Author: Garnik Zakarian

Hundreds Attend LAUSD and ANCA-WR Education Committee Event Commemorating the Armenian Genocide

Garnik Zakarian
by Contributor

 

 

 

in Community, Featured Story, Latest, News, Top Stories
ANCA-WR Education Committee Members with LAUSD’s Kelly Gonez


LOS ANGELES—Hundreds of students, parents, teachers, and administrators gathered on April 19 to commemorate the Armenian Genocide: Remembering the Armenian Genocide: Memory & Remembrance to Awareness & Action, organized by Los Angeles School District’s Board Member, Kelly Gonez, in partnership with the ANCA Western Region Education Committee. 

“It was an emotional day for me to see our community come together to see our talented students sing and recite poems in honor of the Armenian Genocide Observance Day.  Being a former LAUSD student and an employee, I never thought I would see the day where the second largest district in the United States will close down to remember the victims of the Armenian Genocide. Truly remarkable!” said ANCA Western Region Education Committee Board Member, Lucy Martirosyan. 

The event, which took place at Mt. Gleason Middle School in Sunland, included performances from students who honored their Armenian heritage, a statement from school board member Gonez dedicating her unwavering support for the Armenian students she represents, and awards distributed to Armenian-American educators who have gone above and beyond to educate students about the Armenian Genocide and Armenian heritage. 

ANCA-WR Education Committee Members with children’s book author Nora Kayserian and her debut book, “Unstoppable Zabel” Crowd of parents, students, teachers and administrators watch student performances

Parents and teachers were later invited to a presentation by students about the Armenian struggle to survive in their ancestral homeland in the face of Turkey and Azerbaijan’s genocidal campaign. “Many people ask what the Armenian People are fighting for,” one student said in their presentation, “We fight because we want to live in peace; free from persecution and genocide. All we want is peace.”

Students performed moving poetry, songs, and other celebrations of Armenian heritage and resilience. Arts and crafts opportunities were available for students who chose to draw their names in an ancient Armenian calligraphy known as bird lettering or Trchnagir. Educators also presented their work in the dual language program, which has allowed thousands of Armenian students to engage in their studies in both Armenian and English. 

“I want to thank every teacher who joined us at our event and who work every day to preserve the memories, lives, and stories of Armenians. It was inspiring to see our students perform works that spoke to the richness of Armenian culture and heritage. I also want to thank ANCA-Western Region and its amazing Education Committee for leading such meaningful work and for helping craft a better, more inclusive world for all our children to thrive in,” said LAUSD Board Member Kelly Gonez.

The commemorative event is accompanied by the recent launch of the collaborative K-12 Educator’s Guide: a comprehensive resource of frameworks and lessons, developed by the office of LAUSD Board Member Kelly Gonez and ANCA Western Region Education Committee, to help educators teach about the Armenian Genocide. In 2019, Gonez introduced a resolution written in collaboration with the ANCA Western Region Education Committee, which passed unanimously in 2020, establishing April 24 as a student and staff-free day, allowing teachers, students, administrators, and families to observe and remember the Armenian Genocide. This year will be the first that LAUSD students will have this important day off. The 2023 Educator’s guide serves as a critical tool for teachers to educate their students about why they have the day off, and what they can do to commemorate the event annually, and stand in solidarity with their Armenian peers.

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.

Armenia fully recognizes Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity, expects same from Baku – PM Pashinyan

Garnik Zakarian

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 12:55,

YEREVAN, APRIL 18, ARMENPRESS. The Republic of Armenia fully recognizes Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity and expects Azerbaijan to do the same by recognizing the entire territory of the Armenian SSR as the Republic of Armenia, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has said.

“The peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan would become realistic if the two countries recognize each other’s territorial integrity without ambiguities and traps and assume obligation to not make territorial claims against each other, now or ever,” Pashinyan said in parliament.

Pashinyan reminded that such an agreement was reached with the Azerbaijani president during their meetings in Prague and Sochi on October 6 and October 31 in 2022 respectively.

“Nevertheless, official statements are heard both from Yerevan and Baku accusing the other side of not adhering to the agreements. I want to reiterate that the Republic of Armenia fully recognizes Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity and we expect Azerbaijan to do the same, by recognizing the entire territory of the Armenian SSR as Republic of Armenia,” Pashinyan said.

Pashinyan said that Azerbaijan’s accusations that Armenia is refusing to fully recognize Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity during the peace treaty talks are untrue.

He said that Armenia itself offered to attach the maps of the Armenian and Azerbaijani SSRs – approved by the USSR – to the treaty as the basis of territorial integrity of the two countries.

Armenia ensures highest security level for sport delegations, confirms European Weightlifting Federation president

Garnik Zakarian

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 10:36,

YEREVAN, APRIL 18, ARMENPRESS. European Weightlifting Federation (EWF) President Antonio Conflitti has welcomed the Armenian authorities’ statement regarding the incident with the Azerbaijani flag during the opening ceremony of the 2023 EWF European Weightlifting Championships in Yerevan.

In a statement, Conflitti also acknowledged that the Armenian side has ensured the highest security level to sport delegations.

“I welcome the Armenian authorities statement. The event should not be involved in politics. I’m able to confirm personally the highest security level reserved to the sport delegations from the beginning of the event,” the European Weightlifting Federation (EWF) President said in a statement.

Former Armenian ombudsman visits border village after Azeri attack

Garnik Zakarian
Panorama
Armenia –

Armenia’s former Human Rights Defender Arman Tatoyan has visited Tegh, a border village in southeastern Syunik Province, following the deadly clashes provoked by Azerbaijan.

Four Armenian soldiers were killed and six others wounded in an Azerbaijani attack while carrying out engineering work near the village on April 11. Armenia lost no military positions as a result of the Azeri aggression, the Defense Ministry said.

The ex-ombudsman, who now runs the Tatoyan Foundation, confirmed the visit to Panorama.am, but could not answer any other questions. He promised to reveal details later.

Armenian Military Reports Casualties In Border Shootout With Azerbaijan

Garnik Zakarian

 Fahad Shabbir (@FahadShabbir)  Published | 10:07 PM

The Armenian Defense Ministry said on Tuesday that the Azerbaijani armed forces had opened fire on Armenian engineer troops in a border region in Nagorno-Karabakh, as a result of which several Armenian soldiers were killed or injured

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik – 11th April, 2023) The Armenian Defense Ministry said on Tuesday that the Azerbaijani armed forces had opened fire on Armenian engineer troops in a border region in Nagorno-Karabakh, as a result of which several Armenian soldiers were killed or injured.

“On April 11, at around 4 p.m. (12:00GMT), the units of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces opened fire in the direction of the Armenian Armed Forces’ servicemen who were carrying out engineering works in the direction of the Tegh community. The Armenian side resorted to retaliatory actions. According to preliminary information, the Armenian side has losses and wounded,” the ministry said.

In a situation update, the Armenian ministry said that the Azerbaijani military had continued the “provocation” shooting, as of 5:30 p.m. local time, and used mortar guns.

The Azerbaijani Defense Ministry responded by saying that Armenian soldiers also used mortars and large-caliber weapons against the Azerbaijani army’s positions.

The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry, in turn, accused Yerevan of disinterest in the peace process.

“The fact that such provocations by Armenia took place in the face of serious calls for negotiations on a peace agreement by the international community shows that Armenia is not interested in the peace process.

Such military provocations of Armenia at the same time are accompanied by provocative political actions and statements,” the ministry noted.

In September 2022, a new outbreak of hostilities between Yerevan and Baku broke out in Nagorno-Karabakh. Armenia and Azerbaijan accused each other of shelling and reported losses in their ranks. In December 2022, the Lachin corridor, the only road that links Armenia to the disputed enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh, was blocked by a group of Azerbaijanis described by Baku as environmental activists.

Yerevan and Baku started peace agreement negotiations last year. At the beginning of February 2023, Yerevan received new peace treaty proposals from Azerbaijan and started to examine them. In the meantime, the UN’s main judicial body ruled in February that Azerbaijan must ensure unimpeded movement along the Lachin Corridor. Armenia, in turn, demanded that Azerbaijan “cease its orchestration and support” of the blockade.

https://www.urdupoint.com/en/world/armenian-military-reports-casualties-in-borde-1675058.html

Friends of ANCA-Western Region Hold Fundraising Reception for Portantino’s Congressional Campaign

Garnik Zakarian
by Contributor

 

 April 3, 2023

 

in Community, Featured Story, Latest, News, Top Stories

ANCA-WR Board, staff and committee members with Sen. Anthony Portantino


GLENDALE—The Friends of Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region held a fundraising reception on March 30 for Senator Anthony Portantino in his bid for Congress to succeed Rep. Adam Schiff in the 30th Congressional District of California. In February, the ANCA Western Region announced its endorsement of Senator Portantino for Congress.

ANCA Western Region Board Member Anahid Oshagan Esq., ANCA Western Region Board Chair Nora Hovsepian Esq., Senator Anthony Portantino, and Nora Yacoubian ANCA Western Region Board Member Anahid Oshagan Esq., with Silva Kazanjian, Shahan Goenjian, ANCA Western Region Board Member Ayk Dikijian Esq., and ANCA Western Region Government Affairs Committee Member Christine Magarian

The event took place at the Brandview Ballroom to support his campaign efforts and to give members of the community the opportunity to meet the Senator and discuss issues of concern within the community.

The event was attended by dozens of donors, representatives of Armenian-American community organizations, and ANCA-Western Region Board and staff members. Representing the largest Armenian-American population center in California in the 25th Senate District, the Senator’s constituency ranges from the Tri-Cities to the western outskirts of San Bernardino County.

Supporters Joseph and Seta Hovsepian (left); Portantino and ANCA-WR Board member Lena Bozoyan

The ANCA-WR recognized the senator with the “Legislator of the Year Award” twice during its Annual Gala banquets in 2011 and 2017.

“The ANCA Western Region is proud to endorse Senator Anthony Portantino in his campaign to succeed Congressman Adam Schiff to represent the largest Armenian-American constituency in the country. We are confident that in Washington DC, Senator Portantino will continue to build upon his strong record in Sacramento supporting Armenia, Artsakh, and our community,” said ANCA Western Region Chair, Nora Hovsepian Esq.

Ronnie Gharibian (left) with Portantino, and Shant Sahakian Portantino and Silva Kechichian Varoojan Baghdasian, Gasik Tadourian, ANCA-WR Youth Committee Board Members Sara Ohannessian, Tony Ordoukhanian, and Mike Borisov

Senator Portantino has been a committed ally of the Armenian-American community throughout his long political career. His leadership on Armenian-American issues has expanded and strengthened relations between the State of California, the Republic of Armenia, and the Republic of Artsakh, including his establishment of the Select Committee on California, Armenia and Artsakh Mutual Trade, Art and Cultural Exchange in 2017 and the California-Armenia Trade & Services Desk at Impact Hub Yerevan in 2021.

“I am extremely honored to be the ANCA Western Region endorsed candidate for Congress. Having this tremendous grassroots organization advocating on my behalf is helping to make this a winning campaign,” said Portantino. “In concert with the endorsement, we held a highly successful fundraiser on the eve of the first quarter deadline. I am grateful for both the organization’s support and the generosity of the community. It was a great night!”

Friends of ANCA-WR gather to support Portantino in his bid for Congress

Senator Portantino is a principal co-author of AJR1: the California Assembly Resolution condemning Azerbaijan’s illegal blockade of Artsakh which has surpassed 110 days. AJR1 recently passed through the Assembly with a 59-0 vote. With Senator Portantino’s commitment to advancing issues of importance to the Armenian American community, the ANCA Western Region is confident the resolution will pass through the Senate as well. 

California’s 30th Congressional District is home to the largest concentration of Armenian-American constituents anywhere in the United States, including the communities of Glendale, Burbank, the Foothills, and Little Armenia.

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.

Armenia: AMPTV Launch Eurovision Documentary Series ‘Menk’ Yevratesilum’

Garnik Zakarian
EuroVoix
March 21 2023

AMPTV has announced a documentary series launching this week looking back at Armenia’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest.

As Armenia looks ahead to the 67th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest, AMPTV has announced a new series looking back at Armenian participation in the competition. ‘Menk’ Yevratesilum‘ will be broadcast every Thursday on Channel One and was filmed in Armenia, Russia and the USA.

