#my own family members are currently in artsakh

[artsyaprilmr]

DON'T STAY SILENT, TALK ABOUT ARTSAKH, REACH OUT TO ARMENIAN COMMUNITIES, WRITE TO YOUR GOVERNMENT, DONATE. You can find action items and donation posts on this blog under the respective tags!

[armeniaitn]

California Democratic Party urges U.S. to end aid to Azerbaijan

New Post has been published on https://armenia.in-the.news/politics/california-democratic-party-urges-u-s-to-end-aid-to-azerbaijan-78098-01-09-2021/

California Democratic Party urges U.S. to end aid to Azerbaijan

The California Democratic Party, at its Executive Board Meeting this weekend, passed by affirmation, a resolution (21-08.014) authored and introduced by DSCC Members and LACDP Elected Members Elen Asatryan and Dr. Suzie Abajian calling on the United States Government to end US aid to Azerbaijan by fully enforcing Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act, Asbarez reports.

The resolution also urges the Biden Administration and the Secretary of State to engage with Azerbaijani authorities for the immediate return of Armenian POWs and hostages.

“With the passage of this resolution, the California Democratic Party sent a clear message to Washington — Our US tax dollars must not fund Azerbaijan’s and Turkey’s blatant human rights violations and war crimes and their attempts to ethnically cleanse Armenia’s and Artsakh’s indigenous population. This starts with full enforcement of Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act and immediate US intervention for the safe return of Armenian POWs,” stated Asatryan. ”I am grateful to my colleagues for their unanimous support and I am proud to have led the effort along with Dr. Abajian to bring forth this critical resolution. It is our collective responsibility to use every possible vehicle to demand and achieve concrete actions,” she added.

“The California Democratic Party stands in solidarity with the Armenian community in demanding the immediate and safe return of Armenian POWs and in reaffirming our call on the United States to hold Azerbaijan & its allies like Turkey accountable – beginning with full enforcement of Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act,” stated California Party Chair Rusty Hicks.

The California Democratic Party’s call to the Biden Administration and Congress comes as Azerbaijan continues to violate the peace agreement of November 9, 2020  by now attacking not only Artsakh, but also Armenian proper, as approximately 200 Armenian POWS and civilian hostages remain in captivity, and as aggressive rhetoric and threats continue to rise out of Baku.

On Sunday, Azerbaijani servicemen set deliberate fires near Armenia’s civilian villages while reports came in that Azerbaijan in collaboration with Turkey is sending militants from Afghanistan to occupied parts of Artsakh. Last week, the Azerbaijani armed forces opened fire on Armenia and Artsakh, blocked several roads including an interstate road that secures the normal movement of the civilian population; cutting off movement and creating major restrictions on access to food, basic necessities, and medical services while also depriving Artsakh’s residents of telecommunication by suppressing mobile and internet connection using unauthorized frequencies. The week prior, Armenia’s Human Rights Defender Arman Tatoyan was held at gunpoint by Azerbaijani servicemen. 

“We became convinced by our own experience that presence of Azerbaijani servicemen on the roads between Armenia’s Syunik province is a violation of the right to life and freedom of movement of people,” stated Tatoyan.

“I am grateful to the California Democratic Party for passing this timely resolution and calling on the Biden Administration to do the right thing. Our government must take decisive action against the relentless acts of aggression of the Azerbaijani military, which is causing the loss of life, freedom of movement and indigenous lands for my people in Armenia and Artsakh,” stated Abajian.

The California Democratic Party, through passage of a resolution Asatryan introduced at its state convention held in May 2021, established the call for US sanctions on and divestment of all public funds from Turkey and Azerbaijan until Turkey recognizes the Armenian Genocide, and until the people of Artsakh are afforded the opportunity of self-determination on their indigenous lands, which is in line with the official policies and principles of the party. Waiving or weakening Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act is now considered contradictory to the party principles and policies, thus the resolution did not require a floor vote, but only passage through affirmation of the resolutions committee.

The CDP resolution was a resubmission of Res 025-2024 that was passed by the Los Angeles Democratic Party in May 2021. The resolution will be delivered to President Biden, the Secretary of State, the Speaker and Minority Leaders of the United States House of Representative, the Majority Leader and Minority Leader of the United States Senate. 

“The ongoing Azerbaijani aggression has resulted in a regional humanitarian disaster, occupation of Artsakh and Armenia sovereign territories, displacement of over 100,000 Armenians from their ancestral homes, ongoing Azerbaijani illegal imprisonment of Armenian POWs and intentional destruction of Armenian cultural monuments,” remarked ANCA-WR Executive Director Armen Sahakyan. “We thank DSCC and LACDP elected members Elen Asatryan and Suzie Abajian for authoring CDP Resolution 21-08.014 and applaud the California Democratic Party for adopting it, sending a strong signal to Washington and Baku against its malign regional activities.”

Resolution sponsors include Los Angeles County Democratic Party, Organization; Elen Asatryan (AD 43), Suzie Abajian (AD 41), Christine Shimizu (AD 45), John Harabedian (AD 41), Marco Flores (AD 53), Shanna Ingalsbee (AD 43), Cindy Montoya (AD 41), Jason Small, (AD 45), Angelica Duenas (AD 39), Vanuhi Vartanian (AD 43), Carolyn “Jiyoung” Park (AD 53), Karen Suarez  (AD 41), Bonnie Shatun (AD 46), Adele Andrade-Stadler (AD 49), Mary Ann Lutz (AD 41),  Paul Cole Padilla (AD 49), Kathleen Patterson (AD 42), Linda Perez (AD 43), Michael F. Duran (AD 41), Melissa Taylor (AD 41), Dwight Young (AD 36), Tina Fredericks (AD 41), Mitchell Tsai (AD 41),  Steven Fisher (AD 43), Melissa Michelson (AD 49), Rebecca Wolfersberger (AD 45).

“Profound gratitude is in order to Elen Asatryan and Dr. Suzie Abajian for spearheading CDP Resolution 21-08.014, and influencing the Executive Board of the California Democratic Party (CDP) to adopt the resolution. This is a significant milestone, as one of the two major traditional parties in the United States, represented in the 5th largest economy in the world — the great State of California, has made it clear to the Biden Administration that continued U.S. assistance to the dynastic dictatorship of Azerbaijan is antithetical to U.S. values and guiding principles. Further, this  resolution sends a clear signal to the Administration that its continued pressure on Azerbaijan’s authorities is paramount in effecting the release and repatriation of unjustly held Armenian POWs and civilian captives,” stated Armenian Assembly of America Western Region Director Mihran Toumajan. 

“SCAD is proud that the California Democratic Party is standing in solidarity with our community by passing this very important resolution. No effort must be spared in returning Armenian POW’s from the 44 day war and those taken captive, thereafter. Further, the US must not reward Azerbaijan’s ongoing aggression by affording it further military aid. This resolution is not a mere policy position, but an articulation of our values and principles as Americans and Democrats. Finally, we would like to thank Ms. Asatryan and Dr. Abajian for their steadfast leadership in this matter,” stated Chair of the Southern California Armenian Democrats, Leonard Manoukian.

California is home to over one million Armenian Americans, a large majority of whom are directly impacted by the current threats and are descendants of Armenian Genocide survivors, who have been tirelessly advocating for global assistance and intervention as they witnessed the unimaginable sufferings of their family members overseas, inflicted by Turkey and Azerbaijan.

The California Democratic party is the dominant political party in the state. Representing over 10.3 million democrats, it is also the largest democratic entity in the United States. 

Read original article here.

