Author: Ani Kharatian

Prime Minister Pashinyan participates in CIS Council of Heads of Government session

Ani Kharatian

 15:44, 8 June 2023

YEREVAN, JUNE 8, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan participated in the regular session of the Council of Heads of Government of the CIS in Sochi.

Prime Minister Pashinyan made a speech in the narrow-format session.

Below is the transcript of the Armenian PM’s speech. 

“Dear heads of delegations,

Dear Sergey Nikolayevich,

I am glad to welcome my colleagues at the session of the Council of Heads of Government of the CIS. First of all, I would like to thank our Russian friends and Mikhail Vladimirovich personally for the traditionally warm welcome and for organizing today’s meeting at a high level.

Our meeting today is taking place in the year of the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Charter of the Commonwealth of Independent States and in this context, I want to emphasize that the Republic of Armenia, since the establishment of the CIS, has consistently advocated the systematic development of mutually beneficial and equal cooperation within our organization in accordance with the goals and principles laid down in the Charter of the CIS, as well as for increasing the efficiency and practical impact of its functioning.

In general, I positively assess the work done within the framework of the Commonwealth this year from the point of view of consolidating efforts aimed at strengthening cooperation. I am also pleased to note that the list of documents included in the agenda of today’s meeting covers a wide range of areas of life of our countries, the effective implementation of which is ultimately aimed at the further development of mutually beneficial cooperation for the benefit of the welfare and improvement of the quality of life of the citizens of the CIS member states.

The Republic of Armenia considers the Agreement “On Free Trade in Services, Establishment, Operation and Implementation of Investments” a great opportunity to give new momentum to the development of investment activities in the CIS member states and expresses its readiness for the practical application of the provisions of this Agreement.

One of the important issues facing us is the creation of favorable conditions for the activation of industrial cooperative ties and interaction between the economic entities of our countries, with the aim of forming innovative industrial clusters and scientific production zones.

The creation of new knowledge-intensive branches and the modernization of high-tech industrial potential is the main factor for achieving sustainable and innovative economic development, as well as a necessary condition for increasing the competitiveness of our economies. In this context, I would like to mention the importance of adopting the concept of development of industrial cooperation and the complex of measures.

The creation of new knowledge-intensive industries and the modernization of high-tech industrial potential is a key factor in achieving sustainable and innovative economic development, as well as a necessary condition for increasing the competitiveness of our economies. In this context, I would like to note the importance of adopting the Concept and the Set of Measures for the Development of Industrial Cooperation.

Against the background of rapid scientific and technological progress, environmental problems are gradually becoming more acute, and the demand for creating effective mechanisms to reduce risks to the environment is increasing. Therefore, the development of environmentally friendly nuclear energy for peaceful purposes is essential to ensure sustainable development and reduce the negative impact on the environment.

In this context, the Armenian side supports the signing of an agreement on cooperation in the field of data exchange for monitoring the radiation situation, aimed at developing optimal approaches to the mechanisms for using nuclear technologies for non-energy purposes, in particular in the fields of science, medicine and agriculture.

Dear colleagues,

In today’s reality, the fight against fraud in telecommunications networks is also relevant, and we must take joint measures to protect the privacy and security of data, including the use of modern encryption methods, multi-factor authentication and monitoring systems to detect suspicious activity.

Countering fraud on telecommunication networks requires an integrated approach that brings together telecom operators, law enforcement agencies, the state and users. And the signing of the relevant memorandum will create conditions for the effective functioning and development of the market for international telecommunications services and the prevention of the spread of fraud on telecommunication networks.

Attaching importance to the humanitarian component of cooperation within the CIS, I would like to note that the Government of Armenia always supports projects integrating people with disabilities into various areas of social life, as well as promoting a healthy lifestyle among the younger generation and young people.

The Armenian side welcomes the implementation of the program of CIS Spartakiad among children with disabilities, the purpose of which is to involve them in an active lifestyle.

I will particularly mention the implementation of the interstate program “CIS Youth Capital” as an effective tool for the development of young people, supporting their creative potential and providing conditions for active participation in public life. Such initiatives contribute to the formation of a new generation of leaders who are able to face the challenges of our time and contribute to the development of our countries. From this point of view, I would like to confirm the readiness for the city of Kapan to receive this honorary status in 2026.

Summarizing, it is obvious that the opportunities of our Commonwealth as a multi-faceted platform for partnership have not yet been fully realized. I am sure that our joint constructive efforts should be aimed at achieving significant progress in tapping the full potential of cooperation.

Taking this opportunity, I would like to confirm the unchanging constructive attitude of the Armenian side to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in all areas of mutual interest in the framework of achieving the priorities of the Kyrgyz chairmanship in the Commonwealth this year.

Thanks for attention”.

Prime Minister Pashinyan, together with CIS partners, also toured the exhibition entitled “Eurasia: Our home” and got acquainted with the production of companies of the CIS countries in various fields.

Speaker Simonyan, UK House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee Chair discuss Azeri aggression against Armenia

Ani Kharatian

 16:32, 7 June 2023

YEREVAN, JUNE 7, ARMENPRESS. Speaker of Parliament Alen Simonyan and his delegation met on June 7 with UK House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Alicia Kearns.

The legislators discussed the opportunity for launching direct contacts between the foreign relations committees of the two parliaments.

The imperative of sending an international mission to Nagorno Karabakh and Lachin Corridor and ensuring unimpeded access of international humanitarian organizations was emphasized.

At Kearns’ request, Simonyan presented details on the humanitarian and other issues resulting from the crisis in Lachin Corridor. The continuous Azerbaijani aggression against Armenia’s territorial integrity was also discussed.

Alicia Kearns notified about her upcoming visit to the United States and said she’s ready to discuss the abovementioned security issues during the official meetings.

Simonyan is leading a delegation to the UK on a three-day visit.

Michael Roth informs that Armenian-Azerbaijani negotiations will continue with the participation of Germany and France

Ani Kharatian

 20:20, 7 June 2023

YEREVAN, JUNE 7, ARMENPRESS. The Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the German Bundestag Michael Roth informs that the negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan will continue in various formats, including with the participation and inclusion of the EU, France and Germany, ARMENPRESS reports, Roth said at a press conference held in Yerevan.

“In the near future, intense negotiations will take place in Washington. Those negotiations will continue in various formats with the participation and inclusion of the EU, France and Germany,” Roth said.

Referring to the question regarding the participation of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in the recent five-party meeting in Chisinau, he said that the main actor is the EU, all the paperwork is carried out by the European Union in the person of President of the European Council Charles Michel.

“We, as two medium-sized European countries, are simply part of that great commitment of the European Union. And we would like to make our modest contribution to the peace process,” he said.

Roth also noted that the participation of the German Chancellor in that process received quite positive reactions among the Armenian community.

Baroness Caroline Cox sends letter “in solidarity with the Armenians of Artsakh”

Ani Kharatian
June 7, 2023 Guest Contributor Opinion 0

Editor’s Note: The following letter was sent to Artsakh Press from member of the UK House of Lords Baroness Caroline Cox expressing her support for the people of Artsakh. 

THE BARONESS COX
HOUSE OF LORDS
UNITED KINGDOM

4 June 2023

To the people of the Republic of Artsakh, for whom I have profound affection and deep respect.

I write to you today because 120,000 innocent civilians face an existential crisis. Conditions are now present for genocide against the Armenian Christians of Artsakh.

Your people have suffered, and continue to suffer, the most serious international crimes. I have personally witnessed the results of massacres, atrocities and forced displacement. Yet the world has chosen to turn a deaf ear to your suffering. Even your closest international allies have either not paid attention to, or ignored, the warning signs of genocide.

During this darkest hour, I stand in solidarity with the Armenians of Artsakh. I have great confidence in your ability to overcome this crisis with courage, fortitude, sacrifice and love – not only will you survive but you will create beauty from the ashes of destruction.

I am told that I have visited the Republic of Artsakh 88 times since 1990. I have been privileged to experience the love of your history and your rich culture of music, dance and art – all within the context of the breathtaking beauty of your land’s rugged mountains, thick forests, fertile valleys and crystal rivers. I have been blessed to meet a host of wonderful people, many the direct descendants of victims of the Great Genocide in Anatolia, or themselves victims of anti-Armenian pogroms in Sumgait and Baku, and ethnic-religious cleansing in Artsakh. I am struck by the unanimity with which they share a simple common goal: it is to live in peace, dignity and security in their own historic land. This longing continues to fill my heart.

I always carry with me the memory of a young woman I met in a hospital in Martakert in 1992, after I had visited the village of Maragha, which had just been subjected to a massacre inflicted by Azerbaijan. Whilst in the remains of the village, I saw corpses of civilians decapitated by Azerbaijani militants; vertebrae still on the ground; people’s blood still smeared on walls; homes that had been set alight were still smoldering. The day I met this woman, she was in agony over the deaths of her son and fourteen of her relatives who had been killed in the massacre in Maragha. I wept with her. There are no words for a time like that. But when she stopped weeping, I asked her if she had a message she would like to share with the world. She replied, “All I want to say is thank you to those people who have not forgotten us in these terrible days.”

I do not think “thank you” are the words that would have come to my mind on the day I had seen so many of my family killed in such horrific circumstances. That is the dignity of the Armenian people. If I could speak to this woman today, I would tell her: “We love you and we have not forgotten you, even as the dark cloud of the Armenian Genocide, once again, looms over the mountains of your land.”

During the previous war, I met an Armenian man who had seen the body of a five-year-old Armenian girl, cut in two, hanging from the branch of a tree. He wept with horror and vowed revenge. Later, when his section of the Karabakh army captured villages, he could not bring himself to harm an Azerbaijani child. When this story was told at a dinner – in the Armenian style of making speeches – a journalist commended the man for his humanity and dignity. To which he replied: “Dignity is a crown of thorns.” The people of Artsakh have been wearing your crown of thorns with inspirational courage and dignity.

I have never been as concerned about Artsakh’s future as I am today.

Azerbaijan’s conquest and ethnic-religious cleansing of two thirds of Artsakh in 2020, with the direct assistance of Turkey and its allied jihadist militias; its detention, torture and killing of Armenian hostages; its subsequent military incursions and occupation of territory belonging to the Republic of Armenia; its current blockade of Artsakh; and its territorial claims on the whole of Armenia all bear witness to this grim reality.

Conditions are present for genocide against the Armenian Christians of Artsakh. However, signatories to the Genocide Convention – including the United States, France and my own Government in the United Kingdom – have refused their legal obligation to prevent the worst from happening, to provide protection to those who need it, and to punish those who are responsible for atrocities. Not one nation appears willing to prevent, provide or protect.

I am deeply disturbed by reports that the Republic of Armenia is being pressured by international powers to contemplate sacrificing your homeland of Artsakh to the Republic of Azerbaijan in return for a so-called peace treaty. If reports are to be believed, those involved in the negotiation process say that the treaty will secure the borders of the Republic of Armenia and allow trade to open up with the Turkish world.

My dear friends, as you are aware, these promises of peace and prosperity come at a price. If the treaty is signed in its current form, you would be expected to surrender your international right of self-determination. You would be expected to concede control over your lives, liberty and land. To use a recent phrase from the Armenian Supreme Spiritual Council: By “recognising the Republic of Artsakh as part of Azerbaijan, the Armenian authorities will inevitably confront our brothers and sisters in Artsakh with a new genocide and depatriation.”

If a peace treaty is signed and later broken by Azerbaijan, history has shown that international powers would not be willing to respond. During the Russian-brokered ceasefire in November 2020, Azerbaijan promised to ‘stop at their current positions’ yet its armed forces have since advanced into new positions with impunity. Azerbaijan promised ‘the exchange of prisoners of war’, yet dozens of Armenian military and civilian personnel remain in Azerbaijani custody, many of whom have undergone speedy criminal trials. Azerbaijan has not been held to account for breaking the 2020 ceasefire. One can only suspect that an agreement that results from present-day negotiations, in their current form, will not guarantee peace for the Armenians of Artsakh.

