Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region
104 North Belmont Street, Suite 200
Glendale, California 91206
Phone: 818.500.1918 Fax: 818.246.7353
[email protected]
PRESS RELEASE
Friday, June 9, 2006
Contact: Maral Habeshian
Armenian Community Condemns Anti-Armenian Attacks during California
Democratic Primary Election
Community Reaches New Milestone in Empowerment
GLENDALE, California–On Wednesday, June 7, the Armenian National
Committee of America – Western Region (ANCA) organized a post-election
press conference with a broad cross-section of Armenian American
community organizations to recognize the new milestone in political
empowerment and address the anti-Armenian campaign attacks intended to
derail Paul Krekorian’s election as the democratic nominee for the
43rd California Assembly seat.
“This is a historic day in achieving a new level of political presence
in California for the Armenian community which is a symbol of our
increasing political and collective strength–this is something we
achieved together as a community,” said Zanku Armenian, Board Member
of the ANCA-WR. “It is our hope that this will usher in a new era of
unprecedented cooperation, bringing together all of our strength so
that we may lead the Armenian community to new levels of achievement.”
Community leadership representing organizations throughout the
southern California Armenian American community also uniformly
delivered a clear message by condemning the mailer and calling
campaign sponsored by the California Latino Leadership Fund but widely
believed to have been orchestrated by Frank Quintero’s campaign and
his political advisors. During the last several weeks of the campaign
Paul Krekorian, the ANCA and the Armenian community were characterized
as `terrorists’ or terrorist sympathizers. In addition, the Quintero
campaign, through several mail pieces, demonized the Armenian
community’s participation in the democratic process by making
allegations of wide-spread voter fraud.
“Unfortunately, during this campaign, ugly, anti-Armenian racist acts
were committed against Paul Krekorian, the ANC, and our community,’
said Armenian. `Together, we are standing before you today to say
that this is unacceptable, we are outraged and we will hold all those
individuals, organizations and institutions involved in this
accountable.”
During the press conference each of the Armenian American
organizations and Armenian American public officials pledged to stand
together to fight the racist attacks and to declare that those
responsible for these unethical and vicious attacks against the
community will be held fully accountable.
In closing the press conference, Armenian said “Let me close with this
symbolic statement: On June 6th we took our people’s ladle and dipped
it into the pot of ‘Herriseh’ to get our just share… and this time
our ladle was made of steel.”
Below are excerpts of statements delivered during the press
conference:
ARCHBISHOP MOUSHEGH MARDIROSSIAN
Prelate, Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America
`Faith without toil is dead, and during this campaign we transformed
faith into work, and embodied faith to successfully carry-out that
which is kind and worthy. At times, this campaign departed the
acceptable norms for a competitive environment, resorting instead to
mudslinging in an attempt to shake our honor and unity, and to divide
us. But we, as law-abiding citizens did what we had to with clear
intent and knowledge. What has happened to us is unacceptable and
must be pursued to secure justice and accountability.’
ARCHBISHOP VATCHE HOVSEPIAN
Representing Prelate Hovan Derderian, Primate, Western Diocese of the
Armenian Apostolic Church of North America
`We, as Armenians, have a mission to carry-out in this community. We
are not intimidated by anyone because we are legal and long-time
citizens of this country. We are here today under one name. We are
Armenian and will not allow anyone to tamper with our pride.’
REVERAND JOE MATOSSIAN
Minister to the Armenian Evangelical Union of North America
`There is no doubt that we are shaken by these hurtful announcements
against us… when attempts to divide us are thrown our way, we will
make them fail with our commitment to stand as one. We are an
outstanding nationality, God-fearing and one. We will fight for
justice.’
FR. ANTON SAROYAN
Armenian Catholic Exarchate of North America
`We are amazed that the guarantee to the right of freedom of
expression in the Unites States is manipulated by certain individuals
in an attempt to gain political victory, with excuses that are based
solely on deceit and selfishness.
We urge all Armenians to stand in support of all our national, social
and religious organizations and institutions, specifically the
Armenian National Committee, which work with dedication, sacrifice and
persistence to protect our just rights and national identity.’
RAFI MANOUKIAN
Glendale City Councilmember
`There are acceptable norms to conducting campaigns, but Paul
Krekorian’s opponents not only crossed the line, but dared to do the
unthinkable by attacking his wife, family, and nationality. In an
attempt to inject fear into the community, they even accused Armenians
of being `terrorists.’
Believe me, this matter is not over; now comes the matter of
accountability, which we will demand from all those who created this
environment.’
BOB YOUSEFIAN
Glendale City Councilmember
`This victory is for what is honorable, what is right. The people
unanimously rejected horrible accusations by a candidate, and rejected
Quintero’s attempt to divide and conquer. We were tested, but sent a
message that we are together and it did not work.’
ARA NAJARIAN
Glendale City Councilmember
`June 6th brought heights of elation for me, but also a deep
wound… The attack was not just on Paul but also on the ANC, and was
totally baseless. Imagine attacking the work of the ANC which is to
educate children; to educate and get justice for the Armenian
Genocide. This is a continuation of the genocide, where the victim is
demonized one more time; it’s reprehensible.
And I pledge never to forget; I will fight like I’ve never fought
before. Look who we have gathered here. We are united and one force.’
LEONARD MANOUKIAN
Chairman Armenian National Committee-Political Action Committee
`The ANC-PAC selected Paul Krekorian not because he is Armenian but
because he is the right man. He proved himself; his popularity grew,
and when his opponents discerned this, they resorted to tactics that
are an abomination, and disrespectful to the community.
The ANC-PAC appealed to the community, the Armenian electorate to
stand up – not for the organization but for what is right – to bring
participation to the political arena, and they did.
We now have a community that is well-aware of their ability, energy
and talent, whereas before they only saw the mere potential of its
strength.’
Organziations and representatives at press conference:
Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, Western Prelacy of the
Armenian Apostolic Church of America; representing Primate Hovan
Derderian, Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian, Western Diocese of the
Armenian Church of North America; Joe Matossian Minister to the
Armenian Evangelical Union of North America; representing Fr. Anton
Saroyan Armenian Catholic Exarchate of North America, Antoine
Karamalian; Glendale City Council Members Rafi Manoukian, Ara
Najarian, Bob Yousefian; Dr. Armine Hacopian, Vice President of
Glendale Community College Board of Trustees; Angela Savoyan,
Chairwoman ARS Western Region Board; Hrair Sherikian, Hamazkayin
Western Region Chairman; Parsegh Kartalian representing AGBU; Nora
Khatchadourian, Armenian Society of Los Angeles; Vahig Zadourian,
Davidian & Mariamian Educational Foundation; Sari Shirinian, AYF; Vahe
Shahinian, ANC Burbank; Khatchik Khalatian, Homenetmen Ararat Chapter;
Zanku Armenian and Steve Artinian, ANCA Western Region Board
representatives;
Leonard Manoukian, ANC-PAC; Alina Azizian, Glendale ANC.