ASBAREZ Online [01-24-2005]

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01/24/2005
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WEBSITE AT <;HTTP:// 1) ARF Celebrates over a Century of Service to Armenians Worldwide 2) Rep. Linda Sanchez Latest Addition to Congressional Armenian Caucus 3) US Ambassador Evans Comments on Jones's Statement 4) Council of Europe Defames Armenia 1) ARF Celebrates over a Century of Service to Armenians Worldwide GLENDALE--The Southern California Armenian community, along with the faithful from as far away as Fresno, gathered in Glendale, California on January 22 to celebrate the anniversary of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF), founded in 1890. Glendale High School's auditorium was packed with about 2,000 supporters who came to mark the venerable organization's unwavering commitment and dedication to the Armenian people for more than a hundred years, through thick and thin. The Homenetmen regional band, along with the scouts of its Ararat chapter, opened the program with the flag ceremony, followed by the performances of the American national anthem by Nanor Hindoyan, and the Armenian and ARF anthems by Nersik Ispiryan. Honored guests included Western Region Prelate Archbishop Mousegh Mardirossian and Primate Archbishop Hovnan Derderian and former Primate Vatche Hovsepian, representatives of the Armenian Catholic and Evangelical churches, Armenia's Consul General in the US Gagik Kirakossian, ARF Bureau representative Hrant Margarian, Bureau member Dr. Vicken Hovsepian, as well as representatives of the ADL (Ramgavar party), AGBU, ARS, Hamazkayin, Homenetmen, and other representatives of various organizations and the media. Speaking on behalf of the organizing committee, Vasken Madenlian conveyed welcoming remarks and served as the evening's emcee. Subsequent speakers included Melanie Vartabedian of the Armenian Youth Federation, Anahit Stepanian of the ARF Central Committee, as well as keynote speaker ARF Bureau representative Hrant Margarian. Margarian began, noting that for decades on, when commemorating the anniversary of the ARF, these events serve as an opportunity to be accountable to the public. Addressing current fundamental changes and unfolding of strategic situations throughout the world, Margarian stressed that numerous important political and international advancements were registered during the past year. "In the case of Armenia, these advancements have come in the social, domestic-political, economic sectors, and in foreign policy; there has also been progress in Armenia-diaspora relations, in the advancement of the Armenian case, pan-Armenian, as well in the development of pan-diasporan community relations." As far as ARF's role and activity in carrying out vital social and economic reforms in Armenia, Margarian noted that the ARF's role as a government coalition partner is not a self-serving one, and stressed that its participation does not imply that the Tashnagtsutiun is fully content with the government's activities. "Rather, as a coalition partner, the Tashnagtsutiun strives to guarantee that the government works toward maintaining and continuing reform programs. It serves to ensure that the government's fight against corruption and bribery are more forceful, and that it more effectively pursues the shaping of civil and public sectors, the implementation of democratic ideals, and preservation of national harmony." In order to effectively tackle the country's widespread corruption, the ARF, revealed Margarian, urged the Armenian government to join Council of Europe's Group of States against Corruption (GRECO). As a result, Armenia became the 37th member, agreeing to adopt a strategic plan of action to stamp out corruption, and indicating its clear-cut political will to integrate European standards into society. Armenia's membership, he stressed, also presumes legislative commitments, and a multidisciplinary approach to fighting corruption that includes cross-border cooperation between states and international institutions. In summary, Margarian stated that for the ARF, priority lies in pursuit of issues tied to Armenia's security. "The ARF cannot win when the people of Armenia and our nation are under threat. During these times, the ARF, when considering its political goals, simply cannot assume the role of a spectator." He said that the ARF will continue to fight--at all cost and available means, to establish democracy in Armenia and in eliminating poverty and corruption. Margarian also spoke of recent upheavals in the South Caucuses, as well as the effects of foreign intervention and policy on the region, specifically Armenia. He said that the opposition in Armenia, inspired by developments in Georgia, attempted to seize power, creating instability, and threatening not only the situation in Mountainous Karabagh Republic, but also developments and advancements in Armenia. Margarian stressed that the ARF immediately called for negotiations between the government and the opposition to maintain internal stability. Although the opposition rejected all offers, the efforts and propositions of the ARF nevertheless helped in quelling internal crisis. And as a result of that policy, the party today enjoys a certain political authority, leverage, and respect by the authorities, opposition organizations, political forces, as well as international and diplomatic representatives operating in Armenia, he said. On Mountainous Karabagh Republic (MKR), Margarian emphasized that the commitment of the diaspora to the issue, and the involvement of all Armenians are guarantees that our victories there will be preserved and strengthened. He affirmed ARF's commitment to its fundamental views in establishing a resolution to the conflict--according to which, and also legally--MKR must be a part of the Republic of Armenia. On the issue of Javakhk, a majority Armenian populated region of Georgia, Margarian said that Georgia is obliged to practically display its commitment to lifting not only its biased policy in the region, but one that has neglected the economic and basic social needs of the population. Margarian noted the importance of commemorating the 90th anniversary of the genocide of Armenians by Turkey, saying, "Armenians must once again convey their condemnation of that act against humanity--stressing to the world that there will never be forgiveness without repentance and just compensation. Only then can there be normalization of Armenian-Turkish relations, and only then can progress be registered." 