MARCH 3, 2018 Mirror-SpeTHE ARMENIAN ctator Volume LXXXVIII, NO. 32, Issue 4527 $ 2.00 NEWS The First Armenian Weekly in the Since 1932 INBRIEF (AP PHOTO) Azerbaijan Distorts Lays Bare Reality over Khojaly Orders for Armenian (Armenpress) — Twenty two Members of the MEPs representing the Annihilation by Turkish Club of Azerbaijan`s Friends in the European Government Parliament have signed a declaration where noth- ing is mentioned about “,” or or . A day before the Azerbaijani mass media spread information that allegedly the By Alin K. Gregorian European parliament has adopted a declaration Mirror-Spectator Staff over the “Khojaly events.” Earlier, in a meeting with Azerbaijanis in the Georgian city Marneuli, President of Georgia Giorgi Margvelashvili did not WORCESTER — Prof. Taner Akçam has yield to the provocation of one of the participant been at the forefront of finding evidence young men, who asked the President to honor the confirming the and the memory of the victims of the so-called “Khojaly role of the Ottoman central government in events” with a minute of silence. Azerbaijani media the murders for decades. His latest book, outlets note that the ceremony of the one-minute Killing Orders: Talat Pasha’s Telegrams and silence did not take place, instead Margvelashvili the Armenian Genocide, is the latest volley noted that he follows Nagorno Karabakh conflict he has launched to bring down the curtain People pray next to the closed doors of the Holy Sepluchre Church on February 25 settlement process. “Georgia is against the escala- of denial of the tion of Nagorno Karabakh conflict,” he said. Turkish govern- ment. The book, pub- Israel Suspends Plan to Tax Paylan Requests lished this week by Palgrave Mac- Explanation on Gov. millian, is an Jerusalem Church Properties expanded with Patriarchate additional two “As a result, the Jerusalem Interference new chapters By Nebi Qena Municipality is suspending the collec- available only in tion actions it has taken in recent (Armenpress) —Armenian-Turkish English-language weeks,” it said. Member of Parliament representing the People’s translation of his book on Naim Bey, which JERUSALEM (AP) — Jerusalem’s There was no immediate reaction Democratic Party (HDP) Garo Paylan has sent an was originally published in Turkish last year. mayor on Tuesday, February 27, sus- from church leaders, and it was unclear inquiry to Interior Minister Süleyman Soylu regard- In it, Akçam literally shows the orders pended a plan to impose taxes on whether the Church of the Holy ing the Istanbul government’s interference and from the central government to extermi- properties owned by Christian church- Sepulchre would reopen. obstruction of the Armenian Patriarchal election, nate Armenians in various parts of the es, backing away from a move that Roman Catholic, Greek Orthodox and Agos reports. country. Many have referred to the book’s had enraged religious leaders and led leaders of other Christian denomina- In the inquiry, Paylan said that in 2017, before explosive content which once and for all to the closure of the Church of the tions closed the famed church on the constitutional referendum, President Recep shows that not only the genocide happened Holy Sepulchre. Sunday to protest an order by Tayyip Erdogan had promised the Armenian com- but that it was done on orders of the cen- In a statement, Prime Minister Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat to begin munity of Turkey to deal with the patriarchal elec- tral government, as an “earthquake” in the Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said a pro- taxing their properties. tion issue. field of Armenian Genocide studies. fessional team was being established to The church is revered as the site Paylan mentioned that Patriarch Mesrop see AKÇAM, page 8 negotiate with church officials to “for- where Jesus was crucified and Mutafyan is incapacitated due to severe illness, mulate a solution.” see HOLY SEPULCHRE, page 20 which was the reason of Aram Atesian’s appoint- ment as patriarchal vicar in 2010, however the appointment was against the rules of the Armenian Church. Although Archbishop Karekin Bekjian was Wallenberg Foundation elected as locum tenens on March 15, 2017 in Decries Israeli Vote not accordance to the constitution and necessary pro- cedures, the Istanbul Governor’s Office sent a let- To Recognize Armenian ter on February 5, 2018 to the patriarchate, claim- ing they only acknowledge Atesian. Genocide “In the case when the Armenian community was waiting for the patriarchal elections to which it is enti- tled, state interference in the process both ignores our By Tamara Zieve church traditions and causes despair within the com- munity,” Paylan said. In this context, he asked the interior minister on what grounds the state interfered JERUSALEM (Jerusalem Post) — The in the patriarchal election process. International Raoul Wallenberg Foundation He also asked why the process was stopped and expressed “deep disappointment” in the why the deputy governor used the term “so called” Knesset’s rejection of a bill to recognize the when addressing the elected locum tenens. Prof. Tessa Hofmann at the genocide memorial Armenian Genocide earlier this month. Deputy Foreign Minister Tzipi Hotovely Ecumenical Altars of Remembrance in said that while Israel had sent a parliamen- tary delegation to the 100th anniversary BERLIN — It was a bitter cold day in mid-February, with a strong wind that event in Yerevan, it will not take an official INSIDE chilled to the bone. As we walked from the bus stop and entered the stance on the matter, “in light of its com- Luisenkirchhof III cemetery plexity and diplomatic repercussions, and through the huge gate, I thought because it has a clear political connection.” By Muriel Mirak-Weissbach about the women and children The Raoul Wallenberg Foundation sent a Demoyan on Special to the Mirror-Spectator being deported from their homes in letter on Thursday, February 22, to Knesset over a hundred Speaker Yuli Edelstein, with a copy to years ago, and what immense suffer- Hotovely and Yesh Atid leader Knesset America ing they must have faced as they wound their way through inclement weath- Member Yair Lapid, who sponsored the bill. er, on their march toward death. Edelstein called on the government in Page 12 My guide and companion, Prof. Tessa Hofmann, was as warmly bundled up as 2015 to change its stance, and in 2016 the I was, so we could go on walking up to the central chapel and beyond, with no Knesset Education Committee recognized fear of freezing. On the other side of the chapel, the path continued until we the genocide. reached a façade of massive altars, which stretched out to the left and right in However, any motion for official state INDEX front of us. The three altars in the middle stood solemn and dignified, each with recognition of the genocide has failed to go Arts and Living ...... 13 a cross of a different kind placed in the arch. The first altar on the left with its through. Armenia ...... 2,3 graceful khachkar must be the house of the Armenians; the next had a cross with “Regrettably, this voting down has been Community News...... 6 arms of equal length to designate the house of the Greeks from Asia Minor, repeating itself, time and again, for the last Editorial ...... 18 Pontos and Eastern Thrace; and the third displayed the cross of the Aramaens, few years, as a constant ritual,” read the let- International ...... 4,5 Assyrians and Chaldeans. ter, signed by foundation chairman see ALTARS, page 5 see WALLENBERG, page 20 2 S ATURDAY, M ARCH 3 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARMENIA News From Armenia

Parliament Observes Moment of Silence in Honor of Sumgait Victims YEREVAN (Armenpress) — A moment of silence was observed in the Armenian parliament during hearings on the Sumgait pogroms on February 27. Larisa Alaverdyan, president of the Against Legal Arbitrariness NGO, offered to pay tribute to the vic- tims of the event during the parliamentary hearings titled “Sumgait Pogroms: Armenophobia as Azerbaijan’s State Policy.” Alaverdyan stressed that survivors of the Sumgait pogroms are among the participants of the discus- sion. “I bow before all of you,” she said Prayer for Peace Offered In the Mother Cathedral President Michel Aoun toasts with Armenian President and Prime Minister ECHMIADZIN — On February 23, with the bless- ings of Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians; in response to an appeal made by ’s President Aoun Visits Armenia Pope Francis on February 4, a special prayer for YEREVAN (Combined Sources) — is best relished by thousands of tainable development of our two peo- peace was offered during the Great Lent Evening Lebanese President Michel Aoun Lebanese Armenians with their ples,” Sargsyan said. Service in the Mother See of Holy Echmiadzin, for arrived for a state visit in Armenia on peaceful and creative activities, devo- In turn, Aoun thanked President peace in war-torn nations, in particular for the Thursday, February 22. He was tion to Lebanon and filial love for Sargsyan for a warm welcome, stress- Democratic Republic of Congo and for South Sudan. received by President Serzh Sargsyan. Armenia,” Sargsyan said. ing that this was his first trip to Present at the Prayer for Peace were the Supreme The presidents held a meeting fol- “While walking down Beirut Armenia and, while being an official- Spiritual Council members and staff of the Mother lowed by a press conference, during streets, the Armenian breath exists political visit, it bears a special charac- See. which they confirmed the close ties everywhere. I feel great pride that ter. With the awareness and participation of different between the two nations. our compatriots have been able to “Going through this land, burdened Churches and representatives of Christian denomina- “The interstate relations between manifest themselves as dignified and with historical faith and martyrdom, tions, this prayer for peace aims to create a new wit- our countries have a history of just 25 law-abiding Lebanese citizens in all cannot be a simple or traditional out- ness for the establishment of gospel peace in all years, but the friendship between our areas of public life, contributing thus ing. We had chosen two monuments those countries where Christians need more peace peoples is centuries-long,” Sargsyan to the development and prosperity of as the evidence of that history. and security. said as he welcomed his Lebanese Lebanon. And I feel grateful to the Yesterday we visited the Mother counterpart at the Presidential Palace. people of Lebanon and the Lebanese Cathedral of Echmiadzin, one of the PM Inspects Digital “The Armenian community has authorities for the opportunity of oldest churches in the world, where played a great role in the reinforcement self-assertion granted to the we had a feeling of firmness of faith, Armenia Foundation of friendship between our peoples. We Armenians,” he continued. which made the Armenian people a champion among the world’s nations, Activities proclaimed its identity and belief in YEREVAN — Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan vis- the first centuries. It required courage ited the Digital Armenia Foundation headquarters in and sacrifice when Roman persecu- late February, where he was presented the final ver- tion reached their peak. sion of the “Armenia Digital Transformation Agenda “The second is the monument to the 2030” framework document. victims of the Armenian Genocide, Foundation Director Eduard Nersisyan advised where the heartbeat is accelerating to that within the framework of the first phase, called the brutal images of children, women “digital jump,” it is envisaged to implement large- and men who stand out as the reflec- scale infrastructure development projects and pro- tion of heroism, sufferings and wounds grams aimed at providing a common digitalization against the backdrop of an eternal environment in all areas of public governance. fire,” Aoun said. “These horrific scenes He provided details of the platform to be estab- expose the idea of destruction with lished between different management systems, the which the entire Orient was consumed launch of digital service centers, digital statistics and at the outset of the twentieth century. other programs that will help reduce administrative …. Our two peoples were victims of that costs, processing deadlines, improve transparency of idea. The Armenians were killed with services and provide online services based on the the sword, the Lebanese people one-stop-shop principle. through famine. Unfortunately, that Highlighting the foundation’s activity, Karapetyan same mentality once again has stressed that along with long-term programs swift ini- appeared in recent years, leading to tiatives should be taken leading to tangible results in Lebanese President Michel Aoun makes his way to Echmiadzin hundreds of thousands of victims. order to propel the digitalization process. Undoubtedly, the failure to face history and the lack of accountability for the are grateful for the people and author- He praised the Haigazian University past deeds is an incentive for today’s Armenian-made Zangi ities of Lebanon for the careful attitude whose graduates, according to the massacres,” Aoun said. towards our compatriots,” he added. President, continue to provide a lifeline He thanked Sargsyan for the warm App Presented at GSMA Sargsyan also expressed his grati- for Armenian communities in the welcome. Mobile World tude to the Lebanese authorities, region and around the world. “Let me raise my glass to the wellbe- including the Parliament, for acknowl- President Sargsyan expressed grati- ing of both countries and peoples, to YEREVAN (Amenpress) — The GSMA Mobile edging the fact of the Armenian tude to friend Lebanon for standing by the true peace that should be based on World Global Conference is underway in Barcelona, Genocide. the Armenian people during the tragic tolerance, the respect of others’ right where Armenia is represented with the Zangi mobile Later, Sargsyan hosted an official events of history and accommodating a to dignified life and freedom,” he said. app. Armenia’s minister of transportation, communi- dinner in honor of Aoun, during which portion of Genocide survivors. “I must say that the Armenian com- cation and information technologies Vahan they exchanged toasts and touched “Unfortunately, the is munity had a great contribution to Martirosyan visited the Zangi app pavilion at the con- upon the Armenian-Lebanese inter- experiencing new tragedies that reaf- Lebanon’s development and prosperity. ference on February 27 and viewed the rendered ser- state relations. Sargsyan and Aoun firm that the philosophy of the They are quite seriously engaged in all vices. This is the second time that Zangi is partici- talked about the two peoples’ common Armenian Genocide is still persistent in fields of their activity and responsible pating at GSMA Mobile World. history, the hardships faced together the 21st century, and that our struggle circles. We rely on them very much in Zangi is a safe, private, secure messaging app that and their destinies that are intertwined to prevent them is not yet over. all fields. We are a broad society, and works everywhere. Extremely low bandwidth con- with many threads of spiritual and cul- He expressed Armenia’s readiness to the Armenian community managed to sumption allows users to make high-quality video and tural affinity. support Lebanon. maintain their culture and identity in audio calls, send messages, and work collaboratively “The Armenian-Lebanese friend- “The well-known Arab saying states Lebanon. Of course, we attach impor- from anywhere with anyone. ship stems from Antelias, Burj that a true friend is a single soul in two tance to and are proud of this pluralism Hamud and Ainchar down to the bust bodies. I think this is best character- and cultural diversity since we are able of the world-famous Lebanese writer, ized by the Armenian-Lebanese rela- to benefit from them and develop philosopher and art figure Jubran tions, where there are no unsolvable Lebanon,” Aoun said. Khalil Jubran near Beirut Street at issues, where the sides’ mutual under- He returned to Lebanon later in the the heart of Yerevan. Indeed, all this standing serves the welfare and sus- week. S A T U R D A Y , M A R C H 3 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 3 ARMENIA

a high school where national folk tales are given a twist. It is the girl’s wisdom that saves the day. Girls defeat the ‘We Lose 1,400 Girls a Year. demons and save themselves, too. The charismatic puppet master, Armen Safaryan, tells his young audience: “God decides whether we are girls or boys. Respect and love are contagious. I speak from travel and experience, and I treat Who Will Our Boys Marry?’: men and women as the same. We are just beginning and we need our girls. We must end this murder.” ‘The Word Is Your Weapon’ Some of the most impressive work I see being done is Armenia’s Quandary in a seminary, by an amazing psychologist called Inga Harutyunyan. In a classroom in the Gevorkian seminary in Vagharshapat, in the complex of the Mother See of Holy Echmiadzin, eager young priests are trained. These are highly educated young men. By Suzanne Moore bothered to name her. Doctors now encourage women to Harutyunyan has established a relationship with the celebrate carrying a girl, yet I hear the stories of what hap- church. Privately, she tells me about ancient Armenian pens in “other places” where women are not allowed to be matriarchies and goddesses. But the key is in the way she YEREVAN (The Guardian) — Sometimes it seems there told the sex of their child at the 12-week scan. There are talks to the priests. “You are clergymen,” she tells them. are so many ways to destroy women that the methods ways to find out, apparently, such as the pocket in which “The word is your weapon,” and then she gives them texts become invisible to us. There are some women you will the doctor puts their pen — left for a girl, right for a boy. from the Bible that emphasize respect for women. never see because they will never be born. Armenia really needs its missing women. “We lose Getting the church on your side, along with the gov- Amartya Sen talked of “missing women” in his 1,400 girls a year. In the long term who will our boys ernment and civil society is quite something. This is the famous 1990 essay because of technologies that enable marry? How will we consolidate the Armenian nation? We strategy in Armenia: to work with everyone; not to alien- prenatal sex selection. are only 3 million people. We have no right to such loss- ate any group, but to promote the value of girls and Most people are aware this happens in and India, es. There will be no mothers to give birth to girls,” says women right across the culture. And it’s working. but I am in Armenia, talking to a nervy woman in her Khalafyan. “We are not ‘girl averse’, as they are in India,” says early 30s. We are in the eastern region of Gavar, which is “Son preference” is a euphemism, maybe, but a neces- Vahan Asatryan, a researcher at the International Centre second only to China in the number of female fetuses that sary one. Sex selective abortion has been steadily grow- for Human Development. He suggests the answer to end- are aborted. Here, 120 boys are born for every 100 girls. ing across the and Asia (Armenia has the third ing sex selection lies in looking at the issue in specific The woman, who has two young daughters, tells me her highest rate in the world, behind China and Azerbaijan) contexts. How it works in Nepal, for instance, is different girls say: “Let’s go to church to light a candle to get a lit- and it will continue to happen as fertility levels drop. from what’s happening in Vietnam. tle brother.” They want a boy, she wants a boy, her hus- When green campaigners talk of population growth being He talks about fertility rates as the big issue. Everyone band wants a boy. This is why she has had nine or 10 the world’s biggest problem, they need also to factor in stresses this is about not being for or against abortion. abortions — she is not sure exactly, and is vague about a gender. When people have fewer children, they want boys. Abortion, he repeats, is simply the mechanism by which “vascular condition” given as a reason to terminate the Data collected in Armenia in 2010 started to bring sex selection happens. The right to abortion is an achieve- pregnancies. home the sex imbalance: there were 115-120 boys being ment of civilization. Armenia allows termination up to 12 She droops slightly when asked for more detail. “If I get born for every 100 girls. Anecdotally, people talked of weeks without restrictions. pregnant again and it’s a girl …” She trails off. She is not school dances in which boys were forced to dance with The introduction of ultrasound in the mid-1990s has sure what she will do. She has heard of doctors in the cap- one another as there were so few girls. exacerbated sex selection across all the former Soviet ital, Yerevan, who could help her. Sex selection, for that In 2011, the UN population fund began its advocacy republics, however. is what we are talking about, became illegal in Armenia in work around sex selection, and in 2017 it launched a glob- The key to change is situating this debate at the very 2016. al program to prevent gender-biased sex selection. After heart of Armenian society, to ensure the survival of the The woman says that if she gets rid of the next baby, initial resistance, the Armenian government backs the nation. she will not be sad. “My husband will be sad. He accuses UNFPA campaign. The country is already seeing results. If the trends are not reversed, Armenia will have lost me of eliminating all these children.” He is away for more In 2014, the ratio was 114 boys for 100 girls; last year, the almost 93,000 women by 2060. That’s an awful lot of than half the year working in Russia, as many Armenians figure stood at 110 boys for every 100 girls. potential mothers. Everyone talks of extending choice are. “But,” she says defiantly, “in some years my girls will Efforts by the UNFPA and humanitarian agencies such and opportunity for women. Interestingly, “no one is leave. I will be all by myself.” as Save the Children are proving successful because they blamed for what is happening … Everyone is part of the This is one part of what propels prenatal sex selection look at the specific conditions that lead to pre-natal sex solution,” says Asatryan. — a need to ensure the family lineage, and the belief that selection: contraception, emigration, men as the key “We can’t change gender stereotypes in two years, but boys will provide in old age. Girls grow up, marry and breadwinners, inheritance, family lineage and conflict. we can look at the data. We can talk about human rights.” leave. They move in with the husband’s family. Boys are Conflict was an issue raised by the head teacher of a At a conference to advance gender equality and combat an investment. Girls are a loss. This I hear repeated over school in Gavar, where the classes have more boys than prenatal sex selection in Tsaghkadzor, a ski resort, com- and over again. It is hard to reconcile with the modern girls. Araxia Verdanyan says the impact of the war hangs munity workers, activists and doctors from across the women – doctors, journalists and politicians – who are over its people. Armenia is at war with Azerbaijan over country share their experiences. Many men blame women everywhere in Yerevan. Some of the biggest pressures on Nagorno-Karabakh. “Our soldiers are killed on a daily for the sex of their own children, not realizing that the Y women to have sons come from other women: mothers– basis. We need girls to reproduce. We need boys to defend chromosome responsible for the male sex is transferred in–law. the border,” she says. Here a boy child is always another from the man’s genome. Dr Hrachya Khalafyan, who runs the Sevan medical soldier. I have coffee with Margaret, a young women who works center in Yerevan, was shocked when he first heard about Ministers explain the political strategy to raise the pro- with children with disabilities. She believes everyone has Armenia’s sex imbalance. file of girls. Contraception and health are promoted as pri- a right to life. If the trends are not reversed, Armenia will have lost orities. All key professionals are trained in giving a posi- She loves all children, she explains. She tells the women almost 93,000 women by 2060. tive message about girls. And a woman has three days to she works with: “You know when you want your husband Where once they used to have seven or eight children, change her mind after she has requested an abortion at to buy you an expensive handbag and you persuade him women in Armenia today give birth just once, on average. 12 weeks. to? Well surely you can do that with a baby? Talk to him, In the past, if the last child was a girl, she might be called I go to a puppet show, “Ne’s Journey,” performed by the tell him you want to have a girl. Persuade him. Tell him the Armenian word for “Enough” as if no one could be Armenian Center of International Union of Puppeteers, in you want her to live.”

Activists See Environmental Reasons For Armenian Mine Shutdown

YEREVAN (RFE/RL) — Production opera- Rafael Afrikian of the Union of Informed mine to avoid a bigger environmental disaster. an who also spoke at the news conference, said tions at a large copper mine in northern Citizens (UIC) said on Monday that he and “The company stopped operations because the that she was not allowed to enter the site when Armenia were halted last month because of its other members of the Yerevan-based civic tailings dump could crumble at any moment,” she travelled to Teghut recently. “The lack of faulty waste disposal facilities, environment pro- group traveled to Teghut shortly after the he told a joint news conference with the other transparency in their activities raises many sus- tection activists claimed on Monday. announcement of the mass layoffs. He said activists. picions,” she said of Vallex. A private mining company, Vallex Group, sent they witnessed and documented evidence of Vallex declined to immediately comment on It remains unclear when Vallex plans to the vast majority of its 1,200 employees work- Vallex of dumping industrial waste into the these claims. A spokeswoman said the company reopen the mine. The Teghut operator said on ing at the Teghut deposit on indefinite leave on Debed river through a pipe during the night would only respond to written inquiries. February 2 that it will keep a skeleton staff of January 12, citing the need for “planned pro- hours. RFE/RL’s Armenian service (Azatutyun.am) around 300 employees who will guard the site phylactic repairs.” Vallex announced on Levon Galstian, who leads the non-govern- already sent such a request for comment earlier and look after its industrial equipment. It also February 2 that it will lay them off due to what mental Armenian Ecological Front, claimed this month. Responding to it, Vallex did not said that 200 other laid-off workers will be it expects to be a “prolonged stoppage” of min- that the pipe was secretly laid seven months clearly explain whether the Teghut shutdown transferred to other mining enterprises belong- ing and ore processing at Teghut. It claimed ago in breach of the Armenian government’s had to do with its tailings dump. ing to Vallex. Those include a copper smelter in that it needs time to commission feasibility environmental regulations. He insisted that Meanwhile, the Armenian Ministry for the nearby town of Alaverdi and metal mines in studies on its plans to significantly boost pro- Vallex is not allowed to do that. Environment Protection said it cannot com- Nagorno-Karabakh. duction there. Artur Grigorian, another environmental ment on the claims before inspecting the site. A Teghut generated over 42 percent of In the months leading up to the shutdown, activist, echoed the allegations, saying that his ministry spokesman acknowledged that no Vallex’s total operating revenue which soared Armenian environmentalists repeatedly report- Ecological Right group has decided to sue environmental inspections have been conduct- by about 32 percent to $358 million last year. ed toxic leaks from Teghut’s waste disposal Vallex. ed at Teghut ever since operations there began The mining group benefited from increased reservoir contaminating a nearby river. Vallex Galstian also alleged that the Liechtenstein- in late 2014. international prices of copper and other non- denied those reports. registered company temporarily shut down the Lena Nazarian, an opposition parliamentari- ferrous metals. 4 S ATURDAY, M ARCH 3 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR INTERNATIONAL International News Dutch Parliament Members Ready to Increase Targeted in Turkish Media Gas Exports to Armenia

YEREVAN (Public Radio of Armenia) — Iran is reports of hate messages. There is a lot Armenian genocide has no effect on ready to increase the volume of gas supplied to By Janene Pieters of scolding, I’m not going to translate Dutch policy. The government will con- Armenia, Iran’s Energy Minister Reza Ardakanian that literally, there are also threats com- tinue to refer to this mass murder as said in Yerevan on February 27 during the 15th joint ing in,” SP parliamentarian Lacin said “the issue of the Armenian Genocide,” economic commission meeting between Iran and AMSTERDAM (NL Times) — Turkish to the broadcaster. GroenLinks parlia- Minister Sigrid Kaag of Foreign Affairs Armenia. media sources are targeting five Dutch mentarian Özdil confirmed this. “There said last week. The government will, Asked whether the gas price could be lower than parliamentarians with a Turkish back- are a lot of things coming in. The most however, send a representative to the that offered by Russia, he said Iran’s Petroleum ground, calling them traitors after the creative verbal abuse, but also threats. commemoration of the genocide in the Ministry and Armenia’s Ministry of Energy will soon Tweede Kamer (lower chamber) official- I’m making screenshots of everything Armenian capital of Yerevan in April. hold talks on the issue. ly recognized the Armenian Genocide. and I will report the most concrete The relationship between the Ardakanian said he believes there is a lot of poten- They’ve also received threats via social threats,” he said. Netherlands and Turkey has been tial for the development of cooperation between the media, two of them confirmed to RTL Neither of them will give in to this extremely tense since the two countries not only in the energy sector, but also Nieuws. Tweede Kamer president clear intimidation, they said. “I’m not Netherlands refused to let Turkish agriculture, tax and road communication, mining, Khadija Arib called this “unacceptable.” going to keep my mouth shut. I’m a Ministers enter the country to campaign etc. Last week the lower house of Dutch Dutch member of parliament and I’m for a referendum that gave Turkish pres- According to him, the free economic zones, con- parliament voted that the mass slaugh- proud of it. These reports are disgrace- ident Recep Tayyip Erdogan more struction of the Iran Armenia 3rd third high-volt- ter of thousands of Armenians during ful, this is really demonization. The mes- power. Turkey accused the Netherlands age power transmission line and the Meghri HPP will the reign of the Ottoman empire in sage is: you’re of Turkish origin, so you of Nazism, fascism, and mass murder in come to contribute to the development of trade 1915 should be recognized as a geno- can not think this. That is very bad, to Srebrenica, and imposed a number of between the two countries. cide. A large majority in the Kamer say the least,” Özdil said. Lacin added: sanctions against our country. The “We hope the negotiation between Iran and the voted for this motion on Thursday. “I find this a very bad thing. I was born Dutch government in turn did not con- Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) will produce good On Saturday morning, the Turkish and raised here. I’m simply a Dutch rep- gratulate Erdogan when he eventually results in the future. I’m confident that Armenia’s website En Son Haber opened the attack resentative of the people.” won the referendum. Talks between the role and the friendly ties between our two countries on five Dutch parliamentarians with Kamer president Khadija Arib called two countries on restoring the relation- will contribute to the development of relations with Turkish backgrounds — Dilan Yesilgöz this frontal attack on Dutch parliamen- ship recently collapsed, and the Dutch EAEU,” Ardakanian stressed. (VVD), Cem Lacin (SP), Sadet Karabulut tarians and their voting behavior com- government officially recalled the Dutch Armenia’s Minister of Energy Infrastructures and (SP), Zihni Özdil (GroenLinks) and Nevin pletely unacceptable. “Parliamentarians ambassador to . Natural Resources Ashot Manukyan said he sees no Özütok (GroenLinks). “The five Turks are elected representatives of the people Last week the Turkish Ministry of obstacle for the development of cooperation between who have betrayed the motherland,” the who must be free to express their opin- Foreign Affairs also released a state- the two countries. website reads, along with photos of the ion,” she said to Nieuwsuur. ment in response to the Kamer recog- “To eliminate any obstacles, we opened the Meghri parliamentarians. Other Turkish news “Threatening or inciting threats in nizing the Armenian genocide, here too free economic zone on the territory of Armenia. sites also published similar reports, response to them expressing these opin- referring to Srebrenica. The Ministry There is also the Aras free economic zone operating according to RTL. ions is unacceptable. It does not fit in a called the Kamer’s decision to recognize on the Iranian territory. I’m confident the coopera- Since then, the parliamentarians have democracy and in an open and free soci- the Armenian genocide inappropriate tion between these two zones will help overcome any been facing threats and abuse on social ety like ours.” for a country “that looked the other legislative differences,” he said. media. “I am constantly receiving The Tweede Kamer recognizing the way during the genocide in Srebrenica.” Sevak Khanaghyan Will Go to Eurovision Czechs Release Syrian Kurdish Leader, Won’t YEREVAN (Public Radio of Armenia) — Sevak Khanagyan, on February 26, won the right to repre- Extradite to Turkey sent Armenia at Eurovision song contest in later this year. The winner decided by a combination security. On Jan. 20, Turkey launched a role in the Syrian opposition. He helped of international experts jury and public votes. Sevak By Amberin Zaman large-scale military operation against plan a joint operation to retrieve the got the maximum 12 points from both the expert the YPG-controlled Afrin region and remains of the grandfather of the jury and the televote for his song Qami, written by has vowed to eject the YPG from the founder of the Ottoman Empire from a himself, Anna Danielyan and Viktorya Maloyan. (Al-Monitor) — Syrian long slab of territory it controls along shrine near the town of Kobani and relo- Kurdish leader Salih Muslim has been the Turkish border. The accusations cate them to a new site near the Turkish released from detention in Prague, leav- stem from the PYD and YPG’s alle- border. At the time, around 1,000 YPG Nalbandian: Armenia ing Turkey fuming. giance to Abdullah Ocalan, the impris- fighters wounded in the battle against Implements National A top Syrian Kurdish leader detained oned founder of the Kurdistan Workers IS were treated in state-run Turkish hos- on Saturday, February 24, in the Czech Party (PKK), which has been fighting pitals. Plan for Human Rights capital Prague at Turkey’s request was on and off for Kurdish self-rule inside Turkey now claims that Muslim was freed today, prompting angry reactions Turkey since 1984. involved in a March 2016 car bomb Protection from Ankara. Speaking to reporters following his attack in the heart of Ankara that left In a statement, the Turkish Foreign release, Muslim said he was holding at least 37 people dead and over a hun- YEREVAN (Armenpress) — Armenia continues to Ministry asserted that Salih Muslim’s meetings in to explain what was dred wounded. The attack, which tar- implement National Plan of Action for Human Rights release following a court hearing today happening in Afrin. “They tried to geted police personnel, was said to have Protection, the main objective of which is to formu- displayed “the insincerity” of European silence us. They failed,” he said. been carried out by PKK operatives late a unified policy document in the area of human countries in the fight against terrorism. Muslim was in Prague to speak at an who drove the bomb-laden car and per- rights protection. We have a good record of submis- Deputy Prime Minister Bekir Bozdag international conference on regional ished in the blast. The Kurdistan sions of national and follow-up reports to the UN went further, claiming that freeing security in the Middle East convened by Freedom Falcons, which is described in treaty bodies Foreign Minister of Armenia Edward Muslim was a violation of international the University of California’s Center for turn as a radical splinter faction of the Nalbandian announced in his speech at the High law and amounted to support for ter- Middle East Development and co-hosted PKK and its urban terror wing, claimed Level Segment of the 37th Session of the UN Human rorism. Relations between the two by the Czech Republic, the Netherlands responsibility for the explosion. Muslim Rights Council. NATO allies would suffer, he added. and the United States, The New York was added to the list of wanted sus- “Armenia supports the Universal Periodic Review According to Foreign Minister Mevlut Times reported. Muslim was detained at pects in the prosecution’s indictment a process and we are going to submit our UPR second Cavusoglu, Turkey sent a diplomatic the Marriott Hotel where he was staying year later. The precise nature of the midterm report on a voluntary basis. Our country is note to the Czech Republic to protest a few hours after the conference ended. allegations and evidence against him completing its transition to parliamentary system of the move and will continue to pursue In a Feruary 22 interview with Al- remain unclear, though the state-run governance. Throughout the whole process of transi- the former co-chair of ’s Monitor, Muslim acknowledged that he Anadolu news agency reported charges tion including the Constitutional referendum, the Democratic Union Party (PYD), count- had met Ocalan in Damascus before he against him include damaging public subsequent amendments of the key laws in Armenia ed among the most influential Kurdish was forced out of Syria in 1998 and property and national unity, premedi- and the parliamentary elections were conducted in political groupings in Syria, wherever he makes no secret of his admiration for tated murder and transporting danger- an inclusive manner, in close cooperation with our went. “For us, Salih Muslim is a terror- him. But the PYD and the YPG deny ous materials. Muslim said he had not international partners and have demonstrated that ist. His release is a scandal.” Turkey has they are part of the PKK, saying Ocalan traveled to Turkey since February the progress achieved in upholding fundamental free- demanded that Muslim, a Syrian nation- has inspired their thinking and nothing 2015. Observers say Muslim’s indict- doms is sustainable and irreversible”, Nalbandian al, be extradited to Turkey. There were more. Although many PYD and YPG ment is likely part of Turkey’s broader said, adding that Armenia will continue the reform unconfirmed reports Muslim will have leaders were previously in the PKK, nei- effort to convince the United States and process in the country also making use of the good to wait for at least another hearing ther is listed as terrorist groups by European countries to end their sup- offices provided by partners, including the United pending Turkey’s submission of evi- either the United States and the port for the YPG. Nations. dence against him before he can leave , paving the way for Muslim told Al-Monitor that he had “I would like to assure of Armenia’s continued the country. joint cooperation against IS. offered to mediate between Turkey and commitment for the further consolidation of democ- Turkey insists that both the PYD For a while, Turkey was similarly the PKK when he still had contact with ratic institutions, rule of law, strengthening of judi- and its armed wing the People’s pragmatic in its approach. Until 2015, Turkish officials. “I told them I knew ciary, good governance, which remain high among Protection Units (YPG), the US-led when peace talks and a 2½-year cease- certain people [inside the PKK], we can our priorities,” Nalbandian concluded. coalition’s top ally in the fight against fire between Turkey and the PKK col- go to Qandil.” He said the offer to nego- the Islamic State (IS) in Syria, are ter- lapsed, Muslim used to meet with senior tiate still stands, provided that Turkey rorist groups that threaten its national Turkish officials to discuss the PYD’s halts its attacks on Afrin. S ATURDAY, M ARCH 3 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 5 INTERNATIONAL Ecumenical Altars of Remembrance in Berlin

ALTAR, from page 1 Technical University in 2002, on the theme of the genocide of Placed between the first and second altars is a huge plaque Christians in the late Ottoman Empire. As explained on its web- with the names of these Christian communities, and the inscrip- site (http://www.genozid-gedenkstaette.de), an organizing tion: “Commemorate the victims of the Ottoman genocide committee called “Speak with one voice!” was founded, and in 1912-1922.” On the lateral wings of each of the Altars of 2008 it embraced the idea of an ecumenical place of mourning Remembrance are ‘icons of annihilation,’ scenes from the geno- in ’s capital. The then-mayor of the district of cide. The design of the memorial was inspired by the principle Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf, Monika Thiemen, lent her sup- of Christian medieval sacral architecture: “Unity in diversity.” port, as did the Commemorative Plaque Commission of the And the cross, in its several variations, stands as the universal same district. This reflects the historical ties of the Christian symbol of hope and resurrection. Charlottenburg district to the communities involved; two On the ground in front of the ecumenical memorial are stone Armenian communities of Berlin and one of the four Syrian plates, inscribed with the names of the main places of origin of orthodox communities have been located there for decades. the victims. Sixty-eight such stone plates are planned, seven of In November 2011, the founding members of the organizing which have been completed and bear the names of Bitlis, committee joined with other representatives of the Armenian, Diyarbakir, Edirne, Nusaybin, Smyrna, Trabzon and Van. Greek and Syrian Orthodox (Aramaen) communities to estab-

House of the Aramaens

that she should have been among the founders; Hofmann is one of the earliest genocide researchers in Germany to have pub- lished scientific studies on the Armenian genocide. The author of numerous books and a professor, she has campaigned for genocide recognition, as chairwoman of the human rights orga- nization, “Working Group Recognition – Against Genocide, for International Understanding” (AGA). After looking into various possible sites and discussing the House of the Armenians project with the relevant authorities, this location was chosen. House of the Greeks In May 2012, the administration of the Protestant Luisenkirchhof III granted the FÖGG three former tombs for According to what communities lived there, the names are their permanent use and maintenance. Thanks to contributions lish the FÖGG, which was officially recognized in early 2012 as inscribed in Armenian, Greek and/or Aramaen. In the inter- of the state of Berlin (Land) and the German Foundation for a charitable association. Politically unaffiliated, the FÖGG is stices between the larger plates are smaller, rounded stones, Protection of Historical Monuments (Deutsche Stiftung however engaged in human rights, especially the prevention of which may bear the name of an individual or family. Denkmalschutz), the altars were professionally restored. genocide. Its statute specifies that its aim is to promote art and Descendants of the survivors are contributing funds to honor Financial donations by private persons made possible the trans- culture, and the Luisenkirchhof memorial is its main project. their ancestors. formation into a memorial. The memorial site is to provide a place for members of these This memorial, the only one of its kind in the world, is intend- Were there political difficulties in establishing such a memo- communities to gather for commemorations and requiem ser- ed to be an inclusive place for mourning, learning and recon- rial in Berlin? I could imagine protests emanating from Turkish vices. In fact, as Hofmann explained to me, every year such ciliation. A large, glass enclosed information board is to be quarters. They had tried to intervene, but too late. The FÖGG events take place: on April 24th for the Armenians, on June erected along the pathway, to provide visitors with background organizers were wise to operate in total discretion until the 15th for the Syrians and September 14th for the Greeks. information, texts and maps, on the genocide. arrangement received official sanction from the authorities. Now the FÖGG is raising funds for a virtual memorial site on Tessa Hofmann has good reason to be proud of this memor- They also took special care in formulating the name of the the Internet, which is already under construction. It will provide ial. It was largely through her efforts and those of her col- memorial, for example, in the designation “Ottoman genocide.” documentation on the contribution Christian communities leagues in the Förderverein für eine Ökumenischen What Is the FÖGG? made to their local or regional culture, and how they were Gedenstätte für Genozidopfer im Osmanischen Reich (FÖGG) The association that is responsible for building the memorial destroyed. For more information on the initiative and how to e.V. that the memorial came into being. And it is no accident grew out of an idea born at a scientific conference at the Berlin contribute, see http://www.genozid-gedenkstaette.de The Parikian Collection: A New Treasure Made Public

East Section curator at the British Library Cyprus where the family escaped after WWI. printing,” explains Dr. Nersessian in his intro- By Hratch Tchilingirian and with the support of the Calouste He studied music in at the Trinity duction. “Of particular interest is a small Gulbenkian Foundation — and is now avail- College of Music (1936 to 1939) and made selection of 16th-century western publica- able for researchers. his solo debut in 1947 in Liverpool. He led a tions, mostly in Latin, introducing the use of LONDON — Eton College formally Over the decades, with his wife Diana very successful career as a soloist in Britain Armenian founts prior to the emergence of launched the collection of some 650 volumes (Carbutt) (1927-2012), a well-known anti- and across Europe, the Middle East, Canada Armenian printing.” of rare early Armenian printed books from quarian bookseller and herself a musician, and the at the time. Parikian The launch at Eton College started with an the 16th to 19th centuries, bequeathed to Manoug Parikian had assembled a valuable led the Liverpool Philharmonic (1947-48), exhibit of some of the rare books in the the school by renowned British-Armenian collection of early Armenian printed books. London Philharmonia Orchestra (1949-57) library, followed by a presentation on early violinist Manoug Parikian (1920-1987). Upon his death in 1987, the collection was and various other chamber orchestras. He Armenian printing by Dr. Gagik Stepan- The event at Eton on February 20, 2018 given to Eton College, where their two also taught at the Royal College of Music Sarkissian. The celebration was crowned coincides with the 350th anniversary of the sons, Stepan and Levon, had been educated. (1954-1956) and at the Royal Academy of with a concert by the Chilingirian Quartet, printing of the first Armenian Bible by It is said that London-born Diana, daughter Music (since 1959), and is known for his led by Levon Chilingirian, Manoug Parikian’s Voskan Erevantsi in Amsterdam in 1666, a of a chartered accountant, “always used the many important recordings. As noted in his nephew. limited edition of which is included in the Armenian alphabet for the cost-coding of her biography, Parikian “inspired many younger Manoug Parikian’s legacy certainly adds Parikian Collection, with an impressive bind- books, something that may baffle the prove- English composers to write major works for great scholarly and cultural value to the rich ing designed by the pre-eminent 17th-centu- nance detectives of the future but will stand his instrument.” Armenian collections of manuscripts and ry Dutch bookbinder Albert Magnus. as a hallmark of books of distinction in The Parikian Collection at Eton includes rare printed books found in various British Although acquired in 1988, the collection libraries the world over.” outstanding volumes “from the first half of institutions, such as the British Library, was catalogued nearly 30 years later — by Dr. Manoug Parikian was born in Mersin, the 17th century to 1850 and beyond,” cov- Oxford, Cambridge, Durham universities and V. N. Nersessian, former Christian Middle Cilicia (today Turkey) in 1920, but grew up in ering “the principal centres of Armenian others. 6 S ATURDAY, M ARCH 3 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Community News

Catholicos of All LINDA RAVUL, AGBU PHOTO Siobahn Nash- Armenians to Marshall to Celebrate 60th Anniversary of Examine Turkish Ordination of Denialism at Rev. Kouzouian NAASR Lecture

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — On Friday, May 11, Holy BELMONT, Mass. — Dr. Siobhan Nash- Trinity Armenian Church of Greater Boston will Marshall will present and discuss her new book welcome Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and titled The Sins of the Fathers: Turkish Catholicos of All Armenians, to Celebrate with Denialism and the Armenian Genocide on Rev. Mampre A. Kouzouian the 60th anniversary Thursday, March 22, at 7:30 p.m. at the of his ordination to the priesthood. National Association for Armenian Studies and Under the auspices of Archbishop Khajag Research (NAASR) Center, 395 Concord Ave. Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the In 1915 the government of the Ottoman Armenian Church of America (Eastern), this Empire began systematically to rip Western “Celebration of a Life of Service” will begin Armenians off the lands where their ancestors with the Hrashapar Service at 6 p.m., in the had lived since time immemorial. It ordered that sanctuary, to Welcome the catholicos. All are Armenian men be murdered, and the Armenian invited to attend. women, children, and grandparents be deport- ed into areas of Syria declared unfit for human life. Most of the Armenians who managed to survive the death march were slaughtered there. In The Sins of the Fathers — the first part Ambassador Zohrab Mnatsakanyan in The Betrayal of Philosophy trilogy — Nash- Marshall connects the total disregard of fact and people, of lands and history that informed the Armenian Genocide and Turkish denial to what is today informing our world and culture. Heroes of 30 Years Nash-Marshall holds the Mary T. Clark Chair Ago and Today Remembered

Rev. Mampre Kouzouian NEW YORK — The 30th anniversary of the birth of the Artsakh Movement was marked in an educational and artistic manner on Thursday, February 22, at AGBU’s headquarters, featuring the meaningful portraits of The 60th anniversary celebration banquet Davit Hakobyan and special remarks by Ambassador Zohrab Mnatsakayan, will follow at 7:15 p.m. in the Charles and Permanent Representative of Armenia to the and Robert Nevart Talanian Cultural Hall. Avetisyan, Permanent Representative of Artsakh to the United States. Advance reservations will be required for the Prior to the speaking portion of the evening, guests had the opportunity to banquet. Further details will be announced. walk around the gallery and view Hakobyan’s photographs, which depict the Funds raised will support the children at the heroic soldiers against the backdrop of the mountainous and picturesque land Muratsan Chemotherapy Clinic of Yerevan of Artsakh, and converse with the photographer, who was present at the event. State Medical University and homeless individ- Hakobyan, the official photographer of Armenia’s President Serzh Sargsyan, uals and families in the Echmiadzin area, under donated the proceeds of his sold portraits to the AGBU Fund for Artsakh, which the auspices of the Mother See of Holy supports rebuilding efforts, educational initiatives and construction projects in Echmiadzin and at the request of Kouzouian. the Republic since its 1994 ceasefire with Azerbaijan. “This is indeed an historic event for our parish In his remarks, Mnatsakanyan profoundly thanked Hakobyan for his images, — honored to have the Catholicos of All which send powerful messages to the rest of the world, and emphasized the Armenians in our presence and honored to have importance of “spreading the word about Artsakh.” the opportunity to witness ‘A Life of Service’ as “This exhibition is about those young boys of Armenia who are defending we celebrate our former pastor’s 60 years of faith- our homeland and that is the biggest message of our confidence and capabili- ful, dedicated service ties,” said Mnatsakanyan. to the Armenian Although Armenians as a Diaspora are “scattered all around the world,” Church and her peo- Mnatsakanyan stressed that no Armenian is “indifferent” to their homeland. ple,” said Rev. Vasken “This is about all of us,” he continued. “Because if there is no Artsakh, then A. Kouzouian, pastor our entire identity is shattered.” of Holy Trinity Mnatsakanyan expressed certainty in Armenia and Artsakh, despite its many Church. setbacks and gave assurances for a bright future. A committee “This is a nation that has seen a lot of tragedy,” said Mnatsakanyan. “But this under the leader- is a nation that has come out victorious because it stands very firm on its feet Dr. Siobhan Nash-Marshall ship of Rev. Vasken even in the face of obliteration.” Kouzouian and Recalling the ethnic cleansing of Armenians in Azerbaijan and Artsakh Nancy Dorian between 1991 and 1994, and how almost 40 percent of land had once been lost Catholicos of All of Christian Philosophy at Manhattanville Kasarjian, chair, is to the Azeris, he noted that Armenians overcame these obstacles and “the peo- Armenians Karekin II College. The author of many academic books planning this auspi- ple of Artsakh won.” and articles on metaphysics and the problem of cious occasion. In response to the four-day war in April 2016 when Azerbaijan broke the 1994 evil, she also has written books and articles for The catholicos ceasefire, Mnatsakanyan said that it proved Artsakh is always ready to defend itself. the general public — Joan of Arc: A Spiritual will be visiting the United States to preside “I pay tribute to the 97 young boys we lost in those four days,” concluded Biography and What It Takes to be Free: over the 50th anniversary celebration of St. Mnatsakanyan. “Those are not just statistics. They are 97 young men with Religion and the Roots of Democracy. Vartan Armenian Cathedral in New York City. names and families and loved ones. They have our respect and we bow our In recent years, Nash-Marshall has devoted a That celebration will include a Concert of heads.” lot of attention to genocide and genocide nega- Sacred Music and historical photo exhibit on Avetisyan gave a situational update on the current status of Artsakh, noting tionism. The Sins of the Fathers is her first the evening of Saturday, May 5; and a “although we are thousands of miles away from the front line we still feel book-length treatment of the topic. Pontifical Divine Liturgy on Sunday, May 6 – responsibility.” After the breakout of the war in Syria, Nash- all taking place at the Cathedral complex Providing a historical sketch of the Artsakh Movement, Avetisyan said the Marshall and some friends founded the located at 630 Second Ave. people of Artsakh attempted to assert their independence various times during Christians In Need Foundation (CINF), through For information on St. Vartan Cathedral’s see ARTSAKH, page 7 50th anniversary celebration, log onto the web- which they attempt to help the ancient site of the Eastern Diocese, www.armeni- Christian cultures of the world which are anchurch.us. presently in peril. S A T U R D A Y , M A R C H 3 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 7 COMMUNITY NEWS Heroes of 30 Years Ago and Today Remembered

ARTSAKH, from page 6 the Soviet regime, but found a stronger voice during the tenure of Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, who endorsed the policies of Glasnost and Perestroika, which called for more openness and political reform. The first rally of the Artsakh movement took place on February 13, 1988 in Stepakanert, the republic’s capital and largest city. Avetisyan remarked that Artsakh, which was placed under Azeri jurisdiction by Soviet leader Josef Stalin in the 1920s, legally appealed to the Soviet Union for unification with Armenia through papers and without picking up arms. “This started as a legitimate legal movement for unification to transfer from Azerbaijan to Armenia,” said Avetisyan. “But what started as a legal process became an armed military one.” Azerbaijan’s response to this call for indepen- dence was to carry out pogroms targeting Armenians living in Azerbaijan, including in Sumgait, and Kirovabad, from 1988 to 1991, with no international condemnation or response. The fight for Artsakh’s sovereignty coincided with the collapse of the Soviet Union and a national referendum for independence took place on December 10, 1991. The response, said Avetisyan, was “predictable and tragic.” A full-scale war broke out from 1991 through 1994 and the Armenians in Artsakh faced a humanitarian crisis because of blockades and military offenses by Azerbaijan and its support- ers, including hired mercenaries, which still did- n’t lead to an Azeri victory. “No matter how well you are armed, the motivation is a critical component and we always had advantage in that,” said Avetisyan. A guest viewing Davit Haokbyan’s photos in the gallery “You cannot buy that.” A native of , Avetisyan elaborated on the violence he and his family witnessed dur- ed much of the economic restoration and con- Although Artsakh is detached from the world Avetisyan. “We need to stick together and show ing the war, seeking refuge in basements for struction efforts to Diasporan organizations that economy, it is achieving economic success, par- we’re strong in order to make our voices months at a time. helped “overcome an acute humanitarian crisis.” ticularly in agriculture along with the develop- heard.” With the creation of the Artsakh Defense Avetisyan said he was “proud of our democ- ment of its energy sphere, including hydro Reflecting on the event, Hakobyan said Army in 1992 and vigilant determination, a ratic and economic development” elaborating power stations. Avetisyan also touched on guests felt “inspired” and appreciated the ceasefire was signed in 1994, which ushered in a on free and transparent elections in Artsakh recognition of the republic from multiple US opportunity to view the portraits. more peaceful period and rebuilding efforts to and the welcoming of NGOs, diplomats and states, including California, Massachusetts and “Through these photos I wish to portray our reconstruct the war-torn lands. Avetisyan credit- think tanks to share in dialogue and feedback. Michigan, among others. army, which was an important realization of the “It is all in our hands,” said Avetisyan. “If we Artsakh Liberation Movement,” said Hakobyan.

COURTESY OF JESSE SOURSOURIAN, AGBU are weak, we will be digested. If we are strong, “I want to show the daily life and the wonderful no one will dare to attack Artsakh or Armenia.” people who serve in the army and the spirited “Artsakh is forever Armenian,” concluded atmosphere that prevails there.”

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Telephone (617) 924-7400 Artsakh Representative to the US Robert Avetisyan speaking to a guest before his remarks Aram Bedrosian Funeral Home, Inc. Continuous Service By The Bedrosian Family Since 1945 MARION BEDROSIAN 558 MOUNT AUBURN STREET PAUL BEDROSIAN WATERTOWN, MA 02472 LARRY BEDROSIAN

DENNIS M. DEVENEY & SONS Cemetery Monuments Specializing in Armenian Designs and Lettering 701 Moody St. Waltham, MA 02543 (781) 891-9876 www.NEMonuments.com A guest viewing Davit Haokbyan’s photos in the gallery 8 S ATURDAY, M ARCH 3 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS

Arslan Seraydarian Celebrates Turning 100 Survivor of Armenian Genocide

BROOMALL, Penn. — The family and friends of Arslan Seraydarian celebrated his 100th birthday on Saturday, February 17, at the Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College in Philadelphia. The evening was filled with historic and heartwarming rec- ollections of a life of perseverance, resilience and faith and with festive Armenian and American music, dance and cui- sine. It was a fitting tribute to a survivor of the Armenian Genocide, a decorated World War II veteran, an accomplished professional, and a treasured family member and friend. A man whose life has epitomized the American dream, Arslan Seraydarian was born in Yozgat, Turkey, on February 16, 1918. He and some of his family members escaped the Armenian Genocide, while many other relatives perished at the hands of the Ottoman Turks. Arriving in the US in 1923, he was forced to drop out of school in the eighth grade to help support his family during the Great Depression. Serving in the army in the European theater of World War II from 1939-1945, he endured 10 months of fierce combat in which he and his fellow soldiers were forced to use dead animals for shelter. He fought in the Battle of the Arslan Seraydarian, his wife Gladys, his son Donald and his daughter Carol. Bulge, earning three Bronze Stars and recently the French Legion of Honor medal for helping liberate . After the war, Seraydarian was able to complete high space engineer and teacher. three grandchildren, Jason, Scott (Cori) and Robert school, attend college and eventually earned a master’s He has been married to his beloved wife, Gladys, for 72 (deceased); and four great-grandchildren, Lily, Ben, Gigi degree. He enjoyed a long and productive career as an aero- years, and has two children, Donald (Maureen) and Carol; and Bella.

Killing Orders Lays Bare Orders for Armenian Annihilation

AKÇAM, from page 1 called Medz Yegern, translated into English with almost as soon as the orders for the Genocide atmosphere of media intimidation, there was Scholars have long established that indeed the title . Andonian were issued. Akçam cited the case of Krikor not much coverage about it besides some pro- the killings were ordered by the central govern- himself was among the Armenians arrested on Zohrab, one of the most famous victims of the gressive Internet news portals. ment but this new piece of evidence corrobo- April 24, 1915. He survived his ordeal, lived for a Armenian Genocide. Zohrab, an influential He added, however, that changes to the rates it beyond proof using original source while in where he received the “mem- writer and member of Parliament, was arrested Turkish narrative will not be immediate. material from the Ottoman Archives. oirs” of Naim Efendi which contained hand-writ- in June 1915 in Istanbul and executed in July of “I don’t know whether the book will have an “The main argument I bring in the book ten copies of 52 telegrams. Andoinan received the same year in Urfa by the authorities. “When immediate impact on politics in the short destroys the classic denialist argument which is the originals of 18 of these 52 documents. He Zohrab was killed in July an internal doctor term,” he said. that there was no killing orders,” he explained eventually moved to France, where he later head- report suggest that he died of a heart attack. For many years, the general public in Turkey in an interview this week from his office at ed the Armenian General Benevolent Union’s The priest in Urfa confirmed that Zohrab died has gotten more and more informed about the Clark University, where he is a professor of his- Nubarian Library. Naim Efendi’s memoir as well from health-related issues,” he said. history of the Armenian Genocide. Now, how- tory and holds the Robert Aram, Marianne as some original telegrams that he gave to The assassin of Zohrab, Cerkez Ahmed, him- ever, “My fear is this development has been Kaloosdian and Stephen and Marian Mugar Andonian, contained the killing orders of self became a real problem when he started reversed now,” he noted. “There is no free Chair in Armenian Genocide Studies at the Interior Minister Talat Pasha. bragging about his deed, and therefore he him- media, press, almost no freedom of speech and Strassler Center for Holocaust and Genocide “The Turkish government’s argument was self was hanged. there is an authoritarian regime.” Studies. They say “the Ottoman government that these documents were all fake,” Akçam “Denialism is not denial of facts but creating In addition, he noted, the war on the border never meant to exterminate the population and said. their own facts,” Akçam explained. with Syria is boosting the jingoistic spirit that there is no record of it.” A book published in 1983, produced by the Akçam found a treasure trove of documents among the population and taking up more of Akçam said that he used two sets of docu- Turkish Historical Society, specifically took on which had been put in the Ottoman archives the attention, therefore the issue of the ments to show the genocidal intent of the those documents used by Andonian and so con- after 2012. Armenian Genocide has vanished from the pub- Ottoman government. One was material from vincingly argued that those were fakes, that “Why did they put them in the archive? I think lic dialogue. the Istanbul Tribunal and the second was from many Genocide scholars steered clear of them. it was human error,” he said. Among the docu- “They are even arresting people calling for the collection. According to Akçam, three arguments were ments they put in the archives were those with peace in social media,” he said. In 2015, Akçam turned his attention to the used to discredit the documents that Andonian two- and three-digit codes, which only in 1983 He urged that the Armenian community pay documents collected by the Very Rev. Krikor had collected and published as The Memoirs of they published a book denying their existence homage to both Guerguerian and Andonian, to Guerguerian, a Catholic priest who was born in Naim Bey. The first was that a person called “I check the archives regularly as a historian recognize them as “pillars of Armenian 1911 in Turkey and survived the Genocide. In Naim Bey did not exist. It followed thus that if and talk with people,” he said. “We knew that Genocide research.” the years after the Genocide, Guerguerian such a person did not exist he could not write after 2012 new materials were put there and “My call to the Armenian community is to scoured through the archives of the Istanbul his memoirs and finally that the telegrams were decided to work on the Guerguerian and recognize and honor these two individuals. and Jerusalem Patriarchates and found a lot of fakes because there were inconsistencies in the Andonian materials. They were monumental in the field of Genocide proof regarding the intentions of the Turkish Governor of Aleppo’s signatures, dates of docu- The perpetrators’ documents are crucial to research. I am basically reintroducing the work authorities, including those from the Military ments and the coding system. explaining the actions, he said. “The victim tes- they did,” Akçam said. Tribunals. His archives containing thousands of His book’s English-language edition, Akçam timonies are as important as the perpetrator He has written several books on the documents were preserved by his nephew, added, tackles the signatures and dates aspect materials. Until recently scholarship was not Armenian Genocide, including The Spirit of the Edmund. of the question which was not discussed in the used in analyzing the perpetrator materials.” Laws: The Plunder of Wealth in the Armenian Regarding the documents related to Military Turkish version, with his discovery that indeed, Last decade, there is a growing scholarship, Genocide with Umit Kurt and translated by Tribunals, which were held between 1919-1921 the Governor of Aleppo used at least five dif- young scholars from Turkey or elsewhere are Aram Arkun, New York and Oxford, 2015; in Istanbul, “[Denialists] always said ‘Show us ferent signatures when he occupied different working with these Ottoman materials. ‘Young Turks’ Crime Against Humanity: The the originals, the indictment and verdict,” offices. The Guerguerian material has been known Armenian Genocide and Ethnic Cleansing in Akçam said. In general, these documents were “Until my book there was no evidence found and around for decades. However, they were the Ottoman Empire, Princeton University cited in the verdicts and the indictments how- to prove the existence of Naim Bay,” he said. never catalogued. The Armenian Assembly of Press, 2012; Judgment at Istanbul: The ever, the original telegrams, affidavits, testi- Evidence from the Ottoman archives showed America has one set of the documents and Armenian Genocide Trials, with Vahakn monies and the proceedings of the court are that in fact, “he existed and that the memoir because they were not catalogued, it was not Dadrian, Berghahn Books, New York 2011, lost. Until now, nobody knows where about of was authentic I showed that the telegram pub- possible to look through them in a quick peri- From Empire to Republic: Turkish Nationalistm these materials. lished by Andonian was authentic,” Akçam said. od of time. It was only through the help of and the Armenian Genocide, Zed Books, 2004, “Now in my book there are very two impor- But will this new evidence change minds at Guerguerian’s nephew that Akçam was able to and : Armenian Genocide and tant central telegrams from the tribunal,” he the top levels of the Turkish government? have the material scanned and catalogued by the Question of Turkish Responsibility, New said, one an open killing order of Bahaettin “It is a major blow to Turkish denialist argu- students. York: Metropolitan Books, November 2006. Shakir the head of Teskilat-i Mahsusa and then ments. However, denialism has nothing to do He plans to put the catalogued Guerguerian Akçam is planning to tour in support of the the order of Army Commander Mahmut Kamil with facts and the truth,” he noted while documents online once the work is finished by book. Pasha. adding “The Turkish government will continue his students. The book, which is dedicated to Hrant Dink, The second set of documents were known as to deny the Genocide. They have to find new Killing Orders was originally published in the assassinated editor of Agos, is available on Naim-Andonian Materials. Aram Andonian, an ways.” Turkish, but received “total silence” in Turkey. Amazon. Istanbul-born French-Armenian journalist wrote One other idea investigated in the book is “It is the usual reaction of the government and The Armenian Mirror-Spectator’s Aram a book based on these materials in Armenian, that the cover-up for the Genocide started the denialists.” In addition, with the current Arkun contributed to the book. S ATURDAY, M ARCH 3 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 9 COMMUNITY NEWS Waiting for Cornea Transplants in Armenia

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. and YEREVAN — who performs the cornea transplants at the of blindness for those in need of a transplant in she so badly needs. To sponsor a cornea trans- A little over one year ago, the medical commu- Corneal Uveitis Clinic in the Malayan Armenia. plant for her or other Armenians on the wait- nity in Armenia began to see a major increase Ophthalmological Center in Yerevan. “We have Since the EyeCare Project began its Cornea ing list, mail a check to the EyeCare Project at in corneal disease and the number of the knowledge and all the capabilities to help Transplant Program in 2016, more than 70 P.O. Box 5630, Newport Beach, CA 92662 or Armenians requiring transplants to regain patients in Armenia have received corneal visit www.eyecareproject.com/product/ their eyesight. transplants thanks to donors. Nargiz corneal-transplant-surgery. Sadly, the majority of these Armenians — Keleshyan, 25, had two small children at home The EyeCare Project will send information more than 100 on the waiting list for corneal while she waited for her transplant. “I have to on the patient sponsored in Armenia once their transplants — were blind or their sight was solve my vision problem as soon as possible severely impaired because they could not afford because my family needs my support and care,” the cost of the transplant surgery — $800. said Keleshyan before her surgery. By American standards, $800 is a small sum The young mother needed a cornea trans- to regain your sight, but accessibility — finan- plant but could not afford one. Fortunately, she cially and geographically — of eye care in received an early Christmas present and a Armenia is extremely limited and dispropor- donor sponsored her transplant last tionately affects the poor and those living in December. “I feel a huge difference. My vision remote regions. is back!” she said excitedly. “I can’t thank my Just four towns outside of Yerevan provide donor enough for her good will and generosi- secondary and advanced eye care. Most surg- ty.” eries are available only in the capital. There are Many are still on the waiting list for their more than 300 ophthalmologists in Armenia, opportunity for restored vision and a better Nargiz Keleshyan, here with her two-year-old yet only one-third of them practice throughout life. daughter, received a cornea transplant last the regions. This is just the opposite of the pop- “My biggest fear is to become blind,” said December thanks to a donor. ulation distribution in Armenia where one- Dr. Anna Hovakimyan, the former AECP Fellow Armine Grigoryan, 37, holding back tears. The third of the three million people live in Yerevan who performs the cornea transplants at the young woman from has had vision and two thirds live in the outlying regions. As Malayan Ophthalmological Center in Yerevan. problems for most of her adult life and has lost well, only a few ophthalmologists in Armenia nearly all sight in her left eye. She tries to stay are surgically trained and none perform positive, using her right eye to perform tasks at corneal transplants. This means patients must these people.” Yet, while the desire and the work, but recently her right eye has become travel to Yerevan for the procedure. ability to help these Armenians are there, blurred as well. To compound the situation, only 30 percent patients need donors to sponsor their surg- Recently, during a consultation with of those who require corneal transplants are eries. Hovakimyan, Grigoryan received devastating eligible for government assistance when a This is why the Armenian EyeCare Project news. If she did not receive a cornea transplant cornea becomes available. Because these peo- has established a Corneal Transplant Program, soon she would go blind. “Dr. Hovakimyan rec- ple are unable to afford the cost of the trans- asking donors to sponsor transplants for those ommended a corneal transplant, a procedure I plant or the travel expenses to the capital, they who are on the waiting list in Armenia — a cost cannot afford. However, she told me about the receive no care and remain blind or severely of $800 for one procedure. EyeCare Project program,” she added. “To say sight-impaired. The organization has been fortunate to part- that I was happy to learn about this organiza- Armine Grigoryan still awaits cornea transplant ner with two tissue banks — SightLife and the The Armenian EyeCare Project is not per- tion is an understatement. I was so excited to surgery. mitted by the government to provide surgery Eye-Bank for Sight Restoration — the latter know that kind people would help me restore for those who do not fall within the govern- thanks to Paul Kayaian, an AECP donor who is my vision. I really hope that with the Project’s ment’s poverty guidelines and as a conse- on the board of directors at the Eye-Bank. The assistance I will be able to prevent my blind- cornea transplant is complete. And for stories quence many are left blind. “We have almost tissue banks have generously agreed to donate ness and continue to live a life full of color.” of patients who have already received corneal everything needed to provide patients with corneas on an ongoing basis, which ensures Grigoryan continues to wait for a sponsor so transplants in Armenia, visit the EyeCare maximum care,” said Dr. Anna Hovakimyan, that a lack of corneas will never be the cause she can receive the cornea transplant surgery Project’s website at www.eyecareproject.com. Couples Night Aim for Fun, Communication and Romance

WATERTOWN — Who said marriage cannot be exciting? Daily routines can take a toll on marriages. It turns out many others were thinking the same thing, but there was no such thing as Armenian Couples Night. Some community leaders including clergy and parishioners got together and through brainstorming sessions, created the first ever Armenian Couples Night. This will be an enter- taining and inspiring dialogue between two renowned speakers over a buffet dinner on April 13, at the Crowne Plaza in Natick, start- ing at 6:30 p.m. The cost is $100 for a couple. RSVP by April 5 and send checks payable to the Armenian Memorial Church (AMC), c/o Rev. Dr. Avedis Boynerian at 159 White Street, Belmont, MA 02478. Please indicate “Couples” on the memo line of the check. The highlight of the evening is to socialize with other couples and hear from Doctors Paul and Virginia Friesen about how couples can build stronger marriages through their differ- ences. Together, they have written 10 books on parenting and marriage, and have been keynote speakers at gatherings across the US and abroad. They will speak about the sacred mar- riage and the power of the vows we have taken when we said “I do.” Marriage is a constant work in progress, and any married couple can attest to that. We are thirsty to learn about ways in which we can enrich our lives as a cou- ple and as a family, and still keep their own identities and pursue their personal dreams. The Crowne Plaza Boston-Natick hotel is also offering a special rate of $139 per couple for anyone wishing to stay overnight. Call and make reservations at the hotel by March 14. For more information and to make reservations, please contact Rev. Dr. Avedis Boynerian at bad- [email protected] or Yn. LuAnn Sabounjian at [email protected]. 10 S ATURDAY, M ARCH 3 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS ‘’ Celebrated in Boston

BOSTON — The Boston premiere of the film “The Last Inhabitant” was presented by the Armenian Business Network (ABN) and the Fish Eye Art and Cultural Foundation. The premiere was held on Saturday, February 17, at the St. James Armenian Church’s Charles Mosesian Cultural Hall. About 135 people attended. The event was followed by a private dinner at Annoush’ella in Boston, honoring the film Director . The event was organized and hosted by George Haroutiounian and actress Naira Zakaryan, with the assistance of a few other volunteers and supporters. The premiere was a fundraiser for Avetisyan’s upcoming film “Gates to Heaven.”

Jivan Avetisyan and Nara Zakaryan

From left, Jack Antounian, George Haroutiounian, Naira Zakaryan and Jivan Avetisyan

From left, Naira Balagyozyan, Jivan Avetisyan, Vladimir Arustamyan, Susana Arustamyan

From left, Ruzanna Krikorian, Naira Balagyozyan, Naira Zakaryan, Jivan Avetisyan, Vladimir Arustamyan, Susana Arustamyan

From left, Festekjian, Kevork Boyadjian and other supporters at Anoush e’lla. Guests and audience members at the film premiere S ATURDAY, M ARCH 3 , 2 0 1 8 T H E A R M E N I A N M I R R O R - S P E C TAT O R 11 COMMUNITY NEWS

The members of the clergy who participated in the Midwest Lenten Retreat Clergy Gather for Midwest Lenten Retreat

CHICAGO — This year’s Midwest Lenten Retreat, held at the were masterfully led by Fr. Dennis Spies, S.T.L, a priest of the Each morning and evening the assembled clergy prayed the Cardinal Stritch Retreat House in Mundelein, IL, took place Catholic Diocese of Joliet and Associate Dean of Formation at daily offices of Sunrise, Peace and Rest, concluding each with February 12-14 with the participation of 15 clergymen from the Mundelein Seminary. reflections and periods of silent meditation. Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America. Among his many profitable insights offered, Fr. Spies emphasized Since the last day of the retreat was February 14, the solemn The retreat gathered pastors of the , Dallas, Detroit, that the opposite of addiction is not sobriety, but rather connected- observance of the Feast of Jesus’ Presentation to the Temple, Charlotte, Cleveland, Evanston, Greenfield, Palos Heights, ness. The point was valuable in light of the Eastern Diocese’s recent Odabashian celebrated the holy badarak. Racine, Richmond, St. Petersburg, and Twin Cities parishes, focus on the opioid crisis and addiction in general. He invited all to reflect on the intimacy which the biblical fig- along with Diocesan staffer Very Rev. Daniel Findikyan and the ure Simeon the Elder experienced holding in his arms the 40- retired Fr. Yeprem Kelegian. The retreat was overseen by The Intimacy of Communion day-old baby Jesus, who is the eternal Word of God and Savior Diocesan Vicar Fr. Simeon Odabashian. The presentation also affirmed that one of the main roles of a of the universe. Because of that intimacy every believer can say Their theme was based on the Scriptural injunction, “Come to priest is to invite people to intimacy in Christ. In the Armenian with the elder Simeon: “Lord, let your servant depart in peace, me, all that are weary and heavily burdened.” Four active dis- Church we identify this intimacy with “communion” in its fullest according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation, cussion segments, focused on “Clergy as Wounded Healers,” sense: personal, ecclesial, and sacramental. which you have prepared for all peoples” (Lk 2:29,30).

CHECK US OUT mirrorspectator.com 12 S ATURDAY, M ARCH 3 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Illustrated History of the Armenians in America Published by Hayk Demoyan

Initially Demoyan intended to create a small exhibition By Aram Arkun with a catalogue with perhaps 50 documents, artifacts and Mirror-Spectator Staff photographs, but during the fieldwork to collect materials over the past two years, Demoyan discovered, he said, that there was much still unknown to historians, and very few WATERTOWN — Dr. Hayk Demoyan, a visiting Fulbright people are familiar with the visual materials, artifacts and Scholar at Harvard University who is director of the data he found. Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute, has completed a new Consequently, he decided to make the project more exten- volume titled the Armenian Legacy in America: A 400-Year sive. Each artifact he discovered or bought (out of his per- Heritage. This 620-page work, dedicated to the 400th sonal funds) is a carrier of information. Demoyan said, “I real- anniversary of the arrival of “Martin the Armenian,” the first ize that studying Armenian-American history is like working Armenian known to have reached America, is in some ways a in a big archaeological field where you can always dig and coffee table book. It presents the history of the Armenian- find new artifacts.” American community through over 2,200 primarily previous- The structure of the book was already prepared when ly unknown illustrations, comprised of rare documents, pho- Demoyan came to the US for his Harvard stay, and after tos and artifacts. A handful of these illustrations accompany enriching it further he submitted it in December to the press. this present article. The book is in five parts. Demoyan became interested in the Armenian-American The first part contains visual data and information on the community when studying American involvement in humani- life of the early Armenians in the United States from 1618 to Metal mesh handbag made by the Mandalian company dating the beginning of the 1900s. It includes the mapping of tarian relief during and after the Armenian Genocide. As from the 1920s and ‘30s. The company was established by director of the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute, he America in early Armenian-language maps, the first printing Saghatiel Mandalian in North Attleboro, Massachusetts came to Boston and Los Angeles to give some lectures and of Armenian books and newspapers, American missionaries (Collection of Hayk Demoyan) publishing Armenian-lan- guage works and reli- gious literature, Armenians in the Civil Out of thanks for his miraculous survival, Babigian asked War and the Mexican- the Mkhitarists of Trieste to find a good source on the histo- American War, and infor- ry of the United States and translate it into Armenian. mation on the lives of the Consequently, William Robinson’s four volume History of early immigrants. The America, was published in Armenian translation in Trieste in first Armenian-run busi- 1784 in memory of Christopher Columbus. nesses and many other Demoyan said, “When we speak about Americans and “the first” stories are cov- Armenia, it is amazing that there are so many intellectual lev- ered in this section. els of interaction.” He gave as another example the fact that The second part shows there were many different American works on American lead- all aspects of the life of ers like George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and the community between Abraham Lincoln translated into Armenian. They were print- peace and war, from the ed in multiple editions in places like Tbilisi, Echmiadzin and beginning of the twenti- Nor Nakhichevan. eth century to World War Demoyan expressed his gratitude to the Noubar and Anna II. Photographers, rug Afeyan Foundation, which agreed to sponsor this book on merchants, artists, behalf of the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative. It was printed drama, music, sports, by the Tigran Mets Publishing House in Yerevan in a pre- libraries, political life and miere limited edition of one thousand. Demoyan also thanked much more are highlight- those people and organizations whose support allowed him ed. to finish the book relatively quickly, including, in the US, In the third part, the Project Save, the Armenian Museum of America, the National American as well as the Association for Armenian Studies and Research, the Ararat- Armenian-American Eskijian Museum, the archives of the Salvation Army Armenian Crusaders marching in New York July 4 parade, 1918 (printed in Gochnag, 1918) response to genocide are Museum in the New York and Chicago areas. In Armenia, the presented, including National Library of Armenia and the National Archives of fundraising efforts, tick- Armenia were helpful. Furthermore, various individuals pointed out the importance of this anniversary of Martin the ets, posters, and orphan care, and even how American presi- shared their personal collections with Demoyan. Armenian, who came to Virginia in 1618. He said this was an dents and candidates were involved. On March 16-17, the Ararat-Eskijian Museum is hosting a spe- opportunity to reexamine the creation of this community and The fourth part, on Armenian-American service and con- cial conference commemorating the 400th anniversary of the its future, and see if its story can also contribute to under- tributions, shows how the sec- standing the American mosaic. In other words, his work will ond and third generation of help the Armenian Americans understand their own history, Armenians served their new while also demonstrating to Americans and American studies American homeland in the US that Armenians are not an isolated ghetto community but a army during wartime, as well as part of broader American history with their own valuable Armenian-American life in the contributions. 1950s to 1980s. The fifth part, titled Those Who Give America an Armenian Accent, includes information on artists, musicians, historians, noted businessmen and women, and many others. The book’s chronological end- point is in the early 1990s after the Republic of Armenia declared its independence. The first Armenian president visited the US, Armenia opened its embassy here, and the American Unique cover from Wisconsin ‘Armenia town’ stamp cancellation dated to 1900 (Collection of University of Armenia opened in Hayk Demoyan) Yerevan. This ends the story, and heralds the beginning of relations between two countries. Armenian-American community. Demoyan will be one of the Among the fascinating bits of information Demoyan presents speakers. Part of his collection will be displayed alongside mate- in his book is the story of Agha Babigian from New Julfa, the rial from the Ararat-Eskijian Museum. For more information, first Armenian who came to California. A storm led the Dutch see https://www.facebook.com/events/885572288270889/ ship on which this merchant was traveling from Singapore to On May 6, a similar exhibition and talk will take place at the Toy car designed like Dereilian’s rug cleaning company adver- Holland to be diverted off its course to California in 1768. In Armenian Cultural Foundation in Arlington, Mass., cospon- tisement, circa 1930 (Collection of Hayk Demoyan) other words, this year is also the 250th anniversary of the sored by the Amaras Art Alliance and National Association for appearance of the first Armenian on the West Coast. Armenian Studies and Research. 13 S ATURDAY, M ARCH 3 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Arts & Living

Knights and Daughters Of Vartan Pay Tribute Hamazkayin To Musical Talents of Seeks Entries for Arzruni, Kalfayan Tölölyan Prize in NEW YORK — The Knights and Daughters of Contemporary Vartan will host a tribute banquet to honor Sahan Arzruni and Kris Kalfayan for their musi- Literature cal contributions to the Armenian community on Friday, May 18, under the auspices of WATERTOWN — The Regional Archbishop Khajag Barsamian at the Haik and Executive of Hamazkayin Armenian Alice Kavookjian Auditorium. Educational and Cultural Society of the Organized by the Knights and Daughters of Eastern United States is soliciting sub- Vartan Mamigonian Lodge and the Otyag, missions for the fourth annual Minas the net proceeds of the banquet will benefit and Kohar Tölölyan Prize in scholarship programs at the American Contemporary Literature. As in previ- University of Armenia. ous years, two prizes will be awarded to Lifelong and active participants in Armenian the winners of the Prize: one for a sub- music in the New York metro area and abroad, mission in Armenian and one for a sub- both Arzruni and Kalfayan have been immersed mission in the English language. in the Armenian musical tradition since child- Named after one of the major hood. Throughout their decades of dedication, Armenian literary critics of the second they have enriched the Armenian culture half of the 20th century and his wife, a through their deep knowledge and generous devoted and acclaimed teacher of liter- contributions of their time and efforts. ature, the annually awarded prize will “We are honoring Sahan Arzruni and Kris recognize the work produced by talent- Kalfayan for their service to our community,” ed writers working in North America. said Chairman Hirant Gulian. “It’s important to The prize is intended to encourage new work in all the major genres of literary Sirusho production, as they are currently under- stood in North America. In this expand- ed understanding, poetry, short stories, novels and drama are all included, but so are works of creative non-fiction, a Singer Sirusho to Perform in genre that includes memoirs, as well as personal, descriptive, literary and criti- Boston for First Time with cal essays. Writers in all these genres may be considered as candidates for the prize, as long as the authors are of Sayat Nova Dance Company Armenian ancestry, or the work has an Armenian theme or revolves around an BOSTON — Over the past 31 years, Sayat Nova Dance Company of Boston Armenian topic. (SNDC) has performed with many talented artists such as Nune Yesayan, Arabo The primary purpose of the prizes is Ispiryan, Alla Levonyan, Hovhannes Shahbazyan, and Ruben Sasunci. On March to encourage and offer recognition 23, SNDC will add to this list when it shares the stage with world-renowned through the award and through the Armenian singer and songwriter Sirusho. ensuing publicity for those who wish to This will mark her first appearance in the New England area. write about Armenian subjects and top- A World Music Awards Nominee, Sirusho is known for combining Armenian tra- ics. There will also be a modest finan- ditional instruments with modern compositions. On October 28, 2016, Sirusho cial award of $1,500 for each of the two released her fifth studio album titled “Armat” (translated as root). As explained on winners. the artists’ website, “Armat” represents a new style in the Armenian music world Members of the jury are: Dr. Sima based on the traditional Armenian cultural values and historical roots. It intro- Aprahamian (Montreal), Dr. Vartan Sahan Arzruni duces a mix of genres, highlighting Armenian folk and national music, presented Matiossian (New York/New Jersey), in modern arrangements while reflecting Sirusho’s unique musical style. Gourgen Arzoumanian (California), In 2012, Sirusho also launched her own line of handcrafted silver jewelry Yervant Kotchounian (California), and “PreGomesh” which stays true to ancient Armenian designs while remaining in Anoush Agnerian (Montreal). Dr. tune with current fashion trends. Khachig Tölölyan is rotating off the This is a very exciting time for Sayat Nova Dance Company dancers who just jury this year and is being replaced by recently performed with singer Ruben Sasunci from Armenia in November. SNDC Agnerian. member Adelaida Balagyozyan has been dancing with the group since 2013 and The prizes will be announced in says, “As a dancer, I have to say that there is no greater feeling than performing October as a part of the events dedi- live with a singer. Dancing with Ruben Sasunci was so much fun because the ener- cated to the Armenian Cultural month. gy was so powerful. I can’t even begin to imagine what it’s going to feel like when All submissions must be sent electroni- we’re on stage with Sirusho.” Sayat Nova’s Director Apo Ashjian explains that the cally to tololyan_award@hamazkayin- group is “feeling very energized and enthusiastic about this production. For the usa.org as a PDF file by April 30. All first time ever, the Boston community will get to see a very modern twist to SNDC. submissions must be accompanied by While there are some ethnographic elements to the steps, the majority of her the Tölölyan Prize Application form, choreography is very upbeat and modern. We are very excited about that because found online at http://bit.ly/167vSsM. it goes to show how versatile we are as a dance company.” The Armenian and English versions of Kris Kalfayan The group has been rehearsing three times a week and when asked what the the Rules and Regulations of the Prize see SIRUSHO, page 14 can also be found at the above link. Submissions may consist of works recognize and pay tribute to their commitment published in 2016 or 2017, as well as to the Armenian Church and culture.” recent, yet-unpublished works. Pianist, recitalist and chamber music artist, This award has been made possible Arzruni has toured in concert around the world by Edward and Vergine Misserlian of and has been featured in broadcasting specials. San Francisco. Motivated by ethnic awareness in the United States, Arzruni has continuously researched the musical roots of his Armenian heritage, record- ing anthologies of Armenian piano music and delivering academic papers for venerable uni- versities. He has received the Sts. Sahak and Mesrob Medal in 1996 from Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II and in 2016 was awarded the Movses Khorenatsi presidential medal for promoting the cultural ties between Armenia Members of the Sayat Nova Dance Company Edward and Vergine Misserlian and the Diaspora. Arzruni, who holds degrees from the Juilliard School and has pursued TRIBUTE, from page 14 14 S ATURDAY, M ARCH 3 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARTS & LIVING Tekeyan Hosts Artist Aghababyan in Glendale

By Anahit Tovmasyan Special to the Mirror-Spectator

GLENDALE — On Friday, February 23, the Tekeyan Cultural Association of Greater Los Angeles presented artist Nikol Aghababyan and his works at the Glendale Central Library. Parsegh Kartalian, vice chairman of the Tekeyan chapter, presented the opening remarks which were followed by an introduc- tion of the artist by Lilit Keheyan. Aghababyan proceeded to speak about his art and the process of creativity he goes through. For him, color gives flavor to life and without it,

Lilit Keheyan and Nikol Aghababyan Parsegh Kartalian greeting the guests on behalf of the Tekeyan Cultural Association Knights and Daughters humanity would be reduced. He explained that for him, vibrant colors the beautiful seasons of Armenia and the rich Of Vartan Pay tribute bring out the emotions of life. landscape. Flowers, meadows, streams, lakes, Aghababyan spoke with authority on trees, waterfalls, village life, Mt. Ararat — all To Musical Talents of the topic of art with a great deal of origi- were captured on canvas. nality. His works have been exhibited Tranquility is another way to describe the Arzruni, Kalfayan throughout France, Germany, , paintings. Aghababyan stated that “a painting Russia and other nations. The response should bring out the best in people. Yes, there’s TRIBUTE, from page 13 evil in the world but it has no place in my world to his shows has been positive. In addi- A Nikol Aghababyan painting doctoral studies at New York University, was tion, he recently spoke about art at San of painting.” He credits Mardiros Sarian as an appointed a representative of Armenia’s Jose State University. influence. Ministry of Culture in the Diaspora. The most inspiring part of the program con- magnificent works of art by Aghababyan com- A question-and-answer period followed the The director of the Diocese’s Gomidas Choir, sisted of a slideshow depicting the numerous pleted in 2016 and 2017. The scenes showed slideshow. Kalfayan was exposed to the Armenian Church rituals and music at an early age through his par- ents. In his childhood years, he sang in the Children’s Choruses of the Metropolitan Opera and the New York City Opera. In the service of the Armenian Church, he was the organist of New York’s Holy Cross Church and St. Vartan Cathedral, Director of St. Vartan Cathedral Boys Choir and director of the St. Vartan Cathedral Choir. Kalfayan, a graduate of New York’s High School of Music and Art and Fordham University, has been serving as Musical Director of the Diocesan Gomidas Choir since 1981. In 2008, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of all Armenians, awarded Kalfayan with a Pontifical Encyclical and the St. Nersess the Graceful Medal, in recog- nition of his decades of service to the Armenian Church. “The Knights of Vartan organization has always been at the forefront of advancing Armenian culture,” said Archbishop Barsamian. “I am so pleased that they have chosen as this year’s honorees two true artists: Sahan Arzruni and Kris Kalfayan, who have both brought so much light into our community, and have like- wise brought the treasures of Armenian music out into the world.” The tribute banquet will take place on May 18, at 7:30 p.m. at Haik and Alice Kavookjian Auditorium, 630 Second Ave.

