2016 Incillam: 0000 - Vero: 0000 Vol. 2 No. 1 2 No. Vol.

Karabakh Ceasefire All But Dead US Ambassador Mills’ A war is effectively taking place at the frontlines New Year Message to and two-decade-long ceasefire in Nagorno-Kara- bakh has essentially come to an end, Armenia’s Defense Ministry spokesman A. Hovannisian stat- ed, describing the current situation in the Arme- nian-Azerbaijani conflict zone. “We don’t have a peace there. What we have is relative calm, this is a war, and I would ask you to use the term ‘war’ and not to use the phrase ‘ceasefire violation’ be- cause, in effect, we don’t have a ceasefire any- more.” “Today the adversary is, in fact, using its entire military arsenal. There is not a single type of weapon in the Azeri military that would not be brought to the frontline. Naturally, this implies more far-reaching goals than killing one or two soldiers,” Hovhannisian said The Armenian and Azeri militaries have suffered this year the largest number of casualties since a Russian-brokered truce stopped their full-scale war for Karabakh in 1994. Exchanges of mortar fire on their main frontline around the disputed territory appear to have been a daily occurrence in recent months. According to the Armenian mil- itary, the Azeri side has started using tanks and howitzers for the first time since 1994. US Ambassador to Armenia Richard Mills has extended a Hovannisian described the Azeri recourse to in- New Year message, which is as follows: creasingly heavy artillery as a “desperate step” re- sulting from Baku’s failure to gain a strategic ad- Happy New Year and Merry Christmas! vantage over the Armenian side. “Why have they From Leigh and all my colleagues at the US Embassy, I want switched to tank and howitzer fire?” he said. “Be- to thank everyone in Armenia for giving me and Leigh one of cause during previous incidents they killed one or the best years of our lives, since we arrived here in February two Armenian soldiers but got a tougher response. 2015. We didn’t let them do more. They failed to reach I arrived with a video in which I quoted an American painter, their overall objective.” cont. on pg. 8 Thousands Celebrate Armenia’s Independence Armenian Americans throughout Southern California celebrated the 24th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Armenia at the Ar- menian Independence Day Festival on September 20th at Verdugo Park in Glendale. The annual event, spearheaded by the Nor Serount (New Generation) Cultural Association, along with; the Gaidz Youth Organization, the “Ho- menmen” Armenian Athletic Asso- ciation, and the Armenian Council of America, drew thousands of attendees who bared the triple digit temperature

The Armenian Advocate cont. on pg. 2

1 Thousands of Southern Californians Celebrate Armenia’s Independence to partake in the festivities. Onlookers cheered for the vibrant Nor Serount dance ensembles of young children and musical guest performers delighted dancers of all ages with traditional folk dance music and patriotic songs. The joyful mood was originated by the Master of Ceremonies, Mr. Stepan Hovagimian who not only entertained the crowd, but also highlighted the significance of Armenia’s Independence to Armenians worldwide. Educa- tional and cultural booths adorned the park featuring authentic Armenian cuisine, souvenirs, hand-woven rugs, tapestries, books and media. Mr. Harut DerTavitian, Chairman of the Nor Serount Cultural Associa- tion, addressed the audience and stressed the importance and considerable work the organizations take in organizing a free event such as the Arme- nian Independence Day Festival. Mr. DerTavitian highlighted the volunteers and tremendous effort put in by the organizations to not only underscore the pride Armenians have towards their homeland’s independence, but to also accentuate the his- toric Armenian culture and heritage in order to foster stronger bonds for generations to come. Among dignitaries present for the joyous occasion were Glendale City Mayor Ara Najarian along with Glendale City Councilmembers Paula Devine and Vartan Gharpetian, Glendale Unified School District Board Members Dr. Armina Gharpetian and Nayiri Nahabedian, Glendale City Clerk Ardashes Kassakhian, former Assemblymember Anthony Portan- tino and representing the office of Congressman Adam Schiff, Mary Ho- Armenian Council of America Members with vagimian. Glendale City Mayor Ara Najarian

ACA Glendale Branch Hosts Holiday Open House

Armenian Council of America with Glendale City Council member Armenian Council of America with Glendale City Council Zareh Sinanian and Glendale City Clerk Ardashes Kassakhian members Laura Friedman, Vartan Gharpetian, and Paula Devine