One of my great fears is the annihilation of all Armenian churches, monuments and other cultural and spiritual treasures, which would fall under Azerbaijan’s control. Many Armenian sites have already been targeted and badly damaged since 2020, including the world-famous Ghazanchetsots Cathedral in Shushi, an archaeological camp near Tigranakert, and a memorial dedicated to the victims of the previous war. We must not forget the systematic erasure of centuries-old Armenian religious sites in Nakhchivan, including the attack on the Armenian Djulfa cemetery, where Azerbaijani soldiers, armed with sledgehammers and cranes, destroyed hundreds of hand-carved cross-stones. Under Azerbaijan’s control, there are strong grounds for belief that another ‘Nakhichevan’ would be imposed in Artsakh – a priceless part of humanity’s common cultural heritage will be destroyed.

I keep in mind a lesson from the Bible. In the last days of the kingdom of Judah, the Prophet Jeremiah lamented that his countrymen were saying, “‘Peace, peace,’ when there is no peace.” In that case, the consequence of the nation accepting a false sense of peace was the loss of its homeland and exile in a foreign country.

Baroness Caroline Cox

When I was a young child, my own country was isolated and facing its darkest hour. Great Britain was existentially threatened by an ultra-nationalistic, genocidal dictatorship. Our then Prime Minister, Neville Chamberlain, promised the nation “peace in our time”, but there was no peace. His successor, Winston Churchill assumed the post of Prime Minister promising the nation nothing more than “blood, toil, sweat and tears”. But the indescribable price of ‘blood, toil, sweat and tears’ resulted in the privilege we now enjoy of living in freedom.

It is my hope and prayer that the long-suffering Armenian nation will continue to strive for the opportunity to live in peace and dignity in your own land. This is the blessing that my family and I, along with all Britons, enjoy. For that great privilege I am deeply indebted to those in my nation who, over eighty years ago, chose to endure a great sacrifice, rather than accepting a false promise of peace.

Please be assured of my continued daily prayers, and of my continued advocacy on your behalf. Every one of you means much to me and to many others around the world.

I pray for God’s blessing on you all and that you will long live in a free Armenia and free Artsakh.

 

 

 


The Baroness Cox




Central Bank of Armenia: exchange rates and prices of precious metals – 15-05-23

Ani Kharatian

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 17:24,

YEREVAN, 15 MAY, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs “Armenpress” that today, 15 May, USD exchange rate up by 0.85 drams to 387.23 drams. EUR exchange rate down by 0.16 drams to 421.19 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate down by 0.12 drams to 4.88 drams. GBP exchange rate down by 0.02 drams to 484.27 drams.

The Central Bank has set the following prices for precious metals.

Gold price up by 104.26 drams to 25147.21 drams. Silver price down by 12.14 drams to 296.99 drams.

Perspectives: Artificial intelligence boosts anti-corruption efforts in Armenia

Ani Kharatian
May 12 223

The chair of Armenia’s Corruption Prevention Commission says artificial intelligence is helping agency representatives combat corruption and “hold themselves and other sections of government accountable to the citizens they serve.” A central challenge in implementing the new technology, the official adds, is striking a proper balance between privacy protection and the public interest.

In a public policy paper, titled Leveraging AI to Counter Corruption in Armenia, Haykuhi Harutyunyan describes how AI is enhancing the watchdog agency’s ability to scrutinize asset declarations filed by politicians and public servants, making it easier to detect potential cases of fraud and malfeasance.

“The CPC’s experience underscores that data-driven technologies can be a force for accountable governance. At the same time, it is important for institutions that are deploying these tools to build relationships of trust with stakeholders across government, civil society, and the public sector,” Harutyunyan writes in the paper.

The CPC was established in late 2019, following the popular unrest that swept Nikol Pashinyan’s reformist government into power. Among the CPC’s responsibilities at the time was reviewing asset declarations filed annually by roughly 3,500 government officials. The digital platform used in 2019 to record and store declaration information was so cumbersome and inefficient that CPC watchdogs could only review “a tiny fraction of the available declarations,” Harutyunyan writes.

“In theory, the declarations provide the public with a reasonably exhaustive picture of officials’ income, expenditures, and activities,” Harutyunyan says. “In practice, however, the electronic platform was more a box-checking exercise—aimed at meeting the formal demands of the national anticorruption strategy—than an effective tool for holding officials accountable.”

To improve the system, the CPC incorporated artificial intelligence/machine learning technology into the digital platform. The changes to date have streamlined data collection and entry while enhancing searchability. Another key improvement: watchdogs can now easily cross-check asset declarations with data in systems maintained by other state agencies.

In addition, the filing requirement has been significantly expanded. Now, about 7,000 government officials, along with all household members, must submit asset declarations. Up to 35,000 declarations are expected to be filed during the next year.

A second phase of improvements is due to start soon. A specially developed algorithmic tool will be employed to automatically flag discrepancies, including possible conflicts interest, illicit dealings and other forms of improper behavior. AI technology will also enable the system to “learn from the data it processes, helping us to identify new types of corrupt and deceptive practices,” Harutyunyan says in the paper, which was published with the support of the National Endowment for Democracy’s International Forum for Democratic Studies. Flagged declarations will be subject to intensified scrutiny.

Implementing the changes has not been easy, according to the CPC chief. One unanticipated challenge was getting local IT companies to participate in developing the digital platform’s new features. Armenia has a strong IT sector, but local programmers were initially skeptical of the process.

“Given past precedents of cronyism and corruption, local companies doubted that a public institution would assess their applications [tenders] fairly. As a result, none were received by the stated deadline. To encourage more local participation, the CPC has organized meetings and discussions with local IT companies,” Harutyunyan says.

Another challenge for the CPC was determining what information in the searchable system would be open to public inspection. Ultimately, agency officials decided that access to the raw data contained in asset declarations will be available to all, but the public won’t be able to see whether AI tools have flagged an individual declaration as suspicious. Such an arrangement conforms to EU data protection standards and can bolster trust in the system, Harutyunyan notes.

“These efforts will not only make the platform privacy compliant, but also ensure adequate functionality and protect the rights of all users,” Harutyunyan says.

Eurasianet receives funding from the National Endowment for Democracy.

CSWC [Cigar Smoking World Championship ] ARMENIA

Ani Kharatian
 Simon Lundh

As been common the last few years there are several new countries on the Cigar Smoking World Championship circuit and Armenia was the first one out. First time judge Emil Frangyan was in charge of the tournament and founder Marko Bilic was pleased with the debut.

“We’re overjoyed by the great expertise demonstrated by Armenian smokers,” he says. “The winning time was excellent and we can’t wait to see the Armenian champion in person at the grand finale.”

David Ter Gulanyan was the man of the hour when he managed to become the first ever Armenian champion. He finished at 1 hour 52 minutes and 24 seconds, way ahead of Bagrat Dilanyan and Edvard Baghdasaryan in second and third place.

  1. David Ter Gulanyan 01:52:24
  2. Bagrat Dilanyan 01:04:59
  3. Edvard Baghdasaryan 1:03:19

Winner1: Winner David Ter Gulanyan pushing the limits of his cigar.
Winner2: Host Aren Mykolyan with David Ter Gulanyan, Armenia’s first CSWC champion.

ANC-IL hosts inaugural flag raising in three cities

Ani Kharatian
May 2, 2023 Guest Contributor ANCA News 0

The Armenian National Committee of Illinois (ANC-IL) launched its first annual April 24th flag raising. Three cities in Illinois – Chicago, North Chicago and Waukegan – paid tribute and  honored the memory of the martyred saints on the 108th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.

Mayor Leon Rockingham, Jr. of North Chicago and Mayor Ann Taylor of Waukegan demonstrated their support for the Armenian community by holding proclamation and flag raising ceremonies. These trailblazing actions signify a step toward acknowledging the struggles and sacrifices of the Armenian people and raise awareness about the Armenian Genocide and the ongoing blockade in Artsakh. 

The Armenian flag is raised for the very first time in the North Chicago City Hall (Photo: Aris Buechele)

Turkey has yet to accept responsibility for perpetrating the Armenian Genocide, but it was officially acknowledged by President Joe Biden in 2021. Descendants of survivors continue to campaign for justice.

“The goal is to see the Armenian flag being flown in every city throughout Illinois on April 24th,” said ANC-IL co-chair Anoush Bargamian. “Raising the flag raises awareness and honors our martyred saints. These observances are also meant to call attention to the blockade by Azerbaijan, with the backing of Turkey, against the Republic of Artsakh and its people.”

The flag raising ceremonies were attended by Hayr Soorp Boghos Serj Tinkjian, pastor of Armenian All Saints Apostolic Church in Glenview, and Rev. Fr. Andreas Garabedian of Chicago’s St. Gregory the Illuminator Church. Before a small gathering of people, Hayr Soorp Tinkjian spoke and offered prayers for the martyred saints, fallen soldiers and the people of Artsakh.

On April 21, Mayor Rockingham read the proclamation and said, “We also mark this day citywide, observe the solemnity of this event and the contributions by the Armenian community to this city.” Following the proclamation, a moving ceremony took place that included prayers and blessings for the Armenian flag. As the flag was raised, the crowd joined together in singing “Mer Hairenik.”

The blockade of Artsakh has been gaining attention due to the looming threat of continuing genocide. “As of December 2022, Azerbaijani troops have cut off the only humanitarian lifeline… food, fuel, medicine to 120,000 indigenous people,” explained ANC-IL co-chair Ken Hachikian, who offered remarks at both events. “Their objective is to exterminate them by starving them out. House Resolution 108 calls for the end of aid to Azerbaijan and aid to Artsakh. Please call your legislators. Your participation makes a difference; get involved.”

Clergy, activists and community members at the first annual April 24th flag raising at Chicago’s Richard J. Daley Plaza (Photo: Aris Buechele)

On April 24, there was a two-hour demonstration organized by the AYF Chicago “Ararat” Chapter at Chicago’s Daley Plaza. The ANC-IL arranged for the noon flag raising with a 375-square foot Armenian flag, hoisted by AYF activists. The flag raising ceremony was attended by honored clergy, members of the Armenian community, as well as leaders including the Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Armenia in Chicago Oscar Tatosian.

That afternoon, Waukegan Mayor Taylor read her city’s proclamation recognizing the date as “Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day.” She emphasized that the descendants have been steadfast in keeping their heritage, language and culture while contributing to the state and nation. Raising awareness of the Armenian Genocide is crucial to the prevention of other genocides.

Mayor Ann Taylor holding the proclamation with ANC-IL co-chairs Armen Alexanian, Anoush Bargamian and Ken Hachikian at the Waukegan first annual April 24th flag raising ceremony (Photo: Aris Buechele)

During the Waukegan ceremony, Hachikian remarked that there is a long history of the Armenian community in Waukegan for over 100 years, making it fitting to raise the flag in the area, which is also referred to as “Little Armenia.” Both cities observed “Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day” by raising the tricolor and reading proclamations in honor of the Armenian community.

ANC-IL co-chair and master of ceremonies for all three city flag raisings Armen Alexanian shared, “Every 30 to 40 years, we always come to this kind of heartache (genocide), and now we have the blockade of Artsakh. It keeps going on, and we  have to stop this.” Alexanian mentioned the Musa Dagh resistance during the Genocide and urged people to follow its example today, referencing the book Forty Days of Musa Dagh.

“Raising the Armenian flag and observing the Armenian Genocide in these cities serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of acknowledging historical events,” said Bargamian, emphasizing that “such actions are necessary to prevent the recurrence of humanitarian crises, such as the one currently unfolding in Artsakh.”




Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr’s grandparents rescued thousands of orphans during Armenian Genocide

Ani Kharatian
May 2 2023
By Araksya Karapetyan


LOS ANGELES – Nine-time NBA champion and coach of four-time NBA champs, the Golden State Warriors, Steve Kerr attributes his successes to the heroic courage his grandparents demonstrated in their lifetime.  

During a tumultuous time in history, the Kerrs were instrumental in making it possible for an entire generation to survive and thrive.

While most know Kerr as a basketball star and NBA coach, many are unaware of his family history and its deep connection to the Armenian people.

“We’re traveling so much—always someone is saying something to me about my grandparents or holding up an Armenian flag,” said Steve Kerr.

“And it’s incredibly humbling to hear these stories. You know, your grandparents are the only reason I’m here. I mean, pretty moving and special. And it makes me feel really proud, but makes me feel sad to think about all of the lives that were lost and the families that were impacted.”

It’s a sacred story of courage and real-life heroes.

One that’s being carefully chronicled by documentary filmmaker Ani Hovannisian.

“It’s an important story because Armenians over the world have for the century been feeling like their story is forgotten,” said Ani Hovannisian.

 But humanitarian efforts like those undertaken by the Kerr family showed Hovannisian that her ancestors were not abandoned by the world.  

“Even in the worst of times, even in the face of the most horrible inhumanity that we’re not alone; that there are people like Stanley and Elsa who put their lives on the line,” said Hovannisian.

Stanley Kerr and Elsa Reckman were Steve’s grandparents. Stanley was a chemist and in 1919 he joined the Near East Foundation as a relief worker.

The Near East Foundation is an American humanitarian organization which was created in response to the 1915 Armenian Genocide– were 1.5 million Armenians were killed by the Ottoman Turks.

Elsa also had a calling to serve others– she traveled abroad to teach.

They met in the Armenian town of Marash and that is where they witnessed horrific events – but they were compelled to help.

“We’re astounded that they had the courage at 21, 22-years-old to go basically into the middle of World War I,” said Kerr.

Stanley wrote many letters home to his family— describing the dangers the Armenians were facing.

Stanley kept his promise to make any sacrifice and stayed. He was assigned to care for 9,700 orphaned Armenians– when he became the director of the Near East Foundation in Marash.

He took over 5 orphanages.

Stanley and Elsa stayed in Marash until every remaining Armenian orphan was relocated safely to Lebanon. Then they got married, moved to Lebanon, and built a life there.

 “Stanley and Elsa and the boys built this Near East Relief, orphanage together,” said Hovannisian.

For 40 years Stanley taught at the medical school of AUB, the American university of Beirut.

“My siblings and I, you know, we know the story inside and out. It’s a huge part of the family history,” said Kerr.

Much of the Kerr history is rooted in Lebanon. Steve’s father Malcolm was born in Beirut.

“He was offered the job of his dreams to be president of AUB. It was a very dangerous time in Lebanon there was civil war, there was terrorism,” said Hovannisian.

 Malcom continued the Kerr legacy of selflessly serving others– until he was shot and killed.

“His life was cut short– and my life was shaped by his influence and my mom’s influence. I know that the person I am is basically who my parents raised,” Kerr said.

Steve was also born in Beirut– he had the opportunity to live abroad– which he says helped shape who he is today.

“I was lucky to receive a worldview at a very young age to really see how other people lived– probably didn’t realize it at the time, but it was the best education I ever got.”  

And because of that insight into the human condition– he feels compelled to take on a cause.

“I made gun safety and gun violence prevention my own personal crusade about eight years ago. And a lot of that has to do with the death of my dad. As grandkids of Stanley and Elsa, maybe that’s my way of trying to do something positive for society. And it’s definitely something that I feel a responsibility for, just as maybe Stanley and Elsa felt in a way back in 1920,” said Kerr.

This human spirit carries on generations later in the Kerr family…. and generations carry on because of them.

“Those orphans, 10,000 and more orphans that they saved now have 5 generations of families after them who are living and thriving because of people like the Kerrs,” said Hovannisian.

Ani Hovannisian’s documentary is still a work in progress. 

https://www.foxla.com/news/golden-state-warriors-coach-steve-kerrs-grandparents-rescued-thousands-of-orphans-during-armenian-genocide

Armenian News note: 

Watch the program at 

Armenian Genocide Committee Holds Community-Wide Event Commemorating 108th Anniversary of Armenian Genocide

Ani Kharatian
by Contributor

 

 

 

in Community, Latest, News, Top Stories

AGC Chairman addressing the crowd gathered at a community-wide event commemorating the 108th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide


GLENDALE—Elected officials, community members and leaders gathered in Glendale City Hall’s plaza on April 24 to mark the 108th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, when 1.5 million Armenians perished at the hands of the Ottoman Turkish government from 1915 to 1923. The event was organized by the Armenian Genocide Committee, which is an assembly of the largest religious, political, cultural, athletic, and professional organizations of the southern California Armenian community.   

Master of Ceremonies for the solemn event was AGC Chairman Mehran Khatchadorian. He welcomed the large audience and thanked them for being present and raising their voices to demand justice for the unpunished atrocities. In his opening remarks, Khatchadorian expressed an ominous theme that was shared by many of the guest speakers at the event.

“Today our people confront a perilous situation as they did 108 years ago, as Azerbaijan and Turkey continue their policies of ethnic cleansing and annihilation of the indigenous Armenian population of the Armenian Highlands.  It is imperative that today on April 24 that we not only remember our martyrs, but that in addition, we speak with one voice, loudly and clearly, alerting the world of the need to prevent genocide taking place again in Artsakh,” said Khatchadorian.   

Congressman Adam Schiff California State School Superintendent for Instruction Tony Thurmond

Among the distinguished list of keynote speakers were: Congressman Adam Schiff, California State School Superintendent for Instruction Tony Thurmond, California State Assembly member Chris Holden, Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, Los Angeles City Council President Paul Krekorian, Los Angeles City councilmember Nithya Raman, Glendale Mayor Dan Brotman, and Glendale City councilmembers Elen Astryan and Ardy Kassakhian. 

Congressman Adam Schiff announced that he introduced an unprecedented bill in the U.S. Congress for the United States of America to recognize the independence of the Republic of Artsakh. He also called on the U.S. government to stop all aid to Azerbaijan, as he resoundingly asserted that “not one dime” should be provided to the authoritarian dictator regime in Baku. Schiff also raised concern that Azerbaijan appears to be preparing for war again and that if war should breakout, he is concerned that such hostilities have the potential to escalate and involve other regional powers.

In his remarks, Superintendent Thurmond explained how California schools are at the forefront of educating our youth about the Genocide, in particular the Armenian Genocide.

California State Assembly member Chris Holden Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath

Prominent attorney and community activist, Milena Mailyan was the non-elected official keynote speaker. She spoke of the work that the Center for Truth and Justice, which she co-founded, has undertaken — recording over 400 testimonials and gathering evidence from survivors of the acts of aggression that Azerbaijan and regime have wrought against the Armenian population of Artsakh. As part of her address, she announced that an Armenian Legal Defense Fund is beeing established which will help fund the prosecution of claims against the perpetrators of the heinous crimes against humanity and provide for a means to defend Armenian rights in international forums. 

On behalf of the Armenian Community AGC representative Antoin bezdjian delivered a speech in Armenian. AGC Armenian Youth representatives also took the podium and offered remarks. Participants later heard from Ani Ghazaryan (AYF) and Nanor Bedrossian (AGBU Youth).

The audience also heard a moving poetry recitation, presented by Ellen Vardanyan of Blair High School’s Armenian Studies Program in Pasadena, California, as well as a beautiful rendition by Maggie Margarita Khlghatyan.

The AGC also produced a two-hour April 24 Armenian Genocide Commemoration special program that was broadcasted on most local stations and all major Armenian television channels, and on AGC social media platforms. The special program featured interviews with scholars and political activists, and special message from Armenian religious leaders.

The highlight of the two-hour special program was a discussion with University of California, Armenian Promise Institute director and historian, Professor Taner Akcam. The two-hour special program was hosted by KTLA 5 News reporter Ellina Abovian, a journalist and news anchor Vruir Tadevosian, and Armenian TV & Radio Host Rafayel Mnatsakanyan. The program can also be viewed in its entirety on AGC’s Facebook page.

“I want to thank all AGC member organization and their representatives for working tirelessly to organize the Armenian Genocide commemoration and the special program. I am proud of the fact that we were able to raise awareness of the dire circumstances that the Armenian nation finds itself in once again. While we remember April 24 1915 and demand justice for our martyrs, we will be ever vigilant in bringing our community together to prevent the genocide that is looming against the Armenian nation and specially our compatriots in Artsakh,” said Khatchadorian.