NOVEMBER 28, 2015 Mirror-SpeTHE ARMENIAN ctator Volume LXXXVI, NO. 20, Issue 4414 $ 2.00 NEWS INBRIEF The First English Language Armenian Weekly in the United States Since 1932 Italian Senator Says Armenia President receives Dean of Fletcher Turkey Attack Helps School and President of Tavitian Foundation ISIS ROME (Public Radio of Armenia) — Turkey has YEREVAN (Armenpress) — President of Republic of Armenia receive high-level edu- Stavridis is also a member of US Council entered the war on the side of the Islamic State, the Republic of Armenia Serge Sargisian cation in Fletcher School. on Foreign Relations, has served in United the Vice President of the Italian Senate Roberto received on November 19 Dean of the More than 250 graduates have returnd to States Navy for many years holding various Calderoli said after a Russian Su-24 jet was downed Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Armenia after receiving education in the senior positions. During his service he was over Syria with an air-to-air missile launched by a Tufts University Admiral James Stavridis framework of the abovementioned program decorated with more than 50 international Turkish F-16 fighter, Sputnik News reports. and President of Tavitian Foundation Aso “Turkey has officially entered the war on the Tavitian. side of ISIS by downing at the order of [President During the meeting the parties talked Recep Tayyip] Erdogan a Russian aircraft which about the cooperation between Tavitian has participated in operations against Islamic ter- Foundation founded by Armenian benefac- rorists in Syria,” the leading member of the tor Aso Tavitian and Fletcher School. In Northern League (Lega Nord) Party wrote on his the framework of this cooperation and due Facebook page. to scholarships provided by Tavitian According to Calderoli, Turkey is a “Trojan Horse Foundation, talented young people of the with whose assistance Islamic fundamentalism would like to take a clear shot at the West.” “Why is Turkey still in NATO after what hap- pened? What else can be expected of the UN apart from taking a strong stand on ISIS and its allies?” Gregory Calderoli wondered. He also criticized Rome’s official stance. “The Government [of Matteo Renzi] is on the wrong side Adamian Dies with [German Chancellor Angela] Merkel, instead of taking the side of Putin in this war to defend our From left, Dr. Joyce Barsam, Prof. Richard Schultz, Aso Tavitian, Fletcher School Dean WALTHAM, Mass. (Combined Sources) values, our freedom and our traditions.” — Gregory H. Adamian, who served as pres- Admiral James Stavridis and President of Armenia Serge Sargisian ident of Bentley College — now Bentley University — from 1970 to 1991, and then Argentine Ministry to implement their knowledge and skills in medals and diplomas. During the meeting as its first chancellor, died on November homeland. with the President of the Republic of 21. He was 89 years old. Publishes Textbook on Tavitian Foundation simultaneously Armenia current international issues, chal- Adamian was a member of the Law finances the visits of the deans, distin- lenges, regional development were touched Armenian Genocide Department faculty when he was elected guished lecturers of Fletcher School to upon. BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — Argentina Ministry Armenia so that they become familiarized Tavitian stressed that they will continue of Education introduced a new textbook titled with the Armenian people and the existing their programs and their support to young Armenian Genocide, Questions, Answers and geopolitical realities. see FLETCHER, page 16 Proposals for Education. The authors are Argentina Ministry of Education and Armenian National Committee of South America. Nouvelles d`Armenie reported the presentation President Serge Sargisian Honors Azg event was attended by Argentina Education Minister Alberto Sileoni, Director of the National Editor on Milestone Birthday Institute Against Discrimination, Xenophobia and Racism Pedro Mouratian, and Carolina YEREVAN — President of Armenia Serge Karagueuzian, Director of Armenian National Sargisian sent a congratulatory message to Committee of Buenos Aires. editor-in-chief of Azg newspaper Hagop Regarding the difficulty of teaching children Avedikian on his 70th birthday this week. about the Armenian Genocide Sileoni said the “You are one of the distinguished repre- book would help to introduce the events of 2015. sentatives of modern Armenian journalism. “This Ministry of Education was committed to the You have made significant contributions to way the educational community has accompanied president in 1970. Under his leadership, developing journalism in Armenia.” things that had been invisible for many years,” said Bentley was transformed from a small, The Lebanese-born Avedikian is the Pedro Mouratian. “What has occurred in our coun- regional accounting school to an innovator founding editor of Azg, which appeared in try in terms of memory, truth and justice has been in business education with a national repu- the early days of Armenia’s independence. revolutionary and refreshing.” tation. During Adamian’s tenure, Bentley’s Prior to moving to Armenia, he was the edi- Carolina Karagueuzian emphasized that development was comprehensive. Full- and tor of Zartonk daily in Beirut. Argentina is the only country that “publishes and part-time enrollment doubled while the fac- Azg is a sister paper to the Mirror- disseminates educational material on the Armenian ulty grew in number from 42 to 350. Spectator. Hagop Avedikian Genocide at the federal level.” see ADAMIAN, page 6 see BIRTHDAY, page 2 Argentina recognized the Armenian Genocide in 2003.

INSIDE Conan Conquers

Page 10

INDEX NEW YORK — Tekeyan Cultural Association’s November 21 “Remembrance and Rebirth” concert at Arts and Living ...... 10 Armenia ...... 2 Merkin Concert Hall commemorated the Armenian Genocide centennial. Renowned artists like sopra- Community News...... 4 no Hasmik Papian, pianist and composer Karén Hakobyan, cellist Alexander Chaushian and conduc- Editorial ...... 14 tor Arkady Leytush, with the World Peace Sinfonietta Chamber Orchestra, performed a range of International ...... 3 music. The forthcoming issue of the Mirror will feature an article on this event. 2 S ATURDAY, N OVEMBER 2 8 , 2 0 1 5 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARMENIA News From Armenia Armenia Honors Iranian-Armenian Painter Edman Ayvazian YEREVAN (Tehran Times) — The 83- year-old London-based Iranian- Armenian painter, Edman Ayvazian, Armenian in Russian was honored Friday with the Arshile Gorky Medal of the Armenian Ministry Border Guards Found of Diaspora. He received the medal from Minister Hanged of Diaspora Hranush Hakobyan during GUMRI (RFE/RL) — An Armenian who was serving a special ceremony held at the National with Russian border guards in Armenia has been Gallery of Armenia in Yerevan, the found hanged. Iranian cultural attaché’s office Officials in the village of Gusanagukh in the north- announced in a press release on ern Shirak region said on November 20 that 31-year- Saturday. old Volodya Hovannisian was found hanged in his vil- The medal was presented to Ayvazian lage home overnight. for his notable contributions to the In March, another Armenian national serving with development of Armenian arts, Russian border guards, 26-year-old Artur Afian, was Hakobyan said. found hanged in Shirak’s capital, Gumri, where the The National Gallery of Armenia also unit he served as a contract soldier was based. hung a collection of works by Ayvazian Edman Ayvazian, center, with Hranush Hakobyan Gumri is the site of Russia’s military base in in an exhibition titled “Colors of the Armenia, Moscow’s main foothold in the strategic Homeland.” South Caucasus region. The collection unites traditions of education in Rome. He then further He has made the interior designs for A private from the base, Valery Permyakov, is cur- Armenian, Oriental and European cul- developed and perfected his skills in some Armenian churches and public rently being tried for the alleged murder of seven ture, the gallery said on its website on London. and sacral buildings in Europe, Near members of an Armenian family in Gumri on January Saturday. He has a wide scope of artistic inter- East and Iran. 12. The exhibition displays architectural ests; his creative ideas are expressed in The showcase will run until The high-profile killings sparked large protests by designs and landscapes created over various spheres of art including paint- December 20 at the National Gallery of Armenians in January. the past 15 years. ing, graphic art, architecture and Armenia, which is the country’s major Ayvazian attained his professional design. exhibition venue for art. Armenia to Continue With NATO Peacekeeping AUA’s Turpanjian Rural Development Program Mission in Afghanistan BERLIN (Panorama) — A delegation led by Armenian Opens Its Doors in One More Region in Armenia Defense Minister Seyran Ohanyan was on a working YEREVAN — The official celebrations determinant of success is that, at TRDP, should take the initiative, earn your liv- visit to Berlin on November 23, according to the on the occasion of the opening of the there is no director: we are all partners ing, and contribute to the development Defense Ministry. The main purpose of the visit was American University of Armenia (AUA) and work in direct collaboration with of your community. We want to bring to attend a meeting of defense ministers of the North Turpanjian Rural Development each other to achieve the economic this culture, this way of thinking to Command of NATO-led Resolute Support (RS) Program (TRDP) office in Vayots Dzor development of rural areas of Armenia, Vayots Dzor, but we need to learn a lot Mission Troop Contributing Nations. The partici- took place recently. Artsakh & Javakhk,” he stated. from you as well,” Armenian appealed pants exchanged opinions about the situation in the The well-attended event, complete Dr. Armenian also mentioned that to the gathered guests. area of responsibility of the North Command led by with a red ribbon-cutting ceremony, entrepreneurship is an important Representatives from the regional Germany, the existing problems, and the further took place in Yeghegnadzor, Vayots aspect of Armenian culture. government expressed their deep appre- steps. Dzor on October 29. About 40 people Encouraging entrepreneurship and per- ciation for the excellent job that TRDP In his speech, Ohanyan said that despite the secu- were present at the event, including the sonal initiative among the villagers is carrying out in their region and for rity challenges existing along the perimeter of its very first TRDP beneficiaries of Vayots would lead to the people themselves the new jobs that would result from the own borders, Armenia intends to maintain the level Dzor who had come from the region’s developing their communities, rather establishment of TRDP-supported busi- of its participation in the program until the comple- different villages and towns, as well as than waiting for others to do so. “This nesses, which would help keep families tion of the mission. He expressed hope that thanks to TRDP Chair Dr. Haroutune Armenian, is the way of thinking the program from leaving their homeland and con- efficient assistance of the international coalition, AUA Vice President Ashot Ghazaryan, encourages. It’s a new way of thinking tribute to the improvement of socio-eco- there will be new achievements in Afghanistan soon and TRDP staff members. among the people—that you yourself nomic conditions in rural areas. in terms of establishing peace and stability. During the reception, food products produced by TRDP-supported business- Delegation Discusses its es from other regions of Armenia were made available: honey produced by President Sargisian Honors Azg Strategy in PACE Seyran Gevorgyan from the village of Kamo, Shirak; lavash produced by YEREVAN (Armenpress) — The head of the Editor on Milestone Birthday Harutyun Khachatryan from the village Armenian delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of Anushavan, Shirak; and “floss” BIRTHDAY, from page 1 en steps in the editorial offices of Azg. of the Council of Europe (PACE), Hermine cheese produced by Gurgen Abovyan in On the same occasion, Foreign In addition to his profession as an Naghdalyan, said on Tuesday that members are doing the border village of Koti, Tavush. The Minister Eduard Nalbandian awarded eminent editor, he also became an edu- their best to prevent the adoption of anti-Armenian quality and taste of the food impressed the veteran journalist a special com- cator, which in a way complemented his reports during the plenary session of the Assembly, the guests, and the success of the older mendation. editorial mission. Indeed, he was invited Naghdalyan noted during her conversation with TRDP-supported businesses further Avedikian was trained under the leg- by the State Pedagogical University to journalists that both the Armenian delegation and encouraged the 13 new beneficiaries endary editor Kersam Aharonian and serve as a professor of journalism. the leaders of the parliament, as well as Armenia’s from Vayots Dzor. succeeded him as the editor of the daily Thus, he trained the new generation of Ministry of Foreign Affairs have carried out activities Since the creation of AUA-TRDP in Zartonk in Beirut. journalists who ended up in the editor- in that direction. 2006 through a donation by Gerald When Armenia declared its indepen- ial offices of other newspapers and “We are currently discussing all the possible steps Turpanjian, the program has expanded dence, Avedikian moved there and set- online publications, as well as in the TV that will be favorable for us and will allow us to make to include Nagorno-Karabagh Republic tled in Yerevan with his family. stations as broadcast journalists. a breakthrough in the process during the plenary ses- and the regions of Shirak and Tavush It is then and there that his pioneer- Azg daily was initially supported by sion. I must say that our MPs working in different in Armenia. A representation was also ing mission in journalism began. He the ADL and it became an ADL organ. international parliamentary platforms also take steps set up in Javakhk. The program is became the founding editor of the daily However, later it became and indepen- to influence the delegations which work at PACE aimed at promoting sustainable devel- Azg, which was destined to transform dent paper, continuing to serve as a with the help of their colleagues,” Naghdalyan said. opment in the rural communities of the the image and the function of journal- proponent of liberal democratic ideals. . Political Affairs Committee of the Parliamentary Republic of Armenia, the Nagorno- ism in Armenia. Azg also operated within the pool of Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) has Karabagh Republic and Javakhk by He was instrumental in changing the ADL publications feeding and being fed included (24 in favor, 16 against) in the agenda of its offering continuous training and advi- dull and dour image of Soviet journal- by sister publications of Abaka in plenary session Robert Walter’s anti-Armenian sory services for business plans, devel- ism by introducing Western methods Montreal and the Mirror-Spectator in report titled “Escalation of violence in Nagorno- oping skills necessary for entrepreneur- and technology in the fledgling busi- Boston. Karabagh and the other occupied territories of ial activity, as well as providing financial ness of newsgathering. Because of financial hardships, Azg Azerbaijan.” assistance. In addition to editing a dynamic daily, recently became a weekly, mostly serv- He used such imprecise and anti-Armenian formu- Since its inception, TRDP has con- which at first hit 40,000 in circulation, ing the intellectual and political elite in lations as “the withdrawal of Armenian armed forces ducted trainings in entrepreneurship Avedikian rallied young and promising Armenia and in the diaspora. and other irregular armed forces from Nagorno- and entrepreneurial skills for residents journalists around the paper. At that Hagop Avedikian is rightfully consid- Karabagh and the other occupied territories of of more than 900 communities, con- time, Azg became the most powerful and ered as the dean of modern Armenian Azerbaijan, and the establishment of full sovereignty tributing to the launch of over 250 respected daily in Armenia. He was also journalism in Yerevan and deserves all of Azerbaijan in these territories.” businesses and the creation of over 400 smart enough to realize that those in the the accolades bestowed on him. PACE’s Social Affairs, Health and Sustainable jobs in rural communities. diaspora would want to read about The editorial staff of the Armenian Development Committee adopted with 9 against, 16 In his speech, Dr. Armenian high- Armenia, therefore he put out online Mirror-Spectator joins the president in favor of the anti-Armenian report related to the lighted the key to the program’s suc- translations of the main stories in and the foreign minister to congratu- Nagorno Karabagh Sarsang Reservoir. cess. “One of the key points of pro- English, Russian, Arabic and Turkish. late him on his 70th birthday, wishing gram’s success is Gerald Turpanjian’s Many journalists, who later on him many more years of contribution to readiness to finance the program to embraced more ambitious careers as Armenian journalism in the years whom we are very grateful. The second editors and diplomats, took their maid- ahead. S A T U R D A Y , N O V E M B E R 2 8 , 2 0 1 5 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 3 INTERNATIONAL International News Turkey Downs Russian Warplane Georgia, Armenia to ANKARA/MOSCOW (Reuters) — had prevented worse incidents in the “The data we have is very clear. Turkey shot down a Russian war- past. There were two planes approaching Have Model Border plane near the Syrian border on Each country summoned a diplo- our border, we warned them as they Tuesday, saying the jet had violated matic representative of the other. were getting too close,” another Management its air space, in one of the most seri- Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei senior Turkish official told Reuters. YEREVAN (Public Radio of Armenia) — A 4.3 million ous publicly acknowledged clashes Lavrov cancelled a visit to Turkey due “Our findings show clearly that euro project promoting more secure and easy traffic between a NATO member country on Wednesday and the defense min- Turkish air space was violated multi- between the border of Georgia and Armenia is coming and Russia for half a century. istry said it was preparing measures ple times. And they violated it know- to its end, according to Georgia Today. Russian President Vladimir Putin to respond to such incidents. ingly.” On November 25, a summary conference in Tbilisi said the plane had been attacked US President Barack Obama and A U.S. military spokesman said it brought together the representatives of border man- when it was 1 km (0.62 mile) French President Francois Hollande, was an issue between the Turkish agement agencies in Georgia and Armenia as well as inside Syria and warned of “serious meeting in Washington, urged and Russian governments and that international organizations. consequences” for what he termed a against an escalation, while NATO US-led coalition operations in Syria The delegation of the European Union to Georgia, stab in the back administered by “the Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg and Iraq were continuing “as the United Nations Development Programme accomplices of terrorists.” said the military alliance stood in sol- planned.” (UNDP), the Ministry of Finance of Georgia and “We will never tolerate such crimes idarity with Turkey. The Syrian Observatory for Human Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia are complet- like the one committed today,” Putin Footage from private Turkish Rights monitoring group said the ing a project to assist the governments of Armenia said, as Russian and Turkish shares broadcaster Haberturk TV showed warplane crashed in a mountainous and Georgia in reducing the barriers for trade, tran- fell on fears of an escalation between the warplane going down in flames, a area in the northern countryside of sit and movements of people across the Bagratashen- the former Cold War enemies. long plume of smoke trailing behind Latakia province, where there had Sadakhlo border. In a letter to the U.N. Security it as it crashed in a wooded part of an been aerial bombardment earlier and The project helped the governments of the two Council, Turkey said it had shot down area the TV said was known by Turks where pro-government forces have countries to tackle smuggling and trafficking, ease the jet while in Turkish air space. as “Turkmen Mountain.” been battling insurgents on the people’s movement at the border crossing point, Along with a second plane, the air- Separate footage from Turkey’s ground. equip and train border guards and promote profes- craft had flown more than a mile into Anadolu Agency showed two pilots “A Russian pilot,” a voice is heard sional cooperation between the border management Turkey for 17 seconds, despite being parachuting out of the jet before it saying in the video sent to Reuters as agencies of Armenia and Georgia. warned 10 times in five minutes while crashed. men gather around the man on the The European Union and UNDP also assisted approaching to change direction, the A deputy commander of rebel ground. “God is great,” is also heard. Georgia to prepare and endorse the Border letter said. Turkmen forces in Syria said his men The rebel group that sent the video Management Strategy of Georgia from 2014-2018. “Nobody should doubt that we shot both pilots dead as they came operates in the northwestern area of made our best efforts to avoid this lat- down. The Russian military con- Syria, where groups including the est incident. But everyone should firmed one pilot had been shot dead Free Syrian Army are active but Kickstarter Campaign respect the right of Turkey to defend from the ground and another soldier Islamic State, which has beheaded its borders,” Turkish President Tayyip died during a rescue operation. captives in the past, has no known Launched to Fund Erdogan said in a speech in Ankara. Russia’s defense ministry said one presence. Genocide Film In condemnation of Russian air of its Su-24 fighter jets had been A deputy commander of a Turkmen strikes in Syria, during which Turkish downed in Syria and that “for the brigade told reporters on a trip orga- SYDNEY (PanARMENIAN.Net) — The Armenian air space has been violated several entire duration of the flight, the air- nized by Turkish authorities that his National Committee of Australia has partnered with times in recent weeks, Erdogan said craft was exclusively over Syrian ter- forces had shot both pilots dead as Sydney-based filmmaker Shahane Bekarian to pro- that only Turkey’s “cool-headedness” ritory.” they descended. duce the first Australian-made documentary on the Armenian Genocide, according to the ANC Australia official website. Today, a crowdfunding campaign was launched Assyrians, Armenians in Syria Protest with Kickstarter to help raise funds for this project. ANC Australia is seeking to raise $20,000 to help fund the production of the film, set for a release in Kurdish Confiscation of Property 2015, on the Armenian Genocide centennial. The film, titled “Children of the Genocide,” is HASAKA, Syria (Public Radio of astation and terrorism have caused all appointing a proxy for their properties is drawing on archival footage of interviews with Armenia) — Sixteen Assyrian and ethnic groups much suffering. But we, fully supported by both state and inter- Australia-based survivors of the Armenian Genocide, Armenian organizations have issued a inhabitants of Al-Jazeera, have kept so national law. Any claims of this being ille- who are now no longer alive. It also features inter- statement protesting Kurdish expropria- precious nowadays ideals of peaceful gal are false. views with their descendants, currently living in tion of private property in the Hasaka coexistence between various communi- Taking all of the above into account Australia. province of Syria, the Assyrian ties of our province. Due to extraordi- we believe that such actions of “Local The film is described as “an examination of the International News Agency nary situation and having safety in mind Administration” will cause ethnic cracks sentiment of Armenians in Australia 100 years after (AINA) reports. local self-administration was created, and turmoil. In order to avoid it and to the Genocide which saw them flee their motherland The statement accuses the Democratic together with number of dependent insti- convince authors to abandon these regu- after World War I. The issue to be explored relates to Union Party (YPD), the Syrian wing of tutions. Some of its regulations, however, lations we hereby announce ourselves as the surviving Armenians who found refuge in the Turkish Kurdistan Workers’ Party are not properly prepared nor thorough- plaintiffs and prosecutors for any and all Australia.” (PKK), of human rights violations, expro- ly measured. This causes valid concerns cases under both state and international priation of private property, illegal mili- among various ethnic and national tribunals and courts of law. ISIS Threatens Georgian tary conscription and interference in groups. While it is happening official “Procedure on issuing permits and church school curricula. authorities are still performing its fiscal, licenses, new permits and licenses fees Muslims YPD has gained some international administrative, legal and military duties. and taxes” is redundant and illegal. attention in its fight against ISIS, a fight Law on Emigrant Property Existing permits and licenses are valid. TBILISI (Public Radio of Armenia) — Alleged repre- which Assyrian fighters have joined, but After careful consideration representa- They were issued in accordance with law sentatives of the so-called Islamic State (IS) released it has been accused by Human Rights tives of Christian communities in by official Syrian authorities and did not a video on Monday, which showed fighters speaking Watch of massive violations of human Qamishli agreed on following: lose their legitimacy. Demand for their Georgian addressing the Muslim population of rights, extending to forced evictions and Aforementioned Law on Emigrant replacement and new fees, often exceed- Georgia. The fighters urged them to support the the destruction of homes and property Property is in violation of Human Rights ing their holders financial capabilities, is Islamic Caliphate, Georgia Today reports. of non-Kurdish populations in regions Law, breaking fundamental Right to unacceptable. The fighters threatened to establish a ‘Caliphate’ under its control. Some of the violations property Conscription Law in Georgia. One of the extremists stated “I would like which impact the Christian Assyrian pop- Under no circumstances, nobody can Demanding military service by orga- to address the faithless people living in Georgia that ulation are: Enforcement of new curricu- labeled as “traitor” just for leaving their nization without state legitimization is have been fighting Islam for a long time. Everybody la in private and public schools; conduct- home. preposterous. who has acted against Islam, no matter in Iraq or ing forced recruitment of young people; Efforts at creating “Institution for Any interference into church private Afghanistan, will be judged by God’s law.” enforcing special taxes and occupation of Emigrant Properties Redistribution and schools in Al-Jazeera province in unac- The address, published on sendvid.com, empha- Assyrian owned public buildings. Management” is an attempt of expropria- ceptable. These institutions are sanc- sized that “God is very strict,” and called on [you] to According to Assyrian leaders in tion real estate under a guise of helping tioned by administrative and education stop persecuting Muslims. “Your actions against the Hasaka, the Kurds form about 30 per- those in need. authorities. Pressure on these institu- Muslim will be not remain unanswered. Everybody cent of the population in Northern These regulations create a dangerous tions is viewed as an interference in edu- will be accountable for it.” Syria’s Jazeera region (provincial capital precedence in Proprietorship Law in cation and upbringing of Christian chil- Another group of fighters threatened Muslim Hasaka) but increasingly act as occupiers whole province of Al-Jazeera. dren and adolescents. Khoja and Muftis living in Adjara (Georgia), accusing of the region. YPD militia killed David Additionally this will cause substantial We appeal into everybody’s sense of them of misleading people. “You will pay for what Jendo, the commander of the Assyrian demographic changes centered at local responsibility and ask for restraint when you have done. Be afraid of Allah but not the dirty Khabour village guards, in April this Christians who will lose their homes. It’s handling matters that could limit rights leaders, don’t be afraid of their orders, you will ful- year. The guards were established to worth mentioning that nearly 35 percent of both individuals and communities. fill them without hesitation,” the group has stated. defend the Khabur villages from ISIS. of all real estate in the area is owned by Fundamental Human Rights have to be Soon after the address, the Georgian State Assyrian and Armenian churches, Christians. Expropriation of this proper- upheld in order for peace and safety to Security Service announced it was launching an political and civic organizations issued ties will cause valid concerns amongst once again grace all of Syria. We are hop- investigation into the case. The Security Service did the following letter to protest YPD’s both those who fled and stayed, prevent- ing for continuous, peaceful coexistence not wish to speak about any possible additional mea- actions: ing the latter from ever coming back. of all Al-Jazeera inhabitants, regardless of sures surrounding the issue. For over four years our country, Syria, It’s worth noting that stance, taken by their faith, ethnicity, nationality and cul- is struggling with tragic events. War dev- many local Christians, of not selling nor ture. 4 S ATURDAY, N OVEMBER 2 8 , 2 0 1 5 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Community News

Turkish Armenians Hayk Film Studio Topic at St. John’s Visits US to Make Anniversary Dinner Film on Armenian

By David Luhrssen Carpets

MILWAUKEE, Wis. — “What of the By Aram Arkun Armenians left behind?” Ani Boghikian- Kasparian asked. A lecturer at the University of Mirror-Spectator Staff Michigan-Dearborn, Boghikian-Kasparian was the keynote speaker at St. John the Baptist WATERTOWN — A group of documentary Armenian Church’s 74th anniversary dinner. filmmakers from Armenia was present in Her topic at the November 15 event, “The Oral Boston for several days at the end of Histories of Life in Eastern Turkey After the November as part of a trip to collect material Genocide,” explored the situation of Armenian for a new film on the history of Armenian families and communities that continued to sur- rugs. Hayk Documentary Film Studio vive in the Turkish Republic. Director Shushanik Mirzakhanyan, with film Boghikian-Kasparian found parallels between director Grigor Harutyunyan, cameraman the Armenians of post-Genocide Turkey and the Samvel Babasyan, and cameraman’s assistant Diaspora, noting that the degree of Armen Harutyunyan have been visiting muse- “Armenianness” in both cases is a matter of ums, private collections, and rug experts in choice. Although living in their ancestral home- New York, Boston and Washington D. C. for land, the traditional heartland of Armenia, At a PowerPoint presentation their project. Turkish Armenians have become a minority Hayk Studio is a state studio which is the ethnic-religious group with many ways to assim- heir of the Soviet-era ArmenKino. It existed ilate or not, of blending in or disappearing alto- from the 1920s under various names. Today, gether. AIWA SF Works on Training it works under the Ministry of Culture of the Coming to her topic through her husband, Republic of Armenia and receives financing who was born in Turkey in Sepastia (Sivas), through the state. Every year it produces 12 Boghikian-Kasparian interviewed Armenians The Trainers at Public Schools to 13 documentary films on a wide variety of from that region as part of her research. “It was subjects. First it assembles film proposals, and a window to another part of our history,” she a list is prepared to be reviewed by the Art said. As to how some Armenians survived the Of Armenia Council (Gegharvestakan Khorhurd). The Genocide, she explained that some were hidden final list is given to the Ministry of Culture for YEREVAN and SAN FRANCISCO — In collaboration with the Yerevan mayor’s by friendly non-Armenian neighbors and a few its input. office, the Department of Education, Armenian International Women’s were spared because they had special skills; Film topics include historical themes, art, Association (AIWA) San Francisco, sponsored a workshop on comprehensive many women were sold into marriage and culture (for example, the 500th anniversary of health education for the educa- forced to convert to Islam. Some descendants of printing in Armenian was commemorated tors teaching the “Healthy those Turkish Armenians have returned to the through a film which traced the beginnings of Lifestyle” a required subject at Armenian Church and accepted baptism. By Gaiane Khachatrian Armenian printing in Europe), and current the public schools of Armenia. In places where larger numbers of Armenians events, such the Nagorno Karabagh move- Nearly 30 teachers (male and congregate, community rituals such as Vartavar ment, the centennial of the Armenian female) from various schools gathered in the Erebuni district to participate in this continued to be celebrated. Generally, Turkish Genocide, the career and fate of Turkish- interactive workshop focusing on the various topic within health education. Armenians stepped softly, maintaining some Armenian journalist Hrant Dink, and the The workshop was led by Ani Jilozian, a public health practitioner who has level of “Armenianness” without calling atten- odysseys of the Armenian ships “Kilikya” and worked extensively in the field of women’s sexual and reproductive health. She tion to themselves. “Many small measures have “Armenia.” Some documentaries deal with received her master’s degree in global public health from the Icahn School of been taken,” Boghikian-Kasparian said, relating Armenian Americans, like a long film on Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City. As a Fulbright Scholar, she led a qual- that conditions have improved in recent years, William Saroyan. itative research study that evaluated the social influences that impact abortion and including the establishment of Armenian cul- The studio negotiates with various televi- contraceptive use in rural Armenia. At the same time, she also worked with the tural associations. Even the tricolor flag has sion stations in Armenia to show their works, Women’s Resource Center to evaluate the sexual education curricula in schools occasionally been seen in Turkey. though the stations can only pay small sym- across the country. She has managed educational reproductive health program, Boghikian-Kasparian’s talk capped a full pro- bolic amounts to the studio for this. Films are which has served several hundred women in rural Armenia. Currently, she works gram in observance of St. John’s anniversary, also shown in festivals, and often win prizes. with victims of domestic violence at the Women’s Support Center and continues including a visit by the Vicar General of the A second important function of the studio to lead workshops on the topic of sexual and reproductive health and rights both Armenian Church’s Eastern Diocese, Very Rev. is to document interesting events taking place among adolescents and women. Simeon Odabashian; the singing of Der Getso every year in Armenia for archival purposes. The teachers who attended the workshop left with ample resources, including a by St. John’s pastor, Rev. Fr. Nareg Keutelian The studio attempts to cover all important manual and handouts, to be able to facilitate comprehensive sexual education in accompanied by organist Jan Kopatic; a musical events, whether in the villages or in the cities the classroom. AIWA San Francisco, will continue developing such workshops in interlude by parishioner Donald Rask; and a of Armenia. Whatever is known in advance is Yerevan, and will expand its reach to the regions of Armenia in the future. power point presentation by Nicole Kashian on filmed, and what cannot be immediately In September a team of three professional women representing AIWA San her pilgrimage to Jerusalem earlier this year filmed is somehow covered afterwards Francisco in Armenia, collaborated with the Arabkir Hospital to revise the sexual with a group of young Armenian Americans. through interviews. Though the studio is education portion of the Healthy Lifestyles curriculum/teacher’s manual. The funded by the government, it has the freedom draft document has been submitted to the Ministry of Education in Armenia. If to film all types of events, including protests the new curriculum is adopted, educators at public schools will receive a revised against the government and opposition move- see TRAINING, page 5 Genocide Still Casting ment activities, if they are significant. The archives of the studio from the early Large Shadow in period of Soviet Armenia are kept in Russia, so every year a trip is taken to the Russian Giants Book archive by the studio director and others to choose portions for digitalization. These materials are then added to the Yerevan By Mitch Kehetian archive. While the documentaries are usually pro- DETROIT — Six years ago when Publish duced in Armenian, some have subtitles in America agreed to print Giants of the Earth, it English, and occasionally dubbing into culminated a personal project that took me on a English and other languages may be 1969 mission into Turkish-occupied Western arranged, though this is more expensive. Armenia in search of an aunt lost in the 1915- The film on Armenian rugs was begun two 23 massacre of Armenians. years ago. The basis of the film is a book by It was a mission of tragedy knowing that just rug specialist Volkmar Ganzhorn, whose book 50 years earlier historic Armenia was under the was translated into Armenian several years assault of the Genocide-driven Ottoman ago. Last year he and his wife came to Turkish government. Armenia and were interviewed at the My aunt died six years before I prayed at her Students gather in a circle Megerian Carpet Factory in Yerevan. He mountaintop gravesite in Keghi province over- pointed out that the carpet and the culture looking a tributary of the Euphrates River. formed around it composed a part of the see GIANTS, page 7 see FILM, page 5 S ATURDAY, N OVEMBER 2 8 , 2 0 1 5 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 5 COMMUNITY NEWS

AIWA SF Works on Training the Trainers in Armenia

Hayk Film Studio Visits US TRAINING, from page 4 ness, confidence, coping strategies and critical manual that will include topics on compre- thinking skills through artistic, fun, recreational, FILM, from page 4 like the Medzorians in the diaspora. hensive sexual education, such as sexual and physical activities. To promote the girls’ Armenian identity. The studio’s budget is much lower than hygiene, the menstrual cycle, sexual anatomy well-being, self-care, and sense of purpose, the The Hayk Studio team has already that of private firms, and it works with and physiology, breast health, sexually trans- programs are developed with a holistic interviewed other non-Armenian rug spe- older equipment, yet it manages to do mitted infections, family planning, informed approach. “The girls are truly inspired and are cialists, such as the editor of Hali maga- quite a lot through innovative approach- decision-making, sexual rights, discrimination enjoying every minute of the sessions,” says zine, and have filmed in the Hermitage es and hard work. It hopes to eventually based on gender and sexual orientation, and Elvira Meliksetyan from Women Resource Museum in Saint Petersburg, Russia, raise money for better digital film equip- sexual violence, among other relevant topics. Center, who leads the sessions. “They are very what is called the world’s oldest known ment from sponsors in the diaspora and The revisions are based on internationally rec- engaged and are motivated to learn more. That’s pile rug, the Pazyrik. In Europe other Armenia. ognized standards, and the language in the an indicative that we have been successful in our interviews of specialists and carpets have For more information on the activities taken place. of Hayk Documentary Film Studio, In Boston, the team was hosted by Jack excerpts from some of its works, and con- and Eva Medzorian, and director tact information, see Harutyunyan pointed out how inspira- www.HaykDFS.com. tional it was to visit dedicated Armenians

Sports plays a large part in team-building.

manual is culturally sensitive and appropriate efforts of creating a safe environment for them for Armenian youth. to express themselves.” Since its inception, AIWA San Francisco Physical activities, including football sessions, strongly believed that an approach must be medication, and yoga classes, have been incor- From left, Hayk Documentary Film Studio filmmakers Armen Harutyunyan, Samvel Papasyan, Shushanik Mirzakhanyan and Grigor Harutyunyan. taken at a policy level to improve the lives of porated into the program to make it more women and girls in Armenia. For that reason, vibrant for the teens. The program is enhanced the organization is supporting comprehensive to promote team-building skills. “Physical activi- sexual education reform, which is known to bal- ties are important aspects of a person’s daily ance gender roles and expectations, delay sexu- life,” says Sona Barseghyan, the Physical al initiation, reduce rates of STIs and unwanted Education instructor. “This is a field for endless pregnancies, and challenge the cultural toler- exploration of one’s abilities. Making sports a ance of gender-based violence. part of the girl’s routine will not only promote AIWA San Francisco continues to partner their physical health and well-being, but will also with the Women Resource Center in Armenia improve the psychological well-being. My goal is sponsoring educational programs at the to see them enjoy sports and not be afraid of Avedisian High School, and Levon Mirijanyan being on the field.” School # 155 in Yerevan. Prior to implementing The girls learn something new with every ses- the initiative, the WRC team introduced the pro- sion. They have come to better understand gram to the teachers, parents and students to themselves — their strengths, skills and abilities, ensure everyone was comfortable with what was and are continually encouraged to build on their offered in the classroom. strengths. The educational programs are designed to To learn more about AIWA, visit www.aiwain- empower teens in public schools through help- ternational.org. To get involved with the AIWA ing them develop leadership skills, self-aware- SF affiliate, visit www.aiwasanfrancisco.com

Teachers learning in a classroom 6 S ATURDAY, N OVEMBER 2 8 , 2 0 1 5 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR OBITUARY

End House and Inroads. At the very end of World War II, he joined the Gregory Adamian Dies Adamian was a leading member of the navy, which sent him to college and officer train- Armenian-American community and an articu- ing. He graduated from Harvard University and late spokesman on the Armenian Genocide. A received a commission as an officer. He went to ADAMIAN, from page 1 His impact on Bentley was recognized in founding director of the National Association the Pacific for a year after the war was over. Bentley was an innovator in a number of aca- many ways, including the creation of the for Armenian Studies and Research, he helped Adamian was one of the founders of the demic areas under Adamian’s leadership. The Gregory H. Adamian Professorship in Law and establish an endowed chair in Armenian studies National Association for Armenian Studies and Center for Business Ethics, among the first the Gregory Adamian Award for Teaching at Harvard University. In 1990, he received the Research and served for some 50 years on its such academic centers in the nation, was found- Excellence. Humanity Award from the organization Facing board. He was president of the Council for ed in 1976. In 1985, Bentley became the first Adamian retired as president in 1991 to History and Ourselves for his work as a Immigration and Resettlement of Armenians. In college to require laptop computers for all stu- become chancellor and president emeritus, in spokesman for the Armenian-American commu- 1956, he testified at a Washington Senate dents. And its business offerings were supple- which roles he was an ambassador and nity. He was also a recipient of the Ellis Island Committee on the Judiciary hearing on behalf mented in the 1980s by programs and majors in fundraiser. He served on the Board of Trustees Medal of Honor in 2007. He served on the of this organization for a bill to assist Armenian English, history and philosophy. A commit- until 2002 when he was elected trustee emeri- boards of the International Armenian General immigration into the US, together with other ment to excellence in ethics and social respon- tus. He received honorary degrees in 1991 Benevolent Union, St. Nersess Seminary and prominent Armenians. sibility, information technology and the art and- from Bentley and Boston University. the Armenian National Science and Education Adamian was an associate trustee of the sciences remains essential to Bentley’s mission Adamian was born in Somerville on Fund. In 1998, he received the medal of St. Armenian Assembly of America. He became a today. September 17, 1926. He graduated from Sahag and St. Mesrob from Karekin I, frequent lecturer on the Armenian Genocide for Adamian was involved in the building of more Harvard College in 1947, and later from Boston Catholicos of All Armenians. Armenian organizations, speaking nearly every than two dozen campus buildings. He increased University Law School. He also held an MPA In 2012, the Mirror-Spectator awarded him April. the endowment from over $350,000 to $60 mil- from the Graduate School of Public the a Lifetime Achievement Award at Adamian’s ties to the Baikar Association and lion when he retired as president. Today it is in Administration at Harvard (today the Kennedy the Armenian Mirror-Spectator’s benefit gala, the Mirror ran deep. He worked while young on the range of $200 million. An adept fundraiser, School). He practiced law in Cambridge and “Celebrating 80 Years and Beyond.” Saturdays to help wrap newspapers for mailing. his Armenian contacts came in handy here. He began teaching law and economics part-time at Adamian’s father came to Boston from At that time the Baikar offices were on was close friends with Detroit industrialists and Bentley in 1955, when it was still located on Aintab after the Genocide, while his mother’s Shawmut Avenue in Boston proper. philanthropists Alex Manoogian and Edward Boylston Street. He became a full-time faculty parents had fled Kharpert to Worcester even Adamian is survived by his wife, Debbie Mardigian. Adamian was on the board of the member in 1968. earlier, before his mother was born. Murdza Adamian of Medford, and Boca Raton, Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) Adamian was a respected spokesman for His grandmother, who lived with his parents, Fla.; children Douglas and his wife Angela and when Manoogian was its president, and was fre- higher education. As chairman, vice chairman could not speak English, therefore his first lan- Daniel and his wife Carrie Ellen; Brother-in-law quently invited to lecture for the AGBU. After and treasurer of the Association of Independent guage and only language was Armenian until of Diana Adamian, Valerie Daniel, Victoria each lecture, Manoogian would send a check Colleges and Universities in Massachusetts he began elementary school. The family moved Rowland, Randal Murdza and Garret Murdza. for $5,000 to Bentley. Manoogian donated sev- (AICUM), he was a strong advocate for to Brooklyn for a few years, where the family Loving grandfather of Jenna, Anna, Julia, eral hundred thousand dollars to build the pres- increased financial aid. He was also a member was in a less Armenian environment, but Addison and Olivia. He was the uncle of Wendy ident’s house at the Bentley campus. Mardigian of many corporate and non-profit boards, Adamian’s father was hired as a bilingual com- Avedisian, Denise Oldham, Jeremy Daniel, donated part of the graduate center for including Liberty Mutual, the Massachusetts positor by the Armenian Mirror-Spectator and Gillian Daniel and Nicholas Daniel. $150,000. Higher Education Assistance Corporation, West Baikar and they moved to Watertown. Funeral services were at Saint James Adamian skipped several grades to graduate Armenian Church, 465 Mount Auburn Street, high school early and began work at the Hood Watertown, on Monday, November 30. Rubber Company, in whose sweatshop-like fac- Interment was at Mount Auburn Cemetery, Prof. Sona Aronian tory many Watertown Armenians found Cambridge. employment, including, briefly, artist Arshile Arrangements were by Aram Bedrosian KINGSTON, R.I. — Sona Aronian died on Selected Prose. She also presented papers on Gorky. Funeral Home. November 17 after a long illness. She was 85. Remizov at several international conferences in She was Professor Emerita of Russian, the United States and in Russia. Comparative Literature and Women’s Studies In retirement she became engrossed in the Telephone (617) 924-7400 at the University of Rhode Island. study of the Armenian language, literature and Aronian held a BA in comparative literature from culture. She endowed two book prizes for out- Boston University and a PhD in Slavic languages standing scholarly work in Armenian studies to Aram Bedrosian and literatures from Yale. She taught at the be granted through the National Association of University of Armenian Studies and Research. She financed Funeral Home, Inc. Pittsburgh and the the construction of a state-of-the-art language University of lab at the Avedisian School in Yerevan, Continuous Service By The Bedrosian Family Since 1945 Pennsylvania, and at Armenia. She and her husband endowed a URI the University of scholarship in music composition. MARION BEDROSIAN 558 MOUNT AUBURN STREET Rhode Island (URI), Aronian was the daughter of the late Arusiag PAUL BEDROSIAN where she established Opsoyan Aharonian and Arshag Aronian WATERTOWN, MA 02472 LARRY BEDROSIAN and directed the pro- (Aharonian). gram in Russian She is survived by her husband, Geoffrey Studies and partici- Gibbs; a sister, Karen Beaver; a nephew, pated in the creation Hovannes Beaver; six nieces (Susan Sparling, of the Comparative Pat Opsoyan, Sharon Kehaya, Pamela Sparling, Nardolillo Funeral Home Literature and Women’s Studies Programs. Marty Light and Nancy Cleveland), and her hus- Est. 1906 She did archival research in Moscow, St. band’s daughter Allegra Brunborg. Petersburg, Prague, and Paris on the Russian Relatives and friends are invited to attend a John K. Najarian, Jr. modernist writer Alexei Remizov with the sup- graveside gathering on Saturday December 12, Rhode Island’s Only Licensed Armenian Funeral Director port of grants from the International Research at 10 a.m. in the Old Fernwood Cemetery, and Exchanges Board (IREX). Kingstown Road, (Rte. 138), Kingston. 1278 Park Ave. Cranston, RI 02910 (401) 942-1220 She served as contributing editor of a two- In lieu of flowers contributions may be made 1111 Boston Neck Rd. Narragansett, RI 02882 (401) 789-6300 volume set of the Russian Literature to the National Association for Armenian Triquarterly devoted to the life and works of Studies and Research, 395 Concord Ave., www.nardolillo.com Remizov as well as a separate volume of his Belmont, MA 02478.

