Interview with the Executive Director of the Americans
for Artsakh (AFA) Emil Sanamyan.

Usanogh.com
October 26, 2006

Mr. Sanamyan took over as AFA’s Executive Director this October. From
2000 until 2006 he was a Research Officer at the Armenian Assembly of
America and from 1998 to 2000 he worked in the Office of the Nagorno
Karabakh Republic in the United States. Mr. Sanamyan was educated at
the University of Arizona in Tucson and George Washington University
in Washington, DC.

Usanogh: When was your organization, Americans for Artsakh established
and how?

AFA: Back in October 2003 a group of American Armenians activists came
together to see what they could do to contribute to the welfare and
development of Artsakh, this truly strategic part of Armenia. Since
then, AFA registered as a not-for-profit organization, launched its
web site at and in March 2005
opened a liaison office in Stepanakert.

AFA’s mandate includes five main elements: to preserve Artsakh’s
freedom, strengthen its democracy, foster economic development, help
its educational system and protect and promote its cultural heritage.

Usanogh: Who was or were the founders of your organization and why did
they establish the AFA?

AFA: The founders of the organization include AFA Chairman Mr. Zaven
Khanjian, AFA Board Members Dr. Hratch Abrahamian, Mrs. Rita Balian,
Mr. Edward Chobanian and Mrs. Savey Tufenkian, and Mr. Hrant
Jamgochian as AFA’s executive director from 2003 to 2006. AFA founders
have a history of leadership involvement in Armenian American
initiatives, including those dealing with Artsakh. They also represent
a true cross-section of the community, and continue to be active in
organizations such as the Armenian Assembly of America, Armenian
Educational Foundation, Armenian General Benevolent Union, Armenian
Missionary Association of America, Armenian National Committee of
America, and Hayastan Pan-Armenian Fund.

Why was establishment of a new organization necessary? In my mind,
this is recognition of Artsakh’s unique strategic value. And I would
argue not just for Armenians, but for the world at large. Physically,
Artsakh is truly one of the most beautiful corners of the world and
certainly of Armenia. Values at the core of Artsakh’s struggle:
freedom, justice, self-determination – are truly universal values.
Finally, for Armenians everywhere, Artsakh means national survival and
revival, political relevance in the world today and a window into the
future. Artsakh has given us the gift of pride through the struggle,
sacrifice and victory. It is only natural that we return the favor
through our modest efforts.

There has of course been considerable Armenian American involvement in
Artsakh, both by individuals and through organizations. Since the end
of the fighting in 1994, this involvement has focused on humanitarian
assistance (including direct Armenian American involvement and via
U.S. government funding secured by our advocacy groups in Washington),
building of a basic road infrastructure (through the Hayastan Fund)
and, more recently, the effort to contribute to sustainable
development of Artsakh’s rural communities.

Certainly, like no other part of Armenia today, Artsakh remains
vulnerable to external threats and continues to demand utmost
attention and care.

Many avenues for involvement remain open. AFA is working to identify
those areas where it can be most effective and secure necessary
resources to address the needs.

Usanogh: How many members does your organization have and where are
they located?

AFA: While AFA has supporters in many parts of the United States, we
have yet to begin to aggressively recruit members. Using this
opportunity I would like to invite your readers to visit
and decide how they would like to
get involved.

Usanogh: What sort of projects did the AFA carry out from the time of
its establishment? What are your future projects?

AFA: Our projects so far included:

-Sponsorship of two seismologists from Artsakh to participate in a
professional conference held in California;

-We helped bring in a very talented young Armenian American from the
Stanford University to teach conflict management to Stepanakert high
school students, a project we hope to replicate;

-We helped equip a high school geography classroom, also in
Stepanakert, another project ripe for replication;

Since 2005, we launched a first-ever survey of agricultural products
available throughout Artsakh, with an eye to identifying the most
promising produce that can be grown locally for both domestic
consumption and export;

Last month, we facilitated a trip by Kathryn Cameron Porter, President
of the Washington-based Leadership Council for Human Rights to
Artsakh.

We are working on a number of other projects, including in education,
agriculture, cultural heritage and strengthening democratic
governance.

Usanogh: Do you have any sponsors and if so, who are they?

AFA: So far, AFA’s supporters are AFA’s sponsors. We have not yet
sought and have not received grants from outside.

Usanogh: Do you have any organizational newsletter or newspaper? If
not, do you plan to have one any time soon? If you do, who is your
editorial staff?

AFA: We have issued press releases on completed and ongoing projects –
they are on our web site and have been circulated through print and
electronic media. As we go forward, we will consider possible
additional ways of communicating with our supporters and the public at
large.

Usanogh: How can one volunteer or become a member of your
organization?

AFA: Once again, I invite your readers to our web site
and welcome your feedback and
volunteer assistance. Ways to get involved are many: spread the word
about AFA, help organize events, contribute to the development of our
web site and our projects. And certainly, we would welcome new members
and their financial support.

Usanogh: Thank you for taking time to answer our questions. We wish
you all the best with your projects.

AFA: Thank you. It was my pleasure.

Source:

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress