efforts to enrich the City of Glendale.
This year’s annual banquet will celebrate the dynamic and energizing role
of ANC Glendale, its new programs and collaborative efforts. The evening
will feature a DVD segment in addition to award presentations for this
year's honorees.
“All of the award recipients have, throughout the years, committed
themselves for the betterment of this great city we live in and through
their leadership have contributed to the Armenian-American Community,”
noted Elen Asatryan, Executive Director of the ANC-Glendale Chapter. “The
Awards ceremony is just a small token of appreciation for all their hard
work throughout the years. We look forward to a wonderful and memorable
evening,” added Asatryan.
Mr. Alec Baghdasaryan, who will be presented with the “Leadership Award,”
has been an advocate of the Armenian-American community for decades. He
is currently a commissioner in the City of Glendale’s Community
Development Block Grant commission, where he serves to evaluate the
different social services and capital improvement projects; the President
of the Armenian Educational Foundation; the President of Microsoft
Certified Partners Association’s Southern California Chapter; a board
member of the Armenian American Chamber of Commerce; a board member in the
Gyumri Information Technology Center, a two year post graduate IT program
in Armenia; and a member of Homenetmen Glendale, Ararat Chapter.
Ms. Zizette Ayad, the Community Relations Coordinator for the City of Glendale will be presented with the “Friend of Hai Tahd Award” in recognition of her continuous effort to advocate for and reach out to the Armenian-American community in Glendale. Since 2001, Ayad has coordinated the City’s Annual Week of Remembrance events including Man’s Inhumanity to Man and the Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide. She also serves as the coordinator for the annual Unity Fest and the key organizer for the Glendale-Ghapan Sister City Organization.
Officer John Balian will receive the “Community Service Award” recognizing his longstanding commitment to a diverse workforce and his extraordinary outreach efforts to the Armenian-American Community. After working as a Patrol Officer and a Training Officer, Balian was transferred to the Police Chief’s office in February 2006 to serve as the Public Information Officer. Balian has spent a considerable amount of his time as a spokesperson for the Department, bridging a relationship between the Armenian community, various ethnic minority groups and their local law enforcement agency.
D&M Educational Foundation will be honored as the “Organization of the Year”. Since 1987, D&M Educational Foundation's after-school programs have preserved the Armenian language and heritage and have integrated the traditional Armenian educational values and the advanced American educational methodology. Through the various classes of the foundation, students are taught to read, write and speak Armenian, in addition to music, poetry and role-playing/drama. Classes are conducted in local public elementary and middles schools several times a week
ARMENIAN YOUTH FEDERATION - WESTERN REGION
PROTEST IN FRONT OF TURKISH CONSULATE 4-24-2008
WATCH VIDEO CLIP - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bRhN0-DPNF0
Los Angeles,
CA
- The Armenian Tricolor waved with determination on the steps of the
Turkish Consulate in Los Angeles on Thursday as thousands of
Armenian-Americans came out to demand justice and recognition in protest
of 93 years of Turkey's denial of the Armenian Genocide.
"93 years, no more tears," was shouted by an estimated 15,000 people as
they marched united along the perimeter of the consulate, located on the
corner of Wilshire blvd and Crescent Heights on Los Angeles's historic
miracle mile.
"93 years ago, the perpetrators of the Genocide tried to wipe the Armenian Race off the face of the earth," Jivalagian exclaimed. "All of us standing here today are living proof, that the goals and desires of the Turks failed," he added.
The protest featured speeches in both Armenian and English. California Assembly member Paul Krekorian took the podium to talk about the relevance of genocide recognition for America, while AYF Educational Committee Chairman Saro Haroun and AYF Chairman Caspar Jivalagian followed with inspiring speeches about the youth's steadfast commitment to continue the struggle for recognition.
Krekorian, who represents the largest Armenian
community outside of
Armenia,
told the thousands gathered of his own personal connection with the
Genocide, about his ancestor who was brutally murdered in Kharpert on June
1915.
"But it is important, not just for our community, but for all Americans,
to commemorate the anniversary of one of the greatest crimes in human
history," stated Krekorian. "Only when Turkey confesses to their crimes
will our people have peace, and Turkey's soul be saved, and only then can
the world community have any hope of preventing atrocities like the
Genocide from happening now and in the future," he added.
This year's protests were held against the backdrop of intensified
activity by the Turkish government to prevent the United States House of
Representatives from finally recognizing the Genocide.
