Armenian Genocide Truth and Justice Act introduced in US Congress

As Turkey's Prime Minister Recep Erdogan continues his official U.S. state visit, a bipartisan group of U.S. Representatives introduced the Armenian Genocide Truth and Justice Act, a new measure calling upon the President to build upon the U.S. record of having recognized the Armenian Genocide by working toward improved Armenian-Turkish relations based upon Turkey's full acknowledgement of the facts and ongoing consequences of the Armenian Genocide, and a fair, just, and comprehensive international resolution of this crime, reported the Armenian National Committee of America.

"We welcome today's introduction of the Armenian Genocide Truth and Justice Act," said Aram Hamparian, Executive Director of the ANCA. "This innovative bipartisan initiative, building upon the U.S. record of having recognized the Armenian Genocide, calls for a new U.S. approach to Armenian-Turkish ties that reflects our America values and recognizes that our national interests require an end to Turkey's denials and a truthful, just, and comprehensive international resolution of this crime."

The Armenian Genocide Truth and Justice Act, introduced by Representatives Michael Grimm (R-NY), Adam Schiff (D-CA), David Valadao (R-CA) and Frank Pallone (D-NJ), reflects and reinforces previous U.S. affirmation of the Armenian Genocide as a crime of genocide, citing the U.S. Government's May 28, 1951 written statement to the International Court of Justice regarding the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, President Ronald Reagan's April 22, 1981 Proclamation and Congressional adoption of Armenian Genocide legislation in 1975 and 1984.

"Almost a century ago, over a million Armenian men, women, and innocent children were mercilessly put to death by forces of the Ottoman Empire in a horrifying attempt to wipe them from the face of the earth," said Rep. Grimm. "The U.S. has tirelessly defended justice and human rights throughout the world, and we have a solemn duty to recognize, once and for all, the injustices of the Armenian Genocide. On behalf of the Armenian community in New York City, I am proud to join with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in introducing Armenian Genocide Truth and Justice Act."

"The facts of history are well-settled – 1.5 million Armenian men, women and children were deliberately murdered in the first genocide of the 20th Century," Rep. Schiff said. "With each passing day, we lose a few more of the dwindling number of survivors. We should all feel a powerful sense of urgency, and the profound call of moral duty to recognize the Armenian Genocide unequivocally and without delay."

Congressman Valadao stated, "Many of those able to flee during the genocide immigrated to the United States and settled in California. Today, their families continue to grow, thrive, and instill their cultural heritage in their adopted communities. However, the sense of loss as a result of these horrific acts runs deep as many Armenian-Americans in my district personally know a friend or family member who was unable to escape the genocide. We must ensure that the United States government properly acknowledges what so many already know to be true."

"The time for the U.S. to officially recognize the Armenian Genocide is long overdue," said Congressman Frank Pallone, Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues. "Armenia stands as a resilient ally of the United States and a nation dedicated to democracy and regional stability, and the Resolution introduced today shows that we will not stand idly by when the truth of this genocide is distorted by the Turkish government."

Unified Young Armenians' (UYA) Official Condolences on the Tragic Passing of Allen Yekikian

On behalf of Unified Young Armenians (UYA), we send our sincere and heartfelt condolences on the tragic death of Allen Yekikian, a young and visionary activist for the Armenian Cause. No doubt, this is not only a loss for the Yekikian family, but also one for the entire Armenian Nation. His legacy and his work will continue. He will not be forgotten.

May 9: 21st Anniversary of Shushi's Liberation

Happy Cinco de Mayo

Aroutin Hartounian: A Response to El Vaquero's Letter to Editor Titled "Armenians Have Achieved Some, Not All, Goals"

My name is Aroutin Hartounian, and I am the president of the Unified Young Armenians (UYA), a 501 (c) 3 non-profit youth organization based in City of Glendale which for over a decade has tirelessly worked for the promotion of human rights, including but not limited to bringing forth the issue of the Armenian Genocide and demanding justice for this most heinous crime against the mankind.

Many within the community are aware of my background, my work, and my involvement in a number of organizations including the Rotary, the Glendale Police Department's Community Police Partnership Advisory Committee (C-PPAC), and others. Many are also aware that as the president of the Unified Young Armenians, I am responsible for organizing a number of Armenian Genocide commemoration events in Southern California.

As an alumni of Glendale Community College, I was disheartened to see the "letter to editor" published in El Vaquero titled "Armenians Have Achieved Some, Not All, Goals." The ideas put forth in the letter concerning the Armenian Genocide and the quest for historical justice was at a minimum ludicrous. At worst, the article was racist and filled with hatred vis-à-vis the Armenian community. It was an uneducated, unprofessional, and futile attempt at altering history. The ideas presented in that article were in line with the denialist and hatemongering propaganda of the governments of Turkey and Azerbaijan, their paid lobbyists, and their allies.

Secondly and more importantly, the letter published both in the electronic and paper copy of the El Vaquero was attributed to "Aroutin Hartounian," which matched both my first and my last names. It is noteworthy that in the recent past, there have been numerous amateurish yet concentrated efforts made in an effort to discredit me, my work of over a decade, and my beliefs which have been very clearly put forth in a number of forums, including during the various events, in a number of articles, and as apparent from the official position of Unified Young Armenians. This fake "letter to editor" is a continuation of the futile attempts to discredit me. For the sake of clarity, while the name of the individual alleged to have written that article matches both my first name and last name, I have NOT written this article and I do NOT agree with any part of that article.

It is professional and good faith practice for any newspaper to first verify the identity of the individuals sending in the "letter to editor" by contacting him or her via phone, asking his or her address, etc., before publishing a piece. While El Vaquero does not have any such verification procedure in place, this unfortunate episode will perhaps serve as a learning experience for the paper and it will hopefully revise its policy as it pertains to the publishing of such letters.

Returning to the article itself, if such an individual with the exact first and last name in fact does exist, and he holds such outlandish and racist ideas and beliefs, this surely would be a whole different topic to consider. In that case, we should categorize that letter as a futile attempt at a short lived publicity and fame. However, to combat such moral decay, as a society we would need to bring potent anti-racism programs back to our schools. That, of course will be the best case scenario.

In a second scenario, unless there is another individual with the same first and last name who the El Vaquero can successfully verify to have written this racist piece, this is nothing but a pure crime of identity theft. Surely, using the modern law enforcement tools, using the IP address logged in the email which the "letter to editor" was sent, the criminal will be found and will be brought to justice.

However, it is noteworthy that this is NOT a first. This latest act of desperation comes only days after attempts to create fake profiles on facebook and other social media networks bearing my information. This attempt also bears the same modus operandi of a number of entities which we have closely monitored in the last years. In one such episode, hackers from Azerbaijan hacked my personal accounts and attempted to publicize my personal and private information.

On a more positive note, I want to thank the City of Glendale, the Glendale Community College, and the communities living the Southern California who have been supportive of Unified Young Armenians and the mission which it has pursued. Because of the amazing work of the justice seeking individuals around the world, the Armenian Genocide has received wider recognition by governments, scholars, and institutions. Today, more than ever, the world is condemning the Turkish Government for committing the most heinous crime of Genocide against the Armenians, Greeks, and Assyrians. Furthermore, unlike the author of the fake "letter to editor" titled "Armenians Have Achieved Some, Not All, Goals," today the world properly condemns the Turkish Government for the crimes of those leading it during the Armenian Genocide, from 1896 to 1923. A heinous crime was committed. As there are no statutes of limitation for the crime of murder when one person is killed, how can any entity have the audacity to say that the murder of more than 1,500,000 people should be treated less severely? There was a crime, and therefore there must be a punishment. The Turkish Government must be brave enough to accept its past and pay just reparations to the Armenians, Greeks, and Assyrians. The modern Turkish Government has been unjustly enriched by illegally taking over the belongings of the Armenians, Greeks, and Assyrians. Under any fair legal system, the victims of unjust enrichment must be placed in the same position as they were before they were subjected to that crime.

It is especially significant that while the governments of Turkey and Azerbaijan, and their allies, are spending millions of dollars on lobbyists in United States to alter history, brave and righteous Turkish scholars, activists and authors are supporting the recognition of the Armenian Genocide and are calling for the payment of just reparations, a position which is shared by me and my friends and colleagues at Unified Young Armenians.

Lastly, we are confident that it is the firm and widespread support of Unified Young Armenians by the public, elected officials, academics, and organizations that creates the sense of jealousy and desperation which leads to such childish attempts. Such attempts can only strengthen our resolve. We pledge to continue our work with ever greater dedication, vigor, and commitment.

Regards,

Aroutin Hartounian
President
Unified Young Armenians (UYA)

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.

From Hitler to Aliyev, Nothing Much Has Changed