Singer Sirusho to Perform In Boston for First Time With Sayat Nova Dance Co.

SIRUSHO, from page 13 practices entail, dancer Levon Brunson states “This is different than anything we’ve done before so our rehearsals are intense but at the same time really fun and full of energy. Each song has its own unique rhythm and sound and we’re enjoying being challenged with the chore- ography and new style of dance. The instruc- tors have given us a job to do and at the end of rehearsal when we look around and everybody is dripping in sweat, that’s when we know that we’ve given it our all. This show is absolutely going to be over the top.” Tickets to the show can be purchased online at www.berklee.edu/events/Sirusho or by call- ing the Berklee Performance Center box office. To avoid online and phone fees, tickets can be purchased in person at the Berklee Performance Center Box Office, 136 Massachusetts Ave., Boston, between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Follow Sayat Nova Dance Company on Facebook to hear about the chance to purchase “PreGomesh” jewelry right here in Boston. S ATURDAY, M ARCH 3 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 15 ARTS & LIVING Dr. Türkyılmaz to Give Lecture on Armenians in Music Production

FRESNO, Calif. — Dr. Yektan Türkyılmaz, Khanzadian Kazan Visiting Professor in Kazan Visiting Professor of Armenian Studies Armenian Studies for the Spring 2018 at Fresno State, will give a lecture, “Armenians semester. on Records: Music Production from Homeland This lecture will explore the multi-directional to Diasporas,” on Wednesday, March 7, at 7.30 journeys of Armenians in the recording history p.m., in the University Business Center, Alice from the Ottoman Empire to the diasporas, par- Peters Auditorium, Room 191 on the Fresno ticularly to the United States, in the first half of State campus. the 20th century, as musicians, producers, and The presentation is part of the Spring merchants. Drawing on the life stories and Lecture Series of the Armenian Studies examples of commercial records produced in Program. the Ottoman Empire and elsewhere in the dias- Türkyılmaz was appointed the 14th Henry S. poras, the presentation will illustrate the chang- ing styles, content, and language use in music production vis- à-vis place, trauma and audience/cultural dialogue throughout one of the most turbu- Dr. Yektan Türkyılmaz lent periods of Armenian history. The talk will specifically age and has received numerous awards underscore the cultur- throughout his life including the prestigious al, political, and identi- National Endowment for the Arts National tarian implications of Heritage Fellowship Award, the nation’s highest the emergence of the honor given in the traditional folk arts, in 1989. recording technology Türkyılmaz received his PhD from the on Armenian commu- Department of Cultural Anthropology at Duke nities. University. He is currently a research fellow at The lecture will con- the Forum Transregionale Studien in Berlin, clude with a commen- Germany. Meanwhile, he is working on his tary and a musical per- manuscript based on his formance by the dissertation, Rethinking Genocide: Violence Armenian-American and Victimhood in Eastern Anatolia, 1913- oriental music expert 1915, concerning the conflict in Eastern and oud virtuoso Anatolia in the early 20th century and the Richard Hagopian. memory politics around it. An old record from Pharos Records Hagopian began play- The lecture is free and open to the public. Richard Hagopian ing the oud at a young Free parking is available. Jennifer Sarkissian Promoted to Recipe GM at Industria Works

LOS ANGELES (Billboard) — Jennifer managed by the company, which over the past two Corner Sarkissian has been promoted to general man- years has expanded to become a full-service inde- ager at Industria Works, the Los Angeles-based pendent artist development platform. company that is home to Nacional Records, the Sarkissian, whose title was previously VP of by Christine Vartanian Datian Latin Alternative Music Conference, the Supersonico festival and music licensing Lentil and Rice Salad with Chopped Greens platform MuuseMe. Sarkissian has been with the company for 12 years, since INGREDIENTS starting out as a PR assistant 1 1/2 cup uncooked lentils at Nacional. Her job descrip- 4 cups water, low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth tion was loosely defined and 1 tablespoon unsalted butter her titles changed as her duties 2 bay leaves grew over the years. 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice “I was fortunate to be in an 1/2 cup cooked white or brown rice environment that encouraged 1 medium white or red onion, diced me to grow and learn and nur- 2 medium carrots, diced or shredded ture my passion for the music 2 stalks celery (and top greens), diced and artists we champion,” says 1/2 medium red or green bell pepper, seeded and diced Jennifer Sarkissian 2-3 Persian cucumbers, diced or sliced Sarkissian, 39, who is original- 2-3 cloves garlic, crushed ly from Northern California. “It 1 small bunch flat-leaf parsley, minced was my intention be involved in as many differ- Artist Services, is the company’s first General Sea or Kosher salt, black pepper, paprika, lemon zest, fresh or dried mint and basil to ent aspects of the industry as I was allowed.” Manager. taste Currently, Sarkissian oversees the LAMC and “This distinction formalizes her already essential Olive oil, fresh lemon juice or red wine vinegar Supersonico events and takes the lead on Industria role as a go-to person on day-to-day matters for all Chopped tomatoes, green onions, parsley, black or green olives Works’ marketing and brand partnerships, while of IW’s business,” COO/CFO Rob Choice of salad mixed greens, spinach, kale and endive still working on label projects and with the artists Filomena tells Billboard. Slivered almonds, crumbled Feta cheese, lemon wedges

PREPARATION: In a large saucepan combine the lentils, water or broth, butter, bay leaves, salt, pepper, and lemon juice and bring to a full boil. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 30 minutes, or until lentils are tender. Drain and set aside. Remove bay leaves. In a large bowl, combine the cooked lentils and rice with onions, carrots, celery, bell pepper, cucumbers, garlic and parsley and toss. Add olive oil, lemon juice or wine vinegar, lemon zest, and choice of seasonings and toss. Cover and chill before serving. Arrange salad on a tray of mixed greens and garnish with tomatoes, green onions, parsley, and olives; top with slivered almonds and Feta cheese, if desired. Serve with Armenian cheese, pita bread, cracker bread, roasted eggplant and peppers with fresh lemon wedges on the side. Note: Italian or balsamic salad dressing or any dressing of choice may be used for this salad. Serves 6.

*Christine's recipes have been published in the Fresno Bee newspaper, Sunset magazine, Cooking Light magazine, and at http://www.thearmeniankitchen.com/ 16 S ATURDAY, M ARCH 3 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARTS & LIVING The Whimsy of Decoupage Artist John Derian

NEW YORK (CBS) — John Derian is on a clothed in pea pods. treasure hunt in New York City. There are more traditional images, of course. “You never know — it’s like making a new dis- “Horses are popular,” he said. covery,” he said, entering a century-old estab- So what doesn’t sell as well? “People.” lishment on the Lower East Side named, aptly Derian, now 55, grew up in Watertown, enough, The Old Print Shop. Mass., getting lost in old books and movies. He’ll spend hours digging through piles of “Did you ever think when you were growing 18th and 19th century etchings and up that this is what you’d be doing?” asked lithographs. CBS’s Erin Moriarty. “There’s something about the charm, the way “No. I’m the youngest of six. And I was sort things are rendered,” he said. of a freak because I was the quiet one that And what does Derian do with these expen- made things, And my dad was, like, ‘What do we sive images? He cuts them up — turning these do with him?’” long-forgotten pictures into 21st century col- “In my mid-20s, my dad had this idea that I lectibles. could lease a milk truck and deliver milk some- “It’s so weird, sometimes I don’t really know how,” Derian said. “Like, he was kind of very what to call myself,” Derian replied. “I just love clueless to what I did, and who I was.” sharing all this stuff.” As a young man, he did study art for a bit … Evident in bowls, plates, paperweights sold in painted and collected buttons. Lots of buttons. his own shops, and at more than 600 stores Bunches and bunches of buttons. John Derian looking for inspiration at The Old Print Shop in New York City. around the world. And what flickers in Derian’s brain could fill “It’s sort of like reverse painting,” he said. rooms — and in fact does. Rooms inside three “You’ll have one image that goes on first, and side-by-side Manhattan stores. The first one most and put them in a book, published by with ‘em?” Artisan. “I like the idea of framing them,” he said, And he says, it’s just fine if you want to cut it up. “and hanging them in a group.” “Yes, please, go right ahead and do it!” he said. “I John Derian has discovered the beauty of liv- hope that people will keep one book for themselves ing in the past. “It’s as if someone else planned and maybe get another one to cut up!” my life. And I just woke up and I was like, ‘Oh, “When you’re suggesting that people actual- this is my life!’ I definitely feel lucky. I don’t real- ly cut out some of these images, what do you do ly know how all this happened.”

John Derian collectibles at his Lower East Side store. then behind it is another image.” opened in 1995. With the same precision that Derian selects Everything here is handmade. his patterns, his hand-picked staff of artisans And every object is placed just so. “I will go follows his vision (“We have to draw a little dia- in there and move something an inch,” Derian gram of where it goes on and what piece goes said. “It is part of my life. I live sort of in those on first,” Derian explained), gluing high-quality stores, in a way, like my home.” Instead of a brush, this artist’s tool is a pair of scissors. prints of the original images to various pieces He’s not kidding — he lives right above one of of glassware. his shops, where he turned an old cabinet into Every piece reflects Derian’s unique sense of the entrance doorway, and replaced a wall with whimsy. a wooden structure that is 250 years old. “I had “I think it’s super-funny that it’s, like, a bat this wall in storage for, like, 16 years and when that has a human face!” he said of one old print I got the space, it fit it perfectly,” he said. now gracing a dish ... and there’s the couple In 2016, Derian collected the images he loves

‘’ to Be Shown in San Diego SAN DIEGO, Calif. — The documentary film pressure to appease a strategic ally, “Intent to “Intent to Destroy” captures the cinematic and Destroy” embeds with “The Promise,” a historic political challenges of producing “The feature production as a springboard to explore Promise,” a historically meaningful, big-budget the violent history of the Armenian Genocide feature film. It will be shown at San Diego’s and legacy of Turkish suppression and denial Edwards Mira Mesa Stadium on Saturday, over the past century. March 17, at 7:30 p.m. The one-night-only pre- By intertwining three separate threads — the modern day production of “The Promise,” the history of the Genocide and the century of international repres- sion — “Intent to Destroy” coalesces to provide a comprehensive view on the atrocities of 1915 to 1923 and their resounding aftermath right up to the present day. St. John Garabed Armenian Church has organized this film night in San Diego as part of a larger, month-long community initiative to commemorate the 103rd anniversary of the Armenian Genocide with a variety of events and sentation of “Intent to Destroy” is being orga- presentations. nized by Very Rev. Pakrad Berjekian and the The screening and tickets sales are made pos- Parish Council of St. John Garabed Armenian sible thanks to Theatrical On Demand, which Church of San Diego. allows movie-goers to bring the movies they “Intent to Destroy” is directed by Academy want to watch to their nearby local theater with Award nominated director Joe Berlinger and no rental cost and no risk. features Shohreh Aghdashloo, Taner Akçam, Tickets are available now by going to Hagop Asadourian. https://gathr.us/s/22696. Tickets can only be Pulling back the curtain on Genocide cen- purchased online and will not be available for sorship in Hollywood due to US government purchase at the door. S ATURDAY, M ARCH 3 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 17 ARTS & LIVING CC AA LENDARLENDAR

APRIL 8 — Annual Reconfiguration of the Abstract AUGUST 15 — Tea & Tranquility, Armenian Heritage MASSACHUSETTS Sculpture, Armenian Heritage Park on The Greenway, Park on The Greenway, Boston, Wednesday, 5-6:30 Boston, Sunday, 7 am Rain Date: Sunday, April 15 p.m. Meet & Greet! Enjoy Tea & Desserts hosted by MEM MARCH 4 — Hasmik Khalapyan, “Women’s Activism APRIL 11 — A recap on the status of the documentary Tea Imports and The Bostonian Hotel. Walk the During the Western Armenian Renaissance, 1860- project “Neighbors in Memory,” accompanied by a Labyrinth. For first-time walkers introduction to walking a 1914” at the NAASR Center, 2:30 p.m. Sunday, 395 panel of community members shedding light on the state labyrinth at 5:30 p.m. RSVP appreciated. Concord Ave., Belmont, MA. Presented by the Armenian of Armenian-Turkish relations as they live and witness it. [email protected] International Women’s Association (AIWA) and the Wednesday, 7 p.m., Capitol Theatre, 204 Mass. Ave., SEPTEMBER 16 — Sunday Afternoon at the Park for National Association for Armenian Studies & Research Arlington. Screenings, discussions and refreshments. For Families & Friends. Armenian Heritage Park on The (NAASR). The program is open to the public. more information: [email protected] Greenway. 2-4 p.m. Enjoy Boston Hye Guys Ensemble Contact: [email protected] or 617-489-1610. APRIL 14 — Saturday, St. James Great Gatsby Gala! A with Ron Sahatjian, clarinet; Joe Kouyoumjian, oud; Art MARCH 8 — 7:30 p.m.: Hayk Demoyan, “Between Roarin’ 20s Celebration! Live Jazz & Armenian Music, Chingris, percussion. RSVP appreciated. Realism and Mythology: Modern Identity and Passed Hors D’oeuvres, Mezza and Dessert Stations and [email protected] Memory Politics of the Armenian World,” Thursday, at more. St. James Armenian Church – 465 Mt. Auburn the NAASR Center, 395 Concord Ave., Belmont,. The pro- Street, Watertown, 8 p.m., Tickets $100. Purchase online MICHIGAN gram is sponsored by the NAASR / at www.stjameswatertown.org or Foundation Lecture Series on Contemporary Armenian contact [email protected]. MARCH 22 — Talk by Adrienne Alexanian on her Issues and is open to the public. APRIL 20-21 — Commemorating the 103rd anniversary father’s memoir, Forced into Genocide: Memoir of an Contact: [email protected] or 617-489-1610. of the Armenian Genocide, first at the State House, Armenian Soldier in the Ottoman Turkish Army. MARCH 8-11 — The Global Cinema Film Festival of on Friday, April 20, 9 a.m. to 12.30 p.m., Boston. A free Thursday, 7 p.m. Holocuast Memorial Center Zekelman Boston (GCFF) announces its 2018 Official Selections. reception will follow. Then on Saturday, April 21, a Fmily Campus. The book presents a unique account of The 3rd annual global event will be held at the Studio Commemoration at the Park, 3 to 5 p.m. Further details the Armenian Genocide and was translated from the Cinema, 376 Trapelo Road, Belmont, MA. Festival kicks will follow. For more information, visit Armenian and edited by Adrienne Alexanian. RSVP by off on March 8, at 6 p.m. with Red Carpet Event and film [email protected]. March 20. 248-553-2400x112 or rsvp@holocaustcen- screenings until 10 p.m. Film screenings will continue MAY 5 — Saturday, Kentucky Derby Watch Party, Fun ter.org. Free with admission or membership. Light from Friday, March 9, through Sunday, March 11, 2018 and festivities to support Armenia Tree Project, At the ele- refreshments to follow. from 12 to 11 p.m. For info visit @ www.worldwidecine- gant/historic Gore Place in Waltham. Details to follow maframes.com. [email protected] MAY 5 — Save the date! Annual Meeting, Armenian NEW YORK MARCH 11 — “Jazz and Art for YerazArt” Sunday, 6 International Women’s Association (AIWA). Details p.m., at anoush’ella saj kitchen, 35 W. Newton St., to follow. Contact: [email protected] or 617- APRIL 21 - MAY 13 — Off-Broadway production by Pan Boston. Reception and open bar, featuring Oriental Trio 926-0171. Asian Repertory Theatre of Joyce Van Dyke’s play, (Mina Cho on piano, Vasilis Kostas on Laouto and George May 5 — Celebrate Public Art during Artweek on “Daybreak:” the lyrical story of two Armenian women Lernis on world percussion and drum-set) and art sale to Saturday at the Park, Armenian Heritage Park on friends, survivors from 1915, who are transported with benefit YerazArt programs. Parking available at adjacent The Greenway, Boston, 1 p.m., World Labyrinth Day: their families into the 21st century future. Starring BU Dental School Parking (720 Harrison Avenue, Boston Walk As One in peace & harmony with people in cities Lorraine Serabian as Victoria. Performances at the MA 02118). Tickets: $125 per person. To purchase, visit: and towns worldwide including the labyrinth in Gyumri. Beckett Theatre, 410 W. 42nd St., New York, Tuesdays www.yerazart.org At 12:45 p.m., introduction to Walking a Labyrinth, 1:30 through Sundays; weekend matinees; discount tickets for MARCH 13 — Armenian Business Networking (ABN) pm - Reception to View the 2018 Configuration of the seniors, students and groups. For tickets and informa- Winter Business Networking event, Tuesday, 6:30 Abstract Sculpture. Remarks: Sarah Baker, editor-in-chief, tion: Telecharge: www.telecharge.com or call (212) 239- p.m., the Sheraton Commander in Cambridge. Stephen Art New England magazine. Introduced by Lucas Cowan, 6200. Or contact the theatre: [email protected], Demirjian guest speaker from The Achieve Institute Public Art Curator, Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy. (212) 868-4030. shares methods on creating greater personal and work Tea & Desserts, hosted by MEM Tea Imports & Eastern life success. This event is free of charge. RSVP: armeni- Lamejun Bakers. RSVP appreciated. PENNSYLVANIA [email protected] [email protected] MARCH 16 — Program to combat domestic violence in MAY 6 — “Celebrating 400 Hundred Years of Armenian APRIL 28 — Join the Armenian Assembly of America Armenia, Papken Suni Agoump, 76 Bigelow Ave., American Heritage: 1618-2018” Exhibition and the for its Philadelphia Celebration at the National Watertown, 7 to 9 p.m. Maro Matosian, executive direc- launching of “Armenian Legacy in America: A 400- Constitution Center on Saturday, starting at 6 p.m. The tor of the Women’s Support Center, Armenia. Advance Year Heritage” dedicated to the 400th anniversary of Armenian Assembly will be honoring longtime members RSVP required Email [email protected]. This the arrival of the first Armenian to America” by Dr. Hayk and Life Trustees Peter and Irene Vosbikian. The fundraising event is sponsored by the Friends of the WSC. Demoyan in an illustrated talk. Other speakers include evening’s entertainment will feature Kevork Artinian Donations to the WSC will be made via the Tufenkian Drs. Robert Mirak, Barbara J. Merguerian and Nubar Entertainment and his Band. To learn more, visit Foundation and are tax-deductible. Learn more at Afeyan. Sunday, 3 p.m. Admission free of charge and www.aimhye.com. RSVP by Monday, April 16. www.womensupportcenter.org. open to the public. Book sale and reception to follow the MARCH 18 – Book Presentation by Adrienne G. event. Organized by Armenian Cultural Foundation and RHODE ISLAND Alexanian, Forced into Genocide, Memoirs of an co-sponsored by the Amaras Art Alliance, and National Armenian Soldier in the Ottoman Turkish Army, Association for Armenian Studies and Research, 441 MARCH 16 — The Cultural Committee of the Sts. Sahag & Sunday, 12:30 p.m., Charles and Nevart Talanian Cultural Mystic Street (Route 3), Arlington, MA Tel. (781)-646- Mesrob Armenian Church presents new and exclusive Hall, Holy Trinity Armenian Church of Greater Boston, 3090 [email protected] screening ARMENIAN FILM FESTIVAL “THE NATION’S 145 Brattle St., Cambridge. This book is a riveting mem- MAY 11 — Welcome His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme PAST & PRESENT” Presented in English. In Egavian Cultural oir of Yervant Edward Alexanian, an eye-witness to the Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, to Center, 70 Jefferson Street, Providence, RI 02908. Donation massacre and dislocation of his family and countrymen in Celebrate with Rev. Father Mampre A. Kouzouian on the $ 10, Friday, at 7 pm - “Our Yerevan – Capital of Armenia” Ottoman Turkey during WW I, while he served as a con- 60th Anniversary of his Ordination to the Priesthood. (, Museums, Cascade, , modern script in the Turkish Army. Reception and Book Signing to Holy Trinity Armenian Church of Greater Boston, 145 architecture, Vernisazh,… ) follow Presentation. All are welcome! Log onto Brattle Street, Cambridge. Hrashapar Service in the http://www.htaac.org/calendar/event/527/ for further Sanctuary followed by a Celebration in the Charles and WASHINGTON, DC information. Nevart Talanian Cultural Hall. Details forthcoming. MARCH 22 — 7:30 p.m.: Siobhan Nash-Marshall, “The JUNE 6 — Tea & Tranquility, Armenian Heritage Park on MARCH 10 — Saturday, 6:30 p.m. Benefit theatrical Sins of the Fathers: Turkish Denialism and the The Greenway, Boston, Wednesday, 5-6:30 p.m. Meet & presentation for the teachers of Knights of Vartan Armenian Genocide,” Thursday, at the NAASR Greet! Enjoy Tea & Desserts hosted by MEM Tea Imports School in Armenia. Taleen Babayan’s “ Where Is Your Center, 395 Concord Ave., Belmont. The program is open and The Bostonian Hotel. Walk the Labyrinth. For first-time Groom? II” At Northern Virginia Community College, to the public. Contact: [email protected] or 617-489-1610. walkers introduction to walking a labyrinth at 5:30 p.m. Annandale Campus, Ernst Community Cultural center, MARCH 23 — Sayat Nova Dance Company of Boston RSVP appreciated. [email protected] 8333 Little River Turnpike, Annandale. Tickets $30. By (SNDC) is honored to share the stage with world JUNE 28 — Under a Strawberry Moon, Armenian credit card go to paypal.me/DaughtersofVartanUS or call renowned and beloved singer from Armenia Heritage Park on The Greenway, Boston, Thursday, Takuhi at (301) 219-4041. Sirusho, appearing live for the first time in Boston, at the 8:30– 9:30 p.m. Meet & Greet! Moonlit Labyrinth Walk. prestigious Berklee Performance Center, 136 Mass. Ave., Enjoy chocolate-dipped strawberries, hosted by Vicki Boston. Start time: 8 pm. Tickets may be purchased Lee’s and Ice Teas, hosted by MEM Tea Imports. RSVP online at www.berklee.edu/events/Sirusho or by calling appreciated. [email protected] Calendar items are free. Entries should 617-747-2261. To avoid online fees, you may also pur- JULY 18 — Tea & Tranquility, Armenian Heritage Park not be longer than 5 lines. Listings should chase your tickets in person at the Berklee Box Office, 10 on The Greenway, Boston. Wednesday, 5- 6:30 p.m. include contact information. Items will be am – 6pm. For more info or questions, email sirusho- Meet & Greet! Enjoy Tea & Desserts hosted by MEM Tea edited to fit the space, if need be. A photo [email protected] . You may also follow us on Facebook Imports and The Bostonian Hotel. Walk the Labyrinth. For may be sent with the listing no later than at www.facebook.com/events/162986714315959/ first-time walkers introduction to walking a labyrinth at Reserve your tickets for this memorable cultural evening 5:30 p.m. RSVP appreciated. Mondays at noon. of Armenian song and dance. [email protected] 18 S ATURDAY, M ARCH 3 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMENTARY

COMMENTARY Mirror A Centennial Celebration

belonged to the entire Armenian people, regardless of political Spectator affiliations and today, the celebration must reflect that all-inclusive By Edmond Y. Azadian nature of support extended to the First Republic at the time. After the fall of the First Republic, Soviet Armenia became May 2018 will be a watershed in Armenian history because it more of a bone of contention than a realistic assessment of his- will mark the centennial of the revival of Armenian statehood. toric perspective. Its sovereignty was compromised in favor of its EstablishedEstablished 1932 1932 During the months leading up to that benchmark, the news security. Seventy years of Soviet rule in Armenia divided the media and political groups are positioning themselves to share diaspora. A relentless campaign was launched against the gov- An ADLAn Publication ADL Publication in or to own the limelight. ernment in Yerevan, which certainly was not affected by the con- There are discussions about the events leading to the forma- troversy. What was affected, however, was the unity of the dias- tion of the First Republic in 1918. There are also proprietary pora, as well as the people-to-people relations between Armenia claims on the leadership who contributed to the birth of the and the diaspora. EDITOR First Republic. Yet, there is little talk about the demise of the Despite its ideological differences with the Soviet government, Alin K. Gregorian republic or the status and historic value of its successor, Soviet the ADL strived to nurture people-to-people relations and when Armenia, which shaped the world view of generations of the “iron curtain” fell, at least the two segments of the ASSISTANT EDITOR Armenians, for better or worse. Armenian world were not as unfamiliar with each other as they Aram Arkun The Armenian government, currently in a coalition with the would have been had they had been left to their own devices. ART DIRECTOR ARF and eager to carry its own political agenda, is on the path Despite Stalin’s purges and the unfortunate losses of life dur- Marc Mgrditchian of a pragmatic policy, not too interested in upholding the his- ing world War II, Soviet Armenia proved to be a haven of secu- toric truth. Everything seems to be up for grabs. rity for the nation living on its ancestral land. We are not certain if Armenia and the diaspora combined are Soviet Armenian leaders, under the banner of communist ide-

SENIOR EDITORIAL COLUMNIST: Edmond Y. Azadian

CONTRIBUTORS: Florence Avakian, Dr. Haroutiun Arzoumanian, Philippe Raffi Kalfayan, Diana Der Hovanessian, Philip Ketchian, Kevork Keushkerian, Harut Sassounian, Hagop Vartivarian, Naomi Zeytoonian

CORRESPONDENTS: Armenia - Hagop Avedikian Boston - Nancy Kalajian New York/New Jersey - Taleen Babayan Berlin - Muriel Mirak-Weissbach

Contributing Photographers: Jirair Hovsepian

The Armenian Mirror-Spectator is published weekly, except two weeks in July and the first week of the year, by: Baikar Association, Inc. 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 Telephone: 617-924-4420 FAX: 617-924-2887 www.mirrorspectator.com E-Mail: [email protected] celebrating the historic victories at Sardarabad, Ghara Kilisa and ology, carried a deeply nationalistic agenda by erecting the For advertising: [email protected] Bash Aparan or the inception of the first period of statehood Sardarabad and Genocide monuments. But above all, they pro- after six centuries of statelessness by Armenians. moted Armenian culture and scholarship to the world. The eco- Since all the above battles were fought through popular par- nomic, industrial and scientific base which was founded in the ticipation and since the ensuing republic was valued by all the country during the Soviet era has been recklessly weakened in surviving Armenians from the Genocide, it would make more the past 26 years but still it continues to sustain its structure. sense to celebrate one hundred years of statehood, irrespective Now that the Soviet scarecrow is gone, an objective evaluation SUBSCRIPTION RATES : of our views of who lost the First Republic, what percentage of of that era is due. sovereignty the Soviet Armenian Republic enjoyed and how What was a trend during the first and second republics has post-Soviet independent Armenia is performing. receded during the current third republic. Armenians who had U.S.A. $80 a year Battles leading to Armenia’s independence were fought by survived the horrors of the Genocide valued the birth of a Canada $125 a year popular forces, including members of our clergy. The comman- nation highly. And despite all adversities, they gravitated der of the Sardarabad battle was Movses Silikian, Dro was at towards the homeland. Other Countries $190 a year Bash Aparan and Piroumian, Ghassapbashian, Antranik and Armenians had an affluent and cultured life in Tbilisi. Even other heroes contributed to the victory. In hindsight, Silikian the National Council (Azgayin Khorhurt) which later became and Piroumian have been ignored because they did not have the nucleus of the first government in Yerevan was based in © 2014 The Armenian Mirror-Spectator their political heirs. Dro’s monument is there, as well as that of Tbilisi. Yerevan was on a primitive social and economic level. But Periodical Class Postage Paid at Boston, MA Garegin Njdeh, both of whom were valuable heroes but later leaders and people moved to that backward hinterland to build and additional mailing offices. Nazi collaborators, giving us a black eye internationally. a new homeland. Even in Soviet times, Avedik Issahakian, Aram Manoukian emerging next to the Metro station near the Sarian, Kochar, Ara Sarksyan and many other artists and intel- ISSN 0004-234X main square in Yerevan, all wrapped up in the tricolor flag, push- lectuals settled in Armenia, drawing behind them waves of expa- ing a partisan agenda, diminishes the popular nature of the cel- triates. There was an influx of immigration to Armenia in the POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The ebration. 1920s through the 1960s. Armenian Mirror-Spectator, 755 Mount Auburn Similarly, the first government was led by majority ARF mem- Now that we have attained our freedom, a reverse process is St., Watertown, MA 02472 bers who deserve credit. But the first cabinet also included mem- in progress and no one can see an end to that trend. Other than the editorial, views and opinions bers of the Popular Party (Joghovertagan), composed of a high- Today’s artists, performers, writers are exporting rabeez cul- expressed in this newspaper do not necessarily ly intellectual group with a philosophy of evolution, looking to ture to the west and mixing it with the worst trends of western reflect the policies of the publisher. the West rather than embracing revolution, a philosophy very culture, and feeding it back to Armenia through movies, social much in vogue at the time. media and personal contacts. When the First Republic emerged, it embodied the dreams of The pioneer spirit which moved the generations living in the all Armenians wounded by the Genocide. Alexander first and second republics has disappeared. An unprincipled con- Copying for other than personal use or Khadissian’s fundraising trips to Istanbul and Egypt met with descending attitude towards Armenia is dominating the diaspo- internal reference is prohibited without popular enthusiasm — Ramgavars, Reformed Hunchaks, which ra and eroding self-esteem in Armenia. express permission of the copyright later would join the Popular Party to form the ADL — were at There has to be a return to our senses, to our values as well owner. Address requests for reprints or back issues to: the forefront of generosity. They had also negotiated a deal with as old-fashioned patriotism. the British army in Egypt to purchase an air force for the Unless we all rise to the historic occasion, the centennial cel- fledgling republic. ebration may remain a festive occasion just like any other occa- Baikar Association, Inc. The enumeration of these contributions does not intend to sion. 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472- push a partisan agenda but to just emphasize that the republic May is around the corner. Are we up to the centennial spirit? 1509 S ATURDAY, M ARCH 3 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 19 COMMENTARY

Earlier this month, during a speech at the AK Party’s Erdogan admitted his expansionist policies drawing paral- Eskisehir Provincial Congress, Pres. Erdogan shamelessly lels between Afrin, Cyprus and the Greek islands of the announced: “Turkey is also the standard-bearer of the global Aegean which are frequent targets of Turkish threats and fight for justice. Turkey is a safe haven for the oppressed and demands. Erdogan brazenly declared: “Whatever Afrin is to a nightmare for the oppressors.” If Turkey is such a ‘safe us, our rights in the Aegean and Cyprus are the same. Do not My Turn haven,’ why so many Turks are trying to escape from the ever think that the natural gas exploration in the waters of country and seeking asylum in Europe? Why is the Turkish Cyprus and the opportunistic attempts in the Aegean Sea By Harut Sassounian government issuing arrest warrants for the escapees and pres- drop off from our radar.” suring European countries to extradite Turkish journalists, Going to more extremes, Yigit Bulut, one of Erdogan’s prin- intellectuals and human rights activists? cipal advisers, boastfully threatened over the islet of Erdogan, a Menace to the World, Appointing himself as a world leader, Erdogan has cast a Imia, which Turks call ‘Kardak.’ He warned: “ will face Should be Stopped Before it’s Too wide net, meddling in the internal affairs of many countries, the wrath of Turkey worse than that in Afrin. We will break the near and far: “Turkey is the hope for our Crimean brothers arms and legs of officials of the [Greek] Prime Minister and any Late and sisters, the oppressed of Turkestan [Turkic people in minister who dares to step on the Kardak islet in the Aegean. Central Asia] and our friends from Caucasia, Sarajevo and There is not an armed force in this region that could contend Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has become a Africa.” Erdogan goes on to affirm: “If we stumble, Al-Quds against the Turkish armed forces. So, everyone will know their major danger to his own nation as well as many others. His [Jerusalem] will fall, Palestine, Rakhine [region in Myanmar] place. All imperialists will accept that the people in this land are actions and statements in recent years should seriously worry and Somalia will fall.” Turks and the nation in this land is Islamic ummah [nation] his neighbors and the entire world. Several days after Erdogan’s pompous speech, Turkish and they will kiss the hand that they cannot bend.” The last tyrant ignored by the international community was opposition journalist Uzay Bulut wrote a critical commentary Commentator Uzay reported that Erdogan himself threat- the genocidal butcher Adolf Hitler who unleashed World War in The Washington Times, titled: “Turkey’s violence-tinged ened Cyprus with yet another military invasion: “Just as we II, invading scores of countries and killing millions of people. foreign policy.” disrupt the plots [in Syria] through Operation Euphrates Regrettably, Western leaders have tried to appease Erdogan, Uzay reminded readers that “the Ottoman Empire’s occu- Shield and Operation Olive Branch, and soon in Manbij and thereby creating a monster! Strangely, some in the Islamic pation of vast lands and Islam’s flag of conquest still influence other regions, we can and we will disrupt the plots of those world treat him with respect, while many Western countries Turkey’s foreign policy, including its invasions and ethnic who engage in miscalculations on our southern border. Our consider Turkey as one of their key allies. To make matters cleansings.” warships and air force are keeping an eye on the area in order worse, Russia is also trying to win Erdogan over, to distance The prominent Turkish commentator specifically cited to intervene in any way whenever required.” him from the West and NATO. Erdogan’s interventionist policies in Northern Syria (Afrin) Turkey’s neighbors should be aware that Erdogan is intend- A vivid example of Erdogan’s unfit mental state is his and Cyprus. Uzay mentioned that Turkey, having illegally ing to recover the Ottoman territories. He openly threatened: recent bizarre public statement posted on the Turkish occupied Northern Cyprus since 1974, now threatens what “Those who think that we’ve erased from our hearts the President’s website, titled: “Turkey is the Standard-Bearer of remains of the Republic of Cyprus. Erdogan declared: lands from which we withdrew in tears a hundred years ago the Global Fight for Justice.” “Cyprus’ courage will only last ‘until they see our army, our are wrong.” No one in their right mind would make such a deceptive ships and our planes.’” Turkey has ignored dozens of UN At the end of his article, Uzay rightly pointed out that the statement. Turkey is the last country in the world to be Security Council resolutions asking for the withdrawal of its Western countries are mostly responsible for Erdogan’s out of described as “the standard bearer of the global fight for jus- troops from Northern Cyprus. control behavior: “The global inaction in response to Turkish tice.” With hundreds of journalists and tens of thousands of Erdogan also warned the European companies that are aggression encourages Mr. Erdogan, the president of a so- professors, lawyers, judges, and public employees in jail, how exploring gas fields in Eastern Mediterranean, in the territo- called “ally” of the West, to threaten Cyprus with yet another can Pres. Erdogan make such a false claim? Besides the cur- rial waters of the Republic of Cyprus. Uzay wrote that earlier military assault…. What enables him to get away with his rent injustices perpetrated on the Turkish people, Erdogan this month “Turkish warships blocked a rig belonging to the intimidating rhetoric and ongoing hostility is the apparent also denies massive past injustices such as the genocide Italian energy firm ENI from reaching Cypriot waters to start weakness and confusion of the West in the face of violent against Armenians, Greeks and Assyrians. exploring for gas.” Turkish supremacism.”

