JOINT STATEMENT OF LEADING ARMENIAN-AMERICAN ORGANIZATIONS ON RECENT EVENTS IN ARMENIA

armradio.am
19.03.2008 18:03

The Armenian Assembly of America, the Armenian General Benevolent
Union, the Armenian National Committee of America, the Diocese of
the Armenian Church of America (Eastern/Western) and the Prelacy of
the Armenian Apostolic Church of America (Eastern/ Western) issued
a joint statement on the recent events in Armenia.

"As leading Armenian-American organizations, we stand in solidarity
with the state and the people of Armenia as the nation confronts the
current political crisis.

We are deeply saddened by the violence, divisiveness, and deaths
during the post-electoral street unrest in the capital and extend our
heartfelt sympathies to all the families of the victims. We condemn
all violent acts, including assaults, vandalism, and looting, and
expect, consistent with due process of law, that the organizers and
perpetrators will be brought to justice.

We urge all parties to work peacefully within Armenia’s civic and
legal structures to address their outstanding differences and restore
Armenia’s political environment to a state of normalcy in as timely
and responsible a manner as possible. We join with all Armenians
in reaffirming our people’s common commitment to the security of
Armenia and Artsakh in a challenging and often dangerous region,
and to cooperate toward our shared aim of strengthening an open and
democratic Armenian homeland, based upon the rule of law, social
and economic justice, freedom of expression and the media, and equal
opportunity for all.

As Armenian-Americans, proud and vital partners in the future of the
Armenian nation, we are ready to cooperate with the newly-elected
president and the government. We remain committed to doing our
part to serve our homeland and the Armenian Nation as we have done
throughout our long history. Armenia will continue to inspire and
sustain generations of Armenians who have lived, as we do today,
beyond her borders."