The Armenian Church and the to Participate in the United Nations General Announced at the Armenia-Diaspora Armenian People,” Said His Holiness

Home , Georg Fritze, Mikayel Minasyan, Yerevan State University

SEPTEMBER 27, 2014 MirTHErARoMENr IAN -Spe ctator Volume LXXXV, NO. 11, Issue 4354 $ 2.00 NEWS IN BRIEF The First English Language Armenian Weekly in the United States Since 1932 Meeting of Erdogan Catholicosate of Cilicia to Sue Turkey And Primate Cancelled NEW YORK — Turkish newspapers such as Daily Over Historic Headquarters in Sis Sabah had reported that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey was to meet with Jewish and YEREVAN (Panorama) — Catholicos the Sis Catholicosate, to its rightful own - Armenian leaders in New York as a part of his trip Aram I of the Great House of Cilicia ers—the Armenian Church and the to participate in the United Nations General announced at the Armenia-Diaspora Armenian people,” said His Holiness. Assembly Climate Summit, between September 22 Conference here last week that his office Aram I’s message was delivered before the and October 1. will initiate legal claims against Turkey to attendees of the fifth Armenia-Diaspora Pan- According to Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, regain ownership of the historic headquar - Armenian meeting at the Yerevan Opera Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of ters of the catholicosate, which is in Sis, House on September 19, organized and host - America (Eastern), the request for a meeting came now part of Turkey. ed by Armenia’s Ministry of the Diaspora. from the Turkish side. The Diocese however was “The Armenian Catholicosate of the Great The city of Sis (modern-day Kozan) was later informed that the meeting was cancelled, with House of Cilicia will soon present its legal where the headquarters of the Catholicos of the Great House of no reasons given. claims to Turkey’s Constitutional Court, Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia Cilicia Aram I The meeting with a World Jewish Congress demanding the return of its historic seat, see SIS, page 3 (WJC) committee led by Ronald Steven Lauder was also cancelled. Daily Sabah stated that its cancella - tion was due to Erdogan’s “busy schedule.” — Aram Arkun Genocide Memorial, Armenia-Diaspora Conference TCA Condemns Attack Church in Deir Zor On Armenian Church Damaged by ISIS The Tekeyan Founders’ Committee, The Tekeyan Trust of London, Tekeyan Cultural Association of DAMASCUS (SANA/Tert) — The Armenia and the Tekeyan Cultural Association of Armenian Genocide monument and the USA and Canada vehemently con - Holy Martyrs Church of Deir Zor were sub - demn the terrorist act of destroy - stantially damaged as a result of a direct ing the Armenian Holy Martyrs attack by the group Islamic State (ISIS). Church in Deir Zor, Syria. The i24news.tv website reports that the The church complex, built to dome of the church, with a cross atop, has commemorate the 1.5 million remained standing. The terrorists did not Armenian Martyrs of 1915 Genocide, served as a allow anyone to take pictures of the church, museum, archive center and exhibition that destroyed church. contained relics and historical documents. After ISIS occupied the territory, they This act should be condemned by all civilized laid mines round the church and destroyed countries, including Turkey. it. The sound of the explosion was heard in Tekeyan Founders’ Committee different parts of Deir Zor. The Tekeyan Trust of London The Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) Tekeyan Cultural Association of Armenia, reports that the terrorists have desecrated Tekeyan Cultural Association of USA and Canada the holy places and tombs in Syria. September 23, 2014 The church was built in 1989-1990, and The fifth annual Armenia-Diaspora Conference, organized by the consecrated a year later. A genocide memo - Armenian Ministry of Diaspora, took place last week. See story rial and a museum housing the remains of and photos on pages 8 and 9. Catholicos Receives the victims of the genocide were also built in the church compound. Baroness Caroline Cox Thousands of Armenians from Syria and Armenian Genocide are kept in the attack. “We strongly condemn the explo - ECHMIADZIN — On September 17, in Mother See neighboring countries gathered at the Armenian Genocide museum. sion by terrorists of the Holy Martyrs of Holy Echmiadzin, Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch memorial every year on April 24 to com - Armenian Foreign Minister Eduard Armenian Church in Deir el-Zor, dedicated and Catholicos of All Armenians, received Baroness memorate the genocide. Nalbandian and the President’s Chief of Caroline Cox and her delegation, accompanied by Moreover, numerous records of the Staff Vigen Sargisian condemned the writer and publicist Zori Balaian. The catholicos noted that cox had become a familiar and cherished person for the Armenian people. The patriarch also conveyed his great appre - Armenian Independence Day Celebration ciation to the baroness for her efforts toward the protection of the rights of Armenians in Artsakh Is Held in New York Diocesan Center and a fair resolution of the Karabagh conflict. Cox also expressed her gratitude to the catholi - NEW YORK — The 23rd year of indepen - Daughters of Vartan, the Armenian cos for the warm reception, and presented her dence of the Republic of Armenia was cele - Democratic Liberal Party (Ramgavars), the impressions of her 82nd visit to Armenia. brated at Kavookjian Hall of the Diocese of Tekeyan Cultural Association and the the Armenian Church of America (Eastern) Armenian Assembly of America. on September 21 under the auspices of the Tigran Sargsyan of Noyan Tapan served Diocese and the Permanent Mission of as master of ceremonies, and Vagharshag Armenia to the United Nations (UN). The Ohanyan accompanied Dr. Lloyd Ariola in event was organized by Noyan Tapan, Inc., the presentation of the American and INSI DE with the participation of the Knights and see INDEPENDENCE, page 16 The Armenian church in Der ez-Zor substan - tially damaged Genocide to the memory of the Armenian Genocide, which housed the remains of its many vic - tims,” Nalbandian said in a statement. And Art “This horrible barbarity against a holy site yet again demonstrates the savage Page 10 nature of the so called “Islamic state” ter - rorist group,” he added. “The international community should immediately stop and eradicate this plague, INDEX which threatens the civilized world and Arts and Living ...... 10 should uproot the channels of its financing, Armenia ...... 2 support and sponsorship,” Nalbandian con - Community News...... 4 cluded. Editorial ...... 14 International ...... 3 Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II Speakers and participants in the NYC Armenian Independence Day Celebration and Catholicos of Cilica Aram I both expressed their outrage about the attack. 2 S ATURDAY , S EPTEMBER 27, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARMENIA News From Armenia

NKR Foreign Minister Receives President of France-Armenia Friendship Group STEPANAKERT (Armenpress)— On September 23, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Nagorno Karabagh Republic (NKR) Karen Mirzoyan received President of the France-Armenia friendship group of the French Senate Philippe Kaltenbach. Mirzoyan expressed his satisfaction with the French legislators’ frequent visits to Artsakh. He emphasized that such visits not only contributed to the intensification and development of the tradi- tionally warm relations between Artsakh and France, but also played an important role in form- ing a full and comprehensive picture of Artsakh in the world. During the meeting, issues related to the cooperation between Artsakh and France in various spheres, as well as the activities of France-Artsakh President Serge Sargisian Meets with Pope Francis I Circle of Friendship were touched upon. The sides also exchanged opinions on the current stage of peaceful settlement of the conflict between Azerbaijan and Nagorno Karabagh, as well as a range of issues related to the regional develop- Armenian President Visits Vatican ments. NKR Permanent representative in France Hovhannes Gevorgyan was also present at the meet- VATICAN (Public Radio of Armenia) inexorably point out the dictator who of the church in the history of the ing. — On an official visit to the Holy See keeps all his people in servitude and Armenian people. Underscoring that (Vatican), Armenian President Serge threatens to drown his neighbor in the Armenian people did not have state - 32-Person Contingent of Sargisian attended the opening of the blood?” hood for a long time – the last exhibit “A Fable of the East: Sargisian finally mentioned the cen - Armenian kingdom faded away 600 Armenian Peacekeepers Christianity Facing the Challenges of tennial of the Armenian Genocide, still years ago – Sargisian said that in the the New Millennium” at the Vittoriano often not properly characterized. He absence of statehood, the church under - To Go to Lebanon Museum Complex. The aim of the exhi - said: “The truth is that we can’t ensure took many state functions. This helped YEREVAN (Armenpress) — A 32-people contingent bition is to draw the attention of the a peaceful and safe future without con - the Armenian people survive to the of the Armenian peacekeepers of the Armed Forces international community to the state of demning the crimes of the past. For this 21st century. of the Republic of Armenia will leave for Lebanon thousand-year-old endangered Christian very purpose we cannot allow using Sargisian underlined that St. for a mission, Commander of the Peacekeeping communities in the Middle East, as well faith in the name of xenophobia or Bartholomew after whom this church Brigade of the Armed Forces of the Republic of as to the need for preserving Armenia, Major-General Arthur Simonyan said. “We the Christian cultural her - are getting prepared, but do not know when we will itage in the region. The exhi - get the order,” he said. bition includes photos taken Negotiations were conducted with the United in nine Middle Eastern coun - Nations and Defense Ministry of Italy on involving tries and a separate section the Armenian brigade in the UNICEF peacekeeping devoted to a documentary mission related to deployment position, contin- film about the destruction of gent’s structure, technical support, etc. Jugha’s Armenian khachkars Armenia is involved in peacekeeping operations (cross-stones). in Kosovo and Afghanistan. The exhibition has been organized at the initiative and under the patronage of the Lucineh Kassarjian Joins Embassy of the Republic of Armenia in the Holy See with - ATP Team as Country in the framework of the annu - Director al Rimini Festival for Friendship among Peoples YEREVAN — Armenia Tree Project (ATP) launched on August 24. After announced recently that Lucineh (Gaifedjian) Rome it will appear in other Kassarjian has been appointed director of the ATP cities. operations in Armenia. At the opening of the exhi - President Serge Sargisian Meets with Pope Francis I Kassarjian has a degree in Linguistics and bition Sargisian delivered a Pedagogy from Yerevan State Linguistics speech in which he described University and she studied in the New Media the photographs presented as a “silent against other religions. We cannot allow located on the Tiber Island is named, is department of the San Francisco Academy of Art. scream,” and raised the question of using religion as a crutch to wage war considered one of the founders of the She has served in many educational and develop- whether enough is being done in a cor - and use violence. Rather, we must make Armenian Church. “May God give us mental non-profit organizations including the Bay rect fashion to encourage tolerance and use of religious power and strength to the strength and ability to be able to Area Friends of Armenia, the KZV Armenian School resist xenophobia. He pointed out that promote dialogue and tolerance in all pass on our Christian values to our gen - in San Francisco, the Armenian Virtual College after the destruction of Jugha’s corners of the world.” erations,” Sargisian exclaimed. Board, the National Ballet of Armenia Foundation, khachkars , which was not opposed, Mikayel Minasyan, the Armenian The Paros Foundation and the Yerevan chapter of many could and did conclude “that in ambassador to the Holy See, Marco Levon Aronian to the Awesome Foundation. fact the age-old cultural monuments of Impagliazzo, the president of the Kassarjian is the founder of MolorakArts, a com- an entire people can be razed to the Community of Sant’Egidio and Participate in World pany specializing in digital and traditional media ground with picks and [the perpetra - Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi, the presi - products for children of all ages. In 2009, she co- tors] simply remain unpunished.” It dent of the Pontifical Council for Mind Games founded ReAnimania, an acclaimed international might be thought “in that case, why not Culture, spoke at the opening about the animation film festival in Yerevan. Lucineh marked repeat such an easily implemented act importance of the topic of the exhibi - YEREVAN (Armenpress) — The her debut as an author with “Someone Else’s in Iraq, Syria and other places?” tion, the state of Christians in the leader of the Armenian national Cloud,” a children’s book about a fun, engaging Sargisian stressed that the world can - Middle East, as well about their deep chess team Levon Aronian is way to address childhood anxiety. not remain silent but must double concern over the existence of going to participate in the World “On behalf of ATP staff and executive committee, efforts to inculcate tolerance. He said, Christianity and protection of social Mind Games to be held on we are excited to have a professional like Lucineh “Those who live today are directly and cultural values in general. December 11-17, 2014 in Beijing, join our leadership team,” stated Managing responsible for making the tie between The president of Armenia also visited China. Director Tom Garabedian. “We are confident that the future and the past indestructible, St. Bartholomew Church, the chapels of He will be competing against Lucineh will move ATP forward with new ideas and and for the perpetuation of our values.” which contain records about Christian fellow grandmasters Grischuk, approaches that will engage an entirely new con- Modern technology created mobile martyrs, including those of the Nepomniachtchi, Mamedyarov, stituency in Armenia and in the diaspora.” phones with videos, but these phones Armenian Genocide. Sargisian laid a Vachier-Lagrave, Ivanchuk, “I am thrilled to join the ATP team to make a can be used to transmit horrific images wreath at the main altar of the church Dominguez Perez, Ponomariov, global impact locally in Armenia,” she noted. of beheadings. There is a gap between and paid tribute to the memory of mar - Radjabov, Gelfand, Leko, Bacrot, our values and our technology. He then tyrs. Addressing the believers gathered Giri, Wang Yue, Wojtaszek and pointed to Azerbaijan by asking “Are we in the church, the Armenian president Wang Hao. able to overlook the oil pipelines and noted the special significance and role S ATURDAY , S EPTEMBER 27, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 3 INTERNATIONAL European Court of Human Rights Processes Request International News Return of Remains of Armenian Victim in Azerbaijan YEREVAN — On September 10, a work - Azerbaijan requesting to explain its “offi - under Azerbaijani captivity, was officially ‘Talaat Pasha’ Group ing group representing the family of cial position in connection with the sent to the ECHR on Thursday. Karen Petrosyan, an Armenian civilian return of Petrosyan’s body and to provide Khojoyan’s three children filed the suit Visits Greece Hoping to killed under Azerbaijani custody, applied information on the reasons for the delay with support from FAVL and and the Change Genocide Law to European Court of Human Rights in returning of the body to his relatives”. European Human Rights Advocacy (ECHR) with a request under the Rule 39 The deadline for the information request - Centre (EHRAC). ATHENS — According to an article published in of the Rules of Court, requesting the ed was indicated as 26th of September. “This is a striking example of outra - Turkish newspaper Aydinlik on September 17, a ECHR to intervene in this case with inter - Petrosyan, who lived in a border village geous cruelty against a helpless 77-year- committee named “Talaat Pasha Committee,” after im measure of indicating the respondent in northeastern Armenia, was taken cap - old man,” said EHRAC Legal Consultant the mastermind behind the Armenian Genocide and state, Azerbaijan, immediately to return Vahe Grigoryan, who will be representing other genocides in Asia Minor, will visit Athens so the remains of Petrosyan to his family, the family in the case. “We are assist - they can “require” the deletion of the provision of taking all relevant and necessary steps to ing our local partner FAVL before the the “anti-racism” law, voted in the Greek return the body in a dignified state. European Court of Human Rights in Parliament last week, which refers to the punish- ”International law requires that the Strasbourg, in order to seek justice ment of those who deny the Genocide. The Pontian remains be returned without any precon - for the family of Mr. Khojoyan.” and Armenian genocides, they said, as well as those ditions,” said Larisa Alaverdyan, executive Plaintiffs in the case plan to present evi - of the Asyrians, are “fairy tales.” director of the Foundation against the dence of Khojoyan’s torture, as well as to The chairman of this committee, Ismail Hakki Violation of Law (FAVL) and one of the demonstrate the systematic pattern of Pekin, a retired lieutenant-general of the Turkish members of the working group. “This ille - abuse practiced by authorities in Baku Army, in an interview he gave in Ankara, gal delay serves to compound the already against such innocent Armenians. announced that the committee will go to Greece to tremendous suffering felt by this innocent “Mr. Khojoyan was abused from the ... require the Greek side to remove the “lies” on Karen Petrosyan in captivity civilian’s family.” very beginning of his captivity, eventually the Turkish genocide as suggested in the bill. “The request was lodged aiming at pre - leading to his tragic death,” said FAVL’s This committee appears to enjoy the support of vention of irreparable and continuous vio - tive on August 7 after mistakenly straying Lawyer Kristina Gevorkyan. “We’re turn - the Turkish State. lation of the right to respect the family into Azerbaijan. Shocking images of him ing to the ECHR to hold the government and private life of Petrosyan family mem - being dragged by masked soldiers were of Azerbaijan accountable for this grave Qatar Donates $88.5 bers” as one of the members of the work - distributed to the media by authorities in crime and ensure that such treatment is ing group, advocate Vahe Grigoryan said. Azerbaijan, in which Petrsoyan was bru - brought to an end.” Million for Darfur A working group has been composed tally forced to beg pardon from the presi - After the capture of Khojoyan in of experts in the field of international dent of Azerbaijan. The next day, the January, several other Armenian civilians NEW YORK —Qatar signed a $88.5-million grant human rights law to represent the inter - Defense Ministry announced that he had have fallen under Azerbaijani captivity, agreement with the United Nations Multi-Partner ests of Petrosyan family in both domestic “suddenly” died of “heart failure.” The cir - facing public humiliation and severe Trust Fund, administered by United Nations proceedings in Armenia and in the cumstances surrounding the death of abuse. In one of the most recent cases, a Development Programme (UNDP), to finance recov- ECHR. Human Rights lawyers Kristina Karen Petrosyan raise serious doubts as villager from Chinari named Karen ery and reconstruction in Darfur, Sudan. It is the Gevorkyan, Ara Ghazaryan and Vahe to the cause of the death announced by Petrosyan was captured near the border, single largest donation of the State of Qatar to the Grigoryan together with human rights Azerbaijani authorities. paraded on TV as a ‘saboteur’, and killed United Nations. defenders Larisa Alaverdyan and Artak Despite calls from the United States, one day after being taken into custody. “We are very grateful to the State of Qatar for its Zeynalyan are representing Petrosyan France, Russia, and the International Khojoyan’s family is demanding prose - unwavering support to the efforts for peace and family before ECHR. Committee of the Red Cross, Azerbaijan cution of the Azerbaijani government recovery in Darfur, where too many people have In response to the request of the repre - has not yet returned his body. under articles 2, 3, 5, 13, and 14 of the lost their lives and livelihoods,” said Helen Clark, sentatives of the Petrosyan’s family, on In a second similar case, the family of European Convention on Human Rights, Chair of the United Nations Development Group, September 12, the ECHR communicated Mamikon Khojoyan, an elderly Armenian which prohibit killing, torture, inhumane and UNDP Administrator. “It is our firm belief that the request to the government of villager who died after being abused treatment, and discrimination. investing in development in Darfur can help to break the cycle of violence and begin to sow the seeds of peace in this region of Sudan.” This support is one of the main outcomes of the Darfur peace agreement, signed in Doha in 2011, Senate Confirms John Bass as Next US Ambassador to Turkey and will kick-start the implementation of the imme- WASHINGTON — This week the Senate Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) James the increasing number of individuals diate priorities outlined in the Darfur Development voted 98-0 to confirm John R. Bass as the Warlick has a good working relationship imprisoned in Azerbaijan, which seems Strategy, launched at the international Donor next US ambassador to Turkey. Bass’ with his Russian counterpart. The United to be politically motivated. Murphy indi - Conference in April 2013. The three pillars of the nomination received stiff questioning on States, Russia, and France serve as co- cated that he, along with Senators Dick Darfur Development Strategy are Reconstruction; Armenian-American concerns from chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group. Durbin and Ben Cardin, recently sent a Governance, Justice and Reconciliation; and Senate Foreign Relations Committee The Minsk Group “remains the best letter outlining their concerns to Economic Recovery. (SFRC) Chairman Sen. Robert Menendez process” to achieve peace in Nagorno Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev. The (D-NJ), and Senators Barbara Boxer (D- Karabagh, Mills said, while Cekuta stated Assembly, for its part, in a letter to Foreign Minister CA), Mark Kirk (R-IL), and Ed Markey (D- that the Minsk Group process enjoys the Chairman Menendez also outlined con - MA) prior to his confirmation. confidence of all parties. Cekuta empha - cerns with respect to Azerbaijan. Nalbandian Receives “We commend Chairman Menendez, sized that “there is no military solution Later in the hearing, Senator Johnson and Senators Barbara Boxer, Mark Kirk to this conflict.” Mills reiterated that “any expressed his disappointment with Poland Senate Member and Ed Markey for their stance on issues settlement will require respect for basic Turkey on several fronts, including its YEREVAN — On September 20 Foreign Minister concerning Turkey’s denial of the principles contained in international law, refusal to allow the US airbase in Turkey Edward Nalbandian received Lukasz Abgarowicz, Armenian Genocide, the Turkish- the UN Charter, and the Helsinki Final to be used to help combat the growing Member of the Polish Senate and Head of the Azerbaijani blockade of Armenia, and Act, and three principles will be key to Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant Parliamentary Friendship Group with Armenia, other critical issues affecting the region,” any settlement: the non-use of force, non- threat, as well as its move toward an who arrived to Armenia to participate in the 5th stated Armenian Assembly Executive threat of use of force; respect for territo - Islamic, autocratic government. Armenia-Diaspora Conference. Director Bryan Ardouny. “Following in rial integrity; and respect for the self- Murphy indicated that the SFRC may Minister Nalbandian welcomed Senator the footsteps of Henry Morgenthau, the determination of peoples.” vote to approve Mills and Cekuta as early Abgarowicz’s visit to Armenia and Karabagh under- US ambassador to the Ottoman Empire Senator Murphy noted concern about as Thursday, September 18. lining that such visits give an opportunity to get a who in 1915 alerted the world to the first hand information and objective impression Armenian Genocide, it is important that about regional processes. our Foreign Service officers execute a Expressing gratitude for the reception Senator foreign policy that appropriately reflects Abgarowicz assured that he will continue his work America’s values.” Catholicosate of Cilicia to Sue Turkey towards enhancement of relations with Armenia. In addition to the full Senate vote on Polish Senator told the Minister about his impres- Bass’ nomination, the SFRC held a hear - Over Historic Headquarters in Sis sions from his visit to Karabagh. ing today on the nomination of Richard The two discussed the ways of development of SIS, from page 1 sion, work has been done towards that M. Mills and Robert F. Cekuta to serve as Armenian-Polish relations, emphasized the role of were located from 1293 to 1921. During goal in collaboration with international US ambassador to Armenia and inter-parliamentary ties and stressed the necessity the Armenian Genocide, the Armenians law experts. Azerbaijan, respectively. of their intensification. of Cilicia were subjected to massacres. “If Turkey’s Constitutional Court During the SFRC hearing, Subcom- The interlocutors touched upon the steps, aimed The last Catholicos in Sis was Sahak II, rejects our claims, we will immediately mittee Chairman for European Affairs at further expansion of Armenian-Polish economic who fled to Syria with the surviving present our case to the European Court Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) and relations, in this context they underlined the role Armenian population of Cilicia in 1921. of Human Rights,” declared Aram I. “If Subcommittee Ranking Member Ron of inter-governmental commission, whose next ses- During the speech, he said, “We can - we win the case, the honor and victory Johnson (R-WI) questioned the nominees sion is planned for the end of this year in Warsaw. not remain indifferent towards the will belong to our nation and Church. for U.S. ambassador to Armenia and Nalbandian and Abgarowicz also exchanged abuse of the rights of the Armenian And if we lose the case, that will also be Azerbaijan. views on intensification of cultural contacts and nation. Indifference amounts to the a victory, because in presenting our Chairman Murphy noted that Russia widening of decentralized cooperation. betrayal of the nation.” case we will have reminded the perpe - has sometimes played a constructive role Nalbandian presented the guest Armenia’s He stressed, “It is now time that we trators and the international communi - in the Nagorno Karabagh peace process, approaches to the regional issues and the ways move the Armenian Cause efforts ty that the Armenian nation remains while at other times not. He asked the towards their solution. nominees how they see Russia in this beyond the recognition of the Armenian committed to demanding its rights no regard. Both Mills and Cekuta indicated Genocide into the legal sphere.” matter the number of years that dis - that the US Ambassador to the The catholicos also added that during tance it from the onset of the Organization for Security and the past two years, under his supervi - Genocide.” 4 S ATURDAY , S EPTEMBER 27, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Community Ne ws

Saying Ayo! to California Governor Keeping Children Brown Signs Safe in Tavush Genocide Education Act into Law

By Florence Avakian SACRAMENTO — On Thursday, September 18, California Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. signed NEW YORK — “It is an urgent and top AB 1915, the Armenian Genocide Education Act, priority that Tavush schoolchildren study into law reported the Armenian National in a safe environment. Not only are they in Committee of America–Western Region. constant danger but the village people are The bill adds Armenian Genocide survivor as well,” said Ayo! Community Director and witness oral testimonies into the teachings Helena Melkonyan. of human rights in California public schools Planned and organized by Ayo!, an ini - and encourages professional development activ - tiative of Fund for Armenian Relief (FAR), ities and resource development for teachers to the Protective Walls Project teach about the Genocide. Authored by https://www.weareayo.org/all-projects/ Assembly member Adrin Nazarian, AB 1915 consists of building barriers around builds upon the first legislation passed in 1985, schools in Aygepar, Chinary and others Pilgrims light candles near the Tomb of Mary during Divine Liturgy on the Feast of AB 1273, which led to the incorporation of the villages located along the Armenian-Azeri the Assumption. Armenian Genocide into the History-Social border. Situated in Tavush, one of Studies Curriculum Framework Armenia’s poorest regions, these villages “ANCA WR commends Governor Brown for continue to be victims of sniper fire. his unyielding support throughout the years on “It is an urgent and top priority that Watertown Pilgrims issues of importance to the Armenian American Tavush schoolchildren study in a safe community and for making history today by environment. Not only are they in con - signing this critical bill into law, and co-authors stant danger but the village people are as Visit Holy Land Assemblymembers Nazarian and Katcho Achadjian along and Senators De Leon and Mark Wyland for their leadership in moving this WATERTOWN and JERUSALEM — On August 21, 31 pilgrims from St. James bill through the Calif. State Assembly and the Armenian Church in Watertown made a 12-day pilgrimage to Jerusalem to embark Senate with unanimous support,” stated Nora on a spiritual journey to explore the foundations of their faith, walk the lands of Hovsepian, ANCA WR chair. the Bible and to support the Armenian Christian population in the Holy Land. The On August 12, representatives of the ANCA group, led by pastor Fr. Arakel Aljalian, consisted of several families traveling WR met with the Governor’s office to urge together and pilgrims of all ages. Brown to sign the bill into law. The meeting, Each morning, the pilgrims started their day in the Holy Land by reflecting on which was facilitated by Nazarian’s office, scripture and reciting the Lord’s Prayer. With Jerusalem as their base, the pilgrims included ANCA-WR Education Committee made day trips to visit Holy sites central to their Armenian Christian Faith. Chairperson Alice Petrossian; Legislative Commencing with the birth of Christ, the pilgrims journeyed to Bethlehem to Affairs Director Haig Baghdassarian; Genocide visit the Church of the Nativity, the birthplace of Christ where they participated Education Project Board Member Roxanne in the Divine Liturgy and received Holy Communion. In the Holy Grotto of the Makasdjian; Hrag Kitsinian, Legislative Aide to Nativity, the pilgrims kneeled before the silver star that marks the place where Nazarian and Cathy McBride, senior education Christ was born in Bethlehem. The pilgrims toured the Armenian section of the policy adviser to the Governor. During the An Azeri sniper bullet Church of the Nativity complex, and the Shepherd’s field where the Angels meeting, Petrossian, Baghdassarian, announced the joyous news of Christ’s birth, and read Scriptures highlighting the Makasdjian and Kitsinian advocated for the enactment of the proposed law, pointing out to well,” said Ayo! Community Director story of the nativity. Refreshments were provided by the Armenian monks who are McBride that contrary to its inclusion in the Helena Melkonyan. the caretakers of the Armenian presence in Bethlehem. History-Social Science Curriculum Framework, While a ceasefire between Armenia and The stories of the Bible were brought to life as the pilgrims visited Nazareth and the Armenian Genocide has not been taught in Azerbaijan has been in effect since 1994, the Church of the Annunciation where the Angel Gabriel visited Mary at her home. the majority of public schools. violations have occurred since then, even Taking turns, the pilgrims recited the Scripture readings, recounting the story of “The Armenian Genocide Education Act (AB escalating over the past year. The recent the Annunciation as well as visiting the site of Joseph’s carpenter’s workshop. 1915) is an issue near and dear to my heart, crisis in Ukraine has proceeded to further At the Sea of Galilee, the pilgrims took a boat ride to the middle of the Sea. The having myself descended from survivors of the divide the two nations based on their rela - captain turned off the motor and after taking in the tranquility of the waters, the horrific atrocities befallen the Armenian people. tionships with Russia, and more shoot - story of Christ calming the seas and the wind and walking on water was read and Only through education and remembrance can ings were reported over the summer. Two meditated on. we heal our pain and never repeat the mistakes houses struck by sniper fire even recently of the past,” stated Nazarian. “I would also like burned to the ground. “When [snipers] to give a special thanks to several champions of see movement they shoot in that direc - this bill, Governor Jerry Brown, tion,” Ayo! Project Director Armen Assemblymembers Katcho Achadjian, and Scott Anmeghikyan said. Wilk, Ms. Kay Mouradian, and my dear friends Staff members of FAR who work close - at the Armenian National Committee of ly on development initiatives in the America–Western Region,” added Nazarian. Tavush region through the organization’s In late August, AB 1915 received unanimous Breaking the Cycle of Poverty Project support in the California State Senate with a (BCPP), first came up with the idea for vote of 36-0. the wall after sniper fire killed two people “This is yet another example of what is pos - last winter. The government shut down sible when we unite and make our collective some of the roads and then constructed voice heard. Our heartfelt appreciation and alternative routes between Berd and gratitude goes out to our grassroots for their Ijevan with protective walls around them. unprecedented level of activism, which resulted “If there was a need for a protective in this bill becoming law. Your voice, through wall for the road, what about those vil - the action alerts, phone calls, meetings with lages along the border?” said Eric officials, social media posts, and participation in Baghdasaryan, economic development The St. James group pose for a photo with Archbishop Nourhan Manougian after our Advocacy Day in Sacramento made this vic - manager for BCPP, who engaged with a visit with the Patriarch. tory possible,” stated Elen Asatryan, Executive local communities that supported the idea Director of ANCA WR. “The ANCA Western of constructing a wall around the com - Region, its Education Committee, and local munities’ schools. “The mayors I spoke Following the path of the Lord in His ministry, the pilgrims took a winding bus chapters look forward to working with the with said it was especially dangerous as ride with hairpin curves up to the very top of Mt. Tabor, the site of the Department of Education and school districts children cannot play freely because of the Transfiguration of Our Lord, to meditate and sing the Lord’s Prayer (Hayr Mer) across the State to ensure that future genera - fear of being shot at.” and other hymns, led by Aljalian at the beautiful Catholic Church, built in the 12th tions learn about the Armenian Genocide of Baghdasaryan, along with other FAR century under the mosaics and murals depicting the Holy Transfiguration. 1915,” added Asatryan. staff members proposed the idea as an A highlight for many pilgrims was the beautiful Church of the Beatitudes and Currently, California is one of 11 states, includ - Ayo! project in order to raise the funds surrounding grounds, where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount. Here as ing Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Massachusetts, needed to carry it out. Ayo! is a crowd- see PILGRIMAGE, page 5 Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Rhode see TAVOUSH, page 7 Island and Virginia, which have the Armenian Genocide included in their curriculum. S ATURDAY , S EPTEMBER 27, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 5 COMMUNITY NEWS Clark University and Worcester State University to Host ‘Manufacturing Denial and the Assault on Scholarship and Truth’

WORCESTER — The conference October 24, at 7 p.m., with a keynote address (Clark University), Dr. Richard G. lowed by open discussion. “Manufacturing Denial and the Assault on by Prof. Brendan J. Nyhan, professor in the Hovannisian (University of California, Los For more information, contact Sarah Scholarship and Truth” will take place on Department of Government at Dartmouth Angeles), and Dr. Massimo Pigliucci (City Cushman, Strassler Center Academic Program Friday and Saturday, October 24-25, 2014, at College, titled “The Challenge of Denial: Why University of New York-Lehman College), fol - Liaison Officer, at [email protected]. Worcester State University and Clark People Refuse to Accept Unwelcome Facts,” University in Worcester. The conference is co- and a response by Prof. Henry Theriault, chair - sponsored and organized by the Strassler man of the Department of Philosophy at Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies at Worcester State University. Khatchig Clark University; the Robert Aram and Mouradian, PhD candidate at Clark’s Strassler Watertown Pilgrims Visit Holy Land Marianne Kaloosdian and Stephen and Marion Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies Mugar Chair at the Strassler Center; the and coordinator of the Armenian Genocide PILGRIMAGE, from page 4 and tomb of Mary. After a break for dinner host - Armenian Genocide Program at the Center for Program at the CGHR at Rutgers University, well, pilgrims read the scriptures and had a few ed by the Armenian Patriarchate in the Garden the Study of Genocide and Human Rights at will offer welcoming remarks. This event is moments of silence to contemplate the words of of Gethsemane, the group was invited to attend Rutgers University; the National Association open to the general public. the Beatitudes. the evening vigil service. The group then woke for Armenian Studies and Research; and On Saturday, October 25, beginning at 8:30 At the traditional site of Jesus’ baptism in the up early the next morning to attend Divine Worcester State University (Office of Diversity, a.m., there will be four two-hour sessions held River Jordan by John the Baptist. Aljalian per - Liturgy and celebrate the Feast. Many said they Inclusion, and Equal Opportunity, and other at Clark University. These sessions are pri - formed the Blessing of the Water Service using were honored to be in the Holy Land to witness departments and offices). marily for conference participants but a limit - five crosses from Jerusalem. He then presented the celebration of the Feast of the Assumption The academic conference represents the ed number of seats are available to the public the blessed crosses to each of the five young pil - of Holy Mary. first time that social scientists and natural sci - by reservation only. grims as a gift of remembrance of their pilgrim - The pilgrims visited the Armenian entists will meet to analyze the analogous and Session 1, “Modern Strategies and Rhetoric age to the Holy Land. Patriarchate and were welcomed by His interrelated, though not always identical, phe - of Denial,” will be chaired by Dr. Lou Ann In one of the most moving experiences, the Beatitude Archbishop Nourhan Manougian, the nomena of genocide denial — of the Armenian Matossian (independent scholar) and will pilgrims left the hotel at 3:30 a.m., to walk Armenian Patriarch of Jerusalem, who spoke to Genocide, Holocaust, Rwandan, and other include presentations by Marc A. Mamigonian through the Old City of Jerusalem to the them about the importance of preserving the cases — and the denial of scientific truth — (National Association for Armenian Studies Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the site of Armenian presence in the Holy Land. from evolution to climate change. and Research), Sara Brown (Clark University), Christ’s crucifixion, burial and resurrection to The group was then given a unique privilege Since the 1980s, genocide denial, particu - and Shawn Olson (Utah State University). participate in and witness Divine Liturgy to visit the chapel of St. Toros within the St. larly of the Holocaust and the Armenian Session 2, chaired by Dr. Taner Akçam Genocide, has generated a substantial body of (Clark University), will examine “The Political literature analyzing and documenting the Uses of Denial.” Participating in the session methods and rhetoric of those who seek to will be Dr. Jennifer Dixon (Villanova negate or obscure documented cases of mass University), Dr. Alex Hinton (Rutgers violence. More recently, an impressive amount University), and Dr. Mark Gottleib of literature has explored the ways in which (Northeastern University). various industries and political operatives Session 3 will take up the question have used the strategy of “manufacturing “Countering Denial: How and When?” with Dr. doubt” to undermine the scientific consensus Dikran Kaligian (Worcester State University) as on smoking, pollution, evolution, and global chairman. The panelists will be Dr. Keith warming. Nonetheless, the corruption and co- Watenpaugh (University of California, Davis), opting of scholarship for the purposes of Dr. Ken Maclean (Clark University), and Emma fomenting denial continues. Bloomfield (University of Southern California). The conference will open at Worcester State The conference will conclude with a sum - University’s Ghosh Auditorium on Friday, ming up panel featuring Dr. Debórah Dwork

Pilgrims pose for a photo at the Jordan River after the Blessing of the Water Service.

(Badarak), celebrated by Aljalian, at the empty James monastery to see where the Armenian Tomb of Christ. Pilgrims described this unique manuscripts are kept. They had the opportuni - experience to participated in the Badarak by ty to see a beautiful illuminated Gospel dating singing, serving at the altar, and receiving Holy from the 13th century. There was also an Communion at one of the most holy sites in the opportunity for an added excursion to Tel Aviv Christian faith as spiritually uplifting, moving, to do some sightseeing and swimming in the inspiring, fulfilling and emotionally overwhelm - Mediterranean Sea, and they also visited St. ing. Nicholas Armenian Church in old Jaffa. The focal point of the pilgrimage was to wit - On the last day, some of the pilgrims got the ness the feast of the celebration of the traditional hadji tattooå as a symbol of our pil - Assumption of Holy Mary. On Saturday after - grimage. Later that evening, they gathered for noon, the pilgrims joined the Patriarch, clergy our farewell dinner at Bulghourji restaurant in and seminarians in a procession to the church the Armenian quarter of the Old City. They where Mary was buried. The impressive proces - returned home with fulfilled and happy hearts, sion then descended over 30 steps to the altar touched by their pilgrimage to the Holy Land.

Pilgrims attend Divine Liturgy at the Sts. James Cathedral in Jerusalem. 6 S ATURDAY , S EPTEMBER 27, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS Armenian Teachers Symposium Held at Diocesan Center

NEW YORK — Close to 60 Armenian educa - tors gathered at the Diocesan Center in New York for the Armenian Teachers Symposium on Saturday, September 6. Archbishop Yeghishe Gizirian opened the day with a prayer. Educator Vehanoush Tekian gave the keynote address on the Armenian alphabet. Her presentation ended with quotes from famous poets Zahrad and Jacques Hagopian. Armenian Studies director Gilda Kupelian introduced new resources, spoke about best prac - tices and Diocesan standards, and recommended requirements for graduates of Armenian schools. She congratulated three new principals in atten - dance as well as a new teacher who is a recent graduate of the Holy Martyrs Armenian Day School and the Diocese’s Khrimian Lycuem. Teachers shared practices and programs imple - mented at their local schools and took part in a workshop during which they discussed the crite - ria for the ideal Armenian school. Participants listen to a presentation during the Armenian Teachers Symposium. Khoren Mekanejian, the Diocese’s director of Music Ministry, shared Vahan Tekeyan’s poem, “Yegeghetsin Haygagan” put to music, and mezzo soprano Maro Partamian. participant Barbara Hovsepian, and the presen - that the new generation proudly says, ‘We are encouraged teachers to teach it to their students. Other highlights included the recitation of tation of awards to accomplished teachers. Armenian,’ and carries forward these treasures He was accompanied by longtime educator and Armenian poetry, including an original poem by Maro Partamian, Anahid Mateossian, Barbara passed down to us from our forefathers.” Hovsepian, Hagop and Marie Ghajanian, and Representatives from the following eight Haikaz Gharakanian were recognized for more Armenian schools attended this month’s sympo - than 25 years of service to the Armenian school. sium: St. Vartan Armenian School and Khrimian Mass. Bar Association Leader Kazarosian Helen Minassyan, Hasmik Kadamian, Anoush Lyceum of New York, NY; Holy Martyrs Makarian, and Maryann Utuciyan were honored Language School of Bayside, NY; St. Gregory the for 10 years of service. The Kirikian Armenian Enlightener School of White Plains, NY; St. To Speak at St. James Men’s Club School of Tenafly, NJ, was recognized as the Gregory Armenian School of Brooklyn, NY; school with the highest enrollment. Kirikian School of Tenafly, NJ; St. Leon School WATERTOWN — On Monday, October 6, disputes, personal injury, and lender liability in Archbishop Gizirian closed the symposium of Fair Lawn, NJ; and Holy Resurrection Marsha Veron Kazarosian, the president of the the Superior, Probate and District Courts. with heartfelt words of encouragement to Armenian School of New Britain, Conn. Also pre - Massachusetts Bar Association, will be the In 1999, Kazarosian and her associate, Janet Armenian School teachers. “We have two sent was Armenian scholar Vartan Mateossian, speaker at the dinner meeting of St. James E. Dutcher, successfully sued a membership- anchors,” he said, “The Illuminator’s lamp and director of Armenian National Education Armenian Church Men’s Club. The topic will be based country club for gender discrimination. Mesrob Mashdots’ torch. Continue your work so Committee. “Lawyer/Client Relationships.” This was the first such case tried in the coun - Kazarosian is a partner in the firm of try, winning a multi-million dollar verdict. As a Kazarosian Costello & O’Donnell, with offices result of extensive post-trial litigation and in Haverhill, Salem and Lowell. She has been appeals that reached the highest court in the named by Massachusetts Super Lawyers mag - Commonwealth, their victory in Borne, et al. v. azine as one of the top lawyers in Haverhill Golf and Country Club, Inc. became a ENNIS M. EVENEY & ONS landmark case in the nation. D D S In addition to protecting the rights of women Cemetery Monuments and minorities, she has also defended clients wrongfully accused of discrimination. In 2001, Specializing in she defeated claims of disability discrimination Armenian Designs and Lettering against the manager of a health club who was sued under the Americans with Disabilities Act 701 Moody St. Waltham, MA 02543 in the case of Kuketz v. Petronelli. Kazarosian has also been involved in a num - (781) 891-9876 www.NEMonuments.com ber of high-profile criminal cases, including one in which she defended a member of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club in multiple federal criminal indictments. In 1990, she represented one of the young boys charged in what has become known as the Pamela Smart murder case in NH. The national attention of the mur - Marsha Veron Kazarosian der case inspired tremendous media coverage GF UiNrEaRgAoL sHiaOMn E including two movies, one with Helen Hunt, James “Jack” Giragosian, CPC titled “Murder in New Hampshire, the Pamela Mark J. Giragosian Massachusetts each year since 2006 and has Smart Case,” and one with Nicole Kidman, Funeral Counselors been identified as one of the top 50 Women titled “To Die For.” 576 Mt. Auburn Street, Watertown, MA 02472, TEL: 617-924—0606 Lawyers in Massachusetts and New England. In Kazarosian is past president of the www.giragosianfuneralhome.com 2006, she was Massachusetts Super Lawyer Massachusetts Academy of Trial Attorneys magazine’s cover story titled “The Power of (MATA) and the Essex County Bar Association. Marsha Kazarosian,” featuring her career biog - She is currently a delegate to the American Bar raphy and her climb to national recognition. Association and serves on the ABA’s Gender Telephone (617) 924-7400 Attorney Kazarosian enjoys a 5.0 AV Equality Task Force and Tort Trial and Preeminent Rating from Martindale-Hubbell, Insurance Practice Section Plaintiff’s Policy and is rated 10.0 Superb by AVVO.com. Most Task Force. She is also a member of the Aram Bedrosian recently, Suffolk University featured Kazarosian National Council of Bar Presidents’ and serves in its statewide campaign to exemplify the high on the Supreme Judicial Court’s Access to Funeral Home, Inc. standards of its degree programs and gradu - Justice Commission’s Committee on the Bar ates. Examination as well as MA Trial Court’s Continuous Service By The Bedrosian Family Since 1945 A regular legal commentator for FOX 25 Domestic Violence Education Task Force. A News in Boston, Kazarosian has provided legal Trustee of the Massachusetts Bar Foundation MARION BEDROSIAN commentary on a regular basis for numerous and Massachusetts Continuing Legal 558 MOUNT AUBURN STREET PAUL BEDROSIAN media outlets and publications. In 2011, she Education, she is also a member of the Federal WATERTOWN, MA 02472 LARRY BEDROSIAN was selected by Massachusetts Lawyers Bar Association and serves on the Board of Weekly (MLW) as a “Top Woman in the Law.” Editors of Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly . MLW also named her as one of Massachusetts’ Kazarosian is an advocate of continuing legal Edward D. Jamakordzian, Jr. d/b/a Top Ten lawyers in 1999, noting that she education for lawyers and has participated in obtained one of the 10 highest jury verdicts in panels in both MA and NH and such national the Commonwealth that year. Over the past organizations as The American Association for three decades she has built a national practice Justice, (formerly ATLA), and the American Bar Edward D. Jamie, Jr. representing clients in high profile media cases, Association. making case law with precedent-setting issues The social hour starts at 6:15 p.m., followed Funeral Chapel in areas such as gender and disability discrimi - by dinner at 7 p.m. $14 per person. Serving the entire Armenian Community nation, Dodd-Frank Whistleblower Retaliation, The dinner meeting will be at the St. James Any Hour • Any Distance • Any Location and police excessive force/civil rights litigation Armenian Church, Charles Mosesian Cultural Call (718) 224-2390 Toll Free (888) 224-6088 in the Federal Court. Kazarosian is also an and Youth Center - Keljik Hall, 465 Mount experienced mediator and conciliator, having Auburn St., Watertown. The program is open to Bus. Reg. 189-06 Liberty Ave., Hollis, NY 11412 Consultation Office: 217-04 Northern Blvd., (Suite 23), Bayside,NY 11361 conciliated or mediated such issues as contract the public and ladies are welcome. S ATURDAY , S EPTEMBER 27, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 7 COMMUNITY NEWS Saying Ayo! to Keeping Children Safe in Tavush Haidostian to Address USC Audience on Middle TAVOUSH, from page 4 Tensions on the border particularly escalat - layer of protection against firefighting and funding initiative, which seeks to support ed over the summer and the situation has will also successfully obscure children from East Crisis local solutions for local problems in Armenia. been called a “mini war,” increasing the the sight of anyone firing from across the bor - LOS ANGELES — Rev. Paul Haidostian, www.weareayo.org/about-us/ And it has gar - urgency for assistance. Along the border, fear der. president of the Beirut-based Haigazian nered great attention. is pervasive. “When they use big weapons, the “This is the most crucial project Ayo! has University, will be the guest of the University Since its launch the Protective Wall Project mothers come weeping. We’re scared, too. ever had,” said Anmeghikyan. “Every day mat - of Southern California (USC) Institute of has raised more than $4,000 in Armenia Armenian Studies at a lunch-time conversa - alone. This includes the roughly $350 collect - tion to be held on Monday, September 29, ed in just 1.5 hours during a fundraiser in at noon at the Doheny Memorial Library front of Yerevan’s Moscow Theater over the Room 244, on campus. summer. The No. 128 school in Yerevan raised Titled “A Middle East Without roughly $800 on September 1 when students Minorities?” Haidostian will speak about the brought in donations of at least 1,000 drams recent turmoil in the Middle East and its each in lieu of flowers for their teachers for impact on the various ethnic and religious Knowledge Day. minorities of the region. USC Professor of The action was encouraged by the news International Relations, Dr. Laurie Brand, agency Yerevan Production will be guiding the discussion. (www.imyerevan.com), which had previous Haidostian has been president of profiled Ayo! as one of the 10 best startups of Haigazian since 2002. In addition to his 2013. Famed Olympic wrestler Arsen local and international responsibilities in Julfalakyan even declined the ALS Ice Bucket educational, religious and ecumenical orga - Challenge and instead pledged to donate to nizations, he teaches, lectures, and writes in Ayo!’s Protective Walls Project, while nomi - Armenian, Arabic and English on a wide nating the Ayo! team to do the same. They variety of topics including Armenian identi - eagerly took up the challenge with flair by ty, ecumenism, youth, social issues, theolo - jumping into a swimming pool gy, religion and community. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9CxbBtm Haidostian is currently the chair of the OHUc, which sparked responses and dona - Central Committee of the Union of tions and further inquiries about how to help. Armenian Evangelical Churches in the Near “You know immediately when a project A window damaged in Tavush East. He will be a guest at the Institute’s really speaks to you and this is one of those anniversary gala to be held at the Beverly projects,” said Melkonyan, who spent a great Hilton on September 28. deal of time with villagers in the area. What if a mother picks up her child and they ters. The sooner we raise the necessary funds, Brand is a professor of international rela - Melkonyan, together with the rest of the Ayo! get hit on their way home? So, we tell them to the sooner we can sleep knowing that the tions at the University of Southern California team, has been integral in taking support for wait here. We want peace. We don’t want children who have nothing to do with the war School of International Relations. She spe - this project to new, unprecedented heights. war,” said Rita Gabrielyan, a resident of will have a safe environment to study.” cializes in the international relations of the “This project has the purpose of not only pro - Aygepar who works at the local school. “If Each day, village residents and their chil - Middle East, including political economy of tecting but also saving lives.” they put a wall by our courtyard, we could dren are at greater risk of being injured or the region and inter-Arab relations. She is Following consultations with Armenia’s take the kids out to play. Otherwise, we never killed by gunfire. The Ayo! team is working the author of several books on the region, Defense Ministry, it was decided that the wall take them outside. The children would at least hard to see that more awareness is raised and including most recently, Official Stories: would be made of tufa stone and would be 70 be protected from the automatic gunfire. that this wall is constructed as soon as possi - Politics and National Narratives in Egypt and meters long, 3 meters high and 30 meters Soldiers shoot indiscriminately and one ble. But it’s not enough. Greater support for Algeria, published by Stanford University thick. Once the necessary funds are secured it weapon could kill a child. What can I say? this project is crucial and we ask you to take Press. She is a past president of the Middle is expected that the wall will take less than a That would be terrible.” a stand. Go to https://www.weareayo.org and East Studies Association of North America in month to build. Once completed the wall will serve as a first protect vulnerable Armenians today. 2004. Salpi Ghazarian, the newly-appointed director of the USC Institute of Armenian Studies, says, “We invite the community to the USC campus to this program. This is not a lecture. It’s a conversation between two people who know the region well. Dr. Haidostian’s intimate knowledge of the Middle East, and his readiness to share his insights are very valuable, now, at a time when we are all trying to understand what is happening in the Middle East, and why. Dr. Laurie Brand heads USC’s Middle East Studies Program and we’re grateful for her participation.” Lunch will be served. Seeking Advertising Representative The is seekinAgr mae nipaan rMt-tiimrreo r-Sapdevcetrattiosirng sales representative, starting imme - diately. Salary will be based on commis - sion only. Hours are flexible. If interested in the position, contact Hasmik Saroyan at 617-924-4420 or email resume and contact information to [email protected] 8 S ATURDAY , S EPTEMBER 27, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS Fifth Armenia-Diaspora Conference Concludes

YEREVAN — The 5th Armenia-Diaspora Conference, organized by the Ministry of Diaspora, concluded on September 20. The event brought together more than 1,000 attendees from around the world, including 741 leaders and representatives of Armenian orga - nizations from nearly 60 countries, a 20-mem - ber delegation from Artsakh, as well as 310 state, political, cultural figures, scientists and journalists from Armenia. There were partici - pants from Russia (129), Syria (103), Lebanon (74), US (77), Georgia (45), France (31), Iran (25) and Canada (22), Australia (15), Argentina (11), Chile (3) and the South African Republic (1). The Tekeyan Cultural Association of US and Canada was represented by Kevork Marashlian and Baydzig Kalaydjian. Among others from the US were Middlesex County Sheriff Peter Koutoujian from Massachusetts, Knights of Vartan Commander Steve Kradjian, painter Daniel Varujan Hejinian, Rita Balian and Knights of Vartan former Grand Commander Dr. Dennis Papazian. Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamian kicked off Group photo of the participants of the conference the plenary session. In his speech, he said, “We are strong when we stand united as one. Armenia is strong with its two ‘wings’ — the two Armenians share the same interests.” tration that Turkey isn’t coming to grips with Church) Hrant Margarian (ARF) Hagop Armenian states and the diaspora. All He added, “It’s very important for Armenians its past. “Nevertheless, we are taking measures Dikranian (Hunchakian), Vasken Yacoubian to remain in Armenia to make sure the international community (AGBU), Vickie Marashlian (ARS), Ara and shape their expresses the right position on the issue. What Abrahamian (World Armenian Congress), future in the home - connects Armenians? What connects Megerdich Megerdichian (Hamazkayin) Ken land.” Armenians is their historical memory, but what Hachikian (ANC), Armine Darbinyan (Armenian The prime minister connects them more are the free and indepen - Assembly), Gagik Gevorgyan (Armenian mentioned that dent Armenia and Artsakh and the idea of Jewelers), Karnig Megerdichian (Homenetmen), Armenia no longer strengthening our two states,” Kevork Marashlian (Tekeyan Central Board). expects diasporan In his welcoming remarks, President of the The second plenary session included speech - Armenians to carry Nagorno-Karabagh (Artsakh) Republic Bako es by Minister of Diaspora Hranush Hakobyan; out charity acts and Sahakian said, “We must do everything possible Director of the Armenian Genocide Museum- that the Armenian to make sure the Armenia-Artsakh-Diaspora tri - Institute Hayk Demoyan; Chief of Staff of the government is calling umvirate remains strong and helps strengthen Ministry of Diaspora Firdus Zakaryan and edi - for a mutually-benefi - our two countries. Our coordinated efforts, the tor-in-chief of Aztag daily, Shahan Kantaharian. cial partnership high level of readiness of Armenian soldiers and between Armenia our will during the tension on the border Meeting with Foreign Minister of and the diaspora. between Karabagh and Azerbaijan in the sum - Nalbandian Reflecting on the mer made the opponent fail.” After summing up the panel sessions, the par - centennial of the Among other speakers were Patriarch- ticipants of all the sessions listened to a speech Prime Minister Hovik Aprahamian at the opening of the Conference Armenian Genocide, Catholicos Nerses Petros XIX (Catholic by Minister of Foreign Affairs Eduard he explained his frus - Church), Rev. Dr. Hovel Mikayelian (Evangelical Nalbandian who said: “Under the leadership of S ATURDAY , S EPTEMBER 27, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 9 COMMUNITY NEWS the president of Armenia, Armenia’s diplomats continue to defend and represent the interests of our nation in the international arena. The fact that Armenia has established diplomatic relations with nearly 160 countries, has joined nearly 90 international organizations, has signed nearly 1,800 international treaties and agreements says a lot about the large-scale efforts made by Armenian diplomats serving the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the more than 60 diplomatic representations abroad. This would be impossible, if it were not for the sup - port of all Armenians around the world.” The minister talked about the achievements and current challenges of the Foreign Ministry. Nalbandian attached importance to the five joint statements made by the leaders co-chair - ing the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Minsk Group on the Nagorno-Karabagh conflict settlement between 2009 and 2013, reaffirming the fact that the international community completely understands Armenia’s principled position. Nalbandian touched upon the efforts being made by the ministry for recognition and con - demnation of the Armenian Genocide and elim - ination of the consequences. Nalbandian praised the role of the Armenian Diaspora in raising the profile of Armenia in the world and noted: “We enjoy the support of diaspo - ran Armenian structures, organizations and indi - viduals in the implementation of many initiatives, President Sargisian speaking during 23rd independence anniversary celebration and the guarantee of our success lies in that.” Defense Ministry Visit in those countries. Those events were followed The participants of the 5th Armenia-Diaspora by the crisis in Egypt and the latest events Conference met with Minister of Defense unfolding in Ukraine. This makes us become Seyran Ohanian at the Ministry of Defense. more united to help our compatriots living in Ohanian in his speech said, “The conferences countries in a state of war,” Ohanian noted. help us gather and discuss the issues facing the “Armenia’s armed forces were in tense situa - nation and find ways to solve those issues. The tions this year. Artsakh and the bordering

President Serge Sargisian at the closing of the fifth Diaspora-Armenia Conference

Armenian Genocide, the President mentioned: (Hamahaykakan Khorhourt), to oversee all the “In 2015, we will be commemorating the problems of the Armenian nation.” Centennial of the Armenian Genocide. This will The audience met this suggestion with pro - reaffirm the will and determination of the longed applause. Armenian nation deprived of its homeland to Hagopian concluded the two-day conference live and create and will show our unity and how by announcing that the Pan-Armenian Council consistent we are to make our wishes come will be formed and that steps are being under - Tekeyan Cultural Association London Trust President Vartan Ouzounian with Diaspora Minister true. The year 2015 will become a year of seri - taken for the creation of a pan-Armenian tele - Hranush Hagopian, and Kevork and Vartiter Marashlian ous events and initiatives for the Armenia- vision channel. Diaspora-Artsakh triumvirate.” At the end Hampig Mardirossian read the President Sargisian added: “I would like to declaration adopted by the participants of the only way to carry out activities is by uniting as regions of Armenia were in tense situations due suggest, and I would like you to give your opin - 5th Armenia-Diaspora Conference. one. The collaboration between the Ministries to the events that took place in January, July ion, that after April 24, 2015, the State During their stay in Armenia, conference par - of Diaspora and Defense are also important, and August. With its attacks, our opponent put Committee of the Centennial, which is com - ticipants visited Dzidzernagapert, Echmiazin, and Hranush Hakobyan’s working style has the ceasefire signed in May 1994 and the OSCE prised of the leadership of Armenia, Artsakh, Yerablour and celebrated the 23rd anniversary helped make that collaboration a success over Minsk Group’s efforts at risk, but the Armenian and the heads of major Armenian organizations of the independence of Armenia by attending a the past years.” army fulfilled its duty with honor and managed worldwide, be named Pan Armenian Council presidential reception. to push the opponent back.” President Sargisian at Closing Ceremony On September 20, President Serge Sargisian participated in the final ple - nary session of the confer - ence. In his speech, he said, “The free and independent Republic of Armenia hosted the Armenia-Diaspora Conference once again. The people gathered in this hall Foreign Minister Eduard Nalbantian addresses the conference. are clergymen, leaders and representatives of pan- Armenian organizations and Ohanian also touched upon the events taking community organizations, journalists, as well as place globally, which have an impact on reputable individuals who play a huge role. I cor - Armenian communities and Armenia. “The dially welcome all of you to the Homeland. No geopolitical crises cause a threat to not only matter how difficult the road is, all children return Armenia, but to Armenian communities of the to their families, and this fifth meeting is like a From left, Tekeyan Armenia Chairman and Rector of Apovian Pedagogical University Rouben diaspora as well. The tragic events in Iraq and family reunion.” Mirzakhanian, Dennis Papazian, Steve Kradjian, Sheriff Peter Koutoujian from Massachusetts and Kevork Marashlian Syria caused a serious blow to our communities Reflecting on the Centennial of the 10 S ATURDAY , S EPTEMBER 27, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Arts & Living

Solo Photography Jack Kevorkian Exhibition Focuses on Biographer Releases Tibetan Monastic First Novel Community in Nepal NEW YORK — Photographer Haik Kocharian By Laurien Atkin is going to have a solo photography exhibit at Judson Memorial Church, with the opening reception on Thursday, October 16, 7 to 10 p.m. DETROIT (Oakland Press) — Former West Award-winning photographer and filmmaker Bloomfield Township resident Harry Wylie hit Kocharian traveled to Nepal for a unique pho - the big time when his nonfiction book, You tography project of Tibetan Buddhist monaster - Don’t Know Jack , was made into a TV movie ies and nunneries, documenting a humanitarian starring Al Pacino as Jack “Dr. Death” healing mission. Kocharian had unprecedented Kevorkian. access to the intricate aspects of spiritual and Kevorkian became world famous and influ - daily life in three monastic institutions in Nepal: enced euthanasia laws in the US when he assist - Pullahari Monastery, Tek Chok Ling Nunnery ed a number of people in committing suicide. and Thrangu Tara Abbey. He created a portable machine that allowed a Sponsored by the Chödrön Foundation, the person to self-inject a drug cocktail that project was spearheaded by Dr. Ara stopped the heart. He first assisted Alzheimer’s Bagdassarian, who provided free chiropractic ser - patient Janet Adkins of Portland, Ore., to die in vices to the Tibetan monastic community in 1999. He later claimed to have helped 130 peo - exile. Once a year Bagdassarian organizes mis - ple die. sion trips across the world so that individuals Dogan Akhanli, left, with Fatih Akin The Royal Oak resident was convicted of sec - may benefit from uniquely combined physical ond-degree murder in Pontiac, after CBS’s “60 and spiritual healing techniques. Minutes” aired a videotape of him assisting the The result of Kocharian’s work will be pre - death of Thomas Youk, 52, who had ALS. sented to the public Kevorkian served eight years of a 10-to-25-year for the first time in an Creating a prison sentence and was released on parole in exhibition of 33 2007, on condition that he not promote or par - images that capture ticipate in euthanasia or assisted suicide. He the private and inti - died four years later at age 83. mate rituals of Transnational The 1968 VW van in which Kevorkian first Buddhist monks and performed what he called “medicide,” was nuns, including recently loaned to Les Gold’s American Jewelry prayers and spiritual and Loan, seen on the “Hardcore Pawn” reality dances; intimate por - show. Memory Space Wylie wrote another Kevorkian biography, traits of monks and nuns during transfor - Between the Dying and the Dead , before “Nuns preparing for an mative healing ses - releasing his first novel exam” by Haik sions; as well as the Dogan Akhanli Honored in Cologne this summer. Kocharian unique architecture The speculative fic - and breathtaking tion book, The Second nature surrounding COLOGNE, Germany — If post-war Germany was able to acknowledge the Fathers of the temples. Also on display are photographic Holocaust and work through its implications, politically and psychologically, why Confederation reproductions of astonishing hand-drawn art - cannot the present Turkish establishment do the same regarding the 1915 (TouchPoint Press), fol - work on the walls of the Pullahari Monastery. Genocide? It is not only lows the journey of The selection of images invites the audience to Armenians in and outside Henry Ford IV and the enter the temple, drawing the viewer inward into By Muriel Mirak-Weissbach Germany who raise this ques - chairman of the board the spiritual and intimate world of these Special to the Mirror-Spectator tion, but also Germans of of General Motors as Buddhist monks and nuns. Turkish descent, first among they merge their com - Tibetan Monastic Community in Nepal will be them Dogan Akhanli, who mon interests to form a Harry Wylie held at the historic Judson Memorial Church, a received the Georg Fritze Memorial Award in Cologne, Germany on September 19. third political party. sanctuary for progressive activism and artistic The festive ceremony took place in the Kartäuserkirche (Carthusian Church), where “It’s a story that I cre - expression. It is located at 55 Washington Square Georg Fritze (1874-1939), in whose memory the prize was established, served. In ated every day,” Wylie says, explaining he spent South. his opening remarks, Superintendent Rolf Domning, the current Protestant pastor two hours each morning writing before putting Additional viewing dates are Sunday, October and regional church leader, greeted the large audience, which included representa - the work out of his mind until the next day. 19, 3 to 6 p.m., Tuesday, October 28, 4 to 7 p.m., tives of several faiths, political and civil society figures as well as a descendant of “The research I did was on the political parties Sunday, November 2, 3 to 6 p.m., Tuesday, Fritze. Quoting the passage in Chronicles, “Be not afraid…,” he honored the in the US and elsewhere … to determine what November 11, 4 to 7 p.m. and Saturday, Protestant theologian and activist who “had the courage to oppose dictatorship and their platforms are or were. I came to the con - November 15, 7 to 10 p.m. violence” in the Nazi period. Akhanli, he said, has shown in his person and works clusion that so many of the platforms have a lot A percentage of the proceeds from the sale of similar courage, especially in his recognition of the Genocide against the Armenians. of complaints and a lot of hopes and dreams the photographs will be donated to Tek Chok Cologne’s Mayor Jürgen Roters characterized Akhanli as a man with “a great pas - and aspirations, but they have very few ideas of Ling Nunnery and Thrangu Tara Abbey. sion for human rights.” how to get there.” Most appropriately, it was Fatih Akin, the Turkish-German filmmaker whose lat - Wylie first considered writing after retiring est work “The Cut” deals with the Genocide, who was invited to deliver the lauda - from his career as an automotive engineer. tio, a speech in honor of Akhanli. He began by characterizing Fritze as a “traitor to With time on his hands and Kevorkian as his Armenian Carpets his fatherland” and one who scorned power, — “that is, a good man,” and used the next door neighbor, the timing seemed right. same terms to describe Akhanli. When novelist Akhanli designated the mass mur - “I got the [writing] bug when I wrote the Presented in Vienna der of Armenians in 1915 a genocide, “those in power in Turkey shouted out ‘A biography of Jack,” he says. “It was just some - traitor to the fatherland!’ and threw him in prison in 2010.” In fact, Akhanli “was thing I picked up. I’m an avid reader and always And Budapest the first Turkish writer to report on the Armenian Genocide,” he stressed. And his have been. You learn something through osmo - novel, The Judges of the Last Judgment, which appeared in 1999 in Turkey and sis.” YEREVAN (Armenpress) — The next Carpet 2007 in a German translation, provoked such rethinking and self-questioning, that Wylie draws on his life experiences for inspi - Tour program and the International Conference he “was declared persona non grata in his native country.” ration, commenting that at 74 years old, he has on Oriental Carpets took place September 15 to Akin described how Akhanli, whom he met a year ago in Hamburg, had con - a lot of experience behind him. His future 21 in Vienna and Budapest. The Department for ducted seminars and trips to sites commemorating the victims of violence and endeavors include a book of humor, which he Public Relations of the Ministry of Culture of the genocide, during which participants, whether German, Armenian, Turkish, Kurdish expects will be much more difficult to write Republic of Armenia announced that for the first or Jewish, could “work through their intertwined histories with respect.” He empha - than his previous work. time this event was attended by Armenian and sized that, to “achieve a clear vision of the crimes against the Armenians,” Akhanli A dual citizen of the United States and Karabagh delegations, assisted by the Ministry of had to “fight his way through the forest of lies of Turkish historiography,” and that Canada, he was an officer in the Canadian army Culture of Armenia, Arthur Telfeyan, a specialist included wresting with “the indifference of the Turkish leftists” who “themselves and represented the United States Curling in culture and technology of Vienna University, had grown up in the Turkish lying to themselves.” What makes Akhanli’s educa - Association in Scotland in 2001. His retired as and other individuals. tional activities so convincing is the fact that he too has been victimized by brutal - president of Hallmark Strategies, an automotive The event was also attended by a representa - ity and violence, but has not responded with violence. “People like him,” Akin stat - engineering support company. He and his wife tive of the Armenian Rug Society from the US, ed, “ … can tolerate the pain because in dealing with the injustice they themselves of 48 years have three children in Michigan, Berdje Achdjian of Paris, who has his own col - have experienced and that others have had to endure, they display care and sensi - Georgia and Missouri, and the couple splits lection, Peter Gmur from Switzerland, members tivity.” time between homes in Mexico and Canada. of the Mekhitarist Congregation of Vienna, and see MEMORY, page 12 The Second Fathers of Confederation is representatives of the Georg and Azniv Gallery available at Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, from Vienna. iTunes and other major retailers. S ATURDAY , S EPTEMBER 27, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 11 ARTS & LIVING

D.C. Shorts Film Festival: ‘Ziazan,’ an Armenian Girl’s Adventure in Geopolitics

Erdogan, who is now Turkey’s president. A police crack - she has in the Dominican Republic, Spain, Venezuela and By Celia Wren down on the demonstrators turned violent. elsewhere crowdsourcing the project. The Turkish nationals involved in the “Ziazan” film were “There is this quote of my favorite novelist, Tom Robbins: all too aware of those events. “It was very emotional for us ‘Our similarities bring us to a common ground; our differ - WASHINGTON (Washington Post) — Sometimes choco - to be away from Istanbul, being at the set all day, then com - ences allow us to be fascinated by each other,’” says late speaks of geopolitics. It does just that in Turkish direc - tor Derya Durmaz’s film “Ziazan,” part of the D.C. Shorts Film Festival. In the 15-minute movie — which screened earlier this September — a 4-year-old Armenian girl stows away in the enormous suitcase of her uncle, a traveling merchant who has brought her Turkish chocolate in the past. She is greedy for more. International tensions turn Ziazan’s surreptitious journey into a pint-size version of The Odyssey . Because of a closed border between Armenia and Turkey (which have a history of troubled relations), her uncle regu - larly has to take 36-hour detour through another country, Georgia, to obtain his Turkish merchandise. This time, even that strategy may falter. Speaking by phone from Istanbul, where she’s based, actress-turned-filmmaker Durmaz, 41, recalls reading a 2011 news report about a circuitous trans-Georgia route that was de rigueur for vendors traveling between Armenia and Turkey. “I thought this was very ironic and absurd,” she says. After all, “if you go to eastern Turkey and stand close to the border and yell,” you can be heard in Armenia. These reflections eventually generated “Ziazan,” which is “a short film for those who believe in a world without bor - ders,” she remarks in a post-interview e-mail. She developed the film project with assistance from the Armenia-Turkey Cinema Platform, an organization that was A naive Armenian girl gets more than she bargained for when she stows away in her uncle’s suitcase in pursuit of chocolate in the film “Ziazan” by Derya Durmaz and starring Emy Vardanyan. (Courtesy D.C. Shorts Film Festival/Courtesy D.C. Shorts launched by cinema lovers in the two nations and whose Film Festival) aims include promoting mutual understanding. All the “Ziazan” filming was done in Armenia, and Durmaz’s partners in that country helped set up kinder - garten visits so that she could scout for likely young actors. ing home late at night to follow, on social media, the violent Durmaz. “Even when we think we are so different from each (Chubby-cheeked Emy Vardanian eventually landed the title crackdown on protests,” Durmaz says. other, we experience so many similar things in this life. And, role.) Her Armenian colleagues also translated her script International cooperation on the movie didn’t end with yes, I really do agree that our differences bring such richness (which she had written in English) into Armenian; she cre - the Armenia shoot. At the age of 18, as an exchange student of perspective into each other’s lives.” ated Turkish subtitles for Turkish-speaking audiences. in the United States, Durmaz had made friends with people The “Ziazan” screenings join an array of offerings sched - The shoot, in the summer of 2013, coincided with protests from around the world. When she wanted to submit uled for Turkish Cultural Heritage Month, a celebration over plans to raze a park in Istanbul — protests that tested “Ziazan” to a Spanish festival and needed subtitles in organized by the American Turkish Association of the government of then-Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Spanish, a plea for help via social media resulted in contacts Washington, D.C., in partnership with other entities.

