Month: October 2019

BOSTON (Armenian Weekly)—The Armenian National Committee of Eastern Massachusetts has announced that the Massachusetts Joint Committee on Education will be discussing a bill related to genocide education next week.

The public hearing for H.566 and S. 327 – “An Act concerning genocide education” – will be held on Monday October 7 at the Massachusetts State House.

The hearing will feature testimony from scholars, teachers, students, and community activists in support of the bill that mandates the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to include the instruction of the Holocaust and the genocide “to address the notion that national, ethnic, racial or religious hatred can overtake any nation or society, leading to calamitous consequences.”

The language of the bill continues: “To reinforce that lesson, such curriculum unit shall include the Nazi atrocities of 1933 to 1945 known as the Holocaust, and other genocides including, but not limited to, the Armenian Genocide, the Famine-Genocide in Ukraine known as Holodomor, the Pontian Greek Genocide, and more recent atrocities in Bosnia, Cambodia, Rwanda and Sudan.”

In 1998, the state legislature passed a bill that required genocide education in the state social studies curriculum framework; but this bill would mandate that all students learn about cases of genocide. It will provide young people more opportunities to explore how stereotypes, prejudice and religious and ethnic hatred can escalate to tragedy.

Currently 12 states mandate the teaching of genocide. Most recently in 2016, the ANC of Michigan took a leading role in the successful effort to pass a genocide mandate for Michigan public school students.

The ANC of Eastern Mass., the Anti-Defamation League of New England, and the Jewish Community Relations Council are leading a coalition of 25 organizations and religious institutions that are advocating for passage of the Genocide Education Act.

The public is encouraged to attend so that legislators can witness the community’s broad support for genocide education in Massachusetts public schools.

SACRAMENTO—Governor Gavin Newsom on Thursday signed the Divestment from Turkish Bonds Act, into law.

“California stands on the side of justice and remembers the 1.5 million souls lost during the Armenian Genocide,” stated Governor Gavin Newsom. “Today and every day, let us recommit ourselves to making certain that we never forget and that we always speak out against hatred and atrocities anywhere they occur. I am proud to stand with friends and sign AB 1320 into law.”

“California, the 5th largest economy in the world, just told Turkey to end its deceitful campaign of genocide denial,” stated Assemblymember Adrin Nazarian. “I want to thank my colleagues, Governor Newsom, and all those who have fought with me on this long path to recognizing the 1.5 million Armenian souls lost to genocide.”

“This is a significant victory for the Armenian Cause after a long and hard-fought battle, but the war is not over by any means. We are exceedingly grateful to Governor Gavin Newsom for remaining steadfast in his commitment for justice for the Armenian Cause by keeping his promise to sign the Divest Turkey bill into law once he assumed office after publicly voicing his support during his term as Lt. Governor and after our meeting with him in August,” said Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region chairperson Nora Hovsepian, Esq.

“The persistence and perseverance of Assemblymember Adrin Nazarian and the unflinching support of his colleagues in the State Assembly and State Senate in working with us to advance this agenda have been immeasurable, and we greatly appreciate the hard work it took to achieve this result,” added Hovspeian.

“After this movement was initiated by the Armenian Youth Federation and the All-Armenian Students’ Association on college campuses throughout California, the ANCA-WR worked hard to bring it to the legislative floor. This was truly a team effort, and the result speaks for itself. We will continue to spread the message of Divest Turkey to other entities, now being able to use this newly-enacted law as an example of how the State can align its human rights policies with its fiscal policies.” explained Hovsepian.

California has a long history of divesting from countries that violate human rights, such as South Africa (apartheid policy), Sudan (Darfur genocide), and Iran (international terrorism, human rights violations). Threatening to divest from Turkish bonds over its denial of the Armenian Genocide would end the continued funding of a campaign of genocide denial. This bill sends a strong message internationally that California demands justice for the murder of 1.5 million Armenians.

AB 1320 prohibits the boards of the California Public Retirement System (CalPERS) and California State Teachers’ Retirement System (CalSTRS) from making additional or new investments, or renewing existing investments issued or owned by the government of Turkey after federal sanctions are imposed on Turkey.

The boards shall liquidate investments only upon action taken by the federal government. More specifically, CalPERS and CalSTRS must liquidate any of the investments described above within eighteen months of the passage of federal sanctions on Turkey.

This bill also requires the boards of CalPERS and CalSTRS to submit reports to the Legislature and the Governor, within a year of when the federal government issues sanctions against Turkey. The report will detail a list of investments that they have already liquidated and a list of investments that potentially can be liquidated. CalPERS, estimated that the exposure to the fund from Turkish investment vehicles ranges between $77 million up to $350 million as of December 31, 2018.

From its July analysis, CalSTRS estimates the holdings of debt securities issued by the government of Turkey is approximately $3.2 million. Global equities and currency investments subject to possible divestment have a potential combined market value of up to $8.3 million.

“I want to thank the Armenian Assembly, the Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region, Armenian Youth Federation and Armenian Student Associations throughout the UC and Cal State system and all the other college campuses for helping advocate for AB 1320,” stated Assemblymember Nazarian.

California is home to the largest Armenian-American population in the United States and one of the largest Armenian Diaspora communities in the world. Annually, the Los Angeles Armenian Diaspora organizes a march and protest on April 24th, to the Turkish Consulate to condemn Turkey’s denial of their history of human rights violations and targeted murder of the Armenian people in 1915. AB 1320 sets precedent that we will not support Turkey, as it continues to savagely violate human rights today as it did over a century ago.

Assemblymember Nazarian added: “I am not finished fighting for justice and reparations. My next fight is federal recognition of the Armenian Genocide.”

BY ARA KHACHATOURIAN

A day after Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and President Vladimir Putin of Russia heaped praise on the ongoing “strong” relations between Yerevan and Moscow, Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov called Pashinyan’s statement that “Artsakh is Armenia. Period,” calling it non-conducive for the advancement of the Karabakh conflict resolution process.

Speaking at the Russian think-thank Valdai Forum in Sochi on Wednesday, Lavrov lamented at parties to the Karabakh conflict “making quite serious statements.”

“In particular,” Lavorv said, “there has been a statement to the effect that Karabakh is Armenia, just like Albanian Prime Minister [Edi] Rama said from Tirana than Kosovo is Albania. This certainly does not help to create an atmosphere conducive to the resumption of the political [settlement] process.”

Lavrov was referencing a speech given by Pashinyan at a rally in Stepanakert in August on the eve of the opening ceremonies of the Pan-Armenian Games, where he said, “Artsakh is Armenia. Period,” evidently disturbing Russia’s top diplomat.

When asked about Lavrov’s statement, Armenia’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Anna Naghdalyan, during a press briefing on Thursday, cited official Baku’s ongoing rants about how the Karabakh conflict must be resolved “exclusively within the framework of Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity.” Naghdalyan insisted that such assertions “do not contribute to the fostering an atmosphere of respect in advancing the peace process.”

“Armenia has and continues to support the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairmanship format, which has provided impartial and unbiased mediation on the conflict and has united the co-chairing countries in their efforts for a peaceful resolution. At the same time we find it important for each of the mediators to avoid random and one-sided assessments,” said Naghdalyan.

“Armenia’s position has been clearly expressed in all of the Armenian prime minister’s speeches, including in the September 24 speech made at the U.N., during which he reiterated the formula proposed by Armenia on achieving peace and compromise. In this regard we consider unacceptable Azerbaijan’s inability to publicly express the kind of solutions for peace, which will be acceptable for the people of Armenia, Artsakh and Azerbaijan,” added Naghdalyan.

The foreign ministry spokesperson also clarified other statement made by Lavrov who said that mechanisms were in place for exchanging prisoners and returning remains of killed soldiers to their respective countries.

“No exchange of remains has taken place, rather Artsakh authorities allowed the retrieval of an Azerbaijani serviceman’s remains as a humanitarian step,” explained Naghdalyan.

We must clearly note that Armenia is not considering an exchange of prisoners kept in the territories of the parties, but is proceeding from positions of addressing every individual case within the framework of humanitarian law,” added Naghdalyan.

Lavrov made the statements a day before Putin met with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev at the same forum in Sochi, where Aliyev told Putin, “For us, Russia is a very important partner, friend and good neighbor. We very much value this relationship.” Neither leader mentioned the Karabakh conflict in public remarks.

It wouldn’t be the first time that Lavrov has used his pulpit to admonish Yerevan. Last year, he inserted himself in Armenia’s domestic affairs when he commented on the criminal proceedings related to the March 1, 2008 case, calling actions taken against indicted suspects politically motivated.

It is commendable that the Armenian Foreign Ministry emphasized the disparity in Lavrov’s statements and essentially fact-checked his remarks about prisoner exchanges. What is curious is if Moscow has such concerns, why then did Putin and Pashinyan praise Yerevan-Moscow relations in their public announcements after a meeting Tuesday in Yerevan on the margins of the Eurasian Economic Union summit?

“Armenia-Russia relations are on a reliable and positive course,” Pashinyan reiterated on Wednesday in a Facbook post, where he also announced that he had a second meeting with Putin at Zvartnots airport on Tuesday that lasted 90 minutes and “will give new impetus to Armenia-Russia relations.”

The Karabakh conflict as a topic of discussion was not mentioned by Putin or Pashinyan in their public statements. One wonders if it was even discussed.

Artsakh President Bako Sahakian on Thursday awarded Artsakh Army soldiers for bravery and service for their role in thwarting aggression by Azerbaijan, namely an effort to breach the line of contact on September 22 and the downing of an Israeli-made Azerbaijani drone two days later.

Sahakian was attending military drills that have been taking place in Artsakh since late last month and during a special ceremony he awarded servicemen Armen Babayan and Emil Nersisyan the medal of Service in Combat for their bravery and courage demonstrated in rebuffing an effort by Azebaijani troops to breach the Artsakh-Azerbaijan border during a reconnaissance mission on September 22.

During the same ceremony, Sahakian awarded servicemen Paruyr Amirkhanyan and Rafik Ordoyan for shooting down an Israeli-made Azerbaijani “Orbiter -2″ drone, which violated Artsakh’s airspace on September 25.

Artsakh Defense Minister and Army Commander Lieutenant-General Karen Abrahamyan briefed Sahakian about the military drills, as well as the current situation on the borders.

After a two-day visit to Artsakh, Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ) met with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, President Armen Sarkissian and Speaker of Armenia’s parliament Ararat Mirzoyan on Thursday upon returning to Yerevan.

Welcoming Pallone’s visit to Armenia and Artsakh, Pashinyan expressed confidence that his visit will help strengthen the congressman’s relationship with the Armenian people.

Pashinyan also praised Pallone’s efforts in the advancement of U.S.-Armenia relations and in raising issues of Armenian concern in Congress. Pashinyan discussed his recent visit to California and expressed confidence that it will help boost cooperation between Armenia and one of the largest U.S. states.

Pallone, who is the founding co-chair of the Congressional Armenian Caucus, told Pashinyan that he was impressed by the non-violent velvet popular revolution and the democratic processes underway in the country. The Congressman expressed readiness to promote interaction between the two countries, support Armenia and the Armenian people.

The parties also discussed the Armenian government’s ambitious reform agenda, the ongoing cooperation with the U.S. government, as well as to regional developments.

“You are Armenia’s good friend,” said President Sarkissian in greeting Pallone.

Sarkissian and Pallone discussed U.S.-Armenia relations agenda with the the president highlighting American support in the science and technology sector. In this context Sarkissian briefed Pallone on one his initiatives known as ATOM–Advanced Tomorrow—which aims at bringing representatives of leading international information and high-tech enterprises to Armenia and making Armenia one of the leading global centers in the sector of artificial intelligence and mathematical modeling. Sarkissian said he would be happy to see American companies in Armenia as part of the project.

The meeting also touched upon the prospects of development and existing challenges under Armenia’s fairly new parliamentary system of government, as well as the changes that have taken place in the country.

Parliament Speaker Mirzoyan thanked Pallone for accepting his invitation, once again, to visit Armenia and expressed his gratitude for Pallone’s continued support for Armenia and Artsakh in Congress.

