Author: Emil Lazarian

ARMENIAN CHESS-PLAYERS – WINNERS OF CHESS WORLD OLYMPIAD AWARDED DIPLOMAS OF YEREVAN MAYOR AND 1000 USD EACH
Noyan Tapan
Jun 13 2006
YEREVAN, JUNE 13, NOYAN TAPAN. On June 12, the members of the Armenian
men’s national team that won the gold medal and the olympic cup at
the 37th Chess World Olympiad were awarded diplomas of Yerevan Mayor,
as well as were given monetary prizes amounting to 450000 drams
(about 1000 USD) each. The members of the Armenian women’s national
team that took the 8th place at the Olympiad also received diplomas
and prizes of the Mayor.
As Yerevan Mayor Yervand Zakharian mentioned at the solemn ceremony
at Yerevan Mayor’s Office, the Armenian people has long waited for
this victory.
“This is a very important event for the Armenian people. We are proud
of our chess-players who defeated the national teams of such states
as the U.S., Russia, China, etc. I hope the Armenian chess-players
will have such victories in the future, as well,” the Mayor mentioned.
According to grand master Smbat Lputian, Vice-Chairman of the Armenian
Chess Federation, the Armenian people highly estimates this victory as
“this is not only our victory but the victory of all Armenians spread
all over the world.”
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

IRAN’S POSITION WITH RESPECT TO ITS NEIGHBORS BASED ON ITS INTEREST IN STABILITY AND PEACE, IRANIAN DIPLOMAT SAYS
Noyan Tapan
Armenians Today
Jun 13 2006
YEREVAN, JUNE 13, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. “We see solution of
the Karabakh problem in a dialogue and holding negotiations, Iran
is ready to assist on the way of peaceful solution of the Karabakh
problem,” Ali Abgar Jouhar, the Deputy Ambassador of Iran to Armenia
stated at the June 13 press-conference.
He mentioned that relations between Armenia and Iran are very good
and provided by mutual interest. The most important in the Karabakh
problem is keeping the peace and continuation of negotiations on the
peaceful settlement of the conflict.
The Iranian diplomat emphasized that Iran’s position with respect
to its neighbors is based on interest on stability and peace. He
mentioned that according to many politicians and observers, in the
geo-political sense Iran is considered an important part of the world,
correspondingly, safety of Iran has international meaning.
“Iran is the state which has not allowed during the recent
27 years that conflicts existing near us are spread in its
territory. Constructive role of Iran in problems of Afghanistan and
Caucasus do not cause anybody’s doubt,” Ali Abgar Jouhar stated.
As for the strained situation in the northern provinces of Iran,
where Azeris live, he mentioned that insult towards Azeris becomes
a reason for dissatisfaction. But different ethnic groups living in
Iran, considers it to be their problem as well: “Iranian communities
are floating of cultures, religions and traditions. Iranian identity
is based on traditions and has deep roots, it won in this issue.”
According to Ali Abgar Jouhar, there was no case in the structure
of the Armenian authorities that there was no Azeri there, besides,
the spiritual leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran is an Azeri.
“There are no dissatisfactions and separative moods in Iran, if
you come to Iran, you’ll become sure in it. Those ethnic groups has
thought themselves to be Iranians for centuries. Those visiting our
country at once change their opinion about it by 180 degree. This
false opinion about Iran is mostly provided by American propaganda,
and, successively, by information presenting wrongly. But they say
in Iran: “Sun never remains in clouds,” Ali Abgar Jouhar stated.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

HEAD OF INTELLIGENCE DEPARTMENT OF RA ARMED FORCES GENERAL HEADQUARTERS MAJOR-GENERAL BASENTSI AZROYAN DIES
Noyan Tapan
Jun 13 2006
YEREVAN, JUNE 13, NOYAN TAPAN. Head of the Intelligence Department of
RA Armed Forces General Headquarters Major-General Basentsi Azroyan
died on June 12, at the age of 59.
