COMMUNITY PLEDGES TO FIGHT FOR NATIONAL INTERESTS AT ARF DAY CELEBRATION

Asbarez
Dec 8th, 2009

Homenetmen Scouts conduct the opening flag ceremony. Photo by Nora
Yacoubian.

GLENDALE-At Sunday’s 119th anniversary celebration of the Armenian
Revolutionary Federation its Western US, Central Committee Chairman
Avedik Izmirlian said no Armenian government has the right to take
decisions against the national interests of Armenians, referring
to the current Armenia-Turkey protocols that endanger the national
security and future of the Armenian nation.

ARF US Central Committee Chairman Avedik Izmirlian. Photo by Nora
Yacoubian.

Izmirlian added that whether or not the protocols are ratified,
Armenia needs to be governed by a national agenda that is formulated
through the participation of a cross-section of the Armenian people
and that emphasizes the national interests and aspirations of the
Armenian people around the world.

The more than 1,500 community members who had flocked to the Glendale
High School auditorium witnessed a resurgence of the ARF’s commitment
to fight for justice and the rights of the Armenian nation.

No where was that better articulated than remarks by Armenian Youth
Federation Western US Central Executive Chairman Arek Santikian,
who spoke of the critical role the youth should play in the pursuit
of the Armenian Cause.

"Speaking on behalf of the youth today, I am here to reassure you that
we realize the duty bestowed upon on us and we welcome the challenges
put forth. Being mindful of the sacrifices of our ancestors throughout
our rich history has instilled the passion that allows each of us
to work tirelessly and willingly, for something far greater than any
individual," said Santikian.

"In order for us to succeed any further than we have throughout
the years, we need to be the leaders that break down any wall that
divides us as a people. We need to reach out to our fellow brothers
and sisters in Armenia, and fight for their rights, just as much as
much as we fight for ours. We need to expose the fact that 95 percent
of our country’s wealth is held by five percent of its people, and
end this corruption," added Santikian.

AYF-WR Chairman Arek Santikian. Photo by Nora Yacoubian.

"Our manifesto states that we fight for a ‘free, independent, and
united Armenia.’ So let us complete this mission and meet all its
goals," explained Santikian, pledging "…I can promise you that the
youth today can be and will be the leaders that complete this mission
in the future to come."

As keynote speaker at the event, Armenian National Committee of America
chairman Ken Hachikian outlined the threats facing the Armenian nation
as a result of the Armenia-Turkey protocols and the imperative for
Armenian unity in opposition of these dangerous documents.

"The need for a sober review – and thoughtful community dialogue –
on the issues facing our nation is certainly in keeping with the best
traditions of our organizational legacy, and reflects, in powerful
ways, the remarkable spirit of service and sacrifice embodied by all
of you," said Hachikian.

"Ankara is using the Protocols’ "process" to manage the new Obama
Administration and the growing tensions caused by its increasing
independence from Washington in a way that both preserves its
prerogatives to act against U.S. interests on Iran, Israel, Russia,
and other issues while, at the same time, preventing the U.S. from
recognizing the Armenian Genocide," explained Hachikian.

ANCA Chairman Ken Hachikian. Photo by Nora Yacoubian.

"Armenia must develop a foreign policy that, rather then advancing
the interests of elites and oligarchs, reflects the true interests
of Armenia and embraces the national democratic aspirations of the
Armenian people. Sadly, the current Foreign Ministry of Armenia has
not demonstrated the ability to do so," emphasized the ANCA chairman.

"We must, in the weeks and months ahead, grow larger and stronger –
bringing an ever-increasing circle of Armenians into our work and
the sacred cause of our proud and ancient nation," said. Hachikian.

"We must, with our full resolve, reject the forces that would divide
us and – with equal vigor – resist the temptation to endlessly chase
the false unity that would require us to seek the consent of every
opportunist or that would provide the lapdogs of foreign interests
veto power over Armenian interests," urged Hachikian. "We must,
rather, seek the true unity of common purpose, of collective values,
and of a common vision of our Armenian future."

ARF Shant Student Association Representative Tro Krikorian. Photo by
Nora Yacoubian.

Armenia’s former ambassador to Canada and the director of the "Modus
Vivendi" center in Armenia, Dr. Ara Papian, who was scheduled to
present the event’s keynote address in Armenian, was unable to attend
the celebration due to unforeseen reasons. Through a telephone message,
Dr. Papian told the gathered about the importance of working together
to derail the protocols process.

The celebration began with a flag procession led by the Homenetmen
marching band and scouts. Under the banner of "United Armenia with
All Armenians," the program’s welcoming remarks were delivered by
ARF Shant Student Association member Tro Krikorian.

A video presentation, mainly chronicling the ARF’s activities in
response to the protocols, focused on the activities in the Western
Region.

The cultural portion of the program featured performances from the
Vardan and Siranoush Gevorkyan dance ensemble, recitation by Maral
Varjabedian and songs by Anahit Nersesian.

The celebration concluded by performance of patriotic songs by Nersig
Ispirian, Harout Pamboukjian and Hovih Krikorian, who were accompanied
by the traditional "Knar" Armenian folk ensemble.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress