1991_10 Hye Sharzhoom Newspaper October 1991

              The Newspaper of the California State University, Fresno
Armenian Students Organization and Armenian Studies Program
Fresno, CA 93740
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Fresno, CA
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Hye Sharzhoom
October! 991
Volume 13, No. 1
Supplement to the Daily Collegian
Lehman travels to Armenia
0 Fresno Congressman
visits Armenia during
historic proceedings
By Armen Aghishian
Staff Writer
Richard Henry Lehman, a native of the
greater Fresno area, began his congressional career in 1976 when he won election to the 31 st Assembly District In 1982
he was elected to the 18th congressional
District, which includes most of the Central Valley including Fresno and Madera.
Q:  Congressman, when did you go on
your trip to Armenia and for how long?
I went for the independence referendum
on September 21, but I was actually there
from the 19th through the 22nd.
Q: What were some of the goals that you
had in mind?
My primary goal was to observe the
voting and to ascertain that they were
indeed fair and free and that things were
proceeding as planned. We also met with
several Armenian political leaders such as
PresidentLevon Der Bedrosian, and Prime
MinisterManukian to discuss specifically
how they plan on going foreward with the
independence movement
Q: What didyoufind the leaders attitudes
to be with regards to the recent turn of
events?
Very reasonable yet cautious. They were
aware of their historic situation.
Q: What is your opinion on the results of
the referendum?
I am not surprised. We should honor the
results of the referendum as they have
significant historic value - history has once
again been changed.
Q: What did you observe the people's
attitude to be regarding the referendum
and the current political situation in their
country?
There was much jubilation in finally
getting rid of communism. However, there
is much concern about their economic
situation since it is directly dependent on
their neighbors, Turkey and Iran. The
people also seem to understand that economic ties with the rest of the world are
very detrimental to their well-being. They
Republic of Armenia Declared!
The Armenian Parliament unanimously voted at 6:15 p.m. on September
23 that the Republic of Armenia be declared a free and independent state
by a vote of 213 to 0, confirming the results of the September 21
referendum. Following is the text of the declaration by the Parliament:
"Remaining loyal to Armenia's declaration on independence;
relying on international norms of human rights and people's
free self-determination; intending to establish a democratic,
legal society, based on the results of the September 21,
1991, referendum on coming out of the Soviet Union; the
Supreme Council of the Republic of Armenia declares the
Independent State of the Republic of Armenia."
GEORGIA
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want to have positive relations with Turkey. But probably one of the biggest
issues is the desire for self-determination
for the Nagorno-Karabagh region of Azerbaijan.
Q: How do you view the emerging democratic processes in Armenia?
I feel that it is the only way to be successful, as has been proven lately with the
referendum and the elections. Democratic
roots have taken a strong hold in Armenia.
Q: What can Armenia do to gain recognition not only in Armenia, but throughout
the diaspora?
Exactly what they are doing now! And
specifically by negotiating an economic
agreement with Russia. Bordering countries are also quite important to their economic needs now and in the future.
Complete and final independence will be
ready very soon.
Q: As a politician, where do you feel the
recent turn of events will lead the Armenian people?
Full independence and a democratic form
of government In addition the people are
very grateful to the people of the United
States for their emotional support.
Q: In closing, do you have any comments?
Yes, I would like to say that I went to
Armenia a pessimistic man and I left the
country optimistic.
Independence!
t
By Sonia Devejian
Staff Writer
On September 23, 1991 at 4:00
p.m., the Supreme Council of Armenia
held a special session regarding the question of Armenian Independence. As a
result, the Supreme Council (Parliament)
adopted a resolution declaring the Repub
lic of Armenia an independent nation.
The concept of Independence is
new for Armenians today, however, the
idea of an independent republic of Armenia is not In October of 1917, the Armenian National Council, a body set up in
Tiflis, was acting as a government for the
Armenian people following the political
please see Independence, page 8
The Independent Republic
of Armenia at a Glance
Population: 3^00,000(1991 est.)
Capital Gity: Yerevan
Last Independent: May 28,
1918-November29,1920
Declared Independence:
September 23,1991
President: Levon Der Bedrosian,
elected Oct. 16,1991 with 83% of
the voted. Serving a five year term
of office.
Economy: Based on high technology, minerals, chemical manufacturing,, bra
Religion: Christian
Inside...
page 2 •••••
Sunday Visit
Independce and the future
page 3 •••••
Campus Hye Profiles
Simon
page 4
Hye grf&g •••••••
page 5
Local Activities
page 6
More Armenian trivia