The ceremony of requiem will take place at 18:00, June 13, in
Yerznkian 4, apt 27, the ceremony of last farewell will take place
at 12:00-14:00 at the building of the G.Sundukian National Academic
Theater, the funeral at 14:00 the same day at the Yerablur pantheon.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

GATHERING-EVENING OF FRENCH ARMENIAN COMMUNITY TAKES PLACE IN MARSEILLES
Noyan Tapan
Armenians Today
Jun 13 2006
MARSEILLES, JUNE 13, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. A gathering-evening
of the Armenian community of Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azure, France, took
place in Marseilles on June 8. It was initiated by Regional Council
Chairman Michel Vauzelle, and its’ guest of honour was Ambassador of
Armenia in Paris Edvard Nalbandian. About 300 representatives of the
Armenian community organizations of the region were present at the
evening. The region Chairman and the Armenian Ambassador made opening
speeches, heads of Armenian organizations made speeches as well.
As Noyan Tapan was informed by the RA Foreign Ministry’s Press and
Information Department, in his speech Ambassador Nalbandian touched
upon preparatory works connected with the year of Armenia in France,
mentioning that it is envisaged to hold more than 300 events in about
50 cities of France from September 2006 to the next September. The
events will take place in the most authoritative halls and institutions
of France.
The Ambassador also attached importance to decentralized cooperation,
as an important component of the Armenian-French traditional friendship
relations, and emphasized that within the framework of the year of
Armenia in France, a conference dedicated to the Armenian-French
decentralized cooperation was organized in Paris on October 17, 2006,
under the patronage of the National Assembly and Senate heads, in
which delegations from sister-cities and regions, the two countries’
parliamentary friendship groups will participate.
Prospects of cooperation established between the region of
Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azure and the marz of Lori in the spheres of
agriculture, health care, education and culture were discussed.
Those making speeches touched upon the law adopted by France
concerning recognition of the Armenian Genocide and its possible
addition by the principle condemning its refusal. It was stated that
necessity of condemning refusal by force of law arises just for the
reason that Turkey continues to lead refusing policy at the state
level and successively to refuse reality of the Armenian Genocide,
giving reason for its new displays and outbursts.
Issues connected with a visit to be paid to Armenia by
Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azure Regional Council Chairman Michel
Vauzelle in the first half of this year were also discussed. A large
representative delegation, Mayors, Deputies, representatives of local
authorities and public organizations as well as a group of businessmen
will accompany M.Vauzelle during the visit.
Provence-Alpes-Cote D’Azur is considered one of important regions of
France which involves six departments and has an influential role in
political and economic life of whole France.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ARMENIAN TENNIS PLAYERS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE DAVIS CUP
ArmRadio.am
14.06.2006 12:23
The tennis team of Armenian is ready to leave for Sarajevo, the
capital of Bosnia-Herzegovina on June 17 to participate in the third
group tournament of the Davis Cup.
Trainer of the Armenian national team, Deputy Executive President of RA
Tennis Federation Alexander Tsaturyan told “Armenpress” that our team,
headed by Sargis Sargsyan, comprises Harutyun Sofyan and Hayk Zoranyan.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

HEAD OF RA CIVIL SERVICE COUNCIL AT PRESIDENT KOCHARYAN’S OFFICE
ArmRadio.am
14.06.2006 15:27
Issues related to the development of the civil service system were
discussed during the working meeting of President Robert Kocharyan
and President of the Civil Service Council Manvel Badalyan.
The interlocutors discussed the last amendments implemented in the
Law on Civil Service and the results anticipated from these changes.
Manvel Badalyan presented the traits in recruiting, training and
certification of civil servants. He informed that the civil servants
already pass professional training and said that research institutes
are also involved in the process, which is the guarantee of having
high quality civil servants.
According to Manvel Badalyan’s data, due to the certification held
every three years 300 civil servants lost their positions because of
lack of professional qualifications.
Reference was made to the processes leading to public and state
services and to issues of involving officials of some power structures
in the civil service system.
The parties talked about the necessity of raising the salaries
parallel to the demands, which has already found its expression in
the draft budget.

DOLLAR IN ARMENIA IS OBJECT OF SPECULATIONS
Lragir.am
13 June 06
The majority of the readers, who participated in the poll conducted
by the Lragir.am, think the exchange rate of the dollar drops due to
speculations. Over the past week we asked our readers the question
“What is the cause of depreciation of the dollar?” 69 percent pointed
to speculations, 26 percent voted the policy of the Central Bank. 5
percent think the depreciation of the dollar is caused by the world
market.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

INTERESTS OF ARMENIA AND JAVAKHETI CLASH
Lragir.am
14 June 06
The Armenians of Javakheti consider the Kars-Akhalkalaki railroad a
matter of Turkish-Georgian relations, but since it is directly related
to the interests of Armenia, Javakheti is against this project. Shirak
Torosyan, the chair of Javakhk Association made this announcement
June 14 at the Pastark Club. “By the way, I should tell you that the
psychology of Armenians of Javakheti is interesting. All of us can
realize that the Kars-Akhalkalaki railroad runs through Javakheti, and
the economy of Javakheti will directly benefit from it. It is going
to be a transport junction, people can use it, jobs will be created,
trade routes will be found, and so on.
However, the Armenians of Javakheti are well aware that it is against
the interests of the motherland, so they are against it,” says Shirak
Torosyan. According to him, if a Javakheti Armenian were asked if they
would like the Kars-Akhalkalaki railroad to be built, he or she would
say no, because it is not in the interests of Armenia. If so, would the
Armenians of Javakheti take practical steps against the construction
of the railroad if the constructed began? Shirak Torosyan is reluctant
to speak about it now, he simply adds, “I think they would.”
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ANNUALLY AZERI CRIMINAL GROUPINGS IN RUSSIA ASSIGN $50 MILLION FOR MURDERS OF ARMENIANS
Yerkir
14.06.2006 12:55
YEREVAN (YERKIR) – “Annually Azeri criminal groupings assign $50
million for the organization of murders of Armenians,” Russia FM’s
Advisor for Nationalities in 1999-2001 Vsevolod Maryan stated during
round-table discussions dedicated to the crimes committed in Russia
through national hatred.
In his words, the situation should be given a straightforward
account. “The reports of press are a tiny part of what’s really going
on. At least 3000 Armenians were killed in Russia during recent ten
years,” Maryan said.
In his opinion, the crimes through national hatred originate from the
collapse of the USSR. But if at that times they were spontaneous,
now “they are organized by a ruling grouping, not only Russian but
the Azeri one as well.” ” Anyone, rich or poor, can fall victim to
nationalist policy in Russia. It will concern not the “persons of
Caucasian nationality”, as Yuri Lujkov (the Mayor of Moscow) called
them, but Armenians,” Vsevolod Maryan considers.
He motivates it by the fact that “while Armenian honestly earn money
Azeris establish contacts with powerful structures in Russia”. That
is why the killed Caucasians turn out to be Armenians. “Armenians
are deliberately killed in Russia in order to drive the last nail
into the coffin in the South Caucasus,” Vsevolod Maryan resumed,
reported IA Regnum.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

California Courier Online, June 15, 2006
1 – Commentary
Krekorian Wins Election Despite
Vicious Anti-Armenian Hate Mail
By Harut Sassounian
Publisher, The California Courier
2 – Orange County Armenian Professionals
Honor Mark Geragos at Spring Luncheon
3 – French President
Plans September
Visit to Armenia
4 – Chamlian School Science Fair Finalists
Visit Archbishop Prelate Mardirossian
5 – Cilician Catholicosate Donates $100,000
For Construction of Cathedral in Stepanakert
6 – Garikian University
Scholarship Fund
Applications Available
7- Vahan Chamlian Receives
Ellis Island Medal of Honor
******************************************** *****************************
1 – Commentary
Krekorian Wins Election Despite
Vicious Anti-Armenian Hate Mail

By Harut Sassounian
Publisher, The California Courier

In an unsuccessful attempt to undermine the election of an Armenian American
candidate in the Democratic Primary for the 43rd Assembly District of
California, the California Latino Leadership Fund (CLLF) sent an ugly mailer last week
that tarnished the image of the entire Armenian American community. The 43rd
District includes Glendale, Burbank, North Hollywood, Silver Lake, Los Feliz,
Griffith Park, Toluca Lake, Atwater Village and Valley Glen.
Just before last Tuesday’s election, tens of thousands of non-Armenian
voters received postcards as well as phone calls warning them against voting for
Paul Krekorian, a Burbank Board of Education Member, because he was endorsed by
the Armenian National Committee (ANC). The postcards and the phone calls were
clearly meant to scare off the voters by linking Krekorian and the ANC to “A
suspected terrorist.” While the postcard, as required by law, mentioned the
name of the group (CLLF) that sent it, the phone call did not identify its
sponsor, in violation of California campaign laws. The phone message unabashedly
stated: “There is no place in the State Assembly for Paul Krekorian.”
On the eve of the primary election, pitting Krekorian against Frank
Quintero, a Glendale City Councilman, the contemptible mailer and the subsequent phone
call drove the local Armenian community into absolute frenzy. Just about
every local Armenian cable show devoted the final 48 hours of the campaign to
denouncing this ugly attack on the Armenian community, pointing to Quintero as
being behind the mailer and phone call, even though he had many Armenian
supporters and contributors, had been endorsed by the ANC in the past, and had visited
Armenia and the Armenian community in Lebanon. Krekorian won the primary with
14,137 votes (57%). Quintero received 10,863 votes (43%). Krekorian will face
Republican Michael Agbaba in November. Given the overwhelming majority of the
Democratic voters in the 43rd District, Krekorian is expected to win handily
an Assembly seat.
Quintero himself denounced the CLLF’Ss mailer. In a message he posted on his
campaign website, he said: “I am disgusted that this organization, which by
law has no affiliation with my campaign, has sent out such a hurtful message.
The mailer does not reflect anything that I believe in or stand for.” Quintero
wrote to the CLLF one day before the election condemning the mailer and
calling it “completely out of line.” He also wrote to the California Attorney
General asking for an immediate investigation “to establish responsibility.”
When asked by this writer if he knew of the mailer in advance or had
anything to do with it, Quintero said that he was told by three Armenian friends a
couple of weeks before the election that they had heard talk of anti-Armenian
mailers to be sent to local voters. He said he did not take the rumors
seriously. This writer pointed out to him, however, that in the message he posted on
his campaign website condemning the anti-Armenian mailer, he should not have
blamed the Krekorian campaign for it, by describing it as “another one of the
Krekorian campaign dirty tricks.”
After the mailers went out, no one seemed to be able to identity the
California Latino Leadership Fund. The postcard mailed by the CLLF carried a
non-descript address in Oakland, California. The only indirect connection between the
Quintero campaign and the CLLF is found on the website of the California
Secretary of State showing that the CLLF had reported spending (through May 25)
$18,433 on a mailer to oppose Paul Krekorian and $31,566 on a mailer to support
Quintero. These sums were paid to Polka Consulting. Sandi Polka is listed as a
political consultant to California State Senate President Don Perata.
The California Fair Political Practices Commission website disclosed the
names of three individuals as the registered officials of CLLF. Stacy E. Owens is
listed as the treasurer of the group. A further search on google indicated
that Owens is also the treasurer of the Paul N McCloskey, Jr. for Congress
Campaign Committee in Northern California. The assistant treasurer of CLLF is Henry
C. Levy, a CPA in Oakland, CA. Finally, the president of CLLF is Rebeca E.
Barron. A google search disclosed that Barron is the “Big Cheese” of The Barron
Collection Ltd., a company in Seattle, Washington that now has four showrooms
that sell various home accessories. Both The Barron Collection and Ms.
Barron’s husband, Robert Apodaca, are listed on the California Secretary of State’s
website as receiving from the CLLF more than $43,000 in payments and
reimbursements.
The sinister nature of the mailer and the recorded phone call leave no doubt
that someone intended to damage the political viability of Paul Krekorian’s
candidacy and the credibility of the ANC and the Armenian American community. A
thorough investigation must be carried out to find out the identities of
those who conceived such a plot, paid for it and carried it out.
Glendale City Councilman Ara Najarian told the Daily News (Los Angeles) that
he wanted the council to hold a hearing into the mailer and the phone
message. He was quoted as saying: “I feel that all Armenians were under attack when
that mailer was sent out.”
During a press conference organized by the ANC in Glendale a day after the
election, a broad cross section of the leaders of local Armenian American
organizations, including the Prelacy, Diocese, Armenian Evangelical Union, Armenian
Catholic Exarchate of North America, ARS, AGBU, Hamazkayin, Armenian Society
of Los Angeles, AYF, ANC, Homenetmen, Dr. Armine Hacopian, Vice President of
Glendale Community College Board of Trustees, Vahig Zadourian of Davidian and
Mariamian Educational Foundation, and Glendale City Councilmen Rafi Manoukian,
Bob Youssefian and Ara Najarian, denounced the anti-Armenian mailer.
“Unfortunately, during this campaign, ugly, anti-Armenian racist acts were
committed against Paul Krekorian, the ANC, and our community,” said Zanku
Armenian, Board Member of the ANC, Western Region. “Together, we are standing before
you today to say that this is unacceptable, we are outraged and we will hold
all those individuals, organizations and institutions involved in this
accountable.”
The Armenian community should consider filing a complaint with the California
Attorney General’s office as well as the State Fair Political Practices
Commission. If warranted a civil lawsuit should be filed against the CLLF and their
internal records subpoenaed in order to uncover who funded this hate mail.
Unless strict measures are taken to expose the culprits, those hiding behind
the CLLF could resort to such ugly tactics in subsequent local, state and
national elections intending to compromise the careers of Armenian American
candidates and harm the political credibility of the Armenian American community.
However, great care must be taken not to antagonize the entire Latino
community and Latino politicians who were just as incensed by this mailer. Los
Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Los Angeles City Councilman Eric Garcetti, Cong.
Adam Schiff and many other elected officials of all ethnic backgrounds
soundly condemned this attack on the Armenian community.
************************************************* *************************
2 – Orange County Armenian Professionals
Honor Mark Geragos at Spring Luncheon
COSTA MESA, Calif. – The Armenian Professional Society of Orange County held
it Spring Dinner event in April 2006, at the prestigious Center Club in Costa
Mesa.
Guest Speaker and honoree was high profile, criminal defense attorney Mark
Geragos.
Geragos provided insightful analysis of his recent successful lawsuit on
behalf of families of victims of the Genocide. He was joined in the action with
other law firms who filed claims in US Federal District Court against several
large European Insurance companies for payment of past due proceeds under
life insurance policies issued on behalf of victims of the Armenian Genocide.
This settlement was an important step in providing recognition for the genocide
committed by the Ottoman Turkish government and its criminal agents.
In relating on his work in this case, Geragos revealed his astonishment of
how the genocide was carried out in such a systematic manner with a map showing
entire villages and towns being decimated with little or no trace of
survivors. In his research in France he even came across family members (involved in
the candy business) who were also victims of the genocide as well as life
insurance policy holders, prompting him to add on a personal level “payment for
settlement and justice just went up significantly.”
For his important work on behalf of the Armenian-American community,
Vice-President and program organizer Serge Tomassian presented him with an award on
behalf of APS-OC.
Geragos’ speech was preceded by the invocation from Dr. Dick Kasper and the
pledge of allegiance led by board member Haig Tashjian, a World War 2 Air Force
veteran, who flew many missions over Europe and later volunteered to serve in
the Pacific War.
************************************************** ************************
3 – French President
Plans September
Visit to Armenia
YEREVAN – French President Jacques Chirac plans to visit Armenia, the French
Presidential Press Service told “Arminfo.”
According to the source, no official confirmation about the President’s visit
has been received so far, therefor the exact date and agenda are not known,
either.
Nevertheless, according to the same source, the French President’s visit to
Armenia is scheduled September 29th, which will overlap with the official
opening of the Year of France in Armenia. The President will be accompanied by
Charles Aznavour.
**************************************** ***********************************
4 – Chamlian School Science Fair Finalists
Visit Archbishop Prelate Mardirossian
LOS ANGELES – Five Science Fair finalists from Chamlian School visited
Prelate Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian on June 7, accompanied by representatives
of the school staff and parents.
The students, Talar Alexanian, Claire Arakelian, Shaunt Kouyoumdjian, Koko
Bornazyan, and Collette Hamamah, were joined by Assistant to the Principal Rita
Kaprielian, Science teacher Lida Kevorkian, parents Linda Alexanian, and Mr.
and Mrs. Vatche and Taline Kouyoumdjian.
Kevorkian spoke of the accomplishments of the five above-mentioned students,
as well as of students Garen Arabian, John Azizian, and Dveen Babaian. All
had in recent months participated in the Armenian Science Olympiad, the Los
Angeles County Fair, and the California State Science Fair, securing awards at all
three competitions. Kevorkian also gave details about each student’s field of
interest.
The students themselves also had an opportunity to convey further details to
the Prelate, who commended them for their achievements. The Prelate also
commended the school staff and parents for their support and involvement and
wished the students success as they continue to bring pride to their parents,
school, and community.
Prior to their departure, the Prelate presented the guests with mementos.