2) Rep. Linda Sanchez Latest Addition to Congressional Armenian Caucus --Two term Congresswoman has been active on Genocide Recognition and US-Armenia Economic Relations Issues GLENDALE--Southern California Democrat Linda Sanchez (39th Dist.) is the most recent in a line of Representatives who have become members of the Congressional Armenian Caucus. She joins Representatives Ben Chandler (R-KY), Raul Grijalva (D-AZ), Jerry Moran (R-KS), and Joe Schwarz (R-MI), all of whom have added their names to the Caucus over the past three weeks. Since her election to Congress in 2002, Rep. Sanchez has consistently been active on issues of concern to the Armenian American community. In the 108th Congress, she was a cosponsor of a measure, which granted permanent normal trade relations status (PNTR) to Armenia. She has also been vocal in urging President Bush to properly commemorate the Armenian genocide, joining over 160 of her colleagues in cosigning letters to the President regarding the topic in April 2003 and 2004. `We appreciate Rep. Linda Sanchez's leadership and advocacy on issues of concern to her Armenian American constituency,' commented ANCA Western Region Executive Director Ardashes Kassakhian. `It is through exemplary leadership like hers that we will see the membership of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian issues continue to grow.' An attorney by profession prior to her election to office, Rep. Sanchez currently serves on the House Government Reforms, Small Business and Judiciary Committees. She convincingly defeated Republican Tim Escobar in the 2004 Congressional elections, garnering 61% of the vote. Established in 1995 and co-chaired by Representatives Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Joe Knollenberg (R-MI), the Congressional Armenian Caucus is a bipartisan forum for the discussion of policies to foster increased cooperation between the United States and Armenian governments and to strengthen the enduring bonds between the American and Armenian peoples. 3) US Ambassador Evans Comments on Jones's Statement YEREVAN (Arminfo)--In an interview broadcast by TV Company Armenia, US Ambassador to Armenia John Evans stated, `I know what criminal elements US Assistant Secretary of the State Elizabeth Jones was referring to and do not think the matter concerned Nagorno-Karabakh.' According to the ambassador, the US's position on Karabagh, which calls for a peaceful settlement to the conflict, remains unchanged. `I have known her for almost 30 years as a professional diplomat and when I first read about her statement, I thought immediately: something is wrong here,' commented Evans. Jones's intent, according to Evans, is to create closer cooperation between the US and Russia in resolving the conflicts in Abkhazia, Transdnesitria, and Mountainous Karabagh. `I know the geography [of the region] and I don't think that the matter concerned Nagorno Karabakhwe know what districts and elements she meant,' the American diplomat said. Evans also added that the US has for several years now allocated support to Mountainous Karabagh, and those who misinterpret Jones's statement are attempting to damage US-Armenia relations. 4) Council of Europe Defames Armenia STRASBOURG--The European Armenian Federation announced over the weekend that the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) is on the verge of adopting two resolutions, one questioning the independent status of the Mountainous Karabagh Republic (MKR), and the other excluding the Armenian genocide day of remembrance from the European calendar. PACE members will determine the fate of both resolutions on Tuesday. Prepared by David Atkinson (Democrat) from the United Kingdom, the resolution dealing with MKR notes that `considerable parts of the territory of Azerbaijan are still occupied by Armenian forces' and that `separatist forces are still in control of the Nagorno-Karabakh region.' Full of incendiary language, the resolution also describes MKR as a mono-ethnic area `which [evokes] the terrible concept of ethnic cleansing.' `The Atkinson report is the report of Azerbaijan. This country believes that shifting the institutional framework will turn its crimes into virtues. Attempts of ethnic cleansing actually occurred but, contrary to Mr. Atkinson insinuations, it was the policy led by Baku,' declared Laurent Leylekian, executive director of the European Armenian Federation. `Without the fight for self-determination led by the people of Karabagh, theses historically Armenian territories would no longer house Armenians, as is the case today in the region of Nakhitchevan or throughout the areas of Eastern Turkey,' Leylekian added. On Tuesday, parliamentarians will also vote on a resolution drafted by Sweden's Mats Einarsson (United Left), which calls for the `establishment of a European remembrance center for victims of forced population movements and ethnic cleansing.' In its current form, the resolution cites several examples of genocides perpetrated during the twentieth century, including the Holocaust organized by the Nazis, the forced migrations directed by Stalin, and the genocide of the Ukrainians. It, however, deliberately omits mention of the Armenian genocide. `How can we grant credibility to an institution which supports such a biased lecture of history?' questioned Leylekian. `By taking cues from Turkey, the Council of Europe is making itself party to a second symbolic murder of the Armenians of Anatolia and Western Armenia. Such a move, taken by an institution which claims to serve as the guardian of human rights in Europe, is simply pathetic.' The European Armenian Federation has called upon European citizens and organizations to intervene in the matter, by urging their PACE representatives to vote against the two resolutions. A complete list of PACE parliamentarians is available online at All subscription inquiries and changes must be made through the proper carrier and not Asbarez Online. ASBAREZ ONLINE does not transmit address changes and subscription requests. (c) 2005 ASBAREZ ONLINE. All Rights Reserved. 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