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GLENDALE—At Sunday’s 119th anniversary
celebration of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation its Western
US, Central Committee Chairman Avedik Izmirlian said no Armenian
government has the right to take decisions against the national
interests of Armenians, referring to the current Armenia-Turkey
protocols that endanger the national security and future of the
Armenian nation.
Izmirlian added that whether or not the
protocols are ratified, Armenia needs to be governed by a
national agenda that is formulated through the participation of
a cross-section of the Armenian people and that emphasizes the
national interests and aspirations of the Armenian people around
the world.
The more than 1,500 community members who had
flocked to the Glendale High School auditorium witnessed a
resurgence of the ARF’s commitment to fight for justice and the
rights of the Armenian nation.
No where was that better articulated than
remarks by Armenian Youth Federation Western US Central
Executive Chairman Arek Santikian, who spoke of the critical
role the youth should play in the pursuit of the Armenian Cause.
“Speaking on behalf of the youth today, I am
here to reassure you that we realize the duty bestowed upon on
us and we welcome the challenges put forth. Being mindful of the
sacrifices of our ancestors throughout our rich history has
instilled the passion that allows each of us to work tirelessly
and willingly, for something far greater than any individual,”
said Santikian.
“In order for us to succeed any further than
we have throughout the years, we need to be the leaders that
break down any wall that divides us as a people. We need to
reach out to our fellow brothers and sisters in Armenia, and
fight for their rights, just as much as much as we fight for
ours. We need to expose the fact that 95 percent of our
country’s wealth is held by five percent of its people, and end
this corruption,” added Santikian.
“Our manifesto states that we fight for a
‘free, independent, and united Armenia.’ So let us complete this
mission and meet all its goals,” explained Santikian, pledging
“…I can promise you that the youth today can be and will be the
leaders that complete this mission in the future to come.”
As keynote speaker at the event, Armenian
National Committee of America chairman Ken Hachikian outlined
the threats facing the Armenian nation as a result of the
Armenia-Turkey protocols and the imperative for Armenian unity
in opposition of these dangerous documents.
“The need for a sober review – and thoughtful
community dialogue – on the issues facing our nation is
certainly in keeping with the best traditions of our
organizational legacy, and reflects, in powerful ways, the
remarkable spirit of service and sacrifice embodied by all of
you,” said Hachikian.
“Ankara is using the Protocols’ “process” to
manage the new Obama Administration and the growing tensions
caused by its increasing independence from Washington in a way
that both preserves its prerogatives to act against U.S.
interests on Iran, Israel, Russia, and other issues while, at
the same time, preventing the U.S. from recognizing the Armenian
Genocide,” explained Hachikian.
“Armenia must develop a foreign policy that,
rather then advancing the interests of elites and oligarchs,
reflects the true interests of Armenia and embraces the national
democratic aspirations of the Armenian people. Sadly, the
current Foreign Ministry of Armenia has not demonstrated the
ability to do so,” emphasized the ANCA chairman.
“We must, in the weeks and months ahead, grow
larger and stronger – bringing an ever-increasing circle of
Armenians into our work and the sacred cause of our proud and
ancient nation,” said. Hachikian.
“We must, with our full resolve, reject the
forces that would divide us and – with equal vigor – resist the
temptation to endlessly chase the false unity that would require
us to seek the consent of every opportunist or that would
provide the lapdogs of foreign interests veto power over
Armenian interests,” urged Hachikian. “We must, rather, seek the
true unity of common purpose, of collective values, and of a
common vision of our Armenian future.”
Armenia’s former ambassador to Canada and the
director of the “Modus Vivendi” center in Armenia, Dr. Ara
Papian, who was scheduled to present the event’s keynote address
in Armenian, was unable to attend the celebration due to
unforeseen reasons. Through a telephone message, Dr. Papian told
the gathered about the importance of working together to derail
the protocols process.
The celebration began with a flag procession
led by the Homenetmen marching band and scouts. Under the banner
of “United Armenia with All Armenians,” the program’s welcoming
remarks were delivered by ARF Shant Student Association member
Tro Krikorian.
A video presentation, mainly chronicling the
ARF’s activities in response to the protocols, focused on the
activities in the Western Region.
The cultural portion of the program featured
performances from the Vardan and Siranoush Gevorkyan dance
ensemble, recitation by Maral Varjabedian and songs by Anahit
Nersesian.
The celebration concluded by performance of
patriotic songs by Nersig Ispirian, Harout Pamboukjian and Hovih
Krikorian, who were accompanied by the traditional “Knar”
Armenian folk ensemble.
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