WASHINGTON, DC – Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) Chairman Ken Hachikian addressed the opening session of the 2002 Armenia Diaspora Conference this week, joining Armenian government, church, and community leaders from Armenia and abroad in setting the tone for two days of panel discussions on Armenia-Diaspora relations.

In his remarks, Hachikian outlined the ANCA’s advocacy efforts and the importance of widespread grassroots participation. “We must remain confident in the strength of our grassroots, the sophistication of our new generation of leaders, the ultimate morality of our positions, and the devotion of the Armenian people to the cause of our nation,” stressed Hachikian. “We must get directly and personally involved, in whatever country we live, with the political and public processes necessary to advance the Armenian Cause. We must passionately, energetically, and intelligently advocate for our beliefs and our people.”

Hachikian explained that the governments and lobbies working against Armenian Genocide recognition, Nagorno Karabagh independence and an economically viable Armenia are formidable, but that our communities must remain vigilant in their efforts to defend Armenian American concerns. “Under this intense pressure, there will always be the temptation to give up, to walk away from the battle or, worse, to break under the pressure and compromise our ideals, to trade apparent short-term benefits for our long-term well being and survival. These are false choices, whether they deal with the Armenian Genocide, Nagorno Karabagh, or any of the other vital issues facing our nation.”

The Second Armenia Diaspora Conference took place in Yerevan, Armenia on May 27th and 28th. The conference included two plenary sessions, and various break out sessions. All together, some 100 Diaspora and Armenia specialists and officials appeared on the nearly two-dozen panels on various aspects of Armenia-Diaspora relations. Approximately 1,000 participants were expected from approximately 50 countries. For more information on the conference, visit www.armeniadiaspora.com[site retired].

ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian participated in a panel discussion on “Advocacy issues on Armenia’s foreign relations agenda” on Tuesday, May 28th.

Links to the full text of ANCA Chairman Ken Hachikian’s remarks in English and Armenian follow.