Armenian National Committee of Canada
130 Albert St., Suite 1007
Ottawa, ON
KIP 5G4
Tel. (613) 235-2622 Fax (613) 238-2622
E-mail:[email protected]
www .anccanada.org
Press Release
February 15, 2007
Contact: Kevork Manguelian
Tel. (613) 235-2622
The Cypriot Community Honours ANCC Executive Director
Ottawa–The executive director of the Armenian National Committee of Canada
(ANCA) was honoured at a gathering on February 9, hosted by Cypriot and
Greek organizations to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the independence of
Cyprus.
Dino Sophocleous, president of the International Coordinating Committee
Justice for Cyprus (PSEKA Canada), presented Aris Babikian, executive
director of ANCC, a plaque in recognition and appreciation of Babikian’s
`dedication and invaluable contribution to the cause of justice for Cyprus.’
Others honoured were Tony Clement, Minister of Health and Minister for the
Federal Development Initiative for Northern Ontario, and MP John Cannis from
Toronto.
Babikian thanked Sophocleous for the honour and said that he considered it
the most significant of the various recognitions he has received during his
long career in politics and in social activism.
The ANCC executive director also appealed to Canadian politicians and to the
international community to stop treating the Turkish government as "the
spoiled child of the West." Babikian urged politicians to put aside their
short term political and economic interests and "open their eyes and minds
to Turkey’s record of mistreatment of its minorities, its suppression of
freedom of speech, the occupation of Cyprus, and the Genocide of Greeks and
Armenians and Pontus.
Babikian compared the current climate of intolerance and rampant nationalism
in Turkey to Germany in 1939. He cited the killing of Hrant Dink, the
Turkish-Armenian journalist, as a "clear manifestation of this fanaticism."
Babikian urged everyone concerned in the deteriorating situation in Turkey
to "work together to put and end to this disastrous environment."
Babikian concluded his remarks by expressing the hope that the next
independence celebration of Cyprus would be held in a united and free
Cyprus.
Philip Christopher, PSEKA international president, noted that the Armenian
National Committee works very closely with his organization and supports
PSEKA’s mission not only in Canada but in the United States and other
countries around the world.
Keynote speaker Minister Clement congratulated Babikian and said that he
appreciated ANCC executive director’s insights, wisdom and commitment to
human rights.
A large number of federal, provincial, municipal representatives and various
community leaders attended the celebration which was held in Toronto.
###
The ANCC is the largest and the most influential Canadian-Armenian
grassroots political organization. Working in coordination with a network of
offices, chapters, and supporters throughout Canada and affiliated
organizations around the world, the ANCC actively advances the concerns of
the Canadian-Armenian community on a broad range of issues.
Regional Chapters
Montréal – Laval – Ottawa – Toronto – Hamilton – Cambridge – St. Catharines
– Windsor – Vancouver
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
