ARS Clothes Drive To Benefit Armenia

[MosJan]

ARS Clothes Drive To Benefit Armenia

GLENDALE—A large-scale clothes drive organized by the Armenian Relief Society Western Regional Executive took place on Saturday and Sunday at the ARS Nazikian center, as a result of which more than 200 large boxes will be shipped to Armenia for the winter.

 

The project was the Regional Executive's way of heeding a call from the ARS Central Executive, which had urged immediate assistance for youngsters and students in Armenia.

 

The drive began at 9 a.m. Saturday with ARS members from throughout Southern California and community members drove to the ARS Nazikian Center on Glenoaks Boulevard to drop off their winter clothing donations. Blankets, comforters, scarves and shoes were also among the donations received by the ARS over the weekend.

 

Under the leadership of the ARS Regional Executive members and the supervision of Jasik Jarahian, members of the Armenian Youth Federation sorted the clothes and placed them in large boxes.

 

Jarahian reported that more than 200 boxes will be shipped via the United Armenia Fund.

 

A matching donation of men's, women's and children's winter clothes has been pledged by community benefactor Koko Kalaydjian .

 

At the end of October, the Compatriotic Union of Kharpert has already dispatched some 790 pairs of children's shoes, 380 shirts, as well as school supplies slated for distribution two three schools in the Nor Kharpert village.STRASBOURG (Armenpress)—Council of Europe Secretary General Walter Schwimmer expressed his concern over the reports about police brutality during a peaceful demonstration by journalists in Baku.

 

He stressed that Azerbaijan must respect its commitments to the Council of Europe, which include freedom of expression and freedom of peaceful assembly.

 

"This unfortunately is not the first time that we receive distressing reports from Azerbaijan about the violations of Azeri journalist rights. In a democratic society, the authorities must accept criticism," Said Schwimmer.

 

He called on Azeri authorities to prevent violent actions against the press in the future and to ensure respect for freedom of expression and of the media in line with its commitments. He also said that the Council of Europe is ready to offer all necessary assistance.