GiragosianF UNERAL H OME James “Jack” Giragosian, CPC Mark J. Giragosian Funeral Counselors 576 Mt. Auburn Street, Watertown, MA 02472, TEL: 617-924—0606 www.giragosianfuneralhome.com S ATURDAY, N OVEMBER 2 8 , 2 0 1 5 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 7 COMMUNITY NEWS

Committee. a.m.-5 p.m. Friday, December 4 through Tree in Honor of Genocide Centennial The first unveiling of the Festival of Trees at Sunday, December 13. the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art in Please note the museum and exhibit is HARTFORD, Conn. — The Sunday Schools St. George Armenian Church; Darlene Evslin, Hartford is part of First Thursday Events, closed Monday, December 7 and Tuesday, from Armenian Church of the Holy St. Stephen’s Armenian Church; Roxie December 3 from 5 to 8 p.m. and continues 10 December 8. Resurrection, St. Stephen’s Armenian Church Maljanian, Armenian and St. George Armenian Church have joined Church of Holy forces to create a Christmas Tree for the Resurrection; Cynthia Wadsworth Atheneum’s Festival of Trees in Messikian, St. George December. The tree’s theme is “Traditions of Armenian Church; Anna Armenia” to increase awareness among the Tufankjian, St. Stephen’s non-Armenian community, and in honor of Armenian Church and the 100th Anniversary of the Armenian Virginia Derbabian Genocide. Wasynczuk, St. George The decorated tree will be donated to the Armenian Church. Wadsworth Atheneum as part of their The decorated tree is a fundraising, and will be sold during the result of donations and Festival of Trees event. All are welcome to financial support from the attend the Festival of Trees and purchase any Sunday Schools as well as of the trees and other decorations. Thousands other donors. Perfect of people attend this event each year. Productions of New This tree was a collaborative and unifying Britain, CT donated the 7 effort by representatives from three church ½ ft. artificial tree and communities. lights, and Karen Fallo, of The Tree Project Committee members Perfect Productions, donat- From left, Darlene Evslin, Cynthia Messikian, and Melanie K. Brown; Roxy Meljanian, Anna Tufankjian, Virginia D. include: Anita Arakelian, St. Stephen’s ed her design expertise and Wasynczuk and Anita Arakelian with the “Traditions of Armenia” tree Armenian Church; Melanie Kevorkian Brown, consultative services to the

Genocide Still Casting as a Foreign Service officer — the rest of it as received a degree in fine arts, commercial Large Shadow in 95-year-old an Armenian poster child for his generation, and illustration art with honors just as World a talented artist and musician, world traveler War II erupted. Giants Book and a guy who never stops dancing with his During his childhood, he was surrounded World War II ageless bride. by Middle Eastern music, playing the lute, GIANTS, from page 4 “I’m just a little Armenian farm boy from clarinet and flutes with Armenian musicians. While encouraged to complete the memoir Massachusetts,” he tells you. “I’m very proud A thirst for language skills only enhanced his that remained unfinished after nearly four of my heritage. It makes me feel happy to see character. decades, it was at the urging of my late cousin Veteran my work and my history being relived.” When he was hired by broadcasting legend Rev. Vartan Kassabian, who inspired me to com- When Sarkisian signed off on “Music Time Edward R. Morrow in 1961 to work for plete the dormant project into published book in Africa,” it was the oldest English language “Voice of America,” it was the beginning of a format for future family generations. By Tom Vartabedian music program in that country, ending a long and illustrious relationship between the When the Baltimore publishing firm was career that spanned more than half a centu- two for the official broadcaster for the United absorbed last year by America Star Books, the ry and took him to every country on the States government. The stint lasted 47 years. 160-page memoir was temporarily shelved by TEWKSBURY, Mass. — On Veterans Day at African continent. He was 91 when he called Leo’s connections with the job led to meet- the new company until recently. Thanks to the Bayberry Emerald Court, something special it quits as an “ethnomusicologist.” ings with presidents and kings of countries, new publishing outlet Giants of the Earth was was going on with one of its cherished resi- He used his travels to hunt down and listening to their stories and sharing many of made available at its online book store. dents. My mission took me to Sepastia, Erzeroum, A 95-year-old is busy at work setting up an Lake Van, Bitlis, Moush, Bingol, Keghi, eye-popping art exhibit that characterizes his Khoops, Malayta, Kharpet. and through the World War II Army career, then prepares him- Pontic-Manzur mountains and across the self to entertain the guests on the kanoun, Mourad River. an intricate Armenian stringed instrument. With the help of Kerrin Wuchter, a special He follows this with a capsule account of services coordinator at Star Books, interested his military days and his venerable career on readers can now acquire Giants of the Earth by the Voice of America with the legendary going online to http://www.americastar- Edward R. Morrow. books.net/9781615820009.html. Add to the fact he will conduct an inter- In addition to Kerrin’s assistance my long- view by computer if you take the time to e- time friend Hrayr Toukhanian, the noted film mail him the questions. He will get around to director and producer of “Assignment Berlin,” it after driving himself and his wife of 66 a docudrama on the assassination of Talaat years, Mary, to their various appointments Pasha, regrouped my previously produced 32- around town. minute video encompassing my mission Amazing: there’s no other way to describe into barren Western Armenia. Leo Sarkisian. Without the support of Star Books publish- “Never a dull moment,” he is quick to ing and Toukhanian this renewed project would respond. “Life is even better when it puts you not have seen light. to work and gives you energy. I don’t have Leo Sarkisian by his artwork The abridged video can be viewed by going time to act my age — and never did.” online to restored The artwork he has displayed is impecca- linkage: https://youtu.be/AiNDannZYRU ble. He calls his exhibit “Faces of Africa” and record music of every stripe and genre, his own. Often, he would let his music do the Hrayr’s film features the assassination of the they are well worth the take. Four different including some 10,000 reel-to-reel tapes that talking. despot Turkish minister Talaat. It museums around the world carry his work. are now part of his Leo Sarkisian Library of Distance never kept the two apart whenev- premiered here in 1982 at the Masonic On this Veterans’ Day, Sarkisian encoun- African Music. er Leo sauntered off to another land. Mary Temple — focusing on the ARF’s assignment for tered another soldier who fought in the same What people don’t know is that he spent often joined her husband on these ventures, Soghomon Tehlirian to kill the mastermind of bloody battle of Anzio. They embraced like decades traveling as a Voice of America good- the first being to Afghanistan where she the Armenian Genocide. Tehlirian gunned long-lost brothers and recounted their har- will ambassador, visiting countries that most found the people friendly. Talaat down on the streets of Berlin March 17, rowing moments in the war. It took this art Americans knew nothing about, learning One prized possession they own is the 1921. show to bring the two together through about their music and sharing it with his kanoun and Leo looks for every opportunity The 1982 produced movie on the killing of sheer fate. radio audience. to perform, much as he did this day. Talaat was a first to be shown to public audi- Among the gathering of 60 folks at this Together, the Sarkisians have been to 85 He took to the harp-like instrument, ences on the silver screen and later developed assisted living center were several veterans, countries. Both husband and wife served in adorned with a tricolor flag, and gushed out as a full length video. some Armenians, fellow residents, adminis- World War II, Leo in intelligence, earning a Armenian folk tunes for his audience after The entire filming and production of trators, and other friends. Bronze Star, and Mary as a communications giving a brief history of the Armenian trou- “Assignment Berlin” took place in Detroit. “It’s no small achievement to what this decoding specialist with the Navy. They met badours. Sitting mesmerized was oud virtu- Notables who have praised Giants of the man has accomplished wherever he has at an Armenian dance in Haverhill shortly oso Leo Derderian and wife Mary, who came Earth include Prof. Dennis Papazian, a former gone,” said Rev. Stephan Baljian, pastor, St. after the war and never looked back. to visit. national grand commander of Knights of Gregory Church of North Andover. “He has A lifetime filled with national service has “He could fit into any band ensemble right Vartan; John Evans, former ambassador of US created an atmosphere of camaraderie and been turned into a ritual of art, travel, pride now,” said Derderian. “We should all be so to Armenia, and US Senator Carl Levin. In a artistry — a household name, really. We for their ethnic heritage. Both personify the blessed.” speech on the Senate floor the Michigan sena- thank him for his service to humanity.” very goodness of Armenian-Americans from Sarkisian takes it all in stride. He looks tor said anyone who denies Ottoman Turkey This day belonged to Leo serving as a most Merrimack Valley and Lawrence from where upon it as just “another day in paradise.” carried out a genocide “should read Giants of gracious host at an exhibit that defined a bril- they originated. “I was once told that my life is like an the Earth. It was genocide.” liant and eclectic career. Ask him to describe After graduating from Methuen High, Leo African proverb,” he says. “When a door it and he’ll point to a panel with Edward R. received a three-year scholarship by the opens, you go inside. Our adventures have (Mitch Kehetian is a retired editor of The Morrow and the “Voice of America.” Vesper George School of Art in Boston, one been the result of seizing opportunities.” Macomb Daily and former board trustee at It’s all you really need to know — 68 years of the finest art institutions of its time. He Central Michigan University.) 8 S ATURDAY, N OVEMBER 2 8 , 2 0 1 5 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS Knights of Vartan Oakley Country Club Gala Recognizes Community Leaders

other awardees of the evening before speaking about Dr. Van By Aram Arkun Dyke’s accomplishments and plays. He emphasized that Armenians must support culture, for cul- Mirror-Spectator Staff ture will triumph over politics. Boghosian said, “One of the great virtues of having the Joyce Van Dykes in our community, and the WATERTOWN — Ararat Lodge Number 1 of the Knights of Chris Bohjalians, and other writers, is that they give us an oppor- Vartan acknowledged leaders in the Armenian community and in tunity to reestablish our identity as to who we are as Armenians, its own organizations through its 2015 awards dinner at the what we stand for, where we came from, and it gives us the Oakley Country Club on November 6, at which more than 130 opportunity in an objective way to communicate our story to the guests were present. following generation.” Ara Balikian welcomed guests as the master of ceremonies, Former Diroohie Donna Maria Deranian, last year’s recipient and later gave the closing talk of the evening. Fr. Arakel Aljalian, pastor of St. James Armenian Church, blessed the gathering. Lodge Commander Armen Bogossian made introductory remarks about the various individuals being honored through- out the evening and the significance of the awards that they would receive. A number of last year’s award recipients served as presenters to the new honorees. The basic biographies of the awardees have already been summarized in a Mirror article of December 27, 2014. The formal ceremonies began when Krikor Gennetian, hon- ored as Ghevont Yeretz Faithful Knight in 2014, presented the 2015 award to George W. Haroutunian. Gennetian noted that Haroutunian was not only a great leader, but also was a person of great character highly respected by all Ararat Lodge members because of his helpfulness to others. Haroutunian served in US elite airborne forces in the Korean War and in the 10th Special Forces, and later worked 24 years with the Registry of Motor Peter Koutoujian with Armen Bogossian Vehicles in Massachusetts in various positions in law enforce- ment. While receiving his award, Haroutunian declared he joined the was a dedicated member of the Knights. He then modelled a hel- Knights in 1975, having already been a member of a Masonic met that he first wore as a youth during a play in which his father made him play the role of Vartan Mamigonian. Apo emo- tionally expressed his thanks for the award. His father used to tell him in Armenian, “do your honest and humble work, and do not expect anything else,” and he felt that this is true too for the Knights of Vartan. The Knights and Sayat Nova, he believed, have similar missions, helping the Armenian community in many creative ways, with Sayat Nova focusing on the field of dance, From left, Paul Boghosian, Joyce Van Dyke, Donna Deranian which is important in particular for the youth. More than 400 youth have danced with Sayat Nova over the past decades, and during this process, they have learned about of the Woman of the Year Award, then formally delivered the Armenian culture, music, history and current issues. When they award on behalf of the sisters of Arpie Lodge. Van Dyke stop dancing, Apo Ashjian said, they take away this knowledge expressed her thanks and related to the audience a little of her with them, and can pass it down to future generations. personal history, growing up in the San Francisco Bay area with- Furthermore, Sayat Nova today has 64 original dance choreo- out an Armenian community except for her mother’s family. She graphies, more than even the Armenian State Dance Ensemble, became part of one only later. She said, “When I moved to the with only 34. East Coast and eventually moved to the Boston area and started He went on to recognize various individuals who played an writing plays, the kinds of stories that I wanted to tell turned out important role in the dance ensemble, particularly in various to be Armenian stories. It wasn’t my intention….it just happened. technical aspects. He also pointed out that the other honorees Those were the stories that were really compelling to me. And it has continued to be true. … I decided once that if it is not about an Armenian story I am going to at least put the word Armenian into the text somewhere.” She felt she came late to the experi- ence of having an Armenian commu- nity, but, she said, “it is incredibly George W. Haroutunian with Krikor Gennetian important to me.” She expressed her gratitude for the support by Armenians for her work, and in par- order. He said, “Not to diminish the Masons, but I was finding a ticular mentioned Eva Medzorian and new home that had my culture and my people, and I wanted to Martin Deranian, neither of whom help my people.” He joined Hayk Lodge, which lasted about 31 could be present that evening, as well years and then was subsumed in Ararat Lodge in 1966. as the Knights and Daughters of This year, the Knights created a new award to recognize the Vartan. Supporting the creation of an activities of four young activists who successfully organized a artistic work does not only give a lov- vigil as part of the Boston Armenian community’s commemora- ing and caring feeling to recipients tion of the Armenian Genocide centennial. The award is named like Van Dyke, but, she said, it gener- after the nephew of Vartan Mamigonian, who carried on his ates new work. She closed by reiterat- uncle’s struggle against outside domination in the fifth century. ing her thanks for the emotional and This first Vahan Mamigonian Young Leaders Award was given by financial support that the Daughters Bogossian to Zareh Zurabyan, Armine Afeyan, Michael and Knights have provided her in the Demirchian and Karina Demurchyan. Only Zurabyan and past, as well as for the present honor. Demirchian were present at the event, as the other two were trav- Middlesex County Sheriff Peter eling outside of the US at the time. Demirchian and Zurabyan Koutoujian was then invited to speak. declared their thanks for the award. Koutoujian said he had become a Bogosian then awarded the Mamigonian Family Community Apo Ashjian at podium with Ashjian family Knight almost 20 years ago. He Leader Award to the Ashjian family, praising their dedication and praised the work of the Knights in uni- sacrifice in the interests of the Armenian community, beginning fying Armenians and supporting pro- with mother and father Alice and the late Joseph Ashjian. They of the evening also had a connection in various ways to Sayat jects like Armenian Heritage Park, say- instilled in their children the call to serve the community, and in Nova. ing “When you think about the power that this group has had, turn their children, Apo (with wife Arlét), Sona, and Hagop (with Bogossian then announced that playwright and teacher Joyce it is second to none.” He congratulated many of the other wife Arpie), inspired countless others. A number of the Ashjian Van Dyke would receive the Shushanik Mamigonian Woman of awardees. grandchildren, active in Armenian affairs in their own right, were the Year, and asked her friend Paul T. Boghosian to say a few Charles Shahe Guleserian, 2014 Vartan Mamigonian Man of present in the audience with their parents this evening. words. Boghosian first recognized the role of Nigoghos the Year, then presented the 2015 award to James Kalustian. He Apo Ashjian, founder of the Sayat Nova Dance Company, Atinizian, a former commander of the Knights, who initiated the said he has known Kalustian for 12 years, beginning when they spoke on behalf of the family. He noted that his father Joseph custom of the special gala awards evening, and congratulated the continued on next page S ATURDAY, N OVEMBER 2 8 , 2 0 1 5 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 9 COMMUNITY NEWS