The annual April 24 protest in front of the consulate has become a uniting force over the past decade for the community's youth, which having grown up in America, identify the event as one that helps connect them to their people's history.
Founded in 1933, the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) has grown to become the largest and most influential Armenian American youth organization; with chapters throughout the United States and affiliated organizations around the world. Inspired by our past and motivated by the needs of the future, the AYF actively strives to advance the social, political, educational and cultural awareness of all Armenian youth.
ANC-WR Holds Annual Federal Town Hall Meeting
Los Angeles, CA – Over fifty members of the Armenian American Community gathered at the Universal Sheraton on Saturday, May 3, 2008 to take part in the Annual Federal Issues Town Hall Briefing organized by the Armenian National Committee – Western Region (ANC-WR). The informative session which focused on major Armenian issues pending in the second session of the 110th Congress featured presentations by ANCA Chairman Ken Hachikian and prominent political expert Charles Mahtesian.
"Today's event was a unique opportunity and extremely informative and important for all members of the Armenian American community," stated ANC-WR Executive Director Antranig Kziran. "Both Mahtesian and Hachikian provided insight into topics that are of interest to Armenian Americans and serve as valuable information," he added.
Mahtesian is National Politics Editor for Politico and served as editor for the National Journal's Almanac of American Politics, which is commonly referred to as "the bible of American politics." Mahtesian provided the attendees with his insider analysis of the United States Presidential elections, the upcoming Congressional elections and related issues.
Hachikian discussed several topics including U.S. Foreign Aid to Armenia, the Congressional Armenian Genocide resolutions, the upcoming hearings in the Senate regarding an Ambassador to Armenia, the current situation in Nagorno-Karabakh and various other issues of concern to the community.
The annual federal town halls are geared to inform the Armenian American community about issues that pertain to the community at large.
The Armenian National Committee - Western Region is the largest and most influential Armenian American grassroots advocacy organization in the Western United States. Working in coordination with a network of offices, chapters, and supporters throughout the Western United States and affiliated organizations around the country, the ANC-WR advances the concerns of the Armenian American community on a broad range of issues.
Turkish historians’ statements on Armenian Genocide can’t be treated seriously
The
statements by Turkish historians, specifically by the President of the
Turkish Association of Historians, about “falsifications” of the fact of
the Armenian Genocide can’t be treated seriously, an Armenian expert said.
“Their allegations are nothing but a regular propagandistic trick,”
Director of the Institute of Oriental Studies at the RA Academy of
Sciences, Prof. Ruben Safrastyan said.
“Academic circles do not question the fact of the Armenian Genocide.
Leading historians throughout the globe are convinced of it. As to
documents allegedly proving the opposite, the statements on their
existence have nothing to do with the truth. To understand this, you can
study German, British and U.S. archives. Actually, Yusuf Halacoglu has
specialized in the Ottoman period and he could be useful for
Turkey
if he engaged in study of this period.
Earlier, 1news.az Azeri agency quoted Halacoglu as saying that “the
Turkish Association of Historians possesses 100 archive pages proving that
Armenians were not subjected to genocide during the WWI.”
ANC Burbank Banquet Organizing Committee
As you know, the Armenian National Committee of Burbank will host its 3rd Annual Banquet on Sunday, May 18, 2008, at ARBAT Banquet Hall, 711 S. San Fernando Road in Burbank . We will start at 5 pm for cocktails, followed by a silent auction, dinner, honoring activists & officials serving the Burbank Community. The Honorary Chairman of the event is Assemblymember Paul Krekorian. The ANC Burbank is honored to have Congressman Adam Schiff as our Keynote Speaker and, like you; I look forward to hearing from him about his efforts on the front lines of the Armenian Cause.
I look forward to seeing you at this special event & with your support the ANC Burbank will make a tremendous difference in empowering the Armenian Cause.
For more information about this event, and to reserve your tickets, please visit: www.BurbankANC.org or email rsvp@burbankanc.org
Turkey has a lot of opportunities to provide stability in region, U.S. says
Despite Turkey having the largest army within the NATO
alliance, it is also the least reformed and the least deployable one,
said former U.S. Assistant Secretary for Political Affairs Nicholas
Burns in Washington.
Delivering the Fourth Sakip Sabanci Lecture in the Center for the United
States and Europe at Brookings (CUSE) Thursday, Burns said Turkey should
increase its investments in its air and ground forces, emphasizing that
countries should allocate more resources to their army from their gross
national product. “In this respect Turkey is more advanced than most
European countries,” he said.
