Author: Edgar Tavakalian

The Armenian National Committee of America Glendale Chapter, in a statement issued on Monday evening, expressed concern over an incident that took place on September 8 during an event hosted by the Royal Canyon Property Owners Association, where Glendale Mayor Ara Najarian and Glendale City Councilmember Vartan Gharpetian were disrespected.

On Tuesday, the RCPOA issued its own statement expressing the organization’s regret about offending Gharpetian.

Below we publish the ANCA Glendale’s Statement followed by the one issued by RCPOA

ANCA Glendale Statement
The Armenian National Committee of America – Glendale Chapter (ANCA-Glendale) is gravely concerned about an incident that occurred at a Royal Canyon Property Owners Association (RCPOA) event on September 8, 2019 where City of Glendale Mayor Ara Najarian and City Councilmember Vartan Gharpetian were asked to leave RCPOA’s Summer Social event citing it was a “non-political” and “members-only” event.

The overall poor treatment of two councilmembers of Armenian descent appears to be disrespectful at best and perhaps discriminatory at its worst. This type of treatment of any Glendale resident, much less elected representatives of our city, should be a matter of concern to all residents of our city. Implicit or explicit acts of discrimination are unacceptable and must always be strongly confronted.

At a juncture when it is critical for all segments of the community to come together to work for the betterment of our city as a whole, we look to city officials and community leaders alike to demonstrate the city’s fundamental commitment to embracing diversity and inclusion, starting with its immigrant community. Given this expectation of our community leaders, it is imperative for RCPOA representatives to clarify their actions and bring this matter to a constructive conclusion.

While the deplorable parts of Glendale’s history can never be forgotten—when the city was a haven for white nationalism—we believe the present Glendale is one that embraces its diversity, multiculturalism and champions inclusivity.

ANCA-Glendale is committed to a proactive approach to these issues and has reached out to the RCPOA leadership requesting a meeting. During the coming week, ANCA-Glendale representatives look forward to a direct, open and honest dialogue with RCPOA board members to further address concerns raised by community members.

The Armenian National Committee of America-Glendale Chapter (ANCA-Glendale) is a grassroots public affairs organization devoted to advancing issues of concern to the Armenian American community in Glendale, California.

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RCPOA Statement Regarding Incident at its Summer Social
Based on Councilman Vartan Gharpetian’s public comments made at the Glendale City Council meeting of September 10, 2019, Royal Canyon Property Owners Association Board of Directors has learned that he was deeply offended by the actions of few homeowners regarding his participation at the RCPOA’s private, non-political summer social party.

We apologize to Councilman Gharpetian and immensely regret this unanticipated and hurtful incident.

Offending him was never the intent. For anyone to allege that the actions were premeditated and racist in nature is absolutely inaccurate and unacceptable.

As a result of his feedback, members of RCPOA Board of Directors are reviewing policies, procedures, and protocols to make sure that this type of incident never occurs again.

We are a diversified group of volunteer individuals who respect everyone in our community. We hold our elected officials in high regard as they represent us and serve our community well.

As we celebrate our 50th anniversary, our goal continues to remain how to best serve the homeowners in our designated neighborhoods and to make sure that our neighbors get to know each other, feel safe, secure and welcomed.
RCPOA Board of Directors

A delegation of lawmakers from France’s National Assembly and Senate, headed by the chair of the France-Artsakh Friendship Group Guy Tiessier arrived in Stepanakert on Tuesday and met with the leaders of Artsakh on Wednesday in a series of meetings that highlighted cooperation with France and advancing Artsakh’s right to self-determination on the world stage.

Artsakh President Bako Sahakian welcomed the delegation and after briefing the French lawmakers about the current developments, he underscored that Artsakh was interested in advancing cooperation with France, which he said would be a significant turning point in the country’s foreign policy.

The delegation also met with Artsakh Foreign Minister Masis Mayilian who underscored the importance of the visit and the opportunity it provided for French lawmakers to gain first-hand knowledge about the current situation in Artsakh, which would help in furthering relations between Artsakh and France.

Mayilian touched upon the state-building process and the democratic developments taking place in Artsakh, in particular, the recent elections to the local self-government bodies. The Foreign Minister stressed that Sunday’s election served as yet another manifestation of the process of advancing of Artsakh’s domestic priorities, based on democratic values.

The sides assessed the achievements and challenges in advancing bi-lateral relations and stressed the need for Artsakh to continue developing relations with the international community and highlight the fundamental rights and freedoms by its citizens.

Mayilian emphasized the need to multiply efforts toward the development of parliamentary diplomacy and decentralized cooperation between the two countries, emphasizing the key role the France-Artsakh Friendship Group plays in that regard.

During a meeting with Speaker of Artsakh’s Parliament Ashot Ghulyan, the sides discussed advancing cooperation between the two countries’ legislatures.

Tiessier, the leader of the French delegation, expressed willingness to raise awareness about Artsakh around the world.

During a special ceremony at Stepanakert’s War Volunteers Park following the meeting, Ghulyan and Tiessier were joined by members of the delegation and other officials in inaugurating a sign that celebrates the friendship between France and Artsakh.

“I congratulate everyone on another symbol of Artsakh-France cooperation and wish perpetuity to our friendship,” said Ghulyan during remarks at the ceremony.