MAY 6, 2017 Mirror-SpeTHE ARMENIAN ctator Volume LXXXVII, NO. 42, Issue 4486 $ 2.00 NEWS The First English Language in the United States Since 1932 INBRIEF Czech Republic Massachusetts State House Hosts Armenian Recognizes Anniversary Commemoration Genocide PRAGUE (Armenpress) — The Chamber of Keynote Speaker Massachusetts Deputies of the Czech Republic approved on Tuesday, April 25, a resolution condemning the Attorney General Healey genocide of in the Ottoman Turkey. The legislation condemns atrocities and mas- sacres of Armenians and other religious and nation- By Aram Arkun al minorities in the Ottoman Empire during the Mirror-Spectator Staff First World War, as well as Nazi war crimes. “The Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament of the Czech Republic condemns the crimes against – The Armenian community of humanity carried out by the Nazis during the greater Boston put together a solemn com- Second World War on the Jewish, Roma and Slavic memoration of the 102nd anniversary of populations in the controlled territories, the geno- the Armenian Genocide on April 21 at the cide of Armenians and other national and religious Massachusetts State House, with minorities in the Ottoman Empire during World Massachusetts Attorney General Maura War I,” reads the resolution, which passed with 104 Healey the keynote speaker. votes. Massachusetts State Representative The resolution was proposed by MP Robin David Muradian served as master of cere- Bönisch from the CSSD. monies. The commemoration began, as From left, Massachusetts State Rep. James Miceli, House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo, Attorney always, with a procession of the sergeant-at- General Maura Healey, and State Rep. David Muradian. arms, Massachusetts elected officials and Spanish City clergy, led by the Scouts. Pastor Joseph Garabedian of the First by the children of St. Stephen’s Armenian humanitarian intervention from Peter Recognizes Armenian Armenian Evangelical Church of Greater Elementary School of Watertown. Balakian’s books. DeLeo expressed the Boston (in Belmont) gave a powerful and Massachusetts Speaker Robert A. hope that the Genocide would receive Genocide eloquent invocation, calling for as DeLeo welcomed the audience to the wide formal acknowledgment, but that VILLENA, (Public Radio of ) well as recognition of the Genocide. State House. He recalled learning about even afterwards, “we must vow to carry — The Spanish city of Villena has officially recog- After the American Pledge of Allegiance, the Armenian Genocide and the on their legacy [that of the victims], to nized the Armenian Genocide, the Armenian led by State Rep. Dave Rogers, the American Armenian from former Speaker ensure that the world never forgets.” Embassy in Spain reported this week. and Armenian national anthems were sung George Keverian, and later on American see COMMEMORATION, page 10 The City Council voted 11 to 7 with 3 absten- tions to pass the bill. About 30 Spanish municipalities have now rec- Noted Professor, ognized the Armenian Genocide. Journalist, Writer Another Karabakh Peter Sourian Dies Soldier Killed (Public Radio of Armenia) NEW YORK — Peter Sourian, the long- — Artsakh Defense Army Private Mher Arzumanyan, time professor at Bard College, scholar, 20, was killed by Azerbaijani fire during the protection writer, journalist and critic, died here on of one of the military units located in the southern April 27, with his daughter at his side. He direction of the army on April 28. was 84. A probe into the details of the incident is Born in Boston, the son of Zareh and under way. Zabelle Sourian, he was raised in New York The Artsakh Defense Ministry shares the sorrow City. of the heavy loss and expresses its support to the The life of the mind came naturally to soldier’s family and friends. Sourian. After graduating from Harvard in Armenpress reported that Azerbaijan used auto- the 1950s, and serving a short stint in the matic grenade launcher in Azerbaijan-Artsakh con- US Army, he published a sharp and witty tact line on April 30 and overnight May 1. Akçam Chips Away at Denialism novel, Miri, when he was only 24 years old. The Azerbaijani side violated the ceasefire “The season’s most appealing fiction regime 35 times from different caliber rearms on One Document at a Time debut,” Time magazine declared. Although Artsakh-Azerbaijan contact line on April 30 and Miri was his breakout, earning strong overnight May 1 ring in the direction of Armenian WORCESTER, Mass. — Even as the reviews for its depiction of the coming of body guards nearly 420 shots. In the northern By Alin K. Gregorian eyewitnesses of the Armenian Genocide age of three friends, it was actually the direction of the contact line the Azerbaijani armed are almost all gone in the century since third book he’d written by that age. But forces used also automatic grenade launcher ring Mirror-Spectator Staff its formal launch, the paper trail is still when his publisher asked to see the preco- two projectiles. yielding new information. One histori- cious young writer’s early attempts, an, Prof. Taner Akçam at Clark University, is doggedly pursuing tangible evidence Sourian refused to take them out of the by sifting through archives. drawer. They were “terrible,” he said. His latest finding, a “smoking gun,” as it has been dubbed by many, is a telegram see SOURIAN, poage 8 INSIDE sent on July 4, 1915 by Behaeddin Shakir, one of the leading members of the Committee for Union and Program The telegram (CUP) and the chief of the Teshkilat–i- on official Ottoman letterhead Mahsusa of Erzurum province. It asks Art of Nora “Are the Armenians who were deported from there being liquidated? Are the troublesome individuals whom you Azadian have reported as having been exiled and expelled been eliminated or mere- ly sent off and deported? Please Page 12 report honestly.” What was new, Akçam said, was that the document was written on official Ottoman letterhead. INDEX Akçam found this telegram in the Arts and Living ...... 12 archives of the late Very Rev. Armenia ...... 2,3 Krikor Guerguerian, preserved by Community News...... 6 Editorial ...... 17 his nephew. International ...... 4,5 see DOCUMENT, page 9 Peter Sourian 2 S ATURDAY, M AY 6 , 2 0 1 7 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARMENIA News From Armenia Armenian Foreign Minister and US Secretary of State Exchange Messages on 25th Anniversary Prime Minister Decries ‘Insufficient’ Level of Of Establishment of Diplomatic Relations Forest Management (Armenpress) — Foreign American interstate commission and Tillerson expressed his apprecia- Minister of Armenia Edward the Trade and Investments Council are tion for the partnership between YEREVAN (Armenpress) — Prime Minister Karen Nalbandian and US Secretary of State productive formats for the progress of Armenia and the US that has devel- Karapetyan said this week it is necessary to improve Rex Tillerson have exchanged mes- economic cooperation. Referring to the oped during the past quarter centu- the current model of forest management in the coun- sages on the 25th anniversary of the development and investment programs ry, declaring that the US is proud of try at a cabinet meeting on April 26, where recent establishment of diplomatic relations of the US in Armenia, Nalbandian the joint achievements recorded concerns were raised regarding illegal logging. between Armenia and the US. noted that they are an important com- since the independence of Armenia “It is necessary to improve the current model of As the press service of the Ministry ponent of bilateral cooperation which and acknowledging the contributions forest management and bring it into compliance with of Foreign Affairs of Armenia the Armenian side is interested in fur- of the Armenian-American communi- modern management requirements. At this moment, announced, Nalbandian mentioned in ther expanding. ty in this work. the current management level is assessed as insuf- his message that during the past quar- In his message Nalbandian empha- Tillerson stated that the US will con- cient,” the premier said. ter century Armenia and the US have sized the deepening of public interac- tinue its cooperation with the govern- He tasked the minister of agriculture to examine established friendly relations based on tion between the two states, with effec- ment of Armenia, business circles, and the problems and to find ways to reduce logging. mutual trust and respect and have tive cooperation in the spheres of sci- the civil society for the implementation recorded numerous achievements in ence, technologies, culture and educa- of initiatives aimed at security, democ- FM Receives Tavitian different spheres. The Armenian for- tion. He noted that Armenia always racy and economic development. He eign minister stated that the US was highlights the role of the US as an noted that American investments in Foundation Delegation the first country to open an embassy in Organization for Security and Armenia, which have reached a histori- Yerevan, and stood by the newly inde- Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Minsk cal peak in recent years, are particular- YEREVAN (News.am) — Foreign Minister of Armenia pendent state, including through large- Group Co-chair state and reaffirms ly promising. Edward Nalbandian on Tuesday, May 2, received the scale assistance projects, which were Armenia’s resolve to continue joint He said that Armenia has a huge delegation of Tavitian Foundation led by its particularly vital during the first years work with the Co-chairs aimed at an potential and expressed optimism over President Aso Tavitian, as well as Dean of Fletcher of statehood. exclusively peaceful settlement of the the opportunities of further enhance- School of Law and Diplomacy, Admiral James Nalbandian noted that the high-level Nagorno Karabakh conflict. ment of mutually beneficial trade and Stavridis. interstate political dialogue continues. Nalbandian emphasized the significant economic relations between the two Nalbandian praised the input of the foundation in The two states closely cooperate in contribution of the American- states. the education and training of Armenian youth. He international organizations bringing Armenian community in the relations Tillerson emphasized that the US, as also underscored the importance of cooperation their contribution to international of the two states, expressing the con- an OSCE Minsk Group Co-chair coun- between the foundation and the Armenian MFA. efforts of finding solutions to common viction that the Armenian community try, continues its resolute commitment Nalbandian briefed the guests on the efforts exert- challenges and threats. He expressed will continue serving as a key bridge of to supporting the peaceful settlement ed by Armenia and the Organization for Security and conviction that the Armenian- Armenian-American partnership. of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict. Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Minsk Group towards creating conditions for the advancement of talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. PM, Ambassador Discuss Justice Ministry Mulls EU Staffer Arrested Murderer Prison Locale Development of Economic Ties For ‘Embezzlement’

GYUMRI (Armenpress) — The Justice Ministry of YEREVAN — Prime Minister Karen the prime minister cited the success of YEREVAN (RFE/RL) — A Armenia is currently discussing the handling of the Karapetyan received Argentina’s Argentina Wine Week in Armenia. senior Armenian employee of the prison term of the Russian soldier who massacred a Ambassador to Armenia Gonzalo Urriolabeitia said Argentina has (EU) delegation family of seven in in 2015. Urriolabeitia this week. always favorably viewed the develop- in Armenia has been arrested on Suren Krmoyan, deputy minister of justice, com- Noting that the two countries have ment of bilateral relations with suspicion of embezzling EU mented on media rumors alleging Valery Permyakov strong ties of friendship due to the Armenia, which are at a high level grants allocated to local non-gov- is to be transferred to Russia. vibrant Armenian community in now, stressing that efforts have to be ernmental organizations. “We have made an official statement, there is no Argentina, Karapetyan said Armenia is made to ensure that this approach is Armenia’s Investigative any agreement. We have a verdict, works are under- ready to expand cooperation in all equally reflected in the economic Committee said on April 27, that way to initiate this verdict. We don’t have any other areas of mutual interest. sphere. He advised that the Embassy Marine Papian, the grants pro- information on any agreement. There is no informa- Prioritizing the developing trade of Argentina is actively working with gram coordinator at the delega- tion currently on negotiations,” the deputy minister and economic relations, Karen the Armenian government depart- tion, is charged with misappropri- said. Karapetyan pointed out that while ments to develop mutually beneficial ating a “particularly large amount Permyakov, a serviceman of the 102nd Russian Argentina has a significant share in the investment projects and gave details of money.” military base of Gyumri, killed an entire family on volume of foreign investment in our of their progress. The law-enforcement agency January 12, 2015. He was apprehended while trying country, however, bilateral trade The parties concurred in that that also said that it has been “actively to cross the Armenian-Turkish border. In 2016, he turnover is not satisfactory, and there the agricultural sector is of particular cooperating” with relevant EU was sentenced to life in prison. is still much to be done to tap the full importance for the Armenian- bodies in the corruption inquiry potential. Argentinean economic cooperation. launched more than a year ago. President Hosts He suggested organizing a business They exchanged views on agribusiness The EU mission in Yerevan con- forum or Argentina open days in management, supply of agricultural firmed this in a statement issued Lebanese Minister Armenia, as well as raising awareness machinery and the coordination of later on Thursday. of investment opportunities in order to consultancy activities. Both sides “The European Union is fully YEREVAN (Armenpress) — President Serzh Sargsyan introduce the opportunities for doing agreed it was important to promoting committed to combating corrup- on April 28 met with Lebanon’s State Minister for business in Armenia or mastering tourism between the people of the two tion and organized crime and will Planning Affairs Michel Pharaon. third-country markets. In this context, nations. continue to support a full, effec- The president welcomed the guest and his delega- tive and transparent investigation tion in Armenia. He considered the 25th anniversary of any suspected irregularities,” of establishment of diplomatic relations between the statement noted. Armenia and Lebanon as another good opportunity According to the Investigative to value and appreciate the traditional warm rela- Committee, 13 other Armenian tions and friendly ties between the two countries. He nationals were earlier charged warmly recalled his official visit to Lebanon in 2012 with embezzlement and fraud as and asked the State Minister to convey his warm part of the ongoing probe. Tigran greetings to Lebanese President Michel Aoun and the Sukiasian, Gevorg Ghazarian and invitation to visit Armenia. Serzh Sargsyan expressed Rubina Ter-Matrirosian — were hope the Lebanese State Minister’s visit and his arrested in March 2016. meetings and discussions in Armenia will give a new The committee said at the time impetus to the bilateral relations, the continuous that they pocketed EU funding for strengthening of which is in the interests of two peo- a bogus project that was supposed ples. to be implemented by a youth Pharaon said during his visit he had a chance to get NGO in Martuni. Piotr Switalski, acquainted with Armenia’s economic opportunities, the head of the EU Delegation, to examine the investment environment which said afterwards that EU officials impressed him, and he believes that Armenia has detected the alleged embezzle- quite good conditions for attracting investments. ment and alerted authorities. Both sides attached importance to the role of the Three other accused individuals Armenian community of Lebanon in terms of remain on the run. Citing strengthening the interstate ties and the friendship unnamed sources, the paper put Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan with Argentina’s Ambassador to Armenia the total amount of the allegedly Gonzalo Urriolabeitia embezzled funds at $580,000. S A T U R D A Y , M A Y 6 , 2 0 1 7 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 3 ARMENIA

Arpi Ghazaryan Wins the Aurora Creative Contest

YEREVAN — Arpi Ghazaryan, a 7-year-old student at the Henrik Igityan Yerevan National Art Center was awarded the first prize in the Aurora Creative Contest. Sofya Yakovleva, a 13-year-old student of Saratov Children’s Art Studio, Russia, took the second place in the Contest, while Anna Kostanyan, an 11-year-old stu- dent at Gasparyan Art Studio, came in third. As per the professional jury’s decision, the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative granted special awards to two participants, Jasmina Hovhannisyan (11, Nerkin Getashen village, Armenia) and Rudolf Avanesyan (14, Yerevan, Armenia). The winners not only took home prizes, but also received an invitation to attend the 2017 Aurora Prize Ceremony to be held on May 28 in Yerevan. “The number of children participating in the Contest was quite impressive. The Contest gave them an opportunity to understand the value of their works. They learned they were doing something important and they were encouraged. Submitted artworks were evaluated based on their compliance to the theme of the Contest as well as the quality of the work itself. All works were excellent but we still had to choose the best ones. The children who took part in the Contest The painting by Arpi Ghazaryan are all winners,” stated artist Tigran Matulyan, Aurora Creative Contest Jury Member. The awarding ceremony of the winners of the Aurora Creative Contest took place in Yerevan through late May until the end of the Aurora Prize than thousand pieces of artwork were submitted to Hovhannes Tumanyan Museum during the opening of weekend. the Contest from Armenia, Artsakh, Russia, the exhibition showcasing the best 63 works submit- Children aged from 7 to 14 took part in the Aurora Kyrgyzstan, Georgia, Turkey, USA, Canada, Venezuela ted for the Contest. The exhibition will be open Creative Contest announced in January 2017. More and France.

