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07/16/2004
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1. US House Adopts Schiff Amendment on Armenian Genocide
2. Congressional Republican Leadership Attacks Schiff Amendment
3. Hastert, DeLay Blunt Statement on Schiff Amendment
4. $17,000 Raised in San Francisco for Karabagh Resettlement Program
5. 84th ARS Convention Underway
6. AYF Badanegan: bringing the kids together
7. AYF Volunteers Set for Work in Armenia, Little Armenia
1. US House Adopts Schiff Amendment on Armenian Genocide
“None of the funds made available in this Act may be used by the Government of
Turkey to engage in contravention of section 1913 of title 18, United States
Code, relating to lobbying with appropriated moneys, with respect to HRes 193,
Reaffirming support of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the
Crime of Genocide and anticipating the 15th anniversary of the enactment of
the
Genocide Convention Implementation Act of 1987 (the Proxmire Act) on November
4, 2003.”
Amendment to Foreign Operations Bill prohibiting Turkey
from using US foreign aid to lobby against Genocide Resolution
–Rep. Knollenberg’s Leadership key to maintaining military aid parity for
Armenia and Azerbaijan
WASHINGTON, DCIn a powerful rebuke to the Turkish government’s campaign of
genocide denial, the House of Representatives this evening adopted the Schiff
Amendment, prohibiting the Turkish government from using US foreign assistance
in its multi-million dollar campaign to defeat legislation (HRes 193)
recognizing the Armenian Genocide, reported the Armenian National Committee of
America (ANCA).
The amendment, introduced by Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA), was passed by a voice
vote and added to the fiscal year 2005 foreign aid bill (HRes 4818). The
foreign aid bill was later passed by a vote of 365 to 41.
In his remarks on the House floor introducing the measure, Rep. Schiff told
his colleagues that, “today I offer a simple amendment that will honor the one
and a half million Armenians who perished in the Armenian Genocide of the 1915
and 1923. I consider this a sacred obligation to ensure that the men, women,
and children who perished in the Armenian Genocide are not lost to history and
that this Congress not fund shameful efforts to deny that the Genocide
occurred.” Commenting after the vote, Rep. Schiff said, “We are another step
closer to silencing those who would deny the murder of 1.5 million Armenians,”
adding that, “This amendment stands true to the memory of the victims.”
“The passage of this amendment is a major victory,” said Armenian Caucus
Co-Chairman Frank Pallone, Jr. “It clearly sends a message that the United
States House of Representatives will not tolerate Turkey’s lobbying against
the
recognition of the Armenian Genocide.” In his remarks during consideration of
the measure, the New Jersey legislator stressed that “it is time for this body
to stop defending and funding a government that continues to deny its own
history, and refuses to break with the pattern of intolerance established by
past Turkish governments which dealt with minority issues by committing
genocide against Armenians, massacring and driving Greeks from its shores,
restricting the rights of Christians to worship, and denying the existence of
its Kurdish citizens.”
“We want, first and foremost, to thank Congressman Schiff for his tireless
leadership in advancing this amendment, to recognize the strong support of
Armenian Caucus Co-Chairmen Frank Pallone and Joe Knollenberg, and to note the
pivotal role that Chairman Kolbe played in helping this measure reach the
House
floorwhere, as we all saw this evening, it enjoyed overwhelming bi-partisan
support,” said ANCA Chairman Ken Hachikian.
The Genocide Resolution, HRes 193, reaffirms US support for the Genocide
Convention and cites the importance of remembering past crimes against
humanity, including the Armenian Genocide, Holocaust, Cambodian and Rwandan
genocides, in an effort to stop future atrocities. It faces intense
opposition
from the Turkish government, which has enlisted the backing of the White House
in its efforts to block this measure from being scheduled for a vote of the
full House.
The Genocide Resolution was introduced, in the House, in April, 2003, by
Representatives George Radanovich (R-CA), Adam Schiff (D-CA), and
Congressional
Armenian Caucus Co-Chairs Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Joe Knollenberg (R-MI).
Its
Senate companion measure was introduced, in June, 2003, by Senators John
Ensign
(R-NV) and Jon Corzine (D-NJ). HRes 193 was adopted unanimously by the House
Judiciary Committee last May. Support for the measure has been widespread off
of Capitol Hill as well, with a diverse coalition of over 100 ethnic,
religious, civil and human rights organizations calling for its passage,
including American Values, National Organization of Women, Sons of Italy,
NAACP, Union of Orthodox Rabbis, and the National Council of La Raza.
Rep. Knollenberg Leads Effort on Foreign Aid Issues:
Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chairman Joe Knollenberg, who serves as a
senior member of the House panel dealing with foreign aid issues, rallied the
support of his colleagues behind key pro-Armenian provisions in the Foreign
Operations bill. Foremost among these was the successful effort to maintain
parity in US military aid to Armenia and Azerbaijan. This February, the
Administration’s budget proposed breaking the parity agreement, struck in 2001
between the White House and the Congress, by allocating $8 million in Foreign
Military Financing (FMF) for Azerbaijan and only $2 million for Armenia. The
foreign aid bill, adopted today by the US House, sets FMF levels for both
nations at $5 million.
“We value the leadership and hard work by Congressman Knollenberg in
maintaining the principle of military aid parity in the face of White House
and
Pentagon pressure to break an agreement that has, for the past three years,
contributed meaningfully to regional stability in the Caucasus,” said ANCA
Executive Director Aram Hamparian.
The House Foreign Operations Subcommittee, which is chaired by Arizona
Republican Jim Kolbe, supported a hard earmark of $65 million in US assistance
to Armenia, and $5 million for Mountainous Karabagh. The Bush
Administration’s
proposal had requested $62 million for Armenia and had not set any specific
funding level for Mountainous Karabagh. The Subcommittee’s decision, made
against the backdrop of decreasing aid levels to the former Soviet republics,
would effectively reduce US assistance to Armenia by $10 million from FY 2004
levels.
2. Congressional Republican Leadership Attacks Schiff Amendment
WASHINGTON, DCIn a front-page statement posted today on the web-page of the
Speaker of the US House, Congressional Republican leaders, who have for the
past eighteen months blocked the progress of legislation recognizing the
Armenian genocide, attacked the adoption, yesterday, of the Schiff
Amendment by
the full US House, reported the Armenian National Committee (ANCA). The
amendment restricts the Turkish government from using US foreign aid
dollars to
finance its campaign to defeat the Genocide Resolution, HRes 193.
The statement issued by House Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-IL), Majority Leader
Tom Delay (R-TX) and Majority Whip Roy Blunt (R-MO) states that, “we are
strongly opposed to the Schiff Amendment to the Foreign Operations
Appropriations bill, and we will insist that conferees drop that provision in
conference. . . Turkey has been a reliable ally of the United States for
decades, and the deep foundation upon which our mutual economic and security
relationship rests should not be disrupted by this amendment.”
Armenian Americans have the opportunity to express their disappointment to
the
authors of this statement by visiting the ANCA website:
“Speaker Hastert and his colleagues in the House leadershiphaving spent the
past year and a half trying to kill the Genocide Resolutionare now trying to
subvert the clear will of an overwhelming bi-partisan majority in support of
this human rights measure,” said ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian. “We
find it deeply offensive that these officials would allow a foreign nation
particularly one that so blatantly disdains the democratic values of the
American peopleto impose its dictates on our Congress.”
Yesterday evening, the US House voted to approve the amendment, introduced by
Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA). The measure was passed by a voice vote and added to
the fiscal year 2005 foreign aid bill, HRes 4818.
The Genocide Resolution, HRes 193, reaffirms US support for the Genocide
Convention and cites the importance of remembering past crimes against
humanity, including the Armenian Genocide, Holocaust, Cambodian and Rwandan
genocides, in an effort to stop future atrocities. It faces intense opposition
from the Turkish government, which has enlisted the backing of the White House
in its efforts to press Congressional leaders to block this measure from being
scheduled for a vote of the full House.
3. Hastert, DeLay Blunt Statement on Schiff Amendment
(WASHINGTON DCSpeaker of the House J. Dennis Hastert, House Majority Leader
Tom
DeLay and House Majority Whip Roy Blunt released the following statement
regarding House adoption of the Schiff Amendment to the Foreign Operations
Appropriations bill.
“We are strongly opposed to the Schiff Amendment to the Foreign Operations
Appropriations bill, and we will insist that conferees drop that provision in
conference. We have contacted the Bush Administration, and they have indicated
their strong opposition to the amendment. We have also conveyed our opposition
to Chairman Kolbe and he has assured us that he will insist on it being
dropped
in the conference committee.”
“Turkey has been a reliable ally of the United States for decades, and the
deep foundation upon which our mutual economic and security relationship rests
should not be disrupted by this amendment.”
“On its face, the amendment is meaningless. Current US law already prohibits
foreign governments from using American foreign aid to lobby. But we
understand
the political motivation behind the amendment, and for that reason, we will
insist that it be dropped.”
“Our relationship with Turkey is too important to us to allow it to be in any
way damaged by a poorly crafted and ultimately meaningless amendment.”
“Furthermore, we have no intention of scheduling H Res 193, as reported
out of
the Judiciary Committee in April, during the remainder of this Congress.”
4. $17,000 Raised in San Francisco for Karabagh Resettlement Program
SAN FRANCISCO$17,000 was recently raised for the Karabagh resettlement program
through a series of fundraising events, organized by the Armenian
Revolutionary
Federation (ARF) San Francisco Kristapor Chapter. Fundraisers were held at the
homes of Mr. and Mrs. Sako Shirikian and Mr. and Mrs. Hriar Moroyan and were
followed by a July 9 event at the San Francisco Armenian Center.
After welcoming the audience gathered at the Armenian Center, ARF Kristapor
Chapter representative Hriar Sarkisian spoke about the purpose of the
fundraising drive and how it will assist the work of the newly formed
“Mountainous Karabagh Republic Resettlement Assembly.” “The government of the
Mountainous Karabagh invites Armenians to settle and raise their children
within the borders of their motherland,” he noted.
“Between 1992-2001, the Karabagh government was able to build 4061 homes and
193 buildings, which house 5112 families today. In addition, the country’s
numerous schools cater to 3474 students. The Resettlement Assembly asks all
social, political, and philanthropic organizations to contribute to these
efforts.”
The Armenians of San Francisco, Sarkisian stated, have throughout the years
supported Armenia, Karabagh and the Diaspora both morally and financially and
recently lent assistance to the Armenian communities in Iraq, Javakhk, and
Shahumian.
5. 84th ARS Convention Underway
Delegates from 23 chapters joined invited guests on July 15, for the
opening of
the Armenian Relief Society (ARS), Western Region’s 84th convention that will
be taking place at the Glendale, California Hilton until July 18.
Among those addressing the more than 200 gathered were Prelate Archbishop
Moushegh Mardirossian, Consul General of Republic of Armenia in Los Angeles
Gagik Kirakossian, and ARF Central Committee member Vahe Bozoian.
Honored guests included Glendale City Councilmember Rafi Manoukian, police
chief Randy Adams, Armenia Fund representative Maria Mehrabian, Armond
Agakhani
representing State Assemblymembers Dario Frommer and Fabian Núñez, and
representatives of sister organizations.
6. AYF Badanegan: bringing the kids together
By Sanan Haroun
In the aftermath of the genocide, Karekin Njdeha fedayee and field worker for
the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF)brought a group of youth together
with the purpose of instilling future generations with the Armenian spirit.
The
idea, which Njdeh successfully implemented in Boston over seventy years ago,
has since spread throughout the United States. Today, the group that was
created through his initiativethe Armenian Youth Federation (AYF)serves youth
under the age of 16 through its Badanegan organization.
The AYF Glendale Badanegan chapterestablished in 1981is just one of the many
chapters that provides young Armenians an environment, in which they can
gather, learn about Hai Tahd, and volunteer for their communities. Members of
Badanegan participate in all sorts of activities that make the Armenian spirit
an important part of their lives. Such activities include singing traditional
songs, assisting political campaigns through phone banking, and participating
in discussions about Armenian issues during weekly meetings.
The AYF Glendale Badanegan is divided into two portions: the Shant chapter,
which accepts youth between the ages of 7-13, and the Simon Zavarian chapter,
which is composed of 14-16 year-olds. Both chapters meet on Friday nights:
Shant from 6:30-8:15pm and Simon Zavarian from 7:30-9:00pm at the Glendale
Armenian Center/Ararat Elderly Day Care Center, 721 S. Glendale Ave.
During a typical one-and-a-half hour-long meeting, members read news from
Armenia, learn new Armenian words and participate in quiz bowls and other fun
games. Additionally, guest speakers are invited to attend meetings and discuss
career opportunities. Speakers in the past have presented information about a
variety of professions, including plumbing, psychology, law, and dentistry.
