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Assemblyman Mike Gatto Introduces Resolution to Recognize Nagorno-Karabakh

SACRAMENTO, CA – Assemblyman Mike Gatto (D-Los Angeles) joined with people of Armenian descent around California and the world in calling for the United States to recognize the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic as a sovereign state. The resolution, AJR 32, invokes strong language from the United States' own history regarding the rights of the people to "self-determination and democratic independence." If Gatto's resolution passes, it would make California the most populous governmental entity to call for Nagorno-Karabakh recognition, or to recognize it outright.

In 1921, the Soviet Union illegally severed Nagorno-Karabakh, also known as Artsakh, from Armenia, and placed it under the newly created Soviet Azerbaijani administration. Seventy years later, the people there formed the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic. On 6 January 1992, the democratically elected legislature of the Republic formally declared independence. Since proclaiming independence, the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic has registered significant progress in democracy building, including a presidential election last year that was assessed by international observers as free and transparent.

Three organizations that have already expressed support for the legislation are the Armenian Council of America (ACA), the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA), and the Unified Young Armenians (UYA).

Assemblyman Gatto has worked closely with each of these organizations on legislation he has authored in the past, including a resolution calling for U.S. recognition of the Armenian Genocide and on legislation extending the statute of limitations for victims of the genocide to file insurance claims. The Assemblyman has also supported events sponsored by each organization, including their stellar efforts to raise money for Armenians in need around the world. "The community is united in support of recognizing Nagorno-Karabakh," stated Gatto.

"It has been my privilege on this resolution to work with the leaders of the local Armenian American community and their outstanding representatives," said Gatto. "I am especially honored to introduce this legislation on a day when Armenians around the world are celebrating Christmas with family and loved ones."

Once passed by both houses of the California Legislature, a copy of AJR 32 will be transmitted to the President of the United States, the Secretary of the United States Senate, the Clerk of the United States House of Representatives, and to each member of the California delegation to the United States Congress.

Mike Gatto is the Chairman of the Appropriations Committee in the California State Assembly. He represents Burbank, Glendale, La Cañada Flintridge, La Crescenta, Montrose, and the Los Angeles neighborhoods of Atwater Village, East Hollywood, Franklin Hills, Hollywood Hills, Los Feliz, and Silver Lake. www.asm.ca.gov/gatto

Source: Official Website of Assemblyman Mike Gatto

Honoring Yura Movsisyan, Moe Movsisyan, and Al Nazarian for their support of Unified Young Armenians (UYA)

Unified Young Armenians (UYA): An Independent Armenian Movement

Unified Young Armenians (UYA): An Independent Armenian Movement

Al-Monitor: Turkey’s 2015 plan is to avoid word ‘Genocide’ at all costs

The groups that call the 1915 events in Turkey "genocide" filled Istanbul Taksim Square on April 24, along with Armenians who came from abroad to remember millions of Armenians who lost their lives and suffered untold agony on this land. Only five or six years ago, it was unthinkable that such an observance could be held in Turkey. These developments encourage optimism, but even as democratic and forward-looking Turkish faces were displayed in Istanbul, we also noticed that the Turkish Foreign Ministry was still repeating the clichés of the last 98 years that we all know so well, Al-Monitor writes.

The Foreign Ministry criticized the April 24 statement of US President Barack Obama with a tone bordering on condemnation: "We find this statement that ignores historic realities troubling in all its aspects, and regret it." What led to this critical tone was Obama's saying that the Armenians were mercilessly massacred and forced on a death march in the last days of the Ottoman Empire.

On one hand, Turkey has erased a yearslong taboo and is now debating 1915 freely as never before. In addition to the April 24 observances, people are openly expressing their views by referring to 1915 as "genocide" in print and visual media.

But on the other hand, looking at the official reactions of the Turkish government, you can't find the slightest change. Why? Why is Turkey trying to keep the world from debating an issue that is freely discussed in Turkey itself? Why was Obama's statement received with such a stiff reaction, even though there was no mention of genocide? Why is Turkey, while taking serious steps to solve major questions such as the Kurdish issue, still repeating its century-old clichés on the Armenian issue?

All these appear to be part of Turkey's strategy for 2015. While Armenia and the Armenian diaspora promote 2015 as a milestone for global recognition of genocide, the Turkish state, mobilized by defensive instincts, continues denying everything, just as it has been doing all these years.

Keeping all this in mind and rereading Turkey's reaction to Obama's message, it could be understood that Turkey's message was not for today, but rather forward looking. It appears that Turkey, by reacting strongly today, was trying to ensure that the US president will not mention genocide in 2015, accoridng to Al-Monitor.

Why is Turkey so worried by the use of this word? Because Ankara thinks that there could be legal ramifications of the US and European countries recognizing genocide.

"The Turkish government, fearing future sanctions, is continuing with the policy of denial, and this will not change before 2015. Whether Turkey will develop humane and rational policies once the fear of 2015 is past remains to be seen."

A Big "Thank You" on Behalf of Unified Young Armenians (UYA)

As the president of the Unified Young Armenians (UYA) and on behalf of Organization's leadership, I would like to thank each and every single one of our supporters, donors, and members who made the Sunday's telethon a success. Without them and their continued support of the UYA's mission over the last twelve years, we would not be where we are today.