Stressing that Turkey should be more actively involved in the NATO
mission in Afghanistan, Burns also asked the country to use its
influence more directly against Syria and Iran, supporting sanctions.
“The United States want to see a Turkey led by a modern, secular and
civil government,” he said. Explaining that Turkey has a lot of
opportunities to provide stability in the region, Burns advised the
government to start dialogue with Armenia and reopen the Greek Orthodox
Halki Seminary on Heybeliada. “Whoever is elected as the new U.S.
president, his priority must be strategic partnership with Turkey,” he
said. Moreover the new president should also send a message to Germany
and France, who are trying to stall the EU accession process, and say
rejecting Turkey would be a huge mistake, according to Burns, the
Turkish Daily News reports.
LA Community Marks 20th Anniversary of Karabakh Liberation Movement
LOS ANGELES--The
Los Angeles Armenian community came together Friday to mark the 20th
anniversary of the Karabakh liberation movement during a celebration
at the Wilshire Ebell Theater.
The keynote speaker of the evening, chairman of the Armenia's
parliamentary committee on defense and national security
Lieutenant-General Arthur Aghabegian, who was the commander of the
Karabakh Self-Defense Army's Hadrut battalion. Aghabegian said, the
establishment of the Nagorno-Karabakh
Republic, which was borne as a result of the heroic liberation
movement, is an important part of the Armenian Cause.
Shushi marks the anniversary of its liberation on May 9
Authorities hope to rebuild the fortress town within 5 years--SHUSHI, Nagorno-Karabakh – Gohar Avanesian, 54, shares the fate of tens of thousands of Armenians who lost their homes, furniture, and past in Baku in 1988. At an early age, together with thousands of other people from Karabakh, she and her husband had rushed to the city of oil in hopes of finding a better life. Until 1988 everything seemed fine. Today she confesses that she could never have imagined that one day she would be living in Shushi and selling candles in the Green Church, one of the city’s two Armenian churches. “My husband and I are originally from the Khtsabert village of Hadrut. In December 1988 we escaped from Baku to Armenia and for a few months found shelter with a kind family in Etchmiadzin. Since my sister lived in Stepanakert, we moved to Nagorno-Karabakh in January 1989. In 1992, during the war, as a result of enemy bombing, my whole family was injured; my daughter and I, seriously. After spending many months in hospitals, my daughter and I were moved to the Tumi village of Hadrut, while my husband and two sons were fighting. When Shushi was liberated, we moved here. That was in 1993,” recounts Mrs. Avanesian.
UK government member uses term Armenian Genocide for the first time
The
UK
government has strongly condemned the desecration of the
Armenian
Genocide
Monument in Cardiff, Wales, which occurred on Holocaust Memorial Day on
January 27, 2008, independent French journalist Jean Eckian said.
In a reply to MP David Burrowes, (who had taken up a complaint by B.
Nazarian of Armenia Solidarity about the act of vandalism), the Secretary
of State for Wales, the Rt Hon Paul Murphy, replying for the UK
government specifically referred to "the desecration of The Armenian
Genocide Memorial in Cardiff in January 2008."
"I wholeheartedly condemn this violent act of desecration. It is
distressing that this is yet another example of how we must all continue
to be vigilant against such acts of racism, violence and hatred; and that
we all need to stand united against them,” he said.
“This attack, like many similar crimes, is often unprovoked and undertaken
under the cover of darkness. I hope that when the vandals are caught and
prosecuted for this crime, this will go some way to easing the pain and
distress that has been caused by this terrible act", he said.
"This is a most significant development" said a spokesman for Armenia
Solidarity. "In the past government ministers have made strenuous efforts
to avoid using the phrase the Armenian Genocide.
Armenian opposition groups set to form Armenian National Congress
YEREVAN – On May 2, the political parties and other groups that supported the presidential candidacy of Levon Ter-Petrossian gathered at the Armenian government’s large meeting hall for their second formal conference. The first had been held in December. At the conference, the group prepared to reconstitute itself as the “Armenian National Congress.” (See news analysis under Commentary.) “The starting point of the activity of the popular movement in the post-election period is the formation of a new balance among Armenia’s political forces,” Mr. Ter- Petrossian said in his address to the conference. “On the one side, there is the group that has usurped power and the small number of parties that support it. On the other, there is the popular movement that enjoys the support of majority of society,” he claimed. “There is, in reality, no other opposition.” The group gathered at the conference was formed as a coalition for the presidential elections, however, and now needs to regroup for the long term, he acknowledged. He said the constituent groups of the Armenian National Congress will continue to exist and carry out their own activities. “It is not out of the question, however, that as a result of working together and ideological positions coming closer, the congress will in the future become a centralized party with a strong organization. Nor is it out of the question that the congress operate primarily as a shadow government,” he said. He promised that the congress will work within the law. He said that the congress will participate in elections on all levels.
Monumental Khatchkar on Special Loan to Metropolitan Museum
NEW YORK--A monumental
12th-century Khatchkar 's a 2,000-pound, nearly 8-foot-tall block of
basalt, carved on its surface with symbols of the four evangelists, a
massive cross, small birds at fountains, and surrounding patterns of
interlacing 's is now on display in the Mary and Michael Jaharis
Galleries for Byzantine art at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New
York. It is on special long-term loan from the State History Museum of
Armenia in Yerevan.
This is the first display of a Khatchkar 's a commemorative object
whose name means cross (khatch) of stone (kar) in Armenian 's in any
museum in the United States. The Khatchkar now on view originated in
Lori, the Republic of Armenia's northernmost province, which is known
for its spectacular forested landscapes. The Hagop Kevorkian Fund
generously supported the transportation and installation of the
Khatchkar.
“This Khatchkar is an exceptional example of the importance of the
Gospels to the Armenian people,” said Helen C. Evans, the Mary and
Michael Jaharis Curator of Byzantine Art at the Metropolitan, “in that
it depicts of the cross of salvation rising from the symbols of the four
evangelists who wrote the Gospels 's the angel of Matthew, the lion of
Mark, the ox of Luke, and the eagle of John. We are extremely grateful
to the many members of the Armenian community, both in Armenia and here
in the U.S., who made possible this loan, which represents the great
medieval artistic tradition of the Armenian people.”
The Armenians, who recognized Christianity as their state religion
at the beginning of the fourth century, have long maintained an
independent Christian tradition. Located on the eastern border of
Byzantium during medieval times, they frequently installed imposing
Khatchkars as memorials to the dead and to mark local events of
significance. The Khatchkar now on view at the Metropolitan Museum comes
from the northern region that fell to the Mongols in 1238, not long
after it wascarved. It features designs typical of the decoration of
Armenian Gospel manuscripts, particularly pages from canon tables, and
is thought never to have had an inscription. The exquisitely carved
interlaces form a %u218frame' around the monumental cross, which rests
above the symbols of the evangelists. The large head of Saint Matthew's
angel presides over the smaller heads of Saint Mark's lion, Saint Luke's
ox (on its side), and Saint John's eagle (in profile). The presence of
evangelist symbols is rare in Khatchkars of the medieval period.
The installation was organized and overseen by Helen Evans. She
traveled to Armenia with Jack Soultanian Jr., Conservator in the
Department of Objects Conservation at the Metropolitan, to select the
Khatchkar under the supervision of the Ministry of Culture and the State
History Museum, and in consultation with the Office of the President of
Armenia.
This fall, additional works of Armenian art will be installed in a
case adjacent to the Khatchkar, including manuscripts from the
collection of the Metropolitan Museum and works on loan from other
institutions.
A special Sunday at the Met afternoon of lectures on the importance
of Armenian medieval art and culture, along with a performance of
medieval Armenian music, will take place on Sunday, November 23, 2008.
Details will follow on the website of the Metropolitan Museum at
www.metmuseum.org . The Sunday at
the Met program is made possible by The Hagop Kevorkian Fund.
ANCA Chairman Sharply Criticizes Bush's Final April 24th Statement
WASHINGTON--Armenian National
Committee of America Chairman Ken Hachikian strongly criticized
President George W.Bush's most recent April 24th statement as the final
step of his betrayal of his campaign promise to recognize the Armenian
Genocide, and a symbol of his Administration's "morally bankrupt"
eight-year policy of complicity in Turkey's lies and denials.
The letter also notes that the President, during his two terms in
office, has refused repeated requests by the leadership of the Armenian
American community to discuss the Armenian Genocide and other issues of
mutual concern. Earlier this year, on April 4th, Hachikian wrote a
separate letter to the Secretary of State outlining 13 specific areas in
which the Administration pursued policies at odds with the views and
values of America's one and a half million citizens of Armenian
heritage.
The full text of the ANCA letter to
President Bush is provided below:
May 9, 2008
The Honorable George W. Bush
President of the United States of America
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20500
Dear President Bush,
I am writing, in the wake of your final April 24th statement, to share
with you the Armenian American community's profound sadness over your
betrayal of your own pledge to properly recognize the genocidal campaign
committed against the Armenian people.
In each of your eight statements, you retreated from your campaign
statement, choosing instead to use evasive and euphemistic terminology
to obscure the full moral, historical, and contemporary legal
implications of Turkey's genocide against the Armenian people between
1915-1923. Beyond the depths of this moral failing, as President you
went further, utilizing the full force of your White House to silence
others who, through their own words and actions, sought to properly
commemorate the very crime that you had promised to recognize as a
candidate for office. You fired U.S. Ambassador to Armenia, John
Marshall Evans, for remarks that were entirely within keeping with the
spirit and letter of your own campaign pledge. More recently, using
every government resource at your disposal, you sought to block Congress
from adopting a resolution that simply reaffirmed the vow, now forsaken,
that you made to the American people.
As you know, despite repeated requests on our part over your past two
terms in office, you never once offered the leadership of the Armenian
American community an opportunity to consult with you on this issue,
even as the media has consistently reported that you have discussed the
Armenian Genocide in meetings with leaders of foreign nations.
We are truly saddened by your broken campaign pledge and, of course, by
your morally bankrupt policy of complicity in Turkey's campaign of
Armenian Genocide denial. We respectfully ask, once again, for a
meeting between you and the leadership of our community to discuss this
and other issues of mutual concern.
Sincerely,
Kenneth V. Hachikian
Chairman
AYF Youth Corps 2008 Reaches out to Gyumri's Youth
Applications Now Being Accepted
AYF is encouraging
interested persons to submit their applications for this year's new and
exciting program.
Glendale, CA--The Armenian Youth Federation's Youth Corps
program will now be giving Diasporan youth the opportunity to serve as
summer camp counselors for underprivileged youth in Armenia, the AYF
Youth Federation announced on Friday.
The Youth Corps committee will begin reviewing Youth Corps 2008
Applications next week and is encouraging interested persons to submit
their applications for this year's innovative and exciting program. The
application deadline is Monday, May 12th, 2008.
Participants this year, will make a lasting difference in the lives
of disadvantaged kids in Armenia by serving as mentors and leaders for a
summer camp program for 12-16 year olds living in Gyumri.
Youth Corps participants will have the opportunity to tap into their
own individual talents and skills to share their knowledge with campers
through organized sports activities, computer and English language
classes, as well as educational sessions on Armenian culture and
society, and the arts. In addition to living and working alongside youth
in the City of Gyumri for 3 weeks, Youth Corps participants will also
have a chance to tour Yerevan and Armenia.
"Youth Corps allowed me to connect with Armenia in a way no other
program could," said 2007 Youth Corps participant Knar Kitabjian."My
project really allowed me to give back to the homeland."
The Youth Corps 2008 program seeks to provide direct assistance to
some of Armenia's most valuable and vulnerable citizens, underprivileged
youth. The 2008 program builds upon over ten years of AYF experience in
connecting diasporan Armenian youth with the homeland in a meaningful
and collaborative environment.
Founded in 1933, the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) has grown to
become the largest and most influential Armenian American youth
organization; with chapters throughout the United States and affiliated
organizations around the world. Inspired by our past and motivated by
the needs of the future, the AYF actively strives to advance the social,
political, educational and cultural awareness of all Armenian youth.
Applications for the 2008 Youth Corps
Program are available online:
www.ayfwest.org.
For more information, please e-mail
ayfyouthcorps@gmail.com,
or call (818)
507-1933.
7th Annual ARS Festival Attracts Hundreds
GLENDALE--The exciting
Armenian Relief Society Armenian Cultural and Food Festival was held
over the weekend, at the Glendale Civic Auditorium.
The festival transported participants into an atmosphere of Armenian
hospitality and culture where they enjoyed traditional festivities and
an Armenian Traditional Costume Show and among other activities learned
how to make Lavash and Armenian cheese.
Also part of the attraction was the reenactment of a traditional
Armenian wedding down to the music and entertainment.
The festival is an ideal place to bring three generations of
families together to have a relaxing and enjoyable outing, where
Armenian music, art, dance, history, culinary heritage and children's
games can be enjoyed under one roof. Much of the interesting programming
enjoyed by Armenians and non-Armenians alike will return, along with
expansion of activities and games for young children.
“I am excited to see the 7th year of a small idea turn into a huge
success 's Thanks to our hard working volunteers. Seven years ago we
wanted to share our anniversary celebrations not only with our members
but with our community, the community which we have been serving for the
past 98 years,”.expressed Sonia Bedrossian-Peltekian, Chair of the ARS
of Western U.S.A., Regional Executive Board.
ANC-WR Holds Annual Federal Town Hall Meeting
LOS ANGELES--More
than fifty members of the Armenian American Community gathered at the
Universal Sheraton Saturday to take part in an Annual Federal Issues
Town Hall Briefing organized by the Armenian National Committee-Western
Region.
The informative session, which focused on major Armenian issues
pending in the second session of the 110th Congress featured
presentations by ANCA Chairman Ken Hachikian and prominent political
expert Charles Mahtesian.
"Today's event was a unique opportunity and extremely informative
and important for all members of the Armenian American community,"
stated ANC-WR Executive Director Antranig Kziran. "Both Mahtesian and
Hachikian provided insight into topics that are of interest to Armenian
Americans and serve as valuable information," he added.
Mahtesian is National Politics Editor for Politico and served as
editor for the National Journal's Almanac of American Politics, which is
commonly referred to as "the bible of American politics." Mahtesian
provided the attendees with his insider analysis of the United States
Presidential elections, the upcoming Congressional elections and related
issues.
Hachikian discussed several topics including US Foreign Aid to
Armenia, the Congressional Armenian Genocide resolutions, the upcoming
hearings in the Senate regarding an Ambassador to Armenia, the current
situation in Nagorno-Karabakh and various other issues of concern to the
community.
The annual Federal Town Halls are geared to inform the Armenian
American community about issues that pertain to the community at large.
The Armenian National Committee-Western Region is the largest and
most influential Armenian American grassroots advocacy organization in
the Western United States. Working in coordination with a network of
offices, chapters, and supporters throughout the Western United States
and affiliated organizations around the country, the ANC-WR advances the
concerns of the Armenian American community on a broad range of issues.
Kentucky Becomes 41st State To Recognize Armenian Genocide
FRANKFORT, KENTUCKY--The Armenian National Committee of America-
Eastern Region Friday welcomed a proclamation issued by Kentucky Governor
Steven L. Beshear recognizing the Armenian Genocide. The "Bluegrass
State" proclamation brings the number of states to formally recognize the
Armenian Genocide to forty-one.
The powerfully worded proclamation designated April 24, 2008, as "Day of
Remembrance of the Armenian Genocide" in the state of Kentucky, noting
that "recognition of the ninety-third anniversary of this genocide is
paramount to guarding against the repetition of future genocides and
educating people across the Commonwealth about the atrocities of these
horrific events."
"Gov. Beshear's proclamation reflects the growing sentiments of U.S.
government officials to speak with moral clarity on the Armenian
Genocide," stated ANCA Eastern Region Executive Director Karine Birazian.
"The burgeoning Kentucky Armenian community's initiative serves as an
inspiration to Armenian American activists across the U.S. to redouble
efforts to end Turkey's gag rule on U.S. affirmation of this crime against
humanity."
The Armenian National Committee of America is the largest and most
influential Armenian American grassroots political organization. Working
in coordination with a network of offices, chapters, and supporters
throughout the United States and affiliated organizations around the
world, the ANCA actively advances the concerns of the Armenian American
community on a broad range of issues
Canadian Broadcasting Corp. Rejects Turkish Denial
Ottawa--A
well-financed campaign by the Turkish Government to censor a Canadian
Radio program has been condemned by Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC)
Ombudsman Vince Carlin, reported the Armenian National Committee of
Canada.
"CBC did not give sufficient attention to Turkey's official claim that
the events of 1915 did not constitute a genocide," Carlin said,
He explained that while acknowledging that there are alternatives to
the mainstream, journalist must nevertheless not distort the concept of
'balanced coverage' by giving equal weight to any and all contending
theories that emerge.
"The concept of balance is not mathematical," Carlin remarked.
According to Carlin, journalists face an ethical conundrum when
deciding whether to give voice to people who deny events that are part of
a historical consensus. Carlin, who was referring to the Armenian
Genocide, said the implications of providing a forum for denial can be
appreciated if one considers giving substantial air time to those who deny
that there was a genocide committed against the Jews during World War II.
"While fairness and balance would impel journalists to be on the
look-out for credible contradictory evidence, appropriate weight must be
given to broad-based conclusions," Carlin noted. "In this case [the fact
of the Armenian Genocide] is not only academic-based, but also endorsed by
UN agencies and the Canadian Government."
Therefore, he said, there has been no violation of CBC's Journalistic
standards and practices in treatment of this issue.
Carlin's statements follow a series of attempts by the Turkish
government to silence the Canadian Broadcasting Company when it discusses
the Armenian Genocide. The latest attempt to force the radio
station to keep
quiet came after CBC's "As It Happens" program interviewed late last year
United States Congressman Adam Schiff, Turkish historian Taner Ak?am, and
an official from the Toronto District School Board on the proposed 11th
Grade Genocide Curriculum.
The Armenian National Committee of Canada (ANCC) responded to the
Turkish government's misinformation by providing historical documents,
genocide survivor testimonies and scholarly materials on the Armenian
Genocide to the ombudsman.
"Once again CBC has demonstrated that it is not willing to compromise
its journalistic integrity," Executive Director of ANCC Aris Babikian
commented. 'We congratulate the CBC ombudsman and the staff of "As It
Happens" for not capitulating to the Turkish government's propaganda
machine, threats, intimidation, and bullying." "It is high time the
Turkish government recognized that its Armenian Genocide denial policy is
a bankrupt one and that Turkey can not muzzle freedom of the press and
suppress freedom of expression in the civilized world, as it has done in
Turkey," Babikian said.
By maintaining this fierce policy of denial, the present government of
the Republic of Turkey is masking the guilt of the Ottoman Empire and is
thus the responsible for the Genocide of 1915, according to Dr. Girair
Basmadjian, President of ANCC.
Congressman Adam Schiff to deliver Keynote Speech at Burbank ANC Banquet
The Armenian National Committee of Burbank will host its
3rd Annual Banquet on Sunday, May 18, 2008, at 5:00 PM at Arbat Banquet
Hall, 711 S. San Fernando Road in Burbank. The evening will include a
social hour, silent auction, dinner and program.
All profits from the event will go to the ANC's Washington, DC office,
to continue the fight for justice for the Armenian Genocide, a stronger
Armenia, and a free and independent Nagorno-Karabakh.
ANCA Executive Director, Aram Hamparian, will be in attendance, as will
the event's Honorary Chairman Assemblymember Paul Krekorian.
This annual tradition draws more than 300 ANC supporters, who attend to
hear updates on various efforts the ANC is undertaking at all levels of
government, to listen to political leaders and to simply pay tribute to
volunteers, who have made the ANC Burbank one of the most active local
affiliates in the country.
At this event, the ANC Burbank is honored to have the Honorable Adam
Schiff, U.S. Representative, CA 29th District, as it Keynote Speaker.
Congressman Schiff is the co-sponsor of HR 106, the Armenian Genocide
Resolution, passed last year in the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
San Fernando Valley Congressman Brad Sherman will also be joining the
banquet to share his remarks. He has been a strong spokesman for HR 106
and an important member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
The ANC of Burbank is one of the most accomplished chapters of the
Armenian National Committee of America, which is the largest and most
influential Armenian-American grassroots organization, actively
advancing the concerns of the hundreds of thousands of
Armenian-Americans.
The ANC of Burbank promotes and serves the local community by working
and developing grassroots programs, such as: voter registration
projects, social services, partnerships with public schools on education
regarding the Armenian Genocide, and community relations.
For tickets and more information, please visit: www.burbankanc.org or
call Silva Kechichian at: (818) 445-0704 & (818) 562-1918.
Rice Says Karabakh Remains Major Obstacle to Regional Development
YEREVAN (Armenpress)--The
United States has a lot of work to do in order to help strengthen
democracy in the South Caucasus, US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice
said Monday during a meeting with the leadership of the US Peace Corps.
"We have a lot to do in Azerbaijan and to some extent in Armenia so
that these countries comply to some extent with those requirements which
they once were committed to," she said.
According to RFE/RL, she said the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict was the
biggest obstacle to Armenia and Azerbaijan's progress.