Each badanee, as members of Badanegan are called, also has an
opportunity to
speak to the chapter about their personal hobbies. Badanees have spoken about
playing instruments like the violin and guitar, roller-blading, water polo,
and
drawing.
Furthermore, meetings sometimes include casual debates amongst the badanees
over issues that affect Armenians in the Diaspora. One such topic is the
importance of Armenian language to the Armenian identity. Divided into two
groups, members eagerly wait for their chance to express their thoughts and
opinions.
In addition to the meetings, AYF Glendale Badanegan members plan and
participate in social and athletic activities. Sleep-overs, movie nights, pool
parties, trips to amusement parks, hikes through waterfalls, visits to the
beach, bowling and ice skating are just a few examples of the activities that
badanees enjoy. These excursions provide endless memories and create strong
friendships that last a lifetime.
Some of the badanees’ more elaborate projects include trips to AYF Camp Big
Pines and Malibu Beach, where members camped out on the sand and woke up by
the
ocean.
The Glendale Badanegan also has a long tradition of presenting plays about
heroic Armenian figures and Armenian issues in the Diaspora. Some of the plays
presented include “Njdeh,” “Menk Hayers,” “Yert Arants Tartsi,” “Siamanto,”
and
“Black and White.” In both 1991 and 2001, song tours were organized in
Glenddale to mark Armenian Independence Day. Badanees also distribute
Christmas
cards during each December.
The Glendale chapter is continually busy in planning events that are both fun
and educational. The idea of bringing together a few Armenian kids in 1933 has
developed into a large organization dedicated to involving youth in the
Armenian Cause. Today, the growing Glendale Shant and Zavarian chapters have
over 70 members.
The AYF Badanegan provides leadership training and education for future
generations. Countless young Armenians attribute their involvement in social
and political causes to their experiences as AYF badanees. The badanees who
enjoy their social and educational experiences become life-long community
activists.
Sanan is an executive member of the Glendale AYF Badanegan Zavarian Chapter
7. AYF Volunteers Set for Work in Armenia, Little Armenia
AYF Youth Corps Ready to Get to Work in Artsakh
YEREVANThe participants of this summer’s AYF Youth Corps program arrived in
Armenia on Thursday, to spend most of their summer in Stepanakert, the capitol
city of Mountainous Karabagh Republic (Artsakh), working to rebuild the ARS
Soseh kindergarten and the Paraplegic Rehabilitation Center there. Though 2004
marks the 10th anniversary of the AYF Youth Corps program, it is also the
third
year the program targets the reconstruction of the kindergarten and Parpeligic
center.
This year’s program participants from throughout CaliforniaGlendale, the
South
Bay, and the West San Fernando Valley, will have the opportunity to meet with
government officials, local ARF representatives, and AYF members, and will
spend weekends sightseeing in Armenia and Artsakh.
The AYF Youth Corps program, founded after the 1994 Karabagh cease-fire, has
sent over 100 Armenian youth to Artsakh and Armenia to assist in rebuilding
efforts of various Armenian structures such as schools, centers, churches, and
youth camps damaged during the war.
Back to the Streets of Little Armenia in September
LOS ANGELESThe planning and organization of the Second Annual Little Armenia
Clean Up has begun, and efforts to beautify the portion of Hollywood named
after Armenia will take place on September 25.
The clean up is co-sponsored by Council Member Eric Garcetti and the Armenian
Youth Federation (AYF).
After the 8:30 AM opening on clean up day, which will include remarks by
Council Member Garcetti, volunteers will hit the streets and sidewalks of
Hollywood work to remove litter and unwanted weeds.
The clean up effort, a project of the AYF Little Armenia Beautification
Program, will include replacing the “Welcome to Little Armenia” banners on
various major intersections of Little Armenia, with new ones.
“It is an honor to the Armenian American community to have an area of the
City
Los Angeles named after our homeland,” said Vicken Sosikian, Chairman of the
AYF Western Region. “Since October of 2000 we have enjoyed this honor; we
therefore not only need to give back to Little Armenia and its residents, but
also to the city of Los Angeles.”
Turnout for the 2003 Little Armenia Clean Up was tremendous; mostly AYF
youth,
and some older volunteers scoured city streets and placed the welcome banners
that now mark Little Armenia.
The AYFa volunteer youth organization, seeks the support of the Armenian
community to make this outreach event a success.
Interested volunteers for the clean up, or those who want to contribute to
the
effort in anyway, should email the AYF at: AYF@AYFwest.org.
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