Elyse Semerdjian to Speak at NAASR on Armenians in Aleppo, Then and Now

BELMONT, Mass. — Dr. Elyse Semerdjian will Anatolia and Iran beginning in the sixteenth paper explores the mostly unknown history of Semerdjian is associate professor of Islamic give a lecture titled “The Armenian Presence in century. By the twentieth century, more Armenians in the formative years of Aleppo’s World/Middle Eastern History and the director Aleppo: Glorious Past, Uncertain Future,” on Armenians were forcibly deported to Aleppo Christian quarter. The talk will also include ref - of Global Studies at Whitman College. A spe - Thursday, October 9, at 7:30 p.m., at the during the Armenian Genocide. As part of a erences to twentieth century migration after cialist in early modern Ottoman history and National Association for Armenian Studies and larger reconstruction of the early history of the Armenian Genocide which greatly altered Syria, she wrote Off the Straight Path: Illicit Research (NAASR) Center, 395 Concord Ave. Aleppo’s Christian quarter based on archival the composition of Armenians in Aleppo and Sex, Law, and Community in Ottoman Aleppo The growth of Aleppo’s Christian quarter documents from the shari’a court archives in will examine the implications of the current war (Syracuse University Press, 2008) as well as sev - coincided with migration of Armenians from Syria and the Ottoman archives in Turkey, this on the future of Syria’s Armenian community. eral articles on gender, non-Muslims and law in the Ottoman Empire. She received her MA in Middle Eastern stud - ies from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor and her PhD in history from Georgetown University. She is a two-time Fulbright awardee

Elyse Semerdjian

and is currently writing on Islamicized Armenians and the collective memory of the Armenian Genocide in Turkey and Syria. Semerdjian continues to research the social his - tory of the Armenians of Saliba Judayda, the Christian quarter of Aleppo, focusing on the formative seventeenth and eighteenth cen - turies. For more information about the lecture con - tact NAASR at [email protected]. 12 S ATURDAY , S EPTEMBER 27, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARTS & LIVING Creating a Transnational Memory Space

MEMORY, from page 10 Akhanli never met, but learned about in a film Arameans, the killing and expulsion of the films about the Holocaust. A visit to Auschwitz Akin described the impact that Akhanli’s by Eric Friedler (the man who produced Pontus Greeks, the massacre of the Dersim was traumatic for him, he felt that “victim and drama, “Anne’s Silence,” has had, a story of a “Aghet”). Her name was Elisabeth Käsemann, a Kurds and Alevites and the emigration of nine - perpetrator were melded together” in himself, Turkish girl raised in Germany who learns after German who, while providing support for the ty per cent of the Turkish Jews. The denial of and this experience led him to redefine his life’s her mother’s death that she was Armenian. poverty stricken in Argentina was arrested by Kurdish identity is no coincidence, but the con - task. This piece, he said, “is like a metaphor” for all the military regime, jailed, tortured and killed. tinuation of the national project, which has sac - Quoting Walter Benjamin’s notion that the sides, not only a personal, individual story, but Akhanli cited her case, because she had been rificed and demanded hundreds of thousands of past can be changed, Akhanli said he under - one that has mass dimensions, something Akin left in the lurch by German authorities, despite victims and which is condemned to failure.” stood this not as undoing the deeds of the past, himself experienced when dealing with the public protests. He, on the other hand, was not His own good fortune did not begin with his but as “changing the meaning of the past” and Genocide. “Dogan Akhanli,” he concluded, “has left in the lurch; during his 2010 imprisonment, release in 2010, he said. He had survived “the writing the history of the victims anew. Here, in encouraged many to follow this path. He has in fact, the German consul even visited him in 1970s civil war and the 1980s military coup, the case of 1915, he said Lemkin had given it a thus started a social discourse and made heal - prison and brought him German language mag - the underground and military prison.” With his name and historians had documented that and ing possible, even between victims and perpe - azines, books and newspapers. “During my wife and son, he also survived torture: “I am subsequent genocides; yet “Turkish policy trators.” sleepless nights in my cell,” he said, “I was grateful to my former wife Ayse,”—present at the wants to erase the past and pursue its murder - Following the official delivery of the prize, therefore able to take refuge in the German lan - ceremony – “who went through hell with me,” ous national state project, in order to rob the accompanied by loud cheers and clapping, guage, which I had learned as a foreign lan - he said. “If I did not come out of the torture future of its memory and thus destroy it.” Akhanli delivered his remarks. In a speech enti - guage after my flight to Cologne in the 1990s. chamber a broken man, it is thanks to her Pointing to the documented facts about tled, “We Need a Transnational Memory It was a bitter experience,” he went on, “to courage and resistance.” German complicity in the Genocide, Akhanli Space,” he presented the process through experience how my mother tongue, which is It was in Cologne that Akhanli began his writ - raised the question why, having drawn the which he came to develop an understanding of also my professional or artistic language, in the ing, and writing “completely changed my life,” lessons from its own history, German foreign the relationship between the Holocaust and the mouths [between the teeth?] of the prosecuting he said. “I turned from a convinced activist who policy does not intervene in defense of human Genocide. But first, he delivered his thanks to attorneys, judges, police and prison guards thought he knew all about the world into a per - rights in Turkey and why educational policy many associates, several of whom were present. became a foreign language for me.” He son who had more questions than answers.” He does not see the need to deepen knowledge of First was his “friend and mentor, Albrecht expressed his gratitude also to the numerous discovered the link between what he and his Germany’s complicity. Why shouldn’t this be Kieser,” who coordinated the campaign for his German politicians, including Cologne’s Lord family had endured and the “historical vio - part of education on the Holocaust? This, he release from his “Kafkaesque imprisonment in Mayor, who had intervened on his behalf, and lence” in his native country, and asked what it said, would not mean relativizing the Shoah or 2010,” as well as the many supporters who par - reported that his defense attorney “almost faint - had to do with the Genocide. In this connec - diminishing its significance, but would be a way ticipated in the mobilization. Akhanli dedicated ed from joy, when he reported to me during a tion, the way the Germans worked through of expanding and deepening the process of his speech to two individuals no longer alive. visit that Christians had prayed for me” in a their own historical past helped him work working through the German experience, One was Adnan Keskin, a childhood friend with local church. through the history of his own country. After “which should no longer remain German. In whom he began political activity in Turkey, and Although in prison he enjoyed certain privi - completing his novel, it was clear to him that order to shape the future,” he said, “we need a who, like himself, was twice jailed. Keskin man - leges, he witnessed the misery and solitude “the Genocide victims of 1915 were subjugated transnational memory space. Here and every - aged to escape by digging a tunnel with his own reserved for the Kurds, whose imprisonment he to the absolute, total despotism of Young Turk where.” hands, and reached Germany in 1987, then four characterized as “the last stage in the national power. They had been collectively condemned In conclusion, he thanked Akin, whose film years later facilitated Akhanli’s own escape and project of the Young Turks, that was construct - to death.” Akhanli expressed his thanks that “The Cut,” has created such a “transnational flight to German exile. Keskin was a co-founder ed over 100 years ago.” He explained: “The the “community of Armenian survivors” had memory space.” “It is a courageous idea, a great of the Turkish human rights association Tüday Turkish national project, which in the words of not rejected his book. idea of yours,” he said, addressing Akin, “to in Cologne, and in 2007 joined Akhanli to today’s Turkish President Erdogan is updated His experience with Germany’s approach to have the film begin in 1915 and end in 1923. In establish the Raphael Lemkin Library in the as ‘One nation, one flag, one religion!’, drove the Holocaust helped him understand the issue choosing this time frame you have placed in same city. The other person was a woman the elimination of the Armenians and the of identity as well. After his daughter, raised in question the founding myths of the Turkish Germany, was shocked by a film about the Republic. It is glorious that with your leading Holocaust, she reacted by wanting to shed her character, who was put to silence through vio - German identity. Akhanli asked himself, “What lence, you have broken the global silence and RECIPES will happen if I tell my children about the given back to the Genocide victims their voic - Armenian Genocide, what identity can they flee es.” to?” This led him to seek a way to tell both sto - Spicy ries in such a manner as to make clear that (Muriel Mirak-Weissbach is the author of “The Holocaust is not only a German-Jewish his - Through the Wall of Fire: Armenia – Iraq – Southwestern tory, it is an international story.” For this rea - Palestine: From Wrath to Reconciliation. She son he started touring Germany and all its can be reached at Tabbouleh memorial sites, reading books and watching [email protected]) By Christine Vartanian Datian

Inspired by friends who adore Mexican flavors, Christine Vartanian Datian decid - ed to reinvent traditional Middle Eastern tabbouleh with Southwestern spices. After substituting cilantro for parsley and adding peppers, cumin, and chili powder, she knew she had a unique dish that was 3/4 teaspoon dried oregano quick and easy to throw together. “If 1/2 teaspoon sea salt you’re working, you can do a lot of prep 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin before, when you do have time,” she says. 1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper Vartanian Datian recommends buying pre- 1/4 teaspoon paprika chopped vegetables from the grocery 1/4 teaspoon chili powder store for a fast weeknight meal. If neces - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pep - sary, you can even soak the bulgur per overnight. 1/8 teaspoon ground allspice 1 garlic clove, minced From Cooking Light Magazine Dash of hot pepper sauce (such as July 2010 Tabasco) Yield: 6 servings (serving size: 3/4 cup) PREPARATION INGREDIENTS 1. Combine bulgur, 1 1/4 cups boiling 3/4 cup uncooked bulgur water, and 1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil in a 1 1/4 cups boiling water medium bowl; cover and let stand 20 1 1/2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil minutes. 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro 2. Drain bulgur through a fine sieve; 1 cup vertically sliced red onion place drained bulgur in a large mixing 3/4 cup diced seeded tomato bowl. 1/2 cup sliced green onions 3. Add cilantro and all remaining ingredi - 1/2 cup diced yellow bell pepper ents, toss well and check seasonings. 1/2 cup chopped peeled avocado 4. Add more olive oil, lemon or lime 1/4 cup diced seeded peeled English juice, salt and pepper to taste. cucumber 5. Serve with crackers, sliced bread, pita 1/4 cup (1 ounce) crumbled queso chips, and Armenian peda or cracker fresco (or feta cheese) bread. 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil 2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (Christine Vartanian Datian was born 2-3 tablespoons fresh lime juice in Fresno, CA and is a resident of 2 teaspoons diced seeded jalapeño Las Vegas) pepper S ATURDAY , S EPTEMBER 27, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 13 ARTS & LIVING CC AA LLEENNDDAARR

the recently restored sanctuary of the First Armenian CALIFORNIA Church of Belmont, at the church sanctuary, Sunday, 3 p.m. NOVEMBER 15 — SAVE THE DATE: AMAA-Haigazian NOVEMBER 7 and 8 — Annual Autumnfest Bazaar University Celebratory Banquet in honor of Dr. sponsored by the Armenian Church at Hye Pointe, Mihran Agbabian and George R. Phillips, Esq.; 110 Main St., Haverhill, Friday, noon to 8 p.m. and Saturday, November 15, 2014, 6 pm, Beverly Hills Hotel, Saturday noon to 7 p.m. Lamb, losh, chicken kebab and $200; Information: Julie Aharonian 818-368-5266; Katia kheyma. Diner served all day. Pastry table, Armenain cui - Kermoyan 818-242-5064. sine, gift baskets, raffles for cash and prizes. For more info, visit www.hyepointearmenianchurch.org or call MASSACHUSETTS 978-372-9227. NOVEMBER 8 — Armenia Tree Project’s 20th SEPTEMBER 29 — Party for Our Park! Friends of Anniversary Celebration. Reception and dinner at the Armenian Heritage Park September Social. Hosted by Grand Atrium of the John Joseph Moakley United States Abby Lane, 253 Tremont Street, Boston. 7-10 p.m. Shake Courthouse overlooking the Boston Harbor. Reserve the it Up with Great Friends and Cool Drinks while support - date, additional details to follow. For information about ing the ongoing care of Armenian Heritage Park on the ATP’s programs, visit www.ArmeniaTree.org Greenway. For details and tickets, visit NOVEMBER 15 — The 39th Annual Luncheon/Auction www.ArmenianHeritagePark.org. Advance Tickets only. of the Armenian Women’s Welfare Association will OCTOBER 4 — YerazArt, a group committed to young be held at the Burlington Marriott Hotel. Funds raised will musicians from Armenia, will hold a dinner and benefit support programs at the Armenian Nursing and concert. Belmont. Venue, time and ticket prices to be Rehabilitation Center in Jamaica Plain, Mass and announced soon. Hanganak NGO Health Clinic in Stepanakert, Karabagh, OCTOBER 4 — Concert, A Memorial Tribute to Aram Fr. Vasken Kouzouian of Holy Trinity for senior women in need. For more information, call Gharabekian. Performances by Victoria Avetisyan, Armenian Church will be marking Karen Hovsepian at 617-898-8619. mezzo-soprano; Suren Bagratuni; cello; Lilith Karapetian the 20th anniversary of his ordina- DECEMBER 14 — Erevan Choral Society and Orchestra, Shougarian; Ara Sarkissian, composer, piano and Ismail tion, on Sunday, October 26, imme- Christmas Holiday Concert, 7 p.m., Holy Trinity Akhmuradov, clarinet. 8 p.m. Free Admission. Post-per - diately after church services at Holy Armenian Church of Greater Boston, 145 Brattle St., formance reception. Pickman Hall, Longy School of Music Trinity Armenian Church of Greater Cambridge. Save the date; details to follow. of Bard College, 27 Garden St., Cambridge. For inquires Boston, Charles and Nevart Talanian contact Armand @ 617.962.0049 Cultural Hall, 145 Brattle St., OCTOBER 11 — Armenian Friends of America presents MICHIGAN Hye Kef 5, 7:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., Michael’s Function Cambridge, Mass. OCTOBER 3 — TCA Family Movie Night, “Sunrise Over Hall, 12 Alpha St., Haverhill; tickets, $50, students 21 & Lake Van,” at 7:30 p.m., AGBU Alex and Marie under, $40, proceeds to benefit Armenian churches of Manoogian School Multipurpose Room, 22001 Merrimack Valley; individually served mezza platters and Northwestern Highway, Southfield. $3 per person pastries; musicians, Mal Barsamian (clarinet), John Mucha. Editor, GlobalPost. A reception follows at the includes snack. Film is in English. The proceeds from pro - Berberian (oud), Bob Raphalian (violin), Bruce Jigarjian Millennium Bostonian Hotel for all who attend the lec - gram go toward Tekeyan Schools in Armenia and (guitar), Jason Naroian (dumbag & vocals); tickets, call ture to continue the discussion with the speakers and the Karabagh. For information call Diana or Hagop either John Arzigian, 603-560-3826; Lucy Sirmaian, 978- lecture’s leadership. Free and open to the public. An Alexanian, 248-334-3636. 683-9121; Peter Gulezian, 978-375-1616, or Sandy endowed public program of Armenian Heritage Park on Boroyan, 978-251-8687. No tickets sold at the door. the Greenway. www.ArmenianHeritagePark.org OCTOBER 12 — Holy Trinity Tailgate, immediately fol - OCTOBER 25 – Ararat Center Boston Harbor Cruise on NEW YORK lowing church services, Charles and Nevart Talanian the Odyssey, Boston, Rowe’s Whar f. Embarkation 7 OCTOBER 28 — Sip on French w ine, nibble on Cultural Hall, Holy Trinity Armenian Church, 145 Brattle p.m. Hors d’oeuvres, dinner, live Kef, premium compli - delectable hors d’oeuvres, meet talented artists and St., Cambridge. Join us to watch the New England mentary bar. Adults 21 and over - $175; Under 21 - cinematographers, and network with kindred spir- Patriots vs. Buffalo Bills game on Holy Trinity’s new 12- $100; For more information contact Pam at 617-645- its, all in a cozy salon at “Château Village,” foot screen or outside on a TV near the grill. Admission: 2781 or [email protected]. Alouette’s home in Greenwich Village. This exclu - $15, which includes sandwich (choice of losh kebab, OCTOBER 25 — Fall Harvest Bazaar, First Armenian sive soirée will benefit SR Socially Relevant Film Festival sausage or hot dog), chips and drink; $10 for Armenian Church, 380 Concord Ave., Belmont, noon to 8 p.m. New York. 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. 1 Minetta St., 2E (STREET, and Sunday School students wearing Patriots or football Handmade choreg, manti, Armenian pastries and more. not Lane, NE corner of Bleecker St & Sixth Ave, W 4th St attire. Additional food items available for purchase. For Grilled kebab all day. Marketplace treasures. All are wel - subway stop). Donation: $60 Early Bird, $75 Regular. SR further info, contact the church office, 617.354.0632. come, rain or shine. MBTA and handicapped accessible. is a film festival that focuses on socially relevant human OCTOBER 17 and 18 — St. James 67th Annual Bazaar – Call 617-484-4779 or visit www.facbelmont.org/ for stories and raises awareness to social problems by offer - 11 a.m.-9 p.m. St. James Armenian Church, 465 Mt. more info. ing positive solutions through the powerful medium of Auburn Street, Watertown. Delicious Armenian food; OCTOBER 26 — Fr. Vasken Kouzouian’s 20-Year cinema. SR believes that through raised awareness, Fabulous delicacies and pastries; booths and vendors, Pastoral Journey — Join us as we celebrate the 20th expanded knowledge about diverse cultures, and the including the Farmer’s Market, Silent Auction, and more. Anniversary of our Pastor’s Ordination, immediately fol - human condition as a whole, it is possible to create a bet - Attic Treasures, APPLE© Raffle, $100 Raffle, Children’s lowing church services, Holy Trinity Armenian Church of ter world free of violence, hate and crime. Activities. All are welcome! For more information, con - Greater Boston, Charles and Nevart Talanian Cultural tact the church office at 617.923.8860 or Hall, 145 Brattle St., Cambridge. Details to follow. [email protected]. NOVEMBER 1 — Third annual Mer Doon Benefit RHODE ISLAND OCTOBER 23 — Najarian Lecture on Human Rights at Dance, in loving memory of Julie Ashekian, 8 p.m. OCTOBER 18 — The Cultural Committee & ACYOA Faneuil Hall, Boston. 7:30 p.m. Topic: Truth to Action: Featuring Onnik Dinkjian, John Berberian and more. mid - Proudly Present The Sts. Sahag & Mesrob Armenian Media Freedom - Protecting Human Rights night dessert table. St. James Armenian Church Church Centennial Ball, Saturday, 8 pm - ? Inspired by Globally. Introduction: Courtney Radsch, PhD, Advocacy Mosesian Cultural and Youth Center, 465 Mount Auburn Dr. Herman Ayvazyan, Battle of the Bands, Joe Director, Committee to Protect Journalists. Speakers: Ray St., Watertown. Adults $40 Students $20.Please call Kouyoumjian Ensemble and the Sevan Band, Egavian Suarez, Host, “Inside Story” on Al Jazeera America and Mark Kashgegian to reserve tables of 10 and purchase Cultural Center, 70 Jefferson St., Providence. Mezze - “America Abroad” on Public Radio International; Stephen tickets at 617-256-5358. Cash Bar - 50/50 Raffle. Tickets $35 - Under 16 $25. For Kurkjian, founding member and former chief, NOVEMBER 2 — “Musical Benches,” an organ and piano Tickets and Table Reservations Please Call: Ann Ayrassian Investigative Spotlight Team of the Boston Globe and concert presented by Glenn “Ananian” Priest and Seven Janigian 401-272-4743, 401-533-4147 editor of its Washington Bureau; and Thomas Christopher Garven on the occasion of the dedication of