Knights of Vartan Grand Commander Steven Kradjian

from previous page groups. worked together on the Armenian Heritage Next April will be the 101st anniversary of Park project. After summarizing Kalustian’s the Armenian Genocide. Kalustian wondered, biography, Guleserian explained that the “Will we go back to quiet remembering, or will Knights convinced Kalustian to join by pointing we build off the momentum of the 100th out that all the initial executives of the park anniversary to move our community, our peo- were Knights, and they arranged for the initial ple and our church forward?” He felt that the funding of the park. challenge for the Knights and for the commu- Kalustian responded with some humorous nity at large is to work to become stronger, brief remarks and then congratulated the other more united and more relevant than ever. honorees. He spoke of his connection to the The final speaker was the Grand Commander Armenian Church, and his familial connection of the Knights of Vartan, Steven Kradjian of to survivors of the Armenian Genocide. He felt San Diego. His presence was a pleasant sur- that the Armenian existence here in the US is prise. He declared that among Armenians often an indication of triumph despite attempts to helping others goes unobserved and unrecog- nized but “tonight was a very fitting recognition of service.” Kradjian reported that the Knights at their July national con- vocation chose to honor the mar- tyrs of 1915 for the centennial as “Man and Woman of the Year.” They commissioned a painting of the ascension to heaven of these mar- tyrs from Samvel Marutyan of California, which they presented to Catholicos Karekin II in Echmiadzin on October 6. During the same trip, they were invited to meet with Diaspora Minister Hranoush Hakobyan. The latter asked the Knights to establish an office in Armenia, have a big meeting there in their own centennial of 2016, and expand their activities and presence James Kalustian, left, Armen Bogossian in Armenia. This is now under con- sideration, he said, adding further information about the ongoing pro- extinguish the Armenian people and its spirit. grams of the Knights in Armenia. Kalustian felt it was time for American The children of Zangakner Performing Arts Armenians to give thanks and give back, with Ensemble, led by artistic director and conduc- their talents and gifts, and to look to the future. tor Hasmik Konjoyan, performed between the In particular, the underprivileged people of awards ceremonies to great applause. DJ Armenia need help, he said. Argishti (Chaparian) provided music for the Kalustian said he was proud to be a Knight evening, which concluded with dancing. because “service to others is not an obligation— Daughters of Vartan Grand Matron Sona it is a privilege,” while he felt the movement to Manuelian was present in the audience. The create Armenian Heritage Park, in which the 2015 Gala Awards Committee was co-chaired by Knights played an important role, was impor- Arakel H. Yacubian and Karnig G. Ostayan, with tant not only because it helped Armenians members Armen Bogossian, Bedros remember who they are and give thanks to Geyoghlian, Artak Kalenjian, Daniel Markarian, those who helped them. It was also important Eric Markarian, Ashot Papoyan and Aleksan as a paradigm of cooperation among Armenian Yildizyan.

Members of the Zangakner Ensemble led by Hasmik Konjoyan at left 10 S ATURDAY, N OVEMBER 2 8 , 2 0 1 5 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Arts & Living O’Brien on Bringing Berberian Is Conan to Armenia, Master of Meeting Syrian Violin and Oud Refugees, Peaking In his 23rd Season By Tom Vartabedian By John Horn SHREWSBURY, Mass. — Over the past six decades, many have come to know Johnny Berberian as an oud virtuoso play- LOS ANGELES (Vulture) — Inspired by his ing countless gigs and releasing numer- exotic trip to Cuba earlier this year, Conan ous CDs. O’Brien decided to hit the road once again, but He has played dances and concerts, this time with his beloved longtime assistant, weddings and special occasions. His musi- Sona Movsesian, sharing the center stage. cal resume is still being written every time Traveling to Armenia with his Conan crew in he picks up his instrument and plucks the tow, the excursion was naturally spurred by strings. Movsesian’s Armenian heritage and, simply, Many have compared Berberian to the O’Brien’s yearning to learn more about it. the very best who have ever played the What ensued were adventures at Armenian oud —- and very few might boast of such a flea markets, a popular soap opera, a long and distinguished career. rowdy Yerevan Day celebration, and, on a more But what you may not know is that as a somber note, a visit to the Armenian Genocide child, he was raised on the violin and con- Memorial. tinues to shift gears during a rare Earlier this week, the late-night host and moment. Movsesian talked with friend of Vulture John Anybody that’s heard him play violin Horn, host of the KPCC radio show and pod- will tell you his versatility with this instru- cast “The Frame,” about their trip of a lifetime, ment deserves added applause. their unique boss-assistant dynamic, and meet- “Despite my eagerness to learn the oud Zander Semerjian on clarinet with Simone Semerjian on violin. ing Syrian refugees. at an early age, my father encouraged me John Horn: The last time we talked, you to study the violin instead because it rep- were about to air your episode on your trip to resented a more respectable instrument Cuba. Did that have some influence on your with greater potential in America,” Amaras Young Stars Concert wanting to go to Armenia? Berberian recalled. Conan O’Brien: It had a direct influence in His dad sent him to a violin music Dedicated to Genocide Centennial that we realized America loves it when I leave school at the age of 9. After a few months, the country. America’s favorite thing is when Berberian began taking private lessons. BELMONT, Mass. — Amaras Art Alliance presented a concert called “Our Young Co is gone. We obviously got a terrific “I can remember the first day I audi- Stars” in the afternoon of November 22 at Holy Cross Armenian Catholic Church. response from that show. It reminded me how tioned in front of my teacher,” Berberian Amaras began organizing annual concerts for young talented children in 2008 to much I love traveling, and how much I love reminisced. “He asked me to perform help promote and something I knew so I played Catskilli recognize talent Jampan. Needless to say, it was not what from within the By Aram Arkun he was expecting and from that day for- community. This ward, I had to concentrate on Western year’s concert classical violin form. I remember going to was dedicated to the Armenian Genocide, and all my lessons and having my mother carry pieces performed were by Armenian composers, includ- my violin through the tough neighbor- ing Aram Khachaturian, Aleksandr Spandiarian, Arno hood streets so my friends wouldn’t poke Babajanian, Robert Amirkhanian and Marina Margarian. Armenian poetry by authors like Hamo Sahian was also recited. The young performers, from 8 to 18, were Rebecca Lai, Chloe Santilli, Sonia Ourfalian, Mark Antranig Arkun, Meghri Der Vartanian, Maggie Xu, Emily Sun, Maral Der Torossian wel- Zander Semerjian, Elize Ohanian, Simone Semerjian, comes guests Zachary Semerjian, Cameron Pomer, Mary Galstyan and Shant Der Torossian. They played the piano, clar- inet, or violin, and several sang. They included a num- Conan and Sona Movsesian at Garni ber of non-Armenians. There were two guest performers from Greece: Jasmin Atabekyan, on the piano, and her 13-year-old daughter Emily Gasparyan, on the violin. Atabekyan is the win- doing comedy on the road, and how much I Johnny Berberian started out with the violin ner of France’s prestigious Pierre Lantier-Ober Piano Competition in Paris, Aram love doing remotes. Years ago I did a remote in as a child, joined by his oud-playing dad Khachaturian Competition in Yerevan, Armenia and several other international Finland, I did one in Ireland, and it was fan- Yervant. competitions. tastic. The comedy is really organic, and the The planning committee for the concert included Arax Badalian, Marina interactions are pure. I thought, Okay, once we Margarian, Maral Der Torossian and Tatoul Badalian. The music teachers of the did Cuba, let’s keep this going. Sona has been fun at me.” children performing are Anahit Truzyan, Marina Margarian, Nana Gazaryan and talking about Armenia and her culture for the While pursuing violin lessons, Tania Schwartzman. The sound system was provided by Pavillion Sound Works. six years we’ve been together, and the idea just Berberian slowly taught himself the oud popped in one day: What if I took Sona, my with some help from his father and a myr- assistant, back to Armenia? And we had this iad of old 78 RPM and LP recordings. In crazy adventure, and we’re really proud of the later years, personal encounters with mas- way it turned out. ter oud players such as Oudi Hrant, Marco JH: So, Sona, was this trip something you’ve Melkon, George Mgrdichian and Chick been planting in his mind all these years? Ganimian complemented his artistry. Sona Movsesian: You know, if I was, I guess In the back room of his father’s dry I wasn’t doing it on purpose. But whatever I cleaning store was a workshop where did, I’m glad I did it. Because I ended up get- Yervant repaired ouds. It is where Johnny ting a trip to Armenia out of it. If it was sub- learned valuable skills about oud repair. conscious, good for me. At 16, he got to sit in with two of the CO: It’s not that subconscious when every very best in the business — Mgrdichian third Post-it I get from her says: “Go to and Ganimian — at a Greenwich Village Armenia.” coffee house called Harout’s before a live “And bring me with you.” audience. Soon after that, he connected CO: Yeah, it’s two pink Post-its long. No, with the Vanites Band in Whitinsville and A group picture of the young performers she’s talked about it so much, and Sona and I has not looked back. are always joking around about my culture, her see BERBERIAN, page 11 culture, how different our cultures are. Then it see CONAN, page 12 S ATURDAY, N OVEMBER 2 8 , 2 0 1 5 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 11 ARTS & LIVING Berberian Master of Oud and Violin BERBERIAN, from page 10 “You may not know that vocalist Onnik “I was placed between the two oud greats and Dinkjian is self-taught on the oud and actually introduced to the audience as an up-and-com- accompanied himself in his early musical ing player,” Berberian traced back. “It was my career,” Berberian pointed out. first public exposure and what a thrill! I was for- The oud and violin are not Berberian’s sole tunate during my college years and later to be instruments. He can also play mandolin and offered recording contracts from well-known other string instruments like a jumbush and studios like Mainstream, Roulette, Verve viola. Forecast, MGM and RCA records.” “But my concentration, of course, is on the Berberian graduated from Columbia oud and occasionally the violin for fun and University with a bachelor’s degree in eco- select occasions,” he maintains. nomics. As a student, he never stopped playing Berberian was born and raised in New York the oud and performed regularly in Manhattan City. He was selected to sing and represent his music venues. school in what was called the All-City High Berberian expanded beyond the ethnic music School Chorus. The group performed in New market in the 1960s before “world music” became York’s prestigious Carnegie Hall. fashionable with a series of LPs which explored Most memorable was singing in 5-part har- fusions between traditional Middle Eastern music, mony on subway platforms and inside trains as psychedelic, rock and jazz. By then, he had estab- they returned home after practice. lished himself in the musical genre. “I always enjoyed choral singing,” he said. In 1970, Berberian started his own recording “I’ve been singing in the Armenian church for company called Olympia Records. He has almost 40 years now — first at Sts. Vartanantz recorded 10 albums on his own and performed (NJ) and now at Soorp Asdvazadzin guest spots with various other Armenian and (Whitinsville). Although I enjoy singing harmo- international artists, not to mention movie ny with Onnik and others, I prefer to concen- sound tracks and documentary films. trate on my oud playing where I get the most He has played no fewer than 2,500 gigs. enjoyment.” “Despite the knowledge and experiences The women in Johnny’s life happen to be his within Armenian folk culture, I’m quite atten- mother Sirpouhi and wife Barbara tive to Western classical music,” he says, “in (Goshgarian). Barbara, or Bobbie as she is affec- One of the works by Barry M. Bartasian on exhibit at the Armenian Museum of America particular, violin concertos by Mendelssohn, tionately called, seldom misses a gig and Tchaikovsky, Brahms and others.” remains his favorite fan. Both are extremely He named Jascha Heifetz as his favorite musi- active with the church. Three children and six cian. grandchildren bring them ultimate joy. Exhibit of Works by Barry Martasian Versatility extends itself willingly to other How would he like to be remembered? The great Armenian musicians. Mal Barsamian jug- legacy is far from ended. At Armenian Museum gles the clarinet with the oud and saxophone. “I’d like to be known as a first-generation In fact, Oudi Hrant also played the violin as did Armenian who helped preserve the folk music WATERTOWN — On Sunday, November 29, at 2 p.m., the Armenian Museum of America Richard Hagopian and John Bilezikian, two of my ancestors,” he confirms. “I would also like will host the opening for a new exhibition, “Full Circle: The Art of Barry M Martasian.” The other oud virtuosos. to be recognized for developing a manner of opening will include a reception held in the Adele & Haig Der Manuelian Galleries on the Clarinetist Hachig Kazarian plays and actual- playing rooted in that tradition but with my third floor of the Armenian Museum of America (ALMA). The event is free and open to the ly composes on the piano, but capable of per- own style and a flare for current day. public, and light refreshments will be served at the reception. forming many other wind instruments. Others “I’ve done my best to pass the baton forward Born in Providence, RI, in February of 1948, Martasian credits his parents for nurturing like Ara Dinkjian and John Vartan play multiple by teaching oud to some aspiring, very talented his creative side, not only with constant support, but with handing him his first camera and instruments as well when not focusing on the players,” he resumed. “It has given me great job in image-making. After spending four years in the Navy, Martasian attended Rhode Island oud. pleasure to see their progress over the years.” College to study studio art with a concentration in photography. Throughout his career, he has been inspired and influenced by expressionist, abstract and graffiti art, and he believes that his work, like his children, must stand and live for themselves. In the 1980s, Martasian became interested in graffiti for the first time and now sees it as the modern form of cave paintings, which he believes are the result of the innate human desire to leave a visual mark on the world. The exhibit will remain on display at the museum until January 17. For hours, visit www.armenianmuseum.org

Greater Worcester Armenian Chorale and Holy Trinity Church Present Christmas Concert WORCESTER — The Greater Worcester Armenian Chorale and Holy Trinity Armenian Church of Worcester present a Christmas concert featuring traditional music in Armenian and English, with guest soloist Knarik Nerkararyan, on Sunday, December 6, at 1:30 p.m., at Holy Trinity, 635 Grove St. Led by artistic director and conductor Konstantin Petrossian, the program features traditional Christmas music in Armenian and in English. Nerkararyan is an Armenian operatic soprano who graduated with honors from the Komitas Yerevan State Conservatory in Armenia. During 2003 and 2004 she partici- pated in the International Christian Music Festival SOZO in Baja, Hungary, introducing large audiences to Armenian medieval spiri- tual music. In 2006 she received a scholar- ship to continue her studies in the United States and in 2008 earned her degree in vocal performance from Azusa Pacific University in California and won second prize at the Los Angeles International Liszt Knarik Nerkararyan Competition for Vocalists and is the winner of the 2010 Concerto Competition at Azusa Pacific University and the 2011 American roles are Fiordiligi in “Cosi Fan Tutte,” Sister Educators of Italian Origin United 41st Angelica in “Sister Angelica,” the Mother in Annual Opera Auditions. “Amahl And The Night Visitors,” Tatiana in She was selected as a resident artist in the “Eugene Onegin,” Kupava in the US premiere Riverside, Calif. Lyric Opera and in 2011 per- of Rimsky-Korsakov’s opera “The Snow formed the role of Mimi in “La Boheme” with Maiden,” and Zemfira in Rachmaninoff’s admissions.aua.am the Repertory Opera Company. She per- opera “Aleko.” *Calculated using the average cost of Fall 2016 tuition for international students [email protected] enrolled in AUA’s undergraduate programs and the average cost of 2014-2015 formed scenes from “The Abduction from the Admission is free. There will be a fellowship for events in your area visit tuition and fees of public four-year in-state and out-of-state, private nonprofit, Seraglio” as Konstanze and “Lucia Di before the concert, starting at 12:30 p.m. admissions.aua.am/recruitment-tour and for-profit universities per bit.ly/YVIk4T. Lammermoor” as Lucia with the Intimate E-Mail Charles Der Kazarian Opera Company. Among her other operatic [email protected] for tickets. 12 S ATURDAY, N OVEMBER 2 8 , 2 0 1 5 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARTS & LIVING O’Brien on Bringing Conan to Armenia, Meeting Syrian Refugees

CONAN, from page 10 And I flew there, did the show, and came back. I years. To be having the most fun that I’ve had the great experiences of my life. Connecting just became a natural, “Let’s go to Armenia.” was in a completely other part of the world, and in late night here on my 23rd season on the air with these Syrian refugees who liked the show The episode begins with me going to her par- I was back doing shows on Monday. That’s how is pretty extraordinary. And it’s mostly because on YouTube. They never get to see someone ents. There’s a massive community here in Los close we are to everything. That’s how much the of these travel shows. they know from YouTube, especially from the Angeles, in Glendale. globe has shrunk. At the same time, while that’s There’s a part of this episode that was really West — and then they’re with him. In those CO: Yeah, there are pockets everywhere. We happened, I grew up in a world where there used touching to me. I’m in Armenia, in Yerevan. I’m moments, I’m so grateful for the Internet. It’s decided we’ll start the episode by going to her to be one talk show — Johnny Carson — and told there are a bunch of fans waiting for me so incredible that I can have a connection with parents’ house, and me expressing concern that there are now 650 talk shows. outside, and I’m Sona is losing touch with her Armenian roots. And so, yes. I don’t think it’s a responsibility, thinking, Armenian I talk to her grandparents and parents, and but I look at it like an opportunity. For me, it fans? That’s interest- they have a wish list of things they would like just fits well. I love going to different places. I ing. I go outside — to have happen in Armenia. We accomplished actually think I’m funnier when I have less con- they’re all Syrian most of what we set out to do. trol — when I jump into situations and cultures refugees. There were John Horn: In the preview material, a lot of where I’m completely unfamiliar. You get really about seven or eight the gags had what I’d call a Western bias — kind human moments. People like to see me thrown teenagers. They fled of poking fun at Armenian culture. The pig or curveballs left and right and not really know to Armenia and took cow feet in a market, for example, or when what I’m doing. My favorite moments are with shelter there a cou- you’re commenting on the safety precautions, these people who speak a different language, ple of years ago or lack thereof, at an Armenian car rally. But I’d and who don’t know who I am, and if I can get when things really suspect there was a little more to your visit than them to laugh — and, yes, they’re laughing at got rough. It’s heart- poking fun in that way. me, but that’s extraordinarily satisfying. At the breaking. They CO: Oh, no. A lot of the laughs are at my end of the day — between Cuba and this show could not be expense, sort of in the flavor of the Cuban — you do feel like it’s this weird form of diplo- smarter, funnier, episode. When I travel somewhere, obviously, macy now, where if you do it right, you can nicer, sharper. They there’s an “idiot abroad” quality. So, yes, I’m a actually make connections with people. know the show from Westerner, and I’m going to this other culture, We did a segment on our show last night — YouTube. They were Conan O’Brien and Sona Movsesian in Armenia and I have my biases, but that melts away pret- we do a segment called “Fan Corrections.” A citing certain bits. ty quickly. There are moments that are extreme- fan sent in a commentary where he thought he They were so happy ly powerful, that were unlike anything in the caught us making a mistake. He’s from Iran, to see me that we wound up going out to the people from Syria who are living in Armenia Cuba episode. My favorite moments are the and he watches us on YouTube. I absolutely Village Square and just dancing around and they just like some bits I do on the show, ones where you see me really interacting with love that there’s a kid in Tehran who’s laughing because there was some sort of disco celebra- and we actually meet, and they get to be on the the people — where they’re laughing at my at my nonsense, and then we responded to him tion going on in Republic Square in Yerevan. I show. That’s magical to me. attempts to be Armenian. One of my favorite on the show. It feels like a gear I didn’t even remembered, I called my wife — it was an 11- (This interview has been edited moments is when I appear in an Armenian soap know was possible. I’ve been doing this for 22 hour time difference, but I said, that was one of and condensed.) opera, playing a mobster, a tough guy, and I actually have a line in Armenian. That is one of my favorite things I’ve ever done. It’s absolute- ly absurd. There was a Russian director who spoke no English who talked to me at length about my emotional journey, even though I have one line. He spoke to me, seriously, for ten minutes. “You see in your victim yourself; you also see a reflection of what you could have been had your life been different. Your soul feels old even though your mind is still young.” I just want to know: Where’s my mark, and what do I say? JH: Sona, what did you take away from this trip? Because it’s a little more personal for you to go back to your homeland. SM: I grew up in Los Angeles, in a really rich Armenian community. I’ve learned a lot about my community throughout my life — the lan- guage, the culture, the history. Then to see these things in person was really cathartic. It was emotional, beautiful. Going under these cir- cumstances, too, was great. To go with someone like Conan who’s willing to learn a lot about the culture. The writers did a lot of research before we went. It was, for me, a very profound trip. JH: This is hardly a staple of comedy, but there was a horrible genocide in Armenia around World War I. As many as a million and a half people were killed. Is that part of what you’ll be reporting back on when you air this segment? CO: Yes. It is part of the show. I had some people asking me before we went, what about the genocide? “How do you get around that?” I said, “You don’t get around that.” This idea that everything is supposed to be funny is mistaken. When we go to these cultures, I go and I try to find common ground, and a lot of that is through comedy. But I do have a section I’m immensely proud of where that is the focus of the show. What’s interesting to me is when you show it to people, they don’t see a disconnect. They don’t see, “Wait, this part is amusing and warm and fun, and that part’s silly, and then there you are with kids and that’s sweet — but then that part is very somber.” They don’t see a disconnect. People are willing to take it all in as a whole. I am enormously proud of the episode where that is the exclusive focus of the program for the whole act. JH: But that raises a kind of bigger question: Late-night hosts historically comment on or make jokes about what’s happening in the rest of the world, rather than actually visiting that part of the world and engaging in it. Do you think there’s a larger role that you and people like you can play in getting out in the world and bringing it back to a larger audience? CO: Two things have happened: The world has gotten a lot smaller than it was even 20 years ago. The globe is shrinking; we’re all in each other’s pockets. I was just in Qatar. I went with the First Lady to do a show at the air base there. S ATURDAY, N OVEMBER 2 8 , 2 0 1 5 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 13 ARTS & LIVING CC AA LENDARLENDAR

Kheyma Dinner Social Hour (mezza) 6:15 p.m. Dinner 7 MASSACHUSETTS p.m. $14 per person. St. James Armenian ChurchCharles Mosesian Cultural & Youth Center - Keljik Hall 465 Mt. NOVEMBER 29 — Full Circle: The Art of Barry M. Auburn St., Watertown. Ladies welcome. Martasian, exhibition opening reception, 2 to 4 p.m., DECEMBER 10 — Christmas Open House, 6-11 p.m., The Armenian Museum of America, the Adele & Haig Der with talk at 7:30 by Christina Maranci, “Vigilant Powers: Manuelian Galleries (3rd Floor). Watertown. Martasian’s Three Churches of Early Medieval Armenia,” at NAASR, art is heavily influenced by graffiti, which he sees as the 395 Concord Ave., Belmont. Contact NAASR at 617-489- result of the innate human desire to leave a visual mark 1610 or [email protected] more information. 20% off all on the world. On view through January 17. Light refresh- on-site purchases. ments will be served. Free and open to the public. DECEMBER 13 – St. James 84th Anniversary Name Day DECEMBER 1 —The Tekeyan Cultural Association, the Celebration & Banquet Honoring Raffi & Carol Armenian Mirror-Spectator and Facing History and Yeghiayan, Parishioners of the Year. Save the Date, Ourselves are presenting a talk by Peter Balakian on details to follow. St. James Armenian Church, 465 Mt. the classic film “America America” written and directed Auburn St., Watertown. by Elia Kazan. The film is about a young Anatolian Greek DECEMBER 13 — Christmas Holiday Concert – Erevan man from the provinces who loses his family fortune on Choral Society and Orchestra, 7 p.m., Church his way to Constantinople and is dreaming of going to Sanctuary, Holy Trinity Armenian Church of Greater America. 7 p.m. Balakian will also sign copies of his two Boston, 145 Brattle St., Cambridge. Founded by the Very recent books, Ozone Journal and Vise and Rev. Fr. Oshagan Minassian (1930-2008), and now under Shadow: Essays on the Lyric Imagination, Poetry, Art, the direction of Composer Konstantin Petrossian, Music and Culture. At the Armenian Museum of America, Peter Balakian will speak about the Director and Conductor, the concert will feature the together with the National Association for Armenian classic film by Elia Kazan, Vocal Quartet from the Bostonians, and Knarik Studies and Research (NAASR). Nerkararyan, Soprano. The program will consist of a vari- DECEMBER 3 — Richard Hovannisian, “The First “America America,” on Tuesday, ety of traditional Armenian and Western sacred and hol- Republic of Armenia and Its Importance Today,” at December 1, at a program jointly iday music. The public is warmly invited to attend this First Armenian Church, 380 Concord Ave., Belmont. 7:30 sponsored by the Tekeyan Cultural complimentary concert which is a gift to the community. p.m. Presented by NAASR and co-sponsored by Armenian Association, the Armenian Mirror- For further information, contact the Holy Trinity Church Assembly of America, Armenian National Committee of Spectator and Facing History and office, 617.354.0632, or email [email protected]. America-Eastern Mass., Hamazkayin Armenian Cultural Ourselves, Armenian Museum of DECEMBER 31 — St. James 2016 New Year’s Eve Celebration. and Education Society, and First Armenian Church. Entertainment by Arthur Apkarian and Band from Contact NAASR at 617-489-1610 or [email protected] for America, Watertown, at 7 p.m. He Montreal. Save the date, details to follow. St. James Armenian more information. will also sign copies of his two new Church, 465 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown. DECEMBER 4 and 5 — Trinity Christmas books. Bazaar, Friday, 12-9 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Holy Trinity Armenian Church of Greater Boston, 145 Brattle RHODE ISLAND St., Cambridge. Featuring delicious Armenian dinners, a la carte menu and take-out meals; booths and vendors — DECEMBER 5 — The Cultural Committee of Sts. Sahag perfect for doing your Christmas shopping; Armenian to Kathy Cryan-Hicks, Chelmsford Public Library; The and Mesrob Armenian Church in Providence pre- gourmet foods, delicacies and pastries; raffles, and Lowell Sun newspaper; Jennifer Doaks, Chelmsford High sents “Silent Night, Holy Night” Christmas Concert fea- more. Activities for Children, Peter Adamian Hall: instructor; musical oud performance by Datev Gevorkian; turing The Armenian Chorale of RI, with special perfor- Friday, 7-9 p.m., All Aboard “The Polar Express” Pajama donation, $50 adults, $15 students; reservations, Armen mances by Joanne Mouradjian, Gohar Manjelikian, Debra Party, recommended for children ages 6 and older; Jeknavorian, (978) 256-2538 or [email protected]. Pjojian and Junior Choir - Saturday, 6:30 p.m. in the Saturday, 10:45-11:30 a.m., The Magic and Juggling of DECEMBER 6 — The Greater Worcester Armenian Church Sanctuary. Light refreshments following concert - Robert Clarke, aka “LuckyBob,” for “children of all ages.” Chorale presents a special Christmas Concert led by Donation $10. Those attending the Christmas Concert For further information, contact the church office Artistic Director and Conductor Konstantin Petrossian, will receive $10 off the admission to the ACYOA dance !! at 617.354.0632, or log onto www.htaac.org/calen- Sunday, 1:30 pm, with a fellowship at 12:30 p.m., at Holy DECEMBER 5 — ACYOA Annual Holiday Kef, Saturday, dar/event/111/. Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church, 635 Grove St., at 8:30 p.m. in the Egavian Cultural Center Sts. Sahag DECEMBER 5 — Lowell ARF “Aharonian” Gomideh Worcester. Admission is free. Soprano Knarik and Mesrob Armenian Church. Adults $25, Students, $15 120th anniversary celebration, 6:30 pm, Kazanjian Nerkararyan is the guest soloist. For additional informa- (ID required). Mezze & Cash Bar. Featuring Mal Memorial Pavilion, Sts. Vartanantz Church, 180 Old tion call 508-963-2076. Barsamian (Clarinet); Jason Naroian (Dumbeg),m Ken Westford Road, Chelmsford; dinner and program; DECEMBER 7 — Aram Arkun, Historian and Executive Kalajian (Guitar), Brian Ansbigian (Oud), David Armenian National Committee Freedom Awards to James Director of Tekeyan Cultural Association and Assistant Hoplamazian (Violin). Reservations and information, con- Milinazzo, former Lowell mayor; Daniel Varoujan Editor of the Armenian Mirror Spectator will be the tact Christina (401-256-2686) or Greta (401-556-0771). If Hejinian, noted artist; David Boyajian, speaker at the St. James Men’s Club. Topic will be you attend the Cultural Committee’s Christmas Concert, journalist/Armenian activist; Community Service Awards “Zeytun: The Armenian Eagles’ Nest.” Losh Kebab and you will receive $10 off of the cost of the dance!

RMCC Library Receives Armenian Genocide Reference Guide

DENICE ZORETICH PHOTO KINGSTON, Ontario, Canada — Emeritus Professor Alan Whitehorn (center) retired recently after more than 30 years of teaching in the Department of Political Science at the Royal Military College of Canada (RMCC), but he continues to work for human rights and a better world. In recognition of his commit- ment to humanity, his mentorship, and his scholarship, a group of his former students have donated funds to contribute copies of his latest book to libraries where it will make a difference. David Last, left, former student of Alan’s who is now an associ- ate professor in the department, presented Head Librarian Sarah Toomey on the right with The Armenian Genocide: The Essential Reference Guide (ABC-CLIO, Santa Barbara, 2015). Whitehorn was on hand at the presentation. “It has been an honor to teach at RMCC and work with such wonderful colleagues and friends. I have many fond memories, particularly of the former students. It was a privilege to teach them, but also to learn from them, both at the time and more recently. I was delighted when David and some of his classmates from the different decades chose to raise some funds for copies of my most recent book on genocide.” RMCC Principal Dr. Harry Kowal expressed his appreciation to Whitehorn. “I would like to take this opportunity to thank you sincerely for all your great work and for the tremendous contri- butions you have made to the College through your time here and in retirement. This story is testament to your compassion and dedication and it is clear to me that you have made such a positive impression on so many.” 14 S ATURDAY, N OVEMBER 2 8 , 2 0 1 5 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMENTARY

COMMENTARY Mirror Armenia at a Legislative Crossroad

The viewpoint of the opposition gains some validity when Spectator By Edmond Y. Azadian we dissect Armenia’s political spectrum. As the head of the Republican Party, Sargisian may indeed wield some influence because it is the public’s opinion that When President Obama launched his healthcare reform bill, the Republican Party will continue to dominate the parlia- he triggered a nationwide controversy. The most vocal oppo- ment for the foreseeable future. nents of the bill took their position in order to express their But that cannot last forever, as it has been proven time and EstablishedEstablished 1932 1932 opposition to the president rather than the content of the bill. time again Armenia’s recent history shows that political par- An ADLAn Publication ADL Publication Therefore, any legislative move by the president seemed toxic. ties have an ephemeral nature and they are anchored on oli- To dramatize the controversy, political satirist Jon Stuart, garchs or powerful individuals rather than a set of beliefs or the former host of Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show” con- principles. ducted a survey, asking people A case in point is Gagik

EDITOR whether they favored Obamacare or Zaroukian’s Prosperous Armenia Alin K. Gregorian Affordable Healthcare. Lo and Party, which experienced a dramatic behold, the latter turned out to be growth and importance in Armenia’s ASSISTANT EDITOR the winner. The farce, of course, is power structures, only to be pulver- Aram Arkun that the people were choosing the ized when his business interests

ART DIRECTOR very same bill presented under two were threatened. As of now, it has Marc Mgrditchian different labels. become a marginal party hanging on If that degree of ignorance is tol- to the coattails of the Republican erated in the most democratic coun- Party. try in the world, some latitude can Therefore, the transformation into be allowed for the electorate in a parliamentary system will mean SENIOR EDITORIAL COLUMNIST: Armenia, which is facing a referen- progress in democracy, as the politi- Edmond Azadian dum on constitutional reforms on cal parties mature and stand on their December 6. own, advocating their particular CONTRIBUTORS: As of this writing, polls taken in political philosophies or maintaining Florence Avakian, Dr. Haroutiun Armenia indicate that 50 percent of a platform. Arzoumanian, Taleen Babayan, Diana the voting public is undecided. That But because Armenia has not Der Hovanessian, Philip Ketchian, may be the result of a variety of rea- reached that level of political sophis- Kevork Keushkerian, Harut Sassounian, Hagop Vartivarian, Naomi Zeytoonian sons: either the constitutional tication yet, the road towards a more reforms have not been properly democratic system should not be CORRESPONDENTS: explained to the voting public or the blocked at this stage. Armenia - Hagop Avedikian voters are overwhelmed by the The constitution already under- Boston - Nancy Kalajian pressing demands of their livelihood went one level of transformation dur- Philadelphia - Lisa Manookian — because of rampant poverty — or ing Robert Kocharian’s administra- Berlin - Muriel Mirak-Weissbach there is general apathy towards any political issues. tion in 2005, adopting the semi-presidential system. Contributing Photographers: But since the constitution will determine the course of their The proposed constitutional reforms were launched in 2013 Jacob Demirdjian and Jirair Hovsepian daily lives in the future, it must be taken seriously so that the with the input of the experiences of more advanced democra- public does not miss this opportunity to make its position cies. The recommendations of the Venice Council have also heard. been integrated in the proposed amendments. The Venice As complicated as those amendments may be, there are cer- Council, which was created under the aegis of the Council of The Armenian Mirror-Spectator is published tain salient topics which are not beyond the comprehension of Europe, operates under the paradigm of “democracy through weekly, except two weeks in July and the first week of the year, by: the ordinary citizen. One of those issues is the transformation law.” of the government from a presidential democracy to a parlia- Former President Kocharian is opposing the constitutional Baikar Association, Inc. mentary system. Under the current system, the president is changes, because, he insists, “the proposed amendments fail 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 elected by the people and can only serve two five-year terms. to provide the true ‘decentralization’ which is one of the pur- Telephone: 617-924-4420 The president retains single-handedly all power. In the parlia- ported aims of the reform.” FAX: 617-924-2887 mentary system, however, the president will be elected by the While Kocharian opposes the reforms based on principal, www.mirrorspectator.com National Assembly or parliament, for a one term of seven years the opposition parties are promoting the “no” vote, on the E-Mail: [email protected] and he is no longer the commander-in-chief of the armed principal of opposing every directive from the government. For advertising: [email protected] forces. That power will be conferred upon the prime minister. The Armenian National Congress, headed by former presi- The presidency will become a mostly ceremonial post and the dent, Levon Ter-Petrosian, held its own rally to oppose the ref- president will be accountable to the parliament. erendum. The number of seats in the parliament will be reduced from Heritage Party founder Raffi Hovannisian and Founding 131 to 101 and political parties will compete to be elected to Parliament headed by Jirair Sefilyan, are conducting their own the parliament, rather than individuals campaigning for seats. “no” campaign. SUBSCRIPTION RATES: The “no” campaign is not always based on substance; it is mostly motivated by politics, as it is revealed by the statement of one of the opposition leaders, Aram Manukyan, who recent- U.S.A. $80 a year ly visited Georgia, where the parliamentary system was adopt- ed and the democratic process is experiencing its own grow- Canada $125 a year ing pains. Other Countries $190 a year “I have met members of political parties represented in the parliament, Georgia is facing serious problems today. They say it was not timely. I don’t mean at all that the parliamentary model is not good; it was just a matter of expediency.” © 2014 The Armenian Mirror-Spectator Manukyan added that he opposed the reforms because the Periodical Class Postage Paid at Boston, MA country “is on the threshold of war.” and additional mailing offices. It may sound ironic that all three traditional parties have ISSN 0004-234X adopted an identical position supporting the “yes” vote. The ARF, Social Democratic Hunchakyan Party and the ADL have all expressed their positions and they have been siding with POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Armenian Mirror-Spectator, 755 Mount Auburn the administration. The reason they support the “yes” vote St., Watertown, MA 02472 does not mean they are in the pocket of the present adminis- Other than the editorial, views and opinions tration. As traditional parties, which have many years of expe- expressed in this newspaper do not necessarily rience under their belts, they see the prospect of future devel- reflect the policies of the publisher. opments as the other parties mature and the parliamentary Under the current system, a proportion of the parliament is system becomes truly functional then there are opportunities elected from the list of individual candidates and another of power sharing. The ARF has the added incentive of favor- group through party slates. ing the referendum because it has chosen to join the ruling The government is, of course, promoting a yes vote, where- party in a coalition. Copying for other than personal use or as the opposition is spearheading the no campaign. During the remaining short time before the referendum, the internal reference is prohibited without The main argument of the opposition is that through the undecided voters have to make up their minds. But the gov- express permission of the copyright ernment is convinced that the yes position will carry the day owner. Address requests for reprints or proposed amendments, President Serge Sargisian is planning back issues to: to perpetuate his own rule. Armenia has in place a two-term on December 6. Otherwise, they would not have taken the limit for the president, thus Sargisian, who has run twice, can- chance. One way or another, Armenia’s legislative drama will end on Baikar Association, Inc. not do so anymore. He has, incidentally, ruled out seeking the position of prime minister if the changes are adopted. December 6. 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472- 1509 S ATURDAY, N OVEMBER 2 8 , 2 0 1 5 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 15 COMMENTARY

Logistical support for Islamist groups will be increased, and Quran and raising funds to sponsor suicide attacks in Syria their training, hospital care, and safe passage will mostly take and Iraq. place in Hatay.” • OdaTV released a video showing ISIS militants riding a • The Daily Mail reported on August 25, 2014 that many bus in Istanbul. foreign militants joined ISIS in Syria and Iraq after traveling 7) Turkish Forces Are Fighting Alongside ISIS My Turn through Turkey. • American investigative journalist Seymour Hersh assert- • Britain’s Sky News obtained documents showing that ed in the London Review of Books that “Prime Minister By Harut Sassounian the Turkish government stamped passports of foreign mili- Recep Erdogan was known to be supporting the al-Nusra tants seeking to cross the Turkish border into Syria to join Front, a Jihadist faction among the rebel opposition, as well ISIS. as other Islamist rebel groups.” Columbia University Researchers • A senior Egyptian official indicated on Oct. 9, 2014 that • On Sept. 20, 2014, Demir Celik, a Member of Parliament Confirm Turkey’s Links to ISIS Turkish intelligence is passing to ISIS satellite imagery and representing the People’s Democratic Party (HDP), stated other data. that Turkish Special Forces had joined ISIS in the battlefield. A team of Columbia University researchers from the 3) Turkey Trained ISIS Fighters 8) Turkey Helped ISIS in Battle for Kobani United States, Europe and Turkey confirmed last week that • CNN Turk reported on July 29, 2014 that in the heart of • Anwar Muslim, Mayor of Kobani, revealed on Sept. 19, the Turkish government has provided to ISIS: military coop- Istanbul, places like Duzce and Adapazari have become gath- 2014 that trains full of Turkish forces and ammunition were eration, weapons, logistical support, financial assistance, and ering spots for terrorists. delivered to ISIS. On September 30, 2014, a CHP delegation medical services. This detailed investigation was headed by • Turks who joined an ISIS affiliate were shown on July visited Kobani, where locals declared that everything from David L. Phillips, Director of the Program on Peace-building 28, 2014, at a public gathering in Istanbul. the clothes of ISIS militants to their guns comes from and Rights at Columbia University’s Institute for the Study • A video showed an ISIS affiliate holding a prayer-gath- Turkey. of Human Rights. He had served as Senior Advisor and ering in Omerli, a district of Istanbul. • A Nuhaber video showed on Sept. 25, 2014 Turkish mil- Foreign Affairs Expert for the US Department of State. • According to Jordanian Intelligence, Turkey trained ISIS itary convoys, carrying tanks and ammunition, moving freely Here are brief excerpts from the extensive research docu- militants for special operations. under ISIS flags in the Jarablus region of Syria and the menting the direct links between Turkey and ISIS: 4) Turkey Extended Medical Care to ISIS Fighters Karkamis border crossing. 1) Turkey Supplied Military Equipment to ISIS • An ISIS commander told the Washington Post on • Salih Muslim, PYD leader of Kurdish fighters, reported • An ISIS commander told the Washington Post on August 12, 2014, “We used to have some fighters — even that 120 militants had crossed into Syria from Turkey on August 12, 2014: “Most of the fighters who joined us in the high-level members of the Islamic State — getting treated in Oct. 20-24, 2014. beginning of the war came via Turkey, and so did our equip- Turkish hospitals.” • According to an op-ed written by a YPG Kurdish com- ment and supplies.” • On Oct. 12, 2014, Taraf newspaper reported that Dengir mander in the New York Times on Oct. 29, 2014, Turkey reg- • Kemal Kiliçdaroglu, head of the Republican People’s Mir Mehmet Firat, a founder of President Erdogan’s ruling ularly allows ISIS militants and their equipment to pass Party (CHP), disclosed on Oct. 14, 2014, documents from the party (AKP), divulged that Turkey supported terrorist groups freely over its border. Adana Office of the Prosecutor, revealing that Turkey sup- and still supports them and treats them in its hospitals. • Diken reported on Oct. 1, 2014: “ISIS fighters crossed the plied weapons to terrorist groups. He also produced tran- 5) Turkey Supported ISIS Financially Through Purchase border from Turkey into Syria in full view of Turkish soldiers.” scripts of interviews with truck drivers who delivered the of Oil 9) Turkey and ISIS Share a Worldview weapons to the terrorists. • On Sept. 13, 2014, the New York Times reported on the • RT reported on Oct. 3, 2014 on Vice President Joe • According to CHP Vice President Bulent Tezcan, Turkish Obama administration’s efforts to pressure Turkey to crack Biden’s remarks detailing Turkish support to ISIS. agents drove three trucks loaded with rockets, arms, and down on the extensive network of oil sold by ISIS. • Hurriyet newspaper quoted a Turkish civil servant on ammunition to ISIS in Syria, on January 19, 2014. • Fehim Tastekin wrote in Radikal on Sept. 13, 2014 Sept. 26, 2014: “I was shocked to hear words of admiration • Cumhuriyet newspaper quoted Fuat Avni as stating that about illegal pipelines transporting oil from Syria to Turkey. for ISIL from some high-level civil servants.” Germany and the United States had audio tapes confirming 6) Turkey Assisted ISIS Recruitment • An AKP council member posted on his Facebook page: that Turkey provided financial and military aid to terrorist • Kiliçdaroglu announced on Oct. 14, 2014 that ISIS “Thankfully ISIS exists.... May you never run out of ammu- groups associated with Al Qaeda on Oct. 12, 2014. offices in Istanbul and Gaziantep are recruiting fighters. On nition….” • Documents made public on Sept. 27, 2014, revealed that Oct. 10, 2014, the Mufti of Konya stated that 100 men from • Erdogan’s son Bilal and Turkish officials met with ISIS Saudi Prince Bandar Bin Sultan financed the transportation his city had joined ISIS four days ago. fighters, according to Sariyer Gozlem. of arms to ISIS through Turkey. • OdaTV reported that Takva Haber served as a propa- It is absolutely unacceptable that while ISIS is committing 2) Turkey Provided Logistical Assistance to ISIS Fighters ganda outlet for ISIS to recruit Turkish-speaking men in mass murder in Paris and other European cities, its NATO • According to a June 13, 2014 article in Radikal newspa- Turkey and Germany. “ally,” Turkey, is continuing to aid and arm these terrorists. per, Turkish Interior Minister Muammar Guler issued the fol- • Minister of Sports, Suat Kilic, an AKP member, visited It is high time that Turkey is expelled from NATO and its lowing directive: “Hatay is a strategic location for the Salafi Jihadists who are ISIS supporters in Germany. These leaders are indicted and brought to justice for their role in Mujahidin crossing from within our borders to Syria. Jihadists recruit supporters by distributing free copies of the these heinous crimes. Dissecting Armenia’s Constitutional Reform Debate

Rule of Law Party. The Republican-dominated government argues ther the State nor the citizens.” By Raffi Elliot Armenia adopted its first independent consti- that this new round of constitutional changes is Critics of the opponents, however, argue that tution in 1995, establishing the country as an necessary, since, as a democratizing country, if the opposition doesn’t believe in the legiti- independent, democratic and sovereign state, Armenia is rapidly maturing and corresponding- macy of the electoral process, or the govern- On the December 6, Armenians are expected replacing the outdated 1978 Soviet-era consti- ly needs to update its constitution to keep pace. ment’s democratic credentials, preserving the to vote in a referendum to amend the country’s tution. The constitution was further amended Furthermore, transferring of power to parlia- current constitution would be maintaining the constitution. A core part of the proposed to vot- in 2005 to allow for dual citizenship for ethnic ment would help strengthen the country’s demo- status quo at best, or making it worse. If ers is whether Armenia should shift from a pres- Armenians abroad, as well as to further comply cratic traditions by turning this legislative cham- President Sargisian were truly intending to stay idential system of government to a parliamen- with Armenia’s commitments to the Council of ber into a real decision-making body. in power through illegal means, they argue, the tary one. Europe, including new provisions for human The government has likewise argued that current constitution wouldn’t stop him. Others The amendments, which had been drafted by rights. Another major component of this decentralization would also help strengthen point out that a parliamentary system of gov- the Specialized Commission on Constitutional amendment was to transform Armenia from a democratic institutions across the country by ernment will allow a better organized and unit- Reforms in late August, had been submitted to presidential republic to a semi-presidential sys- allowing important decisions to take place on a ed opposition to have a louder voice in decision- the Republican Party-dominated National tem, with some presidential powers being trans- local level. making, and that such an opportunity should Assembly for a vote, which passed with 104 ferred to the National Assembly. These reforms are not without controversy, be capitalized on. votes in favor, 10 against and three abstentions These reforms proved controversial, with however, as a number of opposition groups, Other concerns with the first draft proposal on October 5. opponents claiming that the Kocharian govern- including the Liberal-leaning Heritage Party, include the possibility of a runoff election This vote was heavily criticized as being little ment at the time was not legitimate, and there- the Armenian National Congress, and the extra- between the two largest factions in order to more than rubber stamping, given the fore, could not implement these changes. The parliamentary opposition group, Founding determine government portfolios, and the pos- Republican Party’s holding of a parliamentary voting process was also heavily criticized by Parliament, headed by Lebanese-born former sibility of the right to marriage and freedom of majority, with 70 seats out of 131. The international organizations citing large-scale fedayi, Jirayr Sefilian have vowed to oppose spouses to be interpreted as a ban on non-tra- Republican Party’s motion was also supported voting irregularities. them. Sefilyan even went so far as to accuse the ditional unions. These concerns were somewhat the Armenian Revolutionary Federation The amendments were nevertheless com- government of taking inspiration from the appeased in the second draft, which removed (Tashnagtsoutiun), which had long called for a mended by the Council of Europe’s Venice Communist Party, declaring that “Serge the requirement for runoff elections, while still parliamentary system, and had previously been Commission, a constitutional body composed of Sargisian dreams of becoming secretary of the allowing them. a coalition partner with the Republicans until independent experts, for strengthening Central Committee.” The president, however, The Venice Commission, which had previous- the 2009 Reconciliation Protocol vote, as well Armenia’s democracy and human rights record. has declared that he would not seek to remain ly helped the Armenian government draft the as the Prosperous Armenia Party (PAP), which While adopting a parliamentary form of gov- in a political role once his final term as presi- 2005 constitution, and has been advising despite initially campaigning against the ernment, the constitutional amendments would dent ends. Armenia’s Specialized Commission on reforms, was reined in after a controversial also abolish presidential elections, with future They argue that the government does not Constitutional Reforms in the 2015 constitu- showdown between the president and the presidents being elected by parliament for enjoy the legitimacy required to make these tional amendments had previously noted some party’s former billionaire leader, Gagik seven-year terms. The position of President changes, and that, far from facilitating the discrepancies in the first draft, but was satisfied Tsarukyan. would no longer be commander-in-chief, with democratic process, they are designed to guar- with the amendments in the second draft, con- The major opponents the vote were the that role being passed on to the prime minister. antee perpetual rule by the Republican Party of cluding, despite a number of misgivings, Armenian National Congress, headed by Furthermore, the number of seats in the Armenia through a majoritarian process. ANC “Thanks to an open dialogue with the Venice Armenia’s first president, Levon Ter-Petrosian; National Assembly would be reduced from 131 member Vahagn Khachatryan, was quoted as Commission, important improvements have first foreign minister, and onetime presidential to 101. These proposed amendments are being saying: “This [new] Constitution will not solve been made on a text which was already a very hopeful Raffi Hovannisian’s Heritage Party, and made in tandem with increased regional self- our problems, but further complicate them. good basis for the constitutional reform.” the former governing partner-turned-opposition governance. This Constitution will be in the interests of nei- see CONSTITUTION, page 16 16 S ATURDAY, N OVEMBER 2 8 , 2 0 1 5 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR

Turkey Threatens Paraguay over Armenian Genocide Recognition

ASUNCION, Paraguay (Prensa Armenia) — Turkey sus- Committee of South America, said “the Turkish state, because crimes against humanity must not only be reported pended bilateral relations with Paraguay and threatened to through its ambassador to Paraguay, exerted unprecedented but also repaired. Armenia deserves a fair compensation for boycott trade ties with the country after the Senate unani- pressure on Paraguay, brutally exposing the authoritarianism everything it suffered, as well as our country.” mously approved on October 29 an official recognition of the government of Recep Tayyip Erdogan.” “I sincerely hope that Paraguay will not kneel once again (Statement N° 101/15) of the Armenian Genocide. On November 24, politician Rafael Filizzola Serra pub- to pressure and blackmail, and that our diplomacy is worthy Turkey’s ambassador to Argentina, Taner Karakas, concur- lished in the ABC newspaper an article titled “The Armenian of a sovereign country,” concluded Serra. ring in Paraguay and Uruguay, met with Senator Victor Genocide and our dignity as a sovereign country,” in which Paraguay’s Senate unanimously passed a resolution on Bogado of the ruling Colorado Party, who is Chairman of the he stressed that the decision of the Senate of Paraguay was October 29, recognizing and condemning the Armenian Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Affairs. “a sovereign decision consistent with the history of our coun- Genocide. According to local reports, Karakas expressed “disagreement try.” This year, there was a new wave of recognitions from vari- and concern over the declaration.” “The unfortunate thing is that our diplomacy, rather than ous congresses and international bodies in South America: After that meeting, Bogado said on November 19 that he defending the sovereign authority of the Senate to speak, has the province of Misiones, Argentina, the Latin American would present “an alternative project as a way of rectifying taken steps to reverse the parliamentary statement,” he Parliament, the State of Rio de Janeiro, the Federal Senate of the position of the Senate.” “Turkey was deeply concerned added. “Our diplomacy shows a supine ignorance of the cur- Brazil, the Chamber of Deputies of Chile and also the about the term “genocide,” given that this happened before rent international position on the Armenian Genocide and Argentine Pope Francis. the creation of the same Turkish state,” said Bogado. historical facts found by the intellectual community. Other South American states, including Bolivia, Venezuela, Bogado also said that “the Senate declaration is nonbind- “The dignity of a country that suffered the extermination Uruguay and other countries, regions and cities have recog- ing with the government’s position.” and that has a moral obligation to speak out against acts like nized the Armenian Genocide. Alfonso Tabakian, director of the Armenian National this and many others, to ever happen again. And for justice, Turkish TV Fires Journalist of Armenian Descent

ISTANBUL (PanARMENIAN.Net) — A Bugun In response to Gokcek’s tweets, Bagdat post- Bagdat also used a hashtag #melihGokcek After that case was launched, Bagdat filed a TV journalist of Armenian descent, Hayko ed several tweets mocking Gokcek’s question. ermeniymis” (Melih Gokcek turns out to be counterclaim against Gokcek based on the con- Bagdat was fired under court-approved supervi- “Reply Cem Özdemir! ... You are said to be an Armenian), which Gokcek referenced in his lawsuit. tent of Gokcek’s claims against Bagdat, stress- sory actions on November 18, Yerkir.am Armenian,” posted Bagdat. In response, Bagdat announced the lawsuit ing that the word “Armenian” had been used to reports. In his following tweets, Bagdat suggested on Twitter, saying: “Turns out Melih Gokcek defame and insult him, amounting to an “explic- The journalist confirmed the news with a that Gokcek is Armenian. “I formally say you sued me demanding TL 10,000 for calling him it example of an attack on his rights and tweet. are an Armenian. In my opinion, you should sue Armenian. We are going to have so much fun.” honor.” Several months ago, Bagdat filed a lawsuit me @06melihgokcek,” Bagdat wrote. against Ankara Mayor Melih Gokcek. “The capital city [Ankara] was handed over to In March, Gokcek made what some see as a an Armenian! What a shame! I wait for you to verbal attack on Cem Özdemir, the co-chairman come to church on Sunday @06melihgokcek. Dissecting Armenia’s Constitutional of the Green Party in Germany, writing on We are all grieving…” wrote Bagdat. Twitter: “I am asking Özdemir just out of After these tweets, Gokcek first filed a crimi- Reform Debate

CONSTITUTION, from page 15 only weeks to go, more than half the population The commission did, however, note a number is still undecided. The NO side has been fraught of minor concerns, such as the prohibition of with obstacles, including a fractured campaign, forming new factions within parliament during and a lack of a clear message. They have been parliamentary mandates. running two separate campaigns, with separate Yerevan-based Human Rights lawyer Gabriel rallies set for December 1 and December 3. The Armas-Cardona believes that from a strictly first being organized by the ANC, while the sec- legal perspective, Armenia’s constitutional ond being jointly promoted by Jirayr Sefilian amendments “are acceptable, and maybe even group “Founding Parliament,” and Raffi respectable.” Despite the drafting process hav- Hovannisian (who has been noticeably missing ing been less than transparent, he believes that from the events, as he is currently in the United this didn’t significantly harm the actual result, States for personal reasons). This, amongst as the government clearly took the advice of many other things, has been cited by critics as international experts into account. The specific a clear sign that the NO campaign isn’t taking issues which he sees in the new draft are more its role very seriously. than made up for in the positive changes, which They have so far been unable to reach out to bring it more in line with other European con- voters with more convincing arguments against stitutions. the amendments beyond generic accusations of Hayko Bagdat Armas-Cardona cautions, however, that illegitimacy, and stoking fear that the govern- despite the quality of this new constitution, the ment is intending to stay in power indefinitely. real challenge lies in the way it is applied. “A A social media campaign requesting that young curiosity... Please give me a response Cem nal complaint against Bagdat and then filed a constitution needs codes to implement it.” people post photos of themselves holding signs Özdemir... Are you of Armenian origin?” lawsuit demanding compensation of TL 10,000 These new amendments will necessitate rewrit- saying no in Armenian has also done little to Gokcek’s tweets came after Özdemir called for psychological damages, arguing that ing a great number of codes, including the elec- spur discussion on the issue. The yes side, on Turkey to recognize the killings of Bagdat’s remarks defining him as an Armenian toral code. He predicts that in the event of a meanwhile, has run an effective outreach cam- Armenians during the last years of the Ottoman were insulting and libelous, and made with the ‘Yes’ vote on December 6, the process of reform paign through social media, TV appearances Empire as Genocide. intention of harming Gokcek’s reputation. won’t be easy, and “A good end result will and other methods. require constant oversight by the people and For many, however, the real question isn’t civil society.” whether or not the reform proposal will pass With the referendum date fast approaching, the referendum stage, but how these reforms the ‘Yes’ and ‘No’ campaigns are in full swing, will be codified into law. Armenian Genocide Documents from and already, opposition figures have accused (Raffi Elliot is a Montreal native who is now the government of using state resources to settled in Armenia. He is a special correspon- Vatican Archives Published in 7-Volume Set sway the voting in its favour, citing inflated dent for Abaka and the Armenian Mirror- voter lists, but according to most figures, with Spectator.) VATICAN (Public Radio of Armenia) — On of Kemalist rule, which were preserved in the November 21, presentation of unique series of Vatican closed archives, and gives a full picture seven-volume set of books by Father Georges- of all the stages of this crime, from planning to Henri Ruyssen was held in the Pontifical implementation of the genocide. Armenia President receives Dean of Fletcher Oriental Institute of Santa Maria Maggiore in During his speech Ambassador of Armenia to Rome. The event was organized by the Embassy the Holy See Mikael Minasyan particularly School and President of Tavitian Foundation of Armenia in the Holy See. stressed the fact that this seven-volume set is a FLETCHER, from page 1 Rector of the Pontifical Oriental Institute significant achievement for Genocide studies and Armenian representatives of state bodies in studying at Fletcher Law and Diplomacy David Nazar, founder of the Community of is a history which also that of the Turks. “The School. Sant’Egidio Andrea Riccardi, president of the work by Father Ruyssen helps us to trace back Fletcher School Prof. Richard Schultz lectured further on “Armed Groups in Community of Sant’Egidio Marco Impagliazzo, the facts. It helps us to read the past thus learn- Authoritarian States and Irregular Military Strategies” in Armenian Defense Ministry clergymen from the Armenian Apostolic and ing the lessons for the future.” administration building. Catholic churches, representatives of public and At the event Minasyan presented to Father First Deputy Defense Minister Davit Tonoyan stressed that Richard Schultz is known political sector, members of Armenian communi- Georges-Henri Ruyssen the Order of Honor around the world as one of the best specialists in international security field. ty in Italy attended the event. awarded by the President of Armenia for the The guests visited Kanayan Institute for National Strategic Studies where they were pre- The publication presents all the documents on development of the Armenian studies and for his sented with briefing on the newly created National Defense Research University. the Armenian Genocide from the period of the significant contribution to dissemination of spir- Hamidian massacres till the post-Genocide years itual values.