To celebrate the holiday season and wrap up a year full of “This past year was particularly significant due to numerous advocacy for Armenian American issues, including the reaf- Armenian Genocide Centennial events our organization took firmation of the Armenian Genocide, and organizing various part in organizing and supporting, in addition to the day to Armenian Genocide Centennial events, the Armenian Council day activities advocating Armenian American issues in lo- of America Glendale branch hosted a holiday open house on cal, state and federal legislatures.” said ACA Chairman Sevak Saturday, December 12 at the ACA office in Glendale. Khatchadorian. “Although our mission is not complete, I am Among the many guests, dignitaries and community lead- proud of our membership, and the Armenian Community in ers who enjoyed the festivities were Glendale City Council general, for ensuring a successful year of advocacy. We should Members Paula Devine, Laura Friedman, Zareh Sinanyan, and utilize this opportunity to work even harder in the upcoming Vartan Gharpetian, along with Glendale City Clerk Ardashses years to not only advance Armenian causes, but to also invigo- “Ardy” Kassakhian, and Mary Hovagimian representing Con- rate the future generations of Armenian Americans who will gressman Adam Schiff’s office. carry the baton of advocacy into the future.”

2 San Gabriel Valley ACA Hosts Holiday Open House

Congresswoman Judy Chu with Armenian Council of America members The Armenian Council of America – San Gabriel Valley gresswoman Chu who in her address to the attendees, re-af- Branch (ACA) celebrated their annual Holiday open house on firmed her longstanding support for the Armenian American December 4 at the Garo Soghanalian Armenian Educational community and pledged to stand by Armenian causes and con- cerns both domestically and internationally. She discussed various issues and provided an update on the state of affairs on Congressional issues in Washington. Upon clos- ing, the Congresswoman presented former ACA Pasadena Board Member, Mr. Vahe Atchabahian, a certificate honoring his dedication to the commu- nity through his work in various non-profit orga- nizations and City Com- Mr. Krikor Khodanian with Nat Nehdar, Pasadena City Coun- cilmember Tyron Hampton and Mr. Vahe Atchabahian missions. Mr. Atchabahian ex- Benevolent Union Center. pressed his gratitude for Congresswoman Judy Chu Among the participants were ACA members, elected officials, the recognition. “I am hum- Honoring Mr. Vahe Atchabahian community leaders and constituents from the San Gabriel Val- bled by this important rec- ley including Congresswoman Judy Chu, Pasadena Council- ognition by Congresswoman Chu who has always been proac- member Tyron Hampton, Nat Nehdar from the Pasadena Hu- tively supporting our community and protecting our interests in man Relations Commission, and Garo Manjikian representing the nation’s capitol,” said Mr. Atchabahian. “I am also thankful Assemblymember Chris Holden’s office. to the ACA Board and membership and I’m optimistic about ACA Chairman Mr. Sevak Khatchadorian introduced Con- our future and the good work that we will continue to do.”

2 3 Canonisation of the Genocide Victims: What is the Meaning of their Sainthood?

By: Hratch Tchilin- new saints provide a unique opportunity to renew and revitalize the Armenian Ap- girian ostolic Church in the 21st century? This is an important question that needs seri- On the 75th anni- ous discernment. versary of the Ar- menian Genocide, Theological and Political issues in a joint Com- Theologically, now that the victims of muniqué issued on the Genocide have been canonized, the April 29, 1989 for Armenian Church is under a dogmatic the occasion, Their Holiness Vazken I imperative, that is, they are no longer victims, but victors of Christ. Catholicos of All Armenians and Karekin where Armenians were martyred would II Catholicos of “propose[d] that Now that the victims of the Genocide are canonized, we can no longer hold Hoke- be considered shrines or Armenian “holy the preparatory activities continue for the lands”? Still, there are many indirect canonisation of [the Genocide] victims.” hankists (requiem services) to mourn their death, to which we have accustomed political implications which need to be Indeed, the idea of religious commemo- carefully examined. ration of the Genocide victims goes back ourselves. Instead, we will celebrate the Divine Liturgy invoking their names, The recent canonisation of the Martyrs to the early years of the First Republic of of the Armenian Genocide should not be Armenia (1918-1920), when the Arme- asking for their intercession and celebrate their victory over death, in and through viewed as an event that added “glitter” to nian Government at the time formally ap- the observance of the 100th anniversary plied to Catholicos Gevorg V to include Christ. The mournful, dark atmosphere of commemorations of the Genocide will of the Genocide. the martyrs in the liturgical calendar of Even as Turkey and many countries the Armenian Church. have to be changed into a “festive” at- mosphere. The victims are no longer vic- around the world continue to deny the In November 2014, the Synod of Bish- fact of the Genocide, canonisation should ops, headed by the two Catholicoi of tims, but saints who live in the glory of God, that is, those who have joined God not be viewed as a response to denial and, the Armenian Church, announced that in our frustration, as a gesture of bestow- the martyrs of the Genocide will be for- in an endless sharing of a divine life be- yond all corruption and have found the ing the ultimate honour to our victims mally declared saints on 23 April 2015. by declaring them saints. We would do The solemn ceremony took place in Holy true life with God. Hence, the question is whether Armenians are willing to see injustice to the victims without recognis- Etchmiadzin on the centenary of the ing their martyrdom for Christ and its Genocide, where the newest saints of the themselves as witness to the Death and Resurrection of Christ—for whom hun- impact on our lives individually and on Armenian Church were announced and our nation collectively. The saints in the venerated. dreds of thousands of Armenians gave their lives—rather than perpetually iden- church are—like celebrities today in the Canonisation is the final stage of declara- secular world—figures of admiration and tion of sainthood—the last one in the Ar- tify themselves as the victim. Politically, ever since the 50th anniver- models to emulate. Armenian Christians menian Church was done some five hun- are called to discern the saints’ virtues dred years ago—whereby a person or a sary of the Genocide, Armenians have been collectively demanding justice for and follow their example in obtaining the group of persons are considered to share “heavenly crown of glory”. Canonising the holiness of God and their lives bear the 1.5 million victims of the Genocide from Turkey in particular and the world the martyrs of the Genocide is to perpetu- witness to the authenticity and truth of ate their witness to Christ through the Ar- the Christian gospel. Saints are believed in general. While canonising the victims de facto resolves the problem of justice menian Church’s mission and evangelism to have joined God in an endless shar- in this world. ing of a divine life beyond all corruption for their lives, the political demand for justice on behalf of saints of the church Hratch Tchilingirian is an Associate Fac- and have found the true life with God. ulty Member at the University of Oxford. As such, with their exemplary lives, the remain a problematic issue. Furthermore, saints are an integral part of Christianity the territorial question with Turkey might since ancient times and have a significant also be complicated. As it is customary place in the doctrinal, liturgical and pi- with saints, does it mean that the places etistic traditions of the “One, Universal, Apostolic, Holy Church”. In the last three decades, the discussions of the canonisation of the Armenian Genocide victims were confined to vari- ous committees and a narrow circle of clergymen. The deep theological mean- ing of sainthood and its relevance to faith and piety have hardly been explained to the ordinary Armenian faithful. The saints are canonized primarily for the faithful. Declaring the Genocide martyrs as saints is not rewarding them the “med- al of honour,” but to provide role models to emulate and to continue the evangelis- tic and spiritual mission of the Armenian Church in Armenia and the Diaspora. Were the victims of the Genocide can- onized by the Church for its “symbolic value” on the 100th anniversary of the Genocide or will the declaration of these 4 Armenian American Museum Design Unveiled

Glendale City Mayor Ara Najarian applauded the work of the museum team following the design presentation by stating, “Just one year ago this was a dream for our community and I feel very excited to see things come to this level. I know there will be some milestones ahead but have no doubt that you will work diligently to create a wonderful design plan that will put Glendale on the map nationwide.” Councilwoman Paula Devine relayed her support by highlight- ing the cross-cultural and educational component of the mu- seum and invited selected architects Aram Alajajian and Sako Marcoosi to share their inspiration for the design. “The inspiration lays within the museum itself to serve the larg- er Glendale community and create a place for visitors to learn about Armenian culture while also hosting diverse traveling ex- The Armenian American Museum unveiled its conceptual de- hibits” commented Aram Alajajian. sign at the Glendale City Council meeting on Tuesday, Decem- Councilmen Vartan Gharpetian and Zareh Sinanyan further not- ber 8, 2015. The Project Development Committee presented the ed the multi-functionality of the museum by echoing the edu- developments of the first phase of the master planning process cational opportunities it will bring to the community and the and shared the concept design for the new museum. significance of building it adjacent to the Glendale Community The Armenian American Museum concept designed by Alajaji- College campus. an Marcoosi Architects will include exhibitions space, resource The overarching support of the Glendale City Council was em- center, a performing arts theater, and classrooms. The museum phasized by Councilwoman Laura Freidman in stating, “You building will be surrounded by an outdoor plaza and peace gar- have a very supportive Council and a great sense of passion den on the City owned property next to the Glendale Civic Au- from the community to make this happen. I am happy to learn ditorium. The 1.7 acre property on the corner of Verdugo Road that you have hired a local entity to bring this bold vision to and Mountain Street will also serve as the location for a memo- Glendale.” rial to the victims of the Armenian Genocide. The next stage for the Museum project will be to secure a The Museum’s vision is a cultural campus that enriches the Ground Lease Agreement with the City of Glendale and com- community, educates the public on the Armenian American mission a master plan that will provide operation direction on story, and empowers individuals to embrace cultural diversity programming, business strategy, facility development, and gov- while speaking out against prejudice. ernance.

Kemal Ataturk and Depriving Armenians of Property “Kemal Ataturk and depriving Armenians of property: cover- age of Turkish documents and publications.” In 2005, Turkey’s Cadastral Office found some Ottoman docu- ments and passed them to the country’s National Security Service. According to one of the top officials of the NSS, the papers could lead to “unfounded claims on Genocide” and sim- ilar unwanted speculations. The materials were thus kept se- cret, with only a limited number of people granted opportunity to study them [«Osmanli arsivleri açilirsa resmi tez zayiflar». Bolsohays News, Bianet.org]. Dickran Kouymjian was the first to address the issue of re- turning the Armenians’ properties at the Permanent Peoples’ Tribunal, where he delivered a report titled “Confiscation of Armenian Property and the Destruction of Armenian Historical Monuments as a Manifestation of the Genocidal Process.” Ac- cording to him, the Turkish government had confiscated some 30.000 kg of gold from the Armenians’ bank accounts which would now amount to over $320 million. Besides the bank accounts, the Ottoman authorities have gath- Document of a decision made by Ankara government, banning ered detailed data of the Armenians’ activities in American the Armenians’ return (Mustafa Kemal’s signature is encircled) insurance companies and a number of other organizations. (Henry Morgenthau, Memoires, Paris, 1919, p. 292; Kévork K. Numerous documents published by Turkish researches reveal Baghdjian, La confiscation par le gouvernement turc, des biens that not only Young Turks but also founders of the Turkish re- arméniens dits “abandonnés”, Montréal, 1987, pp. 270-280). public have committed major crimes against Armenians. But if some data concerning community property can be found, Turkologist, senior researcher at Armenia’s National Academy it is near to impossible to find information on personal proper- of Sciences Anush Hovhannisyan presents an article, titled ty registration. (Raymond H. Kévorkian et Paul B. Baboudjian, cont. on pg. 6 4 5 Daniel Varoujan Hejinian’s “The 20 Gallows” on the Cover of Turkish Version of Book

