Western Diocese

On Monday, October 8, 2007, Congressman Adam Schiff hosted and presided over an informative forum that was organized in collaboration with the Armenian National Committee, Glendale Chapter, at the Glendale Public Library. The Congressman was joined by several other distinguished panelists. The Congressman stressed that the importance of the progression of the rule of law in Armenia was critical to a healthy and vibrant democracy in Armenia—a U.S. ally in the region.

Harutyun Kojoyan, Deputy Consul General of Armenia, gave a brief overview of the changes in the legal system of Armenia. He pointed to the most fundamental change in the legal system of Armenia—the implementation of case precedent. Case precedent is a distinguished characteristic of the Common Law judicial systems, in the English speaking world. 

Dr. Laura Jewett, the Eurasian Deputy Director of National Democratic Institute outlined the efforts of the NDI in the former Soviet Republics to promote democracy, fair elections and fight against corruption. Concentrating her remarks on Armenia, she concluded that a fair 2008 presidential election would be very important in gaining both domestic and International trust in the legal system of Armenia.

Professor Richard Hovannisian questioned the independence of the Armenian judges from the authorities, especially in comparison to the situation in the United States. According to Harut Sassoonian, a prominent leader in the Armenian American Community, change in the value system of the Armenian society would be essential in achieving an acceptable level of rule of law in Armenia, and that it should start from very early on, perhaps from the kindergartens.

The Congressman had a positive view about the future of rule of law in Armenia; however as a member of the House Appropriations Committee, he had to make sure that U.S. financial assistance to other countries were not ineffective and futile. 

His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian was represented by Remo Alexandri at the event.