On 20-24 October, Yerevan and Stepanakert hosted the 8^th Pan-Armenian Forum of Journalists, which was held under the title “Armenian Statehood: Axis of Unity” and gathered nearly 140 Armenian journalists from 31 countries around the world. The forum was dedicated to the 25^th anniversary of Independence of the Republic of Armenia and the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic.

At the end of the forum, the participants decided to launch a pan-Armenian movement (“What are YOU doing for Karabakh?”). Hayern Aysor’s correspondent talked about the movement in an interview with Editor-in-Chief of Lebanon’s Aztag Daily, Chairperson of the Coordinating Council for Pan-Armenian Forums of Journalists Shahan Kandaharian.

Hayern Aysor: Mr. Kandaharian, the 8^th Pan-Armenian Forum of Journalists is over. How would you assess the level of organization and support of the Ministry of Diaspora? What do you think are the major achievements that have been made throughout the years?

Shahan Kandaharian: Such forums help Armenians get to know each other and specify the paths for cooperation. These forums helped revitalize the network of Armenian media outlets based in Armenia.

We notice that Armenia’s media outlets are providing the right and objective coverage of Armenian life in the Diaspora, and Diaspora Armenian mass media outlets are providing more coverage of the events in Armenia. Thanks to these forums, major Diaspora Armenian newspapers have their correspondents in Armenia.

In 2010, the participants of the 5^th Pan-Armenian Forum of Journalists particularly discussed the tactic and strategic objectives to fight against the misinformation campaigns of our opponents in the right way. During the Four-Day Artsakh War, we witnessed how Armenian media outlets overcame many challenges and brilliantly provided information in a time of crisis. With their working styles, Armenian media outlets showed that, at such moments, they need to rely exclusively on the news and commentaries released by the relevant government agencies.

This is a fact. I am certain that our forums also play a role.

Only through government support can we see such consolidation, have such comprehensive agendas and such a level of participation. Only around such an axis is it possible to consolidate the motley of Diaspora Armenian media outlets as an ideology, a mechanism and a service.

Hayern Aysor: Mr. Kandaharian, the “What are YOU doing for Karabakh?” pan-Armenian movement was launched during the 8^th Pan-Armenian Forum of Journalists. What do you think was the motive for launching this movement? What does it imply?

S. K.: I believe it is a very important motto for coordinating the activities aimed at ensuring international recognition of Artsakh and the empowerment of the Artsakh Republic.

I am certain that there is no Armenian community of the organized Armenian Diaspora that is not carrying out actions to advocate these goals. This motto must definitely be promoted so that the activities are organized in a more coordinated, planned and goal-oriented manner in various sectors, particularly, culture, education, youth, tourism and rehabilitation.

If every community organizes the concerts of its choir, dance ensemble or the tournament of an athletic group in Artsakh once, we will have festivals.

If every community sends the respective country’s most notable journalists to Artsakh, we will see coverage of the Artsakh issue in many foreign presses.

If every community organizes visits to Artsakh for not only the local Armenians, but also foreigners, we will see some growth of tourism.

This year, the forum gathered 140 journalists from 31 countries in Stepanakert for the second time (the 5^th Pan-Armenian Forum of Journalists was also held in Stepanakert in 2010-HA). Other various kinds of forums also need to be held in Stepanakert, Shushi or other cities of Artsakh.

Hayern Aysor: How can media outlets help disseminate the movement?

S. K.: To continue to answer the previous question, Armenian media outlets need to continue to actively provide coverage of all that is done for Artsakh. We need to understand that Artsakh is not just a military zone. It’s not only about material assistance. By saying “What are YOU doing for Karabakh?” we mean any kind of activity in any sector. We are talking about versatile and various kinds of long-term projects.

Armenian mass media outlets need to continue to provide coverage of the events that will be held with this motto.

Hayern Aysor: Mr. Kandaharian, how did Lebanese-Armenians respond to the initiative

S. K.: Armenian mass media outlets have already posted the motto and logo on their websites. They have also published announcements and provide coverage of the events taking place under this title in various communities.

Once again, I must mention that people shouldn’t only view this initiative from the perspective of financial support and draw conclusions based on that. Every initiative for Artsakh’s empowerment can be posted under the title.

Hayern Aysor: Mr. Kandaharian, during the 8^th Pan-Armenian Forum of Journalists, the participants visited Artsakh where they met with the authorities of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic and visited the border. Based on the results, what major issues would you indicate that can be solved through the efforts of all Armenians around the world

S. K.: Our meetings with the leadership of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic were very open and friendly. President Bako Sahakyan gave exhaustive answers to all our questions.

Realizing the importance of the field of journalism, the leaders gave objective and substantiated clarifications regarding all the questions, and this will have an essential impact on the coverage and interpretation of events.

The visit to the border convinced all of us that we Armenians will continue to exist, create and grow thanks to those boys standing on the border.

Hayern Aysor: And the last question. What is the support to Artsakh for every Armenian? Is it a duty, something that the heart tells them to do, or what?

S. K.: Supporting Artsakh is an informed step that every Armenian, every Armenian union or organization needs to take. I am certain that the first item on the agenda of all Armenians is recognition of the Artsakh Republic, for which every Armenian needs to make an effort through the development and implementation of projects approved through the Armenia-Artsakh-Diaspora triumvirate, and Armenian mass media outlets have a major role to play.

We need to approach the motto “What are YOU doing for Karabakh?” by understanding this concept.

Lusine Abrahamyan