By: Daniel Varoujan Hejinian now Yerevan Academy of Fine On October 29, 2015, I re- Arts, and as a theme for my ceived an email from Istanbul dissertation I chose the Arme- in which a representative of nian genocide. My painting «Evrensel Publishing House» depicted the Twenty Execu- asked my permission to use, tions. The idea for this gigan- as a book cover, my paint- tic work came to my mind ing “the Twenty Executions”, from my early school years, which I painted in 1976. when annually on June 15th, The letter states that, “As to all the pupils would gather in the book for which we hum- the yard of Giligian Varjaran bly ask your permission [to to evoke the memory of the use your artwork]… During twenty martyrs, and listen to his research on the “turkifi- the powerful patriotic speech cation” of Armenian proper- of the schoolmaster. ties, the author Nevzat Onaran As a graduate from Aleppo’s found the book accidentally in Giligian College, I decided to a public library, and brought donate the painting to Alep- it out of mothballs. The book po’s Hunchakian Center. At was edited by Yetvart Chopu- my request, the same year and rian, and first published in 1921 in Istanbul, under the title “the with the support of the “Spyurki Gomideh”, the painting was Twenty Executions”, in memory of the 20 executed members shipped from Yerevan to Aleppo. As of today, I haven’t received of the Social Democratic Hunchakian Party… From our point any official confirmation related to the painting. 40 years later, of view, this book is about a second confrontation, the confron- echoes of the Twenty’s came from Istanbul. tation of social democrats and socialists in Turkey with their On November 7th the book “Paramaz. Twenty executions of own history, their unknown, unspoken legacy which they either Bayazit” published by «Evrensel Publishing House» was at the ignored or were unaware of. […] Therefore, we kindly ask your 34th Istanbul Book Fair, the largest book fair in Turkey , and on permission to use your art work as the cover which, we think, November 8th was presented at the publisher’s special event, a will give an exceptionally great meaning to our [task].” panel discussion organized by «Evrensel Publishing House» on Attached to the letter, was a copy of Yetvart Chopurian book the topic of “The Armenian Genocide in its 100th Anniversary”. published in 1921, a Turkish translation of the book, and the 100 years have passed since Paramaz and his 19 comrades life- initial cover design, where the painting was partially displayed. less bodies were swaying under the Istanbul’s gray sky, but their After studying the documentation received, I found it appropri- ghosts still roam the streets of the slumbering city, penetrating ate to grant permission to use the image as is, uncut and uned- into the subconscious of generations, to ensure that the dust of ited as book cover art, as well as the name of the artist, Daniel years of denial and ignorance can’t bury the past. Sooner or Varoujan Hejinian, the year of creation and the history of the later Turkey will confront its history by recognizing the Arme- painting to be published on the first page of the book. nian Genocide, as an echo of a long delayed justice. In 1976, I graduated from Gegharvest-a-Taterakan Institute,

Kemal Ataturk and Depriving Armenians of Property

Les Arméniens dans l’Empire ottoman à la veille du Génocide, Paris: Arhis, 1992, pp. 57-60). At the Paris peace conference, heads of the Armenian delega- tion Avetis Aharonian and Boghos Nubar pasha presented a re- port, estimating the losses at 14.5 billion francs that would in 1990 amount to $100 billion. It is noteworthy that the Turks had planned the confiscation of the Armenian and Greek property long before that. According to the Ottoman Ministry of Finance, Turkey’s debt exceeded 1/3 of the state budget in 1908-1909. Besides, once the Balkan wars were over, Turkey was bereft of many of its taxpayers. Following the final revolution in 1913, the Young Turks de- cided to seize all economic levers from non-Turkish nationals, with the war serving as an opportune moment for implement- ing their plans. As a result, the ’s budget, despite severe war- time conditions, registered an unprecedented growth. The Armistice of Mudros on October 30, 1918 marked the The “Temporary Law of Expropriation and Confiscation” was Ottoman Empire’s defeat in the First World War. Turkey thus published throughout the Ottoman Empire. Above is an October made a decision to return the Armenians’ properties in case 23, 1915 issue of the English language Turkish newspaper The they came back and applied for their belongings. Orient, which fully published the law with all eleven articles.

6 Lest We Forget... The Armenian Advocate, on occasion, will highlight individuals who have contributed to either; the Armenian Ameri- can society, or the Armenian Cause by recording, documenting, analyzing and disseminating stories about Armenians, Armenia and Armenian Americans with the aim of advancing the Armenian cause and overall justice. In this issue we will focus Mr. Setrak Shahen, his biography and his importance towards the Armenian Cause.

Setrak Shahen was born in While the word aghed, the same as yeghern, had been used be- Keghi in 1888. fore 1915 to name the massacres of 1909, bibliographical evi- Setrak Shahen had, for two dence shows that aghed appeared for the first time to name the years, attended the local events of 1915 on the cover of Setrak Shahen’s book, The Suf- Protestant school upon the fering Ones (New York, 1917), and in a play with the subtitle insistence of his father, who “Images of the exile of the Armenian aghed.” The word was was then in America for used in the epilogue to the book Hushartzan Abril Dasnemegui work. (Monument to April Eleven), which was published on the first Shahen remembers that commemoration of the arrests of Armenian intellectuals (1919): “there wasn’t any Armenian “On this occasion, a group of intellectuals surviving the terrible household that did not have Aghed felt the duty of making an statement of respect mourning at least one member of the for the memory of their unfortunate brothers.” family working in America Shahen’s play, “Paramaz yev Kessan Gakhaghannere” (Paramaz in those days”. To continue and the Twenty Gallows), was doubly acclaimed, the play was his education, he was later sent to ‘Yeprad’ College, the Ameri- about patriotism and heroism — themes which spoke poignant- can missionary school in Kharpet, its students numbered 1300 ly to ordinary men and women, under the shadow of tragedy. at that time. After 9 years at ‘Yeprad’ College, he was expelled In the mid-1940’s, a naturalized American, Setrak Shahen took from the school for being a “revolutionary Hunchakian” with part in organizing the predecessor of the Armenian Council of less than a year left to his graduation. Shahen thereafter, trav- America, the Armenian National Council of America. He as- eled extensively throughout as a teacher and sisted the new organization by helping edit various publications a party organizer and activist. His duties had taken him to Arap- and advocating U.S. and international politicians and diplo- gir, Malatia, Dikranagerd, Daron, Sasoon, Palou, and back to mates with the purpose of educating on the Armenian question. his home Keghi. Mr. Shahen served at the sec- He left Keghi in 1913 for retary for the organization. America only to return to In the 60’s and 70’s Shahen the Caucasus from 1915- was undoubtedly the most 16 as a volunteer fighter respected and well known (Gamavor). Hunchak on the West Coast. In 1919 Setrak Shahen re- His plays have been produced turned to Constantinople, in through-out North America Smyrna and Cilicia as a many times. Setrak Shahen’s party activist; he was ar- writings have been posi- rested and exiled by the tive distractions to the post- French following the abort- Genocide Armenian youth, ed declaration of the inde- his plays have been sources pendence of Cilicia. Sha- of inspiration for the free spir- hen fought the Turks until ited and revolutionary minded he escaped the Kemalist Armenians. While the people siege of Smyrna in 1922. couldn’t, his characters aspire Returned to America and assumed various responsibilities as to achieve the highest ideals of the Armenian people. The plays an active Hunchakian, including the editorship of “Eridassard “Zeitoon” and “Sassoonk” contain information that are the re- Hayastan”, the party organ in New York in the 1940’s. sult of his research based on the Hunchak party literature of He also published two of his most revolutionary plays, “Sas- the time and eyewitness accounts. Shahen has Immortalized soonk” and “Giliglio Zakhoghanke” (Cilicia’s Failure). Setrak- Armenian heroes and events of legendary magnitude (Paramaz, Shahen’s other plays include “Talaati Angoome” (The Fall of Aghasi, Mourad and Kaay). His contribution to the Armenian Talaat), “Zeitoon”, “Gargaroon Gamarner” (Arches of Triumph, Liberation Movement, and more specifically the Social Demo- about S. Mourad Of Sepastia, a Hunchak fedayee), and “Mazak crat Hunchakian Party, is in the dramatization of Armenian his- Pitcha” (about the battle of Sartarabad). “His style of writing tory, through a masterful combination of facts, playwriting and is simple, pleasant and understandable to the common people” storytelling. according to his long time collegue Yeghia Sirvard, “Shahen Setrak Shahen died in Los Angeles in 1975, short of his 92nd is the most popular and liked personality of our community” birthday. (New York).

6 7 The Armenian Advocate OSCE Minsk Group Must Forgo The Current Status Quo While 2015 has seen an un- line of contact. The long-stand- precedented armed escalation and ing U.S. and OSCE practice of re- aggravation of the peace process sponding to each new attack with aimed at a politically negotiated generic calls upon all parties to solution to the Nagorno Karabakh refrain from violence has failed to conflict, the OSCE Minsk Group de-escalate the situation. Instead, must make sure that this exacer- this policy of artificial even-hand- bated climate does not linger in edness has dangerously increased 2016. tensions. There will be no peace The Heads of Delegation of the absent responsibility.” OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chair Although, even-handedness and Countries – Foreign Minister of encouragement of dialogue is key the Russian Federation Sergey to negotiating a peaceful political Lavrov, Secretary of State of the Azeri dictator Aliyev inspecting M93 sniper riffle. process, it is only so when all sides United States John Kerry, State to a conflict are eager to engage in Secretary for European Affairs of France Harlem Desir- issued only the peaceful political process. As 2015 has shown, the a joint statement re-affirming their commitment to mediating Azeri dictatorship, does not share the international commu- a peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, yet nity’s goal of peace process, but rather bides its time, and con- Azerbaijan continued to attack Armenia and Artsakh, using tinues to gauge military options. various tools at its disposal, including indiscriminant sniper For the OSCE Minsk Group to remain a credible negotiator, fire at the conflict zone, border incursions, surface to air mis- and continue a viable peaceful political process to the Nagorno siles towards aircraft and shelling of villages across the border, Karabakh conflict, it must maintain its integrity as a neutral leading to countless military, as well as civilian casualties. party. If it does not respond to Azeri aggression by condemn- The Minsk Group co-chairs have long been urging the parties ing the aggressor, it will lose the credibility of the Govern- to the conflict to withdraw snipers and agree to a mechanism ments of Armenia and Artsakh. If it does not respond to Azeri for international investigations of armed incidents. These mea- aggression by condemning the aggressor it will also be seen as sures are backed by the governments of Armenia and Artsakh a mere inconsequential organizational obstacle that the Azeri but continuously rejected by Azerbaijan. dictatorship can trifle with and continue to concentate ona The Armenian Council of America supports U.S. House For- military solution. eign Affairs Committee Chairman Ed Royce’s call on the U.S., In order to prevent the future escalation of the conflict, the Russian, and French mediators to press Azerbaijan to accept OSCE Minsk Group must forgo the current status quo and major safeguards against intensifying ceasefire violations in forcefully and bluntly condemn Azeri aggression. When and the Nagorno Karabakh Republic conflict zone. only when the Azeri aggression is halted, the OSCE Minsk In addition, ACA, urges Ambassador James Warlick, U.S. Co- Group must encourage trust building measures; a key com- Chair of OSCE Minsk Group, the State Department and the ponent of which is the inclusion of the democratically elected White House, to adhere to the call by members of Congress representatives of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic within the and “publicly condemn specific acts of aggression along the peace talks. US Ambassador Mills’ New Year Message to Armenia Rockwell Kent, who described Armenia as a place full of won- been on the Armenian National Special Olympics team. And I ders. And in the last ten months, I understand exactly what Mr. asked him: Why it was important for him to have been on the Kent means. Special Olympics team. And this young boy, whose name was I have seen wonderful wonders here in Armenia, from the mon- Armen, said to me: “Mr. Ambassador, it made my parents very astery Geghard to the frescos in to the fountains in proud and whatever happens in my life it will get me confi- Yerevan Square. But, I think what’s made the most impression dence knowing that I once did this hard thing.” And I think, as on me and my wife is the wonder of the Armenian people, who I go into 2016, I am going to live by Armen’s words. I’m going have been so kind, so open, and so warm to us since we have to ask myself am I, is the Embassy, are we doing things that arrived. And it is a memory that will stay with me, this year will make our parents proud? The most important, I am going and throughout my life. to say: let’s have confidence, let’s have confidence to try some What I wish, I think when I look ahead to the New Year, is hard things. Because we’ve done some good things, working something that was expressed to me by a young Armenian who together with the Armenian people. And because I know how was participating in the Special Olympics program, which I much the Armenian people have accomplished here over the think as many of you know, is a program designed for mentally last 24 year of independence, it gives me great hope for 2016. challenged young people and gives them a chance to partici- And I hope, as well, that you share that. pate in sports. This young Armenian, I believe he is about 14 or 15, had just come back from Los Angeles, where he has Best wishes and a Happy, Happy New Year. Armenian Council of America - 815 E. Colorado Blvd., Suite 140 - Glendale, CA 91205 Tel: (818) 545-9049 - www.ArmenianCouncil.org - [email protected]

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