Armenian Customs Officers Prosecuted Turkey Just Banned Wikipedia, Labeling For ‘Smuggling’ Azerbaijani Apples It a ‘National Security Threat’ YEREVAN (RFE/RL) — Armenia’s State investigation. This was just the latest crackdown on Revenue Committee (SRC) on Tuesday, May 2, Announcing the results of that inquiry, the free speech and expression in Turkey. accused some of its customs officers of being SRC said it has established that some customs By Amanda Erickson The monitoring group Turkey Blocks and bribed by smugglers to allow illegal tax-free officers at Armenia’s main border crossing with other organizations have accused the gov- imports of Azerbaijani apples to the country. Georgia accepted kickbacks to allow the smug- (Washington Post) — If you ernment of occasionally blocking social- The SRC said they as well as the individuals gling of the apples. A statement by the tax and try to open Wikipedia in Turkey right media sites such as Twitter or Facebook, engaged in “illegal entrepreneurship” will be customs agency did not identify those officers now, you’ll turn up a swirling loading particularly after militant attacks. (The or specify their icon, then a message that the server government has denied this.) But accord- number. It said timed out. ing to the BBC, half of all requests to only that a crimi- Turkey has blocked Wikipedia. If you’re Twitter to remove offensive content have nal case has been inside the country, you can only access the come from Turkey. opened against online encyclopedia through a virtual pri- Many of these actions have come follow- them and sent to vate network connection to a system out- ing a failed coup last year that has led state prosecutors. side the country. to purges within the Turkish government. The statement Turkish officials reportedly asked the More than 120,000 people have been sus- added that the online encyclopedia to remove content by pended or fired from the civil service, police prosecutors have writers “supporting terror.” and judiciary. Up to 40,000 people have also been asked to Wikipedia “has started acting as part of been arrested. press charges the circles who carry out a smear campaign On Saturday, the government announced against the alleged against Turkey in the international arena, the dismissals of nearly 4,000 additional smugglers. They rather than being cooperative in fight people from state institutions — the second Some of the apples smuggled from Azerbaijan into Armenia too were not iden- against terror,” ministry officials large-scale purge in days. On Wednesday, tified. said, according to Al Jazeera. It tried to officials announced that they had detained A r m e n i a ’ s show Turkey “at the same level and in coop- more than 1,000 police personnel who were prosecuted on corresponding charges. National Security Service (NSS), which deals eration with terror groups.” suspected followers of Fethullah Gulen, the The apples, apparently grown in Azerbaijan, with smuggling cases, said over the weekend The Ministry of Transport, Maritime U.S.-based cleric Turkey accuses of orches- were first discovered in several grocery stores in that it is taking measures to “clarify all circum- Affairs and Communications told the Daily trating the coup. Yerevan late last month, causing a stir in the stances of the import operation” and identify Sabah, a pro-government newspaper, that Online, critics speculated that Saturday’s Armenian press and on social media. Some the individuals involved in it. Wikipedia was blocked for “becoming an block was really an effort to hide President commentators decried the discovery on moral Corruption within the Armenian customs ser- information source acting with groups con- Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s Wikipedia page, grounds, saying Armenia must not buy any vice has long been widespread, with many busi- ducting a smear campaign against Turkey which includes criticisms of his leadership. products from a country with which it remains nesspeople using bribes and government con- in the international arena.” The ministry Others pointed to a Wikipedia page on the in a de facto state of war. nections to avoid or underpay import duties. did not cite specific examples of offending recent referendum that expanded Erdogan’s Many others pointed out that the imported The current SRC chief, Vartan Harutiunian, content. Officials also said the site would powers. The page has a section headlined apples were not taxed and did not undergo pledged to crack down on corrupt practices not be unblocked until Wikipedia opened “Controversies and electoral misconduct,” mandatory safety inspections at the border. The when he was appointed to run the government an office in the country and started paying and it cites claims that the government sup- Armenian State Service for Foodstuff Safety agency in October. taxes. pressed the “No” campaign through cited this fact when it confiscated hundreds of A figure close to Prime Minister Karen Turkish law allows the country’s leaders “arrests, control of the media and political kilograms of the fruit from stores and markets Karapetian, Harutiunian said in December that to ban access to websites deemed obscene suppression.” last week. he plans to remove “corrupt and unhealthy ele- or a threat to national security. A court has Wikipedia’s editors, for their part, dealt The SRC officially stated on April 26 that its ments” from the SRC. He also promised two days to decide whether the ban should with Saturday’s ban just as you’d expect — customs checkpoints on Armenia’s borders with tougher action against tax evasion. Critics have be upheld. they drafted an article about it. Georgia and Iran did not formally process any used the apple scandal to question the serious- Azerbaijani imports. It pledged to conduct an ness of his anti-graft efforts. 4 S ATURDAY, M AY 6 , 2 0 1 7 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR INTERNATIONAL International News More than 1,500 Gather in Toronto Commemorative Events To Hear Garo Paylan Held in Switzerland TORONTO — Garo Paylan, a member of Representing Toronto’s Kurdish and crimes.” GENEVA (Armenpress) — A Mass was held in the National Assembly of Turkey, was in Assyrian communities were the Toronto Furthermore, Paylan highlighted the Geneva’s St. Hakob Church on April 24 dedicated to Toronto on April 30 and more than 1,500 Kurdish Community Centre and the importance of maintaining and upholding the memory of the Armenian Genocide victims, fol- attendees from the Toronto-Armenian Centre for Canadian-Assyrian Relations, the values of democracy, tolerance, lowed by a wreath laying ceremony at a memorial in community gathered to hear him. respectively. respect and human rights in the Republic the Church yard. The event was sponsored by the The event started with a short video of Turkey and around the world. Armenia’s Envoy to Switzerland Hasmik Armenian National Committee of Canada presentation highlighting Garo Paylan’s The attendees had the opportunity ask Tolmajyan delivered a speech at the event, mention- (ANCC) and organized by a joint Toronto- civic activism over the past few years. questions, after which, Belian invited the ing Switzerland’s National Council’s and Geneva’s Armenian organizing committee com- Sevag Belian, executive director of the President of the Armenian Community Grand Council’s official recognition of the Armenian prised of the Holy Trinity Armenian Armenian National Committee of Canada, Centre of Toronto to present Paylan with Genocide. Apostolic Church, Armenian Evangelical then took the stage to present the orga- two gifts on behalf of the joint organizing Tolmajyan mentioned that the reborn Armenia, as Church of Toronto, St. Mary Armenian nizing committee message and introduced committee: Aram Adjemian’s The Call well as the participation of thousands of Armenians Apostolic Church and the St. Gregory Paylan. Belian commended Paylan’s ongo- from Armenia, Canada’s Response to the in hundreds of cities worldwide and foreigners in of Toronto ing pursuit for equality, justice, and demo- Armenian Genocide reference publication commemorative events of the Armenian Genocide along with the Bolsahay Armenian cratic values, proclaiming “Mr. Paylan, and Kaloust Babian’s photography retro- prove the correctness of Anatole France’s prophetic Cultural Association, Nor Serount your actions are humbling and inspiring. spective. words back in 1916, when he said – “Armenia is Cultural Association, and the Armenian An inspiration that with it displays a tenac- Paylan’s presence and exceptional dying, but Armenia will be reborn again…..People National Committee of Toronto. ity that forces one to fully appreciate the remarks were an inspiration to the entire who don’t want to die, won’t die.” Representatives of the major Armenian true meaning of our struggle for justice community and particularly to the upcom- Armenian Genocide commemoration events were organizations including: the aforemen- and democracy.” ing generations who vowed to carry on held in other Swiss cities as well. tioned organizing bodies along with the The parliamentarian took the stage to the torch in the collective struggle of the Zoryan Institute, Armenian General great applause and appreciation. He pro- Armenian people around the world. Azeri, Armenian Foreign Benevolent Union, Armenian Relief vided an overview of the current political Paylan is a founding member of the Society, Armenian Youth Federation, climate in Turkey, the aftermath of the People’s Democratic Party (HDP) and is a Ministers Meet Armenian Seniors Organization of constitutional referendum and the ongo- deputy representing the 3rd district in Toronto, Homenetmen and ing uncertainty and concern regarding the Istanbul. Paylan is a member of Turkey’s MOSCOW (Public Radio of Armenia) — The Armenian Cultural and Educational rights and freedoms of the minorities liv- Armenian community and has long been Foreign Ministers of Armenia, Russia and Society were all present. Also present was ing in Turkey. Paylan stressed the impor- an activist on human rights, freedom of Azerbaijan, Edward Nalbandian, Sergey Lavrov and Raffi Bedrosyan, a lead organizer of the tance of acknowledging history, specifical- speech, minority rights – particularly Elmar Mammadyarov, met here on April 28. Surp Giragos Diyarbakir Church recon- ly in regards to the Armenian Genocide, Kurdish and Armenian issues, including The parties continued discussions on furthering struction project in Turkey. stating, “unpunished crimes lead to new the Hrant Dink murder case. the negotiations on the settlement of the Karabakh issue. They stressed the importance of implementing the agreements reached in Vienna and St. Petersburg in 2016. The Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan Turkish Strikes Target Kurdish Allies expressed their gratitude to Lavrov for his efforts towards the peaceful settlement of the Karabakh con- flict. Of US in Iraq and Syria The ministers agreed to maintain discussions regarding all issues considered at the meeting. plan attacks inside Turkey. “The designated After the trilateral meeting the Foreign Ministers targets were hit,” said the statement, which of Armenia, Russia and Azerbaijan were joined by By Michael R. Gordon and Kamil Kakol asserted that the bombing raids were the Organization for Security and Cooperation in “based on international law.” Europe (OSCE) Minsk Group Co-Chairs and the The division between Turkey and the Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairman-in- ERBIL, Iraq (New York Times) — Turkish attacks in the Sinjar area as a violation of United States was only highlighted when Office. warplanes bombed Kurdish fighters in Iraq the country’s sovereignty. and Syria on Tuesday, April 25, in an The Turkish strikes pointed to continu- the Kurdish news media posted pho- unusually intense operation that presented ing and deep tensions between the United tographs of a United States military officer, Hate Speech against MP a new complication for the United States’ States and Turkey over how to carry out in the company of YPG leaders, visiting the military campaign against the Islamic State. the campaign against the Islamic State. site in Syria that was bombed. Erdogan is Dogan Goes Unpunished The Turkish military’s targets included The United States and Turkey have been scheduled to meet with Trump in Washington next month. ISTANBUL () — Member of Parliament Selina the YPG, a Kurdish militia that has played sharply at odds over the YPG militia. A statement issued by Ridor Kahlil, a Dogan, who is Armenian, filed a lawsuit against a an important role in the American-backed American military officials regard the spokesman for the YPG, said 20 fighters person who used hate speech against her on social operations in Syria against the Islamic group as an essential partner in the opera- were killed in the Turkish airstrikes. The media. State, also known as ISIS or ISIL. tion to isolate and retake Raqqa, Syria, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Alican Ulusag from Cumhuriyet said Ibrahim Adding to the tensions in the region, Islamic State’s self-proclaimed capital, and monitoring group, said the targets included Kaplan of Manisa commented on a video on Dogan’s Kurdish officials said one Turkish airstrike they want to arm its fighters for that mis- a radio station east of Hasaka owned by the Facebook page. He wrote: “You are clearly servants had mistakenly struck Kurdish pesh merga sion. YPG of Armenians and Byzantines. Do you think that the troops on Mount Sinjar in Lt. Gen. Stephen J. Townsend, who com- The Turkish airstrikes on Mount Sinjar grandchildren of Sultan Fatih are dead, while the northwestern Iraq, killing at least five and mands the American-led task force that is began around 2 a.m. and lasted about an grandchildren of Byzantines are still alive? You har- wounding more, some critically. fighting the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, hour, Capt. Falah Abu Zeid, an officer with lot.” The pesh merga in Iraq’s autonomous told reporters during a February trip to the Iraqi Kurdish pesh merga, said in a tele- Dogan launched a libel suit. The judge noted that region carried out the opening attacks in Syria that Turkey had no reason to fear the phone interview. The bombing, he added, remarks of Kaplan are defamatory and insulting, but the offensive to retake Mosul from the YPG or the umbrella group it is a crucial struck four YPG and PKK headquarters in he ruled that there is no need to punish Kaplan. Islamic State, and they have been an part of, the Syrian Democratic Forces. the area. In a detailed ruling, a tweet that Dogan shared two American ally in operations against the mil- “The Turkish government is not really “If there were any fighters in those head- months after the incident is considered a “wrongful itants. crazy that we are operating with the Syrian quarters, it would have been impossible for act” and thus it is claimed that there is mutual American officials said Turkey had Democratic Forces, mostly because of their them to survive because of the force of the insult. informed the United States less than an Kurdish and YPG components,” Townsend shelling,” he said. Dogan, two months after the incident, tweeted hour in advance that it intended to carry said. But the Kurdish fighters “tell us they But one of the missiles, he added, struck about the suicide attack in Ankara on March 13, out the bombing raids in the crowded air- are not a threat to Turkey, and I believe communications towers near a pesh merga 2016. She wrote, “Unless we talk about the reasons space over northern Syria and Iraq. that,” he added. headquarters, killing and wounding pesh leading a woman born in 1992 to detonate herself for American officials said that they had asked The Turkish government, however, merga fighters. killing others, combating terrorism means nothing.” Turkey not to proceed without proper coor- insists that the YPG is closely linked to the The Kurdish autonomous government in The court considered this tweet as “wrongful act:” dination, but that the request was ignored. Kurdistan Workers’ Party, a separatist Iraq has long had an acrimonious relation- “Dogan doesn’t blame the PKK for the action of a Mark Toner, a State Department group known as the PKK That group is list- ship with the YPG and PKK, which, like woman suicide bomber from the PKK who killed spokesman, said the United States was ed by Turkey, the United States and Turkey, it regards as one and the same. The many innocent people; rather, she holds the state “deeply concerned” about the Turkish Europe as a terrorist organization. pesh merga offensive to retake Sinjar from responsible for this attack.” airstrikes, which were “not approved” by American officials had hoped that the Islamic State in 2015 was delayed by Speaking to Cumhuriyet, Dogan referred to the United States-led coalition that is fight- Turkey would soften its stance after tensions between the pesh merga and the Erdogan’s April 24 message and said: “Since impuni- ing the Islamic State. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan won a ref- PKK, who competed to take the lead in the ty is a pattern in hate speech cases, I was glad that a “It was a surprise,” Masrour Barzani, a erendum this month that greatly increased battle. And it was noteworthy that Barzani, lawsuit was launched. However, I am insulted and top Kurdish security official in the Iraqi his executive powers, a victory that the Kurdish security official, did not call on then convicted. A few days ago, the president said autonomous region, said of the Turkish brought a congratulatory phone call from Turkey to cease its airstrikes in Iraq but ‘We don’t tolerate marginalization of a single attack on Mount Sinjar. “This was the first President Trump. But any hope that instead pointed the finger of blame at the Armenian citizen.’ On the other hand, a judiciary time they have been bombing there. They Erdogan’s position might reflect posturing PKK that is dependent on the ruling party made a scan- had been mostly bombing border areas.” before the vote appeared to vanish with the “The PKK is the reason for all of these dalous ruling and affirmed hate speech. This judge “We asked for some clarification but airstrikes. problems,” he said. “They are the reason has made similar rulings before.” have not received any answers yet,” he said The Turkish military said in a statement in an interview. “I hope on the Turkish side that it had struck “terror nests” in north- the Turks are bombing. It is not a matter of it was a mistake.” east Syria and northwest Iraq that Kurdish whether we like it or not. The PKK is drag- Iraq’s Foreign Ministry denounced the separatists were using to send weapons and ging the Turks in.” S ATURDAY, M AY 6 , 2 0 1 7 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 5 INTERNATIONAL Putin Pushes Syria Peacekeeper Plan With Trump to Save Truce Turkey’s EU Dream

By Henry Meyer and Ilya Arkhipov Over for Now

SOCHI, Russia (Bloomberg) — President meeting with anti-Assad groups last week in BRUSSELS (Reuters) — Turkey under President Tayyip Erdogan has turned its back on Vladimir Putin is pushing a plan with US Ankara, said Yahya al-Aridi, a senior opposi- joining the European Union, at least for now, the bloc’s top official dealing with Ankara President Donald Trump to create security tion representative. said, offering economic cooperation instead if both sides can restore friendly ties. zones and deploy peacekeepers in Syria — Russia has identified four areas where vio- After years of stalemate on Turkey’s bid to join the world’s biggest trading bloc, EU gov- possibly including Russian forces — to lations are occurring regularly — the north- ernments say the process is dead, citing Erdogan’s crackdown on dissidents, his ‘Nazi’ jibes enforce a faltering cease-fire as he tries to western Idlib province, Homs province in the at Germany and a referendum giving him sweeping new powers that a rights group says find a resolution to the more than six-year west, the East Ghouta suburb of the capital lack checks and balances. conflict. Damascus and southern Syria, said Elena “Everybody’s clear that, currently at least, Turkey is moving away from a European per- The two leaders were scheduled to speak Suponina, a Middle East expert at the spective,” European Commissioner Johannes Hahn, who oversees EU membership bids, by phone later Tuesday, May 2, part of a Russian Institute of Strategic Studies, which told Reuters. diplomatic push by Putin on the Syria crisis advises the Kremlin. “The focus of our relationship has to be something else,” he said in an interview after this week. He was due to meet Turkish “This is a turning point but it’s a logical EU foreign ministers met in Malta and where France and Germany led efforts to consider President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on continuation of the cease-fire efforts,” she a new deal with Ankara based on trade and security ties. Wednesday in the Black Sea resort of Sochi, said of the peacekeeper plan, adding that it “We have to see what could be done in the future, to see if we can restart some kind of a day after holding talks with German might involve neutral forces such as the cooperation,” Hahn said on Saturday, saying that he had not had meetings on the econo- Chancellor Angela Merkel. The creation of United Nations. my with NATO-member Turkey since January last year, normally a fixture of accession the zones inside Syria is expected to come “It should be done with the US, ideally it talks. up during the call with Trump, Kremlin for- should be coordinated with the US-led coali- The EU process is not formally frozen, but EU law- eign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov told tion” fighting Islamic State in Syria, makers called last week for a formal halt to talks, reporters. Suponina said by phone. with some saying Turkey no longer met the democ- After years of “Without the participation of a country Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman ratic criteria to be considered a candidate, let alone such as the US, it’s impossible to resolve this Maria Zakharova declined to comment on a full member, for the EU. stalemate on problem effectively,” Putin said after talks details of the plan, saying only that it will be Erdogan told Reuters in an interview last week with Merkel in Sochi. “We will continue to be discussed at a meeting in Kazakhstan this that Turkey would not wait at Europe’s door forev- in contact with our American partners and week between Russia, Iran, Turkey and the er and would walk away from accession talks if what Turkey’s bid to join we hope to reach an understanding on joint warring sides in Syria. Ushakov, the foreign- he said was rising Islamophobia and hostility from steps in this important and sensitive field.” policy aide, said the issue of peacekeepers some member states persist. the world’s biggest Russia, which backs Syrian President wasn’t discussed in the talks with Merkel Launched in 2005 after decades of seeking the Bashar al-Assad, has seized the initiative in Tuesday. formal start of an EU membership bid, negotiations Syria since joint peace efforts with the for- The opposition is skeptical about the dovetailed with Erdogan’s first economic reforms in trading bloc, EU mer administration of col- Russian initiative because the Kremlin is try- power as prime minister from 2003. lapsed at the end of last year. But a truce bro- ing “to behave like a neutral party when they EU officials say Turkish reforms to enter the EU governments say kered by Russia, Turkey and Iran at the end are the party involved in fighting the brought stability and attracted foreign investment, of 2016 hasn’t taken hold. Trump’s surprise Syrians,” al-Aridi said by phone from making Turkey an important emerging economy decision last month to order missile strikes in Istanbul. Its main demand is for a no-fly zone with high-speed trains crossing the strategically- the process is dead retaliation for a chemical attack blamed on to stop bombing by Russian and Syrian jets, located country bridging Europe and Asia. Assad forces upended Moscow’s calculations he said. That economic success remains part of Erdogan’s popularity with the pious Turkish that the US would follow Moscow’s lead. “What kind of peacekeepers are they? It is poor, who saw living standards rise, although Hahn noted the worsening state of Turkey’s While Assad managed to turn the tide of a different form of occupation,” economy now. the war in his favor after Russia started an said Alexander Shumilin, head of Middle East The European Union is Turkey’s biggest foreign investor and biggest trading partner, air campaign in Syria in September 2015, Conflicts Center in Moscow. while Turkey shares a border with Iraq, Syria and with Russia in the Black Sea. continued fighting between his forces and The Kremlin initiative is fraught with risks Hahn said he would present a report by early next year to EU governments to clarify rebels backed by the US and its allies stands because tensions could rise even among the Turkey’s status. The lack of urgency shows the reluctance of EU states to upset Ankara, in the way of a political settlement. The con- three guarantors of the cease-fire, Shumilin given that they rely on Turkey to keep migrants from coming to Europe, diplomats said. flict has killed 400,000 people and sent mil- said. In November 2015, Turkey, a supporter But Hahn said that limits on with press freedoms, mass jailing and shrinking civil rights lions more fleeing. of the Syrian rebels, shot down a Russian made it almost impossible at the present time for Turkey to meet EU joining criteria. Putin’s Syria envoy, Alexander Lavrentiev, warplane on the border with Syria, triggering Hahn said EU rules “were not negotiable” and the bloc would not “decouple the human presented the plan to set up four buffer a freeze in ties that lasted for months. Iran, rights situation” from discussions. zones manned by troops from Russia, Iran Assad’s main backer, is less ready for com- “There is no version of Turkish democracy. There is only democracy. Turkish people and Turkey and possibly other forces at a promise than Russia. have the same rights to live in freedom as Europeans do,” said Hahn, whose delegation in Turkey has visited dissidents in prison. A slim majority of 51.4 percent of Turkish voters voted in April to grant the president sweeping new powers, the biggest overhaul of the country’s politics since the founding of Azeri, Turkish Troops Hold Joint Drills the modern republic, amid opposition accusations of vote fraud. Asked if the European Union was partly responsible for Turkey’s turn towards a more ANKARA (RFE/RL) — Turkish and A senior Karabakh official, Davit Babayan, centralized system, Hahn said the drive to change had come from inside the country. Azerbaijani troops began on Monday, April 1, said the authorities in Stepanakert will be “Nobody can claim to be blameless, but it is always the sovereign decision of a country holding joint military exercises in Azerbaijan closely monitoring the Turkish-Azerbaijani (to decide policy) … If you have a certain vision in mind, it is difficult to intervene in a highlighting close military ties between their exercises. “We consider it a regular exercise meaningful way,” Hahn said. states. and are pursuing our policy accordingly,” he “All these reform efforts are not done for the European Union but for the sake of The Turkish military’s General Staff said told Tert.am. “If there is any provocation, (Turkish) citizens,” Hahn said, referring to the process that helped transform former com- late last week that the five-day drills are there will be a response.” munist countries in central and eastern Europe into thriving market democracies as they aimed at boosting “friendship” between Babayan also accused Ankara of playing a sought to join the European Union. Turkey and Azerbaijan and improving the “destructive” role in the region. “Turkey has “This is not about serving the Europeans,” he said. interoperability and coordination of their always prodded Azerbaijan to take military armed forces. They will take place near Baku, action,” he claimed. it said in a statement. There was no word on the number of Turkish soldiers participating in the drills. Official Azerbaijani photographs of their Artists Representing Armenia at Venice Biennale Chosen arrival at an airbase near Baku on April 22 suggest that there are roughly a hundred of YEREVAN (Public Radio of Armenia) — Three nales and won prizes and titles. Titled “Border no Border,” Persolja’s exhibi- them. artists will represent Armenia at the Viva Arte Brussels-based Lebanese Armenian sculp- tion will showcase how, through the language The Azerbaijani Defense Ministry, for its Viva 57th Venice Biennale, to be held May 13- tor and artist Jean Boghossian will present an of art, some walls that divide nations can part, said the “tactical” war games will also November 26. exhibition titled “Fiamma Inestinguibile.” smoothly disappear. involve armored vehicles, artillery and anti- Young artist Rafael Megall will present the The name of the exhibition is inspired by the Judging from the experience of the past aircraft systems and military helicopters. It “Leopards in my blooming garden” exhibition. blowtorch flame, which Boghossian uses as a years, Armenia’s Deputy Minister of Culture did not specify how many Azerbaijani sol- Any of his 15 works will illustrate the human- flamboyant brush, leading to a passionate Arev Samuelyan believes that Armenia will not diers are participating in them. According to nature relationship. quest as flames transform to create inextin- return from the biennale without achievements. Azerbaijani news agencies, the ministry also “The garden is the Garden of Eden that sym- guishable art. Armenia won the “Golden lion” in 2015 for said drills stem from a Turkish-Azerbaijani bolizes Armenia. Leopards are the people that Boghossian is one of the few artists globally the pavilion called “Armenity.” agreement on military cooperation. live in that garden, live in harmony, but can be who experiment by applying fire and smoke to This year the works will be displayed in two Ankara and Baku signed a treaty on very dangerous if necessary, like the Armenian various works. Fire is his artistic language of different venues: Collegio Armeno Moorat- “strategic partnership and mutual assis- nation,” Megall said at a press conference this choice, and he uses a wide array of brushes and Raphael, at Palazzo Zenobio, and Chiesa di tance” in 2010. It is not clear whether the week. torches as his tools. Santa Croce degli Armeni, in Calle Dei Armeni. treaty commits the Turkish military to fight- Rafael Megall, 34, had a number of individual Armenia’s third representative, Miro Persolja, The Ministry of Culture of the Republic of ing on the Azerbaijani side in case Baku exhibitions at best art galleries of the world — is of Slovenian descent and lives in Italy. He pre- Armenia, represented by Svetlana Sahakyan, attempts to forcibly regain control over in Florence, London, Paris, New-York and sented a large exhibition at the Armenian will be the commissioner of the Armenian Nagorno-Karabakh. Toronto. He also participated in different bien- National Art Gallery in 2016. national pavilion. 6 S ATURDAY, M AY 6 , 2 0 1 7 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Community News Bucknell Presents Conference Karanian with On Armenian ‘Service to Humanity’ Award Archaeological LEWISBURG, Penn. — Matthew Karanian’s Digs at UCLA work on behalf of Armenia earned him the annual “Service to Humanity Award” from LOS ANGELES — A major conference dedi- Bucknell University this week. cated to the latest developments and discover- Karanian is a lawyer in Pasadena, Calif., ies of Armenian archaeology will take place on and is an alumnus of Bucknell, a liberal arts Saturday, May 13, in the main conference room university in Lewisburg, Penn. of the Charles E. Young Research Library at Bucknell grants the award each year to a UCLA. Titled “New Finds, New Insights: member of its alumni community “whose self- Advances in Armenian Archaeology over the less and caring work and deeds benefit soci- Last Decade,” the day-long event is the third ety and humankind,” according to the press Hampartzoum and Ovsanna Chitjian confer- office of the University. ence on Armenian Studies, organized by the By Karanian’s recollection, he was the only Cotsen Institute of Archaeology at UCLA. member of his graduating class who was of The conference will feature a distinguished Armenian descent. “I think I probably intro- roster of speakers including Boris Gasparyan, duced Armenia to a lot of people” at Artur Petrosyan, Dr. Arsen Bobokhyan, Dr. Bucknell, he said. “This award is recognition Miqayel Badalyan, and Dr. Mkrtich Zardayan. for what I’ve done in Armenia, but it’s also a The speakers will be introduced by Prof. Peter sign that I created greater awareness of Cowe, director of the Research Program for Armenian culture here at home, too.” Armenian Archaeology and Ethnography and Karanian has dedicated a significant part Narekatsi Chair of Armenian Studies at UCLA. of his career to promoting human rights and Remarks will be delivered by Prof. Willeke developing the rule of law in Armenia, which Wendrich, Director of the Cotsen Institute of is the ancestral home of his grandparents. He Archaeology, and Joan Silsbee, Chair of African served for several years as an associate dean Cultural Archaeology at UCLA. and professor of law at the American The conference will also include a signing cer- University of Armenia, and he launched the emony, during which a Memorandum of Armenian Law Review, Armenia’s first Understanding between UCLA and the Institute English language law review. of Archaeology and Ethnography (IAE) of the Shortly after Armenia had re-established National Academy of Sciences of Armenia will its independence in 1991, he served as an be formalized. advocate for the interests of the country’s FIU Professor Misak Sargsian, Artsakh Representative Robert Avetisyan, “The focus of this conference is of great newly formed non-governmental organiza- FLArmenians Broward County Chair Gevorg Shahbazyan, and FLArmenians Founder Taniel Koushakjian on the campus of FIU. importance for Armenology and the Armenian tions. He had previously worked as a defense community, as traditionally there has been a attorney in Hartford, Conn., with Halloran serious lack of exposure to archaeology and its impact on our understanding of Armenian his- Nagorno Karabakh Representative tory,” Prof. Cowe said and continued, “Most of our research to date has been textually-based. Visits Florida International Univ. But this needs to be balanced by the contribu- tion of material culture — that is to say, archae- MIAMI (Florida Armenians) — On his first official visit to South Florida, ological field work — in order to provide a more Permanent Representative of the Republic of Nagorno Karabakh/Artsakh to the rounded and comprehensive view of Armenian US Robert Avetisyan gave a lecture at Florida International University (FIU) earli- life. This need is all the more significant with er this month. Students and professors of the FIU International Relations and regard to Armenian prehistory, as archaeology Political Science Departments attended the event. Several FIU Armenian students is our main source of knowledge about that vast were also on hand. era.” “It was a pleasure to meet Mr. Avetisyan in South Florida and welcome him to Boris Gasparyan, a researcher at IAE, will pre- Florida International University (FIU) to discuss further development of Artsakh’s sent his findings about the “Initial occupation recognition and raising awareness of investment opportunities in Artsakh of the Armenian Plateau.” Commenting on the Republic,” stated FIU graduate student and FLArmenians Broward County subject, Gasparyan said, “The area encompass- Chair Gevorg Shahbazyan. “I believe that at FIU, and other universities across ing the modern Republic of Armenia lies with- North America, it is essential to educate the public about Artsakh’s democratic in the Armenian Plateau and is situated at the progress and self-determination,” Shahbazyan said. very core of a dynamic corridor between Africa During the lecture, Avetisyan briefed guests on the history of the Azerbaijani- and Eurasia. As such, Armenia is critical for Karabakh conflict, the current situation in the settlement process, as well as understanding the initial stages of human set- regional developments. tlement and the formation of ancient civiliza- At the end of the meeting, the Artsakh Representative answered numerous tions in the Near East and beyond.” questions of the lecturers and students related to the peaceful settlement of the Artur Petrosyan, another researcher at IAE, conflict, the international recognition of Artsakh, and the state-building process. will speak about “Armenia from the late Avetisyan visited the flags of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic and the Republic of Paleolithic to the first complex societies.” Armenia, which are prominently displayed at the FIU Graham Center on campus. Referring to recent archaeological discoveries Matthew Karanian in connection with the prehistoric epoch, Petrosyan said, “There has been a large gap in our knowledge of late Pleistocene and early and Sage, the state’s largest trial practice. Holocene archaeological sites. But recent exca- Karanian is the author of numerous books vations in Armenia have brought to light a num- about Armenia. His most recent publication ber of important discoveries. These sites repre- is Historic Armenia After 100 Years. sent the earliest record of a food-production Karanian’s contributions to the develop- economy in the territory of Armenia, and pre- ment of cultural relations between the US serve considerable architecture as well as and Armenia were recently recognized by the ceramic and metal artifacts.” Republic of Armenia. He received the With a presentation titled “Vishap (dragon) nation’s prestigious Arshile Gorky Medal dur- stones in the context of the Bronze and Iron ing a ceremony at the Armenian Consulate in Age archaeology of Armenia,” Dr. Arsen Los Angeles on Armenian Independence Day, Bobokhyan, senior researcher at IAE, will speak September 21, 2016. about some of Armenia’s most intriguing pre- Karanian graduated from Bucknell with a historic monuments. “Although vishapakars Bachelor of Arts degree in political science. were discovered more than a century ago, their He also holds degrees from Georgetown secrets are far from being deciphered,” University Law Center and from McGeorge Bobokhyan said. “Much like the khachkars Robert Avetisyan addresses students. School of Law. He will accept the award in (cross stones) of medieval times, vishapakars June at a ceremony on Bucknell’s campus. dot the prehistoric landscapes of the Armenian see UCLA, page 7 S ATURDAY, M AY 6 , 2 0 1 7 T H E A R M E N I A N M I R R O R - S P E C TAT O R 7 COMMUNITY NEWS Holy Trinity Armenian Church Commemorates Genocide Anniversary with Trio of Events

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — Over the April 21-23 everyone a chance to participate,” offered weekend, the Holy Trinity Armenian Church of Kouzouian. Greater Boston commemorated the 102nd Following church services, in the first of a Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide with series of events celebrating books and courage three parish-based events. and legends, Evans, author of Truth Held On Friday, April 21, 150 parishioners attend- Hostage, warmly addressed a crowd of 150 ed a sold-out private viewing of “The Promise,” parishioners and friends. In his introduction of at the Capitol Theatre in Arlington. “Within the Evans, Kouzouian stated, “His unique perspec- theater was a deafening silence that spoke vol- tive on the Armenian Genocide echoes the sen- umes about the significance this movie had for timents of Ambassador Henry Morgenthau our guests. When the movie had finished, it some 100 years ago. No one in this position has seemed as though no one wanted to move, tear- had the courage to say so clearly what ful eyes were being wiped, and our collective Ambassador Evans wrote in his recent book appreciation to the efforts of Kirk Kerkorian Truth Held Hostage. And we, as an Armenian were expressed with powerful emotion through- community, are forever grateful to him for dis- out the cinema,” stated Fr. Vasken A. playing this kind of rare courage.” Kouzouian. In his talk, Evans shared his thoughts on why Through the collective efforts of Parish the United States has not followed the lead of Council Chairman Daniel K. Dorian, Jr. and many other nations around the world in for- parishioner Karen Hovsepian, Holy Trinity was mally recognizing the Armenian Genocide. able to host a private showing of the movie. “The denial of the Armenian Genocide is the On Sunday, April 23, the parish celebrated the Feast of the Holy Martyrs of the Armenian Genocide with a special Prayer Service at the Martyrs’ monument on the Garabed Baghdasar and Haiganoosh Hagopian Hollisian Plaza. The Ambassador John Evans service dedicated to the Feast of the Holy

Rev. Vasken Kouzouian leads a prayer outside the church.