Those who donated on Sunday (as well as in the last telethon) have once again demonstrated their appreciation of the Movement's value and their dedication to the Cause. They have given us the resources to continue fighting for human rights and historical justice. We are humbled by their trust and support.

We are also thankful to our guests and supporters, be it those who live in the US or those living in Armenia. We thank the Telethon's production team, Taguhi Tracy Oganyan, Arshak Baregam, Vartan Untamed Akopyan, Aram Ter-Martirosyan (ConnectTo Communications) and Partydj Karen, without whom the telethon would not have been possible. This team of selfless individuals worked hard day and night to put together what we all witnessed on Sunday. We are thankful to High Vision TV (Mr. George Asadorian), Best Tv (Mr. Bagrat Sargsyan & Mr. Vahag Sargsyan), New Wave Television (Mr. Ara Kazaryan), Aabctv Channel (Mr. Vrej Agajanian) for broadcasting the telethon last Sunday.

We thank our long time mentors and supporters including Ms. Nune Avetisian, Mr. Steven Juliet Hovagimian, Ms. Lucy Kalfayan, Mr. Hovik Gabikian, and Mr. Hovannes Balayan. These individuals have always been there for UYA over its decade long history.

We also thank the individuals* and organizations below:
His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian
His Eminence Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian
Congressman Adam Schiff
CA Assemblyman Mike Gatto
LA Councilman Eric Garcetti
Councilmember Ara Najarian
Councilmember Laura Friedman
Councilmember Zareh Sinanyan
Former Councilmember and Current Glendale City Treasurer Rafi Manoukian
GUSD Board President Nayiri Nahabedian
GUSD Board Member Greg Krikorian
Glendale City Clerk Ardashes "Ardy" Kassakhian
Armen Armenchik Gondrachyan
Vakhtang Vic Darchinyan
Narbeh Nalchachian
V & K Financial Services (Vilen Tavatyan)
Allied West Paper (The Ovanessian Family)
Hi Star Auto
Car City
1in.am (Arman Babajanyan)
Flawless Laser Center
Vartan Gharpetian
GUSD Board Member Dr. Armine Gharpetian
Garo Ghazarian, Esq.
Dr. Nubar Janoian
Hovhannes Shahbazyan
Harut Hagopian
Maria Cozette
Gagik Badalyan
Karen Boksian
Artur Madoyan
Vitamin Club
Vardan Amolikyan
Sako Zelveyan
Bedros Hajian
Karen Boksian
Hasmik Khachatryan
Levon Ter-Petrosyan
Eve Olve (Yeva Haryants)
Vito Gasparyan
Arno Mrtchyan
Seroj Avoyan
Done
Davit Tovmasyan
Martik Hovakimian
Gor Vardanyan (and the Docando Federation)
Gokor Harutyunyan
Sako Chivichian
Chuko
Louise Gill
Harout Balyan
SEIU 721
Armenian Democratic Liberal Party (Ռամկավար Ազատական Կուսակցութիւն)
Social Democrat Hunchakian Party (SDHP) (Սոցիալ Դեմոկրատ Հնչակյան Կուսակցություն) 
Armenian Bar Association 
Loyola Law School Armenian Law Student Association
United Armenian Council of Los Angeles
Allo Luv
Net Cafe
Best Choice Bail Bond
Calstar Plumbing & Rooter
Beno Blanko (and G Spot Hookah Catering)
And others...

Last, but certainly not least, I am thankful for having dedicated, hardworking, and patriotic members who went above and beyond the call of duty to make the UYA telethon a success. Each one of them deserves recognition and a standing ovation.

Sincerely,

Aroutin Hartounian
President
Unified Young Armenians (UYA)

*The names above are only a portion of the individuals who have stood by us during these last telethons. We apologize for any omissions and assure you that such omissions were not intentional.

April 23, 2012 Armenian Genocide Commemoration Candlelight Vigil (Glendale, CA)

CANDLELIGHT VIGIL IN MEMORY OF THE VICTIMS OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

Dedicating a Night of Remembrance to the Victims of the Armenian Genocide 

Glendale, CA, April 23, 2012 – In honor of the 1.5 million victims of the Armenian Genocide, Unified Young Armenians, Inc. (UYA) has organized a candlelight vigil. This night will stand as a testimony that after so many years, the Armenian-American community will always uphold the memory of their massacred ancestors.

It will take place on Monday, April 23, 2012, at 7:00PM, in Glendale, CA, in the parking area of the Glendale Civic Auditorium’s, located at: 1401 North Verdugo Rd. Many guest speakers have confirmed to be present that evening, including key political figures currently serving in the City of Glendale.

This year marks the 97th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. During one of the darkest episodes of the human race, 1.5 million innocent Armenian men, women, and children living in the Ottoman Empire were mercilessly raped, annihilated, and murdered. Most of the survivors were left as orphans and with no choice but to build their lives away from their homeland, in many countries around the world, including the United States of America. The community congregates on the eve of the Armenian Genocide to commemorate their slaughtered ancestors with a candlelight vigil.

The President of Unified Young Armenians, Aroutin Hartounian, states: “The memory of the victims of the Armenian Genocide will live in our hearts, in our minds, and most importantly, will be reflected in our actions. Our fight will go on.” UYA demands for the recognition of the Armenian Genocide by both the Unites States of America and the Republic of Turkey. It seeks justice for the sake of all genocides in the past and present.

UYA is a non-partisan, non-religious, and a non-profit grassroots youth organization. Its goal is to encourage activism among the Armenian youth, while advocating justice and human rights. It upholds the power of knowledge and education. UYA’s mission is to serve the collective good and to promote a world free of genocides.

Unified Young Armenians (UYA) 2011 Telethon will take place on March 27th



Press Release Re: April 24, 2010 March in Little Armenia Organized by Unified Young Armenians (UYA)

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release ~ 2010-05-30
For Further Information Contact Aroutin Hartounian ~ Tel. 818.971.5065

On the 95th year anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, on April 24, 2010, the Armenian community of the southern California, and the Armenians worldwide witnessed the greatest show of real unity in Little Armenia, Hollywood. Tens of thousands of Armenians and non-Armenians, united in spirit of truth and historical justice, marched and screamed in such a loud voice that even the deafest World leaders would have heard us.

This year as well as the past years, regardless of centuries old differences within the political establishment, the more recent divides based on the Armenian-Turkish protocols and politics of the homeland, and even more importantly, the fierce political campaigns in the community, the march brought together the community under one single banner: As Armenians demanding the leaders of the World to have the courage to call the events of 1915 to 1923 a Genocide.

From the Archbishops representing the two Armenian Sees to the candidates from the 43rd California Assembly race, from the members and supporters of the Armenian National Congress (the political opposition in Armenia) to the Armenian Consul General in Los Angeles, from the supporters of the protocols, to those who rightly opposed it, everyone was there. Regardless of their socio-political belongings, Armenians coming from every corner of the World, found it to be their national duty to take part in the march in Little Armenia.

This success is owed to the moral and financial support, and more importantly to the participation of the members of the Armenian community who have believed in Unified Young Armenians (UYA) and the mission which it pursues. The community must feel proud that it is the driving force behind this decade old independent force which dares to head-on tackle the numerous and colossal problems of our Nation. Through their support and participation, the community has given us the mandate to continue to remain independent and to continue organize the most populous Armenian Genocide commemoration event in the history of the Diaspora. It is with such a mandate which we continue our work. It is with this mandate which UYA aims to see beyond the disappointing and artificial divisions within the community. It is with this mandate which we will seek to remedy such divisions. It is this mandate that allows us to unify the community on every April 24th and beyond.

While the mission is noble and the challenges numerous, from time to time, we are stunned by the pitiful and contemptible political maneuvers of the establishment, who under the veil of national unity and national cause, take every opportunity imaginable to overtly question Unified Young Armenians, our mission, and our ideals. One such unfortunate and pitiful maneuver took place on April 24th, the day on which we mourned the death of over 1.5 million of our forefathers. On April 24th, in Little Armenia, from the stage and the podium which was entrusted to them by Unified Young Armenians (UYA), in front of tens of thousands of people, the establishment found it wise to question the wisdom of the UYA in recognizing the need for unity; the very ideal which we have dedicated ourselves, our programs, and our events, of which the April 24th march, has become the symbol of a united community for the last ten years.

Since 2001, UYA has done everything possible in its power to end the divides and further the cause of unity. And in this matter, rather than making empty public overtures, we took practical steps. At the April 24th marches, and in various events, UYA has hosted speakers such as George Abelian, Harout Sassounian, Harut Ter-Davtian, Hovanness Balaian, Stepan Hovagimian, and many others. Just last year, for the April 24th event, we extended an invitation to the three traditional political parties. We participated in telethons aiming at helping the orphan children in Armenia, providing funding for surgeries of Artsakh war veterans, or saving Armenian newspapers from closure. Our history is clear. So is our conscious.

But neither a clear history and conscious, nor the selfless work of over a decade, prevented the establishment from using the stage entrusted to them by UYA, to attack us; and do so on April 24th. No doubt, as experience has proved it to be true, the community will once again have the wisdom to see through such political maneuvers. Those institutions that will condone such a move will also be judged accordingly by a vigilant and attentive Armenian community.

Unified Young Armenians (UYA) will continue to remain true to its ideals. We will continue to remain fully independent regardless of pressures, attacks, or political maneuvers. Our loyalty has always been, and will continue to remain with our cause, and we will only answer and be responsible to our people. No organization, political party, committee, or individual will dictate the moves of Unified Young Armenians. This has been true for the last decade and will continue to remain such.

For the sake of the past, and sake of the future, regardless of the pitiful and unsound criticism which from time to time comes our way, we still continue to believe in good faith dealing, cooperation, mutual respect, and unity. It is based on these ideals, that we will continue working towards a unified community. We will continue our work for the sake of the unjust past imposed upon our people, and for the sake of a more unified and brighter future which still awaits us.

Executive Committee,

Unified Young Armenians (UYA)

ՄԱՄՈՒԼԻ ԹՈՂԱՐԿՈՒՄ ԱՊՐԻԼ 24, 2010-Ի ՄՀԵ-Ի ԿԱԶՄԱԿԵՐՊԱԾ ՔԱՅԼԱՐՇԱՎԻ ՎԵՐԱԲԵՐՅԱԼ

ՄԱՄՈՒԼԻ ԹՈՂԱՐԿՈՒՄ
Անհապաղ Հրատարակման Համար~ 2010-05-30
Լրացուցիչ պարզաբանումների համար դիմել Արութին Հարությունյանին ~ Հեռ. 818.971.5065

2010թ. Ապրիլի 24-ին հարավային Կալիֆորնիայի հայ համայնքը, ինչպես նաև համայն հայությունը, ականատես եղան մի ահռելի միասնության որ Փոքր Հայաստանի Հայոց Ցեղասպանության 95-րդ տարելիցին նվիրված ցույց-քայլարշավը դրսևորեց: Տասնյակ հազարավոր հայեր, նրանց թվում նաև ոչ հայեր, ճշմարտության և պատմական արդարության ոգով տոգորված՝ բղավեցին իրենց կոկորդի ամբողջ ուժգնությամբ մի այնպիսի ձայնով, որ աշխարհի ամենախուլ ղեկավարներն անգամ չէին կարող խուսափել լսելուց:

Ինչպես նախորդ տարիների ընթացքում, այս տարի ևս, անկախ ավանդական քաղաքական կառույցների միջև տիրող վաղեմի տարաձայնությունների, այդ ամենին ավելացրած Հայ-Թուրքական արձանագրությունների և Հայաստանի քաղաքականության հետ կապված այլարկարծիքությունը, ինչպես նաև համայնքի բավականին լարված քաղաքական արշավները, Ապրիլի 24-ի քայլարշավը համայնքը միավորեց այն միակ գաղափարի շուրջ, որն է աշխարհի առաջնորդներից Հայոց Ցեղասպանության ճանաչման պահանջարկը:

Սկսած Արքեպիսկոպոսներից ներկայացնելով երկու Հայկական Թեմերը մինչև 43-րդ ընտրատարածքի թեկնածուները, Հայկական Ազգային Կոնգրեսի անդամները և սատարողները, Լոս Անջելեսում Հայաստանի Գլխավոր հյուպատոսը, Հայ-Թուրքակաան արձանագրությունների սատարողները, ինչպես նաև նրանք ովքեր արդարացիորեն հակառակ էին այդ պրոտոկոլներին, իրենց մասնակցությունը բերեցին այս կարևորագույն իրադարձությանը: Անկախ իրենց սոցիալ-քաղաքական կցորդումների՝ աշխարհի տարբեր անկյուններից ժամանած հայերն իրենց ազգային պարտքը համարեցին Փոքր Հայաստանի ցույց-քայլարշավին ներկա գտնվելը:

Այս հաջողության համար, մենք պարտական ենք Լոս Անջելեսի հայ համայնքի անգնահատելի բարոյական և ֆինանսական աջակցությանը: Մենք երախտապարտ ենք հայ համայնքից իրենց ակտիվ մասնակցության և Միացյալ Հայ Երիտասարդների հանդեպ դրսևորած մեծ վստահության և հավատքի համար: Հայ համայնքը պետք է հպարտ լինի այս արդեն տաս տարեկան երիտասարդական շարժման թիկունքում կանգնած լինելու համար, սատարելով ՄՀԵ-ի հայ ազգի բազում խնդիրների շուրջ ծավալած նախագծերին: Համայնքի աջակցությունը և մասնակցությունը մեզ այս գործունեությունը շարունակելու մանդատն է տվել, որպեսզի ՄՀԵ-ը մնալով անկախ էություն՝ շարունակեն կազմակերպել Սփյուռքի պատմության մեջ դեռևս ամենամեծ ցույց-քայլարշավը ի հիշատակում Հայոց Ցեղասպանությանը: Այս մանդատով առաջնորդվելով՝ ՄՀԵ-ը ամեն ջանք են գործադրում համայնքի ներսում տիրող արհեստական բաժանումներին և տարածայնություններին չտրվել և փոխարենը հախթահարել դրանք: Այս մանդատն է, որ հնարավոր է դարձնում հայ համայնքը միավորել Ապրիլի 24-ին, ինչպես նաև մի շարք այլ առիթներին:

Չնայած որ մեր առաքելությունն ազնիվ է իսկ մարտահրավերնեը բազում՝ ժամանակ առ ժամանակ մենք ապշում ենք ավանդական որոշ կառույցների այն խղճուկ և արհամարելի խորամանկություններից, որոնք ազգային միասնության և ազգային խնդիրների քողի տակ, առիթը բաց չեն թողնում հարցադրելու ՄՀԵ-ի կոչը և սկզբունքները: Նման մի օրինակ է հանդիսանում այս տարվա Ապրիլի 24-ին Փոքր Հայաստանում կայացած ցույց-քայլարշավը, որի ընթացքում հազարավոր ականատեսների աչքի առաջ բեմահարթակից հարցադրվեց ՄՀԵ-ի խոհեմությունը համայնքում միասնության կարևորությունը ճանաչելու մեջ: Վերջինս, սակայն, ՄՀԵ կազմակերպության առաջնային սկզբունքն է իր բազում նախագծերի մեջ արտահայտված, որոնցից Ապրիլի 24-ի քայլարշավը այս տաս տարիների ընթացքում համայնքի միասնության խորհրդանիշն է դարձել:

Սկսած 2001թ-ից ՄՀԵ-ը ջանք չեն խնայել համայնքում բաժանումները հաղթահարելու և միասնության պատգամը առաջ տանելու գործում: Այս հարցում դատարկ հրապարակավ նախերգանքների փոխարեն՝ մենք գործնական քայլեր ենք ձեռնարկել: Ապրիլի 24-ի քայլարշավին, ինչպես նաև այլ առիթներին, ՄՀԵ-ը հյուրընկալել են այնպիսի խոսնակների, ինչպիսիք են Ջորջ Աբելյանը, Հարութ Սասունյանը, Հարութ Տեր Դավթյանը, Հովհաննես Բալայանը, Ստեփան Հովակիմյանը, և ուրիշները: Հենց նախորդ տարի Ապրիլի 24-ին մենք ընդլայնեցինք մեր հրավերքը դեպի երեք ավանդական քաղաքական կուսակցությունները: Տարվա ընթացքում մենք նաև մեր մասնակցությունը բերեցինք մի շարք կարևոր հեռուստամառաթոններում, որոնք նվիրված էին Հայաստանում որբ երեխաներին օգնելու, Արցախի պատերազմի վետերանների վիրահատությունները ֆինանսավորելու, ինչպես նաև հայկական թերթերի գործունեությունն ավարտից փրկելու գործին: Մեր պատմությունը հստակ է, ինչպես և մեր խիղճը:

Սակայն ոչ հստակ պատմությունն ու խիղճը, և ոչ էլ մեկ տասնամյակի անշահախնդիր աշխատանքը կարողացան կանխարգել ավանդական որոշ քաղաքական կառույցներին Ապրիլի 24-ին ՄՀԵ-ի կողմից իրենց վստահված բեմահարթակից գրոհել հենց ՄՀԵ-ի դեմ: Անկասկած, ինչպես անցյալի փորձն է ցույց տվել, հայ համայնքը ևս մեկ անգամ իմաստությունը կունենա տեսնել այս քաղակական բանսարկությունները: Այն հաստատությունները, որոնք կանտեսեն նման արարքներն, անշուշտ նաև համապատասխանորեն կդատապարտվեն աչալուրջ և զգոն հայ համայնքի կողմից:

Միացյալ Հայ Երիտասարդները կշարունակեն հավատարիմ մնալ իրենց սկզբունքներին: Մենք կշարունակենք ամբողջովին անկախ մնալ չնայած ճնշումների, մարտահրավերների, և քաղաքական ինտրիգաների: Մեր հավատարմությունը միշտ ուղղված է եղել, և կշարունակի նույն կերպ, դեպի մեր կոչը, պատասխանատու լինելով միայն մեր ժողովրդին: Ոչ մի կազմակերպություն, քաղաքական կուսակցություն, կոմիտե, կամ անհատ չի կարող թելադրել ՄՀԵ-ի քայլերը: Դա այդպես է եղել վերջին տաս տարիների ընթացքում և նույն կերպ էլ կշարունակի մնալ:

Հանուն անցյալի, և հանուն ապագայի, անկախ խղճուկ և անհիմն քննադատությունների, որ մեր դեմ են ուղղվում ժամանակ առ ժամանակ, մենք կշարունակենք հավատալ բարեկամ գործունեության, համագործակցության, փոխադարձ հարգանքի, և միասնության արժեքներին: Հիմնվելով հենց այս արժեքների վրա, մենք կշարունակենք մեր գործունեությունը դեպի միացյալ համայնք հեռանկարը: Մենք կշարունակենք աշխատել հանուն այն անարդար և պարտադրված անցյալի և հանուն այն միացյալ և պայծառ ապագայի որ դեռ անկասկած սպասվում է մեր ժողովրդին:

Վարչության Խորհուրդ՝

Միացյալ Հայ Երիտասարդներ (ՄՀԵ)

Hundreds of Angelinos Rally to Mark the 23rd anniversary of Bloody Pogroms in Azerbaijan

Hundreds of demonstrators gathered at the consulate of Azerbaijan in mid-Wilshire to commemorate the 23rd anniversary of Armenian pogroms in Azerbaijan and to protest against war threats and the hate speech by the Azeri government.

The rally, organized by a Los Angeles based youth group - the “Unified Young Armenians” was attended by several other Los Angeles based organizations, elected officials and individual community members both Armenian and non-Armenian.
The demonstrators chanted: “Azerbaijan, stop hate speech”, “Azerbaijan, hands off Armenia and Karabakh”, “Armenian-American community stands for Armenia”.  Addressing the protestors and hundreds of passersby, the speakers voiced their concern at the rising militaristic rhetoric of the official Baku and the frequent provocations by the Azeri army against Armenia and the Republic of Artsakh.

The demonstration outside the Azeri consulate was covered by a number of local TV stations and print media.

The Sumgait pogrom was perpetrated by the authorities of Azerbaijan against the Armenian population of the town of Sumgait in Soviet Azerbaijan during February 1988. On February 27, 1988, mobs consisting of ethnic Azeris formed into groups that went on to attack and kill Armenians both on the streets and in their apartments; widespread looting and a general lack of concern from police officers allowed the situation to worsen. The violence in Sumgait was unprecedented in scope in the post World War II Europe.

Եղեռն



Young Armenian boy dying at the doorsteps during the Armenian Genocide



1915 թվական ապրիլ քսանչորս,
Սև ամպը պատեց երկրին իմ Հայոց,                   
Անտեղի կոտորվեց մի հայ ժողովուրդ
Եվ արյուն տեղաց անձրևի տեսքով:
Անհոգի ու չար Թուրքը գտնվեց
Ահել ու ջահել նա բնաջնջեց
Նույնիսկ չծնված մանուկներին չխնայեց
Մայրական որովայնում գերեզման սարքեց:
Շատերին սպանեցին անխղճաբար
Շատերին էլ ողջ նետեցին գետը վարար
Ախ այս ինչ բախտի հայն արժանացավ:
Ինչու չպաշտպանեցիր դու մեզ Տեր Աստված?
Մեր քույրերին հեզ ու բարի
Ալ կակաչներ գեղեցիկ
Զրկեցին նրանց Հայրենի հողից
Տարան աճեցրին հողում Թուրքերի:
Եվ չդիմանալով ցավերին անտանելի
Իրենք իրենց հողին հանձնեցին:
ՈՒ ամեն տարի Ապրիլ քսանչորսին
Գարնան երփներանգ  ծաղիկների հետ մեկտեղ
Մի ծաղիկ էլ է բացվում սրտերում Հայ Ազգի
Որը կոչվում է "Սևավոր Եղեռն":

Ռուբինա Ակոպյան

Aroutin Hartounian: Our Pledge on the 19th Anniversary of the Reorganization of the Independent Armenian Armed Forces

On the occasion of the 19th Anniversary of the reorganization of an independent Armenian Armed Forces, we congratulate the Armenian people world wide on this tremendous and monumental achievement. After seven decades of serving under the banner of the Soviet Union, the legendary Armenian Armed Forces is once again fighting under the sacred Red, Blue, and Orange. Today, the Armenian Armed Forces not only stands ready to defend Armenia against foreign aggressors, but is also an active participant of international peace keeping and humanitarian missions around the world.

While there still lies many challenges ahead of the Armenian Armed Forces, this sacred institution has been the guarantor of the security and sovereignty of the Armenian homeland and has instilled hope among its future generations. Thanks to each and every Armenian soldier, the Armenian Nation sleeps comfortably at night knowing that their brave sons guarantee their safety. It is because of their bravery that the Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) Republic threw off the yoke of the Azeri oppression. It is the Armenian soldiers' fearlessness that consecutive Azeri aggressions have been repelled successfully. And lastly, it is their valor that instills hope within every Armenian child for a safer, democratic and more prosperous Armenia.

One cannot forget the contributions of the families of the Armenian servicemen. It is at the expense of their families, and the expense of their unquenched yearnings and at times tormenting wait of two long years that our Nation is safe. We must honor every single serviceman's fathers who raised a true hero for his Nation and even more importantly, we must bow down to each soldier's mother who parts away from her beloved child, hoping for the safe return of their already grown and matured man.

But we also must acknowledge that the road to create the Armenian Armed Forces has not been a smooth one and challenges still lie ahead. And we, as mature and informed Armenian civil society, shall not shy away from facing these challenges. The noteworthy remnant of Soviet-era system, whereby the newer servicemen are by custom bullied by those serving longer terms, is an issue that must be eradicated. And this eradication process must start with every single soldier and officer, who not only should think about their tenure in the service, but also the service of their children and grandchildren. They must be very cautious of the precedent which is being set by them for the future generations to come. Today's actions by one soldier, can plant the seed for creed of tomorrow's entire Armed Forces. Those who have abused their powers within this sacred institution and have unjustly imposed their will on their peers shall be punished with the outmost severity as to make examples of them. And in this, the State apparatus has an important role to play. Disciplinary actions, as sanctioned by the law, and a more transparent oversight system can be helpful in solving disciplinary and other issues. While bringing change within any institution is difficult, it is noteworthy that a number of reforms have already been implemented by the Armenian Armed Forces. Such reforms are commendable; but more is needed.

Regardless, these challenges do not take away from the glory of the Armenian Armed Forces. As time and again pointed out by many non-Armenian (including Turkish) experts in the security field, and even after billions of dollars of military spending by the rogue Azerbaijani regime, the Armenian Armed Forces is still the most powerful, the most agile, and the best prepared fighting force in the region. While the road to reestablish the independent Armenian Armed Forces has been challenging, the strong will and the collective wisdom of the Armenian people, combined with the brevity and preparedness of the Armenian soldiers, has led to the establishment of a fighting force which is willing, able, and ready to defend the rights and aspirations of the Armenian Nation.

Regardless of political ideology or birth place, every Armenian in the world stands by its fighting sons. We are proud of them.

And today, as in the past, when duty calls, every single Armenian in the world, shoulder to shoulder with the Armenian Armed Forces, will stand and defend the safety and sovereignty of the Armenian Nation and the dual Armenian homelands of Armenia and Artsakh. That is our unwavering pledge.

Aroutin Hartounian

President
Unified Young Armenians (UYA)

Aroutin Hartounian: New Year Greetings and a Brief Review of 2010

On behalf of Unified Young Armenians (UYA), I would like to take the time to wish our community a happy 2011 and a wonderful holiday season full of joy, health, and success. Additionally, I must thank all of our families, friends, sponsors, and those who continue to believe in us and our mission for well over a decade. It was this belief and trust that has allowed Unified Young Armenians (UYA) to grow and expand its programs. Also, let us wish for a safe service for the young Armenian men and women who risk their lives to protect the dual Armenian homelands of Republic of Armenia and Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) Republic. They are the true heroes of the Armenian Nation. And finally, we cannot forget the American servicemen and servicewomen who are in the harm’s way fighting for our adopted homeland, the United States of America. It is thanks to them that we have the opportunity to freely exercise our constitutional rights and even be able to extend a hand to those in our homeland, Armenia.

For an independent youth organization, we have indeed accomplished a great amount. Albeit challenging at times, for over ten years we have carried the torch of the Armenian Genocide remembrance in the Southern California, having organized the largest Armenian Genocide related event outside the Armenian Homeland in the heart of Hollywood, California. We fiercely and effectively responded to those who unjustly attacked our community, and have done important work towards the cultural preservation among the Armenian children and the youth.

While our programs are many and our events numerous, there are ones that are certainly worthy of mention in our review of past year. The Little Armenia’s annual April 24th march for recognition and remembrance of the Armenian genocide has stood as the culmination of the yearnings of the Armenian people as well as their greatest show of unity outside Armenia. As a part of our human rights campaign, our members with the help of our great sponsors were able to shed light not only to the Armenian Genocide, but also to the brutal massacres of hundreds of Armenian men, women and children in Sumgait, Azerbaijan which took place at the dissolution of the Soviet Union in February of 1988. As the crown jewel of our year around programs, our free Armenian language, history, and culture classes on a weekly basis provide an opportunity for over 60 of the community’s children to learn about their heritage and speak their mother tongue. Also in 2010, with the support of the community and assistance of friends of UYA, on the night of April 23rd, the Organization put together the first major outdoor Armenian Genocide commemoration event in the City of Glendale which attracted thousands and thousands of participants.

In addition to our regular programs, this year we were fortunate enough to have launched a successful coat drive campaign which aimed at providing warm clothing for the needy population of Armenia. This success was a fruit of the close cooperation between Unified Young Armenians (UYA) and United Shipping Group, which was yet another testament to the immense potential of the Armenian community. This partnership proved that as in the past, where the Armenian business class and its youth and intellectuals stand side by side, amazing results can be achieved. We were honored to have among many guests of the event, the Los Angeles City Council member Paul Krikorian, Glendale City Council member Laura Friedman, and Glendale Unified School District Board of Education member Nayiri Nahabedian.

After years of planning, in 2011 UYA will introduce new programs aimed at expanding its educational activities, broadening its local volunteer programs, and extending its reach globally.

But this could not have been done without those people who genuinely believed in the power of the young and educated Armenians. Because of their trust, we were even further empowered to keep on fighting for those ideals which we hold so dear. Because of their participation and support, UYA has been in the frontlines of the Armenian Cause. From shedding light to the evils of Genocide, child soldiers, molestation and abuse around the world, to having the chance to raise the people’s concerns regarding geopolitical developments in various forums, we had the great fortune to serve our community and more. It is those people who we serve that make this volunteer work an immensely worthwhile and gratifying experience. As a result, we are extremely humbled.

Our sponsors played a crucial role our story of success. We thank them for putting their money where their mouths are. Every amount and every donation pushed us ahead a little further. It was their monetary investment in the next generation of the Armenian activists which will ensure that the Armenian culture will not be lost with the passage of the current generation, that the next generation will have the necessary tools to continue its professional and personal growth, and last but not least, that the rights of the Armenian people will be protected.

Most importantly, we must thank the pillars of Unified Young Armenians, our members. As a result of their selfless work and dedication, our community can proudly claim to have a socially responsible, politically active, and ideologically independent new generation. Many of them have made, and continue making numerous personal sacrifices for the collective good. It is the collective which they aim to strengthen. Fighting side to side with the generations before us, and doing so on an equal footing, I am confident that our members have reinvigorated the hope in a brighter Armenian future among many. I am proud of every single one of them, for if they did not make such sacrifices, no one else would have. Last but certainly not least, I will make a great mistake if I forgot the parents and loved ones of our members who also deserve an equal, if not a greater showing of gratitude for they also have forgone many family hours, trips, and even holidays because of the conscious decision made by our members to serve the collective.

These individuals are the ones who make UYA what it is today. As you can tell, and contrary to the popular myth, there is neither a secret organization nor a wealthy donor behind UYA. The concept is clear: Young, dedicated, and independent Armenians who believe in a set of ideals and are willing to fight to reach them; and a community which has believed in its youth and has passed on to them a sacred torch to carry. As the past decade, while we continue to work with many organizations which pursue similar or same goals and ideals as we hold, we will continue to remain completely independent. The goals we pursue are clear and mirror the Armenian national interests and are most wholly compatible with the interests of our adopted homelands. Our decisions, as they have been before, have not, and will not be dictated to us by others. They will only be made based on the best judgment of the young Armenians and we will remain responsible exclusively to our people.

We are humbled and grateful.

Once again, we wish you a happy new year.

Aroutin Hartounian
President
Unified Young Armenians (UYA)

Opening of Canada’s Embassy in Armenia on the agenda

Public Radio of Armenia - The newly appointed Ambassador of Canada to Armenia, John Sloan, presented the copies of his credentials to Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian.

