Genocide Commemoration Events 2008

[Aratta-Kingdom]

St. Nersess Armenian Seminary

150 Stratton Road

New Rochelle, NY 10804

Tel.: 914-636-2003

Email: info@stnersess.edu

Web: www.stnersess.edu

Contact: Levon Altian

 

 

 

PRESS RELEASE

 

 

Free Lecture by Renowned Professor Visiting from Armenia

 

"Early Translations TO Armenian and FROM Armenian"

 

 

 

New Rochelle, NY - Prof. Paruyr Muradyan, Senior Researcher at the Armenian

National Academy of Sciences, will offer a lecture at St. Nersess this

Monday, April 28, at 7:30PM that is free and open to the public.

 

 

 

It is well known that a great many extremely important early Christian

writings were translated into Armenian by saintly Armenian scholars, many of

them clergy. Some of these writings have been lost in their original form,

and survive only by the grace of these Armenian translations. Less well

known are a number of Armenian Christian writings that were translated into

other languages such as Syriac, Greek, Arabic, Georgian and Latin. Prof.

Muradyan, one of Armenia's foremost experts in this area, will trace the

travels of early Christian ideas to, and through the Armenian language.

 

 

 

Prof. Muradyan is the foremost authority on Armenian and Georgian relations

>From the earliest times to the present. He is the author of numerous books

including The Passion of St. Shushanik, daughter of St. Vartan Mamikonian.

This ancient text survives in very early Armenian and Georgian versions. The

lecture will be in Armenian with an English translation provided.

Refreshments will follow. St. Nersess is easy to reach by car or train.

 

 

 

 

 

UPCOMING LECTURE

 

Monday, May 12, 2008 at 7:30PM

 

Annual Bishop Zkon Der Hagopian Memorial Lecture

 

Between Text and Icon: The Beautiful Body of Christ

 

Abraham Terian, Professor of Armenian Patristics

 

[Aratta-Kingdom]

Armenian National Committee* Glendale Chapter

Contact: Elen Asatryan

* *

Tel: (818) 243-3444

 

 

Cell: (818) 523-8389

Email: elen@ancglendale.org

 

*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*

April 23, 2008

 

*ANC GLENDALE HOLDS RECORD SETTING BLOOD DRIVE*

 

*Glendale**, CA**.* The Armenian National Committee - Glendale Chapter drew

a record number of contributors at its Third Annual Blood Drive on Sunday,

April 20, 2008. Organized in collaboration with the Armenian Relief Society

- Sepan Chapter, City of Glendale, Week of Remembrance Committee and

the American

Red Cross, the blood drive was held in honor of the 1.5 million victims of

the Armenian Genocide. All blood units collected will be forwarded to local

hospitals such as Glendale Memorial and Glendale Adventist.

 

"The turnout this year was phenomenal. We not only met our goal, but also

exceeded the maximum number of blood units that the medical center could

collect," commented Elen Asatryan, Executive Director of ANC Glendale

Chapter. "The ANC Glendale Chapter thanks all the participants for their

time and commitment to such an important cause," added Asatryan.

 

While over fifteen people were unfortunately turned away due to various

reasons, the medical center remained on site and an extra hour to collect

blood from healthy donors. Several volunteers were on hand to provide food

and refreshments for all donors to help offset the occasional dizziness

experienced by blood donors. Blood donors reproduce the donated amount of

blood within a day and all donors were encouraged to rest and eat healthy in

order to promote blood production.

 

"The ANC Blood drive set a record for the most first time donors we have

received through any blood drive. It was amazing to see that half the

donors, were first timers," commented Sherry Nikrik, Senior Account Manager

of the American Red Cross " We look forward to working with ANC again to

provide the much needed blood supply to local hospitals," added Nikrik.

 

Some key members of the community that supported the charitable event were

Glendale Councilmember Ara Najarian, Glendale City Clerk Ardashes

Kassakhian, City of Glendale Staff, Members of ANC Burbank, and Members of

the Armenian Relief Society.

 

Known as the first genocide of the 20th century, the Armenian Genocide

resulted in the mass murder of 1.5 million Armenians at the hands of the

Ottoman Turks. While the Armenian Genocide is widely recognized throughout

the world and among international bodies, Turkey continues to deny its role

in the Armenian Genocide and instead promotes false propaganda.

 

The American Red Cross provides nearly half of the nation's blood supply

(collecting more than 6 million units a year from volunteer donors) to

patients in 3,000 hospitals across the country through its national network.

Every two seconds, someone in America needs blood. The Red Cross must

collect blood donations each and every day to meet the needs of accident

victims, cancer patients and children with blood disorders, and the

organization works to accomplish this through its 36 Blood Services regions.

 

The Armenian National Committee-Glendale Chapter advocates for the social,

economic, cultural, and political rights of the city's Armenian American

community and promotes increased civic participation at the grassroots and

public policy levels. It is the voice of this vibrant community, which seeks

to advance and enrich Glendale.

 

[Aratta-Kingdom]

Armenian Youth Federation- Western Region

104 N. Belmont, Suite 206, Glendale, CA 91206

Tel. (818) 507-1933 *Email: info@ayfwest.rog

 

 

News Advisory- April 24, 2008

 

ARMENIAN YOUTH FEDERATION - WESTERN REGION

 

PROTEST IN FRONT OF TUKISH CONSULATE

 

Activists to Demand That the Government of Turkey End its Campaign of Denial

of the Armenian Genocide

 

WHERE: The protest shall take place in front of the Turkish Consulate which

is located at 6300 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles CA 90048.

 

WHEN: The protest shall take place on Thursday, April 24, 2008 from 4pm to

6pm.

 

WHO: The Armenian Youth Federation is organizing its annual protest in front

of the Turkish Consulate. Thousands of Armenian Americans and Human rights

Activists are expected to be actively protesting their serious

disappointment with the denialist policies of the American and Turkish

governments. In 2007, approximately 10,000 attended this event.

 

*PROMINENT ELECTED OFFICIAL*: Lieutenant Governor John Garamendi shall

appear at the protest to address attendees.

 

WHAT: The year 2008 marks the 93rd anniversary of the genocide committed

against the Armenians by the Ottoman Turkish Empire. The Armenian Genocide

is the first genocide of the 21st century and is not yet properly

acknowledged and accepted by the American and Turkish governments. April 24,

1915 marks the day that the Turkish government kidnapped all the

intellectual Armenians and slaughtered them as it embarked on its systematic

annihilation of the Ottoman Empire's Armenian population.

 

WHY: The Turkish government has attempted to place a "gag rule" on the

United States Congress as evidenced by its heavy-handed opposition to H.

Res. 106 (The Armenian Genocide Resolution, which passed the House Committee

on Foreign Affairs on 10/10/07). The ongoing genocide in Darfur today is a

testament to the need for clear and unequivocal acknowledgement of the crime

of genocide. The protest shall strive to raise awareness regarding the

denialist policies of the American and Turkish governments and how these

policies enable and embolden perpetrators of genocide to both commit and

deny this crime. The protest not only mourns the death of the 1.5 million

Armenians massacred from 1915-1923 but it also tries to educate others about

past and present genocides.

 

[Aratta-Kingdom]

INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR GENOCIDE AND HUMAN RIGHTS STUDIES

(A Division of the Zoryan Institute)

255 Duncan Mill Rd., Suite 310

Toronto, ON, Canada M3B 3H9

Tel: 416-250-9807

Fax: 416-512-1736

E-mail: admin@genocidestudies.org

Web: www.genocidestudies.org

* * * * *

 

The 93rd anniversary of the Armenian Genocide was commemorated in

Toronto on April 20 this year with a special program under the auspices

of the S.D. Hnchagian Party Paramaz Chapter, the A.R.F. Soghomon

Tehlirian Gomide, and the A.D.L. (Ramgavar) Yesayi Yaghoubian Chapter.

 

The program consisted of opening remarks by Master of Ceremonies Natalie

Macleod, a dramatization on freedom of expression by the Armenian Youth

Organization, and strong statements of affirmation and support from a

number of distinguished federal, provincial and municipal politicians.

 

The keynote speech was delivered by George Shirinian, Executive Director

of the Zoryan Institute. He spoke on the theme of Genocide Education and

Awareness. The speech was so well received, we wanted to share it with

you. The full text of the speech appears below, along with a brief

biographical statement.

 

 

 

Brief Introduction for George Shirinian

 

 

George Shirinian is the Executive Director of the International

Institute for Genocide and Human Rights Studies (A Division of the

Zoryan Institute), which is devoted to research, publication and

education in the fields of Genocide Studies, Diaspora Studies and

Armenia Studies.

 

He is the co-editor of Studies in Comparative Genocide, the author of

articles and reviews relating to Armenian Studies and the Armenian

Genocide, an official of Genocide Studies and Prevention: An

International Journal, and one of the organizers of the annual Genocide

and Human Rights University Program.

 

* * * * *

 

 

Genocide Education and Awareness: Remarks on the 93rd Commemoration of

the Armenian Genocide

Armenian Community Centre, Toronto, April 20, 2008

 

 

Ladies and Gentleman,

 

For 93 years we have been gathering on this day to commemorate the

Genocide of 1915. This day is particularly emotional for us because we

not only remember those who were victimized then, but also the fact that

people are still being victimized today, by the ongoing denial of this

crime by the perpetrator and its allies, some of whom dare to call

themselves custodians of Human Rights. It has been said that of all the

aspects of genocide, denial is the last stage. Having said this, what I

want to focus on today is the phenomenon of genocide, promoting its

awareness and its prevention.

 

April, which ironically means "to live" in Armenian, is the month of

commemoration of some of the major genocides of our recent history. I

can not help but observe that Jews and Rwandans also commemorate their

own genocides this month. April 19 marks the day in 1943 when the Nazis

began to liquidate the Warsaw Ghetto. April 7 marks the day in 1994 when

extremist Hutus began the slaughter of their Tutsi and moderate Hutu

neighbours.

 

It would be only fitting, therefore, as we commemorate one horrendous

act of genocide, that we also reflect on the many genocidal acts that

have occurred during the past 100 years-starting with the Hereros in

Southwest Africa at the start of the 20th century, the Armenians,

Assyrians and Greeks during and after World War I, the forced famine in

the Ukraine in the 1930s, the Nazi destruction of the Jews, Roma, Poles

and others during World War II, the Aché of Paraguay beginning in the

1960s, the people of Bangladesh in 1971, the Cambodians in 1975, the

Maya of Guatemala from the 1960s, the Bosnians in 1991, the Kosovars and

East Timorese in 1999, and, as we speak, the people of Darfur today.

This is only a partial list of genocides in the past 100 years, a

political act that has caused the death of over 60 million people around

the world.

 

So, today we are commemorating something that is not just part of

history, and not just affecting one group, but is ongoing, and

monumental in its enormity. Raphael Lemkin, the man who coined the word

genocide based on the Armenian and Jewish experiences wrote, "The

function of memory is not to register past events but to simulate human

conscience." How can we begin to stimulate the human conscience; how do

we provoke it to action except by teaching history and learning from

our past?

 

The concept of the value of history is deeply ingrained in our thought.

As early as the 5th century BC, the Greek historian Thucydides wrote of

his conviction that historical events would, at some point in the

future, and in more or less the same ways, recur. The Spanish-American

Philosopher, George Santayana in 1905 made a now very famous statement,

"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." Jean

Bodin, the 16th century French jurist, said that "The study of history

is the beginning of political wisdom."

 

Bureaucrats, policy-makers and government officials shy away from

addressing genocide. They find it controversial, because it is a

political act, and politics between the perpetrator and the victim and

the perpetrator and themselves cloud the understanding of these events.

They remain ignorant of the lessons of history, and the result is

further chaos and repeated destruction.

 

Unfortunately, it is only after the loss of some 60 million lives that

the study of this kind of history, the study of human rights and their

gross violation, is barely beginning in our school systems. It is a

difficult and challenging subject at the best of times, with a lot of

sensitivities, as sometimes there are groups who do not want this

history taught. After all, it is difficult for certain people to accept

being collectively labeled as perpetrators of genocide.

 

As Canadians, especially since our current government has officially

acknowledged the Armenian Genocide, we need a comprehensive educational

program devoted to the study of genocidal acts of the past and present,

the prevention of genocide, and the promotion of human rights. Such a

program should begin in high school and continue through university,

with courses that would create awareness, engage students, and allow

them to study genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity in a

systematic and thoughtful way. Given the multi-cultural and ethnic

diversity of Canadians, it is essential that students born within and

outside Canada have the opportunity to explore in depth the causes and

consequences of genocide and the lived realities of the aggressors, the

victims, the bystanders, and the resisters to these horrific acts of

violence. A study of these experiences would help foster a sense of

empathy for the targets of these violent acts and hopefully encourage

students to understand the connections they have to their fellow human

beings. As a result, students would begin to think critically about the

world they have inherited and in which they currently live. They would

have the opportunity to understand their rights and responsibilities as

global citizens, and be challenged to take action, to ensure that human

rights are protected and that genocide is confronted. Democracy,

justice, and the rule of law must be understood, claimed, and defended

by each generation of citizens, if we are to confront this scourge, this

manifestation of human evil.

 

The need for advanced genocide education is equally crucial. We need to

provide the opportunity for the next generation of genocide scholars,

activists, policy-makers, and civil society at large to become

motivated, inspired, and trained in why genocide occurs, how it takes

place, and how it can be prevented. This is why, at the Zoryan

Institute, where research and analysis are ongoing processes, we have

put emphasis on running university courses and seminars in human rights

and comparative genocide, with the involvement of some of the most

renowned experts, attracting hundreds of international students from

some 15 countries. This is also why we produce Genocide Studies and

Prevention: An International Journal. This publication is co-founded and

managed by the distinguished International Association of Genocide

Scholars and the International Institute of Genocide and Human Rights

Studies (A Division of the Zoryan Institute) with the collaboration of

the University of Toronto Press as the publisher. Our mission is to

understand the phenomenon of genocide, create an awareness of it as an

ongoing scourge, and promote the idea of the necessity of preventing it.

 

Why should we make such an effort? Why should we strive to stimulate

conscience through an understanding of history? Well, because we all

want to have a safer future. And the only way to have it for ourselves,

and for our children, is to make it possible for every national, racial,

social, and religious group to have it. As the philosopher George E.

Moore said, "After all, there is but one race, humanity."

 

So, education is the key to creating awareness. But what can awareness

do? Awareness is the mobilizing force that can lead civil society to put

pressure on government to act and not stand idly by. It is our view at

the Zoryan Institute that one of the most effective means to end the

slaughter of so many millions is for governments to expand their concept

of national interest to include the prevention of genocide. This can

happen only through the pressure of civil society. The arguments for

this are both humanitarian and pragmatic. In addition to preventing

human suffering, from a purely financial point of view, genocide leads

to destruction of life and property, the outflow of huge numbers of

refugees, and economic disruption. These costs, which are often

subsidized by the free world, are far greater than the costs of early

intervention. Human rights, therefore, are everybody's business, and we

must all do our part.

 

So it is not only the Armenian Genocide, not only the Jewish Holocaust,

not only the Rwandan Genocide we are dealing with; it is the human

genocide; it is crime against all of humanity. Therefore it is the

responsibility of you, me, and everyone, not only to commemorate such

acts of violence, but to actively prevent these crimes.

 

As the son of two orphans of the Armenian Genocide, who were both part

of the Georgetown Boys group brought to Canada, and whose personal

experiences have always had a strong influence on my thinking, my

identity, my relationship to my fellow man, and, above all, the meaning

of life, I ask, as you leave this hall today, to take away with you not

only a sense of sorrow for the victims of genocides past, but more

importantly, a sense of responsibility-be that civic, religious,

political, or whatever-to fight with everything we've got for human

rights, and to prevent this heinous crime from ever happening again,

anywhere in the world, to any people.

 

Remember: humanity is our shared value. Human rights for all is our

shared benefit, manifested in a free, democratic and just world for

ourselves and others. Standing up and speaking out and doing all we can

do to protect it is our shared responsibility. Yes, we can make a

difference. We can help stop genocide through education and by raising

awareness. Nelson Mandela has said "Education is the most powerful

weapon you can use to change the world." Yes, we can change the world!

 

Therefore, as we commemorate the Armenian Genocide today, let us

remember the words of the writer James Thurber, "Let us not look back in

anger, nor forward in fear, but around in awareness."

 

Thank you.

 

[Aratta-Kingdom]

Armenian National Committee of Canada

Comité National Arménien du Canada

130 Albert St., Suite/Bureau 1007

Ottawa, ON

KIP 5G4

Tel./Tél. (613) 235-2622 Fax/Téléc. (613) 238-2622

E-mail/courriel:national.office@anc-canada.com

www.anccanada.org

 

PRESS RELEASE

 

April 23, 2008

Contact: Roupen Kouyoumjian

 

 

Ottawa - The various 93rd Armenian Genocide commemoration events, which

started on April 20, will culminate on Parliament Hill on April 24.

Religious leaders, representatives of other community organizations,

political representatives, and representatives of other genocide victim

nations will attend the commemoration ceremony in Ottawa.

 

The Canadian-Armenian community and Armenians around the world are

commemorating the death of 1.5 million Armenians exterminated during the

first genocide of the 20th century by Ottoman Turkey.

 

This significant memorial ceremony will recall this horrendous crime against

humanity and to thank the Canadian people for their support. Various members

of the House of Parliament will accompany the survivors to place flowers

 

The solidarity and support of Canadians to commemorate the 93rd anniversary

is not only for the victims of the Armenian Genocide, but to all victim

nations of genocide, Holocaust, war crimes and human rights abuses across

the world. We, as Canadians, should send a clear message to the

international community and to our follow human begins that such crimes will

not be tolerated, forgotten, denied, and repeated. We owe it to the millions

of martyrs who paid the ultimate price for intolerance, xenophobia, and

hatred.

 

The sombre commemoration will begin at 1 p.m. on April 24, in front of

Parliament Hill, and come to an end at 2 p.m.

 

 

List of other remaining Commemoration Events:

 

 

Toronto

 

What: Inter-communal Requiem

When: Thursday April 24th, 2008 - 8:00 PM

Where: Armenian Evangelical Church of Toronto - 2600 14th Avenue, Markham,

Ontario.

Keynote speaker: Rev. Vahan Toutikian

Contact: Mr. Hagop Janbazian

Tel: 416 - 885-1430

 

What: Toronto Armenian Youth Candle light vigil

When: Friday April 25th, 2008 - 7:00 pm

Where: Queens Park, Toronto, Ontario

Contact: Ara Hasserjian

Tel: 416.491.2900, option 1

 

 

 

Calgary

Who: Armenian Cultural Association of Calgary

 

What: Genocide Memorial

When: Thursday April 24th, 2008 - 6:00 PM

Where: Memorial Park, 4th Street, 12th Avenue SW

 

Following the memorial gathering at the park the program will continue at:

 

Place: Grace Presbyterian Church

 

1009-15 Ave SW, Calgary, AB

 

Contact: Anoush Newman

 

E-mail: anoush_newman@hotmail.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yellowknife

Who: Armenian Community of

 

What: Genocide Memorial

When: Thursday April 24th, 2008 - 6:00 PM

Where: Catholic Church of Yellowknife

 

 

 

 

 

Ottawa

 

What: Commemoration in front of the House of Commons

 

When: Thursday April 24th, 2008 - 1:00 pm

 

Where: Centre Block, Parliament Hill.

 

Keynote Speaker: Ken Hachikian

 

Contact: Mr. Aris Babikian

Tel: 613-235-2622

 

 

Who: Armenian Cultural Foundation of Ottawa

 

What: Commemorate

 

When: Sunday April 27th, 2008 - 11:00 a.m.

 

Where: 181 Donald street (Ararat Armenian School)

 

Keynote Speaker: Mr. Aris Babikian

 

Contact: Varouj Boyadjian

 

Tel: 613-237-7025

 

 

 

 

Vancouver

 

What: Genocide Commemoration

When: Saturday April 26th 2008 - 8:00 PM

Where: ACC Vancouver. 13780 Westminster HWY, Richmond, BC

 

Keynote Speaker: Dr. Girair Basmadjian

Contact: Jack Der Hagopian - Tel: (604) 617-6866

 

Vahe Andonian - Tel: (604) 240 5490

 

 

 

 

Hamilton

 

What: Genocide Commemoration

When: Sunday April 27th 2008 - 2:30 PM

Where: ACC Hamilton. 191 Barton St. Hamilton, Ontario

Keynote Speaker: Mr. Chris Haroutyounian

Contact: Mr. Hagop Apkarian

Tel: 905-304-4908

 

 

 

The ANCC is the largest and the most influential Canadian-Armenian

grassroots political organization. Working in coordination with a network of

offices, chapters, and supporters throughout Canada and affiliated

organizations around the world, the ANCC actively advances the concerns of

the Canadian-Armenian community on a broad range of issues.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Regional Chapters/Sections régionales

 

Montréal - Laval - Ottawa - Toronto - Hamilton - Cambridge - St.

Catharines - Windsor - Vancouver

 

[Aratta-Kingdom]

GROONG's Calendar of events

(All times local to events)

 

=========================================

What: Commemoration in front of Parliament in Ottawa

When: Apr 24 2008 6:30am

Where: Ottawa , Ontario Parliament and Turkish Embassy

Online Contact: anctoronto@anccanada.org

Tel: Mr. Aris Babikian 613-235-2622

Web: http://www.armenian.ca/acct/

 

=========================================

What: Toronto Armenian Youth Candle light vigil

When: Apr 25 2008 7pm

Where: Queens Park , Toronto , Ontario

Online Contact: anctoronto@anccanada.org

Tel: Ara Hasserjian 416-491-2900, option 1

Web: http://www.armenian.ca/acct/

 

=========================================

What: 93rd Anniversary of The Armenian Genocide Commemoration

When: Apr 27 2008 2-4pm

Where: Times Square, NY

[broadway between 43rd & 44th]

Misc: Organized by the Mid-Atlantic Chapters of Knights & Daughters

of Vartan http://www.knightsofvartan.org/

Co-sponsored by Armenian General Benevolent Union

http://www.agbu.org/

Armenian Assembly of America http://www.aaainc.org/

Armenian National Committee of America http://www.anca.org/

Armenian Democratic Liberal Party,

Armenian Political Action Committee http://www.armenpac.org/

and Social Democratic Hunchagian Party.

Participating Organizations:

Diocese of the Armenian Church,

Prelacy of the Armenian Church,

Armenian Missionary Association of America,

Armenian Presbyterian Church, Armenian Evangelical Church,

Armenian Catholic Eparchy for US and Canada,

and Armenian Youth Organizations.

Online Contact: mgmarcom@aol.com

Tel: Hirant Gulian 212-764-8730 or Sam Azadian 973-827-2487

 

=========================================

What: Hamilton Genocide Commemoration

When: Apr 27 2008 2:30pm

Where: ACC Hamilton . 191 Barton St. Hamilton , Ontario

Misc: Keynote Speaker: Mr. Chris Haroutyounian

Online Contact: anctoronto@anccanada.org

Tel: Mr. Hagop Apkarian 905-304-4908

Web: http://www.armenian.ca/acct/

 

=========================================

What: "Linguistic Challenges of the Armenian Diaspora in Lebanon:

Implications for the Resolution of a Crime Still Denied".

Lecture by Dr. Arda Jebejian

When: Apr 30 2008 7pm

Where: Haigazian University Auditorium, Beirut-Lebanon

Misc: Organized by The Cultural Hour @ Haigazian University

Online Contact: ekarda@haigazian.edu.lb

 

=========================================

What: "Armenians in Egypt: Contribution of Armenians to Medieval

and Modern Egypt."

Presentation of Sona Zeitlian's book.

When: May 3 2008 7:30pm

Where: AGBU Onnig Norhad Center in Chicago

Misc: Organied by Chicago's only Armenian language newspaper.

The event is sponsored by Dr. Nancy Topouzian in memory of her

husband Dr. Levon Topouzian.The author, Sona Zeitlian will

deliver a lecture in English about the social, economic and

political context that allowed Armenians to play an important

role in both medieval and modrn Egypt.

Questions and answers will be fielded in Armenian.

Online Contact: parevmonthly@comcast.net

Tel: Missak Galian at 847-965-4537

 

=========================================

What: "The Rescue of Enslaved Armenian Women and Children in Syria

at the End of the World War I Genocide".

Lecture, Prof. Vahram Shemmassian.

When: May 4 2008 4pm

Where: Ararat Eskijian Museum

15105 Mission Hills Rd, Mission Hills, CA 91343

Misc: Prof. Shammasian is Assistant Professor of Armenian Director

of Armenian Studies Program at CSUN.

Online Contact: mgoschin@mindspring.com

Tel: Maggie Mangassarian-Goschin 818-838-4862 or 818-357-1606

 

=========================================

 

 

=========================================

Edited April 24, 2008 by Aratta-Kingdom

[elle]

Moscow OMON arrests dozens of people for passing by Turkish Embassy

 

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ A mourning ceremony dedicated to the 93rd anniversary of the Armenian Genocide was held at the abuilding Armenian Cathedral in Moscow, head of the Youth Association of the Union of Armenians of Russia Levon Mukanyan told a PanARMENIAN.Net reporter.

 

Some 3000 people gathered at the cathedral, according to him.

 

“Several days ago we petitioned the Moscow Mayor’s Office to authorize a demonstration but were rejected. Nevertheless, Armenians of Moscow decided to pass by the Turkish Embassy, thus protesting Turkey’s policy of Genocide denial. The Embassy and nearby streets were cordoned by OMON. Besides, several dozens of people were arrested just because they were passing by Turkish diplomatic representation in Bolshaya Nikitskaya,” he said, adding that the “Turkish Embassy has done a good job.”

 

“Presently, the UAR leaders negotiate with Moscow law enforcement. We are hopeful that all detained will be released, since they haven’t done anything illegal but just performed their civil duty,” Mukanyan said.

 

 

My reaction to this was a big HUH?

Edited April 24, 2008 by elle

[elle]

Azeri army alerted over Armenian Genocide anniversary

 

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The Azerbaijani armed forces have been alerted on occasion on the 93rd anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.

 

“The Azerbaijani armed forces stay firmly at their posts at the line of contact. Recently, Armenians have conducted maneuvers in the occupied territories and in the near-border areas,” the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry’s press office said, Trend Azeri news agency reports.

 

Official Baku claims that “every year on April 24 the Armenian army fires upon the Azeri positions.”

 

 

[elle]

RA President: Armenian Genocide bears universal significance and must receive universal recognition

 

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Armenia’s President Serzh Sargsyan issued an address on occasion of the 93rd anniversary of the Armenian Genocide in the Ottoman Empire, the RA leader’s press office reported. The statement reads,

 

“Dear Compatriots,

 

Today we pay tribute to the memory of the victims of the Armenian Genocide.

 

As a result of the state-conspired and carried out genocide in the Ottoman Turkey, a vast number of the Armenians were annihilated on their native land and lost their living space. At the time numerous cultural and material values, which the Armenian people had been creating for thousands of years, were destroyed and are being destroyed even today.

 

International recognition and condemnation of the Armenian Genocide is an appropriate and inevitable part of the Armenia’s foreign policy agenda. The Motherland of all Armenians – the Republic of Armenia – should double its efforts for the restoration of historic justice. When it comes to the genocide condemnation, the denial has no future, especially today, when many countries of the world have added their voices to the voice of truth.

 

Recognition and condemnation of the Armenian Genocide is not just an Armenian issue. Crime against humanity bears universal significance and reverberation and must receive a universal recognition. Our goals have nothing to do with animosity or revenge. While keeping the memory of the innocent victims alive, presently we are ready to establish normal relation with Turkey without any preconditions.

 

Dear Compatriots,

 

The preconditions and causes of the Armenian Genocide have been widely spoken and written about. Many new facts and analytical works are waiting to be published. However, one thing is absolutely clear: execution of such a crime became possible only in the absence of the Armenian state.

 

Today, on April 24 we must acutely realize the exceptional meaning of the Armenian state. The Armenian nation should develop and strengthen, embracing our state - the guarantor of our people’s security.”

 

 

[AVO]

Speaker Pelosi Urges Armenian Genocide Recognition at Capitol Hill Observance

 

 

 

[Marseliatsi_M26]

MARSEILLE - VIGIL ON APRIL 23RD 2008

 

http://jt.france3.fr/regions/popup.php?id=...;video_number=0

 

Click on "Jeudi 24 Avril"

 

Then from 10:15 to 12:05

[Zara]

This pissed me off. A lot. Here is the link.

 

Students disrupt genocide memorial

 

A peaceful demonstration was disrupted Wednesday when two students stepped on flowers and knocked down signs at a memorial service honoring those who died in the Armenian genocide between 1915 and 1923.

 

The memorial was organized by several Armenian student organizations, including the Armenian Graduate Student Association and the Armenian Student Association, and consisted of 1,500 carnations in honor of the estimated 1.5 million victims of the genocide.

 

Members of the organizations began planting the flowers in McCarthy Quad at 4 a.m., and fact sheets were put up with information about the Armenian genocide along the perimeters of the walkways.

 

"We were trying to have a very silent and powerful way to raise awareness of the Armenian genocide on campus," said Kanakara Navasartian, president of the Armenian Graduate Student Association. "Everyone has a right to honor their past, and this wasn't just about the Armenian genocide. This was about crime against humanity, period."

 

Navasartian said two students approached the display and began knocking down the fact sheets.

 

The Ottoman Empire has been accused of deliberately and systematically destroying the Armenian population during World War I, starting in Istanbul in 1915.

 

Turkey does not recognize the term genocide as an appropriate description of the events.

 

Last year, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger proclaimed the week of April 22 through April 29 as "Days of Remembrance of the Armenian Genocide."

 

Helen Kuiumdjian, president of the Armenian Student Association, said another member of the organization called her to tell her two students were disrupting the memorial.

 

"She said the girl and her boyfriend were yelling and stomping on all the signs and flowers," Kuiumdjian said. "I was notified by [the Department of Public Safety] and they said they were looking for the girl and that they had found her."

 

DPS officials declined to comment.

 

Kuiumdjian said the students damaged the groups' display, but they were able to rebuild it.

 

"They broke our signs and our plants were hanging," she said. "It was a wreck, but a bunch of members worked and fixed it back up in about 20 minutes."

 

Kuiumdjian said students passing by the memorial also helped fix the display.

 

Students said the disruptive behavior was inappropriate.

 

"I don't have any definite examples of what else they could've done, but something more peaceful," said Daniel Bay, a sophomore majoring in business administration.

 

"You can hate someone as much as you want, but they shouldn't have the right to do that," he said. "They have their own beliefs and they shouldn't have acted out so negatively."

 

--Melody Chiu

[elle]

The students who destroyed the signes were Latinos.

[AVO]

Zara jan did you read the comment section?

 

Ryan Alexander

posted 4/24/08 @ 2:13 AM PST

Ironically, these two students have raised more awareness for the Armenian Genocide than they ever could have if they would have held their ignorant viewpoints to themselves. Bravo!

Edited April 25, 2008 by AVO

[AVO]

The students who destroyed the signes were Latinos.

 

Says who?

[Aratta-Kingdom]

The students who destroyed the signes were Latinos.

 

 

how do you know that? can you prove it?

[Aratta-Kingdom]

Watch how this lation reporter from Los Angeles Times presents the facts

 

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2008...of-souther.html

 

Southern Californians remember the Armenian genocide

 

 

Many of Southern California's more than 300,000 Armenians will today gather at memorial services, protests and other events to mark the 93rd anniversary of the Armenian genocide. The striped Armenian flag was already seen fluttering from cars earlier this week as local Armenians prepared for the emotional and controversial observance of the more than million people who died under Ottoman rule in what is now modern Turkey.

 

The anniversary has long been denounced by many Turks and others, who dispute the larger number of deaths or that the genocide even occurred. Last year, the most recent effort to have the U.S. government officially recognize the genocide triggered a bitter battle on Capitol Hill. The animosity lives on, and one of today's events includes a human rights protest outside the Turkish consulate.

 

There are also new tensions. On Wednesday, a memorial assembly at Grant High School in Van Nuys lead to a shouting match between Armenian and Latino students. Several students were sent home and additional school district police officers patrol the campus for the remainder of the week.

 

Today's memorials, however, remain a source of pride for Armenians, including a young generation far removed from the pain and suffering of nearly a century ago.

 

"A lot of people ask me why we care so much, especially the youth because we are a few generations out from the genocide," twenty-year-old Caspar Jivalagian told the Times Molly Hennessy-Fisk last year year. "Every Armenian we have it in us, under our skin."

 

--Jesus Sanchez

 

[Ashot]

Aratta jan, what do you expect from a Mexican that barely graduated highschool and has been working in pizza hut as a delivery person for experience!!!

[Ashot]

http://youtube.com/watch?v=-DxJZwX92qw - April 24th in Tsitsernakabert

[Ashot]

http://youtube.com/watch?v=xbp3w_vRU1k - Montebello

[Ashot]

http://youtube.com/watch?v=i4B-9KyJ3BY - Little Armenia (Hollywood)

[Ashot]

- Canada

[Ashot]

http://youtube.com/watch?v=sFIa4NwV-yU - Yerevan

 

http://youtube.com/watch?v=ApScwyOTOPU - Yerevan

[Ashot]

http://youtube.com/watch?v=w2X7NYhew18 - Montebello 2

[Ashot]

- Jerusalem