Martyrs of 1915 was offered in both Armenian worst case of alternative facts,” stated and English at the Martyrs monument which Ambassador Evans. John Evans, displaying lim- was surrounded by parishioners of all genera- itless knowledge in the particulars of the tions and backgrounds. “It was even more inspi- Armenian Genocide, very clearly outlined the rational to have with us the presence of former issue of “why” the genocide isn’t proclaimed by US Ambassador to the Republic of Armenia, the United States. John M. Evans, for this moving service, and to Evans took the time to answer every last The audience at “The Promise” show in in Arlington witness the children and adults of our parish question from the gathered guests and sign place their flowers around the monument gave copies of his book.

www.Efkere.com Conference on Armenian Documenting the history of Efkere, an Armenian village in central Turkey Archaeological Digs at UCLA

UCLA, from page 6 larly the role of Classical Armenia within the Plateau. To date, close to 150 examples of these framework of transcontinental trade and cul- monuments have been discovered.” tural exchange.” Dr. Zardayan’s conference Dr. Miqayel Badalyan, Director of the Karmir paper is titled “Classical Armenia on the Great Blur branch of the Erebuni Museum, will speak Silk Road: the archaeology of the economy and about “Recent investigations of Urartian sites cultural integration of the ancient world.” in the Republic of Armenia.” Commenting on The May 13 conference, which is open to the the topic, Dr. Badalyan said, “The latest results public, will start at 10:30 a.m. Attendees will be of our excavations provide new data for tack- provided with refreshments and lunch. Paid ling such important questions as the downfall parking will be available in Structure 4 (221 of the Urartian kingdom, the correlation and Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095) and sociopolitical and cultural connections between Structure 5 (302 Charles E. Young Drive North, the Urartians and the local people, as well as Los Angeles, CA 90095). the emergence of the post-Urartian period.” The UCLA Research Program for Armenian The Silk Road will be the focus of Dr. Mkrtich Archaeology and Ethnography was created Zardayan, chair of IAE’s Department of through the long-term partnership of Zaruhy Archaeology of Ancient Armenia. “In recent Sara Chitjian and the Cotsen Institute of years, there has emerged an array of fascinating Archaeology in 2013. The Chitjian conference archaeological evidence for the wide intercon- series was inaugurated in 2013 with the estab- nection of Armenian cities with their Eastern lishment of the Hampartzoum and Ovsanna and Western counterparts,” Dr. Zardayan said. Chitjian Collection and Archives and the “Such evidence sheds fresh light on the history Research Program for Armenian Archaeology of the formation and development of the and Ethnography at UCLA by Zaruhy Sara Eurasian communication network and particu- Chitjian, in memory of her parents. Dr. Jonathan Varjabedian [email protected] LIKE US ON FACEBOOK 8 S ATURDAY, M AY 6 , 2 0 1 7 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS Peabody Commemorates Armenian Genocide

Genocide should not be forgotten and encour- By Ani Babaian aged all to watch “The Promise.” She then introduced the event’s main speaker, Ann Goolkasian O’Donnell, educator and writer. PEABODY, Mass. — On Friday, April 20, a Goolkasian O’Donnell has given presenta- flag-raising ceremony was held in front of the tions about the Armenian Genocide to high Peabody City Hall, for the 102nd commemora- school students and adults for more than 10 tion of the Armenian Genocide, led by state years. She is a descendant of survivors of the Rep. Tom Walsh of the 12th Essex District. Hamidian Massacres which preceded the The Armenian Genocide ceremony has been Genocide. held in Peabody for the past 26 years. “We are gathered here today as a result of the Rev. Stepan Baljian of North Andover’s St. work Peabody’s beloved Mayor of 25 years, Gregory Armenian Apostolic Church and Rev. Peter Torigian, himself a descendant of Khachatur Kesablyan of Chelmsford’s St. Genocide survivors… and of Mrs. Torigian who Vartanantz Armenian Apostolic Church held a has taken up the torch, upon his passing, insur- service to pray for the souls of the martyrs as ing we continue this tradition,” she said. well as the late Mayor Peter Torigian, his sister Goolkasian O’Donnell always perceived a Mary Torigian and their family. mystery surrounding her father’s family. Her Torigian’s widow, Jackie, stated the Armenian grandfather, Kachadoor, was a 1902 refugee from Husenig. She describes her grandparents’ house filled with mysterious food, hallways filled with paintings and “the deep guttural sounds of spoken From left, Ann Goolkasian O’Donnell, Jackie Torigian and state Rep. Tom Walsh Armenian.” At age 6 when she asked why grandfather had no rela- conscious knowledge of history handed down Genocide to light, though the Turkish govern- tives, her Italian mother in whispers.” ments, still strives to keep it in the dark. We are explained about “massacres Interested to learn more about her grandpar- here today because of a promise we have made in the Old Country.” ents, she began with her grandmother’s story. to ourselves and our ancestors, to never forget.” Her grandmother was also “In Harvard’s Houghton Library I pored over In conclusion Ann mentioned the people who a survivor from an Aleppo the American Board of Commissioners for have inspired her, journalist and activist late orphanage, who came to the Foreign Missions, and I came across a crum- Tom Vartabedian, Dr. Ara Jeknavorian the head US, pledged to marry her bling carton containing hundreds of tissue-thin of the Armenian Genocide Education grandfather, whom she had data sheets. Each represented an orphan, and Committee of Merrimack Valley. never met, but established nearly everyone read: “Father killed. Mother State Rep. Tom Walsh presented the procla- their own family and was his raped.” That day, the horrors of the Genocide mation from Mayor Bettencourt which pro- “backbone for 45 years”. became indelibly real to me,” she said. claimed April 25 to be the day to commemorate In 1996, after Ann’s aunt She continued her research and understood the Armenian Genocide in Peabody. passed away, her father that “My biggest surprise, was finding that my Peabody’s former mayor, Michael J. Bonfanti, asked for help in emptying grandparents’ story were similar to the stories and Fr. Anthony Pantilyan from Saint Vasilios his sister’s house. She of thousands of Armenians, and, for that mat- Greek Orthodox Church of Peabody were also described her conversation ter, Rwandans, Jews, Greeks, Cambodians, and present. with her father during the other peoples… except … that Armenian stories After the ceremony, a reception was held in house cleanup, like many off- are largely covert.” the Wiggin Auditorium sponsored by the City spring of genocide survivors “My father was the first to marry and pro- Hall and the Mardiros Family. he was shielded by his elders duce a grandchild. I am that grown child, Mayor Edward A. Bettencourt, Jr. of Peabody Ann Goolkasian O’Donnell from information about the involved in a life-long commitment to seeking was not able to attend and sent his apologies horrific events “he had a sub- facts and bringing the history of Armenian and regards.

Journalist, Writer Peter Sourian Dies Telephone (617) 924-7400 SOURIAN, from page 1 and asked her to dinner again. Over dessert, he Over the years, Sourian’s intellect and curios- proposed marriage. They married eventually Aram Bedrosian ity would lead him to explore a range of literary and had two children, Mark and Delphine, who endeavors in fiction, philosophy, history and were also raised in New York. Funeral Home, Inc. pop culture-writing about everything from the The family spent their summers on 17th- entury French philosopher Blaise Pascal . As a boy, Sourian had worked in a Continuous Service By The Bedrosian Family Since 1945 to the 1970’s TV show “All in the Family.” In grocery store on the island and he bought sev- the 1960s he joined Bard College as an English eral acres of land there for $100 when he was MARION BEDROSIAN 558 MOUNT AUBURN STREET professo, and he remained a teacher and figure 14-years-old. PAUL BEDROSIAN of the department for 40 years, until his retire- A gregarious and generous man, in his later WATERTOWN, MA 02472 LARRY BEDROSIAN ment. He wrote constantly and published two years Sourian was deeply involved in The Clemente more novels, The Best and Worst of Times, Course, sponsored by Bard College, which provides noted for its “psychological reflections” of two free college courses to students who would other- college students, which was followed by The wise not be able to afford them. Gate, his most political work, an exploration of He loved to talk, lecture, and argue. One the Armenian Genocide. One critic called it a Christmas a relative gave him a t-shirt that read, “I “quiet frenzy” of “literary mastery.” yell because I care.” He was a deeply affectionate Later, he would write Supper Among man who also had a fierce love of the truth, no mat- GiragosianF UNERAL H OME Strangers, a collection of short stories, and a ter how uncomfortable or troublesome. James “Jack” Giragosian, CPC book of essays, At the French Embassy in Sofia. Sourian’s great political passion was raising Mark J. Giragosian He was the film and television critic of the awareness of the Armenian Genocide and of the Funeral Counselors Nation, during the 1970s, and wrote book . He wrote for decades about 576 Mt. Auburn Street, Watertown, MA 02472, TEL: 617-924—0606 reviews for the New York Times. His outlook the plight of Armenia and served on the editor- www.giragosianfuneralhome.com was conservative but never doctrinaire. In a ial board of Ararat magazine. In 2010, he was Nation piece about the 1976 Republican honored by the Writers’ Union of Armenia, National Convention, he witnessed “an Literary Bridges Program. Looking back, as a Invocation which actually mentioned Jesus man in his early 80s, he published a collection Christ, a US Secretary of State with a terrific of maxims in Philosophy and Literature: “There German accent, a president’s wife looking may be no new thought,” he wrote, “but there ENNIS M. EVENEY & ONS unwell, glum, black conservatives, and clever can be new information to which old thought D D S NBC cameras alternating shots of Rockefeller can adjust with originality.” having a grand foxy time with shots of a heavy In addition to his beloved wife, Eve, Sourian Cemetery Monuments unhappy Happy Rockefeller.” is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Mark Specializing in In the 1960s Sourian met Eve Pocquet, a pro- and Stephanie of Los Angeles; his daughter, fessor of French at City College, at a dinner Delphine of Los Angeles; his sister, Gay Sourian Armenian Designs and Lettering party in New York. He impressed her with his Cropper of Manhattan; and several generations 701 Moody St. Waltham, MA 02543 fluency in French, Spanish and German and of other relatives. they dated for several months before the rela- The funeral will be held at St. Vartan’s (781) 891-9876 www.NEMonuments.com tionship fizzled. Five years later, he called Eve Cathedral in Manhattan at 10 a.m. on May 6. S ATURDAY, M AY 6 , 2 0 1 7 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 9 COMMUNITY NEWS Akçam Chips Away at Denialism Generations of One Document at a Time Giving at HMADS By Jennifer Chelebi DOCUMENT, from page 1 Very Rev. Guerguerian Archives Facing history and acknowledging a wrong Many historians, Akçam explained, includ- Guerguerian himself was a Genocide sur- doing is not just moral issue but it is a major BAYSIDE, N.Y. — Devotion to family is ing eminent Genocide scholar Prof. Vahakn vivor. He lost six brothers and sisters, as well stumbling block in the region. The people of the cornerstone of Holy Martyrs Armenian Dadrian, had long known about the existence as his father, Akçam said. Eventually he the region has a deep distrust towards each Day School (HMADS). Parents devoted to of such orders and written extensively about ended up in Cairo and later Rome, where he other, because of history. Without addressing the Armenian culture and heritage often them. Genocide deniers, however, suggested was ordained as a Catholic priest. historic injustices we cannot establish trust travel long distances to bring their children they were fake as the originals were not Guerguerian went to in the and so the stability in the region” Akçam to HMADS. Benefactors are often the par- found. 1960s, where he was friend of the patriarch said. “If one party does not acknowledge the ents and grandparents of HMADS students “It is a very well-known telegram,” Akçam and was given permission to photograph and crimes that it committed in the past, the and graduates. As we celebrate HMADs’ said from his office at Clark in Worcester on copy everything. other parties consider this as a potential 50th anniversary, it is only fitting that the April 27. “We had known the existence of the Guerguerian, Akçam said, claimed to have threat. Because if you don’t acknowledge a booklet co-chairpersons be a mother and telegram. It had been repeated in various photographed everything in the Jerusalem wrong doing, this means you have the poten- son who have committed their time, energy sources, including in the indictment of 1919, Patriarchate archives, though he said that tial to repeat it. You will be considered by and money to the school. when it had been submitted by the prosecu- claim remains uncorroborated. other ethnic-religious groups as a potential The Friends of HMADS committee, and tor’s office as evidence.” One other reason the Guerguerian archive perpetrator,” he explained. this year’s booklet co-chairs Mary During the tribunals, the judge, Nemrut or is of such value is that the Jerusalem This picture is still dominant in the region. Haroutunian and Berj Haroutunian invite Kurd Mustafa, gave permission to the Patriarchate does not open its doors to his- The Alawites, Arabs, Kurds, Armenians, etc., everyone to join them for the Annual Gala Armenian Patriarchate of Constantinople to torians anymore. each group sees, perceives each other Dinner Dance, on Saturday, June 3, at have full access to the materials. The When asked what reason the patriarchate through the prism of history. North Hills Country Club in Manhasset. Patriarchate ended up sending everything to offered, Akçam said he did not know but sug- “Honest talking,” he said, “can lead to Mary Haroutunian is the daughter of Jerusalem, through a circuitous route from gested that the question be raised by all peace and stability. My job is to be honest. It Genocide survivors Gulvart and Kapriel Istanbul to Marseille, France, to Manchester interested in the history of the Genocide. is the only treasure I have.” Karamanian, and was born in Cairo, Egypt. England and finally Jerusalem. Akçam, whose English-language transla- At Kalustian Armenian National School, Modern Genocide deniers often skim over tion of Naim Bey’s book is coming out in her love for her Armenian heritage flour- the fact that Turkish courts-martial were held June, said that he is working on a second vol- ished. In 1969, she immigrated to the in 1919–20, at which the leadership of the Reckoning with the Past ume featuring court records from the 1919 United States with her husband Garo and Committee of Union and Progress and select- In another interview, Akçam had said in tribunal. sons Berj, Robert and Gabriel. Since her ed former officials were charged with subver- the Middle East, “the past is not the past.” Akçam is the Robert Aram and Marianne arrival in New York, she has pursued a suc- sion of the constitution, war-time profiteer- When asked to explain the quote, he said it is Kaloosdian and Stephen and Marian Mugar cessful career in the insurance industry, ing, and the massacres of both Armenians one of his central arguments for proving the Chair in Armenian Genocide Studies at Clark raised a family and given of herself to the and Greeks. The court reached a verdict Armenian Genocide. University. He has published extensively about Armenian community. She has been a ded- which sentenced the organizers of the mas- “We have an understanding here in the US the Armenian Genocide including A Shameful icated member of the Holy Martyrs sacres, Talat, Enver, Cemal and others, to related to the recognition of the Armenian Act: The Armenian Genocide and the Question Armenian Church, where she attends death. Genocide as if we have two contradictory of Turkish Responsibility in 2006 and The church services regularly. She has a gener- “Comparison is very easy for us,” Akçam positions,” he said. Facing history is juxta- Young Turks’ Crime Against Humanity: The ous spirit and is always ready to serve, vol- said. “We got confirmation from another posed against security interests for the US. Armenian Genocide and Ethnic Cleansing in unteer and donate her time and resources. source, the Kharpert Trial of 1919-1920.” “It is a totally wrong security concept. the Ottoman Empire, in 2012. As an active member of the church com- munity, Mary Haroutunian has served as the co-chair of the Women’s Guild and been a member of the Women’s Guild Central Council. She also served on the Armenian Memorial Church Annual Fair Set for May 20–21 Nominating Committee, the Festival Committee, Caring Hearts, New Directions WATERTOWN — The Armenian Memorial and a Silent Auction. The auction selection Weston, Susan Tomasian and Vicky Tomasian of Group and has been an active participant of Church of Watertown will hold its Annual includes numerous gift certificates, Patriots tick- Belmont and Scott Yerganian of Boston, Phyllis the Shnorhali Choir since its inception. Fair Friday, May 19 .and Saturday, May 20 (rain ets and unique items like a Bluetooth-connected Dohanian of Belmont and Carol Koundakjian She strongly believes in the importance or shine). On Friday, May 19, from 5 to 8 p.m., suitcase and a Roomba. The auction will close Trio of Hudson are chairing the Silent Auction. of education. The Holy Martyrs Armenian the church will be serving its traditional at 2 p.m. on Saturday and participants do not While the Fair is the largest fundraiser of the Day School has a very special place in her Armenian fare. have to be there to win. year, the church sets aside 10 percent of the pro- heart. She established a HMADS endow- The entire fair will be open on Saturday, May The women of the church who are known for ceeds to benefit a worthy charity. This year’s ment fund in memory of her son Gabriel 20 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. their fine cooking have been preparing the tra- funds will be donated to the Armenian Nursing and also an annual social studies award. As On Saturday food will be served starting at ditional Armenian sweet delicacies. Home and Rehabilitation Center in Jamaica former longtime principal Zarmine 11:30 a.m. and continue throughout the day. Steve Sabounjian of Wilmington is coordinat- Plain. This facility provides quality care to Boghosian fondly acknowledges, her Visitors may enjoy eating at tables under the ing this year’s committee which includes Armenian and non-Armenian seniors. boundless generosity extended to yearly tent or in the Church hall; they may also pur- Marilyn Coughlin of Needham, Grace Kent of The Armenian Memorial Church is located at HMADS graduations, where she donated to chase take-out orders if they prefer. Wilmington, Gregg Ohanian of Woburn, Arie 32 Bigelow Ave. the Armenian books library, making it pos- The fair features an Armenian delicacies table Orchanian of Lexington, Holly Ritchie of For more information, call the church office. sible for HMADS students to read Armenian books at lunchtime with the help of the sixth graders. Mary Harotunian passed down her gen- erous spirit to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchild. She is the grand- mother of two HMADS graduates, Christina and Diana. Her son, Berj, has taken over the family mantel as a beacon of strength for the Armenian community. A successful, business man and president and chairman of the Board of Vital Two Way Radio Inc., he is responsible for all aspects of the day-to-day operation of New York’s oldest and most respected Black Car company. He is the father of two sons, Greg and Michael, who along with daughter-in- law Melissa, and grandson Matthew, have brought so much joy into his life. Berj Haroutunian is a dedicated member of the school board and the Friends of HMADS committee; he opens his arms wide to invite this group of fundraisers to conduct the school’s annual telethon that raises many thousands of dollars to benefit the school. He considers his mother a role model and is proud of her and his brother Robert’s unending devotion and love to the Armenian community. For further information about this event, or to find out how to become a part of the Friends of HMADS, contact the school office. 10 S ATURDAY, M AY 6 , 2 0 1 7 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS Massachusetts State House Hosts Armenian Genocide Anniversary Commemoration

JIRAIR HOVSEPIAN PHOTO COMMEMORATION, from page 1 was with Flynn in Russia in 1990 with the Attorney General Healey spoke of the impor- Waltham American Legion Band. Young vocal- tance of calling crimes what they are and hold- ist Mary Galstian sang Armenian patriotic ing perpetrators accountable. She said, “It is songs and, perhaps a first for the State House why it is so shameful for anyone or any country Armenian commemorations, danced. to refuse to recognize the Armenian Genocide, Niairi Keverian, great-niece of George and it is why we must continue the work and go Keverian, declared that the former speaker lived forward today.” for helping others, and announced that the Healey spoke of the disheartening recent Keverian family has created the George vote in Turkey, and the ongoing humanitarian Keverian Public Service Scholarship in order to disaster in Syria, and called on Americans to preserve his memory and values, and inspire work for peace, justice and an end to oppres- young Armenians. sion. Among Massachusetts officials in the audi- She praised the contributions of Armenian ence were Debra Goldberg, treasurer of the Americans, and Massachusetts Armenians in Commonwealth of Massachusetts, state Rep. particular to the rule of law, including her part- Joseph W. McGonagle, Jr., and Governor’s ner, Associate Justice of the Massachusetts Councilor Marilyn Petitto Devaney from Watertown. JIRAIR HOVSEPIAN PHOTO Muradian recognized various other special guests, including 107-year-old Genocide sur- vivor Asdghig “Starrie” Alemian, and the sup- From left, Massachusetts House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo, State Rep. David Muradian and Attorney port of several consul generals. He thanked General Maura Healey Ararat Lodge No. 1 of the Knights of Vartan for funding buses to the State House event from Watertown, as they always have done, and state and tragedy visited upon the Armenian people. Armenian Genocide Centennial Commemora- Rep. Jonathan Hecht, in China on a family trip, Muradian read a proclamation by Gov. tion Committee. for his years of leadership of the event. He also Charles Baker and Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito decree- Flynn helped raise millions of dollars of aid recalled the memory of Tom Vartabedian, who ing April 24, 2017 as Armenian Genocide for Armenian earthquake victims at the end of passed away last November, a journalist and Remembrance Day in Massachusetts. the 1980s while mayor of Boston, and at that activist in the Armenian community.

JIRAIR HOVSEPIAN PHOTO JIRAIR HOVSEPIAN PHOTO

Genocide survivor Asdghig “Starrie” Alemian attends the ceremony.

Appeals Court Gabrielle Wolohojian, declaring, “I am continually heartened and inspired by your achievements, what you have passed on generation to generation.” She emphasized that “you are a people with much to be proud of.” Healey announced proudly that her office was directly supporting Armenia. Two prosecu- tors, members of her office, will soon travel there on a State Department funded trip to work and train local Armenian law enforcement officials and prosecutors on how to review and Guitarist and professor John Baboian Vocalist Mary Galstian handle cases. State Sen. Will Brownsberger spoke of the injustices he encountered as a criminal defense Lalig J. Musserian, chairman of the Armenian time traveled to Armenia. Flynn said that after After Rev. Antranig Baljian of St. Stephen’s attorney in the courts, and how as a legislator Genocide Commemoration Committee of learning about the history of the Armenian peo- Armenian Apostolic Church delivered a bene- he worked to remedy injustice and advance the Greater Boston, presented Joint Senate and ple, and the Genocide, “I was committed to do diction and closing prayers, a reception was cause of liberty. He also learned more about the House resolutions recognizing Ambassador to all that I could to shed light, to bring public held downstairs at the Great Hall of Flags. rich culture of his childhood Armenian peers the Vatican and former Boston Mayor Raymond attention to the injustice that took place in Baker briefly visited there and spoke with from Watertown, and declared that it is fitting Flynn, as well as Anthony Barsamian, James 1915 in Armenia.” As an American, he felt that guests. to commemorate annually the great injustice Kalustian and Dr. Ara Nazarian, co-chairs of the Americans had to be “advocates and spokes- people for justice, and against persecu- JIRAIR HOVSEPIAN PHOTO JIRAIR HOVSEPIAN PHOTO tion and discrimination.” He also noted that the Armenian people have played a major role in world history, and thanked them for “all that the Armenian community has done and continues to do in America and across the world.” The three co-chairs of the Genocide Centennial Committee gracefully received their award, and Barsamian called for continuing to work “for jus- tice and human rights for all.” In refer- ence to the recent genocide movie, he called on the audience to “keep the Promise.” State Rep. James Miceli, Armenian on his mother’s side, reminisced about his heritage, and introduced the musi- cal program. John Baboian, guitarist, composer and educator on the faculty of the Berklee College of Music in Boston since 1980, said prior to per- From left, Massachusetts State Rep. James Miceli, Amb. Ray Flynn, State Rep. David Muradian, forming two pieces that he played in Anthony Barsamian, Dr. Ara Nazarian, James Kalustian and Rev. Antranig Baljian, with Lalig Niari Keverian provides an update on the George Musserian at the podium the East Watertown Junior High Keverian Public Service Scholarship School band with Miceli years ago, and S ATURDAY, M AY 6 , 2 0 1 7 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 11

Walk-a-thon ANOUSH GULIAN PHOTO For Genocide Awareness

NEW YORK — The iconic Brooklyn Bridge served as a site of awareness for genocide as over 100 people participated in the first annual walk-a-thon for Genocide Awareness on Saturday, April 22, 2017, featuring Armenian Olympians Migran Harutyunyan and Albert Ghazaryan. Beginning the march at the foot of the Brooklyn Bridge on the Manhattan side by City Hall, participants carried American, Armenian and Artsakh flags, along with posters com- memorating the genocides of the 20th century. Informative brochures were passed out to other pedestrians on the bridge, who stopped to take

ANOUSH GULIAN PHOTO

Walk-a-thon group participants

photos and engage in conversation. in conversation with the walk-a-thon partici- The walk-a-thon was part of a full program of Following the walk, the group gathered in pants and expressed their thoughts on the com- activities to commemorate the Armenian Brooklyn Bridge Park, nestled between the memoration. Genocide, capped by the annual Times Square Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridges, as Taleen “The walk-a-thon was an original and effec- Armenian Genocide Commemoration spon- Babayan spoke on behalf of the Knights and tive event for genocide awareness, especially sored by the Knights and Daughters of Vartan Daughters of Vartan and Artur Martirosyan repre- during the month of April, a symbolic time for on Sunday, April 23. On the evening of April 22, sented the Armenian National Committee. Both Armenians,” said Mesak Sarkissian, a Queens- a youth event was held in Fort Lee, NJ. organizations planned the event, along with the based member of the Armenian Youth “It was stirring to walk the Brooklyn Bridge Armenian Youth Federation of New York. Federation. “I felt proud to hold the Armenian and see the glow of the colors of the Armenian “The Brooklyn Bridge walk to raise aware- flag while walking over the Brooklyn Bridge flag in the breeze,” said Naomi Shore, an edu- ness about genocide was a surprisingly intimate and speak to others about the Armenian cator from New York City. “I especially enjoyed experience,” said Sheri Jordan, a writer from Genocide and crimes against humanity that crossing paths with the other awareness groups Westchester. “I will never forget watching the continue to occur today around the world.” and the Armenian celebrities of peace.” expressions of passersby as they read our signs and smiled at us in solidarity.” ANOUSH GULIAN PHOTO After the short program, the group posed to take photos with Olympic Greco-Roman wrestler Harutunyan and MMA champion The group walking over the Brooklyn Bridge Ghazaryan and his coach Hayk Ghukasyan. The gracious guests, who hail from Armenia, shared

Taleen Babayan, speaking on behalf of the Knights and Daughters of Vartan

ANOUSH GULIAN PHOTO ANOUSH GULIAN PHOTO

Artur Martirosyan speaking on behalf of the Armenian National Committee of The group prepares to begin their walk over the America, Eastern Region Brooklyn Bridge.0 12 S ATURDAY, M AY 6 , 2 0 1 7 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Arts & Living

Armenian Museum Akçam to Discuss Selected to Participate in Newly Discovered Collections Assessment For Preservation Program Genocide Document WATERTOWN — The Armenian Museum of At ALMA Talk America (ALMA) announced this week that it is one of 75 institutions from across the coun- WATERTOWN — The Armenian Museum of try selected to participate in the inaugural America (ALMA) and the National Association year of the Collections Assessment for for Armenian Studies and Research (NAASR) Preservation (CAP) program. present “The Story Behind ‘The Smoking Gun’: Administered by the Foundation of the A Presentation of Never-Before-Seen American Institute for Conservation of Documents” by Dr. Taner Akçam on Thursday, Historic and Artistic Works (FAIC), CAP May 11 at 7 p.m., at the third-floor gallery of the assists museums in improving the care of their museum at 7 p.m. collections by assessing the museum’s collec- On April 23, the New York Times published tions, buildings and building systems as well an article about Akçam’s recent work. The arti- as its policies and procedures relating to col- cle focused on an Ottoman document Akçam lections care. states is “the smoking gun,” which demon- The assessment involves a site visit by a col- strates the Ottoman government’s awareness lections assessor and a building assessor, who of, and involvement in, the elimination of the spend two days touring the museum and inter- Armenian population. viewing staff and governing officials. The The document, acknowledged as authentic by assessors then prepare a comprehensive the post-World War I Ottoman government, report that outlines their recommendations helped convict its author, Behaeddin Shakir, for improved collections care tailored specifi- one of the founders of the Committee of Union cally to the participating institution. and Progress, as one of the masterminds of the The Armenian Museum of America expects Armenian Genocide. the program to be a first step in the next However, this key piece of evidence, along phase of its collections care work. with other damning documents used during “Preserving and protecting the objects in the post-war Constantinople trials of the perpe- our collection is central to our mission and we trators, vanished. Or so it seemed. In the course are thrilled to be a part of this program to of examining the archive of the late Fr. Krikor help us plan for our future,” Michele Kolligian, Nora Azadian with Osep Sarafian and Nadya Sarafian Guerguerian, Akçam discovered that the president, Board of Trustees of ALMA. Armenian Catholic priest had made photo- The CAP program is administered by FAIC graphic copies of Shakir’s telegram and other through a cooperative agreement with the crucial documents. Institute of Museum and Library Services This presentation will be the first time this (IMLS), a federal, grant-making agency that A Retrospective Exhibit and other documents have ever been discussed supports museums and libraries. in public. Akçam is the Robert Aram and Marianne Of the Art of Nora Kaloosdian and Stephen and Marian Mugar Festal Work of St. Gregory Chair in Armenian Genocide Studies at Clark University. Of Narek by Dr. Abraham Azadian in Detroit He is the author of The Spirit of the Laws: The Plunder of Wealth in the Armenian Terian Presented Genocide, with Ümit Kurt (Berghahn Books, MISSION HILLS, Calif. — The Ararat- SOUTHFIELD, Mich. — As part of the 102nd Anniversary of the Armenian 2015), The Young Turk’ Crime Against Eskijian-Museum and the National Genocide, the Fine Arts Committee of St. John Armenian Church hosted a retro- Humanity: The Armenian Genocide and Ethnic Association for Armenian Studies and spective exhibit of the artistic works of Nora Azadian. More than 100 people were Research (NAASR) present “The Festal Work in attendance during the gala opening reception at the church on Sunday, April 23. of St. Gregory of Narek” by Dr. Abraham Dr. Raffi Belian, Fine Arts Committee chairman, was the MC for the event. In his Terian on Sunday May 7 at 4 p.m., Ararat- introductory remarks, Belian described Azadian as an anchor in the Armenian art and Eskijian Museum/Sheen Chapel, 15105 cultural community and a noted example of our rich Armenian heritage, stating, “She Mission Hills Road. is truly an artist in every way, not The Festal Works of St. Gregory of Narek, only in the visual arts — creating oil Annotated Translation of the Odes, Litanies, paintings, charcoal drawings, and and Encomia is the title of Terian’s latest book. water color illustrations — but also in In addition to introducing his book to the poetry, theater, design and music.” public, the author will also lecture on the mys- According to Belian, “Chopin him- tic theology of the saint. self would have smiled at the oppor- “Composed as liturgical works for the main tunity to listen to Mrs. Azadian per- feasts of the liturgical year, these poetic writ- form one of his waltzes on the piano ings are literary masterpieces in both lyrical — as she plays the waltz as he intend- verse and narrative. Unlike St. Gregory’s bet- ed it to be played.” ter-known penitential prayers, these show a Born in Egypt, Nora Azadian jubilant author in a celebratory mood. In this became the prize student of the volume, Terian, a scholar of medieval renowned painter Ashod Zorian, and later was graduated from the ABC Armenian literature, provides the non-special- Prof. Taner Akçam ist reader with an illuminating translation of School in Paris. In describing her St. Gregory of Narek’s festal works. work, Zorian stated: “In this age Introducing each composition with an when many artists tend to content Cleansing in the Ottoman Empire (Princeton explanatory note, Terian places the works themselves with a demonstration of University Press, 2012), Judgment at Istanbul: under consideration in their author’s thought- technique, Nora gives of herself in The Armenian Genocide Trials with Vahakn world and in their tenth-century landscape.” her paintings with warmth and poet- Dadrian (Berghahn Books, 2011), A Shameful Hagop Alexanian with a sketch of Vahan ic sincerity without however com- Act: Armenian Genocide and the Question of Liturgical Press, Collegeville, MN, 2016. Tekeyan by Nora Azadian Terian is professor emeritus of Armenian the- promising the excellence of her tech- Turkish Responsibility (Metropolitan Books, ology and patristics at St. Nersess Armenian nique. The most salient trait in 2006), and From Empire to Republic: Turkish Seminary, Armonk, NY. He is a recipient of the Nora’s art is a poetic expression Nationalism and the Armenian Genocide (Zed Fulbright Distinguished Chair in the which radiates from her oils as well as from her water colors.” Books, 2004). Humanities award, Diasporan Fellow of the She has influenced a generation of painters. In 1961, during her tenure as an art He has also authored other works in German National Academy of Sciences of the Republic teacher in Cairo, her students won the first six prizes in a competition jointly spon- and Turkish, including most recently Naim of Armenia and Fellow of the Ambrosian sored by UNESCO and the Polish radio. Another of her prize students is the artist Efendi’nin Hatıratı ve Talat Pasa Telgrafları: Academy of Milan, he has extensive publica- Shant Avedissian whose works have permanent homes in the British Museum and Krikor Gergeryan Arsivi [Naim Efendi’s Memoir tions in the fields of Hellenistic, Early the Smithsonian. His works have been auctioned off for several hundreds of thou- and the Talat Pasha Telegrams: The Krikor Christian, and Classical Armenian literature. sands of dollars. Guerguerian Archive] (Iletisim, 2016), forth- There will be a musical program on St. Belian read excerpts from a write-up of 30 years ago by his father and art histo- coming in English translation. Gregory of Narek, performed by Garine rian Dr. Garabed Belian, on the occasion of an exhibit titled “My Armenia.” For more information about the presenta- Avakian, accompanied by Vatche Mankerian. see RETROSPECTIVE, page 13 tion, visit www.armenianmuseum.org/calendar, For more information about the event, con- or contact [email protected]. tact the Ararat-Eskijian Museum. The museum is located at 65 Main St. S ATURDAY, M AY 6 , 2 0 1 7 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 13 ARTS & LIVING Two Principals Set to Retire A Retrospective Exhibit of the At San Francisco Ballet Art of Nora Azadian in Detroit SAN FRANCISCO (Pointe) — Longtime San Dancer in 2014. RETROSPECTIVE, from page 12 anguish, hope, alienation, suffering, pas- Francisco Ballet (SFB) principals (and husband During her 20-year career with SFB, “Visually rich, emotionally gratifying, the sion, and historical sentiments. Her urban and wife) Davit Karapetyan and Vanessa Zahorian was known for interpretations of all art of Nora Azadian stems from European landscapes show her ability to perceive Zahorian have announced their retirement at the major classics, as well as her roles in major and Armenian sources. The talent of Nora monumentality in the remnants of the the end of the 2017 season. They’ll make a works by current choreographers like Ipekian Azadian stems from her childhood churches and monasteries. These historic cross-country move to become the joint artistic Christopher Wheeldon and Mark Morris. experiences. She was brought up in a circle edifices unveiled the tragic past of her peo- directors of the Pennsylvania Ballet Academy. Karapetyan was born in Yerevan. He was of intellectuals and artists — an environ- ple. ment conducive to artistic pursuits,” Belian Nora Azadian’s paintings hang at the read. National Gallery of Modern Art in Cairo. The poet Vahan Tekeyan was a frequent She has had one-woman shows in visitor to her family home. A striking por- Alexandria and Cairo, Egypt; and in the US

Caption: Davit Karapetyan and Vanessa Zahorian

In addition to new directors, the academy will trained at the Armenian School of Ballet and Diana Alexanian with Honorary Chairman Nora Azadian have a new facility, beginning this summer. later the Schweizerische Ballettberufsschule in Zahorian was born in Allentown, Penn. and Switzerland. He joined the company as a prin- received her training at the Central cipal dancer in 2005 and was appointed John trait of the poet is one of her memorable in Boston, New York, Detroit and Warwick, Pennsylvania Youth Ballet and the Kirov and Barbara Osterweis Principal Dancer in pieces on exhibit. RI. Her work has also been exhibited in Academy of Ballet. She joined the SFB in 1999 2013. “Mrs. Azadian’s visit to the motherland in group shows in Beirut, Lebanon; Lexington and was promoted to principal dancer in 2002. There will be a farewell performance for both 1979 was a revelation. She penetrated the and Cambridge, Mass.; and Washington, She was appointed Diane B. Wilsey Principal dancers at the end of the season. reality of dream and spirit to become a DC. great visionary artist. Her use of color Diana Alexanian, chairman of the became bolder; she rejected bright colors in Tekeyan Cultural Association presented favor of somber tones imparting a somber Azadian with a bouquet of flowers on mood. Her brushwork became turbulent, behalf of the organization. She thanked more vigorous,” Dr. Belian read. everyone for being present at this retro- Her work was on exhibit in Yerevan that spective celebration, with special thanks to year. those who helped to organize the exhibit, Saturday, June 3, 2017 From naturalistic landscapes, she turned Dr. Raffi Belian, Zabel Belian, Lucy Ardash, at 8:00 PM inwards to mystical subjects. Her imagina- Margarita Laurenites and Ariana Dakhlian. Symphony Hall, Boston tion transformed Armenian history and cul- She also stated that her greatest enthusi- ture, its churches and architectural remains asm comes from her husband, Edmond into a wholly personal, original poetry. She Azadian, the well-known intellectual and sought to create visual equivalents to a public figure. wide range of experiences including -Alice Nigoghosian

