MAY 27, 2017 Mirror-SpeTHE ARMENIAN ctator Volume LXXXVII, NO. 45, Issue 4489 $ 2.00 NEWS The First English Language Armenian Weekly in the United States Since 1932 INBRIEF Flights Launched DC Police Arrest Between Yerevan and Turkish Guards Tel Aviv YEREVAN (Public Radio of Armenia) — The For Attacking Armenia Aircompany carried the first passengers from Yerevan to Tel Aviv this week. Demonstrators The maiden flight was preceded by a presenta- tion at Zvartnots Airport. Attending the event were Sergey Avetisyan, chief Turkey Chides US Envoy of the General Department of Civil Aviation of Over Handling of Brawl at Armenia, Andranik Shkhyan, deputy general man- Washington Protest ager of Armenia International Airports and Robert Oganesyan, CEO of Armenia Aircompany, directors ISTANBUL (New York Times and of tourism agencies and others. Washington Post) — The Turkish Foreign Avetisyan emphasized the importance of Ministry summoned the American ambas- Yerevan-Tel Aviv flights and wished the Air sador in Ankara on Monday, May 22, to Company safe and effective flights. The Yerevan-Tel Aviv flights will run twice a week complain about the detention of two President Trump and First Lady Melania visited the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Turkish security officers outside the on Thursdays and Sundays. Turkish Embassy in Washington the prior week, a Turkish official said. Trump Visits Church of the Holy Sepulchre in L.A. Chamber Cancels The detentions occurred about two Jerusalem, Meets Armenian Patriarch hours after Turkish government body- Turkey Business Forum guards were filmed assaulting several pro- JERUSALEM (Armenpress) — US President Donald Trump visited the Church After Protest Beating (RUDAW PHOTO) of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem on Monday, May 15. Representatives of the Catholic, Armenian and Greek Orthodox church met the Incident president. Armenian Patriarch of Jerusalem Nourhan Manougian, Custodians of the Holy LOS ANGELES (LA Business Journal) — The Los Land Fr. Francesco Patton, and Greek Orthodox Patriarch Theophilos III greeted Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce has cancelled President Trump. a forum set for this week on doing business with President Donald Trump also paid his respects at the Western Wall, the holiest Turkey. place where Jews can pray, AP reports. The move comes in the aftermath of the beating Head of the press service of the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem, last week of protestors in Washington, DC, by body- Archimandrite Koryun Baghdasarian reported that Trump and the First Lady guards of Turkey’s president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Bloodied Kurdish demonstrators in Washington were welcomed by the Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem and by the “We have informed our members that the meet- Armenian Patriarchal Vicar Archbishop Sevan Gharibian at the courtyard of the ing with the business delegation from Turkey scheduled for Thursday, May 25 at the Chamber testers outside the ambassador’s residence, Church. At the entrance of the church they were welcomed by the superiors of office has been called off,” a statement issued which is separate from the embassy. the three custodian communities of the Church. During his visit to the Armenian Monday by the Chamber reads. “This decision was An official at the Turkish Embassy, who section of the Holy Sepulchre Church Trump and the First Lady enjoyed the made because we determined that holding the spoke on the condition of anonymity to dis- songs of the choir of the Armenian Seminary and listened to the explanation of meeting would not be in the best interests of our cuss details of a diplomatically tense case, Gharibian about the Armenian Church and the Armenian nation. members or the visiting delegation from Turkey.” said that the two Turkish guards were only The chamber forum, which was to have been briefly detained, and that they have since cosponsored by Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti’s returned to Turkey. Office of International Trade, was to have featured Ambassador John R. Bass received a writ- a roundtable with executives and board members ten and verbal condemnation of what the HALO Trust Working on Clearing from 12 Turkish companies in the construction, Turks called “aggressive and unprofession- engineering, aerospace, textiles, manufacturing, al actions” by American police officers Artsakh of All Mines by 2020 and financial sectors. toward the bodyguards, who were in The request to cancel the forum came from Los Washington to protect President Recep While that country has been cleared of Angeles City Councilman Paul Kerkorian, the first Tayyip Erdogan and Mevlut Cavusoglu, the mines, Karabakh (Artsakh) and its sur- Alin K. Gregorian Armenian American elected to the council. foreign minister. rounding lands are still plagued by land- Mirror-Spectator Staff “I thank the L.A. Chamber for being responsive In the episode on May 16, a demonstra- mines. The work is now continuing as part to my request and cancelling the Los Angeles tion outside the Turkish ambassador’s resi- of the Safe Steps for the People of Turkey Business Forum,” Krekorian said in a state- dence in Washington erupted into a brawl BOSTON — The iconic images of the late Karabakh, destined to clear the area of ment. “The unprovoked attack by Turkish state that pitted Armenian and Kurdish protest- Princess Diana walking on a mine field landmines by the year 2020. security officers on peaceful American citizens was ers against Turkish officials, supporters of cleared by the HALO Trust in Angola 20 Lending his support is the patron of the reprehensible and a grave breach of our country’s Erdogan and the bodyguards. Nine people years ago shocked people around the world UK-based organization, Prince Harry, son laws. That the business community in our great city were hospitalized. and put the issue of land mines on the glob- of the late princess. The royal, who has recognizes that human rights must be upheld by all see PROTESTS, page 10 al political map. see HALO, page 11 within our borders is a credit to their vision and conscience.” Akçam Honors Rev. Krikor Guerguerian INSIDE Announces Digitalization of Guerguerian Archival Collection at ALMA Lecture Genocide

By Aram Arkun Bill in Texas Mirror-Spectator Staff Page 8

WATERTOWN — Prof. Taner Akçam pre- sented a lecture with slides on the legacy of the work of Rev. Krikor Guerguerian on the INDEX Armenian Genocide, and announced the Arts and Living ...... 12 digitalization of the latter’s collection, at Armenia ...... 2 the Armenian Museum of America (ALMA) Community News...... 5 on May 11. There was a large audience pre- Editorial ...... 18 Prof. Taner Akçam speaking at the Armenian Museum of America alongside a projected sent at this talk, titled “The Story Behind International ...... 3,4 image of Rev. Krikor Guerguerian the Smoking Gun.” see GUERGUERIAN, page 14 2 S ATURDAY, M AY 2 7 , 2 0 1 7 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARMENIA News From Armenia EU, Armenia Praise Ongoing Efforts on New Accord BRUSSELS (RFE/RL) — The and we come now with good results that Nalbandian said that during the dis- European Union and Armenia reiterated are the result of the hard, good work of cussions with Mogherini the parties their commitment to shared values and our respective teams, who I would like addressed a number of major regional Armenia Extradites praised the current work over a new also to thank for the good work we have and international issues, notably the agreement to be signed later this year as managed to do.” Middle East, Turkey, Iran, as well as the Valery Permyakov to their top diplomatic representatives met The EU official said that the peaceful Nagorno-Karabakh issue. Russia in Brussels on Tuesday, May 23. resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh “The large-scale military offensive of At a joint press conference with conflict was also discussed during her Azerbaijan against Nagorno-Karabakh YEREVAN (Armenpress) — The extradition of Armenian Foreign Minister Edward after meeting with Armenia’s representative. in April 2016 was the most dangerous Valery Permyakov by Armenia to Russia took place the 17th meeting of the Armenia-EU “The European Union believes the sta- escalation of the conflict since 1994 on May 18, in compliance with the Moscow Cooperation Council, High Representative tus quo is unsustainable and that the when ceasefire agreement was signed Convention of 1998. As a result of consultations with of the European Union for Foreign Affairs conflict needs an early political settle- between Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Karabakh Russian law enforcement bodies, an agreement was and Security Policy Federica Mogherini ment in accordance with international and Armenia. The Azerbaijani aggres- reached. Earlier the Ministry of Justice of Armenia said that the EU is “looking forward to law. The European Union continues to sion was accompanied by gross viola- had received the decision of the Court of the Russian Armenia’s active and constructive stance fully support the mediation efforts and tions of the international humanitarian Federation on recognizing the verdict of the Shirak in preparation of the upcoming Eastern proposals of the OSCE [Organization law in an apparent attempt to terrorize District First Instance Court of General Jurisdiction Partnership Summit” to be held in for Security and Co-operation in the people of Nagorno-Karabakh,” the and implementing it in the territory of the Russian Brussels in November. Europe] Minsk Group Co-Chairs. top Armenian diplomat stressed that the Federation. The decision of the Russian Court guar- The new EU-Armenia Comprehensive “We also exchanged on regional press conference. antees the full implementation of the verdict of life- and Enhanced Partnership Agreement, issues: we discussed the situation “Two Summits were convened after sentence as prescribed by the international agree- negotiations over which were launched around the conflict in Syria; the broad- the April aggression of Azerbaijan, ments between the Republic of Armenia and the in late 2015, was initialed in Yerevan in er regional issues. The EU has also reit- where agreements were reached aimed Russian Federation. March. Its signing is expected at the erated its commitment to support the at creating appropriate conditions for On August 23, 2016 Permyakov, a serviceman in Brussels summit. normalization of relations between advancement of the peace process. Baku the Russian military base of Gyumri, was sentenced “The European Union is willing to Armenia and Turkey and our encour- refuses to implement these agreements to life imprisonment for the murders of seven mem- expand and deepen cooperation with agement to both sides to engage in this although their importance has been bers of the Avetisyan family. Valery Permyakov mur- Armenia. We are already the first trad- process without preconditions,” highlighted on numerous occasions, dered 7 members of the Avetisyan family in Gyumri ing partner for the country, the first Mogherini said. including during the April 28 meeting of on January 12, 2015. The youngest victim was 6 international donor and the strongest For his part, Minister Nalbandian said the ministers of foreign affairs of Russia, months old. Permyakov was apprehended while try- supporter of reforms. We are ready to that “Armenia remains committed to the Armenia and Azerbaijan. Moreover, ing to illegally cross the Armenian-Turkish border. continue supporting Armenia’s reform goals of the Eastern Partnership and Baku continues the gross violations of process across a range of issues, includ- continues to make its own contribution the trilateral cease-fire agreements in ing economic development, the business to the joint efforts in this multilateral defiance of the consistent calls of the Russian Glonass environment, the judiciary, human framework.” Co-Chair countries and the internation- Navigation System rights, the fight against corruption – He, in particular, referred to the April al community. issues that are very concrete and rele- 2 parliamentary elections in Armenia “In this context, we highly value the Delivered to Armenia vant for the citizens of Armenia,” that he said were marked by an unprece- European Union’s principled position Mogherini said. dented high number of international on the exclusively peaceful resolution of YEREVAN (Arka) — GLONASS, Russia’s version of “We have discussed today our shared observers, “who stated that the elec- the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and its GPS (Global Positioning System) has been delivered values, including our commitment to tions were well administered, fundamen- continuous support to the activities of to Armenia, Armenian ministry of transport, com- democracy, human rights, and the rule tal freedoms were respected, and the the Minsk Group Co-chairmanship,” munications and information technology said today. of law, which underpin the new agree- results reflected the will of the popula- Nalbandian said, as quoted by his press It was reported earlier that GLONASS will begin ment and our future cooperation. We tion.” At the same time, he thanked the office. operation in Armenia in 2017 autumn. Armenian were discussing how far we have come European Union for “significant finan- Nalbandian concluded his remarks by specialists from the ministry of transport, communi- in the recent years and months. We cial and technical assistance in support saying that “Armenia looks forward to cations and information technology, the Crisis launched negotiations in December of the organization of free and transpar- continue the fruitful cooperation with Management Center of the Ministry of Emergency 2015, the two of us here in Brussels, ent voting process.” the EU.” Situations, the Byurakan Observatory and Yerevan State University and Russian space agency Roskosmos will soon discuss the system’s installation in Armenia, the ministry said. A representative of Roskosmos said they are wait- A Helping Hand for Aurora Prize Nominee in Sudan ing for the ratification of the relevant agreement. YEREVAN — Dr. Tom Catena, who GLONASS is a space-based satellite navigation sys- leaves the Nuba Mountains only in utter tem operating in the radio-navigation-satellite service necessity, will fly to Armenia in order to and used by the Russian Aerospace Defense Forces. attend the Aurora Prize weekend of It provides an alternative to GPS and is the second events and the Award Ceremony in alternative navigational system in operation with Yerevan. He was nominated last year as global coverage and of comparable precision. well. But in 2016, he didn’t attend the ceremony. He couldn’t. This year, how- Armenia Condemns ever, the people of the Nuba Mountains will be able to rely on three Armenian Terrorist Attack in UK doctors who will be substituting for him, and, like him, will save lives. YEREVAN (RFE/RL) — Armenia has joined in the Lieutenant Colonel Gevorg global chorus of condemnation of the terrorist attack Voskanyan, Major Hayk Hovhannisyan in the United Kingdom that claimed the lives of 22 and Armine Barkhudaryan – did not people and injured dozens. waver when told that they are urgently Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan sent a letter needed in a remote corner of the world. of condolence to British Prime Minister Theresa May “This isn’t my first mission. Twice in today, showing Armenia’s solidarity with the UK. Lieutenant Colonel Gevorg Voskanyan, Major Hayk Hovhannisyan and Armine and 2010 and 2013 I have served in Tom Catena (left) “At this grave moment of loss, I express my support Afghanistan as a member of the to you, the friendly people of the United Kingdom Armenian peacekeeping forces,” said and the families of the victims, wishing fortitude and Hovhannisyan, Deputy Chief of the is inspiring, I don’t even know what to of the local population seems endless. resolve, and a speedy recovery to the wounded,” the Surgery Unit at the Central Clinical highlight. Both of us are doctors, yet Catena has witnessed it all. The sole sur- Armenian leader wrote, according to his press office. Military Hospital of Armenia’s Defense it was very difficult for me to acknowl- geon in the local Mother of Mercy hospital “Armenia strongly condemns such inhumane acts Ministry. “It didn’t take long to decide, edge where he is now, versus where I that serves the entire region, this devout and is determined to continue, through the joint considering the framework and urgency am. The person with the same profes- American Catholic came to Sudan in the efforts, to fight against violence and terror,” of the mission. To me it would be unac- sion as me risks his life, he serves so peaceful years preceding the war, and then Sargsyan underscored. ceptable to decline.” many patients, lives in those harsh refused to leave the people once the civil Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian also “It is impossible to overestimate the conditions of war, and what about me, war broke out in 2011. expressed Armenia’s strong condemnation of the value of humanism for physicians. I can- I thought?” In addition to Catena, the other final- Manchester bombing as he held a joint press confer- not be satisfied working under relatively “The feeling that you save lives is cru- ists for the 2017 Aurora Prize are ence with High Representative of the European easy conditions of peace while I see cial for a doctor and gives an inner Fartuun Adan and Ilwad Elman, Jamila Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy there are committed people who are strength that you cannot substitute by Afghani, Dr. Tom Catena, Muhammad Federica Mogherini after the latest session of the serving in the most dangerous places anything else,” said Voskanyan. Darwish, Dr. Denis Mukwege. The final- Armenia-EU Cooperation Council in Brussels. and conditions, regardless of their eth- “You begin to understand and assess ists will be honored at the Aurora Prize Manchester is the city where many know Armenia nicity or religion,” observed Voskanyan, the risks when you grow as a profes- Ceremony in Yerevan, Armenia on May by its soccer star, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who plays for chief surgeon at the Central Clinical sional and see your skills required in 28, 2017 when one will be chosen as the the local club, Manchester United. Military Hospital of Armenia, who has places where risk levels are high,” said 2017 Aurora Prize Laureate. The In a Twitter post today Mkhitaryan wrote: “Stay served 23 years as a military doctor. Hovhannisyan with the sober-minded- Aurora Prize Laureate will receive a strong, Manchester! My thoughts and prayers are In Sudan, Voskanyan and ness of a soldier. “You aren’t alone grant of $100,000 to support the con- with all those affected by last night’s horrible Hovhannisyan will be joined by there; you bear the responsibility for the tinuation of their work, as well as a attack.” Barkhudaryan, who is on a humanitari- health and wellbeing of the people you $1,000,000 award, which will give them an mission at the hospital in Malindi, are out to help. That is your motivation.” the ability to continue the cycle of giv- Kenya, where she is much needed. Reaching the Nuba Mountains in the ing by supporting organizations that “Every detail of Tom Catena’s story south of Sudan is not easy. The suffering have inspired their work. S A T U R D A Y , M A Y 2 7 , 2 0 1 7 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 3 INTERNATIONAL International News

Prime minister Says Armenia Good Platform For Foreign Investors YEREVAN (Arka) — Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan received this week a delegation from German Mangold Consulting GmbH, which was head- ed by Company President Klaus Mangold. In atten- dance was Armenia Development Initiatives (IDeA) Foundation co-founder Ruben Vardanyan, the gov- ernment press service said. The meeting focused on agriculture, tourism, e-gov- ernance, education, cooperation in the fields of infor- mation technology, the involvement of German com- panies in these areas, as well as issues related to the implementation of joint projects. Karapetyan referred to his government’s priority YEREVAN — Agos’ Armenian editor and columnist Pakrat Estukyan was granted the programs, the ongoing reforms and planned activi- Armenian presidential award. The award ceremony was scheduled to be held in Yerevan on ties aimed at improving the investment climate and May 26 in the presidential palace. Previously, Hrant Dink and Ragıp Zarakolu received business environment in Armenia. Noting that he was eager to see the German capi- tal involved in our country along with the German culture of corporate management, Karen Karapetyan said Armenia could be a good platform for foreign Armenia, Azerbaijan Exchange Blame Over investors to enter the Eurasian and Iranian markets. Mangold said his company was prepared to present to their German colleagues Armenia’s investment Karabakh at Black Sea Summit in Istanbul opportunities and business programs.

ISTANBUL (RFE/RL) — its toxic ideology.” doing peace efforts of Armenia and Representatives of Armenia and Armenia’s Deputy Foreign Minister international mediators in resolving the Sargsyan Congratulates Azerbaijan traded accusations over the Ashot Hovakimian, responding to protracted Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Iran’s Rouhani conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh during Azerbaijan’s representative, was quoted “Accusations, war rhetoric and unilat- the 25th anniversary summit of the as saying that “the Organization of the eral maximalist demands cannot resolve TEHRAN (Public Radio of Armenia) — On May 20, Black Sea Economic Cooperation Black Sea Economic Cooperation is not the conflict. It is possible to achieve President Serzh Sargsyan sent a congratulatory mes- (BSEC) held in Istanbul on Monday, a place for voicing accusations.” progress in the resolution of the sage to the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran May 22, with Turkey’s President Recep Turkish President Erdogan, for his Nagorno-Karabakh conflict if Azerbaijan Hassan Rouhani on his victory at the Iranian presi- Tayyip Erdogan voicing objections to part, reportedly agreed with this state- abandons its policy of the use of force dential elections and on his re-election. the speech of the Armenian deputy for- ment of the Armenian representative, and engages in good faith in the negoti- “I am confident that during your tenure in office, eign minister. but added, addressing his words to him: ations within the framework agreed by the friendly neighborly Iran will continue to develop Representatives of about a dozen “No representative here has voiced the OSCE [Organization for Security and upward, bringing its considerable and important con- countries participating in the organiza- accusations or assessments. It was you Cooperation in Europe] Minsk Group,” tribution to the establishment of regional peace and tion, including Armenia, made speeches who fully dedicated your speech to polit- the Armenian diplomat, in particular, stability.” at the opening of the summit. According ical assessments.” said. He added, “I wish lasting peace and prosperity to to Turkey’s Dogan news agency, in a According to the official website of The Armenian ministry reports that the friendly people of Iran.” clear reference to Armenia Azerbaijani the Armenian Ministry of Foreign the BSEC summit in Istanbul adopted Parliament Speaker Oktay Asadov said Affairs, in his speech at the BSEC sum- an anniversary declaration where it reaf- in his speech that “one of the members mit Hovakimian criticized Azerbaijan firmed the economic nature of the orga- Aznavour to Attend of the organization has not abandoned for its belligerent policies and for torpe- nization. Birthday Concert YEREVAN (Public Radio of Armenia) — Charles Aznavour will be present at a concert in his honor to be held in Yerevan on June 1. Representatives of HDP Co-chair: 560 Children Living in Turkish Jails with Mothers Armenian opera and pop music will welcome ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Rudaw) — the Mush district has asked to be accom- 22, including many children. “These Aznavour with his own songs. Some 560 children are living in Turkish panied by her three-year-old child in attacks reveal that resistance should be Actor and director Hayk Petrosyan, one of the jails with their mothers, stated the newly- prison,” said Serpil Kemalbay. strengthened against ISIS, which is a organizers of the concert, will not only perform some elected co-chair of the pro-Kurdish This was Kemalbay’s first participation in brutal enemy against humanity,” of the singer’s works, but also host the show. Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) during HDP’s parliamentary group meeting fol- Kemalbay said. “The past 60 years have seen a number of stars a meeting with its parliamentary group lowing her election last week as co-chair in appear and fade away in France, but Charles on Tuesday. She criticized the govern- the party’s third emergency congress. She Aznavour, 93, is still on the peak. He can serve a bril- ment in this regard. took the opportunity to address some liant example of fighting and persistence not only for “There are currently 560 kids living issues pertinent to the party. individuals, but also for the nation as a whole,” with their mothers in the prisons. This She began by condemning the Petrosyan said. number increases to 561 in a few days as Monday night attack on a concert in our parliament member Burcu Celik in Manchester in Britain that killed at least Protest Against Ateshyan In Istanbul Prime minister Says Armenia Good ISTANBUL (Armenpress) — Ethnic Armenians in Platform for Foreign Investors Istanbul have protested in the St. Vardanants Armenian Church of Istanbul’s Ferikoy district YEREVAN (Arka) — Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan received this week a against Archbishop Aram Ateshyan, who refuses to delegation from German Mangold Consulting GmbH, which was headed by step down as the Patriarchal Vicar of the Armenian Company President Klaus Mangold. In attendance was Armenia Development Serpil Kemalbay Patriarchate of Istanbul, Agos reports. Initiatives (IDeA) Foundation co-founder Ruben Vardanyan, the government Ateshyan was speaking about the importance of ‘Mother’s Day’ in the church, congratulating all press service said. “I praise all the forces who are resist- mothers on the holiday. However, when he began his The meeting focused on agriculture, tourism, e-governance, education, ing against ISIS,” she added. speech, a group of people exited the church as a cooperation in the fields of information technology, the involvement of Kemalbay also reflected on the ruling protest. When the mass ended, the 15 people outside German companies in these areas, as well as issues related to the implemen- AKP’s slogan “democracy and change” the church raised posters saying “We are the ones to tation of joint projects. from its own recent congress held to re- elect our Patriarch.” Karapetyan referred to his government’s priority programs, the ongoing elect Turkish President Recep Tayyip It is noteworthy that this isn’t the first attempt of reforms and planned activities aimed at improving the investment climate and Erdogan as party leader. Istanbul-Armenians to boycot Ateshyan. Earlier, dur- business environment in Armenia. Do AKP really have any concerns ing an event with the participation of Ateshyan, a Noting that he was eager to see the German capital involved in our coun- about it, she asked. “The outcome of the man raised the Bible in a silent protest. In addition, try along with the German culture of corporate management, Karen congress was issuing an emergency situ- chairman of two foundations delivered speeches Karapetyan said Armenia could be a good platform for foreign investors to ation forever,” she said. against the Vicar during an event of the Maral music enter the Eurasian and Iranian markets. At the AKP congress, Erdogan and dance ensemble, while the gathered made a Mangold said his company was prepared to present to their German col- announced that the country’s state of lengthy applaud after the Patriarchal locum tenens- leagues Armenia’s investment opportunities and business programs. In this emergency, imposed following a failed elect Bekchian’s address was read. context, reference was made to the cooperation between Center for Strategic coup attempt last summer, would remain Initiatives of the Armenian Government and Mangold Consulting GmbH. The in place until Turkey is deemed secure. parties agreed to continue the joint discussions in these directions. Kemalbay was elected co-chair to replace the imprisoned Figen Yuksekdag. 4 S ATURDAY, M AY 2 7 , 2 0 1 7 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR INTERNATIONAL

cially growing unemployment, nor contribute to solving for not opening any further chapters in the negotiations. As problems deriving from the oppression of the Kurdish (and for the funds, which she said were still flowing without any Erdogan’s other) minority populations. The collapse of the tourist accountability as to where they were being allocated, Fleck industry (which he characterized as more important for said they had been appropriated but not yet delivered, and Turkey than the auto industry for Germany) and falling cur- that money for refugee program support at least was under rency rates have resulted from the political crisis following control. Referendum the coup attempt and massive crackdown. Economic revival The refugee crisis represents a further challenge to bilater- will depend on development of the younger population, al relations. What, Hermann asked, if Erdogan were to make which will require advances in education, which, he said, good on his threat to open the borders, allowing a new wave would not benefit from the referendum results. If the educa- of refugees into Germany before elections here in the fall? And German’s tion system in the country was already abysmal, the mass fir- Beer’s response echoing the official position of Chancellor ings of competent academics have worsened the situation. Angela Merkel, that a European-wide solution is required, and These teachers have lost not only their jobs, but their pen- that is indeed a topic high on the agenda addressed in ongo- sions, their social standing and, in many cases, their very ing EU discussions. Dilemma freedom. The situation in the judiciary, where young, inex- perienced judges have replaced those thrown out, the per- And What About NATO? spective is as bleak. Last but surely not least for the German government is the By Muriel Mirak-Weissbach That said, the speaker hastened to stress that the results issue of military cooperation. Again, in mid-May, Turkey were indeed very close, as nearly half those who cast their bal- refused permission for a delegation of parliamentarians from Special to the Mirror-Spectator lots voted against the changes, and thus against Erdogan’s the Bundestag to make a routine visit to German troops sta- move towards autocratic rule. Rejecting the “yes” voters’ illu- tioned at the Incirlik base. The first time Ankara made such FRANKFURT, Germany — Turkish citizens who went to the sions of regaining some mythical Ottoman glory, the “no” a move was in response to the German Bundestag’s recogni- polls on April 16 were saying “yes” or “no” not only to a new camp, which included Kemalist and pro-minority voters, is tion of the Armenian genocide last June; now the reason for constitution but to the future of relations with Europe. This characterized by its pro-Western, pro-European orientation. the refusal was Germany’s having granted asylum to Turkish was the interpretation offered at a public debate organized by The question for Turkey’s partners in Europe is: how to deal citizens, including military officers, persecuted for alleged the Friedrich Naumann Foundation, a think-tank linked to with this highly polarized population? How to provide sup- Gülen ties. the German Liberal Party (FDP). Convened on May 19 near port for the very substantial sector of Turkish society which Two opposition forces, the Green Party and the Left Party Frankfurt, the event addressed the theme: “The Sick is adamantly opposed to Erdogan and the AKP’s dictatorial (Die Linke), called for Germany to pull out its troops in Democracy on the Bosporus: Is Turkey Taking Leave of the ambitions? response; since “the German army is the army of the parlia- West?” The round table, moderated by Dr. Rainer Hermann, ment,” it stated in its call, “and the parliament must control it who was the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung’s correspondent Should Turkey Enter the EU? at all times,” such a veto is unacceptable. Foreign Minister in Turkey for more than a decade, brought together promi- The issue is not academic for the German government. Sigmar Gabriel had also said the Turkish refusal was “the nent politicians who have been involved in bilateral relations Should Berlin join those in Europe who want to end all dis- limit of the tolerable,” and Defense Minister von der Leyen with Turkey. cussion with Ankara about its bid for membership in the arranged a visit to Jordan to discuss with the king possible Dr. Hans-Georg Fleck, current director of the think-tank’s European Union? If, as Erdogan has threatened, the death alternative bases in the Hashemite Kingdom. Gabriel went Istanbul bureau, was joined by Dr. Jörg-Uwe Hahn and Nicola penalty is reintroduced, that will automatically terminate further, suggesting that a possible pullout should be consid- Beer, both members of the regional parliament in Hessen. Turkey’s chances for membership, since the EU outlaws it. ered also for troops stationed in Konya. As government It was clear from the opening greetings by Hahn, that the Even now, debate is rife as to whether or not German author- spokesman Steffen Siebert stated, however, there are differ- political deterioration inside Turkey had cast a pall on rela- ities would allow Turkish citizens residing here to vote in a ences between the two situations; German soldiers at Incirlik tions with Germany. Over the past ten years, the Hessen gov- referendum on the death penalty; thus far, the position has are manning German Tornados for reconnaissance flights ernment has tried to develop ties, both on the city and state been negative, as no campaign propaganda for such would be over Syria and Iraq, whereas in Konya it is a NATO base for level, and was the first to set up partnerships with Bursa. compatible with German law. Linked to the issue of EU mem- AWACs, and this would involve a NATO decision. It is consid- Now, Hahn said, he was very saddened, since contact has bership is the question of whether or not Europe should con- ered unlikely for NATO to take any such steps considering been interrupted; his counterpart, the Vali of Bursa, is now tinue providing Turkey with funds allocated for the process. Turkey is its second largest members. sitting in a jail, along with hundreds of thousands of other In the course of a lively debate, moderator Rainer Hermann As Beer pointed out at the round table debate, even rede- Turks accused of association with the Gülen movement, offi- posed the provocative questions, “Are the EU negotiations, ploying German troops to Jordan would not solve the prob- cially inculpated with the coup attempt last summer. then, simply a farce?” And should the funding stop? Whereas lem, which goes much deeper. How can one accept the move The outcome of the referendum has only aggravated this Fleck argued that Turkey should take the first step, to decide by one NATO member to deny access to troops of a fellow state of affairs. As Fleck detailed in his introductory analysis whether or not it still wants to join Europe, Beer countered NATO member? This, indeed, is the question: how far is of the vote, those who supported the new constitution in that the Europeans should put a stop to the process. Germany or NATO going to tolerate the arbitrary rulings of hopes of achieving stability and security would be disap- Erdogan’s provocations, she said, had been his way of testing an Erdogan regime which believes that with the referendum pointed; the enhanced powers granted to President Recep how far he could go and, in her view, “the limits of the toler- it has received a mandate to dictate its will despite national Tayyip Erdogan will neither help alleviate economic ills, espe- able have long since been overstepped.” Therefore she called sovereignty and international agreements? Turkey Blocks NATO Partnerships in Row with Austria

BERLIN (Telegraph) — Turkey is blocking Hopes it would relent have faded and NATO to all partner countries. ending its cooperation with Austria. NATO cooperation with more than 40 partner is to hold a meeting on Thursday to address the But while that will free cooperation with But an unnamed senior diplomat told countries in a diplomatic row with Austria, it issue. other partners, it will not end the impasse with Germany’s Welt newspaper: “Unfortunately, has emerged. The alliance is expected to revise its proce- Austria. President Erdogan is going to succeed in iso- Austria has been prevented from taking part dures so the Turkish veto will no longer apply Officials on Tuesday insisted NATO was not lating Austria within the alliance”. in exercises or future operations with the alliance despite the fact it has more than 400 troops serving alongside NATO forces in Kosovo. Other partner countries such as Finland, Mkhitaryan Wins Goal Sweden and Ireland have also been affected by the ban, along with several former Soviet states. Of the Season Award Austria on Tuesday accused Turkey of “endangering the security interests of Europe” MANCHESTER, UK (Public Radio of Armenia) — and branded its action as “irresponsible”. Henrikh Mkhitaryan has won Manchester United’s Goal The Turkish government is believed to be act- of the Season Award on May 18. ing in retaliation for Austrian moves to block it The stunning effort against Sunderland secured a from joining the EU. landslide win for the Armenian, whose remarkable scor- Austria is among President Recep Tayyip pion kick picked up 57 percent of the votes. Erdogan’s most outspoken EU critics, and has On receiving the award, Mkhitaryan said of his goal: called for accession talks to be formally ended. “To be honest, I was impressed as well! I couldn’t imag- But while it can block Turkish accession to ine I could score such a goal. I didn’t know what was the EU, at NATO the roles are reversed. With happening! I don’t think you can practice them — you the second largest military in the alliance, just have to take the decision.” Turkey is a full NATO member while Austria is Zlatan provided the assist with a cross and only a partner country. Mkhitryan joked: “I couldn’t miss because I received a “I strongly condemn Turkey’s course of great ball from God!” action in NATO. It is irresponsible behavior Wayne Rooney’s record-breaking 250th goal for against Austria and strengthens my position United, a spectacular last-gasp free-kick in January’s that Turkey is very far from being part of the draw at Stoke City, was the runner-up with 13 percent, EU,” Hans-Peter Doskozil, the Austrian defense and Paul Pogba’s long-range drive at Swansea City on minister, told the BBC. 9 percent completed the top three. “In this, Turkey is endangering the security Fans’ favorite Mkhitaryan also provided three other interests of Europe. The blockade has a long- contenders in the original 10-strong shortlist for the term impact on the peace missions in the prize but his inventive strike against the Black Cats, the Western Balkans.” finest goal of his career by his own admission, proved a Henrikh Mkhitaryan picking up his award with Andy Cole Turkey is understood to have been blocking landslide victor. cooperation with Austria and other partner countries since November last year. S ATURDAY, M AY 2 7 , 2 0 1 7 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 5 Community News

AGBU Central Board Women’s Group Member Dr. Levon Nazarian Receives Holds Inaugural Joseph H. Holmes Event at ALMA Clinical Pioneer WATERTOWN — The primary mission of New Paths Bridging Armenian Women is to Award build an on-line community where Armenian women can access the level of help they need NEW YORK — In March, AGBU Central to achieve their definition of success. New Board member Dr. Levon Nazarian received the Paths is an informal group of volunteers will- 2017 Joseph H. Holmes Clinical Pioneer Award. ing to share information and advice, includ- The award honors individuals who have signifi- ing career assistance, mentorship, sharing cantly contributed to the growth and develop- knowledge, inspirational stories, helping to ment of diagnostic ultrasound. Each year, the discover their special talents, and having Joseph H. Holmes Pioneer Award recognizes meaningful discussions of daily concerns and two current or retired members of the challenges. With a safe, commercial free net- American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine work, located on Facebook, members also (AIUM), one in clinical science and the other in have opportunity to access online education- basic science. al series. Nazarian is a specialist in musculoskeletal In addition, the group provides quarterly ultrasound and has had an enormous positive gatherings in the Greater Boston area to effect on patients and other ultrasound profes- share helpful information on topics concern- sionals. Over his career, he has given more than ing women. Members have opportunity to 490 invited lectures and scientific presentations expand their social and professional network, at 150 meetings in 25 states and eight coun- and create new and meaningful friendships. tries. His 42 awards and honors, ranging from Membership and events are provided free of Marchers in the streets of Lowell dean’s citations, to distinguished service, to charge thanks to the generosity of corporate excellence in teaching, to best doctors in sponsors and individual donors. America, to international tributes all attest to On May 4, New Paths kicked off their first the high regard with which his abilities and wis- gathering at the Armenian Museum of dom are viewed by his medical colleagues America (ALMA) with a forum titled, “Women across the globe. Genocide Walking with Confidence” with keynote Joining the AGBU Central Board of Directors speaker Rachel Kaprielian, vice president of in 2006, Nazarian is professor and vice chair- Massachusetts Community and Government man for education in the Department of Affairs for Vertex Pharmaceuticals and guest Radiology at Thomas Jefferson University Commemoration Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He is a fellow of the American College of Radiology, American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine, and the Society of Radiologists in Ultrasound. In Lowell He is also editor-in-chief of the Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine and has served on the editorial boards of several other medical jour- LOWELL, Mass. — The 102nd anniversary of the Armenian Genocide was nals, including Radiology, American Journal of commemorated on Saturday, April 22, with a procession through downtown Roentgenology and Ultrasound in Medicine and Lowell and the raising of the Armenian flag at Lowell City Hall. The com- Biology. memoration, organized by the Armenian National Committee of the Nazarian is a prolific author with 103 peer- Merrimack Valley, enjoyed the participation of all the local Armenian reviewed journal articles and 109 abstracts. His Churches and Armenian organizations. publications have had a large impact on the The procession was led by the Honor Guard of the Armenian-American diagnosis and ultrasound-guided treatment of a Veterans of Lowell Armenian-American Veterans. Rev. Khachatur Kesablyan from Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Church, Chelmsford, and Rev. Stepan Baljian of St. Gregory Armenian Church, North Andover, offered the invocation and benediction. Messages were offered by the Armenian Church Youth Organization of America (ACYOA) member, Jack Sarkisian from Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Church, Chelmsford, and Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) member Lara Varjabedian. Proclamations were presented by Lowell Mayor Edward Kennedy and From left, Michelle Koligian, Rosalyn Minassian, Patrick Kenney, representing US Congresswoman Niki Tsongas. Dr. Ara Armine Hovhannissian and Rachel Kaprielian Jeknavorian, the master of ceremonies, expressed the gratitude of the Armenian community: “The Armenian National Committee especially extends its heartfelt appreciation to the City of Lowell for once again providing the speaker Kristin Asadourian, professional life Armenian community the opportunity to proudly express its Armenian coach. Heritage, and honor its holy Armenian Martyrs.” Michelle Kolligian, president of the muse- The program concluded with the raising of the Armenian Flag at Lowell by um board, welcomed guests with opening AYF and ACYOA members during the singing of the Armenian National remarks and a brief history of the museum. Anthem. Members were greeted with light jazz music provided by Levon Hovsepian while having refreshments, giving members time to meet guest speakers and network. The program started with Asadourian’s interactive exercise to help work through fears, vulnerability, and lack of confidence. Dr. Levon Nazarian Members connected immediately with Asadourian’s suggestions. She also provided printed handouts for members to take home wide variety of musculoskeletal conditions, with helpful tips to practice daily. including novel treatments for tennis elbow and Kaprielian shared her challenges and suc- carpal tunnel syndrome. cessful campaigning experiences when run- Born in New Jersey and educated at Harvard ning for the state House of Representatives College and Cornell University Medical College, and spoke about the importance of being Nazarian says his Armenian heritage inspired surrounded with the support from the net- him to support the education of Armenian work of family, friends and the Armenian physicians, ultimately resulting in his becoming community. The evening concluded with co-founder and co-director of the Ultrasound the drawing of a raffle prize donated by Training Centre of Armenia. For his tireless Armenians on the stairs of the Lowell City Hall Verdi Studios of Arlington and local artist, efforts, he has been recognized by the Yerevan Karine Abgaryan donated two hand painted State Medical University, which in 2010 created scarves as a token of appreciation to guest the AGBU Levon and Claudia Nazarian speakers. Radiology Center. 6 S ATURDAY, M AY 2 7 , 2 0 1 7 T H E A R M E N I A N M I R R O R - S P E C TAT O R OBITUARY Legendary Musician Chris Cornell Dies Wrote Song for Soundtrack of ‘The Promise’ Wife Disputes Suicide Ruling, Says Medication Could Have Played Role DETROIT (Combined Sources) — As music medication — the anti-anxiety benzodiazepine fans everywhere mourn the sudden loss of known commercially as Ativan — may have Soundgarden frontman Chris Cornell, his fami- impacted his judgment. ly is raising questions about the circumstances “When we spoke after the show, I noticed he behind his death. was slurring his words; he was different,” she Cornell, 52, was found dead On May 17 after said in the statement. “When he told me he may a concert in Detroit. The Wayne County med- have taken an extra Ativan or two, I contacted ical examiner’s office declared his death a sui- security and asked that they check on him.” cide by hanging. Kirk Pasich, an attorney for the Cornell fam- The renowned, Grammy-winning Seattle ily, said in the statement that the rocker was a grunge rocker left behind a wife and three chil- recovering addict and speculated that he may dren. have taken more benzodiazepines on Chris Cornell and Family attend the New York Screening of “The Promise” at The Paris Theatre on Vicky Cornell issued a statement in which Wednesday than the dosage recommended. April 18, 2017 in New York City. Nicholas Hunt / Getty Images file she expressed concerns that her husband’s see CORNELL, page 7

office at local, district and national levels; and was Haige J. Garabedian a charter member of the National Association of Armenian Studies and Research. He maintained his love for music as first vio- World War II Veteran linist in his high school orchestra, member of his college Men’s Glee Club, life-long choir member HARTFORD, Conn. — Haige J. Garabedian, He served as general manager of PIA from at St. George Church and frequent singer at St. son of the late Ohannes and Satenig graduation until his retirement in 1985. David Armenian Church in Boca Raton. One of Garabedian, was born in New Britain, Conn. on A devoted member of St. George Armenian his most gratifying events was working in con- September 30, 1922 and died on May 10, 2017. Apostolic Church in Hartford, he served in var- junction with the Symphony Society of Greater A graduate of New Britain High School, he ious Parish Council posts, was chair of annual Hartford to help coordinate and chair events interrupted his studies at Boston University to Parish Assemblies, and represented the church involving the appearance of world famous serve during World War II in the United States as Diocesan Delegate for 16 years. The church Armenian composer, Aram Khachaturian, who Air Force flying the Guam-to-Japan circuit as conferred its Testimonial of Appreciation Award guest conducted the Hartford Symphony radio operator on the famed B-29s. He returned in 1969 for his “many years of faithful and ded- Orchestra in February 1968. to Boston University and received his bachelor’s icated service.” Haige was predeceased in 2010 by his wife of degree in business administration in 1948. In 1989, under his chairmanship, the 63 years, Dora (Berberian) Garabedian, and his sisters Julie Ashekian, Elizabeth Boyajian and Haisdan Garoyan. He leaves a son, Thomas J. Dr. Jacob C. Baboian Armenian community of the greater Hartford Garabedian and his wife Dora Verne, of area carried out a number of activities includ- Hopkinton, Mass.; daughter Andrea Karanian ing an Earthquake Relief Concert aimed at ben- and her husband Robert, of Avon, Conn.; and Longtime Optometrist, Musician and WWII Veteran efitting victims of the 1988 earthquake which daughter Audrey Garabedian and Edward struck Armenia. In the same year, the Eastern Urbanik of Wethersfield, Conn.; six grandchil- WATERTOWN — Dr. Jacob C Baboian of He was predeceased by his siblings Dr. Diocese of the Armenian Church recognized his dren, Deran Garabedian and his wife Kate and Watertown died on May 2. He was 92. Robert Baboian and Mary (Baboian) Balyosian. “outstanding service and devotion to the great grandchild Zabel; Berj Garabedian and his He was the husband of Ruby (Chorebanian) Dr. “Jake” was a well-respected Optometrist Diocese in various aspects of its mission both in wife Laura and great- grandchildren Thomas Baboian. In addition to his wife, he leaves his in Watertown with a practice that spanned over the parish and in the community as a whole” and William; Gregory Garabedian and his wife son John Baboian and his wife Lisa of Belmont, 50 years. with its prestigious St. Vartan Award. Daniella; Elyssa, Justine and Jarod Karanian; in and June Baboian of Watertown; grandchildren A graduate of the New England College of He held memberships in the Armenian General laws Clement Ashekian, Mary and Richard Alex, Jonathan, and Christina Baboian and Optometry in Boston, class of 1950, he spent Benevolent Union; the Armenian Assembly; the Humber, and Emma and Sarkis Toomajian; as brothers Rev. Charles Baboian of Pennsylvania the majority of his life examining patients and Knights of Vartan fraternal organization holding well as many nieces and nephews. and Richard Baboian of Georgia. He also leaves fitting and dispensing eye glasses from his many nieces and nephews. home office on Mt. Auburn St in Watertown. He graduated from Watertown High School, class of 1943. He was a World War II veteran, achieving the Nardolillo Funeral Home rank of Staff Sergeant, receiving a Purple Heart for having received shrapnel wounds to 10 Est. 1906 parts of his body, and a Bronze Star for his ser- John K. Najarian, Jr. vice in the European conflict. In 2003, he put Rhode Island’s Only Licensed Armenian Funeral Director together a series of his WWII stories into book form and self-published The Combat Rifleman: 1278 Park Ave. Cranston, RI 02910 (401) 942-1220 World War II Memories. 1111 Boston Neck Rd. Narragansett, RI 02882 (401) 789-6300 He was also an amateur musician, playing euphonium for the Waltham American Legion www.nardolillo.com Band for over 40 years. He also played cornet and trombone, and played both as he began his musicianship during the 1940’s Big Band era. He was also a singer with a deep resonant bass Telephone (617) 924-7400 voice, as anyone who knew him will attest to. He sang in the First Armenian Church choir for decades, and with the Armenian National Aram Bedrosian Choral Society of Greater Boston. A memorial service was held at the First Funeral Home, Inc. Armenian Church, 380 Concord Ave., Belmont on May 6. Continuous Service By The Bedrosian Family Since 1945 MARION BEDROSIAN 558 MOUNT AUBURN STREET PAUL BEDROSIAN Berjouhie Betty (Maranjian) WATERTOWN, MA 02472 LARRY BEDROSIAN Nersessian CHESTNUT HILL, Mass. — Berjouhie Betty (Maranjian) Nersessian of Chestnut Hill died on May 17. She was the wife of the late Kevork George Nersessian. She was the mother of Sonya Nersessian and Seta Nersessian and mother-in-law of Richard K. Babayan and Gregory A. Jundanian; grandmother of Julie S. Babayan and Christopher S. F UNERAL H OME Babayan, and Alexander G. Jundanian and William G. Jundanian. She also leaves her nieces, Giragosian Vicki Krikorian and Lorig Maranjian Charlwood, and her nephew Vahe Katros Nersessian; James “Jack” Giragosian, CPC great-nephews Christopher Krikorian and Mark Krikorian, her great-great-nephew Alexander Mark J. Giragosian L. Krikorian, and many cousins and friends. Funeral Counselors Services were at Story Chapel at Mt. Auburn Cemetery, 580 Mt. Auburn St., Cambridge on 576 Mt. Auburn Street, Watertown, MA 02472, TEL: 617-924—0606 Monday, May 22. Interment followed at Mt. Auburn Cemetery. www.giragosianfuneralhome.com S ATURDAY, M AY 2 7 , 2 0 1 7 T H E A R M E N I A N M I R R O R - S P E C TAT O R 7 COMMUNITY NEWS

Legendary Musician Chris and has created an emptiness in my heart that will never be filled. As everyone who knew him Cornell Dies commented, Chris was a devoted father and husband. He was my best friend. His world CORNELL, from page 6 revolved around his family first and of course, “The family believes that if Chris took his life, his music, second,” Vicky said. he did not know what he was doing, and that Just one month before his death, the leg- drugs or other substances may have affected endary rocker walked the red carpet with his his actions,” said Pasich. wife and family for the final time to promote a No toxicology reports have been released yet. passion project with family ties. “What happened is inexplicable and I am The former Soundgarden and Audioslave hopeful that further medical reports will pro- frontman wrote and performed the end-title vide additional details,” said Vicky Cornell. “I song for “The Promise,” a film that addressed know that he loved our children and he would the Armenian Genocide. On April 18 he attend- not hurt them by intentionally taking his own ed a screening of the film at New York’s Paris life.” Theater with his wife, Vicky Karayiannis, and Vicky Cornell said in the statement that just their two children: daughter Toni, 12, and son before his death, her husband Chris had spoken Christopher, 11. of vacation plans over the phone. “Throughout the making of ‘The “When we spoke before the show, we dis- Promise,’ Chris Cornell was an inspiration and cussed plans for a vacation over Memorial Day a friend, and the beautiful song he gave us cap- and other things we wanted to do,” said tured the aspirations and spirit of the Armenian Cornell, stating that Chris Cornell had taken a people. The world can ill afford to lose such a break from the tour to fly home for Mother’s kind and gifted soul. Thank you Chris,” “The Day and had flown to Detroit on Wednesday, Promise” director Terry George told People the day of his death. Thursday. She said Chris Cornell was a “devoted father Cornell said at the LA premiere the project and husband.” moved him because his wife’s Greek family was “The outpouring of love and support from his also impacted by the WWI genocide that wiped fans, friends and family means so much more to out roughly 1.5 million Armenians. BAYSIDE, N.Y. — Bob Dole, the retired 93-year-old Senator from us than anyone can know,” Vicky Cornell said. “One of my close friends is the producer of Kansas, met with and posed with members of the Women’s Guild of “Thank you for that, and for understanding the film, who’s Armenian, Eric Esrailian. My the Armenian Church of the Holy Martyrs (Bayside, NY) at the how difficult this is for us.” wife is Greek. Her grandparents were actually Garden City Hotel on May 18. Chris also left behind three kids, ages 16, 12 refugees from the same period of Greek and 11. refugees, the same policy,” he said. “If neither “Chris’s death is a loss that escapes words of those things existed, it would still be some- thing that I would want to be a part of and be able to have the opportunity to write a song for such an impactful, and what I think of as an important film.” And as project that was truly near and dear to Cornell’s heart, Esrailian said it was clear to see “how much he cared about the song and the film.” “He poured his heart and soul into the song … when you see him perform it live you could just see it. It means so much to me that he was so dedicated,” said the producer. The legendary rocker promoted the film across the globe in the weeks before his death, attending the Los Angeles premiere on April 12 and the London premiere on April 6 — where he was photographed with fellow attendee George Clooney. Cornell, who also had a 16-year-old daughter, Lillian, from his first marriage to former Soundgarden manager Susan Silver, has talked about how becoming a hands-on parent pro- foundly changed his life. “Wiping your kids’ faces, washing their hands, changing their diapers — that kind of

Chris Cornell with George Clooney

hands-on care creates a deep connection you otherwise wouldn’t have,” he told Newsweek in 2007. That tight bond seemed to continue as his babies turned into tweens, and the proud father looked thrilled when daughter Toni joined him onstage for a duet during a New York City con- cert in 2015. “I came from a childhood where I spent a lot of time alone and a lot of time just living with my imagination, and a certain amount of the adult world was kind of alienating,” he told the Seattle Post-Intelligencer in 2006. “And I find now after spending a lot of time with my babies, they’re my best friends. And I still find a certain part of the adult world alienating, so I’d rather just hang out with my kids.” He was scheduled to be buried in Los Angeles this week. (NBC news and People contributed to this report.) 8 S ATURDAY, M AY 2 7 , 2 0 1 7 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS Texas House of Representatives Passes Armenian Genocide Resolution

AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas House of University), Mihran Aroian (University of Texas held in the Capitol auditorium on April 24. 191 was due to the hard work of so many peo- Representatives unanimously adopted a resolu- at Austin), Haig Baghdassarian (Armenian Over the next several weeks, the local ple. Special gratitude to Lucia Nazarian from tion affirming the Armenian Genocide by a vote National Committee), William McWhorter Armenian communities coordinated campaigns McKinney, Texas for working with Sanford’s of 137 to 0, on May 19. (Texas Holocaust and Genocide Commission), to have Armenians and friends of Armenians office to draft the resolution. Brandon Spearheaded by Texas state Rep. Scott Lucia Nazarian, Emily Sample (Holocaust contact the various committees that held power Aghamalian with Focused Advocacy in Austin Sanford (R-TX) with support from Representatives Rafael Anchia (D-TX) and Jeff Leach (R-TX), House Resolution (HR) 191 says in part: “During World War I, the crumbling Ottoman Empire began a systematic campaign to eradicate its Armenian population, which then numbered more than two million.” The resolution resolved that “the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas Legislature hereby recognize the Armenian genocide.” “The Armenian Assembly greatly appreciates the exemplary work and dedication of the Armenian American community in Texas, espe- cially Mihran Aroian who led the effort,” stated Assembly Grassroots and Development Associate Mariam Khaloyan. “We look forward to working to ensure that all 50 states unequiv- ocally affirm the Armenian Genocide and the proud chapter in America’s history in helping save the survivors.” Aroian said: “This is a proud moment for Texas and for all those who support genocide affirmation and prevention. I would like to thank Representative Scott Sanford for his lead- ership and for all those who worked diligently to make this happen.” Last month, Members of the Texas legislature had the opportunity to view a screening of “The Promise,” at the State Capitol in Austin. Former Governor Rick Perry signed Senate Bill (SB) 482 in 2009, which created the Texas Holocaust and Genocide Commission to help preserve information and experiences of the Holocaust and other genocide events. During the ceremony, he said: “In addition to the Texas State Rep. Scott Sanford (R-TX) (back, center), Mihran Aroian (front, center), and members of the Armenian American community in Texas after the Holocaust, there have been five major genocide House hearing of HR 191 on April 24, 2017. events in the 20th century, including the Armenian, Cambodian, Rwandan, Bosnian and Herzegovinian, and Sudanese genocides. Survivors, liberators and others who witnessed Museum Houston), and Peter Tarlow (Texas over the resolution and contacting House mem- for working behind the scenes at the Texas these atrocities have died without leaving their Holocaust and Genocide Commission). bers once the resolution was placed on the cal- Capitol and providing strategic advice, and Haig lessons of survival and humanity.” Following the hearing, the Armenians distrib- endar for a House vote. The difference between Baghdassarian with the Armenian National The invited testimony by Representative uted literature to the offices of each Texas House success and failure was the strong showing of Committee of America. Valuable assistance was Sanford included Brandon Aghamalian and Senate member along with a personal invita- Armenians contacting their representatives. also provided by the AGBU, Armenian (Focused Advocacy), Taner Akcam (Clark tion to attend a special screening of “The Promise” The successful adoption of House Resolution Assembly, and Open Road Films.

AGBU Partners with USC Shoah Foundation to Further Education On Armenian Genocide and Identity

LOS ANGELES — IWitness provides access to histories of survivors and witnesses to geno- collection, but the site has now expanded to views currently available online are a rich more than 2,000 oral histories and reaches cides for guided exploration, bringing human include segments from the AGBU WebTalks repository of knowledge and provide online more than 100,000 educators and students stories of the Institute’s Visual History series. The featured clips cover forced marches, access to authoritative and reliable informa- In April, the Armenian General Benevolent Archive® to more than 100,000 secondary the Hamidian and Adana massacres, forced con- tion about Armenian history and culture to Union (AGBU) partnered with the USC Shoah version, resistance, res- meet the demands of our connected and visu- Foundation’s Institute for Visual History and cuers/aid, genocide denial al world. Additional videos from the growing Education to integrate all videos from the and memory, and are sup- collection will be added over time. AGBU WebTalks series — addressing both the plemented with lessons, “Our goal is to increase the exposure of our Armenian Genocide and Armenian identity — teacher guides and other scholars, thinkers and artists to ensure stu- into the USC Shoah Foundation’s award-win- educational resources. dents and learners of all ages have multiple ning educational website IWitness. “By bringing the AGBU means of accessing their expertise,” said Natalie AGBU WebTalks is an online video series that WebTalks series into Gabrelian, Director of Alternative Education at conveys the insights and passion of engaging, IWitness, we are providing AGBU. “Thanks to the partnership with the inspiring, dynamic thinkers from around the students with even more USC Shoah Foundation, the Armenian story world speaking on a wide range of Armenian context and understanding will now reach mainstream audiences, tran- topics. The collaboration is designed to further about the Armenian scending cultures and ethnicities, thereby being the study of the Armenian Genocide and iden- Genocide, which far too few heard by all of humanity.” tity through professional-development opportu- people know about,” said Based at the University of Southern nities for educators and new engaging, multi- USC Shoah Foundation California (USC), the USC Shoah Foundation is media resources for students around the world. Senior Director of the world’s leading organization in visual testi- The Institute’s Armenian Genocide collection Programs and mony-based education, with professional devel- was initiated in 2010, when the Armenian Film Administration Kori Street. opment and digital tools reaching dozens of Foundation and USC Shoah Foundation signed “Our partnership will bene- countries and a unique educational website, a historic agreement to digitize, index and pre- fit both of our organiza- IWitness, whose goals are to help overcome serve footage of nearly 400 interviews with sur- tions by allowing us to prejudice, intolerance and hatred. At the heart vivors and witnesses filmed by the late docu- share our expertise.” of the Institute’s efforts is the Visual History mentarian J. Michael Hagopian. The agreement Launched in 2017, the new IWitness Armenia page is dedicated to AGBU WebTalks speak- Archive (VHA), the world’s largest collection of paved the way for the preservation and dissem- telling this tragic chapter in Armenian history. ers include psychologist audiovisual interviews (over 55,000) of sur- ination of the largest collection of filmed inter- and genocide scholar vivors and witnesses of the Holocaust during views about the Armenian Genocide, the first Israel Charny; historians WWII, the 1915 Armenian Genocide, the late genocide of the twentieth century. Five years school educators and students in 80 countries. Richard Hovannisian, Raymond Kévorkian, 1970s Cambodian Genocide, the early 1980s later, the collection was integrated into the Launched in 2017, the new IWitness and Khatchig Mouradian; human rights bar- Guatemalan Genocide, the 1994 Rwandan Tutsi USC Shoah Foundation's Visual History Armenia page is dedicated to telling this tragic rister Geoffrey Robertson; French journalists Genocide, and the 1937 Nanjing Massacre in Archive® and the first set of interviews was chapter in Armenian history. With all of the based in Turkey Laure Marchand and China. made available in IWitness to educators and stu- USC Shoah Foundation’s educational resources Guillaume Perrier; editor and publisher of To learn more about USC Shoah dents worldwide. on the Armenian Genocide, educators can not translations of Zabel Yessayan’s work, Judith Foundation’s IWitness platform, visit IWitness provides access to more than 2,000 only find video testimonies from the Hagopian Saryan; and others. The short video inter- http://iwitness.usc.edu. S ATURDAY, M AY 2 7 , 2 0 1 7 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 9 COMMUNITY NEWS Flynn Stopped Military Plan Turkey Opposed

becoming increasingly apparent that the his first classified intelligence briefing on Turkish officials repeatedly expressed opti- By Vera Bergengruen administration was repeatedly warned about Aug. 18 – a meeting that Flynn attended. As mism about working with the Trump admin- Flynn’s foreign involvement. Trump’s national security adviser in the istration after years of withering relations “This was a serious compromise situation White House, Flynn had access to even more with the Obama administration. WASHINGTON (McClatchy News) — One of that the Russians had real leverage,” former highly classified intelligence. He sat in on Turkey would finally have someone who lis- the Trump administration’s first decisions acting Attorney General Sally Yates said in an most, if not all, of Trump’s phone conversa- tened to the two things they wanted: to nix about the fight against the Islamic State was interview with CNN on Tuesday, May 16, tions and meetings with foreign leaders. any plans of working with the YPG once and made by Michael Flynn weeks before he was after White House Press Secretary Sean How much Trump knew about Flynn’s paid for all, and to extradite Fethulah Gulen, a fired — and it conformed to the wishes of Spicer downplayed her warning about foreign-agent work is uncertain. When Turkish cleric living in exile in Pennsylvania. Turkey, whose interests, unbeknownst to any- Flynn’s interactions with Russian officials as Flynn’s firm filed the Justice Department Erdogan’s government suspects Gulen and one in Washington, he’d been paid more than just “a heads up.” paperwork in March, the White House said his followers of masterminding a failed coup $500,000 to represent. Flynn’s actions were also the subject of dis- Trump was unaware that Flynn had been attempt last July. The decision came 10 days before Donald cussion just last week at a Senate paid to lobby on Turkey’s behalf. But Flynn’s Former Acting Attorney General Sally Trump had been sworn in as president, in a Intelligence Committee hearing on national lawyer has said he called Trump’s transition Yates said that Gen. Michael Flynn misled conversation with President Barack Obama’s security threats, with Sen. Ron Wyden, D- team before the inauguration, asking Vice President Mike Pence with false infor- national security adviser, Susan Rice, who Ore., zeroing in on the 18 days that passed whether Flynn should register as a foreign mation and created a “compromised situa- had explained the Pentagon’s plan to retake between Yates’ warning that Flynn might be agent. tion” during her testimony on the Russian the Islamic State’s de facto capital of Raqqa subject to Russian blackmail and Flynn’s When asked why the call had not been an interference in the 2016 US election. with Syrian Kurdish forces whom the forced resignation. obvious indication to act quickly, the White In the September meeting with Turkish Pentagon considered the US’s most effective “Blackmail, by an influential military offi- House tried to smooth it over by saying their officials, they discussed with Flynn how to military partners. Obama’s national security cial, that has real ramifications for global legal counsel had considered it a private deci- remove Gulen without going through the team had decided to ask for Trump’s sign-off, threat,” he said. “So this is not about a poli- sion the transition team should not get extradition process, according to former since the plan would all but certainly be exe- cy implication, this is about the national involved in. Central Intelligence Agency Director James cuted after Trump had become president. security adviser being vulnerable to black- “No, it’s not a question of raising a red Woolsey. Flynn didn’t hesitate. According to time- mail by the Russians.” flag,” Spicer said at a news briefing. “It is not The idea was “a covert step in the dead of lines distributed by members of Congress in Flynn’s connections to Russia have been up to — nor is it appropriate, nor is it legal — night to whisk this guy away,” Woolsey told the weeks since, Flynn told Rice to hold off, widely discussed. In 2015, he was paid more for the government to start going into private the Wall Street Journal. a move that would delay the military opera- than $33,000 to speak at a gala dinner in citizens seeking advice and telling them what In the disclosures filed by Flynn, the meet- tion for months. Moscow where he was seated next to they have to register or not.” ing was “for the purpose of understanding If Flynn explained his answer, that’s not President Vladimir Putin. That alone may Flynn’s lobbying work also involved a meet- better the political climate in Turkey at the recorded, and it’s not known whether he con- have exposed him to criminal charges: As a ing on October 27 with a representative of time.” sulted anyone else on the transition team retired US military officer, Flynn was the House Homeland Security Committee, Flynn also wrote an opinion piece in The before rendering his verdict. But his position required to seek permission to travel and to according to the filing. Hill on Election Day titled “Our ally Turkey was consistent with the wishes of Turkey, receive payment from a foreign entity, some- Despite Alptekin’s denials that he had is in crisis and needs our support,” slamming which had long opposed the United States thing the State Department and the hired Flynn to lobby on behalf of the Turkish the Obama administration for not taking partnering with the Kurdish forces — and Pentagon have told Congress he did not do. government, in an interview published in Turkey’s Gulen concerns seriously. He which was his undeclared client. But it is his paid work on Turkey’s behalf Hurriyet newspaper on November 14 he said described Gulen as a “shady Islamic mullah” Trump eventually would approve the that offers the clearest evidence of his role as he had conversations with Trump officials he compared to Osama bin Laden. Raqqa plan, but not until weeks after Flynn a foreign agent – and of his legal problems, about Syria. “We need to adjust our foreign policy to had been fired. since he did not declare his foreign agent sta- “We have spoken with his advisers and recognize Turkey as a priority,” he wrote. “In Now members of Congress, musing about tus till weeks after he’d left the Trump security team to understand what their vision this crisis, it is imperative that we remember the tangle of legal difficulties Flynn faces, administration. is for the Middle East and Syria,” Alptekin who our real friends are.” cite that exchange with Rice as perhaps the After he was fired, Flynn disclosed work as was quoted as saying. He said he was opti- Asked about Flynn’s work for the Turkish most serious: acting on behalf of a foreign foreign agent. mistic that the Trump administration would government in an interview on March 9, the nation — from which he had received consid- It was a fact Flynn disclosed himself in a be more sympathetic to Turkish interests. day the news broke of his Justice Department erable cash — when making a military deci- declaration to the Foreign Agent Registration “It is not just that we were in disagreement registration, Turkey’s justice minister just sion. Some members of Congress, in private Unit of the Justice Department in early with some Obama policies like Syria . . . (but) laughed. conversations, have even used the word “trea- March. According to Flynn’s paperwork, he on the Trump side, we saw a willingness to It “wouldn’t be appropriate . . . to make any son” to describe Flynn’s intervention, though was paid $530,000 for work that “could be look at these things differently,” he said. revelation,” Bekir Bozdag said through a experts doubt that his actions qualify. construed to have principally benefited the The View from Ankara translator. But treason or not, Flynn’s rejection of a Republic of Turkey.” The contract ended last Turkey has angrily objected to US support In another indication of the close ties military operation that had been months in November. of Syrian Kurdish fighters, arguing that to between the new administration and Turkey the making raises questions about what Under the Foreign Agent Registration Act, arm the YPG is to help a group that is carry- under Flynn, the Turkish-US Business other key decisions he might have influenced US citizens who lobby on behalf of foreign ing out attacks on a key ally and fellow NATO Council’s annual summit, which is chaired by during the slightly more than three weeks he governments or political entities must dis- member. The YPG has ties to the Kurdistan Alptekin, moved its meeting to the Trump was Trump’s national security adviser, and close their work to the Justice Department Workers’ Party, or PKK, considered a terror- International Hotel in Washington this year. the months he was Trump’s primary cam- within 10 days. ist group by Turkey as well as the US and the The summit, which is in its 36th year, had in paign foreign-policy adviser. Ekim Alptekin, the Turkish businessman European Union. However, the US-led coali- previous years been at the Ritz-Carlton. The Even three months after he was fired, for whose company paid Flynn, disputes that he tion considers the YPG the most effective mil- new location was announced the day before lying to Vice President Mike Pence about a was “taking directions from anyone in the itary partner against ISIS in Syria. Flynn was fired. call with Russian Ambassador Sergey government” of Turkey. But Flynn’s filing Turkey has insisted that the only feasible Treason is the only crime that is defined in Kislyak, his role in the White House res- shows he set up a meeting with Turkey’s for- option to retake the terrorist group’s capital the Constitution, where it’s described as levy- onates. eign minister, Mevlut Cavusoglu, and energy of Raqqa is for its own forces to participate in ing war against the US or “adhering to” an With word that the president may have minister, Berat Albayrak, who is President the US-led coalition. The promise has been enemy — helping them, in other words. An asked FBI Director James Comey to drop any Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s son-in-law, at a New viewed skeptically by the Pentagon, where enemy is a nation or organization against criminal probe of Flynn — failure to register York hotel last September. it’s been dismissed as “Erdogan’s ghost whom the US has declared war, said Carlton as a foreign agent is a federal crime — there As then-candidate Trump’s national securi- army.” Larson, a law professor at the University of is renewed focus on getting to the bottom of ty adviser, Flynn sat in on classified briefings The plan to arm the Kurdish fighters had California at Davis who specializes in treason. what Flynn did, and what Trump knew. in the summer and fall of 2016. According to been seven months in the making when it While non-state actors like ISIS probably Despite the Trump administration’s the filing, he signed the contract with was presented to Flynn. fit the definition, Flynn’s action not to sup- attempts to downplay the red flags, it is Alptekin’s firm on August 9. Trump received “Don’t approve it,” Flynn said, according to port a specific group against them does not an account in the Washington Post that was legally fit the bill, Larson said. Even at the included in a timeline prepared by the office height of the Cold War, when Julius and of Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif. “We’ll make Ethel Rosenberg handed over nuclear secrets the decision.” to the Soviet Union, they were tried and exe- Whether Flynn consulted with anyone cuted not for treason but for espionage. before making the decision is also unknown. However, given Flynn’s many connections The White House did not respond to ques- to Russia and Turkey, with documented pay- tions about whether Trump or his secretary ments, Democrats have dusted off a chain of of defense nominee, Jim Mattis, signed off on little-known ways he could have violated the the decision. Constitution. What is known is that a few days In February they asked the Pentagon to later, Flynn again met with Cavusoglu, the look into whether he had violated the Turkish foreign minister, for a breakfast at Constitution’s emoluments clause by accept- which they discussed US-Turkish interests, ing money for his 2015 Moscow speaking according to a copy of the invitation. engagement at a gala marking the 10th Cavusoglu attended Trump’s inauguration. anniversary of the state-owned RT television After Trump made Flynn his national secu- channel. The clause prohibits former military rity adviser, there were high hopes in Ankara officers from accepting gifts from foreign gov- that the new administration would give in to ernments without the approval of Congress. Turkey’s wishes “since many of Turkey’s After he was fired, many Democrats also views overlap with the incoming president,” pointed to the Logan Act, an obscure 1799 in the words of an article in the Daily Sabah, statute that bars private citizens from inter- a pro-government newspaper. In interviews fering with diplomatic relations between the with visiting foreign journalists in March, US and foreign governments. 10 S ATURDAY, M AY 2 7 , 2 0 1 7 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS DC Police Arrest Turkish Guards For Attacking Demonstrators

PROTESTS, from page 1 allies. Turkey has been angered by As American police officers tried to break up the Trump administration’s decision to arm a the fracas, several of the Turkish bodyguards Kurdish force to fight the Islamic State militant were shoved and at least one was detained group in Syria in partnership with the United briefly. States. Turkey says the group is an affiliate of “It has been formally requested that the U.S. the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which is authorities conduct a full investigation of this regarded as a terrorist organization by Ankara diplomatic incident and provide the necessary and Washington. explanation,” the Turkish foreign ministry said It is not clear from the footage what set off in a statement. the melee, but Turkish security guards, as well The summoning of Mr. Bass appeared to be a as men in suits who were standing among a pro- tit-for-tat response to the State Department’s Erdogan contingent, can be seen attacking the summoning of the Turkish ambassador to protesters, including repeatedly kicking a man Washington, Serdar Kilic. lying on the ground. Another video shows The original episode took place after Erdogan himself watching the protest after Erdogan met with President Donald Trump and emerging from his car in the ambassador’s dri- expressed frustration with his decision to con- veway. tinue an alliance with Syrian Kurdish militias. One of the conference chairs, Ekim Alptekin, Turkey regards those militias as terrorist a Turkish businessman who is close to senior groups. Turkish officials, was at the center of another One video of the scene showed Erdogan recent controversy between the United States watching the brawl, and he appeared to instruct and Turkey when it emerged that a company some of the bodyguards who were involved. Alptekin owned had paid former national secu- Another video showed Turkish bodyguards rity adviser Michael Flynn to investigate an kicking protesters as they lay on the ground. enemy of the Turkish government. Several American politicians expressed shock Nine people were transported to the hospital, at such scenes unfolding in the American capi- one with serious injuries. The incident also tal. Senator John McCain, Republican of caused extended road closures around Arizona, called for the Turkish ambassador to Sheridan Circle during rush hour. be expelled. “They think they can engage in the same sort McCain tweeted, “This is the United States of Video captured security personnel from the entourage of President Erdogan kicked protestors. of suppression of protest and free speech that America. We do not do this here. There is no they engage in in Turkey,” protester Flint excuse for this kind of thuggish behavior.” Arthur told CNN. “They stopped us for a few Democratic senator Claire McCaskill said she by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan that was The statement also blamed “U.S. security per- minutes ... but we still stayed and continued to agreed with her Republican colleague, tweet- marred by a violent clash between Turkish sonnel” for “aggressive and unprofessional” protest Erdogan’s tyrannical regime.” ing: “Unacceptable. They were assaulting these guards and protesters. actions against the Turkish foreign minister’s It isn’t the first time that the Turkish presi- people on US soil. Turkish Ambassador should The summoning of the ambassador, John protective detail. dent’s visit to Washington turned violent. be kicked out of country.” Bass, sharply escalated a diplomatic rift The spiraling argument appeared to sour Security guards for Erdogan clashed with pro- “What we saw yesterday — a violent attack on between Turkey and the United States follow- what by all accounts had been a friendly meet- testers, journalists, D.C. Police, and staff at the a peaceful demonstration — is an affront to D.C. ing the violence. Footage of the brawl was wide- ing between Erdogan and President Trump Brookings Institution last March during a values and our rights as Americans,” Mayor ly circulated on social media, prompting out- before the protest. In a joint press appearance speech he was giving at the think tank. Muriel Bowser said in a statement. rage in the United States, along with calls for at the White House, the two leaders were full of Newsham said it remains to be seen how In a letter to Attorney General Jeff Sessions the prosecution of the Turkish guards and even mutual praise and spoke of hopes for a closer many assailants that MPD is looking for, and and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, Rep. Ed the expulsion of Turkey’s ambassador to and more productive relationship. is asking anyone with more information or Royce demanded accountability for the attacks. Washington. But the rift has also laid bare policy dis- additional video footage to contact the “To send a clear message that these acts of vio- American and Turkish officials have provid- agreements, particularly over the war in Syria, department. lence will not be tolerated, I ask that you imme- ed contrasting versions of how the violence that have stirred tensions between the two (See related editorial on Page 18.) diately look into this matter and bring all appro- unfolded. Local police said the Turkish guards priate criminal charges before these individuals savagely attacked a peaceful protest outside the leave the United States. Agents of foreign gov- Turkish ambassador’s residence. Footage of the ernments should never be immune from prose- melee showed what appeared to be Turkish cution for felonious behavior. Above all else, security guards kicking and choking protesters they should never be permitted to violate the as police struggled to contain the unrest. It also protections afforded by the First Amendment of showed Erdogan watching, from a distance, as the U.S. Constitution.” the fighting raged. The protesters have said the bodyguards Erdogan’s critics seized on the bloody alter- started the fight. Turkey has said the demon- cation — and a similar flash of violence during

President Erdogan and President Trump in Washington strators provoked the bodyguards. the Turkish president’s visit to Washington last The Foreign Ministry said in its statement, year — as indicative of his government’s iron-fist- “During the meeting with the Ambassador, it ed approach to protests and dissent at home. was emphasized that the lapses of security But Turkish diplomats faulted the local experienced during our President’s stay in police, saying they had failed to quell an “unper- Washington, which were caused by the inability mitted” and “provocative” demonstration. of U.S. authorities to take sufficient precautions The Turkish Foreign Ministry’s statement at every stage of the official program, will not Monday went even further, criticizing “the overshadow what in every other aspect was a inability of U.S. authorities to take sufficient very successful and important visit.” precautions at every stage of the official pro- Turkey’s Foreign Ministry lodged a formal gram.” And it demanded that the United States protest Monday with the U.S. ambassador over conduct a “full investigation of this diplomatic “aggressive” actions by American security per- incident and provide the necessary explana- sonnel during a visit to Washington last week tion.” S ATURDAY, M AY 6 , 2 0 1 7 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 11

HALO Trust Working on Clearing Artsakh of All Mines by 2020

HALO, from page 1 landmines to tidying up. continued his mother’s legacy by backing a “Karabakh is a region we are claiming as plan to rid the world of landmines by ours. If we don’t clean it, how can we occu- 2025, gave a powerful speech at Kensington py what we call our house?” he said. Palace recently to mark International Mine Festekjian said he was encouraged by the Awareness Day. changes in Artsakh. “I’ve been there many “Twenty years ago, in the last months of times. It is a completely different feeling.” her life, my mother campaigned to draw In addition, he said that if the mines are attention to the horrific and indiscriminate cleared, it can “attract more people.” impact of landmines,” he said during the As of now, he said, “the HALO Trust is reception on behalf of the Mines Advisory one of the largest employers of Karabakh.” Group (MAG) and The HALO Trust. Currently, 210 people work for HALO in Local supporters are led by Raffi and Nina Artsakh and that figure is expected to dou- Festekjian. Recently, the Festekjians were ble if the fundraising goal is met. among those who had been invited to “It is a win-win across the board,” he said. London for a reception, where they met with Furthermore, many of those employed Prince Harry. there by HALO are women, many either wid- In a note, Nina Festekjian said, “Raffi and ows or daughters of widows, without a source of income as the men in the family often emigrate to Russia for work. He added the idea of violence really affected him deeply after the serious injury of his uncle in Lebanon, when he lost a leg. He said that his uncle had been only 45, married with a family. “I saw first-hand what it does to a family,” he said. “It transformed his life.” Prince Harry, left, in Angola with the HALO Trust Andrew Moore, HALO Trust’s Director someone who picked up his mother’s pas- a good place for people to raise a family,” of Development, and sion for the cause. He is a remarkably he said. the former regional charismatic person. He spoke with elo- “We need to make more of an effort to director for Europe, is quence and passion and many got tears in convince people that it is a nice place to spearheading the their eyes. He has the ability to move peo- live and empower them to build their own fundraising. ple.” schools and to create,” he said. He said the organi- “We are transforming lives through Festekjian is the executive chairman zation receives a good employment of Armenian people. The and managing partner of Empyrean, a risk deal of funding from employment we provide is not just for assessment firm for banks, and NuArca, an the US government’s Prince Harry, left, speaking with Raffi Festekjian in London, with feeding families. It is a huge investment in Internet analytical and marketing compa- Agency for Nina Festekjian in center the economy,” Moore said. ny, both based in Woburn. He holds an International Develop- One out of every 100 families there has MBA from Northwestern University’s ment (USAID) and now been affected by either deaths or injuries Kellogg School of Management. He has a I met Prince Harry earlier this month, at an has also found a donor who will match all from landmines, Festekjian noted. bachelor’s degree in civil engineering event hosted by The HALO Trust in London donations. Festekjian also praised Scout from the American University of Beirut. at Kensington Palace, where he gave a stir- The organization still seeks to raise $3 Tufenkjian, the noted photojournalist, He came to the US in 1985 to attend ring speech that called on the international million to clear Karabakh. whose photographs will be sold to raise graduate school and moved to Boston in community to achieve the global goal of Ideally, he said, the organization will funds for the HALO Trust. 1987. a Landmine Free 2025. Clearing Artsakh of raise $1 million in 2018 and 2019. “If we “Scout has been a very good supporter He and his wife are collaboraing on minefields is a key milestone toward that do it sooner, great. But we need it to com- of HALO. Her help has been instrumen- Anoush’ella, an eastern Mediterranean goal as it is one of the deadliest places for plete demining by 2020,” Moore said. tal,” he said. restaurant in Boston which will open in landmine accidents in the world. More Aside from private receptions, fundrais- He also had words of praise for Prince June. importantly, it answers the call to save ing will take place in Glendale and New Harry. “He is now getting to be more Festekjian is also working with Dr. Armenian lives and reinstate livelihoods by York, with sales of photos by Scout mature. He spoke about his goal of a mine Noubar Afeyan and Ruben Vardanyan in making this beautiful land viable again. To Tufenkjian. free world by 2025. He was very emotion the Foundation for Armenian Science and that end, we have secured a donor that is He praised the reception HALO’s work about his mother. He helps us increase Technology (FAST), a subsidiary of the willing to double every donation we get, up has gotten in Karabakh. “We get a univer- awareness. This is not only an Artsakh IDeA Foundation. to $4 million, to clear all the minefields in sally positive reaction at every level. We problem but a problem around the world.” As for that minefield where Princess Artsakh — if we can raise matching funds to get excellent support from the govern- “He is a very humble guy. Very real, Diana walked a short time before her get it done.” ment,” he said. “Karabakh is a small place straight forward,” Festekjian said. untimely passing, Moore said, “It is a In a recent interview, Raffi Festekjian that and there is a huge amount of work every- Artsakh, he said, “is a nice place to live. thriving suburb now. You would not for him the HALO Trust is not only an orga- where.” We need to make more of an effort to con- believe it was literally a death trap.” nization that does a good job in fulfilling its He added, “People are very aware of the vince people to live there.” For more information about the HALO mission, but it also contributes to the econ- work done there. We make a universal While much of it remains unspoiled, Trust, visit www.HALOtrust.org. omy of Artsakh by creating jobs. impact there.” there is a need to decrease poverty. “It is He likened the idea of clearing Artsakh of He also praised Prince Harry. “He is

Society of Istanbul Armenians of Boston Honor Fr. Aljalian at Father’s Day Dinner June 17

WATERTOWN — The Society of Istanbul from St. Nersess Armenian Seminary and St. Catholic Consultation, the Orthodox Armenians of Boston announces that Fr. Arakel Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary in Theological Society in America, and the Aljalian, pastor of St. James Armenian Church 1989 with a Master’s of Divinity degree, and Massachusetts Council of Churches. of Watertown, will be honored as “Father of the completed his clinical pastoral education at Aljalian is the author of a book and an arti- Year” at the Society’s annual dinner on the Paul A. Dever School in Taunton, Mass. cle in St. Nersess Theological Review, a publi- Saturday, June 17 at St. James’ Armene and After serving as a deacon in several church- cation which he founded and edited. He also Veronica Tarvezian Hall at 7 p.m. es, in October 1993 he was ordained as a specializes in iconography, ancient art and In addition to speakers, the program will priest at the Church of the Holy Martyrs in medieval manuscript illumination, having stud- include a performance by the Zangakner Bayside, NY. He served there as assistant pas- ied at the School of Sacred Arts in New York Performing Arts Ensemble featuring local tor until March 1994, when he became rector City (1986-1989) and at the Milwaukee Institute Armenian children and artistic director and of St. Nersess Seminary for five years. In of Art and Design (1989-90). founder Hasmik Konjoyan. September 1999, he was appointed pastor at Fr. Arakel is married to Yn. Natasha and has Aljalian, born in Turkey and trained at the St. James Church, where he has become a two children, Gabriel Simon and Mary Grace. Seminary of the Armenian Patriarchate of much beloved cleric and leader of the com- St. James Church is located at 465 Mt. Jerusalem, came to the US in 1983 to further munity. He is also a member of the Standing Auburn Street in Watertown. Contact Mr. and his studies at the General Theological Conference of the Oriental Orthodox Mrs. Shaboyan, Garo Yavshayan or the church Fr. Arakel Aljalian Seminary in New York City. He graduated Churches, the Oriental Orthodox-Roman for more information or tickets. 12 S ATURDAY, M AY 2 7 , 2 0 1 7 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Arts & Living

ADAA’s Saroyan/Paul An Evening with 10,000 Human Andrea Martin and Rights Playwriting Seth Rudetsky

Winner Named LOS ANGELES — Many of us fell in love with LOS ANGELES — The Armenian Dramatic Andrea Martin in “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” Arts Alliance (ADAA) announced the winner (2002) when she played Aunt Voula. Currently, of the $10,000 Saroyan/Paul Human Rights she stars in NBC’s hit TV show “Great News,” Playwriting Prize on April 24, at the Antaeus airing Wednesday nights. In this role, she plays Theatre Company at the newly opened Kiki an overbearing mom working at the news sta- and David Gindler Performing Arts Centre in tion where her daughter Katie works. Glendale. The winner was June Carryl, for her Martin is a multitalented entertainer — she play, “The Good Minister from Harare,” a play sings, dances and is a comic with impeccable about the little-talked-about genocide in timing. Zimbabwe under Robert Mugabe. More than Martin will be performing for the Armenian 300 entries from around the world illustrated International Women’s Association (AIWA) on stories about the human condition and were Saturday, May 27, at a reception at 7 p.m. fol- scored by over 120 theatre professionals lowed by the performance at 8 p.m., at El Portal worldwide. Theater in North Hollywood to support its ADAA is proud to administer the only human fundraising goals. Proceeds will go to support rights playwriting award in the world since women and families who are victims of domes- 2014, highlighting global stories of human tic violence. Sharing the stage will be the tal- rights and social justice. Renowned judges this ented musician, actor, writer, and radio host Seth Rudetsky. year included Rob Drummer, associate dra- Edmond Hagopian and his sister, Angela ( Photo) maturg and director from the Bush Theatre in Architectural Digest AIWA-LA President, Silva Katchiguian said, London; Neil McPherson, artistic director of “having Andrea Martin support us in such a the Finborough Theatre in London since 1999; way is an incredible treat. She’s an absolute and Simon Levy, artistic director of the gem and we thank her for bringing her talents Fountain Theatre in Los Angeles since 1993. A Seasoned Rug-Dealing and energy to support the efforts of AIWA. The winner of this year’s award, June What’s more, the incredible Seth Rudetsky will Carryl, is a playwright and actor with a back- be joining her. It’s going to be a spectacular ground in political science and English litera- show!” Family Starts a Laughter is natural medicine for the soul, ture. Her other plays include “Stone Angels” and “God’s Wife.” through her spirit, humor and love for life She received her $10,000 Saroyan/Paul Andrea Martin, dazzle us with Seth Rudetsky. Restoration Outfit We invite you to join us for an epic evening of Prize and crystal trophy at ADAA’s April 24 performance event, from two luminaries: laughter and inspiration. AIWA-SF President Christine Soussa says, “We love Andrea and can- DETROIT (Architectural Digest) — What’s old is, indeed, new again, at least in not wait to see her in person! It’s heartwarming the world of decor. Vintage has become a near ubiquitous buzzword in home that a celebrity of her status is taking the time to design, from the many e-commerce outlets offering antique goods to the marked-up support AIWA in such a meaningful way.” furniture of uncertain provenance at crowd- Martin is an active supporter of AIWA; pro- drawing fairs like the Brooklyn Flea. One estab- ceeds from this event will go towards funding By Hadley Keller lished rug company is tapping into that market, initiatives dedicated to giving Armenian women and taking it one step further, making it easier and their families a second chance at life. This than ever to own and care for an antique rug. initiative is focused on providing physical, men- “There’s a lot of growth in vintage rugs and new rugs that are made to look old,” tal and emotional support to help women re-cre- says Edmond Hagopian of the current carpet market. It’s a market with which he’s ate their lives for themselves and their children intimately familiar as the third-generation proprietor of beloved carpet purveyor after being victims of domestic violence. Hagopian. While their reputation precedes them in the rug industry, Hagopian and Martin began her career as a singing chicken his sister Angela are ushering the business into the modern age with a new arm of on the “Captain Kangaroo” television show. the business focused on restoration. “The demand for vintage looks (even beyond rugs) is the search for identity and uniqueness,” Hagopian says. “I see this as a pushback on mass production and the sameness “One-of-a-kind that we are all subjected to in terms of our product choices. One-of-a-kind June Carryl rugs are the antidote to lookalike rugs are the lifestyle and big box–designed prod- ucts.” Emmy-winning director Hank Saroyan, To make owning an antique rug antidote to Andrea Martin nephew of author William Saroyan; and Karen easier than ever, Detroit Rug Kondazian, award-winning actress and ADAA Restoration offers cleaning, repair, founding board member. and color correction with the exper- She was then cast in the United States touring The two finalists for the 2016 Saroyan/Paul tise of a name practically synony- lookalike lifestyle company of “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Human Rights Playwriting Prize were: mous with carpets. Last week the Brown,” in which she played Lucy. During the “Runaway Home,” by Jeremy J. Kamps, about company also announced that it will tour, she visited Toronto, fell in love with the 14-year-old Kali and her mother Eunice offer free shipping on the rugs it and big city, moved there and within a month, got cast returning to the Lower 9th Ward of New restores, adding a modern seamless- in the Toronto production of “Godspell.” Orleans two years after Hurricane Katrina to ness to an otherwise arduous task. Martin has received four Actra awards for her find that “home” is no longer there; and “The The company also has a selection of participation in the sketch series “SCTV,” two Madres” by Stephanie Alison Walker, where in handpicked rugs for sale on its web- box–designed Gemini nominations for hosting the 2007 1976 Buenos Aires, two mothers search site; it favors those that might appeal Winnipeg Comedy Festival and for the CBC covertly for Belen, nine months pregnant and to a younger audience. miniseries, “St. Urban’s Horseman.” For one of the many disappeared people in “The rugs in our online shop have products.” Martin’s work in the recent Toronto production Argentina’s so-called “Dirty War.” been selected by my family, who have of “Love, Loss and What I Wore,” as well as her Both of these finalists have recently all grown up in the rug business,” Hagopian explains. “We are on the lookout for one-woman show, “Final Days! Everything Must received commitments for full Los Angeles those vintage rugs that are special and unusual, rugs you’re not going to see every- Go!!,” she received Broadwayworld.com’s 2010 productions: “Runaway Home” at the where. And we sell them in a condition that is ready for the next user, meaning best actress and best theatrical event awards. Fountain Theatre, and “The Madres” at the they’ve been cleaned and disinfected with secured edges, even restored fringe when Rudetsky has played for more than a dozen Skylight Theatre. necessary.” Broadway shows including “Ragtime,” “Les April 24 saw unforgettable readings of The expertise of Hagopian’s team is most evident in their light hand with restora- Miz” and “Phantom.” He was the artistic pro- excerpts of all three plays with the Antaeus tion. “We do just enough to make them ready for your home, while still retaining ducer/music director for the first five annual Theatre Company. These pieces were directed the feel of a carpet that has been loved for years,” explains Hagopian. “Our hope is Actors Fund Fall Concerts including by Michael Peretzian, Emily Chase and John that we have given them a second (or third) life in a home that appreciates the “Dreamgirls” with Audra MacDonald (recorded Sloan and produced by Bianca Bagatourian. warmth a vintage can bring.” on Nonesuch Records) and “Hair” with Jennifer The cast included: Hudson. “The Good Minister from Harare,” Brittney To purchase tickets visit http://www.itsmy- see ADAA, page 14 seat.com/events/953214.html S ATURDAY, M AY 2 7 , 2 0 1 7 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 13 ARTS & LIVING ‘They Shall Not Perish’ Premieres to Sold-Out Audience

NEW YORK — On April 8, the Near East lives and futures that would have otherwise Foundation hosted the official premiere been lost.” of “They Shall not Perish: The Story of Near To support the Near East Foundation’s cur- East Relief” at the Times Center in New York rent work with refugee families in Lebanon and City to a sold-out audience of over 550 people. Jordan please click here. Guests including UN Ambassador to Armenia, The Near East Foundation’s new educational Zohrab Mnatsakanyan, and members of the partnership with Facing History and Armenian Diocese, as well as actors from the Ourselves was also formally announced at the film including Victor Garber and Andrea premiere. The partnership between NEF and Martin, were on hand to celebrate the event. Facing History bridges the gap between our his- The long-awaited documentary tells the story tory and present day, and will help call atten- of the Near East Foundation, previously known tion to what society can do to help give vulner- as Near East Relief, at the turn of the twentieth able populations a voice so that history’s mis- century after the fall of the Ottoman Empire, takes are not repeated. Facing History and when a group of American businessmen and Ourselves will help bring the lessons from the philanthropists rallied the nation to save a gen- film to classrooms across America. eration of Armenian, Greek and Assyrian The event was made possible by the following orphans following the Armenian Genocide. sponsors: Armenian General Benevolent Union, Narrated by six-time Emmy-nominated actor Armenian Assembly of America, The Armenian Victor Garber, the film is set against a mix of Center at Columbia University, Bob and Nancy historical footage and archival photographs, The members of the panel, from left, Adam Strom, George Billard, Peter Balakian, Taner Akçam, Solomon, the Dadourian Foundation, and utilizes contemporary interviews from lead- Susan Harper and Shant Mardiorssian Cleveland H. Dodge Foundation, Armenian ing academic experts to illustrate the sequence Missionary Association of America, the of events leading up to the Genocide, and the Armenian Prelacy, Golden State Bank, and the unprecedented relief efforts of American citi- itarian consequences when formulating U.S. importantly our younger generations, should Jebejian Family. zens that followed—which led to the largest foreign policy,” said Billard. The panel also fea- choose to be up-standers instead of bystanders. “They Shall Not Perish: The Story of Near humanitarian response in history up to that tured expert historians who contributed to the The work that the Near East Foundation start- East Relief” is distributed by the National time. The letters of American officials, relief film including Pulitzer Prize winning author ed a century ago continues to be reflected in its Educational Telecommunications Association workers, and orphans are brought to life Peter Balakian, Carnegie Scholar Susan B. work today as the humanitarian crisis unfolds in (NETA) and is being broadcast on public televi- through the voices of leading actors—Michael Harper, and Taner Akçam, who recently made the Middle East. NEF’s local teams are working sion stations nationwide beginning April 1, Aronov, Kathleen Chalfant, Dariush Kashani, headlines with his discovery of evidence prov- on the ground, side by side, with Syrian (includ- including upcoming distribution on June 2 on Andrea Martin, Ron Rifkin, Tony Shalhoub and ing that the Armenian Genocide was premedi- ing many Syrian-Armenian) and Iraqi refugees in Maryland public TV. Since the premiere, the film Kara Vedder—taking the audience on a journey tated by the Turkish government. Jordan and Lebanon helping them to gain eco- was screened at San Jose University (as a part of from the depths of cruelty to the triumphs of Executive Producer Mardirossian, inspired by nomic independence and achieve self-sufficiency, Dr. Mary Papazian’s inaugural celebrations) and survival and goodwill. his grandparents’ escape and survival during primarily though entrepreneurship, vocational Bergen Community College. The documentary The screening was followed by a thought-pro- the Genocide, says he produced this film “not training, and livelihoods support. will be screened in Yerevan, Armenia on May 30 voking panel discussion with the filmmakers, just to remember those we lost in the Genocide, In a call to action, NEF President Charles as a part of the Aurora Prize Ceremonies and on Shant Mardirossian and George Billard, who but to shed light on an important chapter of Benjamin, asked the audience to be inspired May 31 at the Naregatsi Art Center. touched on the historical significance of American history when ordinary citizens stood “by the heroic men and women who responded More information on the film, upcoming America’s relief efforts reflected in the film. together against a great injustice and saved the to a crisis over 100 years ago and the impact screenings and public TV distributions, and “Today, as we confront an exploding refugee cri- lives of 132,000 orphans.” During his remarks, they made in the lives of so many—by simply resources can be found at www.theyshallnot- sis, it’s imperative that we consider the human- he emphasized that all Americans, and most doing what they could—saving a generation of perish.com.

Pianist Martha Argerich to Perform In Cleveland with Sergei Babayan Indian Director to Helm Film

the epitome of achievement in piano. There’s all Based on Genocide Story By Zachary Lewis this lore about her. It’s like seeing a rock star.” Thing is, for Americans especially, there BOMBAY (Public Radio of Armenia) — aren’t many chances to actually see her, as Indian film director Shekhar Kapur will CLEVELAND (Cleveland Plain Dealer) — Argerich rarely appears in the United States. direct the movie version of Three Apples Once every four years is practically frequent The hook this time? Pianist Sergei Babayan, Fell From Heaven, based on the Micheline compared to how often treats like what artist-in-residence at the Cleveland Institute of Aharonian Marcom novel adapted the Cleveland International Piano Music and a close musical friend of Argerich’s. by Motorcycle Diaries writer José Rivera, Deadline reports. The film is set in 1915-1917 as Turks slaughtered Armenians, and revolves around a young female refugee taken in by Turkish neighbors after the death of her parents. Her childhood shattered, she now views the remains of her world through a Muslim veil, as several tragic characters cir- cle around her. While the Armenian Genocide is a cen- tury old, there is an eerie parallel to the refugee crisis, beyond Kapur’s memory of his own family forced to flee Delhi as refugees during the partition of India. The Shekhar Kapur Pianists Martha Argerich and Sergei Babayan filmmakers made available a clip of the young women Kapur has auditioned to play the lead role; they are refugees from Competition (CIPC) has in store this fall roll Through him went the invitation, and back Aleppo whose descendants fled there to escape the Armenian Genocide and who had around. through him came her acceptance. come back to escape the violence that has devastated Syria. For the first time in her now 68-year career, “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. This becomes the first film from a new social justice storytelling production company, legendary pianist Martha Argerich will appear People should not let this opportunity pass by Disruptive Narrative, which launched at Cannes as part of Sunday’s Refugee Voices In at Severance Hall, on a special concert October them.” Film day. 30 organized by the competition just for its “It’s all about the people for her,” explained The company is founded by leading human rights lawyer Jen Robinson and Syrian- fans. The CIPC announced this week. van der Westhuizen. “She has very personal Armenian actress/writer/producer, Sona Tatoyan. “I need to impress on people just how rare of connections to the places she goes. She’s very an opportunity this is,” said Pierre van der selective.” Westhuizen, executive director of the piano In the case of Babayan, he added, “It’s a musi- competition. “It’s pretty epic. I still can’t believe cal partnership that [Argerich] herself enjoys The Mozart will be the Sonata for Two posterity. it’s happening.” very much. Their concert will be more like a Pianos, K. 448. The rest will be Babayan’s tran- Still, get to Severance Hall if you can. Put plainly, Argerich is a giant of the piano friendly encounter.” scriptions of Prokofiev’s Suite from Romeo and Argerich may never swing this way again. world. The Argentine pianist has been perform- Certainly, the evening won’t resemble any tra- Juliet; incidental music to “Hamlet” and “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” van ing in public since age 8, and today ranks as ditional recital, or even any typical appearance “Eugene Onegin” and score to the unfinished der Westhuizen said. “People should not let this one of the most decorated classical artists on by a piano duo. That’s because, in addition to film “Queen of Spades.” opportunity pass by them.” the planet. Mozart, Argerich and Babayan will perform Never fear, if you’re truly unable to attend. Tickets will be released to general public June To quote van der Westhuizen, a pianist him- transcriptions by Babayan himself, and give sev- After Cleveland, Argerich and Babayan travel 1. For information visit clevelandpiano.org. self: “She is to piano what Pavarotti is to opera, eral US premieres. abroad to record their “friendly encounter” for 14 S ATURDAY, M AY 2 7 , 2 0 1 7 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARTS & LIVING Akçam Honors Rev. Krikor Guerguerian GUERGUERIAN, from page 1 on his research career in 1937. Almost each Recipe Guests were welcomed by Michele M. year afterwards, he traveled to various coun- Kolligian, president of the ALMA Board of tries, including Turkey, in order to collect mate- Trustees. Marc Mamigonian, director of aca- rials. He used the penname Krieger when he demic affairs of the National Association for published works, largely in Armenian. He also Corner had an unpublished volume planned called Armenocide. Akçam has been finding useful original doc- by Christine Vartanian Datian uments in Guerguerian’s archival collection, now held by his nephew Dr. Edmond Guerguerian, a psychiatrist in New York City. This collection has been digitalized by Berc Potato Salad with Fresh Mint and Lemon Panossian with support from a number of Armenians such as Hirant Gulian and Armenian INGREDIENTS organizations like the Jerair Nishanian 7 or 8 large baking potatoes, boiled, peeled, and diced Foundation, the Calouste Gulbenkian 1 cup minced flat-leaf parsley, chopped finely Foundation and NAASR. Copies are held in a 1 cup white onions, chopped finely number of institutions, including the Armenian 1 medium green bell pepper, seeded and chopped Genocide Museum Institute in Yerevan. 3 or 4 green onions, chopped finely Akçam found two different categories of 2 cloves garlic, minced materials: documents from various archives, 2 or 3 stalks celery, chopped including Austrian, British, German, French Kosher or sea salt, white pepper, paprika, dried cumin, and Aleppo pepper to taste and American, the Nubarian Library in Paris, 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped and that held by the Armenian Patriarchate of Juice of 2 large lemons, plus lemon zest from 1 lemon Olive oil Chopped fresh purple basil (rahan) as garnish Roasted red bell pepper and eggplant strips as garnish

PREPARATION: In a large bowl, combine the cooked diced potatoes with the remaining ingredi- ents, spices, mint, lemon juice, zest, and olive oil, and toss. Cover and refrigerate for a few hours or overnight for best results. Garnish with chopped fresh purple President Michele M. Kolligian of the ALMA basil, and roasted red bell pepper and eggplant strips and serve with extra lemon board welcomes guests. juice and olive oil on the side. Serves 8 to 10.

Armenian Studies and Research (NAASR), *Christine's recipes have been published in the Fresno Bee Newspaper, Sunset introduced Akçam, who at present holds the Magazine, Cooking Light Magazine, and at http://www.thearmeniankitchen.com/ Robert Aram and Marianne Kaloosdian and Also see: http://www.myrecipes.com/search/site/Datian Stephen and Marian Mugar Chair in Armenian Genocide Studies at Clark University in Worcester. Akçam dedicated his talk to the memory of Guerguerian, who was born in 1911 in Gürün, Akçam said that in the past, when Dadrian or such telegrams, which again shows the authen- Sepasdia (Sivas). After witnessing the murder of Akçam quoted the Ottoman court martial ticity of the Guerguerian collection. his parents and surviving the Genocide, he col- indictments, Turkish and other denialists would Furthermore, telegrams on the same topic con- lected materials to document its history for half counter by demanding the originals, which they firm one another, and question and response a century. He died in 1988. did not have. At the same time, they would telegrams have been found. Akçam traced a direct line from point to official Ottoman documents created Aside from court proceedings, including Guerguerian’s work to his own by declaring during the process of the Genocide deliberately testimonies and interrogations, cipher tele- that “the torch in the field of Armenian as part of an effort of fake “fact” creation. grams sent by the Ottoman Interior Ministry Genocide research was lit by Fr. Krikor Armenian Genocide survivor and researcher Akçam, like many other scholars, referred to or army commanders, and telegrams from the Guerguerian and carried on by Richard Rev. Krikor Guerguerian the seminal work of Hovannisian, and most especially Vahakn Michel-Rolph Trouillot to Dadrian. I consider Dadrian my mentor and the describe this process of founder of our field. I took over the torch.” Jerusalem; and Guerguerian’s own materials. denialism. The Ottomans Akçam explained that Guerguerian embarked Much of the valuable material comes from and then Turkish nation- the post-World War I Ottoman court martial tri- alists destroyed or hid als which the Armenian Patriarchate of materials in their own pos- ADAA’s Saroyan/Paul Constantinople obtained. These copies ended session, created their own up in large part at the Armenian Patriarchate of sources, and then wrote 10,000 Human Rights Jerusalem, where Guerguerian accessed them. their own narrative and He learned about them through Kurd Mustafa history. Playwriting Winner Pasha (nicknamed Nemrut, or grim-faced). The documents from This man was one of the judges of the court Jerusalem copied by Named martials, who became a member of the Society Guerguerian allow coun- for the Rise of Kurdistan (Kurdistan Teali tering this. Akçam gave ADAA, from page 12 Cemiyeti), established in 1918. After several the example of telegrams Wheeler, Matt Orduna, Terry criminal investigations targeted him he escaped from Bahaettin Shakir Woodberry, Inger Tudor, Basil Wallace, in 1920 to Cairo, where Guerguerian lived. and Mahmut Kamil cited and William Mitchell Kurd Mustafa Pasha told Guerguerian that in the main court martial “The Madres,” Arianna Ortiz and copies of the court martial materials were sent indictment and published Denise Blasor to Jerusalem. on May 5, 1919. The for- “Runaway Home” Sola Bamis, Akçam added that the Guerguerian collec- mer was sent from Ukamaka Izuchi, Daniel Watts and tion had been microfilmed by the Armenian Erzerum, where Shakir Yvonne Lee. Assembly of America in the 1980s. was, to Sabit Bey, gover- The performances were followed by Furthermore, both the Zoryan Institute and the nor of Elazig (Kharpert), the announcement of the winner and a Armenian Revolutionary Federation archives in in July 1915, and asked, VIP reception at the theatre. Music was Watertown had a copy of microfilms that were “Are the Armenians dis- provided by Ryan Henry and independently made of the full set of Jerusalem patched from there being Photography by John Charles. documents. While the former microfilm is not liquidated?” The Saroyan/Paul Human Rights accessible to the public, the latter two organi- The Shakir telegram Playwriting Prize is made possible by zations’ copies seem to have altogether disap- had been quoted at the The “smoking gun” telegram of Bahaettin Shakir annual support from the William peared, while the Jerusalem Patriarchate col- time in the New York Saroyan Foundation, which inaugurated lection itself is not at present open to the pub- Times. The rediscovery of the award at ADAA in 2008, and the lic. Guerguerian’s copy has become Akçam’s provinces to the Interior Ministry, there are Lillian and Varnum Paul Fund at the Vahakn Dadrian benefited greatly from “smoking gun” of his lecture title because it is also the materials of the Ottoman investiga- Armenian Church Western Diocese, Guerguerian’s work, Akçam said, and in addi- now very hard, he said, to dispute its validity. tory commission sent to Anatolia in autumn which has supported ADAA’s writing tion, in 1974 Dadrian went to Jerusalem to him- The Ottoman letterhead on Guerguerian’s copy of 1915. prizes since its inception ten years ago. self copy some materials. Dadrian, and later indicates its authenticity, Akçam explained, Guerguerian’s collection is leading to many The Antaeus Theatre Lobby Gallery Akçam, used these items extensively. Now, a along with the four-digit codes used for cipher publications decades after his death. Akçam featured original paintings by William professional team has also transcribed around telegrams, which correspond with those used in used Guerguerian’s microfilms of Naim Bey’s Saroyan, presented by ADAA and the 800 pages of the Ottoman materials other documents in the Ottoman archives telegrams from the Nubarian Library in Paris William Saroyan Foundation. The stun- Guerguerian collected. Akçam said that while today. and the latter’s handwritten memoirs to pre- ning watercolor paintings are available some transcriptions would be placed online, he In fact, some of the telegrams in the pare a book on Naim Bey which has been pub- for sale to support ADAA. would reserve others to allow his students to Guerguerian archive are also available in the lished in Turkish, and soon will appear in use and publish before others. Ottoman state archive. Akçam discovered 50 English translation. S ATURDAY, M AY 2 7 , 2 0 1 7 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 15 ARTS & LIVING 16 S ATURDAY, M AY 2 7 , 2 0 1 7 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARTS & LIVING Art of Areg Elibekian at “Composition with Red” by Areg Elibekian Gallery Z

PROVIDENCE — The youngest of three generations of famous artists, Areg Elibekian, son of Robert and grandson of Vagharshag, will be featured in Gallery Z’s June exhibit. The exhibition will start on Thursday, June 8 and run through Sunday, July 2. The open- ing reception and book signing will take place on June 15, 5 to 9 p.m. The revered tradition of painting has been passed down through the generations within the renowned Elibekian family, preserving the family’s artistic legacy and differing indi- vidual imprints. Born in 1970 in Yerevan, Armenia, Areg “Market in Capitole Square, Toulouse” by Areg Elibekian Elibekian is a 1992 graduate of Yerevan’s Institute of Drama and Fine Arts. He resides in Montreal and has often traveled to Paris and the US. His latest solo exhibitions were each summer to paint. Areg’s works are at Arame Art Gallery in Yerevan and at steeped in exquisitely rich and appealing col- Stewart Hall in Pointe-Claire Québec in 2016. ors, often depicting Impressionist-influenced From 1988 to 1992, he participated in encapsulations of the bourgeoisie in open-air numerous exhibitions of the Association of scenes of Paris and Montreal café society and Armenia Artists, part of the Elibekian family street life, or beckoning condensed land- exhibitions at the International Art Center in scapes of these cities’ peaceful riverfronts Beirut, Lebanon, ALMA Gallery in Boston, and gardens. Bridges and arches, cafes and Gallery L’Oeil Reno Berg, Brussels, and brasseries evoke both a bygone and an aspir- Studio 22, Antwerp, Belgium. In 1998, he ing lifestyle. had a solo exhibition at the Gallery Hai Cie in Like both his father and grandfather, Areg Paris. He has exhibited previously as a part of Elibekian’s art is in permanent collections of the Three Generations of Armenian Art show prestigious museums and galleries world- at Gallery Z. wide. His works have been exhibited in Areg Elibekian teaches regularly at the Armenia, Lebanon, Germany, France, Canada Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. “Ile St. Louis in Paris” by Areg Elibekian

Why a Modern Cosmetics Company Is Mining Armenia’s Ancient Manuscripts

his treatise The Canon of Medicine: “Armenian Sahakyan is encouraged by the renewed inter- Markosian. “He recognized early on its ‘cooling By Karine Vann or Ani clay has a remarkable influence on est in herbalism and natural healing that he and drying’ effects, which he used to treat cases wounds. It is especially beneficial against tuber- sees in both tourists and locals who visit of inflammation and ‘hotness,’ as he described culosis and the plague. Many people were saved Matenadaran. He feels that the country is final- it.” YEREVAN (Smithsonian Magazine) — There during great epidemics, since they were in the ly beginning to rediscover its heritage following Modern science exists to back up Amasiatsi’s is something remarkable about the communi- habit of drinking it in wine diluted with water.” seventy years of Soviet intervention. claims and also hint to rose oil’s capacity to ties that line the former Silk Road. Bound After the adoption of Christianity in 301 CE, “It wasn’t just a doctor-patient relationship boost skin cell regeneration, “which is why together by a shared natural environment, Armenian monks and scholars wrote prodi- with medicine being simply handed over,” he many of our products contain rose oil or water there is a reservoir of knowledge here, safe- giously on topics like anatomy, pharmacology, says. “There was a whole worldview about how distillate as an ingredient.” guarded and passed down from one generation phytotherapy and botany, all critical to the serious diseases were considered the outcomes Today, Rosa damascena, or Damask rose as it to the next. development of medicine in the region. of sinfulness. To be cut off from those roots dur- is more commonly known, is one of Nairian’s In some parts of the world, you can live and Mountaintop monasteries isolated and elevated ing the times of the Soviet Union resulted only most valuable crops on their farm. To obtain die without knowing what’s growing in your from the threat of invasion were ideal locations in regress for the people.” just one quart of this precious oil, they must dis- backyard. But in Armenia, there are just some for scientific study that yielded some of the Sahakyan reveres recipes as they were writ- till five tons of petals. things about the land and the seemingly infi- world’s most brilliant and painstakingly detailed ten by medieval heroes of Armenian medicine, Nairian’s facilities, which consist of an eco- nite resources growing on it that everybody—no manuscripts. Many of these texts did not sur- and deviates little when recreating them. farm and a laboratory made from a renovated matter how deeply into cosmopolitanism cen- vive, but those that did are today housed in “I always say that, for every prescription we Soviet sewing factory (they’ve kept the old ters you venture—just knows. Got a stom- the Matenadaran Museum of Ancient Armenian have discovered, a whole institute, a whole Singer sewing machines for decorative value) achache? Drink some tea infused with wild Manuscripts. school of medicine could be established,” he are based out of Aragyugh, a village about forty mountain thyme. Slow metabolism? Sautee up The most useful remaining books on phar- recalls proudly. Most recently, he has embarked minutes outside of the capital, Yerevan. Their some wild sorrel. Sore throat? A shot of home- macology date from the medieval period. In the on a new treatment for psoriasis developed location is ideal, says lead botanist Lusine made Armenian moonshine will do it. twelfth century, the father of Armenian using these old formulae. Nalbandyan, because Armenia has an excep- In Armenia, folk remedies aren’t just offhand medicine, Mkhitar Heratsi, authored his pivotal Sahakyan’s efforts are contrasted by those of tionally rich variety of endemic plants: there suggestions from your grandmother. When it book on fevers, in which he traversed marsh-rid- Nairian, a company founded in 2014 to produce more than 3,500 plants native to the country. comes to minor illnesses, trained doctors are den countryside to study malaria, fusing folk all-natural skincare out of essential oils made “It’s safe to say Armenia plays an important not shy about recommending them either. And medicine of the time with the medical advances from Armenia’s indigenous herbs and plants. role in global agro-biodiversity,” Nalbandyan you can find all kinds of packaged herbs and of the scholarly and monastic world. Later in While Sahakyan has concerns about the says. More than sixty percent of these plants natural oils in Armenian pharmacies, sitting the fifteenth century, Amirdovlat Amasiatsi “regression” of traditional healing under the can be found on the mountainsides bordering inconspicuously on shelves next to convention- wrote Useless for the Ignorant, a famous ency- Soviet Union, Nairian co-founders Anahit and the village. al pharmaceuticals. clopedia of 3,500 Armenian plants and herbs Ara Markosian, a physicist and mathematician There is a village saying in Armenia: nature is The truth is, what we today call conventional that he translated into five languages: Persian, respectively, believe there is much to be gained very smart, since it has a remedy for every pain. medicine—the kind of healthcare you get from a Arabic, Latin, Greek and Armenian, to ensure by reconciling these two critical periods of As Armenia modernizes, efforts by Nairian and Western physician—hasn’t been conventional its use by laymen and professionals alike. Armenia’s history. Rather than eschew Soviet Sahakyan are important in rejuvenating aware- for all that long. Before engineered Amasiatsi’s incredibly rich text advises on the developments in medicine and pharmacology, ness of herbs and plants as a healing agent in biomedicines targeting specific symptoms took uses of native Armenian plants in such depth they embrace them. the face of inexpensive, synthetic and often the helm, most forms of medicine—not just that his writings continue to influence modern “We don’t actually recreate any original harmful cosmetics and drugs that are quickly those used by traditional healers—were rooted pharmacists, like Armen Sahakyan, a pharma- recipes from the ancient manuscripts, but populating the market. By continuing the tra- in natural materials. As such, there have always cologist and botanical scholar who has been instead we create our own,” says Anahit dition of natural healing in the region—whether been intersections between the world of the working at the Matenadaran Museum for the Markosian, who leads Nairian’s research and by grandmothers or by pharmacists— folk and that of the physician. last several decades. A trained medical doctor development. Armenians in the twenty-first century are ensur- Historian Stella Vardanyan notes this inter- ordained a deacon in 1997, Sahakyan has dedi- Markosian says that while she is inspired by ing that it, like the land itself, is here to stay. action in her book The History of Medicine in cated his life to the maintenance of Armenia’s the holistic philosophy of the famous medieval Karine Vann is a freelance writer based in Armenia. According to her research, folk sacred botanical traditions. Armenian doctors and their deep knowledge of Brooklyn and a storytelling contributor to My medicine in Armenia dates back nearly three Since 1993, Sahakyan has collected ingredi- plants and minerals, the company is committed Armenia, where she writes about Armenia’s millennia. The herbs of the Armenian highland ents from recipes in old manuscripts, like those to creating recipes that are in harmony with rich natural and cultural heritage. were especially well-reputed among ancient of Heratsi’s and Amasiatsi’s, and recreated modern cosmetic trends. Nairian’s use of rose oil (Read more: writers, like the Greek physician Galen or the them for modern use. In 2004, he began selling in a number of its products offers one example. http://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/arme famed Islamic philosopher Ibn Sina, who wrote the resulting products at the Matenadaran gift “The physician Amirdovlat Amasiatsi had nian-folk-remedies-turned-modern-cosmetics- on the healing properties of Armenia’s clay in shop, from lotion and ointments to tea blends. much to say on the power of rose oil,” says 180963388/#T7H3o6JI6lbpYVOH.99) S ATURDAY, M AY 2 7 , 2 0 1 7 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 17 ARTS & LIVING CC AA LENDARLENDAR

[email protected], www.stjameswatertown.org MASSACHUSETTSCALIFORNIA JUNE 17 — Society of Istanbul Armenians of Boston NEW YORK Inc. is hosting A Father’s Day Dinner Celebration hon- MAY 27 — Broadway in LA … Armenian International oring Rev. Arakel Aljalian as Father of the Year. 7 p.m. St. JUNE 29 — The Freeport Memorial Library will have a Women’s Association-L.A. Affiliate present an Evening James Armenian Church, Armene and Veronica Tarvezian lecture on the history of the Armenians, Thursday with Andrea Martin hosted by Seth Rudetsky, at El Portal Hall, 465 Mount Auburn St., Watertown. Tickets $50. at 2 p.m. by Dr. Ronald Brown, professor of history and Theater, North Hollywood; one-night comedy show hon- Call Mr. or Mrs. Shaboyan at 617-489-0346 or Garo ethnic studies at Touro College and world religions at the oring AIWA’s 25 plus years. 7:00 pm. Reception and Yavshayan at 617-620-9899. Unification Theological Seminary in New York City. Free Armenian tapas; 8:30 p.m. Performance, followed by JUNE 17 — The Society of Istanbul Armenian’s of to the public. The library is located at 144 W Merrick Rd, Dessert and coffee with the stars. Tickets: $150; spon- Boston will Honor Rev. Arakel Aljalian as the Father Freeport, NY 11520, phone (516) 379-3274. sorships available. For info and reservations call (909)- of the Year. Saturday at 7 p.m. Dinner at St. James 625-3413 or (310) 472-2454. Armenian Church Hall, Watertown. Donation $50. For WASHINGTON, D.C. Tickets, call Krikor Shaboian at 617-489-0346. MASSACHUSETTSFLORIDA JUNE 19 — The Gregory Hintlian Memorial Golf MAY 27 — Benefit Concert and Dance for the Orphans Tournament, “This Year Remembering Gerry of the Tavush Region of Armenia. International JANUARY 20-28, 2018 — Armenian Heritage Cruise Ajemian,” sponsored by Holy Trinity Armenian Church of Armenian Entertainer BARTEV. Saturday, 8 p.m. Delicious XXI 2018 Eastern Caribbean Cruise aboard the Royal Greater Boston at the Marlborough Country Club, appetizers, silent auction, dancing to your hearts con- Caribbean’s Freedom Of The Seas. Travelling to: St. Kitts Marlborough. Monday, 9:30 a.m., registration; 11 a.m., tent, Cash Bar. Takuhi Hallajian, 301.219.4041.St. Mary’s / St.John’s Antigua / San Juan / Labadee, Private Island. “Shot Gun.” Join us for a day of golf-player’s fee: $175 Armenian Church Cultural Hall, 4125 Fessenden St. NW, Cabin Rates starting from US $1044 / person based on (includes hospitality, lunch, dinner, green & cart fees, Washington, DC. Organized by Knights & Daughters of Double Occupancy, including Port Charges and ACAA prizes and gifts) – or just dinner and a social evening Vartan and Friends of Bartev registration fee. Government taxes of $108.36 are addi- ($50 per person). Limited to 128 players. Tournament JUNE 13 — Tuesday, Monthly Public Discussion. tional. Armenian Entertainment, Armenian Cultural and tee sponsorships available. RSVP deadline, June 12. Speaker Aram Hamparian, Executive Director, Presentations, Armenian Festival Day, Tavlou & Belote To register or for further information, log Armenian National Committee of America ““A 360 Tournaments and much more. Call TRAVELGROUP INTER- onto http://www.htaac.org/calendar/event/403/ or Degree View of Armenian American Advocacy” 7:00- NATIONAL @1- 561-447-0750 or 1-866-447-0750 Ext. contact the Holy Trinity Church Office,617.354.0632, or 8:00 PM. St. Mary’s Armenian Church Cultural Hall, 4125 108. Ask for Janie. email [email protected]. Fessenden Street, NW, Washington DC. Organized by NOVEMBER 2 — Thursday, Symposium with the partic- Knights and Daughters of Vartan. JUNE 25 — Book reading, by Adrienne G. Alexanian, MASSACHUSETTS ipation of the International media representatives, dedicated to the Armenian Mirror-Spectator’s 85th editor of Forced Into Genocide, memoirs of an JUNE 9 — Let’s Party! At the KITCHEN, Boston Food Anniversary. Details to follow. Armenian Soldier in the Ottoman Turkish Army. 1:00 PM, Market – Benefit for the Park’s Care in partnership NOVEMBER 3 — Friday, 85th Anniversary Celebration 4125 Fessenden St. NW, Washington, DC. Organized by with the Trustees of Reservations, Boston Food Market, Banquet of the Armenian Mirror-Spectator Knights & Daughters of Vartan, St. Mary’s Armenian with chefs presenting signature dishes we love and the Newspaper the first English Language Armenian Apostolic Church Parish Council, Armenian Assembly of generosity of so many, all coming together at the KITCHEN Newspaper in the United States @ Newton Marriott Hotel America and Armenian National Committee of America. to support the Armenian Heritage Park’s Endowed Fund Banquet Hall. 85 Years and Beyond. Details to follow for Year Round Care. 7-10 p.m. Advance reservations required. Space is limited. To receive the e-invite, please NEW JERSEY Calendar items are free. Entries should not be longer email [email protected] than 5 lines. Listings should include contact informa- JUNE 11 — Sunday, St. James Armenian Festival! 12-6 p.m. NOVEMBER 18 — Save the date. Gala banquet cele- tion. Items will be edited to fit the space, if need be. A Delicious Armenian food. Live music. Raffle. Children’s brating the 70th anniversary of the Tekeyan Cultural photo may be sent with the listing. Items should be activities. Moon bounce. Balloons. Face painting and more. Association. At the Terrace at Biagios. Details will be sent no later than Mondays at noon. On Church Grounds, 465 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown. forthcoming. Send items to [email protected].

Exploring Roma Persecution in Shoah ‘Remembrance’ Concert

Catherine Cook singing Yiddish songs written Kouyoumdjian said. “A lot of people who have For 2019, she plans to commission a work By Rob Gloster in the Vilna Ghetto. gone through genocide feel this too; they create focusing on the current refugee crisis “because Stojka, who survived the Auschwitz, artwork to express their feelings.” that mirrors what Jews experienced during the Ravensbruck and Bergen-Belsen camps, went The music is complemented with a film by Holocaust.” SAN FRANCISCO (Jewish News of Northern on to write three autobiographies that focused Syrian-Armenian projection artist Kevork “We’re extending our focus beyond the California) — The Nazis’ murder of 220,000 on Nazi persecution of Roma. She began paint- Mourad, who animated Stojka’s artwork and Holocaust itself,” Miller said. “It’s really impor- Roma, or Gypsies, has always been a historical ing at the age of 56, and her artwork was heav- synched it to the music. tant today that Music of Remembrance is not anecdote overshadowed by the extermination ily based on depiction of the death camps, Miller said this year’s focus on Roma will be just an organization for Jews talking to Jews, of 6 million Jews in the Holocaust. where her father and one of her five brothers followed in 2018, Music of Remembrance’s 20th it’s about moral lessons.” Mina Miller, president and artistic director of were killed. She died in 2013. anniversary, by pieces focusing on the World Kouyoumdjian supports such a change. “We Music of Remembrance, wanted to focus on the Miller, who founded the Seattle-based non- War II experiences of Japanese and Japanese still have genocide happening today, so this is a persecution of Roma and decided it would be profit Music of Remembrance, said she felt it Americans. One work will be about internment conversation that continues. Anything that best told through the artwork and writings of was time to focus on the plight of Gypsies, who in the US and two pieces will be based on texts gives listeners a connection to history is incred- Ceija Stojka, an Austrian Roma who survived like Jews were deemed racially inferior by the from victims of the atomic bombings. ibly important.” internment at three concentration camps. Nazis and targeted for extinction. Miller was at a concert by the Kronos Quartet Last year, Miller, the daughter of Holocaust at UC Santa Barbara in December 2015 when refugees who lost all their family members, com- she heard Silent Cranes, a multimedia work by missioned an opera by Jake Heggie that was Summer Armenian Course Offered in Venice composer Mary Kouyoumdjian commemorat- based on the writings of a Polish dissident and VENICE, Italy — The intensive summer course of Armenian Language and Culture offered ing the centennial of the Armenian Genocide. a gay man. “When you think about the victims by the Association Padus-Araxes in collaboration with the Studium Marcianum of Venice, Miller knew she had found the right person of the Holocaust — the 6 million Jews, the gays, will take place from August 1 to 18, with an examination on August 19. Students should to create a piece about the Roma, but at first the Gypsies, political dissidents, journalists — arrive on July 30 or 31 and depart on August 20 or 21. Bay Area native Kouyoumdjian was reluctant to it’s been the goal of Music of Remembrance Applications must be submitted personally and in writing. A phone number and email take on the commission. Once she discovered from the beginning to illuminate not just the address must be included. Applicants must be 18 and over. Stojka’s work, she changed her mind. tragedy of the Jews but others as well,” she The course has four levels, from beginner to the proficient speakers. Lessons take place “I didn’t really feel comfortable writing a said. Kouyoumdjian, an Armenian American from Monday to Friday five hours a day in the morning. Attendance is compulsory. Various piece about the Roma in the Holocaust because who grew up in Pleasant Hill and now is work- cultural and leisure activities and excursions will be offered parallel to the language course: that’s not the community that I’m from,” ing toward her doctorate in music composition tour of the Mekhitarist Monastery of St. Lazarus and visit to Armenian sites in Venice; lec- Kouyoumdjian, 34, said in an interview from at Columbia University, is a big fan of Roma tures on issues concerning Armenian History, Linguistics and Culture (the program will be her home in Brooklyn, NY. “But I was comfort- music and said it’s similar to Armenian tunes. available by the end of January). In addition, free lessons on Armenian dance and duduk able writing about another artist. I really con- Her 26-minute piece based on Stojka’s art- will be offered to those interested. nected with her writings, and especially her work, “to open myself, to scream,” is scored for The tuition is 790 euros ($887), with 500 euros sent as down payment. paintings.” violin, cello, bass, clarinet and trumpet. It Checks should be made out to Associazione Padus-Araxes, and mailed to: Assoc. Padus- Kouyoumdjian’s composition, in a program includes live music and an electronic track Araxes c/o Centro di Documentazione della Cultura Armena, Loggia del Temanza, Corte titled “Mirror of Memory,” was performed recorded by the musicians, the latter symboliz- Zappa, Dorsoduro1602, I-30123 Venezia (Italia). Wednesday, May 24, at the San Francisco ing a survivor’s reflections on the past. All checks must have the cover of the bank and transferred to an associated Italian Bank. Conservatory of Music — three days after the With Stojka, “There’s this constant burden of For further information, send an e-mail to . world premiere in Seattle. The program includ- a horrific past. She’s sort of exploring these ed San Francisco Opera mezzo-soprano horrific things that make no sense,” 18 S ATURDAY, M AY 2 7 , 2 0 1 7 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMENTARY

COMMENTARY Mirror Erdogan Exports His Terror Tactics Spectator To Washington The latter included Yezidis, Kurds and Armenians, who have been By Edmond Y. Azadian historically — and still are currently — at the receiving end of Turkish brutality. As long as Erdogan remained on his sultan’s throne in Ankara, EstablishedEstablished 1932 1932 Most of the time, the US media, politicians and the general pub- his actions were of little concern, but once he revealed his true An ADLAn Publication ADL Publication lic have a myopic view of world affairs outside of America’s bor- face on American soil, members of the House and Senate and ders. Facts and statements about Turkey’s brutal tactics domes- even State Department officials could not remain silent. tically and its international actions leave many Americans indif- The most undiplomatic reaction came from Sen. John McCain ferent. They feel secure and content when they hear that Turkey (R-Ariz.), who proclaimed: “This is the United States of America.

EDITOR is our “trusted ally.” Any action or misconduct of the Turkish gov- We do not do this here. There is no excuse for this kind of thug- Alin K. Gregorian ernment is of no grave concern. The media, in its turn, feeds this gish behavior.” He also called for the expulsion of the Turkish disconnect, which in other parts of the world may end up costing ambassador. ASSISTANT EDITOR the lives of thousands of innocent citizens. Incidentally, the legislature in Texas this week passed a resolu- Aram Arkun This attitude was prevalent in the US until Turkish President tion recognizing the Armenian Genocide. Most probably as a

ART DIRECTOR Recep Tayyip Erdogan showed up in Washington this past week rebuke to Erdogan’s arrogance. Marc Mgrditchian with his macho demeanor to trample on the constitutional rights Realizing that there was no room left for diplomatic niceties, of US citizens and export his terror tactics to American soil. The the State Department also threw down the gauntlet. In its state- long-anticipated Erdogan trip to Washington concluded in failure ment, it condemned the attack as an assault on free speech, and with its fallout evident on the streets of this city. warned Turkey that this action would not be tolerated. “We are The chief item on the Turkish agenda for Erdogan’s visit was communicating our concern to the Turkish government in the SENIOR EDITORIAL COLUMNIST: the demand to stop US military support to Kurds in Syria fight- strongest possible terms,” said Heather Nauert, State Department Edmond Y. Azadian ing the Islamic State. Throughout the Syrian crisis, the US admin- spokeswoman. istration had realized that the most effective and trustworthy House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Edward R. Roy (R- CONTRIBUTORS: fighting force against the Caliphate in Raqqa was the Kurds, Calif.) said, “agents of foreign governments should never be Florence Avakian, Dr. Haroutiun whereas Erdogan virtually was the godfather of the Islamic State. immune from prosecution for felonious behavior.” In a letter to Arzoumanian, Taleen Babayan, Diana Thus, the US policy to rely on the Kurds — at least at this stage Attorney General Jeff Sessions, he urged a quick inquiry and fil- Der Hovanessian, Philip Ketchian, Kevork Keushkerian, Harut Sassounian, of the war — ran counter to Erdogan’s policies. Despite many arm- ing “appropriate charges” before the security officers leave the Hagop Vartivarian, Naomi Zeytoonian twisting tactics, Ankara was unable to dissuade the Trump country. Administration. Erdogan’s trip to Washington was the last and In its turn, the Erdogan government blamed the US for not pro- CORRESPONDENTS: most desperate step in that policy, which led to complete failure. viding “appropriate security,” and again resorted to cheap shots, Armenia - Hagop Avedikian Notwithstanding the lavish mutual praise, the Trump characterizing the protestors as PKK sympathizers. Ankara also Boston - Nancy Kalajian Administration did not budge, and instead Mr. Erdogan’s anger summoned the US ambassador to lodge its protest. New York/New Jersey - Marylynda was manifested in the streets of Washington. Contrary to his usual practice of shooting from the hip, Bozian-Cruickshank Berlin - Muriel Mirak-Weissbach Every visit that Mr. Erdogan pays to Washington turns into a President Donald Trump maintained complete silence, perhaps

Contributing Photographers: Jacob Demirdjian and Jirair Hovsepian

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© 2014 The Armenian Mirror-Spectator Periodical Class Postage Paid at Boston, MA and additional mailing offices. spectacle. Last year, his speech at the Brookings Institute ended believing that the fight has been relegated to the State ISSN 0004-234X up in a brawl. His attempt to deliver a eulogy at Muhammad Ali’s Department. funeral turned out to be a bitter disappointment, and he left the But the Boston Globe did not find that unusual silence justifi- POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The US unceremoniously. able and in an editorial column titled “Trump’s Shameful Silence Armenian Mirror-Spectator, 755 Mount Auburn This year’s visit became more lurid as his anger was channeled on Turkish Protest,” the paper blasted the president. It declared, St., Watertown, MA 02472 through his bodyguards into a fight against dissent in the land of “President Trump has nothing to say after Turkish security Other than the editorial, views and opinions freedom. guards violently attacked protestors, who were peacefully demon- expressed in this newspaper do not necessarily Many heads of state visit the US, and sometimes they are con- strating in Washington. That’s reprehensible — but not a surprise, reflect the policies of the publisher. fronted with hostile demonstrations. However, they seldom abandon given Trump’s personal contempt for First Amendment rights.” their dignity to engage in altercations with the demonstrators. Although Erdogan’s visit did not yield much for his country, his A veteran Turkish journalist, Cengiz Candar, writing a column true face brought home the message about Erdogan’s domestic in Turkey Pulse, described Erdogan’s failed visit to Washington as policies, which oppress millions of people in Turkey. As if that Copying for other than personal use or “the mountain gave birth to a mouse.” But the diplomatic scan- were not enough, he also attempted to impose his dictatorial rule internal reference is prohibited without dal proved to be bigger than a mouse. Two demonstrations over US citizens. express permission of the copyright protesting his visit ended in bloody clashes. The one on May 16 This visit provided a true lesson for American politicians and owner. Address requests for reprints or back issues to: in front of the Turkish ambassador’s residence concluded with the media by forcing them to directly deal with the consequences nine people sent to the hospital, and triggered a barrage of accu- of Erdogan’s brutality. It also is a lesson for American citizens, sations between American and Turkish officials. whose indifference silently condones the violence to millions of Baikar Association, Inc. Video clips caught Erdogan watching the melee and even order- innocent people committed by governments that are supported 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472- ing his secret service men to attack the peaceful demonstrators. by the US. 1509 S ATURDAY, M AY 2 7 , 2 0 1 7 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 19 COMMENTARY

(AR), Mike Lee (UT), and Ted Cruz (TX) issued a joint state- In 2009, then-Prime Minister Erdogan’s security members ment demanding an immediate apology from the Turkish were involved in a brawl with President Obama’s Secret government. Service agents. Condemnatory statements were also issued by: Senate In 2011, Erdogan’s bodyguards broke the ribs of a United Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (Dem.-NY), Sen. Sheldon Nations security guard, during an attack at the U.N. head- My Turn Whitehouse (Dem.-RI), Sen. Jack Reed (Dem.-RI), Sen. Ben quarters in New York City. Cardin (Dem.-MD), Sen. Patrick Leahy (Dem.-VT), and Sen. In 2014, Turkish security in New York threatened and By Harut Sassounian Ben Sasse (Rep.-NEB). pushed around journalists working for a newspaper unfriend- House Foreign Relations Committee chairman Ed Royce ly to Erdogan. sent a letter to Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Attorney In 2015, during a visit to Brussels, President Erdogan’s Erdogan’s Guards Beating General Jeff Sessions stating: “Agents of foreign governments security guard attacked a Belgian government bodyguard. Protesters Reinforces ‘Terrible should never be immune from prosecution for felonious In February 2016, President Erdogan’s bodyguards behavior.” assaulted three women who were protesting his speech at Turk’ Image Several other House members also issued statements con- the National Institute of Higher Studies in Quito, Uruguay. demning the Turkish attack: Don Breyer (Dem.-VA), Devin The Turkish security members also broke the nose of an Armenians and non-Armenians alike were saddened and Nunes (Rep.-CA), Adam Schiff (Dem.-CA), Steny Hoyer (Dem.- Ecuadorian Parliament member who was trying to inter- outraged seeing videos of the attack on 11 protesters who MD), Frank Pallone (Dem.-NJ), Dave Trott (Rep.-MI), David vene. Erdogan arrogantly justified the attack: “Appropriate were injured after being hit, kicked and choked by President Valadao (Rep.-CA), Brad Sherman (Dem.-CA), James responses will always be taken to handle these disrespectful Erdogan’s security guards in front of the Turkish Embassy in McGovern (Dem.-MA), Jim Costa (Dem.-CA), Zoe Lofgren people.” Rosana Alvarado, deputy speaker of Ecuador’s Washington, DC, on May 16. Regrettably, several thousand (Dem.-CA), Ron DeSantis (Rep.-FL), Tulsi Gabbard (Dem.-HI), Parliament, responded: “We don’t want to see Erdogan in Turks shamelessly sent tweets expressing their joy that Ted Deutch (Dem.-FL), and District of Columbia Delegate our country again!” Armenians, Assyrians, Kurds, Greeks and Yezidis were blood- Eleanor Holmes Norton. In March 2016, President Erdogan’s security attacked jour- ied by Turkish thugs. Former US Ambassador to the UN, Samantha Power, nalists and protesters outside the Brookings Institution in This vicious brawl has done more damage to the image of tweeted: “Clearly Erdogan’s guards feel complete impunity, Washington, where the Turkish leader was invited to give a Turkey in the United States and around the world than any drawing on tools of repression they use at home and know- speech. other brutality recently committed by Turkish soldiers, police ing he has their back, no matter what.” After listing some of the aforementioned attacks, National or security guards inside Turkey. Turkish denialists con- In addition, both the Mayor and Police Chief of Review Online columnist Tom Rogan concluded: “As stantly complain that Armenian “propaganda” on the Washington, DC, condemned the brutal attack in the Erdogan centralizes power and attacks his opponents, the Armenian Genocide has stained the reputation of Turks nation’s Capital, shortly after President Erdogan met with TPPD [Turkish Presidential Protection Department] has worldwide, ignoring the fact that Turks have tarnished their President Trump in the White House. morphed from law enforcement into suited thuggery.” own image by committing a heinous mass crime. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson told Fox News that the It will take a long time for Turkey to recover the flood of In fact, the May 16 attack by Turkish goons on peaceful Turkish attack is “simply unacceptable” and is under investi- negative publicity in hundreds of US newspapers, TV sta- protesters has done more to reinforce the ‘”Terrible Turk” gation. Turkey’s Ambassador to Washington, Serdar Kilic, tions, and websites, including a devastating editorial in the image than anything Armenians or others could have done. was summoned to the State Department by Under Secretary Washington Post. Anders Corr writing in Forbes magazine The Turkish government spends millions of dollars each year of State Thomas Shannon. The State Department issued a suggested that “next time Turkey comes to town, mobilize to pay public relations firms to present Turkey in the best statement condemning the Turkish government “in the the riot police to corral Erdogan’s thuggish security if they possible light. However, the latest incident, which was con- strongest possible terms.” The Wall Street Journal reported get out of hand.” In an editorial, the New York Times aptly demned by many members of Congress and covered widely that the State Department “is exploring ways to block mem- described the May 16 attack: “The enduring image of Mr. by the mass media, has blackened the reputation of Turkey bers of Erdogan’s security detail from re-entering the United Erdogan’s visit will not be the pomp at the White House but and its autocratic President Erdogan to such an extent that States.” This is the least the US government should do! that of his security guards and other supporters beating up even $100 million spent on public relations cannot undo the Amazingly, Amb. Kilic was quoted as telling a police officer protesters outside the Turkish ambassador’s residence.” damage inflicted on their image. who was trying to break up the fight, “you cannot touch us,” Erdogan’s security exhibited their typical criminal behav- Here are some of the critical comments made by Members referring to the possible diplomatic immunity granted to ior in front of the whole world. They behaved in the United of Congress: some of the Turkish guards. Incredibly, the Turkish Foreign States the way they behave routinely in Turkey! Sen. John McCain (Rep.-AZ), Chairman of Senate Armed Ministry summoned the US ambassador in Ankara to com- Two Turkish journalists, writing in the independent Al- Services Committee, told ABC Nightly News and MSNBC: plain about the behavior of Washington, DC, police. Monitor website, correctly characterized the recent ugly “We should throw [Turkey’s] Ambassador the hell out of the The most serious aspect of this attack was the fact that incidents with Erdogan’s bodyguards: “The Washington United States of America!” President Erdogan was video-taped by Voice of America visit ended with scenes making a mockery of Turkey’s In addition, Sen. McCain and Sen. Dianne Feinstein (Dem.- (Turkish news service) directing his security detail to attack image,” wrote Fehim Tastekin. Pinar Tremblay added: CA), Ranking Democrat on the Senate Intelligence the protesters, according to the Washington Post. “Erdogan’s security personnel are notorious for attacking Committee, sent a joint letter to President Erdogan asking Regrettably, this is not the first time President Erdogan’s protesters all around the globe, thus presenting a brutal for an apology. bodyguards have gotten involved in beating or threatening face of Turkey that no anti-Turkey lobby could accom- Four Republican Senators: Marco Rubio (FL), Tom Cotton individuals during his overseas trips. plish in one day.”

A Reply to Jane Buchanan’s Article, ‘Armenia Should Prioritize Children over Orphanages’

(Editor’s Note: This past week Jane their biological families. But, when a parent either Buchanan appears to advocate for the denial of environment is assumed to be “better” than insti- Buchanan of Human Rights Watch wrote an cannot, or will not, raise their own child, should the humanitarian aid to Armenia’s most needy and tutional life. It is irresponsible and potentially article about the arrest of the director of the children be abandoned or subjected to worse living most socially vulnerable child population, writing physically and emotionally harmful to insist that Marie Izmirlyan orphanage in Yerevan. Her col- conditions at an orphanage? The idea that human- that, “Supporting closed institutions is not only children be reunified with their families “immedi- umn is at itarian organizations like SOAR are abdicating their wasteful, but harmful to children.” Wasteful? ately and under all circumstances.” Such efforts https://www.hrw.org/news/2017/05/21/arm child protection responsibilities by providing dia- Harmful? Her failure to grasp the practical reality of may accomplish the basic task of “reunifying,” enia-should-prioritize-children-over-orphanages) pers, food, hygienic conditions, and renovated bath- Armenia’s social system is as astounding as it is dis- but may also expose the child to the same (or rooms, is as absurd as it is insulting. appointing. Some children will be institutionalized worse) conditions that necessitated the original By George Yacoubian Jr. Ms. Buchanan also erroneously assumes that permanently, not because of ignorance or neglect, institutionalization. humanitarian organizations do not offer initia- but because of their physical condition. Armenian’s social system is complex. Some chil- The column by Jane Buchanan was factually tives that assist both the residential facilities and Buchanan writes that, “the government and dren are healthy, but institutionalized because of incorrect and misleading on several key points. facilitate reunifications and family empowerment. donors instead should help families to care for social problems; other children have disabilities so Ms. Buchanan writes that, “. . . children with SOAR, for example, not only assist orphanages their children by moving services out of institu- severe that institutionalization is the only alterna- disabilities frequently end up in orphanages and several boarding schools, but supports sever- tions and into communities where families can tive; while others have a combination of these because the government and many donors pour al day centers to address the potential for institu- access them. It’s economically more efficient. But issues. Reflexively advocating for one “deinstitu- money into these institutions, instead of support- tionalization among high-risk youth and provides more importantly, it protects children from the tionalization” approach in a world of child diversity ing families and developing services in communi- services through its SCOH (Services to Children harms of institutionalization.” What’s most disap- abdicates the very responsibility that child protec- ties.” This cause and effect relationship she sug- in their Own Homes) Program to families whose pointing about Buchanan’s representations and tion demands. Whether the underlying issue is dis- gests – that “children with disabilities frequently children have recently been deinstitutionalized, to positions is the wholesale lack of any empirical ability, poverty, domestic violence, malnutrition, end up in orphanages because . . . ” – is flawed address the potential for reinstitutionalization. evidence to support her contentions. Her position poor hygiene, sexual abuse, the risk of trafficking, and perplexing. No evidence was offered to sup- Buchanan writes that, “Families face an impos- is strong on rhetoric, but light on substance. The parental alcoholism, or a combination, children will port this contention, almost certainly because sible choice: place their child in an orphanage question is simple: what if a child, because of unquestionably suffer more harm when the system none exists. with the hope of getting them health, rehabilita- his/her condition, must be institutionalized? fails to address these issues prior to reunification. In 2005, the Society for Orphaned Armenian tion, and other services, or keep the child at Under Buchanan’s rubric, there would be no Sometimes, families may want to raise their special Relief (SOAR, www.soar-us.org) was founded to pro- home, without access to such services.” This institutional options. needs child, but cannot because of practical limita- vide humanitarian relief to orphaned Armenian chil- statement erroneously assumes, first, that all par- Within the past several years, deinstitutional- tions to their skills and the child’s needs. As an orga- dren. Ms. Buchanan offers no examples of “donors ents want to raise their children, a flawed abso- ization of Armenia’s boarding schools and nization whose mission is to provide humanitarian pouring money,” but let’s assume that SOAR is one lute with no empirical support, and second, that orphanages has gained momentum as one signif- assistance to orphaned Armenian children and such “donor.” When we started SOAR in 2005, we all children can be cared for at home. icant step toward family reunification. The orphaned Armenian adults with disabilities, SOAR wanted to create an organization whose mission, Unfortunately, there are some disabilities that Armenian government, SOAR, and other domes- knows firsthand that Armenia’s residential child- primarily, advanced child protection. Only narrow required institutionalization. The children at Mari tic and international non-government organiza- care institutions, while not without areas of minds reflexively advance the argument that all chil- Izmirlyan Orphanage, Kharberd Orphanage, and tions (NGOs) recognize that, all conditions being improvement, absolutely provide food, clean cloth- dren must be returned to their biological families, Children’s Home of Gyumri house these children equal, children usually enjoy better long-term out- ing, hot water, indoor plumbing, access to educa- regardless of the specific circumstances. There are because their families are simply ill-equipped to comes when raised by their biological families. tion, and emotional support to the children under no absolutes in child protection, nor should there rear them. That situation is not a by-product of That said, the desire to reunify should not be their care. The assumption that they do not is mis- be. Family situations in Armenia, and elsewhere, are ignorance or malfeasance, but simply a product of incorporated into Armenia’s social policy as an guided. routinely impacted by micro-level poverty, social the world in which we live: that the more fortu- absolute maxim. SOAR cannot, and we hope (George S. Yacoubian, Jr., Ph.D., LL.M. is the stigma, and state challenges. No one disputes that, nate have a moral obligation to provide support other NGOs will not, reflexively demand reunifi- founder and executive board chairman of Society all things being equal, children should be raised by for the helpless. cation (quickly or at all) simply because a home for Orphaned Armenian Relief [SOAR]) 20 S ATURDAY, M AY 2 7 , 2 0 1 7 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR

speech, then the First Amendment isn’t working. And let’s not forget — as Mr. Erdogan surely has not — that Mr. Trump’s rallies Cold Turkey when he ran for president were marred by the violent removal of protesters on sev- eral occasions. There’s even a lawsuit against Mr. Trump and his campaign claiming that Mr. Trump incited the violence. Mr. Trump’s lawyers have claimed that the candidate’s A Violent Attack on Kurdish Protesters own free speech rights would be violated by a verdict against him. They’ve also claimed that the campaign had the right to exclude the protesters, possibly by force. Must Be Investigated The Turkish attack sends the message that Mr. Erdogan believes Mr. Trump is just like him and that the U.S. is therefore just like Turkey when it comes to suppressing URING Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s visit to dissent. That’s the message that needs to be refuted, and fast. Washington, his “bodyguards” viciously beat and kicked Kurdish That requires a full investigation. D.C. police on the spot were outnumbered and protesters outside the Turkish Embassy. It happened on a busy managed to arrest just two people, although nine were reported injured and a police news day, to say the least, officer was assaulted. We don’t know whether those arrested were the Turkish around the time of the reve- assailants or not. lation that President By Noah Feldman That’s woefully inadequate. On video, several people, definitely more than two, can Donald Trump had asked be seen committing criminal assault. D the FBI director to stop In general, D.C. police are loath to get involved in prosecuting foreign security per- investigating a former national security adviser’s ties to Russia. sonnel who are working at foreign embassies. The diplomatic consequences are too But this shameful episode shouldn’t be allowed to escape analysis and serious follow- tricky. up. Federal law enforcement must investigate and, if possible, criminally charge the For that reason, this investigation needs be taken over by federal authorities. The bodyguards — who should not be allowed to hide behind diplomatic immunity. perpetrators have to be identified from the video and criminally charged. Here’s why the attack is so significant: It fundamentally erodes the First Even if the guards have now been repatriated to Turkey, there is symbolic value in Amendment value of peaceful protest, right in the nation’s capital. In the United indicting them on assault charges. At minimum, they would not be able to return to States, the protesters have every right to speak out on behalf of Kurdish rights — or the U.S. any other topic they want to trumpet. Diplomatic immunity should not be allowed to cover up the intentional use of vio- In Turkey, free-speech rights for Kurds have always been very weak. For years, the lence to suppress First Amendment-protected free speech. That’s intervention in U.S. Kurdish language itself was banned. As part of the Turkish effort to assimilate Kurds domestic affairs. In case the bodyguards are considered diplomats, Turkey can be while destroying their identity, Kurds were referred to officially as “mountain Turks.” pressured to waive immunity for the guards. Peaceful advocates for Kurdish rights have long been accused of terrorism, even Would an investigation cause a diplomatic incident between the U.S. and Turkey, when they had nothing to do with the PKK, the Kurdish group that in some histor- which remains a key NATO ally despite recent tensions? If the answer is yes, the ical periods did use terrorism to assert its claim to autonomy or independence. blame should rest with the Turkish side, not the U.S. The Turks were the ones run- Mr. Erdogan’s men acted just as they would have in Turkey, where Kurds have lit- ning amok. That has consequences — or at least it should in a rule-of-law democracy. tle or no legal protection from government forces. If federal law enforcement does not announce an investigation, that will also be The other important piece of context is the day-by-day erosion of free speech in read as a sign, domestically and globally. It will signal that the U.S. either doesn’t Turkey under Mr. Erdogan. Not only Kurds, but also all other opposition voices, are have the courage to defend its principles, or else that the Trump administration being curtailed. Thousands of journalists, lawyers, judges and others have been jailed embraces Mr. Erdogan’s tactics and anti-Kurdish policies. since the attempted coup against Mr. Erdogan last year. Inaction would itself be a diplomatic incident, with consequences far more serious The actions of Mr. Erdogan’s men would need to be addressed under any circum- than investigation and prosecution. stances. But it’s especially important now because the U.S. is at its own important juncture with respect to violence and free speech. For example, on university cam- puses, violence has silenced some speakers and the threat of violence has led to can- (Noah Feldman is a Bloomberg View columnist and a professor of constitutional celed events like Ann Coulter’s at Berkeley. If violence is allowed to limit or block and international law at Harvard University.)