How can you support the Fresno Mission in Armenia
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FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE) – “This defense agreement we have with them when they have violated so many of their agreements with Armenia, it’s reprehensible what Azerbaijan has done.”
That was a comment from Valley Congressman Jim Costa during a frank discussion about Armenia and Azerbaijan on Capitol Hill last week with Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
“They have made progress, Armenia and Azerbaijan, on a peace agreement and if that agreement can be reached, I think that’s the thing that stands both Armenia and Azerbaijan and the whole region as the best response,” said Secretary Blinken.
“Mr. Secretary, you and I differ on this, I don’t trust Azerbaijan,” said Costa.
Armenia has been at odds with its neighbor to the east since the 1990s over Nagorno Karabakh, a small region in between the two that was home to thousands of ethnic Armenians.
Last fall, more than 100,000 were forced to flee into Armenia after an Azerbaijani attack. Their land, homes, and property were lost.
Costa questioned Blinken about why the U.S. hadn’t intervened – a question echoed by Fresno’s Honorary Consul of Armenia Berj Apkarian.
“Should the United States do more? Absolutely, because that democracy needs to be nurtured and it’s important for them to feel supported and not isolated,” Apkarian said.
This fall, Apkarian will lead his 12th medical mission trip. The first will go to Lebanon to offer clinics, surgeries, education, and support to anyone of any ethnicity. From there, doctors will go to Armenia to serve impoverished communities, including the displaced Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh.
Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer will join the trip to observe the work, like the repair of a dilapidated clinic that will serve Armenian families.
“We’re going to provide hope through this renovation and we’re going to do everything possible to make sure they feel supported– they’re not alone,” said Apkarian.
The mission relies solely on donations from the community. Apkarian was making a pitch for support.
“I’m grateful to our community for their support for us to be able to accomplish such a humanitarian mission,” he said.
For those who would like to support the medical mission, the non-profit Advance Armenia Foundation would appreciate the support. To donate, click here. Or send a check to Advance Armenia Foundation, 2753 Quincy Avenue, Clovis, CA 93619.
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