Courier Publisher Harut Sassounian Bestowed the ‘Golden Pen’ Award

YEREVAN (Armenpress) – Publisher of The California Courier newspaper Harut Sassounian was bestowed the Golden Pen, the top award of the Union of Journalists of Armenia on March 1.

Chairwoman of the Journalists’ Union Astghik Gevorgyan announced that the 33rd “Golden pen” award is awarded to Harut Sassounian who has been engaged in journalism for 33 years. Sassounian is a journalist who is not satisfied with publishing materials in his own newspaper, but makes use of any opportunity to raise Armenian issues in the foreign media,” Gevorgyan said.

Minister of Diaspora Hranush Hakobyan stated with satisfaction that Sassounian deserves the award as he keeps Turkish society under pressure with his editorials. He attentively follows Turkish-American relations, diagnoses and gives assessments. “The Turkish authorities follow Harut’s activities. His pen has become a weapon against Turkey,” Hakobyan said. She highlighted the fact Sassounian became a bridge between Armenia and the United States as the Vice President of American Armenian philanthropist Kirk Kerkorian’s Lincy Foundation.

Several media representatives present at the event expressed their opinions on Sassounian’s journalistic activities.

The Director of “Armenpress” news agency Aram Ananyan noted that though he does not know Sassounian personally, he is familiar with his arduous work.
“Harut Sassounian is a contemporary author. His is contemporary by his ideas, opinions and his value system looking to the future. It is no a coincidence that today he is receiving this honorable award,” Ananyan stated.

At the end of the ceremony, Sassounian delivered his remarks. “I really did not expect such an award. I am deeply touched by the warm words addressed to me. I thought I was the only one reading my articles,” he said.