ARMENIAN ASSEMBLY ADDRESSES AGBU MANOOGIAN-DEMIRDJIAN
AZG DAILY
25-11-2009
Armenia-Turkey Protocols
Armenian Assembly of America (Assembly) Western Region Director Yeghig
Keshishian addressed the 11th and 12th grade classes at the Armenian
General Benevolent Union (AGBU) Manoogian-Demirdjian High School
in Canoga Park on the Assembly’s advocacy efforts nationwide. The
45-minute presentation to the respective classes included an
interactive discussion of the Armenia-Turkey Protocols. Students asked
a number of questions on the Protocols – including, the Assembly’s
support of normalization of relations between the Republics of Turkey
and Armenia without preconditions.
A week prior to Keshishian’s visit, students participated in a panel
discussion of the Protocols spearheaded by Mrs. Roxanne Bedrossian,
Teacher and Social Studies Department Chairperson, in conjunction with
the Armenian Department Chair Hratch Sepetjian, to provide students
a firsthand opportunity to delve into the actual text of the Protocols.
Keshishian’s presentation included a discussion of the larger
geopolitical considerations in the South Caucasus and how the Protocols
may present Armenia with potential newfound opportunities.
"This is a very complex and historical event that is taking place
among Armenians of the world community. The kinds of conversations
and debates that have been taking place among our younger community
is vital and relevant, as they are the future leaders of Armenia and
its diaspora," stated Bedrossian. "Mr. Keshishian introduced to us
another perspective quite different from publicized opinions. This
allowed us to come to our own conclusions about this sensitive issue,"
said 12th grader Nairi Khachatoorian.
"The Assembly values the important role teachers play on a daily basis,
in raising questions intended to give students a firsthand opportunity
to form their own opinions – in this case, to become better-versed
on a subject matter of direct importance to U.S.-Armenia relations,"
stated Keshishian.
The Assembly, in conjunction with the AGBU, including the Western and
Eastern Dioceses of the Armenian Church and the Knights of Vartan,
issued a joint statement in support of the rapprochment process,
and made it clear that they would continue their ongoing efforts to
secure universal affirmation of the Armenian Genocide.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
