In the aftermath of President Serzh Sargsyan’s visit to Los Angeles, over a dozen Armenian youth from the “Stop the Protocols” Campaign have decided to initiate a hunger strike in front of the Armenian Consulate of Los Angeles.
Opening Vigil, Opening Prayer & Candle Light Vigil
When: Midnight Tonight (October 5, 2009 at 12 AM)
Where: Armenian Consulate of Los Angeles (1000 N. Central Ave, Glendale, CA 91202)
Guest Speaker: Unger Vicken Hovsepian (ARF Bureau)
The hunger strikers, standing in solidarity with hunger strikers in Armenia, are calling on the government of Armenia to stop the detrimental and one-sided Protocols between Armenia and Turkey. They have vowed to maintain their hunger strike in an effort to prevent the administration in Yerevan from signing these flawed documents.
All members of the community are highly urged to attend this opening vigil and support the youth as they take a stand for the community and the national interests of the Armenian people.
For more information, contact the AYF Office at 818-507-1933 and visit www.StoptheProtocols.com
Getseh AYF yev Tashnaktousiouneh
It was amazing to witness the dedication of around 30 AYF youth during the opening midnight vigil. Many members of the community were present to support the hunger strikers.Abrek yerekhek!
This is a poem I wrote. As a Canadian of Armenian decent I am dedicating it to the courageous youth participating in the hunger strike in LA.
A Voice from the Diaspora
Unnoticed we survived,
And again thrived
But to this very day we remind
With truth and dignity by our side
The Lord is our guide
Armed with truth we decry
Those who label our genocide a lie
For the truth will arise before their very eye
Pushing forth justice that remains a far cry
So suddenly to endorse a pair of protocol
That can only be ratified by drinking more alcohol
How dare Sarkisian squander my rights from our capitol?
Offering concessions that follow no overhaul
With or without our republic we must stonewall
Can this road-map be without the Diaspora after all?
A President no longer willing to fight
For the cause of justice so right
Castrated from all his might,
He relinquishes our right
If there was ever a deadline so tight,
When our community must unite,
To battle day and night without any fright
Today marks that day, not in a fortnight.