Friends of Armenian Culture Society presents

Annual Armenian

Featuring Night at the Pops the Boston debut of soprano HASMIK TOROSYAN Dr. Raffi Belian, Emcee and Tekeyan Chair, Esther Kulhanjian and Mihran Hoplamazian with conductor BOSTON POPS ORCHESTRA - KEITH LOCKHART, plus....the spectacular CIRQUE DE LA SYMPHONIE

For tickets and more information, please visit facsboston.org th Donation The Naomi K. Kuzoian Trust DTD donated $25 to the . Armenian Mirror-Spectator 66 14 S ATURDAY, M AY 6 , 2 0 1 7 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARTS & LIVING Azadian Gives Talk on Tekeyan Plans at Beshgetourian Center

ALTADENA, Calif. — The Los Angeles and center in Armenia immediately after indepen- Glendale-Pasadena chapters of the Tekeyan dence. It has worked to preserve our language Cultural Association (TCA) of the United States and literature both in the diaspora and and Canada organized a talk and reception for Armenia. It established five literary and cultur- Edmond Y. Azadian, the president of the asso- al awards in Armenia, the ceremonies of which ciation, on April 28 at the TCA Beshgetourian are awaited annually with great enthusiasm. Center in Altadena. TCA also, Azadian stated, continues to pub- Azadian, together with TCA Vice Treasurer lish works of Armenian literature and art, thus Kevork Marashlian and Executive Director encouraging intellectuals and artists working in Aram Arkun, was in Los Angeles to conduct a these fields. Over twenty volumes have been series of meetings with leaders of Armenian published on the West Coast, and an equal educational establishments concerning the pos- number on the East Coast, while publications sibility of programs which will continue the are carried out in Armenia too. legacy of the TCA Arshag Dickranian School One of the main concerns Azadian said he and its supporters. These meetings were held in faced as president was the issue of the change conjunction with the special Feasibility of generations. It had not been possible in the Committee. The TCA Central Board designated past to get younger people sufficiently involved, this committee to investigate areas in greater but Azadian is dedicating his efforts to rectify- Los Angeles which have need of Armenian lan- ing this situation as much as possible. guage and cultural programs and recommend He mentioned that another difficulty is that appropriate measures to fulfill this need. Armenians who often are extremely successful Azadian while in Los Angeles also headed a in their personal or individual lives are lost in delegation which visited the Los Angeles con- collective endeavors and unable to achieve the sulate of the Republic of Armenia and met with Edmond Y. Azadian speaks with Kevork Keushkerian seated to his right. same type of success collectively. Deputy Consul General Valery Mkrtumyan and At the end of the talk, a number of questions Counsellor Razmik Stepanyan. were asked. Berj Der Sahagian wondered why Kevork Keushkerian welcomed the guests on He went on to state that during the compar- Sponsor A Teacher program, which for 17 years there was no street named after Vahan Tekeyan behalf of the two host Tekeyan chapters and atively short life of the organization, founded in has financially supported the teachers and staff in Yerevan, while, for example, the writer Vahe invited Rev. Dr. Zaven Arzoumanian to bless the 1947, much was accomplished in lands stretch- of five schools, located in Yerevan, Karpi, Vahian had a street bearing his moniker. table. He later introduced the visiting Tekeyan ing from the Middle East to the United States Gyumri, Stepanavan and Artsakh. Azadian replied that recently Taniel Varuzhan guests and then invited Azadian to the podium and Canada, and including Armenia and Azadian declared that Tekeyan was the first had earned this honor too, and hoped that to present the current and future plans of the Artsakh. Among TCA’s success stories is the overseas organization to establish a cultural Tekeyan’s turn would come soon. organization. Azadian began by noting how unusual it was for a cultural organization to bear the name of an individual, but immediately added that Vahan Tekeyan, the prince of poets, was no ordinary mortal. An unusual visionary and writ- er fully immersed in the past of our people while looking toward its future, Tekeyan fills the hearts of all Armenians with pride, Azadian explained, and in a sense can be considered an abstraction of ideals more than an individual.

Haig Hovsepian Selected To be on NPR’s ‘From the Top’ in Atlanta

BELMONT, Mass. — Haig Hovsepian, a 2017 graduating senior from Belmont High School, will be performing on NPR’s “From the Top” Show in Atlanta on May 21. He will be accom- panied by Christopher O’Riley. Hovsepian is a violinist who attends New England Conservatory Preparatory School and will be attending Cleveland Institute of Music in the fall. Recently he became the winner of the Highland Glee Club Music Scholarship Competition and on Sunday, April 24, per- formed at the Newton City Hall Auditorium as the competition winner. Hovsepian was also announced recently by Boston Symphony Orchestra as the winner of the 2017 Concerto Competition. He will be perform- ing with the orchestra in the 2017-18 season. In Armenia and Karabagh Hovsepian can be seen on “From the Top” videos “Best Day of My Life”, “See You Again” and “FourFiveSeconds” at this link: https://www.fromthetop.org/musician/haig- hovsepian/ Sponsor A SinceTeacher its inception in 2001, TCA’s Sponsor a Teacher program has raised over $607,000 and reached out to 6,027 teachers and school workers in 17th AnniversaryArmenia & Karabagh. U U U U 

$200 $400 $600 $ Other ______

Haig Hovsepian S ATURDAY, M AY 6 , 2 0 1 7 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 15 ARTS & LIVING Drew Petersen Named Winner of American Pianists Award

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Drew Petersen has been named winner of the 2017 American Pianists Awards. The competition is held every two years to discover the best aspiring young American jazz or classical pianists, and the 23- year old with Armenian heritage has suddenly become the next emerging American artist. The mission of the American Pianists Association is to discover, promote and advance the careers of young, American world-class jazz and classical pianists. The prize value for win- ning the American Pianists Awards exceeds $100,000 and includes $50,000 cash and two years of career assistance through the Christel DeHaan Fellowship. Additionally, Drew will serve as Artist-in-Residence at University of Indianapolis and have a professional recording. “I’ll have the great privilege to do my debut album on the Steinway and Sons record label.

Drew Petersen with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra under Gerard Schwarz

solo recitals, chamber concerts, the premiere of Piano Competition, Petersen has performed young, American, world-class jazz and classical a commissioned work, and concerti with the solo and concerto recitals in both Europe and pianists. We celebrate the beauty of music through Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, testing the the United States. America’s premier jazz and classical acumen of each pianist in a variety of perfor- He has been a top prizewinner in the Hilton In 2016 he was named the winner of the mance settings. Head International Piano Competition, Sanders-Juilliard-Tel Aviv Museum prize, which “For the Gala Finals, we presented five Kosciuszko Foundation Chopin Competition, included an engagement at the Tel Aviv American virtuoso pianists playing major works and the New York Fryderyk Chopin Piano Museum of Art in Israel. As the First Prize win- of the repertoire with a superior orchestra con- Competition. ner of the Friday Woodmere Young Artists ducted by an exciting, seasoned conductor, in a He has participated in master classes with Competition, he was featured multiple times on fine hall full of enthusiastic supporters, to a Lang Lang, Emanuel Ax, Claude Frank, the McGraw-Hill “Young Artists Showcase,” worldwide audience, said American Pianists Menahem Pressler, Stephen Kovacevich, Ferenc hosted by Robert Sherman and aired on New Association President/CEO and Artistic Rados, and André Michel Schub. York’s WQXR. Director Dr. Joel Harrison, “For me, that is as The mission of the American Pianists Association He graduated cum laude from Harvard with The 2017 American Pianists Awards winner good as it gets, and if the playing gets any more is to discover, promote and advance the careers of bachelor of liberal arts in social science. Drew Petersen thrilling, my heart will simply not take it! Henry Kramer, Steven Lin, Sam Hong, Alex Beyer, and obviously our winner Drew Petersen, are mag- The recording sessions are scheduled for nificent artists, get my admiration and respect, October in New York City, and hopefully it will and deserve the highest accolades I can offer.” be released soon after,” said Petersen. Recipe Petersen’s family was at the finals in As one of five finalists chosen via blind audi- Indianapolis and joined the celebration upon tions, the Oradell, NJ native performed a solo the announcement of Drew’s win. Drew appre- and concerto performance in Indianapolis in ciates elements of Armenian culture gleaned Corner through his mom, who in addition to supporting his inter- by Christine Vartanian Datian est in music, intro- duced him to mezze, now his favorite food. Summer Zucchini, Eggplant and Basil Bake Petersen will be booked for perfor- INGREDIENTS mances across the 2 large zucchini, sliced (any variety of summer squash may be substituted) world over the next 2 medium eggplant, sliced (peeled or unpeeled) two years. After 1 each medium green and red bell pepper, seeded and sliced receiving his master 1 large onion, thinly sliced of music degree from 3-4 cloves garlic, minced Juilliard next month 1 cup fresh mushroom, sliced and performing two Fresh sweet, lemon or purple basil, chopped (about 1 cup, divided) concerts in New 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped Jersey, he will travel 2 cups low-sodium tomato sauce to Chicago, the 1 cup crushed tomatoes (and juice) Czech Republic and 1/4 cup olive oil Spain to perform. 1/3 cup chopped walnuts Erik, Joe, Drew and Sue Petersen “My life was never Sea or Kosher salt and coarse black pepper without music,” said Aleppo pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, and lemon zest (from one lemon) Shredded Jack, Mozzarella, Pecorino Romano, Parmesan, or Feta cheese addition to a high school residency. Petersen. “I could not imagine my life being any other way.” Fresh bread crumbs The culmination of the competition was April Fresh lemon wedges 3-8, when all five finalists together for a week of A prizewinner in the Leeds International PREPARATION: 1. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Pour or spread half the tomato sauce on the bot- tom of a 13" X 9" glass baking dish. 2. Layer and alternate the zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, onions, garlic, mush- rooms, and parsley to fit the baking dish, and top with half the chopped basil. 3. Season this layer with spices and lemon zest, add olive oil, walnuts, crushed toma- toes, and the remaining tomato sauce, and top with choice of cheese and bread crumbs. 4. Bake for 35-45 minutes or until vegetables are tender and cheese has melted. Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes. 5. Cut into squares, drizzle with olive oil, if desired, and garnish with chopped basil. Serve with red pepper flakes and lemon wedges on the side. Serves 6-8. *Christine's recipes have been published in the Fresno Bee Newspaper, Sunset and Cooking Light Magazines and at thearmeniankitchen.com Go to: http://www.myrecipes.com/search/site/Datian or http://www.thearmeni- ankitchen.com/ 16 S ATURDAY, M AY 6 , 2 0 1 7 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARTS & LIVING Armenia: An Ancient Land Rediscovered

By John Sarkis Hamalian

The plane banked sharply to the left, and through meandering, ethereal clouds it sudden- ly appeared, a sight I thought my eyes would never behold. Sitting majestically, like a gran- ite gift from the heavens above, its distinctive conical nape towered in infinite strength. This is Mount Ararat, the sacred symbol of the ancient nation of Armenia and legendary rest- ing site of Noah’s Ark. Rapture overwhelmed me, as my hands scrambled to write what I felt, to make sense of this moment. This beautiful juncture of time and space. This glorious return to my ethnic homeland.

Lion City Inspires As the first of our family to visit Armenia in gen- erations, I am overcome with emotion. In the bag- gage of my soul, I felt that I carried the weight of all my ancestors. I am proud of this persevering nation, the oldest Christian state in the world and once among the largest empires the earth has ever known, stretching from the sparkling shores of the Caspian all the way to the glittering waters of the Mediterranean. With a rich history spanning at least around 3000 years, Armenia has been subject to a dizzying slew of invasions over the millennia, including the Romans, Byzantines, Persians, Mongols, Russians and Ottomans. But still it some- how impossibly endures. Now a fraction of its for- mer extent, this Caucasus nation’s diminutive size belies its incredibly voluminous beauty, history, cul- ture and determination. Was it irony, or perhaps fate, that this Armenian-American had to go halfway around the world to discover his ethnic roots? In my home of Singapore the legacy of Armenia per- Amberd meates many corners of society here. The famous Raffles Hotel was built by the ever- industrious Sarkies Brothers (whose family Fortress in the Clouds was Marietta’s home. one of the many that magnificently embellish name shares my middle name); the Straits “Barev!” (Hello!), a hearty, stout man called out “Would you like to eat?” Marietta cheerfully this remarkable country. We spoke with a local Times media you are reading right now was co- amid soaked hours of a new morn. inquired. “I’m good cook!” After making sure I was priest, Father Hovhannes. I told him how much founded by Catchick Moses-Movessian; “Tigran” he proudly belted out, finger pointing to comfortable, she hurried out and soon returned visiting Armenia for the first time had moved the Vanda Miss Joaquim, Singapore’s colourful, his broad chest, as we entered a modest minivan. clutching a tray with an entire array of delectable me. The father’s face lit up as he angelically year-round blooming national flower, was bred My friend told me that Tigran refers to an Armenian delights. As I gaze at this gastronomic spectacle, said “Whenever anyone comes to Armenia, they by Ashkhen Hovakimian (Agnes Joaquim); and King. I jokingly ask him of which kingdom is his Marietta exclaimed “I made all myself!” Homemade always say they feel something special in their the stately yet unassuming Armenian Church is domain. “I am King of this vehicle!” he quipped soup, homemade halvah (a crumbly tahini-based heart, like magic”. Not just the physical beau- Singapore’s very oldest. It was in Singapore with a wink, dodging cars as we left the bustling confection with almonds), homemade baklava and ty, but something in the air…something about that I developed a stronger bond with my roads of Yerevan. I could quickly see that our driv- homemade apricot jam, all with fresh flat bread this place, the resoluteness of these people. Armenian kinship. It was here that I was beck- er was full of vigour and a hint of mischief, traits not from the neighborhood. What a treat! With his warm smile and sparkling eyes, Father oned to seek the land where my forefathers uncommon to Armenians, well known for their After a peaceful sleep in this quiet corner of a Hovhannes perfectly imbued this special char- once dwelled. strong spirit and vivacity. acter. Crushed, con- We head through the green hills and alpine quered and nearly extin- City of Stone meadows of the spectacular Mount Aragats guished, no one could I landed in Yerevan, among the world’s oldest region, passing Yazidi tent camps and vast goat ever vanquish the spirit continuously inhabited cities and amazingly herds along the way, searching for an old cas- of Armenians. I am just one of 13 capitals that have graced this ven- tle. Here the earth glistens in pristineness and proud of this land, this erable land. Grandiose buildings made of fine the air tingles with serenity. Dramatically, from tiny parcel of earth, this pink stone, often carved with ornate decora- just beyond a steep-sloped valley, it appears. giant of civilisation. tions, infuse the city’s old town. At its very epi- This is the imposing Amberd Fortress, part of a (This article was origi- centre are the grand, sweeping spaces of huge 7th century castle complex. Still regally nally published in Republic Square, the perpetually bustling heart- perched 2,300 meters above sea level, Amberd the Singapore Straits beat of life in Yerevan. Even on weekdays one means ‘fortress in the clouds’ in Armenian. I Times newspaper. John can find people ambling around well into the made my way up these remnants of a bygone Sarkis Hamalian is a night. Couples stroll and children frolic near era, passing potent parapets and firm fortifica- management consultant the exquisite National Museum that dominates tions along the way. The wind was ripping with an MBA and has the square. Boys gather around drinking foun- through the hot summer air – strong enough to traveled to over 54 coun- tains, admiring pretty girls sauntering by in practically push me over the time-worn stones tries, publishing several lovely summer dresses, while old men sit on of this once impenetrable bastion of power. I articles about his travel benches, playing the national game of chess climbed to the very top, all alone, stood up tall experiences. He worked (Russian-born Grandmaster Gary Kasparov is and mighty just like the lords of days forgone, at GM and Dell for more half Armenian). and gazed out past ramparts and across watch- than 20 years, with Alfresco dining is all around, with open ter- towers, crumbling yet still formidable. Sorry assignments in races along cobblestoned streets, cordoned Tigran - on that day, I was King. Shanghai, Germany, off with quaint little flower boxes cradled in Korea and India. elegant frames of wrought iron lattices. We Heartwarming Homestay Presently he is living in ducked into one of the many fine establish- After a car cut us off, Tigran sarcastically yells out Singapore where he is a ments for a traditional Armenian lunch: Crisp “Lav Vochkhar!!” (good sheep). We were heading freelance consultant for salad with fresh basil and amazingly ripe to the picturesque town of , tucked away in a various companies and tomatoes, eggplant with pine nut spread and quiet valley surrounded by rolling hills and misty governments. He is also string cheese fabulously flavoured with aro- mountains. We were searching for our dwelling for an adjunct professor for matic spices. Oh, and don’t forget the meat!! the night, a local homestay. It took us an hour to various colleges in Nearly of existential importance, Armenian find the road, which did not seem to have a street Praying inside Geghard, carved out of the mountain Singapore. John was barbeques, known as khorovats, are a lively sign. The number matched an old, nondescript baptized at St. Leon, cornerstone of the eating culture Soviet-era tenement building. Is this the right g r a d u a t e d here. Finally, no trip to Yerevan would be place? A door suddenly creaks open, as a figure tranquil town, I bade farewell to Marietta with a typ- from Sunday School, attended St. Nersess complete without a visit to the palpable slowly emerges. “Welcome to Goris!” a smiling lady ically warm Armenian hug and kisses on both Summer Studies and Camp Nubar. He is con- solemnity of the Armenian Genocide exclaims, greeting us affectionately. “Come in, cheeks. She reminded me a lot of my mom: always nected to his Armenian roots in Singapore Memorial. As I passed the commemoration Come in!” As I cross the threshold the abode caring, always loving — an Armenian Mother. where there is a small Armenian community for Kayseri, the town where most of my grand- and the oldest Armenian Church in Southeast instantly transformed from starkness to warmth, Persevering Spirit parents hailed from, I paused, silently honor- wonderfully adorned with pastel walls, colourful Asia. He is the son of John and Janet Hamalian ing the sacrifices of my ancestors. paintings and a beautiful Armenian carpet. This Our last stop was to a 9th century monastery, of River Edge, NJ.) S ATURDAY, M AY 6 , 2 0 1 7 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 17 ARTS & LIVING CC AA LENDARLENDAR

MASSACHUSETTSCALIFORNIA NEW YORK MAY 27 — Broadway in LA … Armenian International MAY 6-7 — Hamazkayin New York 50th Anniversary Women’s Association-L.A. Affiliate present an Evening Events. Panel discussion on Saturday, at 7 p.m. St. with Andrea Martin hosted by Seth Rudetsky, at El Portal Illuminator’s Armenian Apostolic Cathedral, 221 E. Theater, North Hollywood; one-night comedy show hon- 27th Street, between 2-3rd Avenues, titled “Responsibility, oring AIWA’s 25 plus years. 7:00 pm. Reception and Commitment, Action.” Opening remarks by: Bishop Armenian tapas; 8:30 p.m. Performance, followed by Anoushavan Tanielian Vicar General of the Armenian Dessert and coffee with the stars. Tickets: $150; spon- Prelacy of New York with panelists Veh Bezdikian, Natalie sorships available. For info and reservations call (909)- Gabrelian, Rupen Janbazian, Anahid Ugurlayan, Lucine 625-3413 or (310) 472-2454. Kasbarian, Mardig Tcholakian with moderator. Armen Caprielian. Free Admission. Sunday, May 7, 4 p.m. The MASSACHUSETTSFLORIDA Armenian Center, 69-23 47th Avenue, Woodside, NY, Slide Presentation on “The Path Taken – 50 Years of JANUARY 20-28, 2018 — Armenian Heritage Cruise Hamazkayin New York,” with Traditional, Minstrel, XXI 2018 Eastern Caribbean Cruise aboard the Royal On May 21, the Tekeyan Cultural Modern and Patriotic Performances by: Huyser Musical Caribbean’s Freedom Of The Seas. Travelling to: St. Kitts Associaiton of New York will sponsor a Ensemble, Jerry Bezdikian, Kanoun, Narek Boudakian, / St.John’s Antigua / San Juan / Labadee, Private Island. concert titled “The Armenian Spirit” at 3 Guitar/Vocal and Zulal Trio. Later a world premier theatri- Cabin Rates starting from US $1044 / person based on p.m., at Alliance Francaise in New York cal scene, “Khrimian Hayrig,” Written and Performed by Double Occupancy, including Port Charges and ACAA City. The program will feature musicians Herand Markarian (Participants ages 8-48). Mistress of registration fee. Government taxes of $108.36 are addi- Ceremonies: Lara Milian-Bardizbanian. Champagne and Ani Kavafian, above, Ani Kalayjian and tional. Armenian Entertainment, Armenian Cultural Cake Reception. Donation $25. Limited seating. Presentations, Armenian Festival Day, Tavlou & Belote Orion Weiss. MAY 20 — A Day of Faith, Hope, Love and Service at Tournaments and much more. Call TRAVELGROUP INTER- St. Nersess Armenian Seminary starting at 4:30 p.m. NATIONAL @1- 561-447-0750 or 1-866-447-0750 Ext. This event will include Divine Liturgy, diaconate ordina- 108. Ask for Janie. tion, and consecration of a new baptismal font (4:30 MAY 20 — NAASR 63rd Annual Assembly of Members, pm), 2017 Graduation Ceremony (7 pm), and an evening MASSACHUSETTS at the NAASR Center, 395 Concord Ave., Belmont. 12 reception (7:30pm). Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, p.m. Start. Registration at 11:30 a.m. Featured Primate, will officiate. 486 Bedford Road, Armonk. RSVP MAY 6 — Celebrate Public Art! Park’s Abstract Presentation by Ara Krafian, CEO, SMMA Architectural, by May 11 to 914-273-0200 or [email protected]. For Sculpture & Labyrinth during ArtWeek Boston. Join Engineering & Design Firm for NAASR’s Building more info or to donate go to www.stnersess.edu. All are us on Saturday, 1:00 p.m. World Labyrinth Day: Walk as Transformation. To make a reservation contact NAASR invited. One in Peace & Harmony. At 12:45 pm, introduction to at [email protected]. MAY 21 — A classical concert dedicated to the 70th walking a labyrinth. 1:30 pm Reception to View the MAY 22 — 7:30 pm: Arsen Manukyan, “The Business anniversary of the Tekeyan Cultural Association. Abstract Sculpture. 2017 Configuration. Remarks: Jared Environment in Armenia: Legal and Practical Issues “The Armenian Spirit” at Alliance Francaise in New York Bowen WGBH Executive Arts Editor and Host, Open for Investors,” at the NAASR Center, 395 Concord Ave., City at 3 p.m. With Ani Kavafian, violin, Ani Kalayjian, Studio. Tea & Desserts hosted by MEM Tea Imports & Belmont. Co-sponsored by the Armenia Business cello and Orion Weiss, piano. Eastern Lamejun Bakers Network and the National Association for Armenian JUNE 29 — The Freeport Memorial Library will have a MAY 11 – Story Behind “The Smoking Gun” Armenian Studies and Research (NAASR) / Calouste Gulbenkian lecture on the history of the Armenians, Thursday Museum of America, 65 Main St., Watertown. 7 p.m. Foundation Lecture Series on Contemporary Armenian at 2 p.m. by Dr. Ronald Brown, professor of history and Dr. Taner Akçam will present never-before-seen docu- Issues. Free and open to the public. ethnic studies at Touro College and world religions at the ments involved in his recent work demonstrating the Contact: [email protected] or armenianbusinessnetwork@g Unification Theological Seminary in New York City. Free Ottoman government’s awareness of, and involvement mail.com. to the public. The library is located at 144 W Merrick Rd, in, the elimination of the Armenian population. MAY 25 — The Armenian Museum of America, Freeport, NY 11520, phone (516) 379-3274. MAY 13 — The Armenian Church of Our Saviour is pre- Concert: John Hodian and Epiphany 3, Featuring new senting a new edition of “Armenians Got Talent!” on blends of Armenian music from touring family trio, John RHODE ISLAND Saturday, May 13, 6 pm, in its Cultural Center, 34 Boynton Hodian, Bet Williams and Jack Hodian. Thursday, at 8 St., Worcester. The talent show includes parishioners of all p.m. The group will perform music blending ancient and MAY 7 — Sunday, 7 p.m. Hanoian Hall (70 Jefferson St., ages performing various musical and dance numbers with modern cultures and musical styles. Funded by the Providence). Cultural Committee of Sts. Sahag & fun for the whole family. Following the program there is Dadourian Foundation. Concert open to the public. Mesrob Armenian Church presents Two Films screen- a buffet with Armenian foods. Tickets are $10 for adults JUNE 3 —Annual Armenian Night at the Pops, 8 p.m., ings: “Where is Euphrates, Son?” - Part 1 and 2 and teens and $5 for children under 12. A grand raffle will Symphony Hall, Boston. Presented by Friends of (Armenian with English subtitles) By Rouben Pashinyan, be held featuring many prizes. For reservations and addi- Armenian Culture Society and featuring Hasmik and “Fortresses of Artsakh” (in English) dedicated to tional information, call 508-852-0249. Torosyan, soprano and the Boston Pops Orchestra in a 25th anniversary liberation of Shushi (Nagorno- MAY 13 — Mother’s Day Dance Featuring Tigran selection of songs and arias, as well as the spectacular Karabakh). Meet producer Rouben Pashinyan. Asatryan & Band! To be held on Saturday, Hosted Cirque de la Symphonie. http://www.facsboston.org/ for Refreshments. Donations appreciated. by The Armenian Apostolic Church at Hye Pointe ACYOA. tickets and information. Proceeds to benefit brand new Family & Life Center, 1280 JUNE 9 — Let’s Party! At the KITCHEN, Boston Food WASHINGTON, D.C. Boston Rd, Haverhill, $100 - VIP with Meet & Greet at 7 Market – Benefit for the Park’s Care in partnership p.m., $75 - General Mezze & Cash Bar, $40, Students with the Trustees of Reservations, Boston Food Market, MAY 9 — Monthly Public Discussion. Speaker Bryan Under 24 - Standing Room. For reservations, please con- with chefs presenting signature dishes we love and the Ardouny, Executive Director, Armenian Assembly of tact [email protected] or call Mike at 617- generosity of so many, all coming together at the KITCHEN America “Overview Oof Armenian Issues-a Washington 240-8266 to support the Armenian Heritage Park’s Endowed Fund DC Perspective” Tuesday, 7:00-8:00 PM. St. Mary’s MAY 15 — St. James Armenian Church of Watertown for Year Round Care. 7-10 p.m. Advance reservations Armenian Church Cultural Hall, 4125 Fessenden Street, 18th Annual Open Golf Tournament. Monday, Oakley required. Space is limited. To receive the e-invite, please NW, Washington DC. Organized by Knights and Country Club, Watertown. Register early. email [email protected] Daughters of Vartan. Dessert Reception. MAY 18 — Adrienne Alexanian, presentation of Forced JUNE 17 — The Society of Istanbul Armenian’s of MAY 27 — Benefit Concert and Dance for the Orphans Into Genocide: Memoirs of an Armenian Soldier in the Boston will Honor Rev. Arakel Aljalian as the Father of the Tavush Region of Armenia. International Ottoman Turkish Army, by her father, Yervant Alexanian, of the Year. Saturday at 7 p.m. Dinner at St. James Armenian Entertainer BARTEV. Saturday, 8 p.m. Delicious at the Armenian Museum of America, 65 Main St., Armenian Church Hall, Watertown. Donation $50. For appetizers, silent auction, dancing to your hearts con- Watertown, MA. 7:30 p.m. Co-sponsored by NAASR, Tickets, call Krikor Shaboian at 617-489-0346. tent, Cash Bar. Takuhi Hallajian, 301.219.4041.St. Mary’s the Armenian Assembly of America, the Armenian JUNE 19 — The Gregory Hintlian Memorial Golf Armenian Church Cultural Hall, 4125 Fessenden St. NW, Cultural Foundation, the Armenian General Benevolent Tournament sponsored by Holy Trinity Armenian Washington, DC. Organized by Knights & Daughters of Union New England District, the Armenian Museum of Church of Greater Boston, at the Marlborough Country Vartan and Friends of Bartev America, and Project SAVE Armenian Photograph Club, 200 Concord Road, Marlborough. Monday. 9:30 JUNE 25 — Book reading, by Adrienne G. Alexanian, Archives. Free and open to the public. a.m., registration; 11 a.m., “Shot Gun.” All are invited editor of Forced Into Genocide, memoirs of an Contact: [email protected]. for a day of golf or just for dinner and a social evening. Armenian Soldier in the Ottoman Turkish Army. 1:00 PM, MAY 19-20 — Armenian Memorial Church Annual Fair Details to follow. For further information, contact the 4125 Fessenden St. NW, Washington, DC. Organized by (rain or shine)—On Friday evening, May 19, from 5 to Holy Trinity Church Office, 617.354.0632. Knights & Daughters of Vartan, St. Mary’s Armenian 8 p.m., the Church will be serving its delicious kebab din- Apostolic Church Parish Council, Armenian Assembly of ners .and selling exquisite desserts. On Saturday, May 20, NEW JERSEY America and Armenian National Committee of America. the entire Fair will be open from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. with meals served all day starting at 11:30 am. (Take out avail- NOVEMBER 18 — Save the date. Gala banquet cele- able.) Armenian delicacies table. Silent Auction (closing brating the 70th anniversary of the Tekeyan Cultural Calendar items are free. Entries should not be longer at 2 p.m.). Armenian Memorial Church, 32 Bigelow Ave., Association. At the Terrace at Biagios. Details will be than 5 lines. Listings should include contact informa- Watertown. For more information, call 923-0498. forthcoming. tion. Send items to [email protected]. 18 S ATURDAY, M AY 6 , 2 0 1 7 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMENTARY

COMMENTARY Mirror Erdogan and Trump at Loggerheads Spectator Over Syria exploited by the respective governments to dampen Kurdish By Edmond Y. Azadian aspirations for autonomy. President Erdogan has been using that division masterfully to his advantage. When the Kurdish- majority People’s Democratic Party (HDP) won 13 percent of EstablishedEstablished 1932 1932 The war in Syria is one of the most complicated problems fac- the vote at the last parliamentary elections, he suspended pre- ing the Middle East, involving major world powers and their An ADLAn Publication ADL Publication viously successful talks with the Kurdish Workers’ Party of regional surrogates. Nominally, the US is leading a coalition of Kurdistan (PKK) in the country’s southeast and launched 60 nations to uproot ISIS from its perch in Raqqa, Syria. But attacks on Kurds in Diyarbakir. the infighting among the coalition partners is hampering the During negotiations with the European Union, the latter was efforts to defeat the Islamic State. almost at the verge of removing the PKK from the terrorist list, EDITOR All forces involved in the war claim their intent is to crush Alin K. Gregorian but when Erdogan opted for war, the EU backtracked.During terrorism of Islamic extremists, but on the way to achieving that war, which is still continuing, the Turkish government dis- ASSISTANT EDITOR that goal, there are many subtexts that drive the entire issue placed 350,000 Kurds and killed many others. Because Western Aram Arkun into a quagmire. media is banned from that region, it cannot give accurate fig- To call the Syrian problem a “civil war” is a misnomer ures on the casualties. ART DIRECTOR Marc Mgrditchian because Syria was on the map of the Arab Spring planners, Erdogan is arming loyal Kurds and placing them as village who had intended to neutralize all potential hostile powers to guards, so that the Kurds would kill each other in the conflict. US and Israeli interests in the region. Hillary Clinton in a 2012 Turkey has also bought the loyalty of the Iraqi Kurds. Before, email summed up that policy in a message divulged by it was raiding the Kurdish area to prevent the formation of an Wikileaks: “Bringing down Assad would not only be a massive independent Kurdish region, fearing that the breakup of Iraq SENIOR EDITORIAL COLUMNIST: boon to Israel’s security, it would also ease Israel’s under- may end up creating an independent Kurdish state on its bor- Edmond Y. Azadian standable fear of losing its nuclear monopoly. Then, Israel and der. But provisional international guarantees preserving Iraq’s the United States might be able to develop a common view of territorial integrity, along with bribing he Kurdish leadership in CONTRIBUTORS: when the Iranian program is so dangerous that military action the autonomous region — through illicit purchase of oil and Florence Avakian, Dr. Haroutiun could be warranted.” other economic incentives — drew Ankara and Kurdistan clos- Arzoumanian, Taleen Babayan, Diana All the rest of the rhetoric and the analyses concocted by er. Today, Kurdistan’s leaders are bitter enemies of the PKK Der Hovanessian, Philip Ketchian, pundits amount to fluff. and their counterparts in Syria and Iraq, much to Erdogan’s Kevork Keushkerian, Harut Sassounian, After the destruction of Iraq and Libya, Russia, partly recov- relief. Hagop Vartivarian, Naomi Zeytoonian ered from the collapse of the , tried to draw the Besides the PKK, the Turkish government is fighting the CORRESPONDENTS: red line and came to the rescue of President Bashar al-Assad. YPG, or People’s Protection Units, a Kurdish militia in Syria, Moscow’s intervention was also self-serving, because its only Armenia - Hagop Avedikian which has carved an autonomous enclave in Rojava on the Boston - Nancy Kalajian military base in the Mediterranean, located in Tartus, Syria, Turkish border. The YPG is an offshoot of the Democratic New York/New Jersey - Marylynda was threatened. Equally self-serving was Iran’s intervention , which was formed to represent the 10-percent Bozian-Cruickshank because the Lebanese Hezbollah party was participating in the Kurdish minority in the Syrian Parliament before the war. Berlin - Muriel Mirak-Weissbach war, also in support of Assad. The militant group is Iran’s proxy Contributing Photographers: in the region, challenging Jacob Demirdjian and Jirair Hovsepian Israel. In the above convoluted scenario, there is also the alignment of Syrian domestic The Armenian Mirror-Spectator is published forces and regional govern- weekly, except two weeks in July and the first ments. week of the year, by: While the US goal is pur- Association, Inc. portedly to uproot ISIS in 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 Syria and Iraq, it would never Telephone: 617-924-4420 allow Russia to call the shots, FAX: 617-924-2887 even if they are on the same www.mirrorspectator.com side. Therefore, while all the E-Mail: [email protected] forces are nominally fighting For advertising: [email protected] ISIS, in the interim, they are settling old scores amongst themselves. When push comes to shove, the US will not allow a victory for Russia and Iran, which thus far have SUBSCRIPTION RATES : been keeping Assad in power. Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Jordan are involved U.S.A. $80 a year in the war for a variety of rea- sons; all the above parties, Canada $125 a year with the exception of Turkey, Other Countries $190 a year are in it at the bidding of the US. Those shaky monarchies owe their stabilities and existence to US support. During the war, the YPG proved to be the most effective fight- One may wonder if the intent of the Arab Spring planners ing force against ISIS. The New York Times reports that former © 2014 The Armenian Mirror-Spectator was to bring democracy to Arab countries, then why not begin Secretary of Defense Ash Carter decided that the YPG was the Periodical Class Postage Paid at Boston, MA with the ones which have unelected medieval governments, “only ground force willing and able to take on the minions of and additional mailing offices. such as Saudi Arabia, a major US ally that has long been the faux Caliph Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in his capital, Raqqa.” ISSN 0004-234X known to aid extremist terrorists. Then Carter integrated the YPG into the Syrian Democratic Turkey was participating in the Syrian conflict to try to Forces (SDF) operating under US command. recover some of the territories and resources it lost after the The New York Times article further comments that POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The end of the Ottoman Empire, while fighting Kurds in Iraq and “Washington has been deeply frustrated by Turkey’s unwilling- Armenian Mirror-Spectator, 755 Mount Auburn ness to devote significant resources to rolling up ISIS. St., Watertown, MA 02472 Syria, which are inspiring the Kurds in Turkey. ISIS would not have existed without the support of Turkey Erdogan’s priority has been attempting to destroy the PKK and Other than the editorial, views and opinions attacking what he sees as its Syrian Kurdish allies. Ankara fears expressed in this newspaper do not necessarily in collusion with some of those regional monarchies. The latter reflect the policies of the publisher. would fall in line at Washington’s first indication but Turkey that for the sake of defeating al-Baghdadi in Raqqa, the US is has intervened in Iraq and Syria against the vehement protests helping to create an autonomous Syrian Kurdistan, which in of the respective governments. turn may act as a model for Turkish Kurds.” The European Union and the US know full well that Turkey On April 24, Turkish warplanes bombed Kurdish fighters — has had a major role in the creation of ISIS but they keep cajol- and US allies — in Iraq and Syria, complicating the US cam- Copying for other than personal use or paign against ISIS in Syria. The Turkish government internal reference is prohibited without ing President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to join the battle against express permission of the copyright ISIS. The Turkish leader pretends he is doing just that while in announced that 70 PKK operatives had been “neutralized” owner. Address requests for reprints or reality all parties are engaged in a mutual game of pretence while YPG sources said 18 were killed and 20 wounded, includ- back issues to: because each has overlapping or competing interests in the ing six pesh merghas. The latter are part of a militant group region. defending the Kurdish autonomous region, at odds with both Baikar Association, Inc. The Kurds are large minorities in Iraq, Syria, Turkey and the PKK and the YPG. 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472- Iran. They are notoriously divided and those divisions are see LOGGERHEAD, page 19 1509 S ATURDAY, M AY 6 , 2 0 1 7 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 19 COMMENTARY

