Canada Armenia Parliamentary Friendship Group

Office of Sarkis Assadourian M.P.
120 Confederation
House of Commons, Ottawa, Canada
Contact: Daniel Kennedy
Tel: 613 995 4843

Communiqué

For Immediate Release Ottawa June 3, 2004

On June 2, 2004, Mr. Sarkis Assadourian M.P. (Brampton Centre,
Lib.): Chair Canada-Armenia Parliamentary Friendship Group convened
a consultative meeting of fourteen prominent Canadian Armenians on
Parliament Hill. As a result of discussions held, the following needs
of the Canadian Armenian Community were identified.

* An effective means to present Armenian issues to the
Canadian public through educational seminars.
* The presentation of appropriate projects in Armenia
to C.I.D.A. for funding.
* Reflecting on Motion M-380, promoting the recognition
and commemoration of the Armenian Genocide by the
Government of Canada through education.
* The establishment of a Canadian Embassy in Armenia.
* The enhancement of trade cultural and educational
relations between Canada and Armenia.
* Continue to support the Parliamentary Exchange Program
to enhance Parliamentary Relations between Canada
and Armenia.

Mr. Assadourian was asked by those present at the meeting to consult
with the Canadian Armenian Community across the country, to identify
and further define realizable ways to address these needs. It is
expected that these consultations will take place over the coming
two or three months.

Commenting on the meeting Assadourian said. “I would like to thank
all of the participants for their input and I assure you that I will
continue to apply my firm dedication to the freedom of expression
and the principles of democracy and that I will continue to work
with any individuals or organizations that dedicate themselves to
these principles to enhance Canadian Armenian relations and enrich
Canadian Armenian Life.”

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Emil Lazarian

“I should like to see any power of the world destroy this race, this small tribe of unimportant people, whose wars have all been fought and lost, whose structures have crumbled, literature is unread, music is unheard, and prayers are no more answered. Go ahead, destroy Armenia . See if you can do it. Send them into the desert without bread or water. Burn their homes and churches. Then see if they will not laugh, sing and pray again. For when two of them meet anywhere in the world, see if they will not create a New Armenia.” - WS