FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Los Angeles, CA - We have been following the latest developments in Armenia with a heavy heart. We remained silent until today, the day immediately following the quasi-resolution of the hostage crisis, so that our actions or our words do not add fuel to the fire, and do not risk causing further bloodshed in Armenia. No Armenian should ever die in the hand of another Armenian. We applaud the decision of the Sasna Tsrer who voluntarily surrendered only to prevent further bloodshed.

We very well understand our role, as well as our influence in our community and in the Armenian affairs globally. We have thousands of members and supporters, as well as tens of thousands of social media followers, both in Armenia and locally. We know the value of our words. Unlike a number of “self-proclaimed” community leaders who continuously make self-contradictory statements and empty personal attacks, we feel a huge responsibility towards Armenia, and towards our community which has given us so much support over the years.