Vahik Pirhamzei’s Film ‘Guardian Angel’ Set for Release on October 17 in Los Angeles LOS ANGELES — The suspense-thriller Armenian playwright, award-winning screenwrit - millions from a crime boss (Cunningham) in Los who ups the ante each time he creates a new “Guardian Angel” is set to open in theaters in er, and accomplished actor-director, Vahik Angeles. Uncovering more than he bargained for, work whether it’s on screen or on stage,” said Los Angeles and throughout California Pirhamzei, the film captures the dangerous crim - Ray must risk his own life to protect and save the LME’s Fusco. “After repeatedly witnessing the on October 17. The film stars Bokeem Woodbine inal underworld of human trafficking and orga - lives of two innocent women. film keep its audience members at the edge of (“Riddick,” “Total Recall”), Justine Wachsberger nized crime in Los Angeles. Teaming up with LA-based marketing and ser - their seat, we’re excited to join Richmond Media (“Divergent”), Houshang Touzie (“Argo,” Richmond Media Entertainment (RME) is dis - vicing company, Lore d’Morrow Entertainment to bring ‘Guardian Angel’ to the masses.” “Homeland”), Vahik Pirhamzei (“My Uncle tributing the movie. (LME) for the release, RME has partnered with With a platform release, RME is building a tar - Rafael”), Colin Cunningham (“Falling Skies”) The film follows a veteran security specialist indie marketer and filmmaker, Marc Fusco, to geted marketing campaign to expand the film’s and Ray Wise (“Jeepers Creepers”) to name a Ray (Pirhamzei), who, after the tragic death of bring the film to the big and small screens. reach into the mainstream domestic market. The few. his wife, must protect the daughter “It’s a great pleasure to work with one of our film will open in Los Angeles on several screens Written and directed by popular Iranian- (Wachsberger) of a businessman who embezzled most talented indie filmmakers, Vahik Pirhamzei, and then expand from there. 14 S ATURDAY , S EPTEMBER 27, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMENTARY

COMMENTARY Mirror Untrustworthy Conduct of Our ‘Trusted’ Ally

become an autonomous or independent state to fan the aspira - By Edmond Y. Azadian tions of the Kurds in Turkey. Thus far, the Kurds in Syria have Spectator found an accommodation with the rebel forces as well as the government forces. ISIS’s recent onslaught has dislocated How long can the United States tolerate the shameful conduct 100,000 Kurds who have found refuge in Turkey, which conve - of its “trusted” ally, Turkey? The answer may be complex, since niently will disarm them and keep them under tight control. On Turkey is involved in many roles in the Middle East, Caucasus the other hand, there are reports now that Ankara has banned and Europe, and Ankara pretends to advance NATO policies in EstablEisshteadb l1is9h3e2 d 1932 the support of Kurds in Turkey to rescue their kin from Islamic all those complex — and sometimes contradictory — issues while forces in Syria. An ADALn P AuDblLic Patuiobnlication pursuing its own narrow interests to the detriment of the poli - D) Another objective is to teach a lesson the Armenians. cies of its partners and patrons. Although Ankara received a black eye as a result of the Kessab Since the beginning of the Cold War, the US and Europe have campaign and its destruction by the Islamist forces, it still pur - helped build Turkey’s armed forces and economy, only to realize sues the same goal, this time sending the barbarians to Deir Zor EDITOR that all that build-up would end up in the self-serving goals of to destroy the Martyrs’ Memorial. By destroying the Martyrs Alin K. Gregorian the Turkish government. Memorial, they have massacred the martyrs yet another time. A case in point is the meteoric rise of ISIS, which Turkey nur - The monument is an eyesore for Turkey and it could have ASSISTANT EDITOR tured and developed, only for it to direct its wrath against the Aram Arkun been used as a powerful symbol during the Genocide centennial West and neighboring countries. commemorations. ART DIRECTOR Turkey’s rise as a regional power has also emboldened its lead - One may discount it as a coincidence that the destruction of Marc Mgrditchian ers to challenge its patrons in Washington by defying America’s the Deir Zor church and memorial coincided with Aram closest ally, Israel. And amazingly, Washington’s policy with Catholicos’ announcement at the fifth Armenia-Diaspora regards to Ankara has been to kowtow to its leaders and beg Conference on September 19 that the Catholicosate of Cilicia them to behave, a policy which has fueled Turkey’s arrogance will sue the government of Turkey at the Constitutional Court and undermined US objectives in the region. and the European Court of Human Rights, but it cannot be SENIOR EDITORIAL COLUMNIST: Secretary of State John Kerry has engaged in shuttle diplo - denied that if one of Turkey’s initiatives to blunt the centennial Edmond Azadian macy to build a coalition to fight ISIS, the scourge of human civ - thrust, this is a good way to attain it. CONTRIBUTORS: ilization. While President Obama proudly announced that 40 The attack was deplored by Armenia’s Foreign Minister Florence Avakian, Dr. Haroutiune nations have joined the coalition against this group, Turkey has Eduard Nalbandian as “barbaric.” Also, President Serge Arzoumanian, Taleen Babayan, Diana publicly refused to be part of that coalition. Ankara has even had Sargisian’s Chief of Staff Vigen Sargisian wrote, “If Turkey has Der Hovanessian, Philip Ketchian, the temerity to signal to the butchers of ISIS that US airstrikes nothing to do with the terrorist attack at St. Mary’s Church, it Kevork Keushkerian, Harut Sassounian, do not originate from the US airbase in Incirlik, on Turkish ter - should come up with a corresponding statement of condemna - Hagop Vartivarian, Naomi Zeytoonian ritory. tion.” The US airstrikes strategy is a contradiction in itself. While CORRESPONDENTS: Further down, he continued, “This is yet another proof that understandably President Obama reassures the war-weary public the crime of Genocide continues as long as it is not fully recog - Armenia - Hagop Avedikian that there will be no US boots on the ground and he has to find Boston - Nancy Kalajian nized and punished.” Philadelphia - Lisa Manookian a substitute to complement the airstrikes. The Iraqi ground forces While Turkey is taking concrete steps to deny the Genocide Berlin - Muriel Mirak-Weissbach were devastated by ISIS hordes, which took possession of large and strangulate Armenia through its blockade, on the other quantities of armaments left behind. That defeat was blamed on hand, it is undertaking superficial public gestures to dupe the Contributing Photographers: Jacob Demirdjian and Jirair Hovsepian former Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki’s non-inclusive gov - quarters ready to look for excuses to see good intentions. ernment. After the nomination of the new prime minister, Haider Turkologist Rouben Melkonyan, deputy dean of the Oriental al-Abadi, the situation does not seem any more promising. Studies Faculty at Yerevan State University, said he thinks that While the US forces can rout the ISIS army regardless of how Turkey will not revise its policy on Genocide denial. He thinks The Armenian Mirror-Spectator is published ferocious it may be, in a very short period, President Obama has that President Recep Erdogan’s expressed intention to meet weekly, except two weeks in July and the first week of the year, by: allowed the US and its allies three years to achieve that goal, with Archbishop Khajag Barsamian of the Diocese of the because horse trading is going on in the region. Armenian Church of America (Eastern) should be considered in Baikar Association, Inc. All of a sudden, Hezbollah, which has long been considered a this context. 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 terrorist organization by the US, and Iran, have found out that Melkonyan believes that Turkey may return some buildings Telephone: 617-924-4420 they are on the same side of the political equation. They both and land plots in Sis to the Armenian Church. “However, Sis FAX: 617-924-2887 have an interest in the destruction of the ISIS forces which have lacks both an Armenian community and Armenian churches, i.e., www.mir rorspectator.com occupied large swaths of territories in Syria and Iraq. Any coop - the cost-effectiveness of that decision may be too low for us E-Mail: editor@mirrorspectator .com eration or even contacts between the US and those forces is while diplomatic effect for Turkey may be much more signifi - For advertising: [email protected] anathema to Israel, which has the proprietary position in for - cant,” he said. mulating and shaping the US’s Middle East policy. Strategically, This brings us to the long-term prospects of Turkish-Armenian they could provide the boots on the ground to complement US relations. Knee-jerk reaction to the Armenian-Turkish rap - airstrikes to wipe out the Islamist forces. prochement is also unhealthy, because that rapprochement is a The US State Department and Israel have encouraged Tehran political necessity. While Turkey continues its adversarial policy, to engage single-handedly the ISIS forces, to be drained and SUBSCRIPTION RATES : cosmetic gestures must not substitute for genuine rapproche - weakened while performing a necessary task for them. But ment. During his election campaign, Mr. Erdogan insulted the Iran’s diplomacy is not as naive as some in the West may Armenians a few days after he had offered his condolences to the assume. Therefore, Iran has refrained from full-fledged engage - descendants of the “relocated” Armenians in 1915. Former for - U.S.A. $80 a year ment in the war against ISIS forces, which are expanding the ter - eign minister and current prime minister, Ahmet Davutoglu, has Canada $125 a year ritories under their control. vowed to eclipse the centennial commemoration, on the other Turkey and Qatar have been benefiting from the stalemate to hand inviting Armenians to “build” on Erdogan’s condolence. Other Countries $190 a year supply and encourage ISIS. The duo was in Baku recently, where it offered military assis - Another thorny issue in this organized chaos is the airstrikes tance to Azerbaijan and in a joint press conference with on targets in Syria. Although the US Congress has authorized President Aliyev, they stated that together they will set the agen - © 2014 The Armenian Mirror-Spectator funding and arming the “moderate” forces in the Syrian opposi - da in the Caucasus and establish peace on their own terms. Mr. Periodical Class Postage Paid at Boston, MA tion, no one has yet been able to determine who the “moder - Davutoglu added that before the last inch of Karabagh territory and additional mailing offices. ates” are and to distinguish them from their “extremist” is returned to Azerbaijan, there would be no improvement in ISSN 0004-234X brethren. Ironically, the thugs which Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) Armenian-Turkish relations. And he means it. hugged for a photo op in Syria, turned up amongst the more This statement behooves us not to jump on the symbolic ges - deadly enemies of the US. tures, which will provide Turkey disproportionate political divi - Incidentally, those “moderates” are supposed to assume dual dends at the expense of our naiveté. Had our Primate refused to POSTMASTER : Send address changes to The roles: to fight the ISIS forces and to topple President Bashar al- meet Erdogan as a protest against the destruction of Deir Zor Armenian Mirror-Spectator, 755 Mount Auburn Assad’s government. These goals are well beyond the capacity of monument, it would have greater impact in the media for St., Watertown, MA 02472 those forces and also are opposed by Russia, which considers air Armenians, denting in the meantime Erdogan’s ploy. Other than the editorial, views and opinions strikes in Syria as a ruse to use the US forces against the Syrian Recently, Republic Sen. Ted Cruz was trying to lecture the expressed in this newspaper do not necessarily regime while Turkey is continuing its strategy in Syria unabated. heads of Christian Churches in the Middle East that their salva - reflect the policies of the publisher. Turkey is solving several issues at a time. It is continuing to arm tion can only come from Israel and he was booed. The church and train ISIS forces on its territory and allowing them to cross leaders knew the terrain better than a senator with his eye on the freely into Syria and Iraq. Although ISIS’s declared goal is to White House. It was a courageous stance by the religious leaders. establish a caliphate, most of its actions are benefitting Turkey. As we can see, Armenian history, genocide recognition, Turkey is pursuing the following goals: Armenia’s future are all intricately associated with world politics, A) To demonstrate its independence from the US and its over which we have no control but vigilance can help us avoid Copying for other than personal use or internal reference is prohibited without NATO partners some traps. express permission of the copyright B) To keep war raging in Syria, even if the Assad regime does At this point, Armenian interests coincide with those of the owner. Address requests for reprints or not collapse, because it will be discounted as a force influencing West, in its drive to destroy the growing “evil empire” of ISIS. back issues to: the Middle East for a long time. One of the indirect results is the The battle against that scourge can be won if the US can tame weakening of Russia’s foothold on the Mediterranean. Turkey, the supplier and the mentor of that terror group. The Baikar Association, Inc. C) As a main policy goal, to destroy the emergence of a term “trusted ally” has long outlived its usefulness. It is time to 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 Kurdish enclave on Syrian territory, which eventually may call Turkey the “self-serving ally,” and treat it accordingly. S ATURDAY , S EPTEMBER 27, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 15 COMMENTARY

ing the return of its erstwhile headquarters, the sue. At the international Armenian lawyers’ conference Catholicosate of Sis. Should the Turkish Court reject the sponsored by the Diaspora Ministry last year, a task force lawsuit, which is likely, the Catholicosate will then appeal was formed under the auspices of the Gagik to the European Court of Human Rights, said the Haroutunyan, Chief Justice of Armenia’s Constitutional Catholicos. He also expressed the hope that this lawsuit Court, to study the legal ramifications of filing a lawsuit My Turn would pave the way for other legal demands from Turkey against Turkey in the World Court. The task force is for the return of public, private, and religious properties reportedly assessing the various legal options available to By Harut Sassounian belonging to Armenians. the Republic of Armenia. While this is great news to all those who have been advo - Given the Armenian government’s cautious approach to cating for years taking legal action against Turkey, such suing Turkey, it was quite surprising that Foreign Minister Armenia Supports Catholicosate’s lawsuits require painstaking preparation by top notch inter - Edward Nalbandian, during the Sept. 20, 2014 Armenia- Lawsuit Against Turkey national lawyers. Moreover, regardless of how just one’s Diaspora conference, when asked by a reporter about his cause may be, no one can guarantee a positive outcome in reaction to the news that the Catholicosate of Cilicia Over 1,000 attendees of the Armenia-Diaspora court, given various external influences on the judiciary, would file a lawsuit against Turkey, enthusiastically and Conference in Yerevan, organized by the Diaspora and technicalities used as an excuse for rejecting without hesitation responded: “there could be no Ministry, cheered loudly when Catholicos Aram I of a lawsuit emanating from a century-old grievance. two opinions about it. Such an important initiative must the Great House of Cilicia made the surprising announce - The Catholicos hinted at some of these obstacles in his only be supported.” ment that the Catholicosate would file a lawsuit in a remarks, acknowledging that “the framework of interna - Coincidentally, the conference attendees were handed Turkish court demanding the return of its properties con - tional law is not that favorable to our Cause.” More alarm - the executive summary and introduction of a lengthy fiscated during the 1915-1923 Genocide. His Holiness ingly, he seemed to dismiss the devastating effect the loss report entitled, “Resolution with Justice: Reparations for explained that before taking this important decision, he of such a court case would have on the Armenian Cause by the Armenian Genocide.” Funded initially by a grant from had consulted with international legal experts during the claiming that “if we lose the lawsuit, we would still be win - the Armenian Revolutionary Federation, the report was past two years. ners, because we would have reminded the genocidaire and prepared by the Armenian Genocide Reparations Study Stating that remaining indifferent towards the violation the international community that the Armenian people Group, composed of Alfred de Zayas, Jermaine O. of Armenian rights is tantamount to treason, the continues to demand its rights, no matter how much McCalpin, Ara Papian and Henry C. Theriault. George Catholicos urged Armenians to take the genocide issue out time has elapsed since the Genocide.” Aghjayan served as a consultant. The extensive report of the narrow confines of genocide recognition and con - The Turkish government would certainly exploit such a examines the case for reparations from legal, historical and demnation, and transcend the mindset that genocide recog - negative judgment by misrepresenting its victory around ethical perspectives. nition is the ultimate goal of the Armenian the world as a rejection of all Armenian genocide claims. It is clear that on the eve of the genocide centenni - Cause. Considering that it is high time to trans - Going beyond the Catholicosate’s initiative, His al, several serious efforts are underway to seek justice fer Armenian demands from Turkey to the legal field. His Holiness urged the Armenian government to file its own through various courts for the massive human and eco - Holiness announced that the See of Cilicia would file short - lawsuit against Turkey in the International Court of nomic losses suffered by the Armenian people during the ly a lawsuit with the Constitutional Court of Turkey, seek - Justice (World Court), where only states have the right to 1915-1923 Genocide.

Crucial Choice: Armenia Mulling over Comment: Israel’s ‘Geopolitically Important’ Energy Deals

Vorotan HPP to an American firm will be a Most Valuable powerful message for Western investors that By Naira Hayrumyan Armenia is ready to work with them. Meanwhile, if Armenia reconsiders the deal Armenia’s energy sector is facing a crucial and sells debt-free Nairit and Vorotan to a Muslim Ally choice. At its July 24 sitting the Armenian Russian company, it will be another powerful government considered but did not yet message that Armenia has finally “surren - approve several major deals in this sphere. dered” to Russian companies. Prime Minister Jews worldwide will soon mark the onset of a Jewish New Year with the specter of rising The ArmRosgazprom company, which owns Hovik Abrahamyan gave the government sev - anti-Semitism in Europe and the Middle East. Amid the preponderance of daily bad news, it is almost the entire domestic gas distribution eral days to “think” about what to do. uplifting to celebrate narratives of tolerance and respect. Earlier this month, I was one of 12 network in Armenia and earlier this year was But there is also another issue here – the rabbis meeting with two distinguished Los renamed Gazprom-Armenia, has considerable transfer of the Tegh-Stepanakert pipeline Angeles-based diplomats, Consul General of Israel debts. In particular, the company owes from Gazprom to the Armenian government. By Mark Diamond David Siegel and Consul General of Azerbaijan money to Vorotan Hydropower Plant (HPP) This is the only pipeline through which Nasimi Aghayev. We broke bread together and dis - Cascade Closed Joint Stock Company (CJSC), Nagorno-Karabagh receives natural gas. It is cussed our shared goal of shining a positive light which is to be sold to an American company, possible that Gazprom has given up this asset on the unique story of Azerbaijan, a Muslim nation that enjoys positive relations with the Contour Global, although the deal is not at the request of Azerbaijan, which is doing United States, Israel and its own Jewish community. completed yet. everything for foreign companies not to work World Jewry has a special relationship with Azerbaijan, home to a nearly 2,000 year-old The government is in Karabakh official - community of approximately 15,000 Jews. Azerbaijan has been a haven of tolerance and considering the possi - ly. respect of Jews through centuries of persecution and exile in many other countries. It bility of transferring On the other hand, remains so today, a remarkable achievement given the current state of Muslim-Jewish relations the assets of Gazprom ...if Armenia reconsiders the there is an opinion in the Middle East and elsewhere. Azerbaijan is a predominately Shia Muslim nation that sits in Armenia in order to that Rosneft is simply directly north of Iran and has enjoyed more than two decades of diplomatic relations with settle part of the debts deal and sells debt-free Nairit ousting Gazprom Israel. to Vorotan HPP and also in Armenia. As is During the luncheon, we learned a great deal about how and why Azerbaijan invests in and the Armenian govern - and Vorotan to a Russian known, in Russia supports its Jewish community and Jewish heritage. The republic is home to one of the ment. In particular, it these two giants are largest all-Jewish towns outside Israel, the centuries-old Red Village of Azerbaijan, whose plans to transfer 53.3 company, it will be another engaged in tough Mountain Jews meet and pray in several stately synagogues. Azerbaijan’s capital city of Baku percent of the assets of competition, and features a state-of-the-art Jewish day school with more than 300 students. Baku’s Chabad Nairit-2 and 3.6 per - powerful message that Rosneft is aggressive - rabbi, born and raised in Israel, recently decided to become a citizen of Azerbaijan, a nation cent of the assets of ly trying to acquire he is proud to call his new home. Baku has a beautiful new synagogue for the Mountain the Nairit Plant to Armenia has finally “surren - the assets of Jews, built in 2011 and paid for by the Azerbaijan government. Vorotan HPP CJSC. Gazprom. “Azerbaijan serves as a critical link for outreach to the Muslim world for our partners like The budget loans and dered” to Russian companies. The deal on the the United States and Israel,” said Azerbaijan Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov, address - other liabilities of sale of Vorotan HPP, ing American Jewish Committee’s 2013 Global Forum in Washington, DC. His nation’s close, Armgazprom to the Ministry of Finance of already with Nairit, may be an indicator of friendly relations with Israel are “reinforced by the strong bonds between our peoples.” Armenia will be repaid through the transfer Armenia’s foreign-policy orientation. Indeed, the foreign minister said, the bilateral relationship goes “well beyond” diplomatic of the Tegh-Stepanakert gas pipeline, as well Armenia will either diversify its energy sys - ties. Azerbaijan is Israel’s biggest trading partner in the South Caucasus, and some 40 per - as 46.73 percent of the assets of Nairit-2. tem by letting Americans into its mostly cent of Israel’s oil imports come from Azerbaijan. These planned deals have raised a number Russian-dominated market or will admit that We do well to celebrate the bonds that link Azerbaijan and the Jewish people. Our social of questions in Armenia. First of all, will it has completely lost the sovereign right to media is inundated with alarming news about anti-Semitic violence in Germany, France and Vorotan HPP, already with over half of the take even economic decisions. Belgium, and Islamic terrorism in Gaza, Syria, Iraq and elsewhere. Azerbaijan is a rare bless - shares of Nairit-2 (which is an operating If Armenia takes a step towards the ing and a ray of light in our deeply troubled world. It is unfortunate that most Jews have chloroprene rubber production shop), finally Americans, it may be followed by a visit of the never heard of Azerbaijan and the positive example it could be for other Muslim nations. A be sold to an American company. The prob - Armenian energy minister to Iran, where he nation that has protected its Jews for two millennia and is an ally of Israel and the United lem is that the deal, which was concluded last can negotiate about the transit of Iranian gas States deserves our friendship and support. November, has not been finalized yet. to Europe via Armenia and Georgia, buy Storytelling lies at the heart of Jewish life, lore and tradition. Jews discuss and debate the Moreover, Russian energy giant Rosneft also cheap Iranian gas and, accordingly, refuse to Akedah — the narrative of Isaac’s near sacrifice — on Rosh Hashanah. Yom Kippur highlights aspired to obtain Nairit, but it apparently set buy more expensive gas from Gazprom. If tales of Temple sacrifice and Jewish martyrdom. This year, let’s include the modern-day tale of the condition that it would buy Nairit only Armenia chooses the Russian company, how - Azerbaijan, an inspiring true story of harmonious relations between Jews and Muslims. Our together with Vorotan HPP. ever, it will have to forget for a long time world would look much brighter if other nations would emulate Azerbaijan’s historic model The Armenian government has not yet about its being a political entity even on a of peaceful coexistence. specified who will get the two major energy regional scale. enterprises – an American company or a (Rabbi Mark Diamond is director of the Los Angeles region of the American Jewish Russian one. U.S. Ambassador to Armenia (This commentary originally appeared in Committee. This commentary originally appeared in the Jewish Journal of Los Angeles .) John Heffern believes that the transfer of ArmeniaNow.) 16 S ATURDAY , S EPTEMBER 27, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR

Sayat Nova Dance Company Performs at 30th Annual Peabody Festival

VIKEN KARAGUESIAN PHOTO Bettencourt declared to the crowd that By Aram Arkun Peabody could serve as a model for much of the world in its tolerance and promotion of differ - Mirror-Spectator Staff ent cultures. He told the Mirror-Spectator later that he was very proud of the Armenians who PEABODY, Mass. — The Sayat Nova Dance have lived for a long time in Peabody, and who Company performed at the 30th annual have made such great contributions to its devel - Peabody International Festival on September opment. 14. The festival is sponsored by the City of The festival was started in 1984 by Mayor Peabody in order to showcase its ethnic diver - Peter Torigian. This year, Jackie Torigian, the sity. This year, according to the mayor’s office, widow of the late Peabody mayor, Peter attendance at the festival was the largest it has Torigian, introduced Sayat Nova by stating that ever been. The police estimate that that there of course it was her husband’s favorite. Eight were somewhere between 65,000 and 75,000 male and eight female dances from the group visitors. Performers appeared on three different dressed in heavy velvet costumes performed a stages, while there were over seventy booths number of lively Armenian traditional dances in selling various types of foods and specialty front of more than 150 spectators. Sayat Nova items. In addition to dancing, Sayat Nova mem - Dance Group of Boston, founded in 1986, is bers manned the Armenian booth, which had directed by Apo Ashjian. all kinds of Armenian delicacies and desserts. In addition to Armenians, some of the ethnic A number of government officials spoke at groups participating in the festival included the event, which was televised live on a local Greeks, Portuguese, Brazilians, Jews, Italians, cable station. Peabody Mayor Edward Hispanics and Poles.

VIKEN KARAGUESIAN PHOTO

The members of the Sayat Nova Dance Company in Peabody

Armenian Independence Day Celebration Held in Kavookjian Hall at Diocese INDEPENDENCE, from page 1 Armenian national anthems. The keynote speaker was newly appointed UN Ambassador Zohrab Mnatzaganyan. Dr. Mary Papazian spoke on behalf of the Knights and Daughters of Vartan, Hagop Vartivarian for the Armenian Democratic Liberal Party, and Artyom Sahakyan for the Noyan Tapan organization. Executive Director Bryan Ardouny of the Armenian Assembly of America spoke on behalf of his organization. The Armenian General Benevolent Union’s Antranig Dance Ensemble, with Gagik Karapetian as choreographer, performed dances. Singer Maria Sahakyan, accompanied by Lina Pantilova on piano, performed classi - cal music pieces, and soprano Anoush Barclay accompanied on piano by Lucine Vahradian performed Armenian music for the audience. A video on the independent state of Armenia was screened, and Archbishop Eghishe Gizirian gave the closing remarks and prayer. The graceful women of the Sayat Nova Dance Company