Armenian Genocide monument at Fresno State vandalizedJuly 27, 2015 - 18:07 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Three months after the unveiling of the Armenian Genocide monument at Fresno State, the structure has been vandalized, Fresno Bee reports. “The souls of the victims are disturbed,” said Berj Apkarian, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Armenia in Fresno. Someone yanked one of the panel from the monument last week, Apkarian said. Fresno State said they’re investigating the tampering of the plaque. It was unbolted but not taken, and they said it will be re-installed this week. “The panel had a lot of history,” Apkarian said. “It’s very heartbreaking and I’m so disappointed.” “I am saddened by the recent vandalism attempt at our beautiful Armenian Genocide Memorial Monument,” said Joseph Castro, President of Fresno State. “I ask the campus and community to join together in protecting our historic monument.” Apkarian plans to work with Castro and police to find out who vandalized the monument. The panel is made of Spanish steel, he said. “This is a hate crime,” Apkarian said. “It must be taken very seriously, and it can’t be tolerated.” The monument was unveiled in April to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the start of the Armenian Genocide. “The monument has a symbolic and historic importance for the community,” Apkarian said. “The community must take steps to not tolerate such acts.” The Armenian Genocide The Armenian Genocide (1915-23) was the deliberate and systematic destruction of the Armenian population of the Ottoman Empire during and just after World War I. It was characterized by massacres and deportations, involving forced marches under conditions designed to lead to the death of the deportees, with the total number of deaths reaching 1.5 million. Top stories Six total incidents have burned 19 old-growth trees. Friday night 8 trees were torched along the beautiful main entrance. The EU does not intend to conduct military exercises with Armenia, Lead Spokesperson for EU Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Peter Stano says. Hikmet Hajiyev has said that there is no place for USAID operation in Azerbaijan any longer. A telephone conversation between Putin and Pashinyan before the CSTO summit is not planned, Peskov says. Partner news | Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. Armenians stage more campaigns against territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Protesters blocked more roads across Armenia on Friday, April 26 in continuing attempts to scuttle territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. Czech-Armenian military cooperation discussed in Yerevan A delegation led by the Director General for the Industrial Cooperation Division of the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic visited Armenia. |