Congratulating the Ambassador on appointment, Minister Nalbandian noted that Armenian-Canadian relations had greatly progressed in the fields of political dialogue, parliamentary and decentralized cooperation.

Minister Nalbandian voiced hope that the Ambassador would contribute to the further reinforcement of Armenian-Canadian relations.

The interlocutors attached importance to the cooperation within international organizations.

Edward Nalbandian and John Sloan exchanged views on the steps to be taken toward expansion of bilateral relations. The Armenian Foreign Minister noted that the opening of the Canadian Embassy in Armenia was on the agenda.

United States Congress Passes Resolution Calling on Turkey to Protect Religious Sites in Occupied Cyprus

Occupied Northern Cyprus

WASHINGTON, Oct. 1 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The U.S. House of Representatives unanimously adopted a resolution (H. Res. 1631) this week calling for the protection of religious sites in the Turkish-occupied areas of The Republic of Cyprus. The bipartisan resolution was introduced by U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Co-chairman of the Congressional Hellenic Caucus. The resolution had 27 cosponsors including the Rep. Howard Berman (D-CA), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Ranking Member of the committee.

"This measure highlights the continued violations that are taking place in Cyprus even as it celebrates the 50th anniversary of its independence, which is certainly a milestone, but is also a reminder that roughly one-third of Cyprus has been under Turkish military occupation for more than 35 years," Bilirakis said.

The resolution also urges the Turkish government to protect the cultural and religious heritage of Greek Cypriots living in the occupied areas of the country, who have been prohibited from worshiping freely due to restricted access to religious sites and the continued destruction of the property of the Church of Cyprus. In a statement, Rep. Bilirakis urged the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom to investigate and make recommendations on violations of religious freedoms.  He also called on Turkey to "remove its troops from Cyprus, remove its settlers, and come to the negotiating table in good faith to find a solution that is just for the Cypriot people."  

"We commend the U.S. House of Representatives for passing this important resolution, which sheds light on the destruction of Cyprus' cultural heritage in the Turkish-occupied territory," said Pavlos Anastasiades, Ambassador of Cyprus to the United States. "The ongoing plundering of religious sites in the Turkish-occupied northern region of Cyprus is an outrage and a clear violation of international law. By raising awareness of this issue internationally, we hope we can make progress in protecting the precious historical artifacts that are being threatened by the ongoing Turkish military occupation of Cyprus."

In 2002, and again in 2007, the U.S. and Cyprus signed a Memorandum of Understanding to impose import restrictions on categories of Pre-Classical and Classical archaeological objects, as well as Byzantine period ecclesiastical and ritual ethnological materials, from Cyprus.

Cyprus is home to priceless icons, mosaics and frescoes – many dating back to the eighth century A.D.  These artifacts have adorned churches, chapels, monasteries and numerous archaeological sites located throughout the island. However, since the 1974 invasion, thousands of these sacred religious and cultural icons have been destroyed, looted or vandalized.  Many have been stolen and illegally sold for profit abroad.  In the Turkish-occupied northern third of the nation, 520 Greek Orthodox churches and chapels and 17 monasteries have been pillaged, vandalized or destroyed, or converted into bars, nightclubs, casinos or hotels.  More than 15,000 ecclesiastical items are unaccounted for and the report estimates that more than 60,000 ancient artifacts have been illegally transferred to other countries.

Earlier this week, The President of the Republic of Cyprus, Demetris Christofias inaugurated "Cyprus: Crossroads of Civilizations" a new exhibition at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C. The exhibition marks the 50th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Cyprus and features artifacts from nearly 11,000 years of history.  The exhibition features more than 200 artifacts that range from items from the earliest villages to masterpieces of medieval religious art and give an overview of the island's unique culture.

This press release is being distributed by Qorvis Communications on behalf of the Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus.  Additional information is available at the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C.

SOURCE Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus

UYA Experiences for All

Even though UYA is a movement of young Armenians, it caters it's services to a wide range of audiences.

Annual March on April 24th for Recognition of the Armenian Genocide and Prevention of Future Genocide

Our annual march for the Recognition of the Armenian Genocide and prevention of other genocides such as the Genocide in Darfur, has not only attracted a wide range of participants from various age groups, but has also united the community's various forces, factions, and groups under the Armenian banner.

Annual Sumgait Massacres Protest on February 27th at the Azerbaijani Consulate

The Azerbaijani regime carried on the legacy of the Ottoman Empire when in 1988 and 1990 hundreds of Armenians were brutally killed and hundreds of thousands were forced to flee their homes and became displaced rafugees. Each February 27th, UYA holds protests at the Azerbaijani Consulate and at major media outlets to remind the world of the murderous campaigns in Azerbaijan.

Glendale City Council Elections Forums

We promote civic participation within the communities in which we live in. In February 2009, we organized the first ever bilingual Armenian-English Glendale City Council Forum.

Armenian-Turkish Protocols

When the news of the Armenian-Turkish Protocols surprised the world, the Unified Young Armenains responded by organizing the first televised debate on the matter. Apart from the Armenian Consul General in Los Angeles, and the representative of the AGBU, every major organization and group had sent a representative to the teleconference whcih gave the Armenian public, as well as the non-Armenians in the community the opportunity learn about the protocols.