investigate serious allegations of corruption. The European faces a trial for money laundering, and Milan’s public Stability Initiative (ESI) also accused Azerbaijan of unduly prosecutor is appealing a decision to drop a corruption influencing Council of Europe decisions by transferring huge charge against him. He has always denied any wrongdo- sums of money and other favors to key parliamentarians. ESI ing,” according to the Guardian. urged that an independent investigation be conducted to Even the President of PACE, Pedro Agramunt, is in trou- My Turn look into the PACE vote in 2013, rejecting a highly critical ble because he has refused to open an investigation into report of political prisoners in Azerbaijan and the role of Azerbaijan’s bribery scandal. His recent trip to Syria has By Harut Sassounian members of that country’s delegation. increased the number of PACE members who have called for The Guardian published a lengthy expose on April 20, his resignation. Since Agramunt cannot be fired under the 2017, titled: “Fresh Claims of Azerbaijan vote-rigging at Rules of Procedure, the PACE Bureau censored him last Azerbaijan Accused of Giving European human rights body.” Two high ranking officials of week by resolving that he is not authorized to make any offi- Millions in Bribes to Council PACE (Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe) cial visits, attend meetings or make any public statements on have informed The Guardian about PACE members receiving behalf of the Assembly in his capacity as president. He is Of Europe bribes from Azerbaijan in exchange for votes in favor of that expected to resign shortly. country. PACE is composed of 324 Parliamentarians from 47 Furthermore, the Council of Europe launched an investi- For years, the government of Azerbaijan has been shower- European countries, including Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, gation in 2015 into Azerbaijan’s compliance with the ing politicians and dignitaries from around the world with and Turkey. European Convention on human rights, the first such expensive gifts, such as silk carpets, gold, silver, caviar, cash, Arif Mammadov, a former Azerbaijani diplomat informed inquiry into a member state in the last 25 years! and all-expense paid trips in exchange for their votes in favor the Guardian that a PACE member was given over $30 mil- It is shameful that PACE, a body created to champion of Azerbaijan and against Armenia and Artsakh (Karabakh). lion by the government of Azerbaijan to hand out as bribes human rights, is falling victim to the Azeri dictator’s bribery This illicit practice is so prevalent that Europeans describe it to other PACE members. “Tobias Billström, a Swedish dele- schemes. These allegations undermine the core values of the as “caviar diplomacy.” gate to the assembly and former justice minister, said ‘very Council of Europe. It should be unacceptable that during pre- Even though this bribery goes on behind closed doors and credible members’ had told him they had been offered bribes vious Azeri elections when PACE members went there as it is disclosed neither by Azeri officials nor by crooked for- to vote in a certain way. He is one of 64 parliamentarians to observers, they surprisingly issued highly positive reports, eign politicians, once in a while it comes to light. We should have signed a resolution calling for an independent investi- whereas the rest of the international observers had very neg- all remember that what is disclosed is a tiny portion of the gation into ‘serious and credible allegations of grave miscon- ative assessments. Such a contrast brought up concerns that large amount of bribery doled out to Baku visitors, officials duct’ centered on an Azerbaijani vote,” the Guardian report- Azerbaijan had managed to bribe the PACE observers to in various countries, and those serving in international orga- ed. cover up the corrupt elections. nizations like the United Nations. “The claims were first laid out in a 2012 report by the The Guardian concluded that “Azerbaijan uses the [PACE] Recently, a great scandal was exposed in the Council of European Stability Initiative think tank, but have gath- assembly to add a veneer of legitimacy to the authoritarian Europe involving millions of dollars of cash given to some of ered momentum since Italian prosecutors began investi- rule of its president, Ilham Aliyev, who has ruled the country its members in return for defeating decisions critical of gating a former chair of the center-right group, Italian since 2003.” Azerbaijan or supporting unfavorable reports on Artsakh. deputy Luca Volontè. He is accused of accepting 2.39m Ignoring Azerbaijan’s abuses of bribery would mean that € As a result, Transparency International, the world’s largest [$2.6 million] in bribes from Azerbaijan in exchange for the Council of Europe could no longer be viewed as the anti-corruption group, has called on the Council of Europe to supporting its government in the Council of Europe. He guardian of human rights!

finance ministry, the authorities contented facilitate the creation of a fruitful and respect- themselves with removing him from office ful dialog between all the parties involved, The Unsung Turkish rather than murdering him, which was the fate building a setting of understanding and recon- of other officials who dared oppose the official ciliation for the sake of the young generations orders. of Armenians and Turks who deserve to share, The rigorous and painstaking approach of as neighboring partners, a better future, with- Rescuers the research is paying off. Feats of solidarity out forgetting the tragic past. cannot be blurred even if they happened a cen- This would have a positive impact not only on tury ago. Gratitude has no date of expiry. the people living in Armenia and Turkey, but Having finalized the first stage, we are now in also on the Armenian diaspora and the Turkish By Eduardo Eurnekian and Baruch Tenembaum the process of recognizing each and every res- expatriates, and would serve as an example to cuer by collecting further evidence while at the other zones of conflict, emphasizing that living same time trying to locate their living relatives. in peace and harmony is a desirable and practi- This extra effort will enable us to pay posthu- cal goal. An in-depth research project commissioned and at the same time, create the framework for mous tribute to these heroes and to include (Eduardo Eurnekian is the chairman and by the International building bridges of understanding for the their awe-inspiring stories in our educational Baruch Tenembaum the founder of The Foundation sheds light on Muslim Turks and young generations. programs. International Raoul Wallenberg Foundation. Kurds who reached out to Armenians a century Highlighting the feats of the rescuers is, from In our opinion, this perspective will help This commentary originally ran in the ago. our perspective, the most suitable tool to address the past in a positive fashion, and will Jerusalem Post last week.) Positive pedagogy is a consistent approach achieve this double goal. which has been applied in recent decades by In line with our positive pedagogy perspec- the International Raoul Wallenberg Foundation tive, we have joined efforts with Professor (IRWF). This New York-based global-reach Taner Akçam, the Kaloosdian/Mugar Chair in NGO, which we are honored to lead, is devoted Holocaust and Genocide Studies at Clark to preserving and divulging the courageous University, who supervised the report we com- Erdogan and Trump at legacies of Swedish diplomat Raoul Wallenberg missioned about the Turkish and Kurdish res- and heroes like him who reached out to the vic- cuers. tims of persecution, regardless of the religion or Despite the fact that 100 years have elapsed, Loggerheads over Syria nationality of rescuers or survivors. the report in question, which was recently pub- In connection with , the lished in Turkish and translated into Armenian, LOGGERHEAD, from page 18 Wallenberg Foundation has been implementing English and Spanish, has come up with the The Trump administration recently had sent 500 US troops to reinforce the SDF, this same guiding principle with remarkable names of more than 180 Turkish and Kurdish which is mostly composed of YPG Kurds and has further authorized Defense Secretary success. rescuers, including clan chiefs, religious leaders, James Mattis to increase the number of US forces as the situation warrants. While recognizing the vital importance of notables and ordinary persons. The Erdogan government claims that it had informed the US forces about the raids studying and teaching the atrocities perpetrat- These noble people were not indifferent to in advance. The US replied that they were indeed informed only an hour before the ed by the Nazis and their collaborators, an the plight of the Armenians and reached out to attack and had asked for the suspension of the plan, to no avail. aspect which is fully and justifiably covered by them. “The bombings are a bloody example of the diplomatic challenge facing Donald a great number of institutions, the IRWF focus- Among those mentioned in the report is Trump as the US tries to rally its allies for a final assault against Raqqa,” according to es on the rescuers instead; shedding light on Mehmet Celal Bay, who served as governor of a story in the Telegraph, a UK daily. their stories; researching their feats; instilling Aleppo and Konya and is probably the best Following the bombing, the US military commander walked to the YGP headquarters their spirit of solidarity in the hearts and minds known of all Turkish rescuers. He is credited to assess the damage, angering the Turks. On the other hand, Iraq’s Foreign Ministry of the young generations who are eager to with saving the lives of thousands of denounced the attack, while the Masoud Barzani administration in Kurdistan blamed embrace positive role models. Armenians. By his own admission, during his the PKK for having provoked the raid. The “Medz Yeghern” (or “Great Crime,” tenure as governor of Aleppo he did not believe Two erratic leaders, namely Trump and Erdogan, are now facing each other. But as which is the terminology used by the that the aim of the deportations was to liqui- of now, the US side is unusually subdued. It has only claimed the US was “concerned,” Armenians themselves to depict the horrific date the Armenians, but later he changed his instead of facing off with Turkey for attacking the toughest opponents of ISIS. events which started to unfold in 1915) has mind. When he defied the orders of deportation An article in the Nation by Juan Cole is headlined “Is Turkey’s War on Syrian Kurds regrettably turned into a matter of political con- he was removed from his post and got trans- Becoming a War on the United States?” troversy, mainly between Armenians and Turks. ferred to Konya, where he repeatedly demanded No one can tell what the ultimate reaction might be. Mr. Trump, shooting from the hip, The mere use of the pair of words “Armenian from the central government that shelters be launched 59 Tomahawk missiles into Syria when he learned about the deaths from chemical genocide” generates heated emotions on both provided for the deportees, insisting that the weapons, without getting to the bottom of who was responsible for killing the civilians. This time sides of this divide. measures against the Armenians were “con- around, he is quiet. But politically he is at loggerheads with Erdogan. “Erdogan appears to believe Definitions are certainly meaningful, but set- trary to interests of the fatherland.” During his that he can bully Trump into abandoning the Syrian Kurds as allies. It remains if he has calcu- ting them aside, the indisputable fact is that a service in the Province of Konya, which became lated correctly,” concludes Cole in his article. century ago more than a million defenseless a gathering point for the Armenian deportees, Erdogan will be visiting Washington soon; Gulen, arms purchases and the Syrian Armenians who lived within the boundaries of he managed to save thousands of them, sparing Kurds are on his agenda. the Ottoman Empire perished in the most trag- them from deportation. Let us wait and see which leader will blink first. ic and horrific circumstances. Being a member of the Ottoman royal family The key issue is to honor the historical truth and the son of a high-ranking official from the 20 S ATURDAY, M AY 6 , 2 0 1 7 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR

Park Dedicated to Solidarity at the Greek Orthodox Church Armenian Genocide Opens in Cyprus (Editor’s Note: On Sunday, April 22, the first ever ecumeni- Thousands of families were forced from their homes and cal Commemoration of the Saints and Martyrs of the marched to concentration camps in the Syrian desert which PAPHOS, Cyprus (Armenpress) — A park ded- Armenian Genocide to be hosted by Metropolitan Methodios became littered with decaying corpses. In the historic city of icated to the memory of the Armenian was held at the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Boston. Trebizond, hundreds of women and children were drowned in Genocide victims was opened in the city of Participating in the program were Archbishop Khajag the Black Sea. The Holocaust did not end here: churches, cul- Paphos, the Office of Armenian lawmaker of Barsamian, Diocese of the Armenian Church of America; tural monuments, schools, villages and towns were systemati- Cypriot parliament Vardges Mahtesyan said. Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, Eastern Prelacy of the cally destroyed to erase all traces of the Armenian civilization. “The idea existed in early 2016. It was adopt- Armenian Apostolic Church; the Armenian Catholic Eparchy The Greek American community treasures the special bond ed unanimously by the Paphos City Hall of the United States and Canada and the Armenian which exists between our two communities, because we shared Council. The public green space located at the Evangelical Union of North America. The comments of the same fate. Greeks living in Pontos on the Black Sea and corner of the two streets will honor the 1.5 mil- Metropolitan Methodios are reproduced below.) later throughout Asia Minor were forced to leave their home- lion innocent victims of the 1915 Armenian On behalf of the clergy and laity of the Greek Orthodox lands. Countless were “ethnically cleansed” from 1918 - 1923. Genocide,” the Office said. Metropolis of Boston and New England, I welcome you today The city of Smyrna was torched to force the exodus of both to our Cathedral and thank you for the privilege of hosting Greek and Armenian populations. The common denominator this Ecumenical Service commemorating the innocent martyrs in the Armenian, Greek and later Kurdish genocides was the of the Armenian Genocide. intention of creating a modern state that reflected Turkish This year marks the 102nd anniversary of the beginning of nationalist ambitions and saw little place for Armenians and the horrific Armenian genocide when on August 24, 1915 sev- other Christian minorities. The perpetrators of these atrocities eral hundred leaders of the Armenian community were arrest- sought to generate public support for their racist and elimina- ed and executed. An additional million and a half soon fol- tionist program through their call for a “Turkey for the Turks.” lowed, victims of starvation and disease, of inhumane treat- It is indeed tragic that the world soon forgot the atrocities ment, of physical abuse, of torture and crucifixion. perpetrated against Armenians, which were (and are) denied The Armenian people who lived in eastern Turkey for near- by the Turkish Republic. As new genocides occurred since ly 3,000 years lost their homeland and were decimated in the 1915, the memorials created by the Armenian Communities first large scale genocide of the 20th century—a genocide provide a stark warning against ignoring these crimes and which many in the so-called civilized world continue to deny. whitewashing the historical record. Humanity was an eye wit- Despite the vast evidence that verifies the historical reality of ness this past year to the ethnic cleansing of Christian mar- this genocide—including eye-witness accounts, official archives, tyrs, beheaded and crucified because of their faith. Sadly, even photographic evidence, reports of diplomats, and the testimo- today—even in our own country—there is silence over these ny of survivors—denial of the Armenian Genocide, this colossal present-day atrocities that are perpetrated against Christians crime against humanity, continues to the present. throughout the world. Henry Morgenthau Sr., United States Ambassador to the Today, however, in this Cathedral, we come together to help Ottoman Empire from 1913 to 1916 wrote, “I am confident put an end to this injustice of silence. Today, we come togeth- that the whole history of the human race contains no such er in prayer and solidarity to commemorate those who were horrible episode as this. The great massacres and persecutions martyred and to remember those Christians who continue to of the past seem almost insignificant when compared with the suffer because of their faith. Today, our voices declare that, suffering of the Armenian race in 1915.” During this time, although more than a century has passed, the Armenian The park in Paphos Armenian leaders and intellectuals were imprisoned, executed Genocide cannot be denied and must never be forgotten. This or deported. Men were disarmed, moved out of their homes is our sacred responsibility—to shine light where there is dark- and massacred. Women and children were marched to death, ness, to declare truth where there is falsehood, and to help The park’s opening ceremony was held on sold into slavery, forcibly converted to Islam, raped and killed. ensure that such a tragedy never happens again. April 30. During the ceremony, a cross-stone sent from Armenia was erected in the park. The opening ceremony was led by Mahtesyan and Paphos Mayor Phedonas Phedonos.