TCA NY/NJ Hosts Reception for Azg Editor Hagop Avedikian

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By Marylynda Bozian-Cruickshank

Special to the Mirror-Spectator

ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J. — The Tekeyan Cultural Association (TCA) of Greater New York/New Jersey on Thursday, November 17, hosted a private gathering for 30 representatives to meet Hagop Avedikian, the founder and editor-in-chief of Azg newspaper in Armenia, a sister paper of the Armenian Mirror-Spectator.

Avedikian spoke about the political, social and economic issues facing Armenia and Nagorno-Karabagh.

Hilda Hartounian, chair of TCA of Greater New York, presented Avedikian to the attendees, and Hagop Vartivarian, head of the press committee of the ADL, provided the background of Avedikian and his dedication to Azg. Vartivarian spoke about vital role of the paper, even though the quantity of printed issues has declined, the social media of the paper has boomed.

He said, “Avedikian has been the pivotal reason that since 1991 Azg has become the trustworthy newspaper throughout the Diaspora, and in Armenia, that even the government officials in Armenia entrust. Avedikian was the pioneer who brought modern journalism after the communist regime, and he is considered the dean of journalists in Armenia.”

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Avedikian addressed the guests and thanked them for the invitation, saying that it had been 10 years since his last visit. He touched upon many topics, informing the many guests about the new additions and changes in Armenia’s government, and explaining why the government will not be surrendering any of Artsakh’s territory to Azerbaijan.

He stated, “Many Armenian’s in the Diaspora lost trust after April’s fatalities in Artsakh. We must all have faith in Armenia, and in the government’s decision.”

The gathering concluded with Avedikian answering questions from the guests. Future plans for the TCA include more programs and speakers on Armenia and Armenian issues.

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