MONTEBELLO, Calif.–A historic event was held on November 22, when the President of the Republic of Karabagh, Bako Sahakian, was honored and recognized with a proclamation and the Key to the City by the Montebello City Council.
The city chambers were packed with Armenian residents, Armenian organizations’ representatives, and other well-wishers.
The City of Montebello is a sister city with the City of Stepanakert and both have been active sister partners for over six years. It has proven to be a fruitful and rewarding relationship.
“This is an occasion that is truly momentous for our community,” said Nazareth Sadorian, the chairman of the Armenian Cultural Foundation, Montebello Chapter.
“We are proud to present this proclamation to President Sahakian,” said Montebello Mayor William Molinari, while making the presentation. “We appreciate all the contributions Armenian-Americans have made to our city since Montebello’s founding some 90 years ago. And we thank the President for taking time out off his busy scheduled to be here with us.”
In turn, President Sahakian thanked city officials for the care and attention they have paid to the city and its Armenian residents, as well as the vibrant sister-city ties they have established since September 2005 with the capital of Artsakh, Stepanakert.
Pres. Sahakian was introduced by San Gabriel Valley ANC member Levon Kirakosian, who enumerated the various duties Pres. Sahakian has shouldered in Artsakh since its independence from Azerbaijan in 1991.
After the ceremony, the San Gabriel Valley ANC hosted a reception welcoming the President at the Montebello Armenian Center. Over 200 people attended the catered event.
President Sahakian was accompanied by the Prelate of the Armenian Diocese of Karabagh, Archbishop Barkev Martirosyan, Armenia’s Consul General to Los Angeles, Grigor Hovannisian, and other officials.
Security for the events was provided by Armenian members of the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department.