MORE THAN 10,000 PROTEST TURKEY’S DENIAL OF GENOCIDE AT CONSULATE IN LOS ANGELES

By Asbarez
Apr 26th, 2010
LOS ANGELES

More than 10,000 community members-mainly youth-heeded the call by
the Armenian Youth Federation and protested Turkey’s continued denial
of the Armenian Genocide in front of the Turkish Consulate Saturday,
forcing the closure of Wilshire Boulevard.

The orderly crowd marched in front of the building housing the Turkish
Consulate, chanting slogans and waving the Armenian tri-color.

AYF Central Executive Chairman Arek Santikian’s impassioned remarks
directed at the Turkish authorities and addressing the US’s continued
denial of the Genocide asserted the Armenian people’s continued
commitment to fight for justice. The incredible youth presence also
reinforced that the new generation is as actively engaged in the
pursuit of the Armenian Cause as those that came before it.

When Santikian began naming the countries that have already recognized
the Armenian Genocide, flags of the those countries were raised by
members of the AYF who were lined up in front of the U-Haul truck
that served as a podium and a stage.

Santikian went on to indict President Obama for, once again, failing
to use the word "Genocide" in his annual statement. Elected officials,
Santikian said, must serve the interest of their constituents, first,
and not foreign governments, alluding that the Obama Administration,
like other before him, was giving in to Turkish pressure.

Los Angeles City Councilman Paul Krekorian also echoed Santikian’s
statements in calling on the Obama Administration to recognize the
Armenian Genocide. He commended the gathered for their continued
pursuit of justice. He also acknowledged the Los Angeles Police and
Fire departments for their role in ensuring the safety of the crowd.

Community activist and former AYF CE chairman Mikael Melkonian also
made comments in Armenian.

The developments of last year and the increasing vitriol of late by the
Turkish leadership propelled a more vocal expression of protest on the
95th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. This year’s demonstration
was, by far, one of the more impressive both in its organization and
in attendance of recent years.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress