Author: Toneyan Mark

The ARS of Western USA’s 97th Regional Convention was held at the Armenian Sisters Academy in Montrose, California. In participation were 69 delegates, 11 guests, Central Executive Members Dr. Nyree Derderian, Rita Hintlian, and Maral Matossian, as well as numerous observers. The convention was hosted by the 2017 – 2019 Regional Executive Board from July 12 to 14.

The convention’s opening ceremony was held starting at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, July 12 with the attendance of Western Prelate Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian; Archpriest Vicken Vassilian; ARS Central Executive Members; representatives of the ARF Central Committee, ANCA Western Region, AYF Central Executive, Homenetmen, Hamazkayin; Armenian Sisters Academy Principal Sister Lucia Al Haik; delegates, and observers.

On behalf of the ARS Regional Executive Board, Chairperson Silva Poladian delivered welcoming remarks and outlined the importance of the region’s highest meeting, which would allow members the opportunity to examine and evaluate the organization’s work and activities throughout the 2017 – 2019 term, on a regional level. She extended special appreciation to Prelate Mardirossian, the ARS Central Executive, ARF Central Committee, local and sister organizations, the Glendale City Council, as well as the region’s 24 chapters and members for their close collaboration during the two-year term.

After these remarks, Homenetmen Western Region scouts performed the flag ceremony, marching with the American, Armenian, Artsakh, California, and ARS flags, led by the instruction of Joslyn Abajian. Singer Raffi Kerbabian then sang the American, Armenian, and ARS anthems.

Prelate Mardirossian delivered a prayer and conveyed his message, stating “The ARS is not only a universally beloved organization, it is an indispensable organization. The scope of its influence is immeasurable and the lives it has touched countless. It is a blessing in every sense of the word for Armenians of all ages, and for the perpetuation of our heritage and of our nation. As you reflect on the achievements and also the challenges of the previous term in preparation for a new term of service, may the successes of the past be the impetus and inspiration that guide you to new heights in future endeavors.”

The ARF Central Committee’s message was delivered by Garo Ispendjian, who stressed the significance of the worldwide and humanitarian service of the Armenian Relief Society, as well as the importance of the convention’s close evaluation of the organization’s work and activities. He called upon delegates to focus on upcoming programs and work, citing the continuation of the organization’s aid and assistance to Javakhk; advancing ARS schools, especially in distant communities; and focusing on after school programs for youth. He extended his thankfulness to the 2017 – 2019 Regional Executive Board with whom he worked closely during the two-year term, and extended wishes for the convention’s success.

The ARS Central Executive’s message was delivered by Maral Matossian, who recognized the ARS of Western USA region as one of the most important pillars of the organization and conveyed her expectation for the three-day convention to be most productive and implement decisions that are bold and thoughtful. She emphasized the importance of working collaboratively with united spirit to advance the humanitarian programs that serve the Armenian people in the Homeland and throughout the Diaspora.

Following the opening ceremony, the ARS 97th Regional Convention was announced officially in session by the 2017 – 2019 Regional Executive Chairperson Silva Poladian, who touched on the Regional Executive Board’s emphasis throughout the two-year term to cultivate solidarity between the Board and its chapters, as well as to stress the importance of the collective over the individual. Thereafter, Poladian called upon the nomination to begin for the convention’s temporary officers.

Delegates elected the convention’s temporary officers, as follows: Chairperson Annie Kechichian (Armenian), Chairperson Angela Savoyan (English), Nune Jamakordzian (Armenian Secretary) and Hilda Fidanian (English Secretary).

The Regional Executive Board’s guests to the convention included Nevart Mooradian, Haigoush Kohler, and Vicky Marashlian.

Thereafter, elections for the Credentials Examination Committee were held. While members of this committee examined delegate questionnaire forms, executive representative delegates were given the opportunity to report on major chapter activities. Next, it was decided that the temporary officers would remain as the convention’s permanent officers with two additional officers elected, including Hermine Parseghian (Armenian Secretary) and Souzanne Ouzounian (English Secretary).

The permanent officers appointed Khatoune Pakradouni as parliamentarian, Azadouhi Pilibosian and Jeanine Boudakian as Sergeant-At-Arms, and Maro Kechichian as reporter. Following the approval of the convention agenda, delegates elected the Nominations Committee, which then suggested members for the Resolutions and Archives Committees.

The ARS 97th Regional Convention invited ARS members Mako Mgrdichian, Sonia Peltekian, Mayda Kelejian, Sona Bostanian, Loucine Melikian, Maro Papazian, Annie Chalian, and Zvig Guedikian as its guests.

The ARS Central Executive’s report was delivered by Maral Matossian and, on the same evening, delegates had the opportunity to raise questions of clarification regarding the Regional Executive’s, Social Services, Guidance Center, and financial biennial reports. All questions were addressed and provided with comprehensive responses.

Dr. Ida Karayan, Director of the ARS Child, Youth and Family Guidance Center, presented an informational video highlighting the Center’s work and activities.

During the morning of Saturday, July 13, reports were delivered by the Archives and Auditing Committees. Next, delegates provided an assessment of the 2017 – 2019 Regional Executive’s biennial activities, which they found to be highly commendable.

Delegates examined and adopted resolutions presented by the Regional Executive Board, chapters, and personal motions. These primarily pertained to the educational sphere, public relations, fundraising, and membership recruitment. Emphasis was also placed on expanding partnerships with local, sister, regional, and international organizations, which would also allow the opportunity to deliver outreach about the organization’s humanitarian services. Internationally, the convention found it imperative to continue the organization’s focus on programs benefiting Armenia, Artsakh, and Javakhk.

Changes to the regional bylaws were also presented, discussed, and adopted. Thereafter, resolutions were presented for the ARS 72nd International Convention, which will be held on October 6 to 11 in Montreal, Canada. The regional proposed budget was later presented and approved.

On Sunday, July 14, elections were held for the 2019 – 2021 Regional Executive Board. Eight of the nine existing Board members were re-elected to the body and one new member was elected to the Board to replace Ani Bostanian, who had completed her term of service. As such, the following members were elected to the new Board: Silva Poladian, Maral Touloumian, Anita Altounian, Armenouhi (Mimi) Tomassian, Arsho Avakian, Nancy Bederian, Nora Shirikian, Varduhi Petrosyan, and Araxy Aykanian.

Subsequently, elections were held for delegates, who would attend the upcoming ARS 72nd International Convention and represent the Armenian Relief Society of Western USA. The convention elected Maral Touloumian, Annie Kechichian, Lara Kazandjian, and Sossie Poladian.

The convention concluded with the election of an Auditing Committee, addressing unforeseen matters, and closing remarks by ARF Central Committee representative Garo Ispendjian, ARS Central Executive member Maral Matossian, Convention Chairpersons Annie Kechichian and Angela Savoyan, as well as guests and delegates.

Following the adjournment of the convention, the newly elected Regional Executive Board held its first plenary meeting with the presence of the convention’s officers and ARS Central Executive representative Maral Matossian.

During this meeting, the 2019 – 2021 Regional Executive Board elected its officers as follows:

Silva Poladian, Chairperson
Arsho Avakian, Vice-Chairperson
Maral Touloumian, Secretary
Anita Altounian, Treasurer
Armenouhi (Mimi) Tomassian, Advisor
Nancy Bederian, Advisor
Nora Shirikian, Advisor
Varduhi Petrosyan, Advisor
Araxy Aykanian, Advisor

WASHINGTON—The Trump Administration—caving in to pressure from Azerbaijan’s authoritarian Aliyev regime—is targeting the humanitarian aid program in Artsakh, attempting to shut down the HALO Trust’s de-mining program that has saved countless lives across the Republic, reported the Armenian National Committee of America.

U.S. Representatives Brad Sherman (D-CA) and TJ Cox (D-CA) are leading a Congressional campaign—backed by the ANCA—encouraging USAID Administrator Mark Green to reverse course and preserve the Nagorno-Karabakh de-mining program. Administrator Green testified before the Foreign Affairs Committee on April 9 of this year that USAID was committed to completing the clearance of landmines and unexploded ordnances within the traditional boundaries of Nagorno-Karabakh.

“President Trump is wrong to bow to Azerbaijani dictator Ilham Aliyev’s reckless demand that America end U.S. humanitarian aid to Artsakh,” stated ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian. “A modest expenditure that represents a major investment in peace, this aid program has, since Fiscal Year 1998, delivered desperately needed maternal health care, provided families with clean drinking water, and cleared farms and villages of deadly mines. We thank each and every U.S. legislator who is seeking to advance U.S. interests and American values by continuing U.S. humanitarian aid to Artsakh in the face of foreign attempts to meddle in American decision-making.”

The ANCA has mounted a nationwide grassroots Congressional calling campaign in support of continued Artsakh aid. To participate, visit the website.

Russia’s largest airline Aeroflot, which will completely halt flights to Georgia on July 8, said passengers could travel to Georgia via the north Caucasian Vladikavkaz or Yerevan and from there travel to Georgia by land or air transport, the Russian TASS news agency reported.

Aeroflot made the announcement after President Vladimir Putin of Russia signed a decree Friday banning all flights from Russia to Georgia after a standoff at the parliament in Tbilisi where a Russian lawmaker, who was attending a conference of Orthodox church, spoke from the podium setting off a large-scale demonstration by Georgians who were angered that a Russian official was allowed to speak from the legislature’s dais.

Three Armenian carriers – Armenia Aircompany, Taron Avia and Atlantis European – will increase the number of passenger flights to Russia and Georgia, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s adviser Hakob Tchagharyan said on Facebook on Monday.

He said he asked all Armenian carriers about their readiness and availability to participate in the transport of passengers from Russia to Georgia and vice-versa immediately after Russian President Vladimir Putin’s order on suspending Russian flights to Georgia beginning on July 8.

“I am happy to note that three airlines – Armenia, Taron Avia and Atlantis European – are ready to participate in settling the crisis that has emerged between brotherly peoples, with five designated aircraft, the number of which can grow with another two. The Prime Minister has been briefed on the results,” Tchagharyan wrote on Facebook.

Meanwhile, Aeroflot said passengers who have bought tickets for direct Moscow-Tbilisi flights will not be charged additional money in case they decide to change the direction of the flight. Passengers who have already purchased tickets for Georgia flights, scheduled for after July 8, may receive a refund of the full price of the ticket or change the date of transportation for free.

In a related development Georgian Airways said it will offer transit flights Tbilisi-Yerevan-Moscow to its passengers. In addition to Georgian Airways, another Georgian airline MyWay Airlines operates flights to Russia.

The Russian Transport Ministry said earlier that flights of Georgian airlines to Russia will be suspended from July 8. “The reason for the suspension of flights is the need to ensure a sufficient level of aviation security, as well as overdue debts for air navigation activities before the State ATM Corporation,” the ministry said, according to TASS.

On June 20, protesters began rallying outside the parliament building in Tbilisi against the participation of Russian parliamentarians in the General Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Assembly on Orthodox.

Georgia’s opposition joined the demonstrators and called for the resignation of the government and the parliament speaker. More than 200 people, including police officers and reporters, were injured.

The protests eventually forced the Speaker of Parliament of Georgia to step down.

Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili blamed Russia for the protests, to which Russia’s PM Dmitry Medvedev reacted by saying that the accusations are non-professional and that blaming Russia distorts the situation.

On June 21, Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered Russian airlines to suspend flights to Georgia effective July 8.