Community Forum With The Three Traditional Armenian Political Parties

WINNETKA, CA – On March 16, the Organization of Istanbul Armenian of Los Angeles hosted a panel discussion featuring prominent leaders of the three major traditional Armenian Political Parties; the Social Democrat Hunchakian Party, Mr. Krikor Khodanian, the Armenian Revolutionary Federation, Chairman Western USA, Dr. Viken Hovsepian, and the Armenian Democratic Liberal Party, Dr. Minas Kojayan.

The primary purpose of the forum was to raise awareness and encourage civic engagement by providing information about the historical background and accomplishments of the three traditional parties, as well as their plans and policies regarding critical contemporary challenges facing the Armenian Nation.

Welcoming remarks were given by Dr. Ohannes K. Avedikyan, Chairman of OIA Cultural Committee and Trustee. After opening statements were given by the three prominent leaders of the traditional Armenian Political Parties, questions ranging from the day to day activities of the parties, to issues concerning the Republic of Armenia, Artsakh, the Diaspora, the Armenian Church, the Armenian Genocide and Armenian Turkish relations were posed to the participants by the three panelists: Edvin Minassian, Esq., Chairman of OIA Board of Trustees, Mr. Simon Acilacoglu, Chairman of OIA General Assembly, Mrs. Jibit Cepkinian-Cinar, Esq., Chairlady of OIA Scholarship Committee.

After a panel discussion of over three hours, the packed audience also had an opportunity to ask questions to the participants. At the end of the night, all three participants representing their respective Armenian Political Parties thanked the Organization of Istanbul Armenian of Los Angeles for the rare opportunity to express the view points of the Parties on important current events facing the Armenian Nation.