"Because of the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh political leaders
resort sometimes to 'bad' moves and cite the conflict to justify them. I
am telling them often that if the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is not
resolved, these two states will be lagging behind their neighbors," she
said.
She also said the USA is not going to "export" democracy to the
region's countries.
"Our main goal is to change [these countries] through organizations
like the Peace Crops the way people there think and change their
expectations," she said.
During the question and answer period, Rice, answering the question of
Zoltan Sigetti, director of the Peace Corps on Azerbaijan, about the
state of democratic development in the South Caucasus, announced: "The
Caucasus, particularly the -- not so much Georgia, but Azerbaijan, to a
certain extent Armenia, there is important work to be done there to
bring that part of the Caucasus closer to standards that we thought they
were once meeting".
At the same time, Rice said "I would love to see more volunteers in
that part of the world, both in places that are starting to move up and
places that are still mired in the kinds of problems that you have in
Azerbaijan"
In the light of intensively developing
US-Azerbaijani relations, the said announcements of the US Secretary of
State seem a bit unexpected. Day.Az has addressed the spokesman for the
Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry for comments.
"We have familiarized with the statement of the US Secretary of State
and we would like to note that the assessment of the situation in our
region do not fall under any critics and is a demonstration of double
standards, said Azeri Deputy Foreign Minister said Khazar Ibrahim.
“It seems to us that Washington does not have a real idea of the
region, which is disappointing, considering the relations of strategic
partnership between Azerbaijan and the United States," said Ibrahim.
Congressman Adam Schiff to deliver Keynote Speech at Burbank ANC Banquet
BURBANK--The
Armenian National Committee of Burbank will host its 3rd Annual Banquet
on Sunday, May 18 at 5 p.m. at Arbat Banquet Hall, 711 S. San Fernando
Road in Burbank. The evening will include a social hour, silent auction,
dinner and program.
All profits from the event will go to the ANC's Washington, DC
office, to continue the fight for justice for the Armenian Genocide, a
stronger Armenia, and a free and independent Nagorno-Karabakh.
ANCA Executive Director, Aram Hamparian, will be in attendance, as
will the event's Honorary Chairman Assemblymember Paul Krekorian.
This annual tradition draws more than 300 ANC supporters, who attend
to hear updates on various efforts the ANC is undertaking at all levels
of government, to listen to political leaders and to simply pay tribute
to volunteers, who have made the ANC Burbank one of the most active
local affiliates in the country.
At this event, the ANC Burbank is honored to have the Honorable Adam
Schiff, U.S. Representative, CA 29th District, as it Keynote Speaker.
Congressman Schiff is the co-sponsor of HR 106, the Armenian
Genocide Resolution, passed last year in the House Foreign Affairs
Committee.
San Fernando Valley Congressman Brad Sherman will also be joining
the banquet to share his remarks. He has has been a strong spokesman
for HR 106 and an important member of the House Foreign Affairs
Committee.
The ANC of Burbank is one of the most accomplished chapters of the
Armenian National Committee of America, which is the largest and most
influential Armenian-American grassroots organization, actively
advancing the concerns of the hundreds of thousands of
Armenian-Americans.
The ANC of Burbank promotes and serves the local community by
working and developing grassroots programs, such as: voter registration
projects, social services, partnerships with public schools on education
regarding the Armenian Genocide, and community relations.
For more information, please visit:
www.burbankanc.org
or call
Silva Kechichian at: (818) 445-0704 & (818) 562-1918.
Hundreds Protest Azeri Intervention in Karabakh Celebration
GLENDALE--A
capacity crowd of community members gathered Wednesday evening to
protest the ongoing interference by the Azeri government in a planned
celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Karabakh liberation movement.
The participants expressed their anger over the Azeri foreign
ministry and its diplomatic representation in Los Angeles for attempting
to stop a celebration, scheduled for Friday at the Wilshire Ebell
Theater.
The discussion was moderated by Armenian Revolutionary Federation
Central Committee member John Kossakian, Artsakh 20th anniversary
committee member Bianca Manoukian and the ARF Western US Public
Relations Office director Saro Nazarian.
Also speaking at the event was Vernica Atchigeuzian, the widow of
Karabakh Liberation hero Simon Atchigeuzian. April 30 marked the
anniversary of the arrival of his and felloe Karabakh hero Tatoul
Grbeyan's remains to Yerevan.
The public celebration will take place Friday at 8 p.m. at the
Wilshire Ebell Theater. The community is urged to participate.
