GLENDALE, Calif.—In the aftermath of the crisis that embroiled not only in Armenia but the entire Armenian Nation for the past two weeks, the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) Western United States Central Executive issued an announcement on Aug. 2, proclaiming the organization’s solidarity with Armenia’s youth who have forsaken all else to create a bright and just future for the Armenian homeland.
Below is the announcement in its entirety.
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The past two weeks have been challenging for Armenians across the globe, as we watched events unfold in Erebuni. Armed men stormed a police station, occupying it during a standoff with authorities. The crisis became a catalyst for demonstrations against the government. In the end, two police officers lost their lives, and dozens of civilians were injured. Many unanswered questions remain, including where we go from here.
As a diasporan community, we continually remind ourselves to be educated and engaged in all events taking place in Armenia. However, our engagement with the Armenian nation and homeland is not an ephemeral process that flares or dissipates with any given protest. Nation building is a perpetual and often frustrating process, one that is absolutely dependent on a democratic and solution-oriented approach.
The state is tasked with the essential duty of protecting the wellbeing of its citizenry; a sacred function that cannot be abused. Unanswered grievances and repressive responses have heightened feelings of desperation amongst citizens. This dangerous and untenable situation must be addressed.
From the government of Armenia we demand accountability and transparency in investigating all abuses of power during the past two weeks, and steps be taken to ensure due process is afforded to all detained individuals. In addition to respecting the Armenian people’s right to free speech and assembly, we demand the absolute protection of the press to objectively report developments without any fear of reprisal.
To our sisters and brothers in Armenia, we appeal to you to never give up the tools of nonviolent organizing as the only means of bringing about the social change we struggle for. We must realize the indomitable strength and political capital of an organized populace that is not contingent upon the use of violence.
The movement for a better Armenia can never be frustrated, nor can it recognize any borders. It is a movement that will only be successful with the participation of all segments of our society, through discussion, debate, and protest—held accountable by the vote.
The fate of our Republic does not belong to the corrupt, nor does it belong to the cynical. It belongs to the idealistic, principled, tireless, forward-thinking women and men from Yerevan to Stepanakert, to Los Angeles and the rest of the diaspora that will work together to build the future our nation deserves.
In Common Cause,
Central Executive
Armenian Youth Federation–Western U.S.
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I am proud of the AYF ,now the next thing to do is to organize a demonstration in front of the Armenian embassy in Washington DC and a letter of protest to be send to the President of Armenia to get rid of the oligharcs in the government and make them pay what they have stolen from the people. Demending more work places and better wages for the workers and to have an organize labor union ,and also a justice system that works
Dear Mr. Richard. Stop kidding yourself by asking Serj to do something. You need to realize that even if your suggestion goes through, nothing will change because the No. 1 person who must go is Serj himself. Serj and his banda is a CLEAR AND PRESENT DANGER to the Armenian national security. When you will start to understand this? Diaspora has a monumental task ahead of it. Increase pressure 100 fold on current regime and FORCE THEM TO GO. Time for “asking” is gone.
I am all for you Gurgen ,yes Serj Sarkissian must go ,but to have him out you either need a coup d Etat by the military and that will not happen because the military is corrupt to the core and the people must continue to raise their guns. Sarkissian s regime came in power buy the might of the gun . Kocharian and Sarkissian had those 6 people assassinated in the parliament I think it was in 2008 ,I am not sure of the exact date ,and that’s how they got to get a hold of the government a government that’s totally rotten.
This is a well written altruistic series of ideas. What effect will a demonstration in the US have in Armenia? Very little I suggest.
America’s history is filled with examples that show government often must be forced to change. Pleas don’t do it.
Demonstrations, as Martin Luther King, Jr. And Ceasar Chavez showed must begin peacefully but must be prepared to respond to violence.
Why were so few Armenians in the streets of Yerevan and other areas during the standoff at the police station. This is a question that must be answered.
To effect change the people must show active support; the people must be prepared to deal with violence; the Armenians in the US must be prepared to use their economic leverage. Armenia needs the money from the diaspora. Make the government feel this economic support is in jeopardy if meaningful changes are not forthcoming in the government and in the society.