ASBAREZ ONLINE [05-25-2004]

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05/25/2004
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WEBSITE AT <;HTTP:// 1) Community Celebrates the Impact of Armenia's First Independence Day 2) Coalition Firm in Improving the Country's Situation 3) ARF Bureau Representative Visits Canada 4) ANCA Presents Case for Genocide Resolution Vote 1) Community Celebrates the Impact of Armenia's First Independence Day LOS ANGELES--Perhaps no other day symbolizes the resilience, hope, and profound commitment to freedom of the Armenian people more than May 28, 1918. The 86th anniversary celebration of the May 28, 1918 Armenian Independence Day took place on Sunday, May 23, at the John Anson Ford Amphitheatre, which was packed by the community-at-large and invited guests who had gathered en-masse to celebrate the noteworthy historical event. Present were ARF Bureau members Vicken Hovsepian and keynote speaker Hagop Der Khatchadourian, Consul General of Armenia to the US Gagik Kirakossian, members of the Central Committee of ARF Western Region, representatives of religious bodies, and representatives and members of ARF-affiliated organizations, as well as a wide array of other community institutions and organizations. The Los Angeles Homenetmen scouts performed the flag ceremony, followed by the singing of the US national and Armenian anthems. Speaking in Armenian and English, Master of Ceremonies Razmig Haroun, in his opening remarks, recalled the words of Nigol Aghbalian, "The Armenian man of future centuries will be amazed at the heroic resoluteness of that generation which stood by the side of its abandoned homeland and, with its weakened and inexperienced hands, but with an unfettered spirit, created a new Armenia from ruins…May 28 celebrates this telling and ultimate determination." Haroun stressed it is impossible to celebrate this great resurrection of the Armenian people without recalling that extraordinary generation which lay the foundation in Armenia with the concept of government. Haroun spoke of the heroes who achieved the impossible because they were united, body and soul; and it was that psychological atmosphere that gave birth to the miracle of Sardarabad. "We must be able to recreate the spirit and atmosphere of Sardarabad, and must be able to infuse the Armenian spirit with the patriotism and knowledge that existed during Sardarabad, in order to carry out our pan Armenian struggle as one people." Keynote speaker, ARF Bureau Member Hagop Der Khatchadourian characterized the miracle of the May victory as one that "crushed the centuries-old chains of slavery, terror, and burdens," to inspire hope in the Armenian people--hope in the future and firm conviction in the power and abilities of Armenians. When the genocide served to enslave the Armenian mind and conscience, along with literary creations--even banished the existence of the Armenian exiled from the 20th Century, May 28 emerged as the beacon that dissipated the dreadful obscurity of psyche and spirit, and served to rekindle national confidence and honor." Addressing Armenia's political tensions, Der Khatchadourian said that the ARF firmly believes that the key to resolving the current situation is through guaranteed reforms in the life of the country and its people, ensured through Constitutional reforms to strengthen democratic mechanisms, spur economic growth, establish social justice, and fight against corruption, and the shadow economy. Speaking about national advancements realized in the last 15 years, Der Khatchadourian said that it is our sacred duty to seize the moment with our collective capabilities to ensure even more victories. "There is still a long road; our quest continues--until we collectively reintroduce our inalienable rights to a united Armenia, through uniting as Armenians." Also participating in the night's celebrations were Consul General Gagik Kirakossian, singers Sose Keshishian, Sushan Petrossian, Garine Avakian, Hovhannes Shabazian, Rasmik Mansourian, and Karnig Sarkishian, and dancers of the Armenian Dance Centera and Hamazkayin Ani Dance Ensemble. 2) Coalition Firm in Improving the Country's Situation YEREVAN (Combined Sources)--In a joint statement issued on Tuesday, the governing coalition called on the opposition once more to engage in real dialogue. The statement reads that though the opposition, through its statements made jointly with other parliamentary forces, emphasizes the need to create a new political atmosphere in the country, it has, nevertheless, failed to take the appropriate steps in this direction. "Adopting a policy of holding protest rallies instead of engaging in a dialogue, they effectively do not adhere to the Council of Europe's calls to settle issues by political means without preconditions," the statement continues. Referring to a solution to the problem, the coalition states the situation can not change simply with the readiness of authorities, but also requires the opposition to change its stance, adding that it "believes the possibility for a further dialogue still exists, and expects that the opposition, with a responsible stance, participate in the process of settling the current problems jointly." In concluding, the coalition confirms its resoluteness "to settle the problems and issues that the people are concerned with through implementation of the Council of Europe's recommendations and the country's commitments before the Council." 3) ARF Bureau Representative Visits Canada YEREVAN (Yerkir)--Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) Bureau representative Hrant Margarian, arrived in Montreal on May 24, where he was greeted by representatives of the ARF Canada Central Committee (CC), and members of the Montreal "Mihran Papazian," and Laval "Sargis Zeitlian" ARF chapters. Margarian met with ARF Canada CC members and was briefed on the body's activities; in turn, he presented Armenia's current political situation and its foreign policy issues. Margarian will participate in the 86th anniversary celebration of the First Armenian Republic, to be held on May 27 at the Canadian Parliament. On May 28 and 30, Margarian will serve as keynote speaker at the May 28 Independence Day events in Toronto and Montreal. 4) ANCA Presents Case for Genocide Resolution Vote --URGES SPEAKER HASTERT AND SENATE MAJORITY LEADER FRIST TO HEED CONGRESSIONAL AND CONSTITUENT CALLS FOR ACTION WASHINGTON, DCThe Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA), again this week, urged the Congressional leadership to take note of the overwhelming bipartisan support for legislation marking the 15th anniversary of the US implementation of the Genocide Convention and schedule a vote on the Senate and House Genocide resolutions (S.Res.164 and H.Res.193). In an ANCA update sent to Members of Congress, ANCA Government Affairs director Abraham Niziblian outlined ten key reasons why Senate Majority Leader Frist and House Speaker Dennis Hastert should place the Genocide legislation on the Congressional docket for action. The Genocide resolution was introduced in the Senate in June, 2003 by Senators John Ensign (R-NV) and Jon Corzine (D-NJ). Its Companion House measure, H.Res.193, led by Representatives George Radanovich (R-CA), Adam Schiff (D-CA), and Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chairs Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Joe Knollenberg (R-MI), was adopted unanimously by the House Judiciary Committee last May and has 111 cosponsors. The resolution cites the importance of remembering past crimes against humanity, including the Armenian Genocide, Holocaust, Cambodian and Rwandan genocides, in an effort to stop future atrocities. Support for the measure has been widespread, with a diverse coalition of over 100 ethnic, religious, civil and human rights organizations calling for its passage, including American Values, National Organization of Women, Sons of Italy, NAACP, Union of Orthodox Rabbis, and the National Council of La Raza. The ANCA update provides the following compelling reasons why the Genocide Resolution deserves a vote: it seeks to prevent future genocides; it strengthens America's commitment to the Genocide Convention; its unanimous adoption by the House Judiciary Committee; its broad, bipartisan support; endorsement by a coalition of over 100 organizations; support by Pulitzer Prize winning author Samantha Power for adoption of the Genocide Resolution; participation of over 40 legislators in the Capitol Hill Observance of the Armenian Genocide; request to President by 191 members of Congress this April to recognize the Armenian Genocide; the National Genocide Resolution postcard campaign; benefit concert supporting passage of Genocide Resolution. 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) 2004 ASBAREZ ONLINE. All Rights Reserved. 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