NPR News: 04-30-2024 6PM EDT
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Month: April 2024
His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenian and His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia on Tuesday held a telephone conversation, during which they discussed critical issues of concern to Armenia.
During the discussion, Aram I pledged his complete solidarity with Karekin II and the Holy See of Etchmiadzin for their “patriotic approaches and undertaken efforts,” the Cilicia Catholicosate said in a statement.
“The pontiffs emphasized the imperative to preserve the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Armenia and the critical role of the Armenian Church on the matter,” the statement added.
“At the same time the two highlighted the importance of strengthening our national unity, especially at the time of these crisis,” the statement said.
Honorees, accompanied or represented by family members, hold commendation scrolls in the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Hearing RoomSupervisor Kathryn Barger on Tuesday honored three individuals of Armenian heritage on the final day of Armenian History Month in Los Angeles County.
The honors were bestowed in the Board of Supervisors’ hearing room before the Board delved into public policy discussions. “Just as we commemorated the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide this month, we must also take time to recognize the vibrant culture and contributions of our fellow Armenian neighbors, community members and leaders,” said Supervisor Barger. “We are fortunate to have the Armenian spirit alive and thriving in Los Angeles County.”
Those honored included a diverse range of individuals in background and achievements.
From left: Dr. Vartan Tachjdian, Talin Yacoubian, and Nyree DerderianNyree Derderian, a native of Pasadena, for nearly 30 years has fulfilled pivotal roles on the Central Executive Board of the Armenian Relief Society. She has served as Chairperson and Vice Chairperson, overseeing humanitarian efforts during critical times. In April 2022, she visited Artsakh to provide aid to victims of the 44-day war and initiated a sustainable project for the residents of Artsakh. In November 2022, she traveled to Lebanon to deliver aid to those affected by the Lebanon blast of August 2020 and the ensuing economic crisis. Nyree’s commitment includes educating and empowering Armenian youth through lectures and leadership roles in order to reach and have an impact on the next generation.
“Supervisor Barger’s recognition holds immense significance for me,” said Derderian. “It signifies the acknowledgment and appreciation of the contributions made by American Armenians in Los Angeles. This recognition validates our efforts and achievements being recognized beyond our community. It serves as a pivotal moment that reaffirms the value of work and motivates volunteers to continue our commitment to advancing the Armenian cause with hope and resilience within the Armenian community.”
Dr. Vartan Tachjdian is founder of the Byblos Babies Center and co-founder of the Armenian Medical World Congress. His life is a testament to compassion and dedication to serving the needy globally. Born to Armenian genocide survivors in a Beirut refugee camp, Dr. Tachdjian eventually relocated to Los Angeles amidst a civil war. He learned new languages and re-licensed in medicine to continue his mission of caring for the homeless. As medical director of homeless programs and a consultant for Doctors Without Borders, Vartan exemplifies a lifelong commitment to humanitarian work. Now 90 years old, Dr. Tachdjian is also a poet and writer, sharing his experiences and insights to inspire others.
“I am honored to receive this award from Supervisor Kathryn Barger, who has been a champion for the rights and well-being of underserved individuals in our community,” stated Dr. Tachjdian. “It’s also a delight to be recognized by the County of Los Angeles where many of my hours have been spent on the streets treating the homeless and refugees. As a child of Armenian Genocide orphans, life has come full circle with my contributions to the Armenian as well as the general population. We can all improve our society’s well being with some work and simple kindness.”
Talin Yacoubian holds key positions on the boards of the Armenian Assembly of America, Armenian American Museum and Cultural Center, and Armenia Fund. Her leadership roles include serving as former Chair of the AGBU Western District Committee and co-chair of the Armenian Genocide Centennial Commemorative Committee in 2015, where she organized the historic peaceful march of 160,000 people in Los Angeles on the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. With a background in law and economics, Talin also teaches Legal Writing and Advocacy at USC Gould School of Law, demonstrating her commitment to education and community empowerment. Her efforts focus on advancing Armenian advocacy, strengthening Armenia-U.S. relations, and promoting cultural appreciation and diversity.
“I strive to advocate for our community and improve circumstances to the best of my ability,” said Yacoubian. “I am driven by a sense of duty not an expectation of thanks or accolades. However, when recognition is so generously and sincerely given, it truly warms my heart and motivates me even more. This recognition has certainly raised the bar and reinforced my commitment to serving our community with dedication and sincerity.”
Председатель «Единого национального движения» Леван Хабеишвили был жестоко избит. Как сообщили Netgazeti в партии, в настоящее время он находится в клинике Ингороква. Перед обнародованием видеозаписи состояния Левана Хабеишвили «Единое национальное движение» распространило заявление о том, что Хабеишвили был похищен во время акции против российского закона «представителями российского режима в Грузии» и его местонахождение неизвестно: «Несколько […]
В Центре координации чрезвычайных ситуаций и экстренной помощи отрицают факт недостаточного количества бригад экстренной помощи в районе акции протеста. По их данным, «на месте мобилизовано достаточное количество машин скорой помощи», хотя в Центре не уточняют, сколько именно бригад находится на месте. Участники митинга утверждают обратное. Рядом с бригадами скорой помощи стоят пострадавшие демонстранты, люди оказывают […]
Президент Грузии Саломе Зурабишвили обращается к министру внутренних дел Вахтангу Гомелаури и призывает его немедленно прекратить разгон мирной демонстрации, применение непропорциональной силы и насилие над молодыми людьми: «Я обращаюсь к министру внутренних дел немедленно прекратить разгон мирного протеста, применение непропорциональной силы, насилие в отношении молодых людей, пришедших с голыми руками. Я обращаюсь к Народному защитнику […]
tbilsi, georgia — Georgian security forces used water cannon and tear gas against protesters outside parliament late on Tuesday, sharply escalating a crackdown after lawmakers debated a “foreign agents” bill, which is viewed by the opposition and Western nations as authoritarian and Russian-inspired.
Reuters eyewitnesses saw some police officers physically attack protesters, who threw eggs and bottles at them, before using tear gas and water cannon to force demonstrators from the area outside the Soviet-built parliament building.
Earlier, riot police used pepper spray and batons to clear some protesters who were trying to prevent lawmakers from leaving the back entrance of parliament. Some protesters shouted “Slaves” and “Russians” at police.
The bill has deepened divisions in the deeply polarized southern Caucasus country, setting the ruling Georgian Dream Party against a protest movement backed by opposition groups, civil society, celebrities and Georgia’s figurehead president.
Parliament, which is controlled by the Georgian Dream and its allies, is likely to approve the bill, which must pass two more readings before becoming law. Lawmakers ended Tuesday’s session without a vote, and the debate will resume on Wednesday.
The bill would require organizations receiving more than 20% of their funding from abroad to register as “foreign agents.”
Georgian critics have labeled the bill “the Russian law,” comparing it to Moscow’s “foreign agent” legislation, which has been used to crack down on dissent there.
Russia is disliked by many Georgians for its support of the breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Georgia lost a brief war with Russia in 2008.
The United States, Britain and the European Union, which granted Georgia candidate status in December, have criticized the bill. EU officials have said it could halt Georgia’s progress toward integration with the bloc.
‘Prolonging the inevitable’
Tina Khidasheli, who served as Georgian defense minister in a Georgian Dream-led government in 2015-2016, attended Tuesday’s protest against her former government colleagues and said she expected the demonstrators to win eventually.
“The government is just prolonging the inevitable. We might have serious problems, but at the end of the day, the people will go home with victory,” she told Reuters.
Thousands of anti-government demonstrators have shut down Tbilisi’s central streets on a nightly basis since parliament approved the bill’s first reading on April 17.
On Monday, a government-organized rally in support of the bill was attended by tens of thousands of people, many of whom had been bussed in from provincial towns by the ruling party.
At that rally, former Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili, a billionaire who founded Georgian Dream, harshly criticized the West and hinted at a post-election crackdown on the opposition.
Ivanishvili told attendees that a “global party of war” had hijacked the EU and NATO and that it was bent on using those institutions to undermine Georgian sovereignty.
Ivanishvili, who says he wants Georgia to join the EU, said the foreign agent law would bolster national sovereignty, and he suggested that the country’s pro-Western opposition was controlled by foreign intelligence services via grants to NGOs.
He added that after elections due by October, Georgia’s opposition, which is dominated by the United National Movement Party of former President Mikheil Saakashvili, would face “the harsh political and legal judgment it deserves.”