LETTERS Nagorno-Karabakh: 30 Years on, Time for Turkey Is a Geopolitical Timebomb EU to Raise its Game To the Editor: inate Kurdish fighting units, Erdogan the waters between Turkish Cyprus Members of the European Union boasted they had killed some 1932 and Turkey herself but it is not clear By Diogo Pinto have finally realized that Turkey is not Kurds at a loss of a mere 32 Turkish how further south this search will merely a country limited to creating soldiers. The truth of the matter, how- reach thus affecting the current divi- EBRUARY 20, 2018 marks 30 years since the problems in its wider geographic area ever, seems to be that in Afrin, Turkish sion of lots by Cyprus to Italian, People’s Deputies of Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous but is also offensive to the interests of forces are totally stuck and are losing French and American oil companies Oblast (NKAO) approved the formal petition request- the European Union by threatening a ground. which have been successful in their ing the transfer of jurisdiction from Azerbaijani to plan which is part of Europe’s future On the Cyprus front, Turkish naval bids to attain the drilling rights of Armenian Soviet Socialist Republic (SSR). energy security. ships blocked Italian oil giant ENI’s these lots. After the 1917 Russian Revolution, Nagorno- In general, Turkey’s stance and drilling boat in Lot 3 of the Cyprus Of course, no one should also over- Karabakh was a self-governed territory with all spe- behavior seems to be activating reac- Economic Zone announcing that such look the role of neighboring countries cific attributes of de facto statehood. However, in tions in where Ankara, every drilling will not take place until and like Egypt or Israel who are also des- F 1921, Stalin intervened to reverse a decision con- day that passes, is regarded as a geopo- unless Turkish Cyprus is considered tined to benefit very handsomely from firming Nagorno-Karabakh as part of Soviet Armenia, putting litical “bomb” ready to blow with part of the negotiations to benefit the financial successes of these drilling the region under the jurisdiction of Soviet Azerbaijan. repercussions which do not only affect from the expected wealth to be derived contracts and who are regarding For the next 70 years, the people of Nagorno-Karabakh South-Eastern Europe but its entirety. from development of oil and natural Turkey’s movements with great nega- would repeatedly appeal to Moscow to re-establish the oblast as Recent pronouncements by Erdogan gas deposits in the area. tivity. part of Armenia, only to be ignored. and his ministers have indicated that Finally, daily air skirmishes between Once again, President Erdogan is In 1985, Gorbachev’s rise to power would inaugurate a new the Sultan will not hesitate to use Turkish jets invading Greek air space moving to realize his dream of the Soviet era. His policies of glasnost and perestroika provided the ‘pirate’ methods in order to achieve his and Greek jets defending it together Ottoman Empire being rejuvenated. To political space for the people of Nagorno-Karabakh to begin their objectives. with the most recently avoided inci- energize his followers, he makes state- path towards self-determination after decades of mistreatment. Last Sunday, President Erdogan dent of a Turkish frigate bumping into ments such as “our enemies have not However, the Azerbaijani SSR not only denied the petition publicly encouraged his citizens to “be a Greek Coast Guard boat in Greek yet felt the slap of the Ottoman made on February 20, 1988, but also launched large-scale ready for general mobilization” as waters, thankfully without any human Empire!” pogroms and ethnic cleansing against Armenians living in there may be facing a “hot summer.” losses, have all been indications that Facing parliamentary elections later Azerbaijan, first in Sumgait and later in Kirovabad, Baku, and This had an immediate effect on young Erdogan wishes to become a dominant this year and presidential elections in other cities. Hundreds of innocent people were killed in their and middle-aged male Turks who ran force in the region. 2019, he is already appealing to the homes, and many were tortured and forced into exile. to their computers to check where On top of everything else, Ankara’s illiterate, lower-income classes of Within weeks, the European Parliament (EP) adopted the they may be required to report as diplomatic relations becoming warmer Turkey’s interior by recently joining first of ten resolutions on Nagorno-Karabakh. In July members of the Turkish Armed Forces with Russia and Iran while relations forces with the extreme right wing 1988’s Resolution on the situation in Soviet Armenia, the EP and, as a result, precipitated a total with the European Union and the Grey Wolves’ Party and asking his fol- referred to the “deteriorating political situation, which has led crash of the computer system at the United States and Israel have substan- lowers questions such as ‘we used to to anti-Armenian pogroms in Sumgait and serious acts of vio- Turkish Ministry of Defense! tially deteriorated, lead to an imbal- be a people owning 18,000,000 square lence in Baku.” The same evening, Prime Minister ance of power in the region which may kilometers and now we only have It also supported “the demand for reunification with the Benali Yildirim, during the launch of a have disastrous effects. 780,000. Whatever happened to us?” Socialist Republic of Armenia” and called upon the Soviet German-made submarine at a Turkish Ankara has announced that during The dogs of war are beginning to Union “to ensure the safety of the 500.000 Armenians current- naval base, declared that “we can neu- March, Turkey will begin exploratory smell blood and aggressive incidents ly living in Soviet Azerbaijan.” tralize any attempt against our inter- drilling in the Eastern Mediterranean on many fronts, as created and execut- In response to lawful and peaceful pleas by lawmakers and ests in the Aegean Sea, so our neigh- area. For this reason, she has pur- ed by Erdogan, internally or externally, people within Nagorno-Karabakh, Soviet authorities sent in bors should not think they can take chased “Deep Sea Metro 2,” a drilling do not bode well for neither the region troops, declared a state of emergency, imposed a curfew, and advantage of us’! platform now in Constantinople and or Turkey’s neighbors. The forthcom- banned foreign journalists. In recent weeks, Turkey has become under additional repair work so it can ing weeks should be observed with What started as a peaceful movement to exercise the right to highly aggressive on a number of become a serious contender in the great interest self-determination supported by European parliamentarians, fronts. Invading the town of Afrin in race for the area’s oil and gas deposits. Miran P. Sarkissian was met with violence and ethnic cleansing, and turned into an its southern border with Syria to elim- Initially this search will take place in Athens, Greece all-out war in December 1991. see KARABAKH, page 20 20 S ATURDAY, M ARCH 3 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR AIWA Denounces Gender-Based Violence

The Armenian International Women’s Association (AIWA) egregious, as the violence was committed by colleagues on the much-needed attention to a major public health and environ- decries the recent physical assaults upon two women who are city council. Such violence against female activists must stop, mental crisis in a large Yerevan community should be praised and members of the . On February 13, city coun- as it corrodes the fragile democratic institutions in the coun- honored. Those who attacked them should be held accountable cilor Marina Khachatryan, along with her colleague Sona try and intimidates women from entering politics. Violence as for their actions. Regardless of how offended they were by the jars Aghekyan, were attacked by fellow councilmen during the first an instrument of political discourse is illegal and unethical. It of sewage, they had no right to resort to physical violence. We session of the Yerevan City Council. The attack came just as the is also profoundly unproductive, as it can silence free speech, understand that a criminal investigation has been launched, and two women were trying to bring samples of sewage (in glass jars) innovation and initiative, thereby degrading governance and this process should be watched closely by the public. from the in Yerevan to underscore the neg- polarizing society. Most important, we all need to work together to change the cul- ligence of the mayor and the city government in failing to It has been demonstrated that the empowerment of women is tural norms that promote and reward this kind of assault. address the longstanding problem of leaking sewage from the a necessary precondition for democratic progress, economic Everyone — especially men and boys — need to explore how we can nearby prison. This has become an enormous health hazard for growth and sustainable security arrangements in conflict all become part of the solution to stop gender-based violence, everyone living in the vicinity. regions. Patronizing, intimidating and harming women — whether it occurs in war, at home, on the streets, or at work. This outrageous behavior comes just shortly after Armenia whether in the home or in a public space — is a direct assault on Fortunately, there are men around the world now changing the passed legislation criminalizing domestic violence. This incident, Armenia’s prospects for a successful future. To sustain the moral public discourse to include ideas about positive masculinity that along with prior cases of attacks on women protesters in various fabric of the country, it is essential that everyone — especially would promote a safer and stronger world for everyone. A healthy public settings, further exposes how public forums and political elected officials — respect the dignity of all women. society requires that we all respect human dignity, and this inci- spaces in the country have frequently become unsafe places for This recent display of violence further erodes public trust in dent in Yerevan offers one more opportunity to raise our voices in women in Armenia. They reveal a systemic attempt to exclude Armenia’s institutions and threatens the development of a still- calling for systemic change to create a culture that would never fos- women from public discourse and political decision-making. young democracy struggling in an increasingly authoritarian ter or condone this kind of violent behavior. This assault on elected female councilors was especially region. The brave women council members who were bringing For more information visit www.aiwainternational.org. Nagorno-Karabakh: 30 Years on, Time for EU to Raise its Game

KARABAKH, from page 19 community to find a peaceful solution to the age it holds over the parties, the EU is well- raise its game in Nagorno-Karabakh. Would it The EP continued paying attention to Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, while the EU placed to provide substantial support towards be less simple than it seems reading these lines? Nagorno-Karabakh and, in January 1992, adopt- pursues a policy of “neutrality,” stating its lasting peace and stability in the region, fully in Maybe… Would it be worth trying? Definitely! ed a new Resolution on aid to Nagorno- full support for the “Minsk process,” but shy- line with its own security strategy in the (Diogo Pinto is the director of European Karabakh, noting that “Azerbaijan launched a ing away from direct contact with either the Eastern neighborhood. Friends of Armenia. This column was originally huge and unprecedented offensive against population or the authorities of Nagorno- 30 years on, the time has come for the EU to published on www.euractiv.com) Armenians living in Nagorno-Karabakh” and, Karabakh. once again, “recognizes Nagorno-Karabakh’s There is, however, a large margin of manoeu- right to self-determination.” ver for the EU to pursue a strategy of “engage- In May 1994, after the loss of 30,000 lives, the ment without recognition” with Nagorno- three sides signed a ceasefire agreement. The Karabakh and its people. Israel Suspends Plan to Tax war was over, the conflict became frozen, and the After years of succumbing to propaganda by EU turned their attention to other matters. Azerbaijan, EU officials should finally visit the Jerusalem Church Properties Two years ago, full-scale war resumed for four territory, assess the situation on the ground, days, demonstrating the fragility of the ceasefire. and collect intelligence first-hand. HOLY SEPLUCHRE, from page 1 Order of the Holy Sepluchre of Jerusalem, called Meetings among Foreign Affairs ministers and Led by the EU Special Representative for the resurrected, and the decision closed one of the recent proposals “alarming.” even Presidential Summits between Armenia South Caucasus and the Crisis in Georgia, Jerusalem’s most visited holy sites just ahead of “Betraying international treaties and centuries and Azerbaijan have resumed ever since, giving engagement would be non-political, and allow the busy Easter season. of practice, all Christian properties, except hope that some progress will be made… but the for the EU experience to bear fruits in Nagorno- Barkat said his decision affected only commer- churches themselves, are being taxed tens of bil- incessant provocations from the Azerbaijani side, Karabakh, too. cial properties, such as hotels, restaurants and lions of dollars. This includes hundreds of agen- combined with its military build-up and war This would not interfere with the OSCE offices, and not houses of worship. He said other cies, including Christian schools, hospitals, rhetoric, turn staunch optimists into sceptics, Minsk Group mandate, nor could it objectively cities followed similar practices worldwide. homes for the needy, health care facilities, and pil- making a definite solution urgent. be seen as an implicit recognition of the author- “As the mayor of the city of Jerusalem, my goal grimage centers such as the Notre Dame Center The Organization for Security and ities in Stepanakert. and role is to make sure people pay their taxes,” in Jerusalem,” he said. Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Minsk Group With its experience in conflict prevention and he said in an interview earlier Tuesday. “We have “Many church assets are being frozen, fines spearheads the efforts of the international resolution, its financial resources, and the lever- no negative or bad intentions here.” threatened, and hundreds of thousands of dollars The churches accused Barkat of acting in bad seized from Christian churches in an effort that will faith and undermining a longstanding status quo. severely curtail Christian freedom of practice.” They say their non-church properties still serve The cardinal called for prayer in the wake of religious purposes by providing services to pil- these “unprecedented discrimination against grims and local flocks. Christians.” In Tuesday’s announcement, Netanyahu said A statement released by Christian leaders on Cabinet Minister Tzachi Hanegbi would head the Sunday said the proposals “breach existing agree- new negotiating committee, which will include ments and international obligations which guar- representatives from the city, and the finance, for- antee the rights and the privileges of the eign and interior ministries. Churches, in what seems as an attempt to weak- “The team will negotiate with the representa- en the Christian presence in Jerusalem.” tives of the churches to resolve the issue,” it said. “The greatest victims in this are those impov- In addition to suspending tax collection, erished families who will go without food and Netanyahu’s office said that proposed legislation housing, as well as the children who will be governing the sale of church lands in Jerusalem unable to attend school,” the statement said. was also being suspended. (The Catholic News Agency contributed to this Cardinal Edwin O’Brien, Grand Master of the report.)

Wallenberg Foundation Decries Israeli Vote not To Recognize Armenian Genocide WALLENBERG, from page 1 and its Knesset have lost this opportunity time Eduardo Eurnekian and founder Baruch and again. There is no political reality that could Tenembaum. provide a reasonable excuse for that.” “With all due respect, we are not able to Eurnekian and Tenembaum observed a understand, let alone justify this stance,” they “deep connection” between Jews and said. “Israel is the national home of the Jewish Armenians. The NGO, which works to recog- people, who suffered an indescribable plight nize Righteous among the Nations, notes that during the Shoah [Holocaust]. 24 Armenians have officially received that title Twenty-five-years earlier, the Armenian peo- so far, which is a large number in relation to the ple endured another unspeakable tragedy, size of the population. which, in light of the world’s silence, many “Mr. Edelstein, we know your personal sup- believe has encouraged the Nazis to perpetrate port for the recognition of the Armenian their atrocities against the Jews during World Genocide, as is the case of your predecessor, War II.” President Reuven Rivlin,” the letter concluded. The foundation believes that of all the nations “We feel that the Knesset would be praised in the world, the Jewish state should have “the around the world for taking a bold ethical intellectual honesty and the spiritual generosity stance, regardless of any short-term political to recognizing the horrific tragedy of the considerations. We regret that this has not hap- Armenian people. Alas, the Israeli government pened yet.”