Skip to main content

Author: Alex Jidarian

Armenian American Museum Celebrates Historic Groundbreaking

Alex Jidarian

Press Contact:

Shant Sahakian, Executive Director

Armenian American Museum and Cultural Center of California

(818) 644-2214

[email protected]

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

ARMENIAN AMERICAN MUSEUM CELEBRATES HISTORIC GROUNDBREAKING

 

Glendale, CA () – The Armenian American Museum held a festive celebration to mark its historic Groundbreaking Ceremony at the future site of the museum in Glendale Central Park on July 11, 2021. More than 1,000 guests joined to commemorate the start of construction on the landmark cultural and education center that will serve generations to come.

 

The program began with warm welcoming remarks by renowned KTLA5 News Reporter Ellina Abovian who served as the esteemed Host of the Groundbreaking Ceremony.

 

The Live Show featured interviews with Ambassador Armen Baibourtian – Consul General of Armenia in Los Angeles, California Assemblymember Adrin Nazarian, Executive Chairman Berdj Karapetian, Executive Vice Chairman Zaven Kazazian, Board of Governors Member Levon Filian, Aram Alajajian of Alajajian Marcoosi Architects, Vahram Davtyan representing Groundbreaking Sponsor Pacific BMW, and a special video message by Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger.

 

Executive Director Shant Sahakian officially welcomed the in-person attendees and the worldwide audience watching the broadcast of the Groundbreaking Ceremony on behalf of the Board of Trustees, Board of Governors, and leadership of the museum.

 

Alexandra and Lilia Yaralian of AGBU Los Angeles Choir delivered an exquisite performance of the national anthems from the main stage.

 

The Armenian American Museum Board of Trustees Co-Chairs led the invocation of the ceremony including Co-Chair Archbishop Hovnan Derderian representing the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America, Co-Chair Bishop Torkom Donoyan representing the Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church, Father Armenag Bedrossian on behalf of Co-Chair Bishop Mikael Mouradian representing the Armenian Catholic Eparchy, and Co-Chair Reverend Berdj Djambazian representing the Armenian Evangelical Union of North America.

 

Glendale Mayor Paula Devine and City Councilmembers Ara Najarian, Vrej Agajanian, Ardy Kassakhian, and Daniel Brotman delivered remarks on behalf of the City of Glendale which has dedicated a premier location for the landmark center in the heart of the city and has served as a valued partner for the cultural and educational center.

 

“Today’s groundbreaking is a testimony of the work of our unified community,” stated Groundbreaking Chair Talin Yacoubian who represents AGBU Western District as the Co-Treasurer of the Board of Trustees. “The museum will bridge our past and shape our future – what an incredible privilege that is. I am proud to say that our hope is well on its way to becoming a reality. Soon, we will all be gathered here again to cut the ribbon and open the doors for the Armenian American Museum!”

 

California Senator Anthony J. Portantino, who has been a champion for the museum and has helped secure millions in state funds in support of the project, delivered inspiring words on the promise of the institution to impact generations of children through school field trips and generations of families by connecting them to their roots. His remarks were followed by special video messages with warm congratulations by Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins and Governor Gavin Newsom.

 

Congressman Adam Schiff celebrated the Armenian American community as an important part of the national fabric of the country and discussed how the museum will bring people together to embrace cultural diversity. He announced his efforts to advocate for federal funding in support of the project to rounding cheers throughout the audience.

 

Executive Chairman Berdj Karapetian thanked the museum’s generous supporters for making this momentous occasion possible and invited Kevin and Alexia Kevonian to the stage to deliver a special message on behalf of their family.

 

"This building, which will be erected very soon, will reflect what we are made of,” expressed Alexia Kevonian during her powerful and emotional remarks from the stage. “The need for cultural preservation is imperative now more than ever. That need can be met right here, on this very soil beneath your feet. Join us and when you do, the world will see what our collective efforts can achieve – a standing legacy."

 

Following the remarks, Executive Chairman Berdj Karapetian announced a generous $1 million gift by the Kevonian family and a generous $1 million gift by the Arakelian family to ensure that the next generation has a world class institution that preserves and celebrates Armenian culture, history, and heritage.

 

The event concluded with the Board of Trustees and Board of Governors joining together on stage for the shovel ceremony to mark the historic groundbreaking. Museum leaders with ceremonial hard hats and shovels in hand officially broke ground and rejoiced at the community’s collective achievement.

 

The event concluded with the Board of Trustees and Board of Governors joining together on stage for the shovel ceremony to mark the historic groundbreaking. Museum leaders with ceremonial hard hats and shovels in hand officially broke ground and rejoiced at the community’s collective achievement.

 

Major Sponsors of the Groundbreaking Ceremony included Armen Living, Athens Services, Jack and Maro Kalaydjian, Bank of America, The GASKA Alliance Foundation, Pacific BMW, Dickranian Foundation, and David and Margaret Mgrublian. Guests at the event enjoyed live entertainment by the Ara Dabandjian Quartet of Element Band and refreshments courtesy of Arvest Catering.

 

Learn more about the Armenian American Museum at https://www.ArmenianAmericanMuseum.org.

 

The mission of the Armenian American Museum and Cultural Center of California is to promote understanding and appreciation of America’s ethnic and cultural diversity by sharing the Armenian American experience. The vision is a cultural campus that enriches the community, educates the public on the Armenian American story, and empowers individuals to embrace cultural diversity and speak out against prejudice.

 

###



More photo highlights are available for download here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/viLVa5NrsHt3xUhc7


Arsine Sina Torosyan
Communications Director
Armenian American Museum and Cultural Center of California
116 North Artsakh Avenue, Suite 205, Glendale, CA 91206
Office: (818) 351-3554, Ext. 706
Direct: (818) 644-2215
www.ArmenianAmericanMuseum.org
Confidentiality Notice: This communication and any documents, files, or previous e-mail messages attached to it constitute an electronic communication within the scope of the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, 18 ISCA 2510. This communication may contain non-public, confidential, or legally privileged information intended for the sole use of the designated recipient(s). The unlawful interception, use, or disclosure of such information is strictly prohibited under 18 USCA 2511 and any applicable laws.



JPEG image


.pdf

CSTO sees situation in the south of Armenia as a “border incident” with Azerbaijan

Alex Jidarian
Public Radio of Armenia
July 3 2021
 

The aggravation of the situation in the south of Armenia in connection with the establishment of a new border with Azerbaijan is a “border incident” and does not fall under the provisions of the CSTO charter on collective defense. Secretary General of the organization Stanislav Zas told journalists.

“You have to understand that the potential of the CSTO is used only in the event of an aggression, an attack [on one of the member countries]. Here we are dealing, in fact, with a border incident. Thank God, there are no casualties, there is no shooting there. This is a border incident, it must be solved, and we are in favor of solving it peacefully,” he said.

According to him, there is no escalation of the conflict. “Actually, we cannot speak about any escalation of the situation there. This is already good, this is already a result. There is a lot of work ahead on the border issue, the resolution of all these controversial issues, but they need to be resolved at the negotiating table” Zas pointed out.

The CSTO Secretary General also informed that after the May appeal of Armenia, the organization held consultations on the situation in the border regions of the country. “Such consultations were held at the level of defense ministers, secretaries of security councils, and I contacted both the Armenian foreign minister and the defense minister. We discussed this situation. In addition, we already had a general discussion of this situation during the Ministerial Council [Council of Ministers Foreign Affairs of the CSTO] in Dushanbe,” he said.

Zas assured that the CSTO is constantly monitoring the situation in the south of Armenia. “The decision to form a monitoring group was not made, although, of course, the situation is being monitored,” the secretary general said. The organization receives the necessary information from many sources, including the Armenian side and Russian peacekeepers, Zas added.

The situation in border areas of Armenia’s Syunik and Gegharkunik provinces escalated after the Azerbaijani troops infringed into the sovereign territory of Armenia and tried to carry out engineering work,

 

Newspaper: Why is coronavirus-related reality in Armenia being kept secret?

Alex Jidarian
News.am, Armenia
July 2 2021
08:06, 02.07.2021

YEREVAN. – Zhoghovurd newspaper of the Republic of Armenia (RA) writes: Although the RA Ministry of Health is trying to do everything possible to increase public interest in vaccination against the coronavirus, it is all the same; the number of [these] vaccinations in Armenia continues to alarmingly low.

Let us note that so far more than 80 thousand people in Armenia have been vaccinated; that is, about 2.9 percent of the [country’s] population. During a consultation he convened yesterday, Acting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had considered these numbers worrying.

Zhoghovurd daily found out that another reality is hidden in these numbers and calculations. The thing is that in reality, it is not 2.9 percent of the population of Armenia that has been vaccinated, as the relevant authorities are trying to show. The thing is that a large number of the people being vaccinated [in Armenia against COVID-19] are foreigners who have been vaccinated while in Armenia, and the Ministry of Health represents that number also among the 80 thousand vaccinated people.

Zhoghovurd daily addressed RA Minister of Health spokesperson Hripsime Khachatryan, asking to provide data on how many foreigners are among the vaccinated. She assured that they do not have such separate statistics. Let us note that [coronavirus] vaccinations are carried out [in Armenia] with passport data, and [therefore] it is impossible not to find out what nationality or citizenship the person being vaccinated has.

In fact, yes, a large number of foreigners have been vaccinated [in Armenia against the coronavirus]. It turns out that foreigners receive free vaccinations at the expense of the RA state budget and return to their countries, whereas the RA citizens are not so inclined to be vaccinated.


Our goal is to sow the seeds of trust – Austrian Foreign Minister speaks about the need for Armenian-Azerbaijani reconci

Alex Jidarian

Save

Share

 17:10, 26 June, 2021

YEREVAN, JUNE 26, ARMENPRESS. The South Caucasus region is in dire need of trust between publics at the moment, ARMENPRESS reports the Austrian Federal Minister for European and International Affairs Alexander Schallenberg during a press conference at the EU Delegation in Georgia.

He referred to the meetings with caretaker Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan in Yerevan and the president of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev in Baku and the intensive discussions during the meetings.

"Our goal was to understand the means by which trust can be built. This visit reaffirmed what we already knew: trust is the most important resource the region needs and lacks. Our goal is to sow the seeds of that trust. We know that the wounds caused by the Nagorno-Karabakh war are still open, but we need a healing process. This visit showed that the parties realize that there is a real need for this process, they need partners to start this process. The European Union is ready to assist in any way possible way," Schallenberg said.

He noted that they highly appreciate Georgia's role in this issue with the mediation of which the release of Armenian POWs by Azerbaijan and the handing over of maps of mined areas by Armenia became possible.

"I think this trilateral cooperation is beneficial for all parties," said the Austrian Foreign Minister, noting that the EU fully supports such processes.

CEC presents preliminary data – Pashinyan’s party 58%, Kocharyan’s bloc 22%

Alex Jidarian

Save

Share

 23:27, 20 June, 2021

YEREVAN, JUNE 20, ARMENPRESS. The Central Electoral Commission published the preliminary results of 80 polling stations. ARMENPRESS reports Civil Contract Party led by Nikol Pashinyan received 6107 votes or 58.04%, Armenia Alliance led by Robert Kocharyan received 2316 votes or 22.01%, ‘’I have honor’’ bloc led by Artur Vanetsyan received 596 votes or 5.66%, Prosperous Armenia Party led by Gagik Tsarukyan received 538 votes or 5.11%, Republic Party led by Armen Sargsyan received 175 votes or 1.66%, Bright Armenia Party led by Edmon Marukyan received 132 votes or 1.25%.

All other parties and blocs received under 1%.

ICRC President highlights cooperation with Russia in Nagorno Karabakh

Alex Jidarian

Save

Share

 10:01, 23 June, 2021

YEREVAN, JUNE 23, ARMENPRESS. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has a high level of cooperation with Russia, including in Syria and Nagorno Karabakh, ICRC President Peter Maurer told TASS.

“Russia is a country with rich history, is a member of the UN Security Council, and there is no doubt that it is one of the key role players at the international platform and plays an important role in different crisis situations where the ICRC operates. In this respect, we cooperate with many influence-players, including with Russia. We have a high level of cooperation with Russia in different areas, for instance in cases of Syria and Nagorno Karabakh”, the ICRC chief said, highlighting the role of international players in solving humanitarian issues.

On June 23 Peter Maurer is scheduled to meet with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. He will also take part in the Moscow Conference on International Security.

 

Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan

Armenia has great ambitions and potential in space research

Alex Jidarian
Public Radio of Armenia
June 15 2021
 
 

Armenia is a country with great ambitions and potential in the field of space research, acting Minister of High-Tech Industry Hayk Chobanyan said at the Global Space Exploration Conference (GLEX-2021) in Saint Petersburg. He attached importance to cooperation with key players in the field and participation in international events.

“Introduction of digital technologies and digitalization in all fields, including space research, is a priority in the world today. Taking into account that space exploration is accompanied by technological progress, the Armenian government is investing in the development of this direction. We strive to work with the world’s leading countries to use space for peaceful purposes and to engage in other global projects,” the acting Minister said.

A specialized exhibition has been opened within the framework of the conference, which will last until June 18, plenary sessions with the participation of space agency heads are planned. Thematic discussions, negotiations, a cooperation forum, a special session dedicated to the 60th anniversary of Yuri Gagarin’s flight will take place.

GLEX 2021 has been organized by Roscosmos State Corporation in cooperation with the World Astronomical Federation.

The conference aims to unite scientists, engineers, designers from different countries eager to explore the space, and are willing to share their thoughts and plans with partners.

GLEX-2021 is attended by about 800 representatives from 59 countries, including China, India, the United States, Canada, Mexico and Brazil. A total of 576 reports will be presented within the framework of the event.

Armenia Police on acting PM being accompanied by many officers during campaign: Assessment is made in each case

Alex Jidarian
News.am, Armenia
June 16 2021
16:07, 16.06.2021

YEREVAN. – The police maintain the safety of not only Nikol Pashinyan, but also of the other candidates. Deputy Chief of Police of Armenia Ara Fidanyan told this to a press conference Wednesday, responding to the remark that administrative resources are used during the election campaign of acting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, in particular, huge police forces accompany him.

"The police are carrying out their service, their work. In each case, a preliminary assessment is made in relation to public safety. By the way, you mentioned a specific person; but we have received similar applications from other [political] forces, and we are carrying out the escorting and safety properly," he added.

According to Fidanyan, how many police officers and how many police cars accompany the candidate is determined as a result of a security assessment. "If there are certain problems or issues related to public safety, then security is provided by appropriate forces," he said.

To note, June 7 to 18 is election campaign season in Armenia, and snap parliamentary elections will be held in the country this Sunday.

Kremlin comments on Erdogan’s statement about creating a Turkish military base in Azerbaijan

Alex Jidarian
Panorama, Armenia

Russia keeps a close eye on the information that Turkey may create a military base in Azerbaijan, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Friday, according to TASS report. 

"Beyond any doubt, this is an issue of our close attention," the Russian presidential spokesman said, commenting on the information. "We are interacting with the Turkish Republic in stabilizing the situation in the South Caucasus," the Kremlin spokesman added, as quoted by the source. 

Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan earlier said he did not rule out that a Turkish military base could be created on Azerbaijani territory under the so-called Shushi declaration recently signed with Azerbaijan.

Dmitry Peskov also noted that "Russia maintains close contact with Turkey, Armenia and Azerbaijan on the situation in the Nagorno-Karabakh region." 

"We are in close contact with Ankara, Baku and Yerevan as we believe that all steps should facilitate efforts to further stabilize the situation in the South Caucasus, boost infrastructure and logistics, as well as to improve the overall situation, and should not include any elements that may raise tensions," Peskov pointed out.

An enclave must be exchanged with an enclave – Armenia acting PM

Alex Jidarian
Aysor, Armenia

An enclave must be exchanged with an enclave, Armenia’s acting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said in the town of Berd today.

“What is under control of Azerbaijan, let it stay under its control, what is under our control, let it stay under our control,” Pashinyan said.

He stressed that Armenian territories – few tens of kilometers from Tavush province – are under Azerbaijan’s control.

“Today we have arable lands which are under their control,” he said.

Pashinyan noted that this issue has been put on the table of negotiations and said that it should be viewed in common context.