Emma Nadirian – Page 64 – Armenian Directory & News

Friday, EU, Armenia Poised To Sign Landmark Deal . Hovannes Movsisian Armenia - Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian (E) and EU Commissioner Johannes Hahn arrive for a news conference in Yerevan, 2Oct2017. The European Union and Armenia will almost certainly sign next month an agreement aimed at significantly deepening their relations, a senior EU official said late on Thursday. Johannes Hahn, the EU commissioner for European neighborhood policy, confirmed that the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA) is due to be signed during or on the sidelines of an EU summit in Brussels scheduled for November 24. "This agreement with Armenia will be signed, no doubt about it." Hahn said at a meeting with civil society members from Armenia and other ex-Soviet states held in Estonia's capital Tallinn. "I think it's pretty sure that this will be done around the summit or at the summit," he added. In an apparent reference to Russia, Hahn suggested that the EU's and Armenia's "neighbors" do not object to the deal. "At least they accept it," he said. Russian pressure exerted on Yerevan is widely believed to have scuttled a more ambitious Association Agreement which Armenia and the EU nearly finalized in 2013. President Serzh Sarkisian precluded that accord with his unexpected decision to join the Russian-led Eurasian Economic Union (EEU). The spokesman for Sarkisian's ruling Republican Party of Armenia (HHK), Eduard Sharmazanov, made clear late on Thursday that Yerevan is "planning" to sign the CEPA in Brussels. "Had we seen any problems in the agreement we would not have initialed it [in March,]" he said. Unlike the Association Agreement, the CEPA would not make Armenia part of a "deep and comprehensive free trade area" with the EU. Still, the 350-page document commits Yerevan to "approximating" Armenian economic laws and regulations to those of the EU. Hahn stressed that Armenia is the first EEU member state that will sign a "far-reaching agreement" with the EU. "This is important # This shows that co-existence is possible," he said. Hahn went on to reiterate his view that the CEPA will serve as a "blueprint" for other countries interested in closer ties with the EU. Armenian Parliament Approves Scrapping Of Draft Deferments . Ruzanna Stepanian Armenia - Armenian army soldiers are lined up at a military base in Tavush province, 2Dec2016. The Armenian parliament overwhelmingly passed on Friday a controversial government bill that will mostly abolish temporary exemptions from military service that have long been enjoyed by many students of state-run universities. Draft-age male students having government scholarships have until now been allowed to perform the two-year compulsory service after completing their undergraduate, graduate or post-graduate studies. The bill put forward by the Armenian Defense Ministry will grant draft deferments only to those students who will agree to undergo parallel military training and serve in the army as officers for three years after graduation. Defense Minister Vigen Sargsian said during parliament debates that it would close a key loophole for evading military service and reduce "corruption risks" among military and university officials. He argued that less than one-fifth of recipients of such deferments have eventually served in the army. The proposed measure has been strongly criticized by the opposition Yelk alliance. Deputies representing the bloc say it would prevent many students from becoming scientists or scholars. They also say that the proposed change must not be enacted because it would not stop sons of many senior government officials, pro-government politicians and wealthy businesspeople from dodging military service. Sargsian attacked Yelk leaders on Thursday, saying that they have no moral right to complain about draft evasion. He claimed that one of them, Edmon Marukian, enjoyed privileged treatment during his military service while another, Ararat Mirzoyan, avoided such service altogether despite not becoming a scientist. Both Marukian and Mirzoyan condemned the personal attacks from the minister. Sargsian also claimed that Yelk leaders backed the idea of scrapping draft deferments when he discussed it with them several years ago. "I can only thank God for the fact that with such a worldview you are a minority, not a majority, in the parliament," he declared. Not surprisingly, all nine deputies representing Yelk voted against the bill. But 87 other lawmakers backed its passage in the first reading. They represent not only the ruling Republican Party and its junior coalition partner, the Armenian Revolutionary Federation, but also the opposition Tsarukian Bloc. The adopted law will come into effect in January 2021, meaning that it will not apply to students who have already been granted deferments. Yerevan Signals Continued Reliance On Nuclear Energy . Anush Muradian Armenia - President Serzh Sarkisian visits the Metsamor nuclear plant, 23Jan2016. Armenia's government has not abandoned its ambitious plans to build a new nuclear power station after the eventual closure of the aging plant at Metsamor, President Serzh Sarkisian indicated on Friday. Sarkisian said his administration remains committed to a 20-year energy strategy adopted in 2015 as he spoke at a regular session of a panel of domestic and international experts advising him on nuclear safety. "The [2015-2036] program calls for extending the exploitation of the existing [power-generating] block [of the Metsamor plant] until 2027 and gradually introducing new nuclear blocks later on," he said. Nuclear energy provides a "necessary level of energy security" in the country, added the president. Justice Minister Davit Harutiunian stated as recently as on October 17 that the Armenian government may give up the idea of replacing Metsamor, which generates roughly a third of Armenia's electricity, by a new nuclear plant meeting safety standards. Sarkisian pledged to build the new plant shortly after taking office in 2008. The project never got off the drawing board, however, as his government failed to attract billions of dollars in funding needed for the new plant's construction. The government decided instead to extend the life of Metsamor's 420-megawatt reactor by 10 years, until 2027. Russia is playing a key role in this endeavor, having provided Armenia with a $270 million loan and a $30 million grant in 2015. The money is due to be mainly spent on the purchase of Russian nuclear equipment and additional safety measures that will be taken at the Soviet-era facility located 35 kilometers west of Yerevan. Vahram Petrosian, the executive secretary of the presidential Atomic Energy Safety Council, said on Friday that the Metsamor may continue functioning even after 2027. "Our country is not so rich as to stop such a good [nuclear] block ten years later," Petrosian told reporters after the council meeting chaired by Sarkisian. "Rich countries extend the life [of their nuclear plants] by 30 years. Why should we stop it ten years later?" Asked about Harutiunian's statement, the official said: "We have no alternative to atomic energy." Press Review "Zhoghovurd" carries an editorial on the 18th anniversary of a terrorist attack on Armenia's parliament that left Prime Minister Vazgen Sarkisian, parliament speaker Karen Demirchian and six other officials dead. "It's a crime whose consequences have still not been overcome and whose wounds have still not healed," writes the paper. "It's a crime which set Armenia's development several decade back and contributed to the establishment of dictatorship in the country." It says it remains unclear who masterminded the October 1999 shootings. "Haykakan Zhamanak" says the authorities claim to have averted at least three such attacks in Armenia in the last few years."It basically means that when Serzh Sarkisian's life and well-being was in danger the National Security Service managed to act properly, react in a timely manner, expose and prevent a crime," comments the paper. "But when the lives of Vazgen Sarkisian, Karen Demirchian and others were in danger the NSS led by Serzh Sarkisian [in 1999] was simply inactive." "Zhamanak" cites reports that Belarus will supply more weapons, notably Polonez rockets with a 200-kilometer range, to Azerbaijan. The paper denounces Prime Minister Karen Karapetian for not publicly demanding explanations from his Belarusian counterpart at this week's Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) meeting in Yerevan. It claims that Karapetian only cares about retaining his post with Russia's help in April 2018. "Chorrord Ishkhanutyun" reports that Archbishop Pargev Martirosian of Nagorno-Karabakh has lavished praise on Mikael Minasian, President Sarkisian's son-in-law and Armenia's ambassador to the Vatican, for donating several handmade Armenian carpets to Karabakh's medieval Gandzasar monastery. He said that Minasian is introducing a "new culture" of benevolence. "It's good that the Gandzasar monastery will have handmade Armenian carpets which are said to be worth several dozen thousands of dollars," the paper says. "But there would really be a new culture if not only the son-in-law, the brothers or relatives of Serzh Sarkisian but also ordinary businesspeople were able to engage in charitable activities." (Tigran Avetisian) Reprinted on ANN/Armenian News with permission from RFE/RL Copyright (c) 2017 Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty, Inc. 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. www.rferl.org

Community

Featured Story

Latest

News

Top Stories

10 hours ago

Over a 1,000 gathered at the Beverly Hilton Hotel to celebrate

LOS ANGELES—Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region hosted a capacity crowd of its annual gala banquet held on Sunday, October 8 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. More than 1,000 supporters, activists, and generous donors of the ANCA-WR from throughout the country were joined by dozens of prominent Members of Congress, state, and local legislators and officials.

Community leaders celebrated ANCA-WR’s accomplishments and honored Congressman David Valadao, California State Senator Anthony Portantino, film director Terry George, Turkish Parliament Member Garo Paylan, and Documentarian Bared Maronian. A special recognition and presentation was also made to Chris Cornell, who wrote and performed the theme song for “The Promise.”

Held at the iconic Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, the event began at 4:30pm with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction, and a VIP reception with major donors and elected officials. A three-course dinner followed at 6pm with a powerful program and presentation of awards kicked off by the national anthems performed by Ivana Krikorian.

Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church, Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, conducted the invocation for the evening.

Following the prayer, 2017 ANCA-WR Gala Committee Co-Chairs Jacklin Boyadjian, J.D. and Elizabeth Gourjian, welcomed guests and thanked all those that made the inspiring evening possible. Gourjian remarked, “The work of the ANCA is constant and immeasurable. Through extremely efficient operations, and competent, knowledgeable and dedicated activists and volunteers, great milestones have been achieved. I’m humbled and privileged to represent an organization, which provides an opportunity to advance the political passion of young and talented Armenian-American activists.” Boyadjian continued,”I would like to express my gratitude for the opportunity to serve you, and to congratulate our engaged, dedicated, and hardworking committee, whose love and passion for our Armenian community knows no bounds.”

Following Boyadjian and Gourjian, ANCA-WR Chair, Nora Hovsepian, Esq. took the stage. “As we all witnessed the horrific act of terror in Las Vegas a week ago today in which countless lives were senselessly lost, or the recent disasters in Puerto Rico, Texas and Florida which will affect those communities forever, or the loss of dozens of Armenian soldiers and civilians falling to Azeri bullets in recent months, we know that mere expressions of concern are not enough, and we must continue to soldier on,” stated Hovsepian. “For our People have lived through tragedy and survived many times before. Despite the deep scars that will forever remain in our national psyche as survivors of a mass crime, we have found strength in the Cause which propels us forward. We continue to remain focused like a laser beam on our mission, and we will not be deterred by obstacles placed in our path by anyone,” continued Hovsepian.

In her remarks, Hovsepian then moved to provide attendees with details of the organization’s accomplishments in 2017. Hovsepian noted the unprecedented success of the Divest Turkey initiative, ensuring that public funds are not used by Turkish government investment vehicles to facilitate Turkey’s ongoing denialist campaign in the U.S. once it is enacted into law. Hovsepian also highlighted the ANCA-WR’s successful efforts in gaining Genocide recognition in all 19 U.S. States in the Western Region; the diligent efforts of the ANCA-WR Education Committee and the Genocide Education Project for building upon last year’s mandates for Armenian Genocide education in the history and social studies curriculum framework and securing up to $10 million in State funding to implement them; and the diligent work of ANCA-WR activists in securing a total of $4 million of State funding for the all-important Armenian American Museum project, all with the leadership and support of legislators who championed these efforts. Hovsepian then highlighted the accomplishments of local chapters, including the ANCA-Glendale chapter’s most recent efforts in fighting genocide denialists, and using the power of grassroots activism to secure advertisement for the film Architects of Denial at The Americana at Brand. In a call to action, attendees and supporters were asked to volunteer their time, sign up as Rapid Responders, register to vote, and financially assist the ANCA-WR’s efforts by joining its monthly and annual giving programs.

The audience then viewed an inspirational and congratulatory video message from Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, who was unable to personally attend the Gala.

ANCA-WR Board Member Nareg Kitsinian, Esq., then took the stage to announce the official launch of the new monthly giving program ANCAdvocates whereby supporters can donate $15/month or more on an ongoing basis to the ANCA-WR to help its ongoing efforts by texting 41444 with the message 4anc.

Ambassador to United States from the Republic of Armenia, His Excellency Grigor Hovhannissian, then took the stage and addressed the audience. Ambassador Hovhannissian noted, “I am here to convey a sense of solidarity and gratitude to thousands of people who annually, selflessly work hours, volunteer their time and resources to promote Armenian causes. This year we celebrate the 25th anniversary of US and Armenia relations. The last 25 years we built dynamic a strong partnership and ANCA grassroots activism has played a remarkable role in bringing about a very diverse agenda that is now being transitioned from aid to trade. I appreciate ANCA’s effort in reaching that agenda with economic topics such as the tax treaty.”

Upon the conclusion of Ambassador Hovhannissian’s speech, the audience viewed a video presentation about the Armenian American Museum, and the activism in part of the ANCA-WR to make this vision a reality.

Following the video presentation, ANCA-WR Board Members Anahid Oshagan, Esq. and Berdj Karapetian presented the 2017 ANCA-WR Legislator of the Year award to California State Senator Anthony Portantino for his strong leadership and ongoing commitment to forcefully defending and advancing issues critical to Armenians worldwide. Oshagan noted that Portantino “managed to include millions in funding for teacher training and curriculum implementation. Training that will include the lessons of the Armenian Genocide…he has called on the Republic of Turkey to return confiscated church properties to their rightful congregations… the Special Committee he chairs organized the screening of the motion picture The Promise in Sacramento this past April.” Karapetian expressed gratitude to Senator Portantino, stating, “he succeeded in establishing and chairing the Senate Select Committee on California, Armenia and Artsakh Mutual Trade, Art and Cultural Exchange…he was the first elected official to call on the Americana at Brand to reverse its decision and allow public advertising for the Armenian Genocide and Human Rights Documentary Architects of Denial…and he championed the funding of $3 million to the Armenian American Museum and Cultural Center of California.”

As the applause and standing ovation subsided, Senator Portantino addressed the audience, “I’ve learned so much from each of you, certainly demand for justice for the Armenian Genocide is first among them, but there is so much more that we as your elected leaders should and must do.” Senator Portantino expressed that even recently, by watching the film Architects of Denial, he has learned more and more about the struggles and challenges of the Armenian people; “I grasp a more in-depth compression about the events of the 1990s, after the collapse of the Soviet Union and the pogroms in Baku and the brutality of the Azeris directed against the peaceful people in Stepanakert and Shushi.” Senator Portantino continued, “Without the presence of organizations like the ANCA, it is all too easy to forget these historic events and the many tests the Armenians and the Armenian -American community have had to endure to survive.” Senator Portantino then reflected on his trip to Artsakh, and shared with the audience the details of a poignant interaction he had with a member of the Artsakh Military; “I made a point to travel to the border of Artsakh with my good friend Councilman Zareh Sinanyan during our visit to Hayastan. Zareh took me to Aghdam to visit with the brave soldiers at the front. A front that shortly before our visit erupted in violence, as the Azeri forces violated a tenuous ceasefire and what sticks in my mind most and allows me to add voice and actions to not just representing my friends in this room but Armenians wherever they are in the world was when a Major in the Artsakh military held out his fist and handed me a handful of dirt and he stated ‘this is our land, we will stand on our land, and we will fight on our land, and we will die on our land.’”

After a live performance by Ara Dabanjian and Soseh Keshishian from Element Band, ANCA-WR Board Members Sako Berberian and Viken Pakradouni, Esq. presented the ANCA-WR Arts and Letters award to Bared Maronian. In his remarks, Pakradouni noted, “Mr. Maronian is probably best known for Orphans of the Genocide. The documentary tells the story of hundreds of thousands of Armenian orphans who lived through the horrors of war, the obstacles they overcame to survive and the rescue efforts of Near East Relief. Orphans of the Genocide has reached millions of viewers through national television broadcasting and satellite distribution. We are proud that working with the ANCA-Western Region through its ‘America We Thank You’ initiative, Mr. Maronian also produced a 30-minute documentary film tribute to Near East Relief.” Berberian continued, “We are honoring Mr. Maronian tonight for his body of work but especially because of his latest work – Women of 1915. Women of 1915 is a documentary focusing on the integral role that Armenian women played in their communities, the plight of Armenian women during the Genocide and their resilient survival after 1915. “

In accepting the award, Maronian expressed appreciation for the recognition. Maronian emphasized the significance of having the voices of the oppressed heard through film. Maronian then dedicated his award to his supporters and remarked, “It was only through your support, that I was able to make that voice heard, in this case the voices of the feeble orphans, and the voices of the resilient Armenian women and non-Armenian women, who despite horrific injustices helped to save a nation.”

Following Maronian’s moving acceptance speech, ANCA-WR Board Members Souzi Zerounian-Khanzadian and Nareg Kitsinian, Esq. presented United States Congressman David Valadao with the ANCA-WR Advocate for Justice Award. In his remarks, Kitsinian highlighted Congressman Valadao’s work with the HALO Trust in demining Artsakh, stating, “Congressman Valadao is working with ANCA to safe guard US aid to demine the Republic of Artsakh.” Zerounian-Khanzadian continued, “Congressman Valadao visited Artsakh, where alongside government officials and ANCA chairman Raffi Hamparian, he personally observed the HALO Trust demining program that he helped to fund.”

In his acceptance speech, Congressman Valadao expressed his commitment to the Armenian cause, noting, “As a member of the House of Representatives I have sought to use my position and my voice to highlight the issues facing the Armenian-American community and bring awareness to its rich history.” Congressman Valadao voiced his continued support for demining Artsakh; “Just last month with the assistance of ANCA I worked to include language in fiscal year 2018 appropriation legislation to ensure for the ongoing demining projects in Nagorno Karabakh. This funding will help to protect Armenian families who live under the very real threat of landmine accidents each and every single day.” He concluded his speech, “during my time in Congress and in my role as co-chairman in the Armenian Caucus, advancing the cause of Armenian-Americans has and continues to be one of my top priorities in Washington.”

ANCA-WR Board Member Joseph Kaskanian took to the podium to recognize the 2017 ANCA Western Region and ANCA Leo Sarkisian Internship Program participants Emily Samvalian, Shant Reganyan, Raffi Hairapetian, Hakop Mesropian, Flora Adamian, Nicholas Portnoy, Hasmik Burushyan, Isabelle Grigoryan, Adrine Keosian, Shant Eulmessekian, Shushan Gabrielyan, and Hagop Housbian.

Kaskanian opened his remarks by going through the values instilled and opportunities provided to interns and youth in the community and the critical role they play in the organization’s success and continued on to state, “This year ANCA -WR interns have continued to be leaders in the community by participating in the Leo Sarkisian Internship in DC and working with the Armenian Youth Federation, Armenian Relief Society and as well as Asbarez. We look forward to seeing what else all of you will achieve for the Armenian Cause.”

Following Kaskanian’s remarks and presentation, ANCA-WR Board Members Raffi Kassabian, Esq. and Steve Artinian presented The Promise director Terry George with the ANCA-WR Arts and Letters Award. In his remarks, Kassabian stated, “Terry George’s The Promise brought the personal stories and tragedies of the Armenian Genocide to life on the screen to the entire world. Never intimidated to speak out against genocide, Terry’s vision made film viewers experience the events of 1915 – the blood that our ancestors sacrificed at the battle of Musa Dagh, the tireless efforts of the United States in saving thousands of orphans through the Near East Relief, and the survival – the survival – of our ancestors to preserve our culture and ensure that the next generation lives to carry our cause forward.” Artinian added, “ Terry’s work embodies what America and this world cannot and will not. The power of the film can educate, motivate, and activate our community and beyond.”

Upon taking the stage, the director of The Promise stated, “Film is eternal. This story that we have told is an eternal reminder to the world of both the horror committed against the Armenian people but even more so of their strength.” As the audience cheered and applauded, George continued, “This group of refugees represented in this room, represent the very best of the world. They suffered the worst calamity, they managed to survive, they spread out around the world, and they have stood firm in their belief for justice, and not only that – they have empowered the small country to developed and to find its own way against enormous odds. And that at the heart of it is the story of our film.” George then touched on the parallel between the events of 1915, and the modern day atrocities being carried out against Christians and Yezidis in the Middle East. “While we were making the film, we watched as we were shooting, people fleeing across the desert being driven towards Aleppo- a lot of them Armenian survivors from a hundred years before. We were filming people drowning in the Mediterranean Sea, and we were watching people drown in the Mediterranean sea on the news.”

In concluding his speech, Terry George recognized his friend and colleague Eric Esrailian who was present in the room and then paid tribute to his friend, colleague, and activist, the late musician Chris Cornell. George then predicted upcoming victories for Cornell’s song The Promise, adding, “In the forthcoming awards season we will triumph.”

After a live musical performance by Raffi Semerdjian, ANCA Nationaal Chair Raffi Hamparian took the stage to introduce the night’s Freedom Award recipient – “Courage in the eye of the storm, a voice for the voiceless, a beacon of faith, a beacon of hope, a beacon of light, a beacon of justice” – Garo Paylan. As cheers erupted, and the audience rose to its feet, Paylan graciously took the stage and remarked, “102 years later and our wounds are still open, and as much as I am proud of our efforts, we weren’t able to make the people who are responsible for this crime… An unpunished crime creates new crimes and unfortunately, the crime that is genocide is still going on. 102 years ago it was the Armenians who suffered the Genocide, now it is the Kurdish people. As a Democrat, it is my responsibility to stop all those crimes from recurring by bringing awareness. I, as a human rights activist for decades, could say that I am still struggling for all crimes of human rights violations. We need to care about Armenia, Artsakh, Karabakh, but first of all we need to end the crimes against humanity.” Paylan went on to address the collective struggle to achieve genocide recognition, “ But we are still struggling. I live with millions of Turks who want to recognize the Armenian Genocide. I live with millions of Kurds who want to recognize the Armenian Genocide. And we are struggling all together.”

Paylan’s acceptance speech concluded the evening’s program, and attendees slowly exited the banquet room, feeling invigorated, energized, and motivated to continue advocating for issues of significance to the Armenian -American Community, and the Armenian Community at large.

Dignitaries, elected officials, and ANCA-WR endorsed candidates in attendance included Congress Members Judy Chu, Ed Royce, Adam Schiff, David Valadao; CA State Treasurer John Chiang; California State Controller Betty Yee; Assemblymembers Sebastian Ridley-Thomas and Tony Thurmond; California State Senator Anthony Portantino; Los Angeles County Assessor Jeffrey Prang; Los Angeles City Councilmembers Paul Koretz, Paul Krekorian and David Ryu; Los Angeles Unified School District Board Member Scott Schmerelson; Los Angeles Community College District Board of Trustees Vice President Mike Fong and Members Mike Eng and Scott Svonkin; Burbank Vice Mayor Emily Gabel-Luddy; Burbank School Board Member Dr. Armond Aghakhanian; Glendale City Councilmember Ara Najarian; Glendale City Clerk Ardashes Ardy Kassakhian; Glendale Community College Board Members Dr. Armina Gharpetian and Yvette Vartanian Davis; Glendale School Board Vice President Greg Krikorian; Glendale Unified School Board Members Nayiri Nahapetian and Shant Sahakian; City of Montebello Mayor Vivian Romero; Montebello City Council Member Jack Hadjinian; Montebello City Treasurer Ashod Mooradian; Pasadena Unified School District President Roy Boulghourjian; City of Pico Rivera Mayor Bob Archuleta; Crescenta Valley Town Council President Harry Leon; and City of Downey Mayor Pro Tem Sean Ashton.

Additional community leaders in attendance included Armenian Apostolic Church Western Diocese Primate Archbishop Hovnan Derderian’s representative Very Reverend Dajad Yardumian, Minister to the Armenian Evangelical Union Reverend Berdj Djambazian, representative of the Armenian Catholic Eparchy of North America Father Manuel Parsegh Baghdassarian, Permanent Representative to the United States from the Republic of Artsakh Honorable Robert Avetisyan, Consul to the Los Angeles from the Republic of Armenia Honorable Armella Shakaryan, Armenian Revolutionary Federation Bureau Members Hagop Der Khatchadourian and Dr. Viken Yacoubian, Chairman of the Central Committee, A.R.F. of the Western USA Daron Der Khachadourian, Chairman of the Armenian Cultural Foundation Avedik Izmirlian, Chair of the ANCA Eastern Region Steve Mesrobian, Community benefactors and the major banquet sponsor Mr. and Mrs. Varant and Hoori Melkonian, Consul General of Japan in Los Angeles and Consulate member Honorable Akira Chiba, Chair of the ANC-Canada Western Region based in Vancouver Hagop Der Hagopian, representatives of the Armenian Ramgavar Party Kevork Krikorian and Cage Tcharkutian, representatives of the Armenian Social Democrat Hunchak Party Kapriel Moloyan and Vahe Atchabahian, member of the AGBU Western District Board Talin Yacoubian, Esq., Chair of the Syrian Armenian Relief Fund Raffi Kendirjian, Chair of the Armenian Relief Society Regional Executive Silva Poladian, Member of the Homenetmen Central Executive Viggen Davidian, Chair of the Armenian Youth Federation Central Executive Raffi Senekeremian, representative of the Homenetmen Western U.S. Regional Executive Berj Bedoyan, Chair of the Western Prelacy Board of Regents Lisa Gaboudian, Chair of the National Organization of Republican Armenians Aram Gaboudian, Incoming President of the Southern California Armenian Democrats Arthur Charchian, Esq., Executive Director of the Armenian Hellenic Council Ioannis Fidanakis, Producer of The Promise Film Dr. Eric Esrailian, Assistant Director of The Promise Institute for Human Rights at UCLA School of Law Jessica Peake, Faculty Director of The Promise Institute for Human Rights at UCLA School of Law Dr. Asli Bali, Executive Director of the Armenian Legal Center for Justice and Human Rights Kate Nahapetian, Esq., Chair of the USC Armenian Studies Institute Leadership Council Charly Chailian, Chair of the Armenian Bar Association Saro Kerkonian, Chair of the Organization of Istanbul Armenians Edvin Minasian, Executive Director of The Genocide Education Project Roxanne Makasdjian, President of the Armenian Bone Marrow Registry Dr. Frieda Jordan, Executive Director of the Armenian National Committee of America Aram Hamparian, Editor of Asbarez Apo Boghigian, English Editor of Asbarez Ara Khachatourian, Judge of Los Angeles Superior Court Honorable Zaven Sinanian, Judge of Los Angeles Superior Court Honorable Greg Keosian, Commissioner of the CA Commission on Judicial Performance Pattyl Aposhian Kasparian, Chair of the City of Glendale’s community development block grant commission Zanku Armenian, Glendale Parks and Rec Commissioner Elen Asatryan, Chair of the LA Police Permit Review Panel Lara Yeretsian, Trustee of the George Ignatius Foundation Michael Amerian, Esq., ANCA-endorsed candidate for U.S. Senate from Nevada Danny Tarkanian, ANCA-endorsed candidate for Congress from Utah’s 3rd congressional district Dr. Kathie Allen, President of the Glendale Teachers Association Talene Arsenian, and Director of Bureau of Street Lighting of the City of Los Angeles Ed Ebrahimian

The corporate sponsors of the 2017 ANCA-WR Gala included: Michael Aram, Closet World, Garo Mardirossian & Associates, Inc., New York Life, Golden State Bank, Southern California Edison, Southland Disposal, CSUN, Dignity Health, Construction Group, Inc., LASOLAR Group, Martinian & Associates Inc., NASA, Allen Massihi, D.P.M., Southern California Gas Company, Sempra Energy utility, Anoush Banquet Halls and Catering, GourjianLawGroup, Marriott Armenia ,Yerevan, Martin, GotPrint.com, Vertigo, Rental Avenue, Le Style My Soirée, Kitchen 12000, The Guardian of Health, Bitter & Sweet, and Avant Garden.

The Gala Committee included Co-Chairs Jacklin Boyadjian, J.D. and Elizabeth Gourjian, Anita Altounian, Anita Aslanian, Arsho Beylerian, Lina Davidian, Esq., Armine Der Grigorian, Marie Filipian, Alex Garibyan, Harry Geozian, Anita Gevorkian, Gor Gevorkyan, Edgar Hayrapetyan, Salpi Jejeian, Solair Kargodorian, Michael Kay,Vanna Kitsinian, Esq., Ani Nalbandian, J.D., Boghos Patatian, Tina Karayan Porta, Esq., Suren Seropian, Mary Simitian, Nora Tchaparian, Vahagn Thomasian, Armine Zakaryan, and ANCA-WR Board Liaisons Steve Artinian, Sako Berberian, Berdj Karapetian, and Hermineh Pakhanians.

The ANCA-WR Annual Banquet is the largest event of its kind and helps raise funds to operate the nation’s most broad-based Armenian-American grassroots and political advocacy organization. Through these funds, the ANCA-WR is able to educate the general public about the Armenian Genocide, the Republic of Armenia, Artsakh, and other vital issues of concern to the Armenian-American community.

To financially assist the ANCA-WR in its work, community members are encouraged to enroll in the ANCAdvocates program, Friends of the ANCA-WR Monthly Giving, the ANCA-WR Founders’ Circle Annual Giving, and the Support our Supporters Corporate and Business Giving programs by visiting www.ancawr.org/donate or calling 818.500.1919.

Headquartered in Los Angeles, the Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region is the largest and most influential Armenian American grassroots advocacy organization in the Western United States. Working in coordination with a network of offices, chapters, and supporters throughout the Western United States and affiliated organizations around the country, the ANCA-WR advances the concerns of the Armenian American community on a broad range of issues.

Azeri-Press news agency (APA), Azerbaijan October 5, 2017 Thursday Azerbaijan says Armenia's actions contradict basic principles of Christianity Armenia's actions aimed at looting the property and exploiting natural resources in the occupied Azerbaijani territories, wiping out and misappropriating material and cultural values belonging to the Azerbaijani people and its unsuccessful attempt to change the demographic situation constitute a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law, including the obligations undertaken by Armenia under the Geneva conventions, Hikmat Hajiyev, spokesman for the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry, told APA on Thursday. 'The misappropriation by Armenia of the historical Albanian-Christian heritage and temples in Azerbaijan's occupied lands and the construction of a church in the occupied Jabrayil district, where Armenians never lived, are nothing but an attempt to give a religious color to the conflict and impede the resolution of the conflict through the mediation of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs on the basis of the proposals put forward,' Hajiyev said. 'It's upsetting that Armenian clerics is showing a particular zeal in this provocative process that is in contrast with religious values.' Hajiyev stressed that such attempts made by Armenia and its church run contrary not only to international humanitarian law but also to the basic principles of Christianity and the teachings of the Gospels that encourage peace, respect for others' property, and avoidance of taking people's lives and other acts of aggression. 'This particular provocation from Armenia will be brought up accordingly at international organizations,' he added. Armenians have recently held the opening of church (Virgin Mary) in the occupied Azerbaijani district of Jabrayil. The construction of the church has been funded by Gregory Movsesian. The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict entered its modern phase when the Armenian SRR made territorial claims against the Azerbaijani SSR in 1988. A fierce war broke out between Azerbaijan and Armenia over the Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan. As a result of the war, Armenian armed forces occupied some 20 percent of Azerbaijani territory which includes Nagorno-Karabakh and seven adjacent districts (Lachin, Kalbajar, Aghdam, Fuzuli, Jabrayil, Gubadli and Zangilan), and over a million Azerbaijanis became refugees and internally displaced people. The military operations finally came to an end when Azerbaijan and Armenia signed a ceasefire agreement in Bishkek in 1994. Dealing with the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is the OSCEMinsk Group, which was created after the meeting of the CSCE (OSCE after the Budapest summit held in December 1994) Ministerial Council in Helsinki on 24 March 1992. The Group's members include Azerbaijan, Armenia, Russia, the United States, France, Italy, Germany, Turkey, Belarus, Finland and Sweden. Besides, the OSCE Minsk Group has a co-chairmanship institution, comprised of Russian, the US and French co-chairs, which began operating in 1996. Resolutions 822, 853, 874 and 884 of the UN Security Council, which were passed in short intervals in 1993, and other resolutions adopted by the UN General Assembly, PACE, OSCE, OIC, and other organizations require Armenia to unconditionally withdraw its troops from Nagorno-Karabakh.

Tuesday, Fewer Armenians Involved In Agriculture . Sargis Harutyunyan Armenia - Grapes harvested at a vineyard in the Ararat Valley, 9Sep2013. Despite strong growth in agriculture reported by the Armenian government, the number of people involved in the sector has declined considerably in the last few years, according to official statistics. Figures from the National Statistical Service (NSS) show that there were a total of 338,000 farmers and other agricultural workers in Armenia last year, down from 437,200 in 2012. This decrease calls into question separate NSS data showing that Armenian agricultural output rose by an average 6.3 percent annually between 2012 and 2016. Armenia's economy grew by an average of 3.5 percent in that period. Economic growth in the country all but ground to a halt last year. Finance Minister Vartan Aramian attributed the slowdown to a revised calculation of domestic agricultural production which was carried out shortly after last fall's government reshuffle in Yerevan. The previous Armenian cabinet claimed until then that both the agricultural sector and the economy as a whole are on track to grow in 2016. The NSS reported in January that the sector generating less than one-fifth of Gross Domestic Product contracted by over 5 percent last year. Government officials blamed the drop on unfavorable weather conditions. Agricultural output shrank by 1.4 percent in the first half of this year following an unusually cold winter, government data show. "The plight of our villagers is very difficult now," Agriculture Minister Ignati Arakelian told RFE/RL's Armenian service (Azatutyun.am) last week. Arakelian, who was appointed in October, said the mostly subsistence farmers are struggling to grow the right crops and sell them at a profit. Armenia Joins Firefighting Efforts In Georgia Georgia -- A wildire in the Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park, 21Aug2017 Armenia sent several dozen firefighters to neighboring Georgia on Tuesday to help authorities there battle a wildfire that erupted in a Georgian nature reserve at the weekend. Georgian officials reported that the fire in the Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park has expanded to an area of more than twelve hectares. They said that high winds and heavy smoke are impeding efforts by Georgian firefighters to contain the blaze. The steep, rugged landscape also makes it very difficult to use firefighting machinery, they said. The scale of the disaster led the Georgian government to ask neighboring states for assistance. Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili told reporters on Tuesday that Azerbaijan and Turkey have sent in firefighting helicopters and that firefighters from Armenia are "on their way" to the mountainous area in south-central Georgia. The Armenian Ministry of Emergency Situations confirmed the information, saying that it has dispatched eight fire engines along with their crews to the Borjomi reserve. The 57-strong team also includes medics and other emergency workers, the ministry said in a statement. According to the Armenpress news agency, the head of the ministry's Rescue Service, Mushegh Ghazarian, will personally coordinate the team's participation in the firefighting efforts. Armenia - Armenian firefighting crews depart to Georgia to join firefighting efforts in the Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park, 22Aug2017. The authorities in Yerevan provided the assistance just days after extinguishing two massive wildfires that burned hundreds of hectares of woodland in Armenia after weeks of unusually high temperatures. They had to ask Russia to send a heavy firefighting aircraft for containing one of those fires that erupted in the Khosrov Forest State Reserve southeast of Yerevan on August 12. Large quantities of water dropped by the Ilyushin-72 plane proved critical in the firefighting operation conducted there. The Ministry of Emergency Situations said earlier on Tuesday that its firefighters are continuing to carry out "post-extinguishment works" to prevent renewed fire outbreaks at Khosrov. Dashnak Minister Denies Renewed Friction With PM . Narine Ghalechian Armenia -- Environment Minister Artsvik Minasian at a press conference in Yerevan, 27Dec2016 Environment Minister Artsvik Minasian, one of the three cabinet members representing the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (Dashnaktsutyun), on Tuesday dismissed renewed speculation about his tense relationship with Prime Minister Karen Karapetian. Shortly after taking office last September, Karapetian publicly criticized Minasian, who was Armenia's economy minister at the time, prompting a stern rebuke from a Dashnaktsutyun leader. Minasian was subsequently appointed to his current ministerial post after objecting to the new prime minister's decision to the rename the Armenian Ministry of Economy. Media speculation about lingering tensions between the two men was only stoked by this month's two massive wildfires that burned hundreds of hectares of forests in the country. Some critics blame the Ministry of Environment Protection for the fires, saying that it failed to take necessary precautions despite an unusually hot and dry weather. Speaking at the RFE/RL studio in Yerevan, Minasian insisted that his rapport with Karapetian is "very normal" and "not tense" and that critical statements made by the premier are only "natural." "On the contrary, it would be bad if nothing was said and if all discussions, government meetings were mere formalities," he said. "I think that a healthy atmosphere should be encouraged and that only a healthy debate can produce the best solution." Accordingly, the minister ruled out the possibility of his resignation. "Every time you receive and accept a proposal to take up a political post, the time will come when you will resign from it," he said. "But right now there is no such issue. I had a discussion with the prime minister today as well." "We now need to come up with an analysis of this situation and approaches, including changes that we have to make," he added in an apparent reference to additional government measures to protect Armenian forests. Minasian also emphasized that he occupies his "political post" as a result of a power-sharing deal between Dashnaktsutyun and President Serzh Sarkisian which was struck in early 2016 and extended shortly after the April 2017 parliamentary elections. The two other government members affiliated with Dashnaktsutyun are Territorial Administration Minister Davit Lokian and Education Minister Levon Mkrtchian. Dashnaktsutyun controls 7 seats in Armenia's 105-member parliament elected in April. Press Review "Haykakan Zhamanak" describes as "sensational" a Turkish minister's statement that Turkey wants to sign a free-trade deal with the Russian-led Eurasian Economic Union (EEU). "Analysts are now trying to understand Armenia's position on this Turkish statement," writes the paper. "They are also looking into what Armenia could gain from that process. The first thing that is pointed out is that in case of signing any agreement with the EEU Turkey will have to open the Turkish-Armenian border, its only land border with that union, or that such a thing is not possible without Armenia's consent. Therefore, it is claimed, new opportunities will open up for Armenia's authorities to advance our national interests." Other observers think, however, that Russia could pressurize Armenia into making major concessions to the Turks without getting anything in return. "There are indeed such concerns," says "Haykakan Zhamanak." "Aravot" considers "rational" some Armenian opposition politicians' calls for the country to leave the EEU. "There is neither Europe, nor Asia nor economy nor union there," claims the paper. "On top of that, there are unprecedented sanctions [against Russia]." It complains that membership in the EEU prevents Armenia from signing free-trade deals with other nations or economic blocs on its own. "Zhoghovurd" comments on claims by a senior executive of Iran's national gas company that Tehran and Yerevan are now discussing the possibility of sharply increasing Iranian gas supplies to Armenia. "Iran has repeatedly expressed readiness to sell [more] gas to Armenia," the paper says. "What is more, at one point Iran did not rule out the possibility of selling gas to Armenia at a lower price." It claims that the Armenian government failed to seize upon that opportunity. It blames Russia for that. "The Gazprom company # will never allow Armenia to have an alternative source of gas," it says. (Tigran Avetisian) Reprinted on ANN/Armenian News with permission from RFE/RL Copyright (c) 2017 Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty, Inc. 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. www.rferl.org

Author: Emma Nadirian

Zartonk Daily 07.11.2017

The Armenian resolution regarding the use of “lethal autonomous weapons” was adopted in the Euronest PA

Nor Keghi School Project to Cap Off with Fundraising Dinner

RFE/RL Armenian Report – 10/27/2017

Azerbaijani Press: CNN host included into Azerbaijani FM’s ‘black list’

Over 1,000 Gather to Celebrate a Year of ANCA-WR Accomplishments

Azerbaijani Press: Azerbaijan says Armenia’s actions contradict basic principles of Christianity

Gagik Makaryan: No document is sent to the government without our opinion (video)

Eurnekian, héroe nacional de Armenia

RFE/RL Armenian Report – 08/22/2017