BURBANK — Over 20 years after they were first planted in Artsakh, landmines still remain and continue to maim, mutilate and kill the people of the land. In an effort to bring awareness to the problem and solicit help to clear the landmines, the Western Diocese is hosting a special “Landmine Free Artsakh” evening on October 13, at the Zorayan Museum Hall, 3325 N. Glenoaks Blvd., Burbank, CA 91504.
This evening is organized under the auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, and will feature attorney Mark Geragos and musical entertainer Gor Mkhitarian who bring their talents to benefit the cause.
The featured speaker is Galina Danilova from the HALO Trust, the world’s oldest and largest humanitarian landmine clearance organization. Danilova heads the HALO Finance in Artsakh and for the past 11 years has been working in landmine clearing. “Every year Armenians get hurt,” says Danilova, “some with significant injuries. Although war ended 19 years ago, the land still carries the seeds of war. Farmers cannot grow crops to feed their families. Prairie fertile land is surrounded with Danger Signs.”
During the evening, Danilova will show pictures and explain exactly how people can put an end to the mayhem by participating in the landmine clean-up efforts.
“Our mission is to generate awareness about landmine problems in Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh) and to help fundraise to completely de-mine all villages! These villages are in the Latchin, Hadrut and Martuni regions where no international grants and funds can be secured. Without private funding these minefields will never be cleared”.
The public is cordially invited to attend this free-informational event, October 13, at 5:00PM. Refreshments and wine will be provided. For more information visit LandmineFreeArtsakh.com or call 818-523-2878.
