PR-Inside.com (Pressemitteilung), Austria
Nov 27 2008
121st Anniversary of Social Democrat Hunchakian Party Commemorated
GLENDALE, CA – On November 22, the Social Democrat Hunchakian Party
commemorated the 121st anniversary of the party’s founding.
The event which took place at Glendale Community Church and was
attended by His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Father Andon
Saroyan of St. Gregory Armenian Catholic Church, SDHP Central
Committee Chairman Mr. Setrag Ajemian, Party officials,
representatives of various Armenian organizations, community
representatives, as well as a crowded audience.
The SDHP Western USA region Chairman, Dr. Hampik Safarian embodied the
significance of the occasion, by noting that 121 years ago the SDHP
became first political organization for the Armenian people, which
from its inception to the present stages continues to advocate for the
Armenian causes worldwide and struggles for a independent, democratic
Armenia.
Mr. Garo Garabedian, Esq. representing the Armenian National Congress,
expressed Congress’ appreciation for the SDHP’s historical advocacy
and endurance for the rights of Armenians, noteing that the SDHP
continues its great effort even in today’s Armenia, stressing the need
for human rights, political and democratic reforms.
SDHP Western region Executive Committee member Mr. Souren Khoudenyan
conveyed the current issues concerning the SDHP within the Armenian
Diaspora, the Republic of Armenia, and Artsakh. Mr. Khoudenyan
articulated the SDHP’s continued resolve to gain a just verdict in
matters concerning Armenian Cause, democracy in Armenia, and a
peaceful resolution to the Nagorno Karabakh conflict with principles
of democracy and self determination.
The evening’s keynote speaker was former Deputy Prime Minister and
Deputy Defense Minister of the Republic of Armenia, Mr. Vahan
Shirkhanyan, current member of the SDHP’s Central Committee in
Armenia. Mr. Shirkhanyan presented the views of the Hunchakian Party
in particular and the Armenian parliamentary opposition in general
with regard to the latest developments of the Artsakh issue and
Armenian domestic politics.
He stressed the need for a truly Democratic Armenia, one with a
vibrant self sustained economy free of repression and corruption
before any talk of Artsakh concessions be addressed, or for that
matter the Turkish Armenian border be opened.
Mr. Shirkhanyan noted the severity of the situation the Republic of
Armenia faces with the continued mass emigration of the Armenian youth
from throughout the country seeking jobs in different parts of the
world. He emphasized that the population depletion in Armenian towns
and cities outside of Erevan with the present circumstances will not
only endanger the independence of Artsakh and the safety of its
populace with territorial concessions, but the absence of a viable
growth in domestic infrastructure and progression in the manufacturing
of goods and products will continue to place Armenia in a situation
where they will forever be economically in debt to and dependent on
its historical foes, especially if the Turkish Armenian border is
opened.
Mr. Shirkhanyan also stated the importance of the Armenian Cause and
stressed that in order for Armenia to demand recognition of the
Armenian Genocide, its government must be democratic, free of scrutiny
with a strong and vibrant populace.
The event was concluded with His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian
stressing the importance to pursue dreams, as was the dream of the
founding members of the SDHP for an independent Armenia. The artistic
program featured renowned Armenian singer visiting from London, Samvel
Vartanian, Armenian American singer and poet orator Babin Boghosian
and Grigor Okaryan.