Mirzoyan told Pallone that Armenia is committed to the Karabakh conflict resolution negotiations that are being held under the auspices of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs, adding that there are no other alternatives to a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

The National Assembly speaker briefed the visiting member of Congress about the democratic reforms taking place in Armenia, as well as discussed the legislative agenda ahead to advance reforms in various sectors in Armenia, saying that the proposed changes would facilitate future American investment.

Pallone also briefed Mirzoyan about his visit to Artsakh and said that his days in Armenia have provided him with a broader understanding the priorities of the Armenian-American agenda.

Upon arriving in Armenia on Monday, Pallone met with His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians at Etchmiadzin.

A delegation from the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative on Wednesday received a special blessing from Pope Francis during their visit to the Vatican. The visit was part of a wider trip from the group to Rome, during which a series of meetings with Vatican and community leaders was held.

The trip to the Vatican was attended by Noubar Afeyan and Ruben Vardanyan, the Co-Founders of the Aurora Forum and noted social entrepreneurs, as well as by the three previous Laureates of the annual Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity: Tom Catena, Marguerite Barankitse and Kyaw Hla Aung. In addition, the group also met with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State to the Holy See.

During their conversation with Pope Francis, the group sought his blessing for the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative as it continues its global efforts in combating poverty, improving healthcare, and providing education to vulnerable communities. Likewise, the group also highlighted the Initiative’s newly launched fund-raising drive, the #AraratChallenge, which aims to inspire others to join the Aurora mission by sharing stories of personal gratitude, making donations, and getting involved with humanitarian causes.

Commenting on the meeting with Pope Francis, Noubar Afeyan, Co-Founder of the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative and the Aurora Forum, said: “We are honored to have received a special blessing from His Holiness earlier this morning. Driven by our commitment to spreading our message of Gratitude in Action and to maximizing its impact, it is important that we build closer relationships with religious, governmental, private sector and cultural leaders from across the world. Today’s meetings at the Vatican have allowed us to highlight the vital work being done globally by the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative, and the need for greater collaboration as we expand these efforts in the long-term.”

Remarking on the audience with Pope Francis, Ruben Vardanyan, Co-Founder of the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative and the Aurora Forum, said: “Today’s meetings with His Holiness Pope Francis and His Eminence Cardinal Parolin were an opportune time to take stock and reflect on the impact the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative has had globally since its founding. However, our work has only just begun. We look forward to discussing new challenges and opportunities that humanity faces at the inaugural Aurora Forum later this month in Yerevan.”

Founded on behalf of the survivors of the Armenian Genocide and in gratitude to their saviors, the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative is a globally-focused organization, which seeks to empower modern-day saviors to offer life and hope to those in urgent need of basic humanitarian aid anywhere in the world and thus continue the cycle of giving internationally.

Also speaking on the meeting, Tom Catena, Chair of the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative and the 2017 Laureate of the annual Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity, added: “Since joining the Aurora community in 2017, it’s been a privilege to see first-hand the incredible work being done by our organization all around the world. As a Catholic Missionary, it was an honor to meet His Holiness Pope Francis during this visit. I’m incredibly excited for the Aurora Forum later this month, during which we’ll be sharing ideas on such work with leaders in various industries from all across the world. It is by collaborating with thought leaders and experts, as well as the contributions and support of grass-roots individuals and organizations, that we can continue our work in the long-term.”

In less than two weeks’ time, the inaugural Aurora Forum will take place in Yerevan, Armenia from October 14 to 21. The Forum will bring together the world’s leading authorities and thought leaders on social, scientific-technological, educational, and humanitarian innovation. Through the Forum, this network of remarkable individuals aims to drive practical action and change relating to some of the world’s most pressing challenges and opportunities.

The week-long series of activities will provide an opportunity for thought leaders to compare best practices, lessons learned and, in some cases, disruptive thinking around issues ranging from infrastructure challenges to healthcare breakthroughs to women’s empowerment. The October 2019 Aurora Forum events will be held across Armenia with major events in cities from north to south.

Armenian Caucus Co-Chair Pledges to Fight for Additional Artsakh Aid

STEPANAKERT– Congressional Armenian Caucus founding Co-Chair Frank Pallone (D-NJ) visited with The HALO Trust Wednesday Stepanakert to review its ongoing de-mining efforts, after which he publicly reaffirmed the commitment of the Congressional Armenian Caucus to securing continued U.S. government support for this life-saving humanitarian program, reported the Armenian National Committee of America.

“The State Department believes, mistakenly, that the [Halo Trust de-mining] program is no longer needed, in other words, that most of the de-mining has already occurred,” Rep. Pallone told reporters following his visit. “What we learned today from The HALO Trust people is that’s not the case. There is still more work to be done. So, we are going to go back to the U.S. and stress to the State Department, when we meet with them, that there’s still more work to do.”

Congressman Pallone and Congressional staff member James Johnson sat down with The HALO Trust to review the progress of the program and the need for continued U.S. support to complete the de-mining efforts. In August, when reports emerged that the State Department was looking to prematurely cut off funding for Artsakh de-mining, the ANCA worked with The HALO Trust and Congressional leaders in securing the support of over 100 U.S. Senators and Representatives to continue U.S. aid for this vital humanitarian program.

In June, the U.S. House adopted an amendment to the FY20 foreign aid bill, spearheaded by Rep. TJ Cox (D-CA) and supported by Representatives Pallone, Jackie Speier (D-CA) and Adam Schiff (D-CA), calling for continued U.S. assistance for de-mining and rehabilitation services in Artsakh. The ANCA is currently working with Senate leaders to include similar language in their version of the bill, which is set to reach the Senate floor in the next few weeks.

In addition to The HALO Trust, Rep. Pallone’s delegation also visited the Lady Cox Rehabilitation Center and met with its Director Vardan Tadevosyan, and his dedicated staff, who provide high-quality, specialized medical care each year to approximately 1,000 local and regional patients. Among those receiving treatment include patients – from Artsakh, Armenia, Russia, and Georgia – with spinal cord injuries, elderly stroke victims, and infants and children born with disabilities, such as cerebral palsy and spinal bifida. The ANCA continues to advocate for expanding U.S. assistance to Artsakh to support the life-changing efforts of this center.

Rep. Pallone also met with a 50-member delegation of Adventist Health Glendale, who had arrived in Artsakh days ago on their second medical mission to the Republic, where they plan a broad range of surgeries, carried out jointly with specialists of Stepanakert’s Republican Medical Center.

“Congressman Pallone, always at the forefront of advancing U.S.-Artsakh relations, is living out his legislative priorities – traveling to Artsakh, breaking down barriers to bilateral ties, challenging Azerbaijani aggression, and securing funding for de-mining and other pressing humanitarian needs,” said ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian. “His visit, and those that will follow, underscore the urgency of passing H.Res.190 – which would not only facilitate much needed direct dialogue but also help create the conditions for peace by calling for Artsakh’s long overdue return to the OSCE talks.”

Congressman Pallone arrived in Artsakh on October 1st, accompanied by Nagorno Karabakh Republic Representative to the U.S. Robert Avetisyan, and several members of the Armenian Parliament. He met with Artsakh President Bako Sahakyan, Foreign Minister Massis Mayilian, National Assembly Chairman Ashot Ghulyan, and key Parliamentary leaders. He also traveled to Shushi, where he visited the Artsakh Army’s battalion headquarters, Ghazanchetsots Armenian Church, and the Artsakh Carpet Factory.

Congressman Pallone told reporters that his purpose in traveling to Artsakh is three-fold:

1. To end U.S. government efforts to block travel and communication with Artsakh;
2. To review the security situation in Artsakh first-hand, given Congressional concerns over recent reports of an allocation of over $100 million in military assistance to Azerbaijan;
3. To explore ways to help reinvigorate the OSCE Minsk Group mediated Artsakh peace process.

“The U.S. needs to be more involved in Artsakh and to not have these advisories sent to the American people saying don’t come here, don’t communicate with anyone here,” Rep. Pallone told reporters.

After two days in Artsakh, Rep. Pallone returned to Armenia, where he will take part in a trip planned as part of an ongoing Parliamentary exchange program between the U.S. and Armenia.

Representatives Speier and Judy Chu (D-CA) are scheduled to visit Artsakh over the next several days.