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    Emil Lazarian
  • 2 years ago
    • Categories: 2022

Colonie celebrates Armenian Independence Day

News 10 ABC
Sept 22 2022
Courtney Ward

COLONIE, N.Y. (NEWS10) — September 21 is the anniversary of the Republic of Armenia gaining independence. A local ceremony was held on Wednesday to mark the occasion.

Community members and officials gathered at Colonie Town Hall to raise the Armenian flag on the town’s flag pole. But the celebration was a somber one. This Armenian Independence Day was overshadowed by the recent deadly conflict between the country and it’s neighbor Azerbaijan.

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“It’s a celebration of democracy — the 31st anniversary — however, right now, Armenia is under threat by countries such as Azerbaijan and Turkey, who have ethnic cleansing in mind,” event organizer Rafi Topalian said. “So in one aspect, it is a celebration, but in many cases, we want to raise awareness of what’s going on there.”

Earlier this week, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with the foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan to help maintain the fragile cease fire between the two nations.

 
Emil Lazarian: “I should like to see any power of the world destroy this race, this small tribe of unimportant people, whose wars have all been fought and lost, whose structures have crumbled, literature is unread, music is unheard, and prayers are no more answered. Go ahead, destroy Armenia . See if you can do it. Send them into the desert without bread or water. Burn their homes and churches. Then see if they will not laugh, sing and pray again. For when two of them meet anywhere in the world, see if they will not create a New Armenia.” - WS