GLENDALE, CA — The Armenian National Committee – Western Region (ANC-WR) has announced that Robert Avetisyan, the Permanent Representative of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic, will serve as a panelist in “Homeland and the Diaspora: From Challenges to solutions,” which will cover the self-determination movements in Karabakh and Javakhk, as well as how the Armenian Diaspora can continue to play a significant role in the democratization of Armenia and the region. The presentation is part of the ANC Grassroots weekend that will take place from Friday, November 25 to Sunday, November 27, 2011, at the Sheraton Universal Hotel.

Avetisyan will discuss the history of the Karabakh conflict, legal and humanitarian aspects of the creation of the Nargorno-Karabakh Republic, the war unleashed by Azerbaijan, the negotiation process, as well as the current situation in Karabakh and in the region in general.

“Since proclaiming independence in 1991, the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic continues building a stable, open and democratic society; a state, which can protect its population and provide them with the universal rights and freedoms. Meanwhile, Azerbaijan keeps on increasing its military rhetoric, constantly stating of its plans to solve the problem by force,” Avetisyan said earlier this year during a speech marking the 23rd anniversary of the Karabakh liberation movement. “Only a civilized, just and comprehensive settlement of the Karabakh conflict will promote the stability in the whole region and prevent new hostilities.”

Karabakh has maintained an office in Washington, D.C. since 1997.

Avetisyan began working in the NKR Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1999, where he served in a number of analytical and political departments. In 2006, Avetisyan completed a special course at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University. In 2008, he was appointed Counselor of the NKR Permanent Representation in the United States. In February 2009, NKR President Bako Sahakyan appointed Avetisyan to his current post.

Since his appointment, Avetisyan has continuously affirmed Karabakh’s commitment to finding a peaceful solution to the conflict with Azerbaijan, and has maintained that the recognition of Karabakh’s independence neither violates the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, nor threatens its existence.

The three-day ANC Grassroots program is a groundbreaking weekend of workshops and panel presentations that will educate the community about civic leadership arising from grassroots efforts. ANC Grassroots will bookend the Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region (ANCA-WR) Annual Banquet, which will take place on Saturday, November 26 at 7 p.m.

ANC Grassroots and the Annual Banquet are open to interested individuals throughout the entire United States, and participants are encouraged to register early.

Tickets for ANC Grassroots, which includes the Friday night cocktail in the Starview Room; as well as conference sessions on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, which include breakfast, post-banquet dance, and a keynote luncheon on Sunday, are $150. Tickets for the Annual Banquet are $200. Those interested in attending the Annual Banquet and ANC Grassroots can purchase a package for $300.

Students with valid ID can purchase discounted tickets to the Annual Banquet and Conference.

The Armenian National Committee – Western Region is the largest Armenian American grassroots community organization in the Western United States. Working in coordination with a network of offices, chapters, and supporters throughout the Western United States and affiliated organizations around the country, the ANC-WR works to promote understanding regarding issues of concern to the Armenian American community.