Brunette is set to represent Armenia in the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 with “Future Lover”. Brunette is an up-and-coming singer who in 2022 had a hit with “Bac kapuyt achqerd” which has been watched nearly 5 million times on YouTube. The song is among the most played already of the songs competing in Eurovision 2023, with the music video watched over 2 million times in one week.

Armenia debuted in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2006 and has participated every year since, excluding 2012 and 2021. Armenia’s best results came in 2008 and 2014 when they finished 4th in the final. They have failed to qualify for the final on three occasions. The first time was in 2011 when Emmy finished in 12th with “Boom Boom”, she was 1 point away from qualifying for the final. In 2019, Srbuk finished 16th in her semi-final with “Walking Out”, bringing Armenia their worst result to date in the contest.

The Return Of Tension Between Azerbaijan And Armenia

Garnik Zakarian
March 23 2023
MIDDLE EAST
By David Sadler

Tensions between Azerbaijan and Armenia were renewed yesterday, as Yerevan announced the death of one of its soldiers in an exchange of fire with Baku’s forces, amid efforts to resolve the conflict over the Nagorno-Karabakh region.

And while the Armenian Ministry of Defense confirmed the death of one of its soldiers in an exchange of fire in the city of Yersek in the Ararat canton, the Azerbaijani Ministry of Defense published, on Tuesday, a video recording accusing the Armenian forces of moving sectors in an area where Russian peacekeepers are deployed, near a border crossing linking Armenia to Nagorno-Karabakh. Bagh is controlled by Azerbaijani forces.

Channels affiliated with the Iranian Revolutionary Guard reported information on alert in Iranian air bases located in the west of the country.

From Yerevan, the Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs, Ali Bagheri Kani, called, after talks with Armenian officials, for “wisdom and dialogue” to avoid escalation in the region.

In turn, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, in contact with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, offered assistance to facilitate peace talks between the two countries, calling for reopening the Lachin corridor to commercial and private vehicles.

https://globeecho.com/news/middle-east/the-return-of-tension-between-azerbaijan-and-armenia/

Armenpress: Pashinyan congratulates Greek PM on national holiday

Garnik Zakarian

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 11:17,

YEREVAN, MARCH 25, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan sent a congratulatory message to the Prime Minister of the Republic of Greece Kyriakos Mitsotakis on the occasion of the Greek national holiday.

Below is the letter published by the Prime Minister’s Office.

“Your Excellency,

On behalf of the Government of the Republic of Armenia and the Armenian people, I convey my sincere congratulations to you and the fraternal people of Greece on the occasion of the National Day of the Republic of Greece, wishing prosperity, progress and peace.

Armenian-Greek interstate relations anchored on strong traditional ties and a common value system stand out for their willingness to show solidarity and support to each other, for which please accept my sincere gratitude.

I am confident that the effective and continuously developing cooperation between Armenia and Greece will be further strengthened and expanded in the future at both bilateral and multilateral levels, including in the context of Armenia-EU cooperation, as well as the framework of Armenia-Greece-Cyprus cooperation.

Taking the opportunity, I reaffirm our readiness to develop the multi-layered cooperation between our countries for the benefit of the friendly Armenian and Greek peoples”.

Armenian parliament majority rejects opposition resolution on Artsakh blockade

Garnik Zakarian
Panorama
Armenia –

The pro-government majority in the Armenian National Assembly on Tuesday
rejected an opposition resolution on Azerbaijan’s blockade of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh).

The resolution drafted by the opposition Hayastan and Pativ Unem factions condemned the Azerbaijani blockade of the Lachin Corridor, the sole road connecting Artsakh to Armenia, which has led to a deep security, humanitarian and economic crisis.

Denouncing Baku’s non-compliance with the World Court order to unblock the corridor, the document insisted on the exercise of the Artsakh people’s right to self-determination and the extension of the Russian peacekeeping forces’ mandate in Karabakh.

It also called for the Armenians in Artsakh to stand up for their rights.

The draft resolution was presented by Hayastan MP Andranik Tevanyan.

MP Maria Karapetyan of the ruling Civil Contract party argued that the parliament had already passed a resolution on the Lachin Corridor, stressing the opposition-drafted document said nothing of the deployment of an international monitoring mission to Nagorno-Karabakh and the corridor.

The ruling faction MPs abstained from voting to hold debates on the resolution and it was not put on the agenda of today’s sitting with a vote of 28 in favor.