[armenianassembly]

Armenian Assembly's Gala Honors Past and Present Interns

House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Rep. Ed Royce (R-CA) Joins Armenian Assembly to Bestow Ken Khachigian with Public Service Awards

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last weekend, with the enthusiastic support and leadership of former Assembly interns Diane Barsam and Sosy Hachikian, the Armenian Assembly of America (Assembly) held its successful "Celebrating the Future" Gala at the Newport Beach Country Club honoring the past forty years of over a thousand Assembly interns. Guests traveled from all over California, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, and Washington, D.C. to attend the sold out event that featured an intern alumni discussion panel with Katherine Sarafian and Michael Agbabian, moderated by Kathryn Mgrublian.

House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Representative Ed Royce (R-CA) headlined the evening and addressed the audience about U.S.-Armenia relations and his experience with the Terjenian-Thomas Assembly Internship Program participants.

"Growing up in Orange County, I first heard of the Armenian Genocide from those who had been orphaned as a result of the atrocities. The stories I heard were shocking, and have stuck with me to this day. As a global leader in human rights, it is imperative for the United States to stand on principle and recognize the annihilation of the Armenians," said Rep. Royce. "The Armenian Assembly of America's Terjenian-Thomas Assembly Internship Program gives me hope for the future, as deepening the Armenian American community's involvement in our nation's capital will help steer our country in the right direction on this issue."

County of Los Angeles Civil Service Commission President Greg Kahwajian, who served as special assistant to Governor George Deukmejian, read a letter from Gov. Deukmejian on Khachigian's deserving of the award and their time working together. Following Gov. Deukmejian's words, Assembly Board of Trustees Co-Chair Van Krikorian presented Kenneth L. Khachigian with the Assembly's Deukmejian Award for Public Service, which is granted to individuals who embody the qualities of an exemplary public servant.

Khachigian commented that the award honors both him and Gov. Deukmejian for their work. "I would like to take this opportunity to note that I believe the Armenian Assembly is really honoring George Deukmejian tonight, and not me, for his public service. And I strongly second their urging for you to be involved in this important organization.  I served on its Board for several years, and for them to have Michelle Steel, the Chairman of the Orange County Board of Supervisors and Ed Royce the Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee here - two extremely important officials - shows how important it is for you to help them and get involved," Khachigian said.

Later in his speech, he addressed the students in the audience and offered them advice. He told the future interns to "never hesitate to be 'jarbeeg' when the opportunity lies before you." He concluded: "If you need a role model, there is no one better than that characterized in the life of Courken George Deukmejian.  So to receive the George Deukmejian award for public service is an enormous honor because it means putting my name alongside someone whose stature I could never hope to match."

As the program continued, intern alumna Kathryn Mgrublian sat down with intern alumni Katherine Sarafian and Michael Agbabian to discuss their past experiences as interns, their current careers in the media, and any words of wisdom they have for future interns. Both Agbabian and Sarafian were placed in video and media internships in Washington D.C., to which Sarafian pointed out "the beauty of the Armenian Assembly is that they will find an internship for you."

With Christine Kotchian as the Mistress of Ceremonies, the evening was filled with special presentations, including Michael Sarian, President of Hospital Operations for Prime Healthcare Services, who spoke about his experiences with the new Administration.

Having interned with their son, Richard, Gala Co-Chair Diane Barsam expressed her heart-felt appreciation to the Tufenkian family for endowing the Assembly's internship program in their son's memory. Barsam also acknowledged Jim and Connie Melikian, who were in attendance, for their support of the program, as well as the Kezirian family in memory of former Assembly Board Member Peter.

In addition to Rep. Royce, other elected officials in attendance included Orange County Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Supervisor Michele Steel, Newport Beach Mayor Kevin Muldoon, Orange County Supreme Court Judge Gassia Apkarian, Claremont McKenna College Board of Trustees Chair David Mgrublian, South Orange County Community College District Board of Trustees President Timothy Jemal, and Glendale City Clerk Ardy Kassakhian (Assembly intern alumni, 1998).

Meghrouni Family Presidential Chair in Armenian Studies at UC Irvine, Dr. Houry Berberian and UC Los Angeles Associate Professor and the Richard Hovannisian Endowed Chair in Modern Armenian History, Dr. Sebouh Aslanian were present at the Gala, alongside author of "The Hundred-Year Walk: An Armenian Odyssey," Dawn Anahid MacKeen. MacKeen's book on her grandfather's survival during the Armenian Genocide is required reading in Orange County's La Habra Unified School District, as well as at universities throughout the United States.

Assembly Board of Trustees Co-Chair Anthony Barsamian shared updates from the Assembly's work in Washington, D.C., Armenia, and Artsakh, and noted future plans for the organization. Barsamian acknowledged the Board of Trustees and members of the Assembly's original National Steering Committee at the Gala. Assembly Board of Directors’ first Chairman from California, Mihran Agbabian, was also present. Barsamian spoke to past and present interns, and said: "The Armenian Assembly interns over the past forty years continue to be successful and are proven to be great role models for the next generation - from intern alumni Katherine Sarafian and Michael Agbabian. I look forward to having the students who attended the Gala and their friends as future intern participants, and am excited to discover what the future has in store for them."

The Gala concluded with music and dancing while past interns spoke with high school and college students about their own experiences in the Washington, D.C. and Yerevan, Armenia summer internship programs.

"We would also like to extend our appreciation for the Gala Co-Chairs and Assembly intern alumni, Sosy Hachigian and Diane Barsam, for their hard work and dedication planning this event alongside the Gala Committee and the Assembly's Western Office in Los Angeles. Thanks to them, this event was a success. We plan to keep this momentum going and maintain a strong relationship with the Armenian community in Orange County as we plan coming advocacy efforts and events," Co-Chairs Barsamian and Krikorian stated.

"On behalf of the Armenian Assembly, we would also like to thank our generous sponsors, David & Margaret Mgrublian, Antranik & Virginia Zorayan, Carolyn G. Mugar, the Stephen Philibosian Foundation, Bryan & Valina Agbabian, Anthony & Nancy Barsamian, the Dickranian Foundation, John & Gayane Pridjian, Mihran & Elizabeth Agbabian, Al & Diane Cabraloff, Helen Haig, James & Connie Melikian, Richard & Lauren Mushegain, Carol Ann Rustigian, Oscar Tatosian, Annie Totah, and Varuj Babikian & Talin Yacoubian," the Co-Chairs said.

Established in 1972, the Armenian Assembly of America is the largest Washington-based nationwide organization promoting public understanding and awareness of Armenian issues. The Assembly is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt membership organization.

Photo Caption 1: Armenian Assembly intern alumni group photo at the “Celebrating the Future” Gala

Photo Caption 2: Mistress of Ceremonies Christine Kotchian with Gala Co-Chairs Diane Barsam and Sosy Hachigian

Photo Caption 3: House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Rep. Ed Royce (R-CA) awarding Ken Khachigian with a Congressional Certificate of Recognition

Photo Caption 4: Armenian Assembly Co-Chair Van Krikorian honoring Ken Khachigian with the Deukmejian Award for Public Service

Photo Caption 5: Assembly intern alumni Kathryn Mgrublian with Michael Agbabian, award-winning TV producer, and Katherine Sarafian, Pixar producer.

Photo Caption 6: Ralph and Savey Tufenkian

Photo Caption 7: Ken Khachigian, Armenian Assembly Co-Chair Van Krikorian, Rep. Royce, Armenian Assembly Co-Chair Anthony Barsamian, and Armenian Assembly Executive Director Bryan Ardouny

[armeniaitn]

California Senate Committee approves bill allowing divestment from Turkey

New Post has been published on https://armenia.in-the.news/politics/california-senate-committee-approves-bill-allowing-divestment-from-turkey-72286-21-04-2021/

California Senate Committee approves bill allowing divestment from Turkey

Asbarez – Senate Bill 457, a measure introduced by Senator Anthony J. Portantino and Senator Scott Wilk, passed the Senate Labor, Public Employment and Retirement Committee on Tuesday. SB 457 requires the Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS) and the State Teachers’ Retirement System (STRS) Boards of Administration to allow school districts and cities to opt out of investment vehicles issued or owned by the Republic of Turkey.