********’******************************* **********************************
5 – Cilician Catholicosate Donates $100,000
For Construction of Cathedral in Stepanakert
ANTELIAS (Noyan Tapan) – The Catholicosate of Cilician has donated $100,000
for the construction of a cathedral in Stepanakert, the capital of
Nagorno-Karabagh.
Construction works have already been started. The financial donation is “a
significant expression of entity and unity of the Armenian church as well as of
active participation in national work of building the Fatherland,” the
Cilician Catholicosate said in announcing the gift.
Catholicos Aram I of the Great House of Cilicia wrote in his letter addressed
to Catholicos Karekin II and Nagorno Karabagh President Arkadi Ghukasian: “We
once again prove the initiative of the Great House of Cilicia Catholicosate
and personally our support to all works addressed to strengthening and progress
of Armenia and Karabagh.”
*************************************** ****************************
6 – Garikian University
Scholarship Fund
Applications Available
ENCINO, Calif. – The Executive Board of the Garikian University Scholarship
Fund invite Armenian students at US universities to apply for the Garikian
Scholarship Fund.
Requirements for consideration are: All candidates should attend one of the
accredited Universities of the State of California; should have successfully
completed their first academic year at the university; should pursue their
higher education in one of the following four (4) majors or subjects specified by
the revised By-Laws of the Garikian Fund:Armenian Studies/Armenian Literature;
Political Science; Journalism; and Education-Teaching and Counseling
For applications from the Garikian University Scholarship Fund, send requests
C/O Western Prelacy, 5300 White Oak Avenue, Encino, CA 91316.
******************************************* ********************************
7 – Vahan Chamlian Receives
2006 Ellis Island Medal of Honor
FRESNO – Vahan Chamlian, founder and chairman of the board of Chamlian
Enterprises Inc., of Fresno, has received the prestigious 2006 Ellis Island Medal
of Honor. The medal was bestowed upon 102 recipients at a ceremonial event and
gala dinner held on May 13 at the Great Hall on Ellis Island in New York.
Established in 1986, the Ellis Island Medals of Honor pay tribute to the
ancestry groups that comprise America’s unique cultural mosaic. Held each May on
Ellis Island, the celebratory event is full of pageantry, grandeur and
emotion. All branches of the United States Armed Forces traditionally participate in
this spectacular event. Dancers in their native costume add to the
international flavor of the celebration, and a gala dinner in the historic Great Hall
on Ellis Island follows the moving ceremony.
Founded 22 years ago, the National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations, Inc. is
an umbrella for over 250 ethnic and heritage organizations in the United
States. Its mission is to celebrate ethnic diversity and to foster tolerance,
respect and understanding among all ethnic and religious groups.
Six Presidents of the United States have received the award, as well as many
Senators and Members of Congress, Nobel Prize winners, and military heroes
including, General Norman Schwarzkopf and Colin Powell, as well as leaders from
both the public and private sectors. Only living citizens of the United States
are considered for the Ellis Island Medal of Honor.
Chamlian immigrated to the United States in 1959 from Beirut, Lebanon with
his wife and daughter determined to build a better life in the golden land of
opportunity. Always forward-thinking, Chamlian established Chamlian Enterprises
in 1963, a rag recycling company in Fresno, California, which eventually grew
into a multi-million dollar business.
While Chamlian is a true American success story, he has always stayed true to
his Armenian roots, as evidenced by his establishment of the Vahan and Anoush
Chamlian Armenian School in Glendale, Calif., and being one of the
benefactors of the Armenian Community School of Fresno, accomplishments which he
considers to be among the most important throughout his adult life. Additionally,
among many other awards, Chamlian is the recipient of the “OTHER” Medal of
Honor, the highest level of achievement given by the Salvation Army.
Chamlian currently resides in Fresno with his wife Anoush, his two daughters
and their families; Ketty Chamlian-Massengale, her husband Mannie and son
Nino; and Monique Chamlian-Bouskos, her husband Michael and two sons Alexander and
Andrew.
When asked how he felt about receiving this award, Chamlian said, “I am proud
and humbled to be among such an illustrious group of former and current Ellis
Island Medal of Honor recipients. As immigrants we understand what a
wonderful country we live in, as it truly is a land of immeasurable opportunity. My
life in this country has been fulfilling both personally and professionally,
and I am grateful to the United States of America for the opportunity to
fulfill the American Dream through hard work and perseverance.”
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From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress