Author: Manouk Vasilian

Artsakh President Urges Yerevan to Refrain From Agreeing to Azerbaijani Control of Karabakh

Manouk Vasilian
by Asbarez Staff

 

 

 

in Armenia, Artsakh, Featured Main, Latest, News, Top Stories

Artsakh President Arayik Harutyunyan delivers a televised address on May 23


Artsakh President Arayik Harutyunyan appealed to Armenia’s authorities to refrain from any efforts and statements that consider Artsakh part of Azerbaijan, urging Yerevan to remain true to state and international obligations, as well as Armenian national interests and aspirations.

Harutyunyan made the statement in a nationally televised address in light of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s announcement on Monday that signaled Yerevan’s readiness to see Artsakh under Azerbaijani control.

In response to Pashinyan’s announcement, Artsakh’s National Assembly unanimously approved an angrily-worded statement condemning Pashinyan for his actions. Harutyunyan welcomed the parliament’s statement.

In his remarks directed at Armenia’s authorities, Harutyunyan said that his government fully comprehends that Armenia finds itself in a vulnerable position after the 2020 war, adding that the Artsakh authorities have approached various developments with great understanding and have and continue to endure the brunt of all kinds of deprivations, in order to neutralize all intimidation tactics that might force Armenia to make concessions.
 
“However, there are concrete principles and red lines whose violation we consider unacceptable and inadmissible. Recognizing Artsakh as part of Azerbaijan is one of those red lines, which we are confident that the for the vast majority of Armenians remains the same,” Harutyunyan said.

“The main condition for the Republic of Armenia, in its dealings and posturing as it relates to Artsakh, must be the _expression_ of the will of the people of Artsakh, which was unequivocally voiced through the independence and constitutional referendums that took place with the unconditional support of the Republic of Armenia and all Armenians around the world,” Harutyunyan added.

“The normalization of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan cannot take place with a completely separate approach from that of the Azerbaijan-Karabakh conflict and at the expense of the fundamental rights and interests of the people of Artsakh,” emphasized the Artsakh leader who also stressed that these principles are an integral and crucial part of the interests of the entire Armenian Nation.

“For us any announcement or document that ignores the self-governance of the Republic of Artsakh, the right to self-determination of our people and the facts of its practical implementation, are unacceptable,” Haurutyunyan said in welcoming the Artsakh National Assembly’s unanimous declaration and in response to Pashinyan’s announcement.

“Artsakh has never been and will never be part of Azerbaijan, because this is the will of our people who have an unwavering determination to fight for their rights and interests. I am confident that those fighting [for these rights] will not be alone. Not only will all Armenians continue to support our struggle, there will be principled supporters in the international arena,” added Harutyunyan.

The Artsakh president said that the ongoing threats to the safety of Artsakh, the deteriorating humanitarian conditions as a result of the five-month-old blockade and international developments prompted him to speak to the nation. He enumerated the mounting challenges and said that the following issues continued to impact the landscape and stability:

  • The more than five-month-long blockade of Artsakh has increased the humanitarian and political challenges and added to security threats;
  • The deterioration of the humanitarian situation and the increase of risks due to the ongoing risks to Artsakh’s vital infrastructures;
  • The ongoing threats of new military aggression by Azerbaijan against Artsakh and overt ethnic cleansing ambitions;
  • The serious breach of the Russian guarantees to the security of the people of Artsakh, mandated by the tripartite declaration of November 9, 2020.
  • The escalation of geopolitical tensions in the region and Azerbaijan’s aggressive policies stemming from the Russia-Ukraine conflict;
  • The continued weakening of international structures and the failure of the international community to ensure the security and fundamental rights of the people of Artsakh and uphold the implementation of the decisions of international courts;
  • Armenia’s continued weakening position in the process to normalize relations with Azerbaijan and efforts to recognize Artsakh as part of Azerbaijan.

Harutyunyan said that Russia, and its president Vladimir Putin, have shouldered obligations outlined in the November 9, 2020 agreement that include keeping the Lachin Corridor open; eliminating all obstacles advanced by Azerbaijan, freeing the 120,000 residents of Artsakh from becoming hostages to terrorists; and preventing Azerbaijan’s aggression against the people of Artsakh.

“Regardless of how the actions of the other sides [to the agreements], Russia has taken on specific obligations, which have served as a critical impetus for the people of Artsakh to return after the war. Thus, we expect the unwavering and decisive fulfillment of those obligations, in the name of the interests of Artsakh and Russia, as well as the centuries-old alliance and friendship between the Armenians and Russians,” Harutyunyan stressed.
The Artsakh president also appealed to all stakeholders in the international community, especially the United Nations Security Council “to first and foremost ensure that Azerbaijan fully adheres to the February 22, 2023 decision of the UN’s International Court of Justice ruling.”

He also emphasized that it is crucial to guarantee the security of the people of Artsakh based on UN principles and goals, through various mechanisms.

AW: Hadrut: A community in exile committed to cultural preservation

Manouk Vasilian
May 16, 2023 Siranush Sargsyan Art, News 0

When Alexandra Avanesyan, a fine arts teacher at Hadrut art school, asked her students to draw their dream house, sisters Mane and Milena from Togh village said they had already lost theirs. Mane, who attended first grade in her native village for only three weeks before the 2020 war forced her to flee, doesn’t remember her school or classmates. But her eyes light up for a moment and then fill up with tears when she talks about her home. “It was the most beautiful house, two-story, with flowers in the yard and a fence.”

During the 44-day war that Azerbaijan launched against Artsakh in 2020, the region of Hadrut, along with Shushi, was violently conquered by Azerbaijan, creating an internally displaced population of 13,500 people. About 5,380 of them live in Artsakh; almost the same number live in the Republic of Armenia. The rest have emigrated abroad.

Azerbaijan’s political propaganda often invokes the large number of Azerbaijani refugees/displaced persons from the 1990s war, which in numbers is almost comparable to displaced Armenians from the same era (a fact that Azerbaijan conveniently omits). Yet there is rarely mention of the ethnically cleansed indigenous Armenians of Hadrut, who became homeless just two years ago.

On March 20, forcibly displaced Armenians of Artsakh called on UNHCR, Pashinyan, Putin and Aliyev to organize their return to their homes. 

Today, over two years after the war, the displaced people of Hadrut are mostly settled in Artsakh’s capital Stepanakert. According to Artur Baghdasaryan, head of the administration of the Hadrut region in exile, the government in Stepanakert is building housing for former residents of Hadrut. Construction on a residential district with over 250 apartments was underway until Azerbaijan’s blockade of Artsakh, which shut down all construction projects due to the lack of imported building materials. Were it not for the blockade, the first set of houses would have been completed by now.

The enduring blockade has also impacted employment prospects, with massive layoffs by businesses that have neither supplies nor outside markets to work with. In addition to housing, employment and social problems, the displaced people of Hadrut also face challenges in realizing the right to an education and freedom of creative _expression_. Having lost their homes and schools, people from Hadrut now conduct their art lessons at the Komitas Music School in Stepanakert. In addition, due to high demand, the teachers offer art classes on weekends as well. This all impacts the quality of education and the educators’ well-being.

Tatevik Mkrtchyan was hired to direct the Hadrut art school about a month before the 44-day war. After taking refuge in the Republic of Armenia, Mkrtchyan returned to Artsakh immediately after the war, despite losing her home in Hadrut. She understood the importance of maintaining Hadrut’s education system in exile as a way to preserve their culture and also encourage displaced people to return to Artsakh, despite having lost their ancestral villages.

Today, more than 100 students attend the dance, theater, fine arts, clothing modeling and decorative-applied arts departments at the relocated Hadrut art school, which is an extracurricular school. Most students are displaced from different settlements of the Hadrut region.

Young girls take dance lessons at the relocated Hadrut art school

“At first, you reject reality. Then you accept it, and then you try to overcome it,” says Mkrtchyan.

Since the building conditions are not satisfactory, she is forced to combine her administrative work in the director’s office during choir practice. “We even conduct painting classes in the kitchen. But we are not complaining. At least in these conditions, we are able to educate the children and bring them closer to the world of art,’’ she added.

Despite all odds, neither the administrators nor the teachers have lost hope in returning to Hadrut one day. Until then, they want to live together as a community. If they build houses close to each other, the school intended for Hadrutsis should be close by.

“If there is hope to return to our homes to Hadrut, we must keep our traditions alive. My great-grandmother was a native of Shushi. After the 1920 massacres in Shushi, her family, along with nearly all Armenian residents of Shushi, dispersed, instead of creating a community in exile. When Shushi was liberated in 1992 during the first Karabakh war, they did not return to their hometown, and other displaced Armenians lived in Shushi instead of them.” Mkrtchyan thinks that they shouldn’t make the same mistake. “When we go back to our homes in Hadrut one day, we, our children and grandchildren should live there,” she added.

Hadrut art school

In this environment, displaced people from Hadrut are also able to preserve their dialect, customs and memories. This is important not only for them but Armenians and indigenous peoples everywhere. Throughout the centuries, Armenian communities have been repeatedly displaced by war or earthquake. Until 2020, Hadrut was one of the few corners of the Armenian homeland where the people had lived in the same region for many centuries, if not millenia, without displacement. Gatherings between and after classes and conversations in Hadrut’s sweet and unique dialect may slightly ease the longing and pain. “For us, talking about the butcher from Hadrut or sharing the success story of Nora, who opened a sweet shop in Yerevan, with the dialect of Hadrut is more valuable,’’ added Mkrtchyan.

Outside this community, there has been little appreciation for Hadrut’s unique dialect and enduring culture. Among the exceptions is Yerevan-based author Arpy Maghakyan’s 2022 children’s book Sun-kissed Shushi, in which a poem about the legendary tree Tnjri is presented in the Hadrut dialect. But recognition of Hadrut’s unique place in Armenian ethnography is not enough for cultural survival. The Stepanakert-based people from Hadrut know this all too well, which is why they consciously rely on each other not only for cultural preservation, but in daily life. If someone needs to find an apartment or a job, they all try to organize it through their  acquaintances. Helping each other and sticking together is a strategic choice, even if that may make life harder. “It’s not that we provide better education than other schools in Stepanakert. It is not even appropriate that in the art school we teach children of different ages in the same groups together. We also work on Saturdays and Sundays, but we have no other option,” said Avanesyan. “I am afraid that we will lose ourselves too. We have already lost a lot of each other, and we must keep those memories, traditions and our dialect alive, even in exile.” She notes that children are the key to this survival, and she has reasons to feel hopeful since “children understand everything, and all their dreams are related to returning home.”

The people of Hadrut today, who are based in Stepanakert, live less than 100 kilometers away from their ethnically cleansed and occupied homes. Yet they make the choice to keep Hadrut alive, for the sake of their own well-being and for future generations. “If you don’t have a home, it’s like you’re lost. You can’t find your place in this world.”

Hadrut art school

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Siranush Sargsyan is a freelance journalist based in Stepanakert.


Russia intends to withdraw from Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe

Manouk Vasilian

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 15:24, 10 May 2023

YEREVAN, MAY 10, ARMENPRESS. Russia has indicated its intention to formally withdraw from the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (CFE), a military transparency agreement that is currently suspended, RT reported citing announcements published by the Kremlin.

Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov has been selected by President Vladimir Putin to supervise the procedure in the Russian parliament.

The appointment was revealed on Wednesday as part of regular Kremlin announcements. Ryabkov will represent the government in both chambers of parliament regarding the proposed withdrawal, the document said.

Leonid Slutsky, the leader of the nationalist LDPR party, told RIA Novosti that a draft law on Russia’s withdrawal from the treaty could be introduced as early as this week.

The CFE treaty was one of the cornerstones of the attempted de-escalation of tensions between the Warsaw Pact bloc and NATO during the final days of the USSR. Signed in 1990, the agreement set limits for deployment of conventional forces on the European continent and established various transparency mechanisms, such as on-site verification inspections.

Azerbaijani military reports one KIA after attack on Armenia

Manouk Vasilian

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 12:58,

YEREVAN, MAY 11, ARMENPRESS. The Azerbaijani military announced that one of its soldiers was killed during its attack on Armenia Thursday morning.

The Azerbaijani Ministry of Defense identified the killed soldier as Orhan Novruzalizade.

Azerbaijani forces opened heavy cross-border gunfire on Armenian positions deployed near Sotk in the early hours of May 11.

Four Armenian troops were wounded.

Armenian Relief Society of Eastern USA Presents a Regional Seminar in Hackensack

Manouk Vasilian
TAP Into Hackenstack
By Casey Abline
Published at 2:33 PM
Last Updated at 2:33 PM

Hackensack, NJ – On Saturday, April 29, 2023, over 70 members and supporters of the Armenian Relief Society (ARS) of Eastern USA gathered at the Hackensack University Medical Center for its regional seminar. 

The ARS anthem was led by MaryAnne Bonjuklian, who then presented Caroline Chamavonian, chairman of the ARS of Eastern USA.

According to a press release distributed by the ARS, Chamavonian noted in her opening remarks that the last in-person seminar was held in 2019. Since then, however, she said the ARS “provided thousands of dollars worth of scholarships to young scholars. Our chapters worked in the community during the pandemic to support the elderly and thank our medical heroes. We extended our healing hands to our community members in Lebanon before and after the Beirut port explosion. We supported the work of the Central Executive Board in Artsakh and the work of our sister region in Syria.”

Cynthia Ruggerio, Esq., gave the first talk of the day on "Resonating Patterns of Cultural Destruction and Genocide." Ruggerio spoke about Lemkin's coining of the term "genocide" and the role of cultural destruction; recurring patterns from the past to the present; church destruction; the denialist narrative; the Artsakh blockade; and the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and international deficiencies.

Dr. Kim Hekimian, assistant professor of nutrition in pediatrics (gastroenterology, hepatology, and nutrition) at Columbia University Medical Center's Institute of Human Nutrition, lectured on "Women's Health in Armenia." Hekimian provided a lifetime view, emphasizing the intergenerational implications of malnutrition. She also reviewed the primary causes of death in recent years, with coronary heart disease ranking first.

A workshop on legislative procedures was presented by Seda Aghamianz, a member of the ARS of Eastern USA Regional Executive Board.  “The understanding of parliamentary procedures is essential during meetings to ensure that the decision-making process is fair, efficient and effective, allowing for the best possible outcomes for the meeting,” she explained.

The seminar concluded with a presentation on "Armenian Women's Rights and Roles Throughout History" by long standing ARS member Valentine Berberian and past ARS United Nations interns Taleen Nigdelian, Nory Boiatchian, Talar Hovsepian, and Arev Ebrimian on "Armenian Women's Rights and Roles Throughout History."

The Regional Board thanked all guests as well as the New Jersey "Agnouni," "Armenouhi," and "Shakeh" Chapters for their efforts in organizing the event.

Pashinyan honors martyrs who made ultimate sacrifice in Victory Day address

Manouk Vasilian

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 09:32, 9 May 2023

YEREVAN, MAY 9, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan issued a statement on Victory Day, paying tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in fighting against fascism and serving their homeland.

Below is the full statement released by the Prime Minister’s Office:

“Dear people, dear compatriots, I congratulate all of us on the occasion of the 78th anniversary of the victory in the Second World War, the Great Patriotic War.

With this victory, the civilized mankind [rejected] one of the greatest evils – fascism. The Armenian nation’s role in this is invaluable, with over half a million Armenians having had significant contribution to saving humanity from fascism with their actions as part of the Soviet Army, the Allied armies, partisan and guerilla resistance [operations].

Numerous Armenians displayed heroism in this fight, and made the ultimate sacrifice for humanity. We had more than 300,000 deaths in the war. 107 Armenians were bestowed the title of Hero of the Soviet Union, many Armenians received high awards from the USSR and allied countries, ensuring the Armenian nation’s honorary place in the fight against fascism.

Dear people, dear compatriots,

In the last several years, we’ve been marking 9 May with sadness and distress. This is primarily due to the grave consequences of the 44-Day War of 2020, the loss of Shushi in the war and the aggressive policy taking place against Nagorno Karabakh and the Republic of Armenia. The turbulent international situation is further aggravating this situation, because the security systems of our region are deformed.

In this situation, our biggest duty before those who sacrificed their lives for their country is to strengthen and empower our statehood, and the normalization of our relations in our region must be part of this program. It is this approach that should guarantee the Armenian nation’s existence in its homeland. A strong and developed Republic of Armenia must become the guarantee of honoring and commemorating all our martyrs. Glory to all martyrs who sacrificed their lives for our homeland. Glory to all the resilient warriors who are doing everything possible and the impossible for the strengthening of our state.”




TAAL’s Anti-Racism Town Hall Panel Included Six Leading LA County Officials

Manouk Vasilian


For Immediate Release

Sunday, May 7, 2023

 

Media Contact: Vic Gerami

310.880.8563

[email protected]

 

 

 

Six Leading Elected Officials were Panelists

on High Profile Town Hall to Address 

Rising Anti-Armenian Racism in LA County

 


Truth And Accountability League’s (TAAL) Town Hall,

‘Stand TAAL to Hate,’ was a partnership with the

LA County Commission on Human Relations’ LA vs. Hate,

with Onni Group as Presenting Sponsor

 

 

 

Los Angeles — Leading LA County elected officials, dignitaries, civic leaders, and community members gathered on Thursday, May 4, for the Truth And Accountability League (TAAL) anti-racism Town Hall at the Glendale Central Library. 

 

TAAL’s town hall, ‘Stand Taal to Hate,’ partnered with the LA County Commission on Human Relations’ LA vs. Hate. Moderated by TAAL’s founder & Chair, Vic Gerami, the event addressed the rise in anti-Armenian hate crimes in LA County, including the anti-Armenian flyers posted in Glendale in March and similar ones in Beverly Hills a month earlier, calling for the massacre of Armenians, and general hate incidents against different groups. 

 

The panel included Glendale Mayor Daniel Brotman, Glendale Police Chief Manuel Cid, Chief of Staff Joseph F. Iniguez from the LA County District Attorney’s Office, State Commissioner Sam Kbushyan, West Hollywood Mayor Sepi Shyne, and the Executive Director, L.A. County Commission on Human Relations Robin S. Toma, Esq.

 

The Town Hall was also live-streamed on TAAL’s website, with ONNI Group as the Presenting Sponsor. The panel discussed creating awareness, educating the public, and finding solutions to the rising anti-Armenian racism, Armenophobia, and hate incidents against various minorities in Los Angeles. 

 

‘The recent anti-Armenian flyers posted around LA County, home to hundreds of thousands of Armenian-Americans, remind us that we must be vigilant about racism, hate acts, and propaganda. It’s unfathomable that on the heels of the Armenian Genocide anniversary, Armenians are terrorized by flyers around schools and churches that call for the extermination of Armenians,’ said Vic Gerami, founder of TAAL.  

 

He added, ‘But we mustn’t allow the hate of a few to create division, pin us against each other, and get us stuck in the problem. The Truth And Accountability League is focused on the solution. We want to bring together, not only members of the Armenian community, but everyone to create awareness, educate, and find answers. Our panel of leaders and experts will discuss ways to handle malice that aims to victimize, dehumanize, and diminish us. Hate acts affect everyone, regardless of ethnic background, race, religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity. TAAL’s Town Hall is a forum to empower everyone.’ 

  

Gerami worked closely with the LA County Commission on Human Relations, its LA vs. Hate program, and executive director Robin S. Toma to produce this first-of-its-kind Town Hall. 

 

‘The Armenian American community is such an essential part of our LA County community, but the amount of discrimination and negative stereotyping they’ve experienced is too often understated because it is underreported,’ said Robin S. Toma, Executive Director of the LA County Commission on Human Relations. ‘I look forward to sharing the data we collect on acts of hate in our county, and most importantly, what we are doing with LA vs. Hate to increase reporting and eradicate hate in all our cities and neighborhoods.’ 

 

‘Stand TAAL to Hate’ is a Town Hall to benefit every group that has experienced racism, been subject to hate crimes, and defamation, along with LA’s Armenian community, which has been a target of such acts more frequently in recent years. With its nearly 40% Armenian community, Glendale is the perfect crossroad for such an event.

 

Glendale Mayor Daniel Brotman said, ‘I am proud to be the Mayor of Glendale, a city rich with diversity, including one of the largest Armenian diaspora communities in the world. The Jewel City has zero tolerance for racism, hate acts, and defamation. I strongly condemn the recent anti-Armenian flyers and work with Glendale Police and community leaders to find the perpetrator.’

 

He continued, ‘I’m honored to be a panelist for the Truth And Accountability League’s Town Hall. I applaud Vic Gerami and his team for launching a community outreach campaign to create awareness, educate, and empower not only the residents of Glendale but all of LA County.’

 

We’ve also witnessed the former president of the LA City Council, Nury Martinez, make a racist statement about a colleague that was caught on tape. The prevalence of the problem led the Burbank Board of Education to revise its anti-racism statement and update the board policy to stand in solidarity with Armenians. 

 

‘I look forward to participating in the Truth and Accountability League Town Hall in May. Coming together to discuss hate, accountability, and transparency is a powerful act of solidarity and progress. This will be a great opportunity to educate our community on the efforts law enforcement is making to address these challenges, as well as to learn, share, and work together towards a more equitable future,’ said Manuel Cid, Chief of Police, Glendale Police Department.

 

The audience had a chance to submit questions in writing before the start of the town hall. Gerami read a few of the questions and allowed the panelists to answer them.

 

‘As district attorney of Los Angeles County, home to more than 200,000 Armenians, I’m immensely proud to represent the largest Armenian population in the United States and the greatest number outside of Armenia itself,’ District Attorney George Gascón said. “Our Armenian community makes tremendous academic, artistic, altruistic, and many other contributions to our region.’ 

 

He continued, ‘These hate-filled flyers that incite violence are abhorrent and must be condemned. My office takes hate crimes very seriously, filing 86 percent of the hate crime cases referred to us, far above the statewide average of 54 percent. I commend TAAL for becoming an antidote for the poison that is racism and holding this important Town Hall to promote equality and protect human rights.’

 

CA State Commissioner Sam Kbushyan, an Armenian-American, believes in tackling the problem head-on. He’s been a long-time community organizer and Mayor Karen Bass’ Transition Team member.

 

‘It’s been shocking to see anti-Armenian flyers advocating Genocide against Armenians in Glendale and across LA County. We must all condemn this bigotry in the strongest terms. While our families and loved ones in Armenia and Artsakh are under assault by Azerbaijan, LA County’s Armenian community is being terrorized by hate, defamation, and propaganda,’ said State Commissioner Sam Kbushyan.

 

He added, ‘Vic Gerami and his team at the Truth And Accountability League have taken a proactive step in organizing a Town Hall in Glendale to create a safe place for the community to address this ongoing matter. I look forward to being on the panel and serving the greater LA community.’

 

West Hollywood Mayor Sepi Shyne, who has an impressive track record for supporting the Armenian community, including sponsoring Gerami’s TAAL resolution for West Hollywood to formally recognize the Republic of Artsakh in 2021 and condemning Azerbaijan’s blockade of Artsakh and ethnic cleansing of 120,000 Armenians said, ‘I am honored to participate in the Truth And Accountability League’s Town Hall and be a part of a panel with distinguished LA County leaders. As a person of color, a woman, and a lesbian, I know racism all too well. I’ve seen the damage caused by hate crimes, defamation, and dehumanization of different communities. So, it’s important for me to speak up, create awareness, and show solidarity while there’s been an increase in anti-Armenian hate acts in Los Angeles,’ said West Hollywood Mayor Sepi Shyne.

 

She continued, ‘I commend Vic Gerami and TAAL’s work in proactively standing up against hate and educating the public about hate acts and what they can do about it. I steadfastly stand in solidarity with the Armenian-American community during these difficult times.’

 

Vancouver-based urban development company Onni Group with multiple projects in Los Angeles and a long track record of benevolence was the Presenting Sponsor of the town hall. 

 

‘At the Onni Group, we are committed to helping communities thrive where we conduct business. We take pride in supporting local events and organizations that contribute to our communities in the greater Los Angeles Area, including Glendale,’ said Duncan Wlodarczak, Chief of Staff, Onni Group.

 

He continued, ‘I applaud the Truth And Accountability League and Vic Gerami for gathering city leaders to discuss an important topic that affects everyone. Our company is thrilled to participate in the event and give back to the community.’

 

Click here to watch the town hall’s video, and click here for photos from the event. For additional information, visit TAAL’s website, TruthAndAccountabilityLeague.org. Please click here for the panelists’ photos.

 

 

About TAAL

 

TAAL is a 501©3 non-profit advocacy organization founded in 2020 due to a significant increase in anti-Armenian racism, defamation, hate crimes, and Armenophobia. We monitor and confront bias, disinformation, propaganda, and slander of the Armenian people and culture at the media level, including social media, academics, intelligentsia, and public policy.

 

Our Mission

 

To protect human rights, promote equality, combat racism where it appears and exists, stop the defamation and threats of violence against people of Armenian ethnicity, educate the community about racism, bias, and discrimination, achieve worldwide recognition of the Armenian Genocide, and end the crime of Genocide for all people across the world.

 

 

About the LA County Commission on Human Relations

 

The Los Angeles County Commission on Human Relations is dedicated to promoting positive human relations in our richly diverse, multicultural county. The Commission works to develop programs that proactively address racism, homophobia, religious prejudice, linguistic bias, anti-immigrant sentiment, and other divisive attitudes that can lead to intercultural tension, hate crimes, and related violence. Partnering with law enforcement, schools, cities, community-based organizations, youth, academics, policy makers, businesses, and other leaders, the Commission brings key players together to resolve immediate intercultural conflicts and to work toward the longer term aim of eradicating bias and prejudice.

 

LA County’s Human Relations Commission has a legacy that dates back more than 75 years to shortly after the so-called “Zoot Suit Riots” displayed serious, long-standing human relations concerns. This incident, during which large numbers of mostly White young men in the military clashed with local young men of color for three days in the streets of LA, served as a wake-up call to county residents. In January, 1944, the County Board of Supervisors established a Committee for Interracial Progress. Two years later it was renamed the Committee for Human Relations. Following national recognition for its effective work to improve intergroup relations, the Committee became an official agency of County government in 1958 and was renamed the Los Angeles County Commission on Human Relations. The Commission is among the oldest and largest of its kind in the US.

 

Each County Supervisor appoints three Commissioners who serve multi-year terms. The 15-member Commission meets each month. A staff of professional and support personnel in the County’s Department of Workforce Development, Aging, and Community Services executes the Commission’s programmatic work. The Commission’s signature projects include the annual Hate Crime Report and the annual John Anson Ford Human Relations Awards which recognize exemplary practices and exceptional leadership in human relations work.

 

 

About Onni Group

 

For over half a century, Onni has been building communities for people to live, work, and play. Our success reflects our commitment to our employees and partners, and our dedication to quality construction, innovation, sustainability, and customer satisfaction. Our expertise expands across North American cities such as Los Angeles, Seattle, Chicago, Phoenix, Toronto, and Vancouver.

 

We’ve constructed over 15,000 new homes, own and manage more than 11,200 rental apartments, built more than 18.4 million square feet of office, retail, and industrial space, and have an additional 28 million square feet of space in different phases of development. Employing thousands of people across North America, Onni is one of the continent’s largest and most established developers of real estate.

 

It’s our more than 50-year track record of delivering award-winning, high-quality developments that makes Onni a trusted brand. At Onni, we understand that our business is dependent upon our customers and the communities we serve. It is why we believe so strongly in planning for the future and giving back to those communities through long-lasting relationships that span over generations.

 

We believe the culmination of our passion for building world-class urban communities, quality design, innovation and sustainability, yields exceptional communities and experiences where our customers live, work, and play. It’s our commitment to living well. It’s a celebration of community, today and for the future.

 

 

About Vic Gerami

 

Vic Gerami is an award-winning journalist and the editor + publisher of The Blunt Post. Gerami is also the host and co-producer of the national headline news + politics program, THE BLUNT POST with VIC on KPFK 90.7 FM (Pacifica Network). 

 

Most recently, Gerami wrote, directed, and produce the journalistic documentary feature film, ‘Motherland,’ about Azerbaijan’s, Turkey’s unprovoked genocidal attack on Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) in 2020 and the massacre of 5,000+ people, and the two nations’ ongoing campaign of hate, violence, and disinformation against the indigenous Armenians. Here is a sneak peek at the film’s 5-minute sizzle.

 

Today reaching national and international audiences, Gerami first built a foundation of knowledge and skills by learning the media industry during his years at Frontiers Magazine, followed by positions at LA Weekly and Voice Media Group. 

 

Gerami’s radio program, TBPV, covers national, regional, and local headline news, politics, and current events, and Gerami offers analysis and commentary. He also interviews a high-profile member of Congress or other high-profile public figures on each show. His recent guests include Congressman Adam Schiff, Senator Bob Menendez, Congresswoman Jackie Speier, Governor Howard Dean, Congresswoman Katie Porter, Congressman Brad Sherman, Congressman Mike Levin, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, Congresswoman Judy Chu, LA District Attorney George Gascon, among many others. You can listen to all the interviews here. 

 

Gerami is also a contributor to some of the most prominent publications in the nation, including Windy City Times, Bay Area Reporter, Armenian Mirror-Spectator, The Advocate, The Immigrant Magazine, GoWeHo, Destination Luxury, OUT Traveler, The Fight, and among others.

 

The Wall Street Journal featured Gerami as a “leading gay activist” in its landmark 2008 coverage of opposition to Proposition 8, the ballot measure that for years denied same-sex couples in California the freedom to marry. In addition to his years of volunteer work as a leading advocate for marriage equality, Gerami served as a Planning Committee member for the historic Resist March in 2017. 

 

In 2015, Gerami was referenced in the landmark Supreme Court civil rights case, Obergefell v. Hodges, in which the Court held in a 5–4 decision that the fundamental right to marry is guaranteed to same-sex couples by both the Due Process and the Equal Protection Clauses of the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution.

"The language of threats and terror does not work with Azerbaijan" – Ilham Aliyev’s speech in Shusha

Manouk Vasilian
May 4 2023
  • JAMnews
  • Baku

Aliyev’s speech in Shusha

“Armenia coul use the negotiation format not to reach an agreement, but to drag out the process indefinitely, waiting for a miracle,” Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said at a conference in Shusha on the 100th anniversary of the birth of Heydar Aliyev.

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On May 3, Shusha (Armenian: Shushi) hosted the fourth international conference on the theme “Formation of the geopolitics of Greater Eurasia: from past to present and future”, dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the birth of the former president, father of the current president of Azerbaijan, Heydar Aliyev.

Aliyev delivered a speech at the conference and raised many issues to do the country’s foreign policy, relations with neighboring countries, and the Karabakh resolution.

Talking about the resolution of the Karabakh issue, Aliyev noted that Azerbaijan is determined to conclude a peace treaty, but he “strongly doubts about the similar intention of Armenia”:

“I said that if Armenia does not want peace, then there will be no peace. There are countries that have not signed a peace agreement. We know this from history, but it will not be good either for Armenia, or for the region, and of course not for Azerbaijan.

Therefore we still hope that they will show prudence and not resort to the same tactics that they used during the occupation, during the former Minsk Group, which by the way has not done anything fruitful in 28 years. And the main reason for this was that Armenia did not want to liberate the territories.

Yes, the Minsk Group was not very popular in Azerbaijan during the years of occupation. And now that it’s effectively retired, we won’t talk too much about it. But the main reason why a peaceful resolution of the conflict was never achieved was that Armenia did not want it,” Aliyev said.

Azerbaijani expert on conditions for peace – and why expectations of concluding an agreement are unjustified

According to the Aliyev, Armenia is trying delay a Karabakh resolution at every stage:

“The same thing could happen. They can drag out the process, use the negotiation format that has been launched, not in order to reach an agreement, but to drag out the process indefinitely, waiting for something, waiting for a miracle, waiting for changes.

I think that they will miss the opportunity, because almost thirty years of occupation did not give them any advantages. On the contrary, they were cut off from regional development. They have lost the chance to become a truly independent country, not just formally, but actually independent.

And now they are looking for a new owner or owners. But recent history should teach them a lesson. And we hope that they will understand this,” he said.

In Aliyev’s interview with state television, the Azerbaijani President talked about issues related to resolving the conflict between his country and Armenia

President Aliyev also mentioned that it was Azerbaijan that initiated the peace talks after the conclusion of the tripartite agreement of November 10, 2020, while Armenia “behaved unconstructively every time.”

“After the end of the Second Karabakh War, few of the actors knew what would happen next. Since the tripartite declaration is not a ceasefire agreement, it is not a peace agreement either. So the initiative came from us. We presented the well-known five principles that fully comply with the norms and principles of international law, and Armenia had to officially either reject them or accept them. Refusal would once again demonstrate their lack of constructiveness.

It was probably difficult for them to accept them from a psychological point of view. Then we had a long break, so to speak, due to Armenia’s unwillingness to conduct serious negotiations. We sent them four new versions of the draft peace agreement. We’ve been waiting for more than 40 days for the final comments that we received just a week ago, right before the meeting in Washington, because they understand that without this, the Washington meeting will be absolutely useless. But in these comments, we again saw territorial claims against Azerbaijan.

For Armenia, for international players, it was absolutely clear that there should not be a two-vector approach. The first is the normalization of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan and the second is the ties between the Azerbaijani government and the Armenian community of Karabakh. Therefore, any attempt to include the so-called “Nagorno-Karabakh Republic”, which does not exist, in the text of the peace agreement is counterproductive,” Aliyev stated.

Speaking at the 10th Global Baku Forum, the President of Azerbaijan held forth on the Armenians of Karabakh

President Aliyev also talked about tense relations with Iran and Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan is not interested in complicating relations with any country, especially neighbors, as it “faces such a huge challenge as the revival of Karabakh”:

“We have always made efforts to develop these relations and, as a president, for almost 20 years I have repeatedly visited Iran on official visits, and the previous presidents of Iran have also visited Azerbaijan many times. That is, we have maintained very active trade relations. We have been actively working on transportation issues, in particular on the North-South transport corridor. And we saw that this relationship has great potential.”

Aliyev listed the chronology of all the events that led to extremely tense relations between the two countries, from the transportation of goods from Iran to Armenia and back through Karabakh without the knowledge of Azerbaijan, to the terrorist attack on the Azerbaijani embassy in Iran, and the Iranian spy network exposed inside Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijan expels four Iranian diplomats after weeks of tension between the two nations

“Thus we demand, first, the extradition of terrorists from Azerbaijan who have taken refuge in Iran. And we demand a transparent investigation into the terrorist attack on our embassy. So you can imagine that relations between Azerbaijan and Iran are at their lowest point right now, and it is very difficult to predict whether they will stay at this level. This is very difficult to predict.

Again, this was not our choice. But everyone in Iran must finally understand that the language of threats and terror does not work with Azerbaijan. The sooner they understand this, the sooner we will see signs of normalization,” Aliyev said.

ANC-IL hosts inaugural flag raising in three cities

Manouk Vasilian
May 2, 2023 Guest Contributor ANCA News 0

The Armenian National Committee of Illinois (ANC-IL) launched its first annual April 24th flag raising. Three cities in Illinois – Chicago, North Chicago and Waukegan – paid tribute and  honored the memory of the martyred saints on the 108th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.

Mayor Leon Rockingham, Jr. of North Chicago and Mayor Ann Taylor of Waukegan demonstrated their support for the Armenian community by holding proclamation and flag raising ceremonies. These trailblazing actions signify a step toward acknowledging the struggles and sacrifices of the Armenian people and raise awareness about the Armenian Genocide and the ongoing blockade in Artsakh. 

The Armenian flag is raised for the very first time in the North Chicago City Hall (Photo: Aris Buechele)

Turkey has yet to accept responsibility for perpetrating the Armenian Genocide, but it was officially acknowledged by President Joe Biden in 2021. Descendants of survivors continue to campaign for justice.

“The goal is to see the Armenian flag being flown in every city throughout Illinois on April 24th,” said ANC-IL co-chair Anoush Bargamian. “Raising the flag raises awareness and honors our martyred saints. These observances are also meant to call attention to the blockade by Azerbaijan, with the backing of Turkey, against the Republic of Artsakh and its people.”

The flag raising ceremonies were attended by Hayr Soorp Boghos Serj Tinkjian, pastor of Armenian All Saints Apostolic Church in Glenview, and Rev. Fr. Andreas Garabedian of Chicago’s St. Gregory the Illuminator Church. Before a small gathering of people, Hayr Soorp Tinkjian spoke and offered prayers for the martyred saints, fallen soldiers and the people of Artsakh.

On April 21, Mayor Rockingham read the proclamation and said, “We also mark this day citywide, observe the solemnity of this event and the contributions by the Armenian community to this city.” Following the proclamation, a moving ceremony took place that included prayers and blessings for the Armenian flag. As the flag was raised, the crowd joined together in singing “Mer Hairenik.”

The blockade of Artsakh has been gaining attention due to the looming threat of continuing genocide. “As of December 2022, Azerbaijani troops have cut off the only humanitarian lifeline… food, fuel, medicine to 120,000 indigenous people,” explained ANC-IL co-chair Ken Hachikian, who offered remarks at both events. “Their objective is to exterminate them by starving them out. House Resolution 108 calls for the end of aid to Azerbaijan and aid to Artsakh. Please call your legislators. Your participation makes a difference; get involved.”

Clergy, activists and community members at the first annual April 24th flag raising at Chicago’s Richard J. Daley Plaza (Photo: Aris Buechele)

On April 24, there was a two-hour demonstration organized by the AYF Chicago “Ararat” Chapter at Chicago’s Daley Plaza. The ANC-IL arranged for the noon flag raising with a 375-square foot Armenian flag, hoisted by AYF activists. The flag raising ceremony was attended by honored clergy, members of the Armenian community, as well as leaders including the Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Armenia in Chicago Oscar Tatosian.

That afternoon, Waukegan Mayor Taylor read her city’s proclamation recognizing the date as “Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day.” She emphasized that the descendants have been steadfast in keeping their heritage, language and culture while contributing to the state and nation. Raising awareness of the Armenian Genocide is crucial to the prevention of other genocides.

Mayor Ann Taylor holding the proclamation with ANC-IL co-chairs Armen Alexanian, Anoush Bargamian and Ken Hachikian at the Waukegan first annual April 24th flag raising ceremony (Photo: Aris Buechele)

During the Waukegan ceremony, Hachikian remarked that there is a long history of the Armenian community in Waukegan for over 100 years, making it fitting to raise the flag in the area, which is also referred to as “Little Armenia.” Both cities observed “Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day” by raising the tricolor and reading proclamations in honor of the Armenian community.

ANC-IL co-chair and master of ceremonies for all three city flag raisings Armen Alexanian shared, “Every 30 to 40 years, we always come to this kind of heartache (genocide), and now we have the blockade of Artsakh. It keeps going on, and we  have to stop this.” Alexanian mentioned the Musa Dagh resistance during the Genocide and urged people to follow its example today, referencing the book Forty Days of Musa Dagh.

“Raising the Armenian flag and observing the Armenian Genocide in these cities serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of acknowledging historical events,” said Bargamian, emphasizing that “such actions are necessary to prevent the recurrence of humanitarian crises, such as the one currently unfolding in Artsakh.”




Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr’s grandparents rescued thousands of orphans during Armenian Genocide

Manouk Vasilian
May 2 2023
By Araksya Karapetyan


LOS ANGELES - Nine-time NBA champion and coach of four-time NBA champs, the Golden State Warriors, Steve Kerr attributes his successes to the heroic courage his grandparents demonstrated in their lifetime.  

During a tumultuous time in history, the Kerrs were instrumental in making it possible for an entire generation to survive and thrive.

While most know Kerr as a basketball star and NBA coach, many are unaware of his family history and its deep connection to the Armenian people.

"We're traveling so much—always someone is saying something to me about my grandparents or holding up an Armenian flag," said Steve Kerr.

"And it's incredibly humbling to hear these stories. You know, your grandparents are the only reason I'm here. I mean, pretty moving and special. And it makes me feel really proud, but makes me feel sad to think about all of the lives that were lost and the families that were impacted."

It’s a sacred story of courage and real-life heroes.

One that’s being carefully chronicled by documentary filmmaker Ani Hovannisian.

"It's an important story because Armenians over the world have for the century been feeling like their story is forgotten," said Ani Hovannisian.

 But humanitarian efforts like those undertaken by the Kerr family showed Hovannisian that her ancestors were not abandoned by the world.  

"Even in the worst of times, even in the face of the most horrible inhumanity that we're not alone; that there are people like Stanley and Elsa who put their lives on the line," said Hovannisian.

Stanley Kerr and Elsa Reckman were Steve’s grandparents. Stanley was a chemist and in 1919 he joined the Near East Foundation as a relief worker.

The Near East Foundation is an American humanitarian organization which was created in response to the 1915 Armenian Genocide– were 1.5 million Armenians were killed by the Ottoman Turks.

Elsa also had a calling to serve others– she traveled abroad to teach.

They met in the Armenian town of Marash and that is where they witnessed horrific events – but they were compelled to help.

"We're astounded that they had the courage at 21, 22-years-old to go basically into the middle of World War I," said Kerr.

Stanley wrote many letters home to his family— describing the dangers the Armenians were facing.

Stanley kept his promise to make any sacrifice and stayed. He was assigned to care for 9,700 orphaned Armenians– when he became the director of the Near East Foundation in Marash.

He took over 5 orphanages.

Stanley and Elsa stayed in Marash until every remaining Armenian orphan was relocated safely to Lebanon. Then they got married, moved to Lebanon, and built a life there.

 "Stanley and Elsa and the boys built this Near East Relief, orphanage together," said Hovannisian.

For 40 years Stanley taught at the medical school of AUB, the American university of Beirut.

"My siblings and I, you know, we know the story inside and out. It's a huge part of the family history," said Kerr.

Much of the Kerr history is rooted in Lebanon. Steve's father Malcolm was born in Beirut.

"He was offered the job of his dreams to be president of AUB. It was a very dangerous time in Lebanon there was civil war, there was terrorism," said Hovannisian.

 Malcom continued the Kerr legacy of selflessly serving others– until he was shot and killed.

"His life was cut short– and my life was shaped by his influence and my mom's influence. I know that the person I am is basically who my parents raised," Kerr said.

Steve was also born in Beirut– he had the opportunity to live abroad– which he says helped shape who he is today.

"I was lucky to receive a worldview at a very young age to really see how other people lived– probably didn't realize it at the time, but it was the best education I ever got."  

And because of that insight into the human condition– he feels compelled to take on a cause.

"I made gun safety and gun violence prevention my own personal crusade about eight years ago. And a lot of that has to do with the death of my dad. As grandkids of Stanley and Elsa, maybe that's my way of trying to do something positive for society. And it's definitely something that I feel a responsibility for, just as maybe Stanley and Elsa felt in a way back in 1920," said Kerr.

This human spirit carries on generations later in the Kerr family…. and generations carry on because of them.

"Those orphans, 10,000 and more orphans that they saved now have 5 generations of families after them who are living and thriving because of people like the Kerrs," said Hovannisian.

Ani Hovannisian’s documentary is still a work in progress. 

https://www.foxla.com/news/golden-state-warriors-coach-steve-kerrs-grandparents-rescued-thousands-of-orphans-during-armenian-genocide

Armenian News note: 

Watch the program at