“Many public employees of Glendale who are members of CalSTRS and CalPERS are descendants of Armenian Genocide survivors and most of them had to relive the intergenerational trauma during the recent Artsakh war, in which Turkey was heavily involved,” stated Senator Portantino. “SB 457 will ensure that their funds will not be invested in the same country that continues to be a threat to their families in Armenia. This is an opportunity to create a pragmatic approach to divestment and send a strong message to Turkey.  I am very honored that Councilmember Ardy Kassakhian suggested this pragmatic and necessary divestment approach idea,” he concluded.

“California has a history of opposing countries that violate human rights. The Golden State has the largest Armenian diaspora in the world and we need to stand with our brothers and sisters against the regime in Turkey. Turkey’s sordid history includes genocide against the Armenians, Assyrians and Greeks. Until this is acknowledged by the Turkish government they should not be welcomed by the world community,” said Senator Scott Wilk (R-Santa Clarita).

[embedded content]

The State of California has a long history of divesting from countries that violate human rights. In 1986, Governor George Deukmejian condemned South Africa’s apartheid policy by signing California’s divestiture law, aimed at pressuring the government to end its system of racial segregation. In 2008, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a Sudan divestment bill due to the ongoing genocide in the Darfur. And in 2017, the University of California system successfully divested from Turkey.

“Given Turkey’s continued human rights abuses, policy of genocide denial, and deliberate acts in opposition to United States interests, our organization fully supports SB 457,” stated Armen Sahakyan, Executive Director of Armenian National Committee of America Western Region. “We believe that this bill will serve to protect California state trust monies from investment in Turkey, while sending a principled message to any country who denies genocide or works against the United States and California’s security interests and basic humanitarian principles.”

“Since the establishment of CalSTRS in 1913 and CalPERS in 1932, thousands of Armenian American retirees, as well as currently employed civil servants in California, including educators, engineers, economists, judges, and public servants, have benefited from their and their employers’ respective contributions to both systems,” stated Mihran Toumajan, Director of the Armenian Assembly of America Western Region. “Armenian American retirees and actively employed civil servants in California make up a significant constituency of the storied histories of CalPERS and CalSTRS. We salute Senator Portantino for spearheading SB 457 and strongly support Turkish divestment efforts.”

Senator Portantino drafted SB 457 after discussing with Glendale City Councilmember Ardy Kassakhian the initiative he brought forth to the Glendale City Council to divest investment dollars from the Republic of Turkey.

“I want to thank Senator Portantino with whom we have worked on this bill to create a path towards more socially responsible investments for agencies who are enrolled in the state’s retirement systems,” stated Glendale City Council Member Ardy Kassakhian. “There have been similar ideas for divestment legislation in the past. However, the true credit comes from our own history here in the Golden State during the 1980s, when then Assemblymember Maxine Waters introduced a bill to divest from South Africa based on their abhorrent human rights record that most of us know as Apartheid.  It was the son of Armenian Genocide survivors – George Deukmejian – who was governor of our great state at the time, who worked across the party lines to ensure that California’s investments did not prop up a racist regime. The City of Glendale has already voted to divest itself from any financial interests in Turkey and Azerbaijan and it is my hope that our state will allow others to do the same. It helps put California on the right side of history once again and to lead the way for others just as we always have.”

Read original article here.

[armeniaitn]

Senate Committee Approves Bill Allowing Divestment from Turkey

New Post has been published on https://armenia.in-the.news/society/senate-committee-approves-bill-allowing-divestment-from-turkey-72266-20-04-2021/

Senate Committee Approves Bill Allowing Divestment from Turkey

California State Senator Anthony Portantino discussing Senate Bill 457 on April 19

SACRAMENTO—Senate Bill 457, a measure introduced by Senator Anthony J. Portantino and Senator Scott Wilk, passed the Senate Labor, Public Employment and Retirement Committee on Tuesday. SB 457 requires the Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS) and the State Teachers’ Retirement System (STRS) Boards of Administration to allow school districts and cities to opt out of investment vehicles issued or owned by the Republic of Turkey.

“Many public employees of Glendale who are members of CalSTRS and CalPERS are descendants of Armenian Genocide survivors and most of them had to relive the intergenerational trauma during the recent Artsakh war, in which Turkey was heavily involved,” stated Senator Portantino. “SB 457 will ensure that their funds will not be invested in the same country that continues to be a threat to their families in Armenia. This is an opportunity to create a pragmatic approach to divestment and send a strong message to Turkey.  I am very honored that Councilmember Ardy Kassakhian suggested this pragmatic and necessary divestment approach idea,” he concluded.

The “Divestment in Turkey” movement picked up momentum in 2021

“California has a history of opposing countries that violate human rights. The Golden State has the largest Armenian diaspora in the world and we need to stand with our brothers and sisters against the regime in Turkey. Turkey’s sordid history includes genocide against the Armenians, Assyrians and Greeks. Until this is acknowledged by the Turkish government they should not be welcomed by the world community,” said Senator Scott Wilk (R-Santa Clarita).

[embedded content]

The State of California has a long history of divesting from countries that violate human rights. In 1986, Governor George Deukmejian condemned South Africa’s apartheid policy by signing California’s divestiture law, aimed at pressuring the government to end its system of racial segregation. In 2008, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a Sudan divestment bill due to the ongoing genocide in the Darfur. And in 2017, the University of California system successfully divested from Turkey.

“Given Turkey’s continued human rights abuses, policy of genocide denial, and deliberate acts in opposition to United States interests, our organization fully supports SB 457,” stated Armen Sahakyan, Executive Director of Armenian National Committee of America Western Region. “We believe that this bill will serve to protect California state trust monies from investment in Turkey, while sending a principled message to any country who denies genocide or works against the United States and California’s security interests and basic humanitarian principles.”

“Since the establishment of CalSTRS in 1913 and CalPERS in 1932, thousands of Armenian American retirees, as well as currently employed civil servants in California, including educators, engineers, economists, judges, and public servants, have benefited from their and their employers’ respective contributions to both systems,” stated Mihran Toumajan, Director of the Armenian Assembly of America Western Region. “Armenian American retirees and actively employed civil servants in California make up a significant constituency of the storied histories of CalPERS and CalSTRS. We salute Senator Portantino for spearheading SB 457 and strongly support Turkish divestment efforts.”

Senator Portantino drafted SB 457 after discussing with Glendale City Councilmember Ardy Kassakhian the initiative he brought forth to the Glendale City Council to divest investment dollars from the Republic of Turkey.

“I want to thank Senator Portantino with whom we have worked on this bill to create a path towards more socially responsible investments for agencies who are enrolled in the state’s retirement systems,” stated Glendale City Council Member Ardy Kassakhian. “There have been similar ideas for divestment legislation in the past. However, the true credit comes from our own history here in the Golden State during the 1980s, when then Assemblymember Maxine Waters introduced a bill to divest from South Africa based on their abhorrent human rights record that most of us know as Apartheid.  It was the son of Armenian Genocide survivors – George Deukmejian – who was governor of our great state at the time, who worked across the party lines to ensure that California’s investments did not prop up a racist regime. The City of Glendale has already voted to divest itself from any financial interests in Turkey and Azerbaijan and it is my hope that our state will allow others to do the same. It helps put California on the right side of history once again and to lead the way for others just as we always have.”

Read original article here.