GLENDALE–Representatives of community organizations came together on Thursday–June 21 at the Brandview Collection in Glendale–CA to honor Armenian Consul General Valeri Mkrtoumian–who was appointed to Los Angeles a few months ago–and has since helped preserve a positive atmosphere within the community.
Tomig Alexanian–the new president of the executive board of the Armenia Fund–Inc. delivered opening remarks. Master of Ceremonies for the reception was United Armenian Fund chairman Harout Sassounian.
Speakers included Glendale City Councilman Rafi Manoukian–as well as representatives of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF)–the Ramgavar Azadagan Party (RAP)–and the Social Democratic Hunchak Party (SDHP).
Also speaking were Hermine Janoyan–Dr. Mihran Aghbabian–and Armenian President Robert Kocharian’s staff director Ardashes Toumanian.
Khajag Dikijian–speaking on behalf of the ARF Western Central Committee–praised Mkrtoumian for his work. "We are already familiar with Valeri Mkrtoumian’s positive and constructive style of working–as demonstrated by him in Canada," said Dikijian. He emphasized Mkrtoumian’s role in fostering prosperity within the community and helping Armenia’s in assisting the homeland.
Dikijian expressed his confidence in the new consul general–and said he was sure Mkrtoumian would continue to carry out the positive work of his predecessor–Ambassador Armen Melkonian. He also mentioned cooperation in the past between the local Armenian National Committee and the Armenian Consulate which has helped bring about a trade agreement between the State of California and Armenia. Mkrtoumian’s efforts at solidifying this agreement will help establish a California trade office in Yerevan said Dikijian–and concluded by affirming his support of the new consul general.
Mkrtoumian thanked all the guest and speakers for their warm wishes and continued support. He said he was honored to be the representative of the Republic of Armenia to California–which is the major community in the Armenian Diaspora. The Consul General promised to continue strengthening ties between the Diaspora and Armenia and Artsakh.
The assistance provided to Armenia by the Diaspora over the past decade was critical for the homeland during some of the most difficult times faced by the country said Mkrtoumian. He thanked in particular all the benefactors and activists involved with the recent Armenia Expo held in Glendale. Mkrtoumian concluded by honoring four community members with Armenian passports.
The reception was organized by the Friends of the Armenian Consulate of Los Angeles Committee. The national anthems were sung by Hovig Krikorian. The blessing of the tables was performed by Prelate Bishop Moushegh Mardirossian–and the closing prayer was delivered by Primate Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian.