Author: Diana Dabaghian

Participants Mark 15th Anniversary of Axe-Murder of Gurgen Margaryan 

WASHINGTON—Greater Washington DC community members joined the Armenian Youth Federation at the Azerbaijani Embassy demanding justice for the Sumgait, Kirovabad, Baku and Maragha pogroms from 1988-1992, and raising their voices in support of freedom and security for the independent Republic of Artsakh.

“We join communities around the world in commemorating the massacres against the Armenian populations of Sumgait, Kirovabad, Baku, and Maragha and standing strong with the people of the independent Republic of Artsakh in their quest for a lasting peace,” said AYF-YOARF Washington D.C. “Ani” Chapter chairwoman Galin Tanashian. “Our protest today is part of ongoing political action – in Congress, in state capitols and local communities – to strengthen U.S. – Artsakh ties and ensure the long-term safety and security of the Republic.”

This year’s protest also marked the 15th anniversary of the axe-murder and decapitation of 26-year-old Armenian serviceman Gurgen Margaryan, killed in his sleep on February 19, 2004, by Azerbaijani soldier Ramil Safarov during a NATO language-training exercise in Hungary. After serving only a fraction of his sentence in Hungary, Safarov was extradited to Azerbaijan in 2012, where he was immediately pardoned, promoted and praised by the Azerbaijani people and government. Today, Safarov is considered a national hero by his countrymen, while Armenians still mourn Margaryan’s murder.

Protesters expressed concern about increasing pressure on the Republics of Armenia and Artsakh to support the flawed Madrid Principles, which call for the surrender of lands for paper promises of a future “_expression_ of will” which regarding the status of Artsakh.  Greater Washington DC Armenian community members were loud and clear in their message that the only pathway to long-term peace is one which respects the right to self-determination of the people of Artsakh. Children proudly waved Artsakh flags and held signs supporting our fellow Armenians who struggle every day to protect and defend the land.

Following the vigil, Fr. Sarkis Aktavoukian of Soorp Khatch Armenian Apostolic Church led the D.C. community members in prayer in memory of Gurgen Margaryan, the victims of the Baku, Sumgait, Kirovabad and Maragha massacres and all those who lost their lives during the Artsakh liberation movement.

The protest was streamed live by the Voice of America Armenian Service as well as the AYF Ani chapter and ANCA Facebook pages and covered by H1 Television.

From 1988 to 1990, the Armenian population in Soviet Azerbaijan was the target of racially motivated pogroms against Armenians in the cities of Sumgait (February 27-29, 1988), Kirovabad (November 21-27, 1988, Baku (January 13-19, 1990) and Maragha (April 10, 1992).

These pogroms set the stage for two decades of aggression by Azerbaijan, during which it launched and lost a war against Nagorno Karabakh, and later used its oil wealth to buy a massive military arsenal that its leaders, to this day, vow to use to renew their attempts to conquer a Christian people that has lived on these lands for thousands of years and, after great challenges, has flourished in freedom from Soviet oppression for more than 25 years.

WASHINGTON—Speaking before a capacity crowd of young Armenian public policy professionals at the ANCA’s Aramian House, Armenian American Congresswoman Jackie Kanchelian Speier (D-CA) shared her powerful life story of overcoming personal tragedy and emerging as one of America’s most powerful political leaders.

“Today, as we honor the strong Armenian women who lead our communities, we have the privilege of speaking with one of the strongest women in Congress – one who embodies her ancestors’ will to survive, one who has overcome great adversity – from Jonestown to being a #MeToo victim long before that phrase was coined,” said ANCA Hovig Apo Saghdejian Capital Gateway Director Tereza Yerimyan, in her welcoming remarks. “Representative Speier comes from a long line of women who have instilled in her that she must fight for what’s right, that she must uncover the truth even if it means risking her own life.”

Reading heartbreaking passages from her memoir, “Undaunted” – Congresswoman Speier described the harrowing story of how she survived being shot at point-blank range during a Congressional investigative mission to Jonestown, Guyana, site of the Jonestown cult massacre in 1978. She would go on to read a passage describing how she overcame the tragic passing of her husband, Dr. Steve Sierra, who was hit by a drunk driver.

“It’s really a story of resilience, and for each of us, it’s about the ability to recover. Sometimes, we don’t think we do, but we all have that well of strength, internally” said Rep. Speier.

Turning to the ANCA Hovig Apo Saghdejian Capital Gateway Fellows and youth in the room, Rep. Speier stated, “I hope that you hear in my story something that is your story – something that will crystallize the sense of knowing that your future is in public policy. It is around making this country and Armenia stronger – the ties between them stronger – and that we could see greater democracies flourish around the world.”

Asked about the future of U.S.-Armenia relations particularly following the 2018 Velvet Revolution, Rep. Speier, who serves as Co-Chair of the Congressional Armenian Caucus said this is a “golden opportunity” for both countries to strengthen ties, noting that she looks forward to working with the Caucus leadership to take concrete steps to advance shared priorities.

Sue Aramian, who along with sisters, the late Martha and late Margot, are the patron saints of the Aramian House, joined her niece Jocelyn Micollucci in toasting Rep. Speier’s indomitable spirit. “For you to be here, Congresswoman, with your book and your story, is a fulfillment of a life-long dream of my medz-hayrig and medz-mayrig and my aunt. I welcome you, and I thank you. To your health and prosperity.”

Also offering remarks was Armenia’s Ambassador to the U.S. Varuzhan Nersesyan, who praised Congresswoman Speier’s leadership on human rights and women’s rights while being an outspoken advocate of Armenian American concerns. Addressing the “new generation of ANCA youth leaders” in the room, Ambassador Nersesyan encouraged them to “follow her path, her inspiring life story – both an Armenian story and an American story.”

Permanent Representative of the Republic of Artsakh to the U.S. Robert Avetisyan and Soorp Khatch Armenian Church Pastor, Fr. Sarkis Aktavoukian, joined community leaders in praising Rep. Speier’s memoir.

The evening ended with Rep. Speier graciously signing copies of her book – urging one and all to be “undaunted” in all they do in life. The ANCA Endowment Fund has a limited number of signed copies of Rep. Jackie Speier’s “Undaunted” available for purchase.

The commemoration of Armenia’s Armed Forces Day, celebrating the 27th anniversary of the establishment of the Armenian Army, began with a visit by Armenia’s leadership to Yerablur National Cemetery, to honor the fallen heroes and ended with a gathering dedicated to the occasion where Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan declared that the Armenian homeland and its victories will not be conceded to anyone.

Earlier on Monday, Pashinyan was joined by Armenia’s President Armen Sarkissian, President of Artsakh Bako Sahakian, His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, Speaker of the National Assembly Ararat Mirzoyan, Acting Defense Minister Davit Tonoyan and other high ranking state and military officials to visit the Yerablur National Cemetery and pantheon to the heroes of the Artsakh Liberation Movement.

The importance of the Armenian Armed Forces was emphasized through announcement by the relevant ministries and officials.

President Sarkissian hailed the impressive efforts by the people in Armenia, Artsakh and the Diaspora to form and establish the Armenian Armed Forces so soon after declaring independence and the fall of the Soviet Union.

In a statement addressed to the nation, he praised the Armenian soldier, whose dedication has protected and secured Armenia.

He also announced a new initiative by the Office of the President called the “Defender of the Homeland,” through which those soldiers who were wounded and suffered injuries that have handicapped them would receive special assistance.

The program seeks to provide service, but more important, employment to the wounded soldiers who have become handicapped. He pledged to hire more such soldiers in the Office of the President and announced as his first such hire Gor Darmanyan, a wounded soldier who is currently employed by the president.

During a special ceremony, Sarkisian also awarded medals to soldiers and veterans.

Later on Monday, a celebration took place marking the Armed Forces anniversary, attended by Armenia’s leadership.

“On this solemn day of our Army’s anniversary, I believe it’s worth noting once again that the security we have is not just an apple fallen from the sky, but a reality that has been achieved through the efforts of thousands of freedom fighters: those officers who gave up their career in the Soviet Army and came back to protect the homeland; the first soldiers of our newly independent state, who defended their homeland at the cost of their health and life, sacrificing sometimes their well-being and prosperity,” said Pashinyan during the celebration.

“We have gathered today to reaffirm our commitment to our ancestors, our heroes and martyrs, our legendary military commanders and soldiers. We will never give up our homeland; we will never concede this victory to anyone,” added Pashinyan, who praised and honored the Armenian soldiers, past and present, as well as their families for the sacrifices toward the homeland.