OCTOBER 29, 2011 MirTHE rARoMENr IAN -Spe ctator Volume LXXXII, NO. 16, Issue 4210 $ 2.00 NEWS IN BRIEF The First English Language Armenian Weekly in the United States Philanthropists Sued by Sargisian Man Convicted of Swindling Them Praises Close LINCOLN, Mass. — K. George Najarian and Carolann Najarian, MD, philanthropists, are being Relations with sued in a civil court by Grigor Igityan, the man con - victed of swindling them of both property and money. Igityan was convicted on all counts in the Russia criminal courts after more than eight years of hear - ings, trials and appeals up to the highest court in MOSCOW (Armenia Now) — President Armenia. He is now serving out his prison sentence Serge Sargisian’s first three-day state visit in jail. to Russia last week once more confirmed From jail, Igityan has launched a civil suit that relations with Russia “have gone through the Kentron Court of First Intention, beyond positive-friendly and are developing Yerevan, against the Najarians. He is claiming dam - in the realm of friendly partnership and ages for financial losses he reportedly sustained strategic relations,” the president said. due to being tried and convicted for crimes he had Many in Armenia, however, have concerns committed. In addition to the court case, the whether those words match reality. Najarians’ properties have been attached by the The president said that from the first day court. This is unprecedented in legal practice not of his visit the Armenian delegation could only in Armenia, but elsewhere. feel the pointedly warm attitude, which is According to the Najarians’ attorneys in the first evidence of Armenian-Russian rela - Armenia, all demands made in Igityan’s claim have tions as allies. been resolved through multiple court decisions in “It is an answer to all those who are try - the criminal case brought against him. The evi - ing to drive a wedge between the two coun - dence to substantiate these decisions against tries. We reaffirmed today that such Igityan was confirmed by the highest court there. attempts are futile. The Armenian-Russian strategic partnership has a strong historic ground and is actively developing in accor - Azerbaijan Gets UN The number of participants in the St. Giragos Church re-consecration service dance with both countries’ interests that exceeded 2,000, with groups of Armenian pilgrims from Istanbul, the US, Security Council Seat are aimed at the future and are important Armenia, Holland, Germany, Syria and Lebanon present. to both peoples.” UNITED NATIONS (AP) — Azerbaijan received the Sargisian’s visit has a full agenda: on the two-thirds support of UN member states needed for second day, Monday, the leaders of Armenia Pilgrims from the Eastern Diocese Take Part a Security Council seat Monday after its lead com - and Russia had a meeting at the Kremlin, petitor, Slovenia, dropped out. followed by the signing of a number of doc - In Consecration in Dikranakert Azerbaijan and Slovenia went into a second day uments. of balloting on October 24 after each failed to get “We are holding large-scale negotiations DIARBEKIR, Turkey — Last week Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the two-thirds majority needed from the General the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), led a group of Assembly for the sole eastern European seat on the Diocesan leaders on a pilgrimage to the city of Diarbekir (Dikranakert), where UN’s most powerful body. they took part in the October 22 re-consecration of the historic St. Giragos The Slovenian representative announced his Armenian Church. country was withdrawing after losing the 17th The group, which included the Diocese’s ecumenical director, Archbishop round to Azerbaijan by a 77-116 vote. In the final Vicken Aykazian, was scheduled to travel to the historic Armenian region of Van round, Azerbaijan got 155 votes, Slovenia 13 and as well, but the earthquake in that region on Sunday afternoon caused a cancel - Hungary one, with 24 countries abstaining. lation of those plans. Four of the 15-member council’s five new mem - see PILGRIMAGE, page 9 bers were chosen more easily on Friday: Pakistan, Morocco, Guatemala and Togo. Security Council seats are coveted because they give countries a strong voice in matters dealing President Dmitry Medvedev (right) meets More than 500 Die in Turkey Quake with international peace and security. with his Armenian counterpart Serge The new makeup puts Pakistan on the council Sargisian in Moscow. Van Rocked, No News from was damaged. alongside its regional rival, India, which like As of early Monday, more than 500 Colombia, Germany, Portugal and South Africa, is Surb Khatch Church deaths were reported, however officials serving a two-year term that wraps up at the end of both privately and publicly. We have cov - VAN (Combined sources) — As casualty expect to learn of more as the debris from 2012. They will also serve with the five permanent, ered all the topics on both bilateral and figures are rising, following Sunday’s 7.1- at least 25 apartment buildings is searched. veto-wielding members: China, France, Russia, regional as well as economic and military- magnitude earthquake in Van, Armenians It is also reported that 55 buildings had col - Britain and the United States. technical cooperation,” said Russian worldwide await information on whether lapsed in Ercis, on Lake Van’s northern The five new members replace Bosnia and President Dmitry Medvedev. damage done to the city — some 130 miles shore. A large portion of the known dead Herzegovina, Brazil, Gabon, Lebanon and Nigeria. During their joint press conference the from Yerevan — included historic sites from were from Ercis. The fate of many villages Because ballots are secret, multiple rounds of two presidents also talked about economic the time when Van was home to about in the area is yet unknown, as rescue has votes are common in Security Council elections. cooperation. 185,000 Armenians (as estimated by the been hampered by debris blocking roads. “Russia has been and will remain our Armenian Patriarchate). No news has yet (The city of Van has an official population number one trade and economic partner,” emerged on whether Surb Khatch (Holy of about 370,000, however the figure is dis - said Sargisian, stressing that Russian Cross) Church on the island of Akhtamar — puted and the unofficial estimate is as high INSI DE investments in Armenia currently reach $3 a hallowed shrine to the Armenian faith as 600,000.) see RUSSIA, page 2 that sits on the north shore of Lake Van — see QUAKE, page 20 Lemkin on European Court of Human Rights Rules In Favor of Genocide Scholar Akçam Genocide page 14 STRASBOURG, France — On the European Convention on Armenian Genocide. A close Tuesday, October 25, the Human Rights. friend to the late Hrant Dink, European Court of Human Akçam, the holder of the the Turkish-Armenian journalist Rights ruled that the Turkish Kaloosdian/Mugar Chair for assassinated in January 2007, INDEX government’s prosecution, the Study of Modern Armenian Akçam knows all too well the under Article 301 of its penal History and Armenian Genocide dangers of speaking about this Arts and Living ...... 14 Armenia ...... 2, 3 code, with respect to Dr. Taner at Clark University in Worcester, taboo subject in Turkey. Before Community News...... 5 Akçam’s public views on the Mass., became the target of he was gunned down in broad Editorial ...... 18 Armenian Genocide, violated threats and harassment for daylight, Hrant Dink was also International ...... 4 Akçam’s right to freedom of expressing his views and pub - prosecuted under Article 301. Taner Akçam expression under Article 10 of lishing his findings on the see AKÇAM , page 4 2 S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 29, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARMENIA News From Armenia Soccer Coach Sees More Glory

YEREVAN (RFE/RL) — Vartan cause. Football now has the same The current Armenian team was built Youth from Armenia, Minasian, the head coach of Armenia’s power, judging from what is happening by Minasian around several young play - national soccer team, expressed delight in our republic and the diaspora.” ers plying their trade in foreign clubs. Karabagh, Azerbaijan to at a nationwide jubilation sparked by In terms of style, Armenia is probably The most prominent of them are the 22- its surprisingly strong performance in the most potentially exciting side to year-old attacking midfielder Henrik Compose Music the qualifying campaign for the 2012 emerge since Denmark in the early Mkhitarian of the Ukrainian champions YEREVAN (news.am) — The European Integration European Football Championship earli - 1980s,” a football commentator for Shakhtar Donetsk and Yura Movsisian, NGO, in cooperation with US Embassy in Armenia, er this month. In a recent interview, he Britain’s The Guardian daily wrote the 24-year-old US-Armenian striker launched the Together Project. also sounded optimistic about its ahead of the team’s last qualifier playing for Russia’s FC Krasnodar. Poets, composers, designers, photographers and future, saying that the squad will be against the Republic of Ireland that was Minasian said they will be joined by a artists from Armenia, Azerbaijan and Nagorno- bolstered by more young and promising played in Dublin on October 11. new and younger generation of players Karabagh will work on creating a song, a motto and players in the coming years. Armenia needed a victory to finish in the near future. “When I look at our a video during the next nine months with the aim “I don’t know what will happen in second and make the playoffs, but they Under-21, Under-19 and Under-17 of achieving an understanding amongst each other. the future,” said Minasian. “But I can controversially lost 2-1. The Irish scored teams, I can see that a new generation Young people who have been active in music and promise one thing. Each of us — foot - twice after Armenian goalkeeper [of footballers] is coming up and … in other creative fields during the past three years can ballers, coaches and managers — will do Roman Berezovsky was wrongly sent around five years from now we will participate in the contest. The outcome will be a our best and work in a professional off by Spanish referee Eduardo have fewer problems because three or song created by young people from the three manner. Gonzalez. The latter compounded his four players will be competing for each republics. “I can’t tell for sure how it all will error by allowing the play to continue position,” he explained. end. But I’m optimistic. Doing a partic - when it appeared Irish striker Simon “When you have more choice, you ular job without optimism is meaning - Cox handled the ball moments before also get a better quality.” Armenia’s Yerevan and Paris less.” the goalkeeper was wrongly adjudged next soccer adventure will begin in the Armenia, which was not even in the to have done so outside his area. fall of 2012 with the start of the quali - Mayors Sign Agreement top 100 in the world team rankings in The Football Federation of Armenia fication campaign for the 2014 World YEREVAN (Armenpress) — Wrapping up the meet- the not-so-distant past, finished third in (FFA) has filed an official protest to Cup in Brazil. Minasian’s side was ing at Yerevan Mayor’s Office, Yerevan Mayor Karen Group B of the Euro 2012 qualifying UEFA, European soccer’s governing drawn into an arguably stronger group Karapetyan and Paris Mayor Bertrand Delanoe campaign that comprised six teams, body. It wants UEFA to cancel comprising European football power - signed an agreement on friendship and cooperation including the more highly-rated Russia, Berezovsky’s red card, rather than houses such as Italy, Denmark and the between the two cities. Ireland and Slovakia. In what was its replay the game or even punish the ref - Czech Republic. Minasian acknowl - Delanoe noted that the Yerevan meetings were best performance to date, it won five of eree. Minasian agreed with the FFA’s edged the enormity of the next task fac - held in a familial atmosphere and that the family the 10 qualifiers, drew two others and stance. “We can’t even talk about hav - ing his young charges and the burden has enlarged with the presence of the participants scored more goals than any of its group ing the game replayed,” he said. “The of heightened expectations weighing of the 31st assembly of Francophone. Referring to opponents. only thing we can achieve is to have upon them now. “We have very serious the signed agreement, Delanoe said that the docu- Three of those wins, including a 4-0 that red card cancelled. If they do that, work to do,” he said. ment includes interesting verges of cooperation away drabbing of Slovakia, came in they will admit that the referee made a between the two cities. “Besides our high-class cul- quick succession in September and mistake.” tural cooperation, we intend implementation of early October, sparking overnight wild Unlike furious football fans in Mining Company’s serious economic programs,” he said. celebrations on the streets of Yerevan. Armenia, the normally reserved and Karapetyan stressed in his speech that both They prompted parallels with 1973 serene coach refrained from blaming Former Director, Wife Armenian-French relations and the relations when the football club Ararat Yerevan Gonzalez for the defeat. between the two cities are at the highest level won the Soviet football championship “I have worked as coach for five or Sue Company today. “The signed document elevated our coopera- and the Soviet Cup. six years and have never commented on tion to a new qualitative level, and I am sure that The Euro 2012 campaign, which refereeing decisions and I hope I will YEREVAN (news.am) — Deno Gold after this meeting our friendly relations will be began in September 2010, has also never have to do that,” he said. Mining Company’s (DGMC) former gen - more strengthened,” said Karapetyan. resulted in a sharp increase in popular Minasian also dismissed a conspiracy eral director, Robert Falletta, and his interest in the game, which had visibly theory that UEFA decided to ensure wife and company’s former employee, declined since the Soviet collapse. Ireland’s victory at any cost to balance Farida Falletta, filed a petition, with Montreal Mayor Visits President Serge Sargisian spoke of out France striker Thierry Henry’s infa - Syunik Region’s court, demanding the “national rebirth” and held up the mous handball that cost the Irish the company pay their salaries, according to Armenia team’s players as role models in a chance of reaching the 2010 World Aravot daily. YEREVAN (Armenpress) — Montreal Mayor Gerald speech before young people last week. Cup finals. “This is just speculation and “Farida Falletta demands from the Tremblay visited Armenia where Yerevan Mayor Minasian, 37, likewise asserted that the I don’t think we should pick it up,” he company $18,000 Canadian ($17,326 Karen Karapetyan received him October 27. The run of good results has engendered a said. US) (tax-exempt and without other press service of the Yerevan mayor’s office said that spirit of national unity and pride that “If Ireland had lost in such a manner, obligatory payments) for January-June on the same day Tremblay visited the has overshadowed many problems fac - they would be calling for a replay,” he 2011, and Robert Falletta demands 52 Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complex and the ing the country. said. million drams ($139,996). Armenian Genocide Institute-Museum. “Football has a great social impact,” The Irish Independent daily wrote On February 27, Chief Operating said the coach. “It’s a social phenome - after the match. “Instead, the emotion - Officer Rick Howes of the Canadian non and we can see that now. It can al Armenian coach, Vartan Minasian, Dundee Precious Metals company, Gumri and Osasko make people forget their day-to-day delivered a brief address wishing which owns DGMC, had visited Kapan problems and rally around one idea.” Ireland good luck in the play-offs and and, on the following day, dismissed Become Sister Cities “The same happens during wars stressing how proud he was of his Robert Falletta from his duties as gen - GUMRI (Armenpress) — A delegation from Osasko, when nations rally around a common team.” eral director, according to Aravot daily. Brazil, paid a two-day visit to its sister city, Gumri, this past week. The delegation members, led by Mayor Emidio Pereira de Souza, met with the Gumri mayor. A cooperation memorandum was Sargisian Praises Armenia’s Close Ties with Russia signed as a result of the meeting. RUSSIA, from page 1 al management agreement. The con - political means,” Medvedev told a joint “The cooperation between the two cities was ini- billion, and 60 percent of foreign com - cerns grew even bigger when the news conference in the Kremlin. “In tiated last year, when Gumri Mayor Vardan panies operating in Armenia are Russian military base deployment recent years quite a lot has been done Ghukasyan gave a stone cross to Osasko, which is Russian. agreement was extended to 49 years. in that direction, including with placed at the center of the city. The first coopera- It is this extent of Russian presence “Every once in a while we should Russia’s participation.” tion between the cities will be in the sphere of in Armenia that many economists are remember that one shouldn’t keep all “I believe that we should continue to sports: a football match is intended, which will be concerned about. They periodically eggs in one basket, it doesn’t matter contribute to the negotiating process as followed by new events. In general, there are huge remind that Russia owns 80 percent of whether it’s Russia or any other coun - a co-chair of the [OSCE] Minsk Group programs,” the Gumri mayor’s spokesperson said. Armenia’s energy networks by “pennies try. It’s a threat to our sovereignty, but by organizing direct contacts with the and pressures,” having ousted Iran by we can see how that political-economic leaderships of Armenia and Artsakh Capital means of the same pressures; two of expansion continues, and not in our Azerbaijan,” he said. Armenia’s three phone operators are favor,” political scientist Stepan Medvedev has hosted as many as 10 Celebrates City Day Russian, 30 percent of the railway has Grigoryan, head of Globalization and face-to-face meetings between Sargisian been given to Russia under concession - Regional Cooperation Center, said. and Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev STEPANAKERT (PanARMENIAN.Net) — On During the visit Medvedev indicated since 2008 in a bid to get the conflict - October 8, President Bako Sahakyan of Artsakh Russia’s intention to organize further ing parties to agree on the basic princi - took part in events dedicated to the Day of high-level Armenian-Azerbaijani peace ples of a Karabagh settlement drafted Stepanakert. talks and facilitate Armenia’s transport by Russia, the United States and He, accompanied by the country’s high-ranking Omission links with the outside world after meet - France. officials, visited the traditional fair organized in A photo of the late Sarkis ing with his visiting Armenian counter - Sargisian and Aliyev came very close the capital, followed by the exhibition of pho- Soghanalian which ran on the part Serge Sargisian on Monday. to overcoming their differences at their tographs depicting old and modern Stepanakert front page of the October 22 edi - The two men discussed the unre - most recent trilateral meeting with held at the Youth and Culture Palace. tion of the Mirror-Spectator ran solved Nagorno-Karabagh conflict and Medvedev held in the Russian city of On the same day, Sahakyan attended a concert as without its photo credit. The bilateral ties on the second day of Kazan in June. The meeting did not part of the celebrations. photo was by Harry Sargisian’s state visit to Russia. yield a breakthrough, however. Koundakjian. “I am convinced that one can achieve (Radio Free Europe contributed to a just resolution of the conflict only by this report.) S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 29, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 3 ARMENIA Workers Return to Nuclear Plant after A Woman Getting Raises

YEREVAN (RFE/RL) — Dozens of employees of Armenia’s nuclear power station at Metsamor Called Mayrig who quit their jobs last week agreed to return to work on Monday after accepting a 10 percent increase in their wages offered by the govern - ment. Armenia’s Ministry of Energy and Natural At Echmiadzin Resources announced the pay rise several hours after negotiations held between employee repre - sentatives and Energy Minister Armen ECHMIADZIN — Her name was Mayrig; that is all I knew about Movsisian. the woman. She leaned up against the back of the Mother Cathedral More than 150 of them formally ceased to at Echmiadzin one bright, September day in Armenia’s Holy Land. work for Metsamor on Friday one month after People were coming and going. Seminarians were meandering demanding that the plant’s administration raise about with a priest or two their wages by 50 percent or relieve them of their in their midst. A trio of duties. They cited the dangerous character of By Tom Vartabedian costumed children was off their work and the increased cost of living. to one side by a bench, The administration and the staff agreed on a practicing a dance. They 20-30 percent pay rise during last-minute talks couldn’t have been more than 7 or 8, oblivious to the laggard held on the same day. However, the compromise woman. deal was vetoed by Movsisian’s ministry. The lat - Judging by the way she was dressed, she appeared no mercenary. ter offered a more modest wage increase that was The woman wore a long blue coat, slippers instead of shoes and a apparently discussed during Monday’s talks. kerchief. She appeared forlorn with her head pointed to the ground In a short statement, the ministry said the when I stumbled upon her presence. average wage of Metsamor’s 450-strong core staff Perhaps I was overstepping my bounds a little when I pointed a catering to the plant’s sole functioning reactor camera at her. She twitched a little when she noticed the intrusion and other key facilities will rise by 10 percent. All but remained poised for a photograph. I was working on a piece of the protesting employees, among them senior about poverty in Armenia and figured it would fit. engineers, work there. According to the plant She had a look about her that was hard to resist. A couple of Echmiadzin’s Mayrig administration, they currently earn an average of frames later, I approached her with some coins, thinking she could 277,500 drams ($740) a month. use some assistance. On the contrary, she refused the money. The employee representatives discussed the “I don’t want your money,” she said, without lifting her head. “If proposal with their colleagues before responding you wish to help me, take the money and light a candle for me. would tell me. “Let them learn to suffice on their own and become to it. “It wasn’t a particularly lavish proposal. But Perhaps God will hear your prayer and make me well. I am ill and responsible for their actions. By feeding them money, you’re taking we have accepted it in order to reduce tension,” come to Echmiadzin so I may be healed. I remain in God’s care.” away their integrity.” one of them, Karen Karapetian, said. I asked her name and she replied with homage, “I am Mayrig. You I understood the inference. This woman at Echmiadzin had integri - “Nobody is satisfied,” said another worker. can call me Mayrig.” ty, if nothing else. The sanctuary at Echmiadzin was laden with “But what can we do? We must take some steps I took her calloused hand and patted it. I couldn’t be sure of her tourists and insiders this particular day. The Mother Cathedral was for our state and our families.” age. Women in Armenia tend to look older than their actual years. resplendent with history as 1,700 years of Christianity might attest. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Energy and It was clear these hands had worked. They had changed diapers, To honor it with a candle and a prayer would take a matter of min - Natural Resources insisted through its spokes - washed clothes, prepared food and even driven a nail into a base - utes. woman, Lusine Harutiunian, that the mass walk - board when necessary. They were the hands of love, not money. I lit one candle for the well-being of my 95-year-old mother, a out did not compromise the safety of the Soviet- I honored her request. A prayer inside the sanctuary with a pletho - Genocide survivor; another for my wife and children; a third for the era plant. “There are no problems with safety, ra of lighted candles would be my pleasure. One other time, I was welfare of Armenia and the last one for the woman outside this very and it’s business as usual at the nuclear plant,” answered a similar request at Alaverdi. A street comber had asked cathedral who went by the name “Mayrig.” she said. for money and I posed a question. The candles were burning brightly that day. It was as close to Metsamor’s sole functioning reactor, which “What do you plan to do with this money?” I asked, thinking it heaven on earth as you could get. Just being there gave you the feel - generates nearly 40 percent of Armenia’s elec - would catch him off guard. ing of piety. tricity, was brought to a halt on September 5 for Instead, his answer threw me for a loop. I went back outside to look for the woman and she had disap - regular prophylactic repairs and partial refueling. “I want to buy a candle and pray for my wife,” he uttered. “She peared. My eyes followed a path in every direction with no Mayrig. It was due to be relaunched by October 21. The died last month.” No woman in a blue coat slouched over. No woman who had her ministry statement said the Metsamor reactor is He had that look of veracity on his face. I handed him a dollar and shoulders to Echmiadzin as if she were carrying the weight of an now undergoing final tests and will resume off he went. Ten minutes later, our paths crossed inside a nearby entire cathedral on her back. power generation very soon. But it gave no con - church as he hovered over a sandbox filled with burning candles, his Was she an apparition? Did God place her there to test my own crete dates. hands folded in prayer. sanctity? My photograph was all the testament I would need at this Vahram Petrosian, head of the Hayatom state- It turned out to be the best dollar I ever spent in Armenia. sacred moment. run research institute on nuclear energy, attrib - Panhandling can become a ritual in the Motherland, especially if In the days and weeks that followed, my visit to Armenia took on uted the delay to the mass resignations. “It’s an you’re a soft touch. Others more experienced had other impressions. special meaning. Besides the buildings and the sites, the glamour, unprecedented phenomenon, a totally wrong “Don’t pay any attention to beggars, especially children,” they come the people — especially those you never expect to meet. method [of struggle,]” Petrosian said, referring to the walkout. “It could lead to very bad things.” 500 Million Drams Invested in Hayastan All-Armenian Fund Continues to Help Tatev Aerial Tramway This Year Improve Education in Armenia’s Shirak Region ASHOTSK, Armenia — Hayastan All- the 1970s when Ashotsk was an industrial cen - YEREVAN (Arka) — A total of 500 million Tatev, within walking distance of the Armenian Fund has begun constructing a ter. Accordingly the town boasted a 5,000- drams have been invested in the world’s monastery, allowing tourists and visitors to brand new school in a village in Armenia’s square-meter campus, large enough for over longest aerial tramway this year built to trans - bypass a 90-minute drive on a dilapidated road Shirak Region. The project is sponsored by the 1,000 students. In time, however, Ashotsk saw port visitors to the Medieval Monastery of in and out of the Vorotan River Gorge. Fund’s French affiliate. a steady decline in population numbers while Tatev in southern Armenia, the facility’s direc - The reversible cable car line cost $18 mil - Shirak province, located in the northwest the old campus, which lacks central heating, fell tor, Tigran Kazarian, said Sunday. He said a lion, with much of the funding coming from region of Armenia, suffered notable and devas - into disrepair. Today the student population of part of the funds was used to build a lounge private donations, according to the National tating effects from the 1988 earthquake, leaving Ashotsk stands at approximately 300. and two souvenir shops. Competitiveness Foundation of Armenia, Gumri’s structures in shambles. The Fund has “Education has always been a top priority for “The residents of nearby villages may pro - which oversaw the project through its Tatev built and renovated numerous schools and resi - Ashotsk,” said Hamik Khachatryan, the vide tourists with bed and breakfast made of Revival Project. dential housing across the Shirak Region, with school’s principal. “As a rule, some 90 percent locally-produced, ecologically-clean natural The cable car travels at a speed of 37 kilo - the school in Ashotsk being its current project. of our graduates continue their studies at col - products,” he said. meters per hour (23 miles per hour) and a The future campus in Ashotsk will consist of leges and universities in Gumri or Yerevan. I am According to him, about 80 percent of one-way journey takes 11 minutes. At its four wings: two buildings for classrooms and confident that this trend will only grow follow - tourists coming to Tatev want to stay in a rural highest point over the gorge, the car travels administrative offices, a gym and a structure, ing the construction of our new school, as the house or outdoors in tents. He said the num - 320 meters (1,056 feet) above ground level. which will house an events hall. Designed to modern and well-appointed facility will certain - ber of tourists visiting the Monastery this year It has two cabins, each capable of carrying accommodate up to 360 students, the school ly inspire our students to value knowledge and has increased 12 times form last year. Kazarian up to 25 passengers. Local residents can will also feature a sizeable playground, which if learning.” said the opening of the cable car allowed to ride the cable car once a day for free while up to the children would be deemed the most “With our continued support of school-build - create 55 new jobs, and four more jobs are set others will have to pay 3,000 drams ($8). vital component of the school. ing and renovation projects throughout the to open soon. The personnel are residents of The cable car is part of a $45-million effort With earthwork completed and the founda - regions of Armenia and Artsakh, we hope to help Goris and surrounding communities. to develop tourism at Tatev. The tramway tions laid, crews are currently building the prepare a highly educated generation, one which The 5.7-kilometer-long aerial tramway trans - was officially registered by a representative school’s reinforced-concrete columns. The pro - will be entrusted with the further development ports visitors from the village of Halidzor of the Guinness World Records on October ject is expected to be completed by May of 2013. of our homeland,” said Ara Vardanyan, executive across the Vorotan gorge to the village of 23, 2010. The community’s existing school was built in director of the Hayastan All-Armenian Fund. 4 S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 29, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR INTERNATIONAL International News Turkish Rock Musician Reveals Armenian Origins ANKARA (Tert.am) — Prominent Armenian composer Komitas. behind all the world’s problems. I can - Turkish rock and alternative musician, “Besides our physical resemblance, not lay my hands on a weapon. Bearing Sarkozy Determined to Yashar Kurt, recently gave an interview Komidas is also a significant figure for arms is not the only way to serve the to Hurriyet Daily News and spoke about humanity, and for Turkish-Armenian country. I can look after the elderly in a Continue Genocide the release of his new album, as well as relations,” Kurt said, adding that every - nursing home, or do cleaning work, but his Armenian origins. one who saw him was struck by their I did not want my hands to touch a Recognition Campaign According to the Turkish publication, likeness. weapon and I still do not want to do so,” YEREVAN (PanARMENIAN.Net) — French Kurt became baptized at the age of 40 Kurt also stands as a highly symbolic he said. President Nicolas Sarkozy thanked his Armenian after learning that he was actually of figure for conscientious objectors; his counterpart Serge Sargisian for a welcome expend- Armenian origin. dissident song Korku (Fear), which was ed during his October 6-7 visit. “I am trying to discover myself. Every released in the late 1990s on the album As Sarkozy noted in his letter, he was “deeply individual ought to be free in this deci - “Gondermeler” (Allusions), amounts to impressed after the visit to Tsitsernakaberd sion and live the way they feel. One a political march against military ser - Azerbaijan, Genocide Memorial, I’d like to reiterate determina- ought not to carry their identity around vice. Kurt was sued and tried for trea - tion to continue Genocide recognition campaign as if it were his or her fate. I am a pros - son because of the album. until the descendants of Genocide perpetrators rec- elyte for both sides, neither side accepts “I was going to be sentenced to 12 Turkey Sign ognize the 1915 massacres.” me. The sense of not belonging sticks to years in prison, had I not been acquit - Sarkozy expressed gratitude to Genocide sur- you like your destiny. Is being human ted,” he said, adding that the ban on the Gas Deal vivors’ contribution to France, noting that the not the most important thing?” Kurt album was still in effect. warm welcome shown to him by Armenian people told the paper. “My album is banned. I cannot re- ANKARA (PanARMENIAN.Net) — at Yerevan’s Square of France is a life proof of age- Kurt was interested in his true origins introduce it to the market, but I can add Turkey and Azerbaijan on Tuesday, long friendship between the two countries. since age 13 but never received a reply, the songs to my new albums one by one October 25 signed a long-awaited agree - says the paper. The musician reportedly and sing them in my concerts — it’s truly ment to allow the transit of some 10 bil - 2 Weightlifters Banned felt extremely angry when he learned the a contradiction. Because the album was lion cubic meters of Azeri natural gas to truth about his origins after 40 years. banned by the Culture Ministry I must Europe, resolving one of the final obsta - After Positive Drug Tests “I lived unaware of my true identity in file a lawsuit against the state to lift the cles preventing the opening of a south - this land, which was visited by indescrib - ban [and] I was tried at a military ern corridor to allow gas to flow from BUDAPEST, Hungary (ArmeniaNow) — Two leading able pain, but I want peace and dialogue. court,” Kurt said. the Caspian to the EU. Armenian weightlifters have been banned from the The peace that I am describing is a peace He lived as a fugitive for years to A Turkish Energy Ministry sport until 2015 for allegedly using performance- where one does not prevail over the avoid military service, Kurt said, adding spokesman said Tuesday the agreement enhancing drugs during competitions in 2011. other,” he said, adding that his relatives that he finally served 28 days in the mil - has now been signed, although no The International Weightlifting Federation were unnerved and reacted negatively itary in the early 2000s through draft details on the exact terms were avail - (IWF), based here, published the list of 10 when he revealed his true identity. regulations that allowed him to conduct able. weightlifters that have been banned over the Kurt’s greatest wish is to stage a partially exempted and paid service. Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev results of anti-doping tests and European silver screenplay about the life of great “Militarism is the fundamental cause arrived in Turkey early Tuesday to medalist Elen Grigoryan and European bronze attend the ceremony for a new feed - medalist Gevorik Poghosyan are among them. stock refinery being built in Ariaga and Armenian Weightlifting Federation head Samvel had been expected to sign the gas deal Khachatryan described the case as “possible mis- European Court of Human Rights Rules at a meeting with Turkish Prime understanding.” He told Tert.am on Saturday that Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan. the Federation had protested the IWF decision. In Favor of Genocide Scholar Akçam Turkey and Azerbaijan have been in In an interview with PanArmenian.Net, talks for nearly two years over a far- AKÇAM , from page 1 respect of the investigation, confirm Poghosyan (w/c94kg) denied the information reaching new gas deal to allow for up to The court acknowledges this connec - that there exists a considerable risk of about his being banned from the sport, saying that 10 billion cubic meter (Bcm)/year of gas tion and in its decision notes “it was prosecution faced by persons who his being not with the team at current training produced from the second phase of widely believed that Hrant Dink had express ‘unfavourable’ opinions on this assemblies in Russia was connected with his injury. Azerbaijan’s Shah Deniz field to be been targeted by extremists because of matter and indicates that the threat Armenian women squad coach Artashes Nersisyan exported to Turkey and onto Europe. the stigma attached to his criminal con - hanging over the applicant is real.” also denied getting any official report about In addition, Turkey had been hoping viction for ‘insulting Turkishness.’” The Court further concluded that Grigoryan’s ban. He said the athlete performing in to take a further 6 Bcm/year of Azeri Responding to public horror and changes to Article 301 and the replace - the 53kg weight division would miss the world gas for its own needs and to finalize a international condemnation upon ment of the term “Turkishness” by the championships because of an injury. new pricing agreement for existing con - Dink’s demise, the Armenian Assembly words “the Turkish Nation” made “no tracts signed in 2001. of America worked with then-Chairman change or major difference in the inter - Under those contracts, Turkey takes EU Officials Reaffirm of the Senate Foreign Relations pretation of these concepts because up to 6.6 Bcm/year of gas from the first Committee Joe Biden (D-DE) who spear - they have been understood in the same phase of the Shah Deniz field, which Support for Karabagh headed legislation calling upon Turkey manner by the Court of Cassation...[in Turkey has been receiving since 2007. to repeal Article 301. At that time, other words it] does not introduce a sub - Peace Initiatives A transit deal for Azeri gas to cross Biden stated, “Hrant Dink was a leading stantial change or contribute to the Turkey en route to Europe was a pre- BRUSSELS (Arminfo) — Senior European Union voice in Turkey’s Armenian community widening of protection of the right to requisite for any of the planned south - Officials and members of the European Parliament and an eloquent advocate for human freedom of expression.” ern corridor gas pipelines. have affirmed their support for the Nagorno- rights, press freedom, and democracy.” Welcoming the court’s decision, On October 1, the BP-led consortium Karabagh peace process and expressed their readi- Chairman Biden also told the Assembly Akçam commented that “Turkey should developing the second phase of Shah ness to engage more strongly to support it through that “his assassination was an outrage learn that facing history and coming to Deniz gas field received formal propos - confidence building measures and efforts to pro- and a tragedy. Hrant’s legacy deserves terms with past human rights abuses is als from three planned export pipelines. mote reconciliation, commonspace.eu reports. the Senate’s respect. His murder not a crime but a prerequisite for peace The contenders are: the 31 Bcm/year They were speaking at an event in the European demands our action.” and reconciliation in the region. I consid - Nabucco pipeline; the 10 Bcm/year Parliament in Brussels where the work of In its verdict, the court honors Dink’s er myself as a part of Turkish civil society, Interconnector Turkey-Greece-Italy European civil society organizations working for legacy in its conclusion that “the crimi - which fights for a truly free and democ - (ITGI) link and the 10-20 Bcm/year the peaceful resolution of the Karabagh conflict nal investigation commenced against ratic Turkey. This cannot happen if Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP). was presented. Amongst the many guests were the the applicant [Taner Akçam] and the Turkey continues to criminalize discus - The Azeri government wants a dedi - ambassadors of Armenia and Azerbaijan to the standpoint of the Turkish criminal sion of the Armenian Genocide.” He cated pipeline through Turkey that will European Union, who welcomed the efforts of the courts on the Armenian issue in their added: “You cannot achieve reconcilia - enable them to export gas not only from European Union and European civil society. application of Article 301 of the tion and peace with Armenia with the Shah Deniz 2 but from a cluster of In his opening remarks, EU special representative Criminal Code, as well as the public existence of this kind of poisonous law or other gas fields, some of which they for the South Caucasus, Phillipe Lefort said that campaign against the applicant in continue to deny diplomatic relations.” believe can be brought online in much the European Union was a desired partner in the the same time frame as the giant phase South Caucasus and perceived as the main partner two of Shah Deniz in 2017. for modernization in all three South Caucasus The three projects have upped the countries. The EU was ready to engage and to Armenia’s National Archives Participates in public relations offensive in recent respond positively to demands to be more active. weeks as the deadline nears. Lefort reiterated the support of the European Conference, Launches Bids to Cooperate But while Nabucco, ITGI and TAP Union for the Minsk process format. TOLEDO, Spain (Armenpress) — The there is a possibility of existence of some have spent years trying to convince BP He said that the quest for peace over Nagorno world archives annual conference being information about them,” Virabyan said, and Azerbaijan of their credentials, BP Karabagh did not only require a political process conducted here October 22-29 gave an adding that the agreement is being signed has also proposed a fourth plan should but was also one of reconciliation between people opportunity to the Armenia’s National stemming from this circumstance. none of the three meet its needs. and the EU was ready to contribute its expertise in Archives to cooperate with partners Virabyan was planning to negotiate The proposal, which emerged last this field. Speaking on the same theme, John Kjaer, from other countries. with the head of the archive service of month in Baku, is simply to supply Shah head of the Eastern Partnership Division at the Director of Armenia’s National Georgia. According to him, the initiative Deniz gas through Turkey to exit points European External Action Service, said the Archives Amatuni Virabyan said that was launched last year but the Georgian on Turkey’s borders with Greece and European Union sought to add value to the work of meetings with representatives of archives side did not take any steps and the Bulgaria and then rely on limited the Minsk Group and to contribute to its work of different countries took place. agreement was frozen. upgrades to existing pipelines — and to through confidence building measures and out- According to him, a memorandum of Virabyan commended the negotia - current or planned EU local intercon - reach activities. cooperation was signed with Finland. “As tions with the secret archives of Venice. nectors — to create a market in south - far as Finland was part of Russia till 1917 Representatives of archives of about east Europe that will absorb all the 10 and the political prisoners, including 170 countries are participating in the Bcm/year of Shah Deniz 2 European Armenians, were taken to their prisons, annual conference. exports, Platts reported. S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 29, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 5 Community Ne ws

VA Approves Govt. Headstones with Fenway Park Armenian Crosses Is Setting WASHINGTON — For many years, the For Heritage National Cemetery Administration (NCA) of the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) has hon - ored deceased American veterans and has made Park Bash available Government Headstones or Markers for their graves. These Markers generally include the “Emblem of Belief” (EOB) of the deceased veteran. By Tom Vartabedian When Shavasp Hanesian, an eminent lawyer in Niagara Falls, NY, who worked on a commit - BOSTON — For decades, Fenway Park tee that prevented a regional developer from has been more than just a ball park; it has taking the property of St. Sarkis Armenian been a site for ever-springing hopes of die- Church, died in 2005, his family felt that one of hard Red Sox fans. the government markers should be on his Soon it will host a benefit party for the grave. His wife, Laurice, and, brother, Deran, Armenian Heritage Park Endowment. began to investigate the requirements for a gov - Veteran sports announcer Bob Lobel, at ernment marker to honor him for his service in the invitation of Precision Fitness the 24th Infantry Division in the Army of Equipment’s David Aykanian, will headline Occupation of Japan after World War II. a program on Thursday, November 17, Upon receiving the information and applica - when organizers lay out the red carpet for tion for obtaining a marker, they learned that a fund-raiser for the Armenian Heritage 38 denominations had their “Emblem of Belief” Park, currently under construction on the accepted by the Veterans Administration. Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway. Armenian-American Veterans did not have avail - Lobel will be available for informal sports able their “Emblem of Belief,” the Armenian Archbishop Khajag Barsamian blesses Holy Trinity Church’s wedding crowns, talk, most likely commenting on his intake Cross. Archbishop Khajag Barsamian was con - which recently received a fresh layer of gold plating. on the Red Sox demise during September tacted to request permission to proceed in get - and the New England Patriots’ quest ting the Armenian Cross accepted by the Veterans Administration as an acceptable “Emblem of Belief.” Barsamian gave permission A Celebration of Marriages for the endeavor and involved Fr. Mardiros Chevian and Deacon Sebouh Oscherichcian. The Veterans Administration was contacted At Holy Trinity Church and a document was prepared. Officially, the application had to be filed by the next of kin, CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of his wife, Laurice Hanesian. An extensive letter the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), visited Holy Trinity Church, on was required by the “recognized central head or Sunday, October 16, as the community came together for a special celebration in primary contact person” of the sponsoring its yearlong observance of the church’s 50th anniversary. organization. Barsamian provided the neces - Titled “A Day of Celebrating Marriages,” the gathering recognized couples who sary information of the Armenian Apostolic were married at Holy Trinity Church over the past five decades. Barsamian cele - Church. He provided the history from the brated the Divine Liturgy and, at the conclusion of the service, offered a blessing founding by the Apostles Thaddeus and to the couples and their families. Bartholomew after the resurrection of Christ In his sermon, Barsamian reflected on this year’s Diocesan theme of “Ministry Bob Lobel and the conversion of the Armenian people of the Faithful” and noted that marriage is itself a ministry, which encapsulates from Zoroastrianism. The letter elaborated on the spirit of the call to serve the Lord. how the Armenian people became the first “Whenever two souls come together to form a single unit, it demands courage, toward a Super Bowl. nation to accept Christianity as its state religion humility, sacrifice and faith from both parties,” Barsamian said. “Each member in A tour of Fenway Park will also take in 301 AD and how they have survived and a marriage cares for, comforts and supports the other — and this activity is almost place for higher-end party supporters. A defended their Christian faith against hostile a perfect illustration of what true ministry in Christ represents.” brief program will extend gratitude to for - enemies for more than 1,700 years. It was point - The Primate also blessed the church’s wedding crowns, which recently received mer Transportation Secretary Jeff Mullan ed out that Armenians have served in the a fresh layer of gold plating. During a champagne reception held later in the after - for his leadership. An open bar, hors d’oeu - Armenian armed forces since the American noon, the crowns were at the center of an arrangement of wedding photographs vres and music by the John Baboian Revolution. After the Genocide of 1915, which highlighting the many families that began their journey at Holy Trinity Church. Quintet will enhance the evening. was perpetrated by the Government of Ottoman David Maher, the mayor of Cambridge, extended congratulatory remarks to the For reservations and other details, visit Turkey, large numbers of Armenians immigrat - parish on the occasion of its 50th anniversary. Parish delegate James Kalustian www.ArmenianHeritagePark.org or call ed to America. They and their children continu - also offered a toast to Barsamian on the occasion of his 40th anniversary of ordi - Charles Guleserian at (617) 484-6100. ously served in large numbers in the United nation into the priesthood and his 60th birthday. The park is currently in the final phases States Armed Forces beginning with World War “What better way to honor our parish’s 50th anniversary than celebrating with of construction and commemorates the 1.5 I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam and more our Primate,” said the Rev. Vasken Kouzouian, parish pastor. “What was particu - million lives lost during the Armenian recently Iraq and Afghanistan. They served hon - larly joyful to witness was the fellowship that took place during our reception — it Genocide of 1915-1923 and all genocides orably; many gave their lives and many others resembled a family reunion.” and celebrates the immigrant experience served honorably and survived. Holy Trinity Church was originally located on Shawmut Avenue in Boston. But and contributions made to American life The letter also had to submit “information as families began moving to the suburbs in the boom of the post-war years, the and culture. about the size and organizational structure of parishioners decided to relocate their church to Cambridge, where the present It is scheduled for completion next the organization, including the total number of building was consecrated in September 1961. spring, culminating a $6.2-million endeavor members and the location of the congrega - The parish is planning additional events as part of the 50th anniversary year, which began in 2006 to design and con - tions.” It was pointed out that since the with a series of programs scheduled for the spring and fall of 2012. struct the park and to endow public pro - Genocide of 1915, the Armenian nation has grams, including the October 20 lecture on been dispersed all over the world and its human rights at Faneuil Hall, annual recon - churches serve large congregations in the figuration of the sculpture and the park’s Armenian homeland and in the diaspora. ongoing care and maintenance. One challenge emerged and that was to fulfill Groundbreaking took place last September the request of a “three-inch circular digitized with the participation of Gov. Deval Patrick black-and-white representation of the requested and Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II. emblem that can be reproduced in a production “We are all focused upon raising the final line environment in stone or bronze without $500,000 by the end of the year to meet the loss of graphic quality, and is free of copyright endowment goal. The generous support of restrictions.” The Veterans Administration was 15 church communities has greatly enhanced called for advice. Deran Hanesian also sought our efforts in the true spirit of unity and col - advice from his colleague and friend, Bill laboration,” said benefit Chairman George Reynolds, director of Instructional Technology Elanjian. “Over 30 organizations initially and Media Services (ITMS) at New Jersey stepped forward to see this park reach its Institute of Technology. Reynolds contacted the fruition. It’s a testament to their generosity Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Fr. Vasken Kouzouian and altar servers VA and obtained the requirements for the and adherence. The entire Armenian- “three-inch circular digitized black-and-white American community is stepping forward.” see HEADSTONES, page 6 6 S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 29, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS AGBU Vice President Sinanian Honored by Armenian President During Independence Anniversary Celebrations in Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES — On Sunday, September President Sinan Sinanian the Anania 25, the president of the Republic of Armenia, Shirakatsi Medal for his decades of service to Serge Sargisian, attended a banquet at the the community and support of cultural and Beverly Hilton Hotel to celebrate the 20th educational endeavors. anniversary of the independence of Armenia. Most recently, Sinanian chaired the com - During the official gala, Sargisian awarded mittee to realize the establishment of House AGBU Central Board of Directors Vice of Armenia, a planned cultural center in Glendale and the headquarters of the con - sulate of Armenia in Los Angeles. In his opening remarks, Sinanian thanked Sargisian for visiting the Armenian commu - nity in Los Angeles, which Sinanian consid - ered an indication of the great potential the community presents and the significant role that it should play. He said, “It is an honored tradition when commemorating historic events to erect a landmark stone that stays for posterity. Earlier today the president inau - gurated the House of Armenia, which was realized through the joint efforts of our com - munity. We believe that the House of Armenia, while being the official residence of the diplomatic representation of the Republic From left, Mayor of Los Angeles Antonio Villaraigosa, Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of of Armenia, is destined to be the showcase Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America, President Serge Sargisian, AGBU Vice for what is beautiful in our homeland and a President Sinan Sinanian and his wife, Angele Sinanian permanent exhibition hall for its ongoing achievements. That edifice will be the sym - bolic landmark stone erected on behalf of our Eight hundred Los Angeles-area Armenians greater freedom we will enjoy,” said community on this proud occasion of the and numerous government officials — includ - Sargisian. “Armenia exists. Armenia is not a 20th anniversary of the independent ing Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa dream. It is a small but proud country in far - Republic of Armenia.” and Los Angeles County Supervisors Michael away mountains, which is gradually rising to Antonovich and Zev Yaroslavsky — attended her feet. It is a country that is now compet - AGBU Vice President Sinan Sinanian was Sinanian continued, “It is our wish that the gala event. ing in the arena of the world’s large and pow - awarded the Anania Shirakatsi Medal for his every time we pass by the House of Armenia, decades of service to the Armenian community or set foot in it, we be reminded of our col - Sargisian spoke during the evening’s cele - erful players. A country that is encountering on September 25. lective responsibility to continuously help bration about the strong feelings people have harsh problems, building new vital institu - and support our homeland.” for Armenia and the idealism it embodies for tions, achieving successes and pursuing new all Armenians. “We have made enormous and greater goals. We all share these goals.” progress, but we have shortcomings that we Sargisian bestowed a number of other all know very well. Who better than our fel - awards during the event, including the Order low Armenians can help us in overcoming of Honor to Gerard Turpanjian for his signif - them,” he said during his keynote address. icant services and contribution to the Marsoobian to Give Lectures He went on to explain that Armenia, like all Republic of Armenia, the Order of Merit of other nations in the world, is striving to the Second Degree to Archbishop Hovnan become freer. “Our times are symbolized by Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of In Chicago on Marsovan freedom, freedom which is achieved through the Armenian Church of North America, for competing and cooperating. There is a com - his dedication to and support of Armenia, petition between individuals and competition and the Mkhitar Gosh medal to Tevan CHICAGO — Prof. Armen T. Marsoobian, graduate seminar. He is organizing a photog - between businesses. There is a competition Arustamian, for his contribution to the devel - professor of philosophy, Southern raphy exhibition and writing an illustrated between economies and competition between opment of diplomacy, law and political sci - Connecticut State University and currently book that chronicles the story of his family states. The more competitive we are, the ence in Armenia. Ordjanian Visiting Professor of Armenian and Armenians in the Ottoman province of Studies at Columbia University, will give a Sivas between 1888 and 1922. The exhibi - pair of lectures here. tion, based on the Dildilian Brothers photog - On Friday, November 4, at 4 p.m., raphy collection, opens in Istanbul on April Telephone (617) 924-7400 Marsoobian will give a lecture titled 25, 2012, and will travel to Thessaloniki, “Resistance and Rescue During the Paris and other cities. Aram Bedrosian Armenian Genocide: The Story Behind a More information about the lecture is avail - Photograph, Marsovan 1915-1918,” at the able by e-mailing [email protected] or writing to University of Chicago, 102 Stuart Hall, 5835 NAASR, 395 Concord Ave., Belmont, MA Funeral Home, Inc. S. Greenwood Ave. This event is presented as 02478. Continuous Service By The Bedrosian Family Since 1945 part of the University of Chicago Center for Middle Eastern Studies Friday Lecture MARION BEDROSIAN Series, in association with the National 558 MOUNT AUBURN STREET PAUL BEDROSIAN Association for Armenian Studies and VA Approves Govt. WATERTOWN, MA 02472 LARRY BEDROSIAN Research (NAASR). On Sunday, November 6, at 3 p.m., Headstones with Marsoobian will give a lecture titled “Memories of a Lost Armenian Home: Photography, Anatolia College and the Story Armenian Crosses of an Armenian Family in Anatolia, 1888 to HEADSTONES, from page 5 1922,” at the Armenian General Benevolent representation of the requested emblem.” He Union (AGBU) Chicago Norehad Center, 7248 accessed a picture of an Armenian Cross on GF UiNrEaRgAoL sHiaOMn E North Harlem Ave. This program is spon - the Internet and prepared a completely black sored by the AGBU Chicago, Anatolia and white, three-inch digitized cross on the James “Jack” Giragosian, CPC College, Project SAVE and NAASR. computer. A copy of the cross was sent elec - Funeral Counselor Marsoobian is editor of the Wiley-Blackwell tronically to the Veterans Administration and philosophy journal Metaphilosophy . He has 576 Mt. Auburn Street, Watertown, MA 02472, TEL: 617-924—0606 was accepted. co-edited five books, including Genocide’s Today, the loved ones of deceased www.giragosianfuneralhome.com Aftermath: Responsibility and Repair, The Armenian-American veterans of the US Philosophical Challenge of September 11 Armed Forces, who have never received a and The Blackwell Guide to American government grave marker or tombstone, can Philosophy . He has published articles and submit a request for one with the Armenian Edward D. Jamakordzian, Jr. d/b/a book chapters in aesthetics, moral philoso - Cross on it for their graves. The grave mark - phy, genocide studies and American philoso - ers and tombstones are free of charge. The phy. His article, “Acknowledging Edward D. Jamie, Jr. marker will be sent directly to the cemetery Intergenerational Moral Responsibility in the where the veteran is buried; the cemetery Aftermath of Genocide,” appeared in staff will install the marker on the gave site. Funeral Chapel Genocide Studies and Prevention . He is a For more information, e-mail frequent presenter at conferences on topics Licensed in New York and New Jersey [email protected] or contact National related to his work on genocide, including 208-17 Northern Blvd.,Bayside, NY 11361 Cemetery Administration, Department of reparations, reconciliation and memorializa - Service any Hour Veterans Affairs, 5109 Russell Road, (718) 224-2390 or toll tion. At Columbia he is teaching “Memories any Distance Quantico, VA 22134-3903. of the Armenian Genocide: An Exploration free (888) 224-608 through Memoir, Literature, and the Arts,” a S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 29, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 7 COMMUNITY NEWS

Tensions and Violence at the End of the Richard Ottoman Empire.” Sponsored by the International Institute of Social History and the Institute for the War, Holocaust and Genocide Studies in the Netherlands, the workshop Hovannisian brings together scholars from various back - grounds and disciplines to discuss issues sur - rounding the final decades of the Ottoman Lectures Empire and the accompanying violence, includ - ing the Armenian Genocide. Hovannisian’s role in Amsterdam is that of Around the discussant of papers relating to the violence against the Rum (Greek Orthodox) population in the 1820s, the Constantinople Armenian World massacre of 1896, the Adana Armenian mas - sacres of 1909, and the Turkish social and boy - cott movements against the Greek Orthodox LOS ANGELES — During September and population, 1909-1914. October, UCLA Prof. Richard Hovannisian has Hovannisian returns to San Diego for two lectured and participated in national and inter - consecutive programs. The first of these on national conferences in Eastern and Western Sunday, October 30, from 1 to 5 p.m. is the Europe and the United States. During the first First Annual Symposium on the Initiative for week of September, he and Dr. Vartiter K. Moral Courage, featuring speakers on the Hovannisian were in Riga, Latvia, and Tartu Holocaust, Armenian Genocide, and African (Dorpat) and Tallinn, Estonia. In Riga, where Genocides. The event, a part of weeklong activ - there are now approximately 5,000 “old” and ities, is sponsored by the Jewish Studies “new” Armenian inhabitants, they met with Program and the Religious Studies Department members of the Havatk Cultural Association at San Diego State University and organized by and visited the renovated church of St. Gregory Jackie S. Gmach. It will be held in Room GMCS the Illuminator. Emma Melikian and Richard Hovannisian, Scottsdale, Ariz. 333 at SDSU. There, Hovannisian will discuss They then traveled to historic Dorbat, where various aspects of moral courage during the they met Prof. Rafik Grigoryan, long-time pro - Armenian Genocide, both by the victims and by fessor at the university and former head of the Hovannisian was interviewed by Crimean and non-Turkish writers in this campaign is intend - those who attempted to assist them, as well as local Armenian community. Together, they vis - Armenian television channel during the confer - ed to give an impression of balance and there - the various choices and options that had to be ited the historic institution where Khachatur ence. fore to be acceptable to mainstream publishing faced. Dr. Stephen Smith, director of the Shoah Abovyan studied from 1830 to 1836 and where Aside from the imposing Church of St. houses and an unsuspecting readership. The Foundation at USC, will offer reflections at the an auditorium is named in his honor. In the Hripsime high above in Yalta and the seven neo-denialism has been accompanied by an conclusion of the symposium. Estonian capital, Tallinn, the Hovannisians met remaining Armenian churches in Feodosiya, the increase of legal actions brought against insti - On Monday, October 31, Hovannisian will be with leaders of the Armenian community, who medieval monastery of Surb Khach (Holy tutions and universities that refuse to give the at the Thomas Jefferson School of Law in San accompanied them to the Armenian church, Cross) located in a large wooded area near Turkish state narrative a place in their pro - Diego from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. to speak on which here, too, is named St. Gregory the Staryi Krim leaves a deep impression on the vis - grams, as seen in recent suits brought against international law and the Armenian Genocide, Illuminator. itor. Under the direction of Very Rev. Hayrik, it the Massachusetts State Board of Education during which he will explore the development In the second half of September, the has been renovated and conducts nine daily ser - and the University of Minnesota. of human rights laws and customs and the con - Hovannisians traveled to the Crimean cities of vices. After organizing the lecture of Cilician cept of crimes against humanity and how these Simferopol, Sudak, Feodosiya (Kaffa), Yalta and In early October, Richard and Vartiter Catholicos Aram I at UCLA on October 14, apply to the Armenian Genocide, as well as the Sevastopol, all with historic Armenian communi - Hovannisian returned to Europe, this time to Richard Hovannisian departed for Phoenix, applicability in the Armenian case of the 1948 ties dating back to the Middle Ages. In Budapest to participate in the triennial confer - Ariz. at the invitation of St. Abkar’s Armenian United National Convention on the Prevention Simferopol, Richard Hovannisian participated in ence of the International Association of Church and Arizona State University. On and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. the fourth international conference on Armenian Studies (AIEA), held at the Central October 15, Richard and Vartiter Hovannisian On his return to Los Angeles, Hovannisian Armenians in the Ukraine, sponsored by the European University. Nearly 100 participants were the guests of honor at a dinner reception will be at the Glendale Public Library on Ukraine-Armenia Society and the Ethnographic attended the meeting, which included a number in the church hall hosted by Greg and Emma November 4, at 7 p.m. for the book launch of Museum and organized by a committee headed of younger non-Armenian scholars studying var - Melikian, longtime residents and benefactors. the 10th volume in the UCLA series on Historic by Prof. Oleg Gabrielyan, rector of the Crimean ious aspects of Armenian history and culture, During their comments, both University of Culture, Arts and Tourism, assisted particularly relating to the Armenian communi - Emma Melikian and Richard by Olga Gherardini. The conference, held in the ties of Eastern Europe and other historic dias - Hovannisian reflected on the central state library of the Crimean Autonomous poran centers. Other US participants were qualities of Emma’s brother, Republic, focused on Armenians in the Ukraine Kevork Bardakjian, Peter Cowe, Seta Dadoyan, Dr. Nikit Ordjanian, and his down through the centuries. Sergio de Porta, Robert Dulgerian, Christina contributions to the Armenian Hovannisian surveyed Armenian-Ukrainian Maranci, Marc Nichanian, Rubina Peroomian community. Following church relations during the period of the first Armenian and Abraham Terian. services conducted by Fr. republic, the assistance extended by both the During the session on modern history, Zakaria Sarikbekyan on Ukrainian government and the Armenian com - Richard Hovannisian addressed “Neo-Denialism October 16, Hovannisian was munities in caring for survivors of the Armenian of the Armenian Genocide,” in which he ana - the featured speaker in the Genocide in the region and in the outfitting and lyzed the strategies and arguments of the neo- Melikian hall. He noted that transport of volunteers to serve in the Armenian denialists, who distort and manipulate to assert October is observed as army. He discussed the various diplomatic posts the lack of premeditation and intent in the Cultural Month throughout and consular officials in Kiev, Kharkov, Odessa, Genocide, point the figure of blame at the vic - the Armenian world and dedi - Yalta, Sevastopol and Simferopol, and the chal - tims themselves and on disorderly tribal ele - cated his presentation to that lenges that the Armenian communities and rep - ments, and virtually exonerate the central celebration. In his comments resentatives faced as the military front shifted authorities from any direct culpability. The and Power Point presentation, back and forth during the Russian Civil War. cooption of a number of non-Armenian and Hovannisian shared experi - ences, sentiments and views of historic Armenia in a collage of three trips that began five years ago with a journey from the Black Sea to Erzerum, fol - lowed by the second explo - ration of Armenian sites from Kesaria (Caesarea) to Everek and then the third this year from Samsun to Marsovan. At At Dorpat University, from left, Rafik Grigoryan, with Vartiter and the conclusion of the program, Richard Hovannisian Hagop Baghtchedjian present - ed Hovannisian with a map of historic Armenia and Asia Minor, printed more Armenian Cities and Provinces. The volume, than two centuries ago. Armenian Kars and Ani, will be presented by On October 17, he spoke at Arizona State Prof. Hagop Gulludjian of UCLA, with reflec - University in Tempe on the state of Armenian tions by Richard Hovannisian, and a Power historical studies and advances and pitfalls in Point presentation prepared by Roupen the field. The talk was sponsored by at the Berberian, who along with Hovannisian and Melikian research and training center, which others traveled through the region in June this includes the Critical Language Institute and is as part of a NAASR heritage trip. directed by Prof. Stephen Batalden, who intro - The book launch is sponsored by the ESTATE SALE duced the speaker and moderated the lively dis - Armenian Educational Foundation, NAASR cussion session. and the Ararat-Eskijian Museum. 50 or More Armenian Music Richard Hovannisian is traveling to In mid-November, Richard Hovannisian will Records 33 1/2 RPM with Magnavox console - $350 Amsterdam, October 25-29, to participate in the travel to Yerevan to participate in a conference Call Bob: 401-474-4817 Eighth Workshop on Armenian Turkish on the 1,050th anniversary of the establish - Studies. The theme of this workshop is “Ethnic ment of Ani as the capital city of Armenia. 8 S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 29, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS Dr. Albert Kapikian Receives Maurice Hilleman/Merck Award

BETHESDA, Md. (ASM News) — Albert Z. of human gastroenteritis virus research.” Society for Microbiology. Kapikian is chief of Kapikian, MD, chief of the Epidemiology Another major contribution Kapikian has the epidemiology section of the Laboratory of Section, National Institute of Allergy and made to the field of pathogenesis is co-discov - Infectious Diseases, NIAID, a position he has Infectious Diseases (NIAID), NIH, has been ering the virus that causes hepatitis A, even - held since 1967. awarded the 2011 Maurice Hilleman/Merch tually leading to a successful hepatitis A vac - Known as “the father of human gastroen - Award. This is ASM’s premier award for major cine. teritis virus research, “Kapikian and his col - contributions to pathogenesis, vaccine discov - Kapikian is also known for his mentorship leagues discovered the Norwalk virus in 1972. ery, vaccine development and control of vac - and dedication to the field. Harry Greenberg, This was one of the first viruses to be associ - cine-preventable diseases. The award is pre - a former trainee of Kapikian and supporter of ated with acute epidemic gastroenteritis in sented in memory of Maurice R. Hilleman, his nomination describes him as “kind, con - humans. A year later, Kapikian and fellow whose work in the development of vaccines siderate, caring and thoughtful in his guid - NIAID scientists Dr. Stephen Feinstone and has saved the lives of many throughout the ance and advice for young people. At the same Dr. Robert Purcell first identified the virus world. Kapikian was nominated by Anthony time, he teaches the true nature of scientific that causes hepatitis A. In 1974, while con - Fauci of NIAID, who says “his many accom - investigation, the critical need in all experi - ducting studies in infant and young children plishments exemplify the spirit of Dr. ments for the inclusion of carefully considered hospitalized with diarrhea, Kapikian and his Hilleman’s life work and reflect exceptional controls, the importance of confirming excit - colleagues detected and visualized human and sustained scientific achievement in the ing preliminary findings using multiple rotavirus. This was the first reported detection service of improving human health.” approaches and the necessity of always exam - in the United States of the virus, which had Kapikian received his bachelor’s of science ining all of your data before making a conclu - been discovered in Australia a year earlier. degree cum laude from Queens College, sion. He is a scientist’s scientist in this regard.” Rotaviruses have emerged as the leading Flushing, NY, and his MD from Cornell Greenberg is a Fellow of the American cause of severe diarrhea in infants and young University Medical College. He gave 31 years Academy of Microbiology and professor at children worldwide. Each year, they account of uniformed service as a commissioned offi - Stanford University Medical Center. for approximately 500,000 deaths, mostly Dr. Albert Kapikian cer of the United States Public Health Service An author of more than 400 publications, among children under the age of 5 in devel - at NIAID, and today continues there as a mem - Kapikian has had an extremely productive oping countries. ber of the Civil Service. career. He and his colleagues hold over a Kapikian lead a nearly 25-year effort to Mary Estes, fellow of the American Academy dozen patents in the United States and other and Infectious Diseases.” develop a rotavirus vaccine. He and his of Microbiology from Baylor College of countries. In 2005, he was a recipient of a “Despite his extraordinary accomplish - research group defined the mode of transmis - Medicine, supported the nomination. “Dr. Butantan Institute Medal for contributions to ments, Dr. Kapikian has remained a humanist sion of rotavirus, identified the viral proteins Kapikian is recognized worldwide as a pioneer the field of biomedical science, and later that with a passionate concern for those less fortu - critical for triggering an immune response and and leader in understanding the epidemiology, year he was the recipient of the 2005 Albert B. nate. His inherent decency, his generosity of formulated a vaccine aimed at protecting sev - clinical features and pathogenesis of gastroen - Sabin Gold medal from the Sabin Vaccine spirit and his commitment to help others has eral important rotavirus strains. Their efforts, teritis in general, as well as initiating and Institute “for exemplary contributions in the inspired many others here at NIH and in the in partnership with Wyeth-Ayerst developing live attenuated vaccines to prevent vaccine field and commitment to lifesaving scientific community at large,” says Fauci, also Laboratories, led to the development, testing serious rotavirus disease,” she explains. medical discoveries.” In 2006, Kapikian was a an Academy Fellow. “Dr. Kapikian remains and FDA approval in 1998 of the first Kapikian developed the first US-licensed member of the Department of Health and committed, focused, optimistic and dedicated rotavirus vaccine. Kapikian’s work has led to rotavirus vaccine. He pioneered the study of Human Services (DHHS) Rotavirus Research to finding scientific clues that will lead to the second-generation rotavirus vaccines and rotavirus epidemiology and serology, which Team that was awarded the HHS Secretary’s alleviation of human misery and the saving of ongoing efforts to improve rotavirus vaccines linked severe infantile diarrhea to rotavirus. In Award for Distinguished Service. He was then lives through vaccines and other means of pre - and expand their use in the developing world. addition, he is credited with discovering the awarded the NIAID Special Act or Service vention and control.” ASM’s Maurice Hilleman/Merck Award rec - Norwalk virus, a strain of RNA virus that caus - Award in 2007, “in recognition of and appreci - Kapikian will receive the 2011 Maurice ognizes major contributions to vaccine discov - es many cases of gastroenteritis around the ation of special achievement in support of the Hilleman/Merck Award on May 22 at the ery, vaccine development and/or control of world. This discovery dubbed him “the father mission of the National Institute of Allergy 111th general meeting of the American vaccine-preventable diseases.

The Armenian Library and Museum of America, Inc. (“ALMA”) has had in its collec - ON tion paintings of the late Dr. Jack Kevorkian DECEMBER 13 for almost twelve years. The paintings are not on display currently, although they are Vote For in the possession of ALMA. It was reported last week in this and other papers and Jon Hecht media that these paintings were going to be sold at auction by the Estate of Dr. Jack Kevorkian. ALMA, pursuant to a longstand - ing policy, does not sell paintings or other Representative artwork in its collection. ALMA has not authorized any part of this collection to be Hecht sold. ALMA contends that the paintings Launches were donated to ALMA by Dr. Kevorkian, are Campaign owned by ALMA, are part of its permanent collection and should remain as part of its for Senate permanent collection. The Estate of Dr. Jack Seat Kevorkian contends that it is the owner of Representative Jonathan the paintings and is entitled to sell them at Hecht, a friend of the Armenian auction. A complaint was filed in the community of Massachusetts Middlesex Superior Court on October 13, and sponsor of the Armenian The 2nd Suffolk and Middlesex Senate district in Massachusetts 2011 requesting that the Court determine Genocide Commemorations in includes Watertown, Belmont and the State House, announced parts of Cambridge, Allston- that ALMA is the rightful owner. Pending Brighton, the Fenway and the resolution of that lawsuit, the paintings will his candidacy for the Senate Back Bay. seat left vacant when Senator remain in the possession of ALMA as part of For more information contact State Steven Tolman resigned Representative Jon Hecht at its permanent collection. [email protected] 617.320.8905 S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 29, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 9 COMMUNITY NEWS Detroit/Wayne County Pilgrims from the Eastern Diocese Take Port Authority Appoints Jamian Executive Director Part in Consecration in Dikranakert DETROIT — The Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority (DWCPA) Board of Directors announced this week they have appointed John PILGRIMAGE, from page 1 Jamian to be executive director of the Port As reported shortly after news of the disaster broke, the pilgrims from Authority. the Eastern Diocese are safe and were unaffected by the earthquake. But Jamian wil be responsible for business man - in a telephone interview Sunday, Barsamian said, “After such a splendid [re- agement and political affairs for the DWCPA and consecration] ceremony, our hearts were heavy when we learned of the work with federal, state and local officials for earthquake, and our prayers go out to the victims and their families.” development projects in the Port of Detroit. This The restoration and re-consecration of the St. Giragos Armenian Church is a second term as executive director for Jamian, was a major event in the region, with dignitaries and pilgrims from around who also served in the position from 1997 to the world participating. Constructed in the 16th century, St. Giragos is 2001. arguably one of the great sanctuaries of the worldwide Armenian Church. The appointment comes as the authority is After years of abuse, the recent renovation project — to which a number of preparing to open its most high-profile project in diaspora Armenians contributed — has restored it to its former glory. years with the grand opening next month of the The group of pilgrims from the Eastern Diocese arrived in Istanbul on DWCPA’s new Friday, October 21, and had dinner that evening with Archbishop Aram $22 million public Ateshian, patriarchal vicar of the Armenian Patriarchate of Istanbul, who dock and terminal warmly welcomed the group. Barsamian extended his thanks to Ateshian. facility located at On Saturday morning, the pilgrims traveled to Diarbekir (Dikranakert), 130 E. Atwater St. and on their arrival at the local airport they were welcomed by members between the GM of the St. Giragos Armenian Church Parish Council. They proceeded to Renaissance tour the Old City of Dikranakert — including the ancient St. Sarkis Center and Hart Armenian Church, located in the historic district. Plaza. Streets throughout Diarbekir were festooned with flags in Armenian, “John brings Turkish and Kurdish reading “Welcome home.” The sentiment throughout extensive maritime the city was festive, warm and welcoming. experience to the John Jamian The consecration of St. Giragos Armenian Church began at 5 p.m. job and we are for - Ateshian, Barsamian, Aykazian, Bishop Shahan Sarkisian (Primate of tunate that he was Aleppo) and Bishop Sahag Mashalian (from Istanbul) consecrated the five available at this moment in the authority’s histo - altars. Also present was the Very Rev. Haigazoun Najarian, formerly of the ry,” said Chairman Arthur Blackwell. “The port Eastern Diocese and currently the Pontifical Legate for Central Europe. authority is preparing to play a more prominent The number of participants in the service exceeded 2,000, with groups role in developing the Detroit riverfront and the of Armenian pilgrims from Istanbul, the US, Armenia, Holland, Germany, City of Detroit and John’s skills provide a perfect Syria and Lebanon present. match for the job.” Among the dignitaries attending were the United States Consul General Jamian was appointed by President George W. of Istanbul, Scott Kilner; the US Consul of Adana, Daria Darnell; the mayor Bush in 2003 to serve as deputy administrator for of greater Diarbekir, Osman Baydemir; Abdullah Demirbas, mayor of the the US Maritime Administration under the US city’s Sur Ici section (the area “inside the walls” of the old fortified city) Department of Transportation where he oversaw and Mayor Scott Avedisian of Warwick, RI — all of whom were interested the administration’s $205-million budget and in the service and supportive of the historic event. managed more than 900 employees. Jamian suc - At the conclusion of the service, the mayor of greater Diarbekir, Osman cessfully led procurement and grant projects Baydemir, offered his warm welcome to the visitors — speaking first in funding ports, highways and rails, helped negoti - Armenian, then in Kurdish, Turkish, English and Arabic. To the Armenian ate international bilateral maritime treaties with pilgrims he said, “Welcome to your home. You are not guests here; this is Vietnam, China and Mexico and worked to your home. Anytime you come here, you are coming to your home.” strengthen transportation systems to meet the “This is a happy and special day not only for you but also for us,” Archbishop Aram Ateshian, patriarchal vicar of the Armenian Patriarchate economic and maritime related security needs of Baydemir continued. “We all know about past events, and our wish is that of Istanbul, during services at St. Giragos Church last weekend. the United States. Jamian was the first appointee our children will celebrate together the coming achievements.” Baydemir’s from the Great Lakes region to serve in this role, remarks were frequently interrupted by applause, as those gathered were a position he held for three years. gratified to hear acknowledgement that the city is indeed an historic A Day of Hope During his previous tenure as executive direc - Armenian center. Baydemir hosted a diner for the clergy and guests, where the US Consul tor for the DWCPA, Jamian helped reestablish General and the US Consul of Adana were also present. the presence of the Great lakes cruise ship indus - Vartkes Ergun Ayik, chairman of the St. Giragos Church Parish Council, try, bringing the first cruise ship back to Detroit welcomed the visitors, thanked all those who had participated in the since 1967. He also led the Detroit River Seawall restoration project and invited Barsamian to offer some remarks. improvement study project and other environ - The day’s achievement, said Barsamian, “represents many things to all of mental mitigation programs with the US Army us. But most of all, perhaps, it is the result of the mutual recognition and Corps of Engineers. respect of everyone involved, which has animated this project from the very Jamian worked with the Foreign Trade Zone beginning. That is a great reason to be hopeful, and it makes today, above Board, the Southeast Michigan Council of all, a day of hope — a day to look to the future with optimism.” Governments (SEMCOG), the Detroit Regional “As pilgrims from America who have been blessed to be a part of this day, Chamber and the City of Windsor to promote we share in that sense of optimism and hope,” he added. He closed by mak - the history, benefits and economic future of the ing presentations of the “St. Vartan Award” to Baydemir and Demirbas. port of Detroit. During that time, he served on Ateshian likewise expressed thanks to everyone and presented silver Detroit’s Tercentennial Commission and man - awards to both mayors and to the architect of the restoration project. aged the Great Lakes’ Tall Ship Challenge Race Baydemir concluded the evening by characterizing the occasion as one and other events with the city of Windsor and not only for celebration, “but a day of expressing our apologies for the trag - the port of Windsor. ic events of the past. We want to see you come back here not only as Prior to returning to the DWCPA, Jamian was tourists, but also as people coming back home.” the president of the Seaway Great Lakes Trade Sunday morning witnessed the celebration of the Armenian Divine Association in Birmingham, where he was an (from left) The Very Rev. Haigazoun Najarian, Archbishop Vicken Aykazian, Kevork Atinizian, Archbishop Aram Ateshian, and Archbishop Liturgy in the newly re-consecrated St. Giragos Church. Ateshian was the advocate for maritime environmental affairs rep - Khajag Barsamian at St. Giragos Church. celebrant and homilist, and members of the Sts. Vartanantz Church choir resenting shippers, carriers, manufacturers, grain from Ferikoy, Istanbul, sang the Komitas arrangement of the badarak . companies, terminals and employees in all eight The service took place before another remarkably large gathering of the Great Lakes states. faithful, which included guest Armenian clergy, as well as the Syrian Jamian also served in the Michigan House of Orthodox bishop of Adiaben; the representative of Bartholomew I, the Representatives from 1991 to 1996 as a state Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople; mayors Baydemir and Demirbas, representative for the 40th district. While in the and the two American consuls. legislature, he was chair of the House Maritime To conclude the liturgy, the Armenian hokehankisd (requiem) service Committee on the Great Lakes and was named was performed for the deceased primates, pastors, altar servers and faith - “Most Outstanding New Legislator” by the ful of Dikranakert. Detroit News . With the next day’s planned trip to Van (where the group of pilgrims was Jamian graduated in 1977 from Oakland scheduled to visit the Holy Cross Church on Akhtamar Island) cancelled University with a bachelor’s degree in social sci - due to the earthquake, the Eastern Diocese group drove instead to visit the ences. He was an adjunct faculty member of the 17th-century St. Kevork Church in Derek, near Mardin. There they met the Intergovernmental Health Policy Project at caretakers who faithfully care for the 300-year-old Bible and hymnal housed George Washington University and is a con - within the church. The pilgrims were welcomed by Eyyup Guven, author of tributing writer to various healthcare and mar - a biography titled Kohar — the memoir of an Armenian Genocide survivor itime publications. from the area. The Jamian family has a long and honorable During their visit the pilgrims were trailed by a sizeable group of local record of community service in Detroit. John and Pilgrims from the Eastern Diocese pose for a group photo at the 17th-cen - residents, eager to say that they were of Armenian origin. Greg Jamian have been continuing that tradition tury St. Kevork Church in Derek, near Mardin. The group was scheduled to fly to Istanbul on October 25 and to return in assuming leadership roles in the Armenian to the United States later this week. community. 10 S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 29, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Ne w York M E T R O HMADS Welcomes Lucine Kasbarian BAYSIDE, N.Y. — The month of October is answers were: by attending Armenian schools, dedicated to Armenian culture and the found - enjoying the instructions of their Armenian ing of the Armenian alphabet. The accom - teachers, learning and singing Armenian plishments of Mesrob Mashdotz are “revived” music and going to various dance classes. over and over because of the impact it has All of the elements are in place; the future and will have for years to come. generation has to incorporate them and use Traditionally, most Armenian schools in the them as a vital part of their daily life. “Yes! US celebrate this cornerstone of their rich You can be both Armenian and American in and varied past by commemorating literary this world,” Kasbarian explained. When figures and enjoying dance and music. Thus, Armenians are deeply involved in the on Wednesday, October 12, Lucine Kasbarian Armenian immersion, they are also honoring

Lucine Kasbarian reads to the young students. was the guest this year at Holy Martyrs their ancestors and ethnic background; and Armenian Day School. This young woman, that is exactly what the author’s objective who is also the author of Armenia: A Rugged was. She thanked her great-grandmother and Land, An Enduring People , with her new father for enriching her life by introducing book The Greedy Sparrow , introduced the her to Armenian traditions, Armenian fables genre of fables to the students. and folktales. It was inspiring when the voice The fable of the sparrow was first written of the author’s father resonated strongly down on paper by Hovhannes Toumanian. when they heard him on tape telling the What was so refreshing to see was the way story of The Greedy Sparrow in his Kasbarian related to the children. She was Dikranakert dialect. Most Armenian fables dressed in a traditional Armenian costume begin with “once there was and was not,” but and her interaction with the students was they also carry a profound message or a les - captivating. son learned which we can still apply in mod - Kasbarian also spoke about “immersion” ern times. and preservation of the Armenian identity The event concluded with the author sign - and how unique and authentic all ethnic ritu - ing copy after copy of her book while her als are. How can Armenians reclaim and pre - numerous admirers were waiting impatiently. serve some of their customs? Can they feel For more information about HMADS first closer to their ancestors because of it? In Armenian elementary day school on the East what way can they truly honor them? The stu - Coast visit the school’s website: dents’ interest was elevated and some of their www.hmads.org.

AGBU New York Summer Intern Program Applications Now Available

NEW YORK — The AGBU New York Prudential, Douglas, Elliman, as well as Summer Internship Program’s (NYSIP) scores of other prestigious companies and applications for the 2012 program are now institutions. During evenings and week - available online. The deadline for the pro - ends, students are involved in various edu - gram is Thursday, December 1. cational, cultural, social and professional The program brings together 30-35 stu - networking events. Events include a visit dents of Armenian descent from around the to Saint Vartan Armenian Cathedral for a world. This year, 32 students from 11 coun - private tour and dinner with the Primate, tries participated in the program. a community service project at the Participants gather with the common goals Armenian Home for the Aged, various of gaining an edge in pursuit of their future social outings and numerous talks by careers, establishing a deeper connection to industry experts. Interns also benefit from their cultural heritage and developing ties to an interactive Mentoring Program orga - other like-minded college students. The two- nized by the AGBU Young Professionals of month experience continues to be a unique Greater New York, which works to develop adventure, allowing students to form lasting one-on-one interactions between local memories and lifelong friendships. Armenian mentors and summer interns NYSIP participants are housed in a New over an extended period of time. York University residence hall and placed For more information, and to download in full-time internships based on each indi - an application, visit the website vidual’s interests and career goals. Recent http://agbu.org/downloadableforms/NYSI NYSIP alumni have been placed at institu - Pai.pdf. For further assistance, contact tions such as Columbia University Medical Associate Program Director Michael Center, Rothschild, First Solar and Hovsepian at [email protected]. S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 29, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 11 Ne w York M E T R O St. Nersess Seminary Celebrates 50th Anniversary

24, was a two-pronged celebration. This year By Florence Avakian marks the 50th anniversary of the founding of St. Nersess Armenian Seminary by the late Archbishop Tiran Nersoyan. And there are NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. — The fourth annu - plans to purchase a new complex soon in al Evening Under the Stars at the St. Nersess Armonk that will educate and house Armenian Seminary, on Saturday, September Armenian seminarians for the next several

Supporters of St. Nersess enjoying the benefit evening at the Seminary

Dr. Raffy Hovanessian conversing with Seminarian Arman Uzunyan alongside Fr. Daniel Findikyan decades. educational program for clergy in October and Fr. Arakel Vardazarian This surprise announcement was made by and a November reunion and workshop for Suzanne Akian of the institution’s Board of past participants of the Deacon’s Training Directors, to more than 100 clerical and lay Program. He revealed that 40 clergy who are supporters present who greeted the revela - graduates of St. Nersess are now serving in tion with great enthusiasm. The support of parishes throughout the United States. the community is crucial for this vital effort, In addition to a silent auction, a live auc - said Board Treasurer Steve Mekenian. tion was conducted by Akian, featuring a Welcoming the attendees, the Very Rev. handcrafted silver pendant created by Ani Daniel Findikyan, the dean of St. Nersess and Khachian, which Dr. and Mrs. Raffi professor of Liturgical Studies, invited the co- Hovanessian won. chairman of the St. Nersess 50th-anniversary Under a huge tent with colorfully-decorat - campaign, Jonathan Najarian, to greet the ed tables, planned and organized by guests. He then introduced the four seminar - Yeretzgin Paulette Doudoukjian, the atten - ians present: Deacon Christopher Sheklian, a dees enjoyed several courses of Armenian doctoral candidate in anthropology at the delicacies, prepared by chef Ovidar Padilla, University of Chicago; Eric Vozzy from and an open bar donated by Raffi Korozian. Albany; Armand Uzunyan, a medical doctor Especially enthusiastic for the prospect of from Armenia, and Saro Kalayjian, son of a new and larger seminary complex was Dr. Rev. Vertanes Kalayjian. Raffy Hovanessian who noted that, “We have Outlining the many programs at the four new deacons of a more mature age, and Seminary, Findikyan detailed a new master’s the likelihood is that they will serve our degree in diaconal studies, intended for men church in the near future.” who do not aspire to the priesthood, but wish For Raffi Balian, a US State Department to assist the priests in various aspects of advisor, the evening was “a great opportunity Recent graduate Deacon Benjamin Rith-Najarian with Danielle Der Asadourian and Megan Jendian their ministry. He also spoke about the sum - to build rapport in the community. It’s not mer programs for the youth, a continuing only about seminarians, but it’s also about us and the future of the church in America. It’s great to see a dynamic, energized crowd, enthusiastic about serving the Seminary,” he commented. And Sona Lise Haratunian, an UBS Senior Learning Designer, expressed Sponsor a Teacher in Armenia and Karabagh 2011 great optimism and inspiration about the work of the Seminary and the future of the church. St. Nersess Board of Directors member Since its inception in 2001, TCA’s ‘Sponsor Kevork Toroyan delighted in the fact that so many young volunteers had dedicated their a Teacher’ program has raised over $477,750 time in making the evening a success. And Eastern Diocesan Council Treasurer Papken and reached out to 3,700 teachers and Megerian was also impressed with the prepa - ration of the event and the elegant auction. school workers in Armenia and Karabagh. “I deeply believe in the Seminary’s goals to prepare priests for our churches that don’t have pastors,” he said. £ “This was our largest Evening Under the Stars event,” said Akian. Concerning plans K Yes, I want to sponsor teachers in Armenia and Karabagh to continue for the new St. Nersess complex, she related, helping them to educate the children, our future leaders. I would like to have “We need a place where we can grow for the the teacher’s name and address. next 50 years, a place for classes, a library, K $160 K $ 320 K $ 480 K other $ land as well as bachelors’ and married hous - ————————— ing quarters.” Name She revealed that Haig Didizian of London, Address England, has already donated more than $2 City State Zip code million for one of the four buildings of the Tel: complex that will be named the Catholicos Karekin I Theological Center. “We need great Make check payable to: Tekeyan Cultural Association – Memo: Sponsor a Teacher 2010 support also from the community. This event Mail your check with this form to: gave me great faith that people have St. TCA Sponsor a Teacher Nersess in their hearts.” 5326 Valverde, Houston, TX 77056 Other members of the St. Nersess Board of Directors present were Rev. Karekin Your donation is Tax Deductible. Kasparian, Michael Haratunian, Karen Dilimetin and Nicole Vartanian. 12 S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 29, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Ne w York M E T R O Annual Orthodox Prayer Service Held at St. Vartan Cathedral

NEW YORK — Members of the United — which our world so desperately needs.” Nations (UN) community and Orthodox The service was led by Archbishop Abuna Christians in the New York-metro area gath - Zakarias, the head of the Ethiopian Orthodox ered for the annual Orthodox Prayer Service Tewahedo Church in the eastern and central and reception at St. Vartan Armenian United States. Other participating church Cathedral on Tuesday, October 18. leaders included Archbishop Demetrios, The evening began with a procession of Primate of the Greek Orthodox Church in clergy from the cathedral plaza to the beat of America; Bishop Savas, head of the Greek a kebero — a traditional drum used in the Orthodox Office of Society and Culture, and Ethiopian Orthodox Church — which orga - Bishop Antoun Khouri of the Antiochian nized this year’s service. In the narthex of the Orthodox Church. cathedral, families and children welcomed the The evening’s guest speaker was procession with dance and song. Ambassador Tekeda Alemu, the permanent Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of representative of the Federal Democratic the Diocese of the Armenian Church of Republic of Ethiopia to the UN. Alemu America (Eastern), welcomed guests and emphasized the importance of the “collective reflected on the history of the UN Prayer efforts of the United Nations community to Service, which was initiated in the wake of fully realize” global peace and stability and the 9/11 terrorist attacks. noted the role of churches and other commu - “We inaugurated this pan-Orthodox ser - nity organizations in supporting such efforts. vice 10 years ago, during a time of darkness Following the ambassador’s remarks, and uncertainty for this city,” Barsamian Zakarias offered a special prayer for the said. “But I can vividly recall how the mere Coptic community. At the conclusion of the act of coming together on that occasion — service, a reception was held in the Haik and of sharing our hopes and sorrows with each Alice Kavookjian Auditorium of the Eastern other — had a powerful effect on everyone Diocese. present. We emerged strengthened, encour - Organized under the auspices of the Joint aged, re-committed to helping our respec - Commission of the Standing Conference of tive people through the difficulties of that Oriental Orthodox Churches and the time.” Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in Turning to recent violence against North and Central Americas, the annual Christians in the Middle East, he added: Prayer Service gives Orthodox Christians an “Tonight, we pray for our brothers and sisters opportunity to come together for worship and all over the world, in their hour of need. And to learn more about each other’s culture and Clergy of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church led a procession from the plaza of St. Vartan above all, we pray to our Lord Jesus Christ, for heritage by engaging with representatives Cathedral prior to the start of Tuesday’s service. his strength and guidance, and for his peace from the United Nations.

AIWA New Jersey Chapter Hosts Programs to Help Women, Children The Armenian

Dr. Joyce Kurdian spoke of the importance of By Shoghig Chalian dental visits and how dental health can affect the rest of the body The attendees were also presented with a report ENGLEWOOD, N.J. — On Saturday, October of AIWA’s 20th anniversary conference that was Mirror -Spe ctator 15, the Armenian International Women’s just held in San Francisco. Three local chapter Association (AIWA) New Jersey affiliate held a members attended: Stepanian, Hasmig Kazanjian Women’s Wellness Luncheon at Nisi Trattoria and Ani Chatmajian. In total, more than 200 honoring longtime AIWA non-government orga - women attended from US and other countries such nization (NGO) United Nations (UN) representa - as Armenia, Lebanon, Argentina, and Canada. E-SUBSCRIPTION tive Mary Toumayan. The guests in New Jersey were entertained fur - Toumanyan was born in Lebanon and attend - ther with a few dance performances by one the ed the American University of Beirut. She spoke younger members of the committee, Araksya eloquently when she accepted the honor on Hovsepyan, who performed a Flamenco fusion AVAILABLE behalf of various UN NGO representatives who dance and an Armenian dance in traditional cos - undertake to support the work of the United tume, they joined in the group dances as well, Nations, as they promote knowledge of its prin - while socializing with friends The Armenian Mirror-Spectator will be available every ciples and activitiesin order to achieve the col - The program included an artist as well, Maral Thursday, in COLOR and PDF format to all who subscribe lective goals. One example of those goals was the Massoyan Kachichian, who demonstrated her tal - “Global Strategy for Women’s and Children’s ent by painting a striking still life with flowers as specifically to this electronic delivery. Health,” which was passed three years ago to the attendees watched and then raffled off the save millions of women, newborns and children. painting to benefit the Nork Nursing Home of The annual rate is $50. She spoke of the significant work that the NGO’s Armenia. The renovation of this nursing home undertake and lobby their governments accord - will require about $30,000, to be raised and con - To subscribe to this service, please fill out the following ingly to remind them of their obligations, respon - trolled by the AIWA NJ and will be overseen by sibilities and signed agreements. As a result of the designated liaison member who will make and mail it along with your check of $50 made out to the: this ongoing work and new initiatives, more chil - sure that the funds are spent in the correct man - dren are living past their 5th birthday, fewer ner. All donations are welcome and those inter - Armenian Mirror-Spectator, women are dying at childbirth and babies are ested can contact [email protected]. being born HIV/AIDS-free from infected women. Amongst the notable attendees of this event 755 Mt. Auburn Street, Toumayan stressed that there is always more was Nane Nazarian, the wife of Armenia’s repre - Watertown, MA 02472 work to be done. sentative to the United Nations, Garen Nazarian. The AIWA New Jersey affiliate was founded by The latter presided over the 54th and 55th ses - Lisa Stepanian after her attendance of the AIWA sions of the UN Commission on the status of H Yes, Please e-mail me the Armenian Mirror-Spectator conference in London. She was impressed with women. This is the only intergovernmental body the work of AIWA and organized a committee 10 that examines and reformulates policies con - every Thursday. years ago, whose members undertook the task of cerning the advancement and welfare of women. the fundraising for the immunization project of He has stated that “Without solving women’s My E-mail address is ______the children of Armenia and raised $10,000 for issues in Armenia, like anywhere else, society that cause. Ultimately a Wellness Day event was cannot be stable.” Name and Last name ______also organized at the time, and after a long The committee of the AIWA NJ affiliate members break, the committee reunited (with some new plans to have more such events in the future for members) and organized two events this year. women’s wellness that benefit the local women and You can also e-mail your request to [email protected] for faster service The first was an afternoon tea and the second simultaneously raise funds for women’s causes in event was a dental health month program and the United States and Armenia. S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 29, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 13 14 S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 29, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Arts & Living

NAASR Talk VIKEN KARAGUESIAN PHOTO Free Preview Pays Tribute Of ‘Deported’ To Lemkin At ALMA

WATERTOWN — In a free preview at the By Alin K. Gregorian Armenian Library and Museum of America Mirror-Spectator Staff (ALMA) on November 6, actors will read scenes from the upcoming world premiere production of “Deported/ A Dream Play,” a new play about BELMONT, Mass. — Khatchig Mouradian, a the Armenian Genocide by award-winning play - doctoral student at the Strassler Center for wright Joyce Van Dyke. Holocaust and Genocide Studies, Clark The actors will be the same ones performing University, presented a talk on October 6 at the the play in the Boston premiere that opens National Association for Armenian Studies and March 8, 2012 at the Modern Theatre, a beau - Research (NAASR) on the links between tiful, newly-restored, historic theatre next door human rights activist and lawyer Raphael to the Opera House, in the heart of Boston’s Lemkin and the discourse both within and out - revitalized Theatre District. “Deported” will be side the Armenian community on the Armenian produced at the Modern by Boston Genocide. Playwrights’ Theatre in association with Mouradian, the editor of the Armenian Suffolk University and will feature Armenian Weekly , drew from various sources, including A gypsy dance dance choreographed by Apo Ashjian of Sayat the archives of Armenian newspapers as well as Nova Dance Company. Lemkin’s correspondence with the editors of According to Joyce Van Dyke, “Deported” those newspapers on how the Armenian expe - was inspired by the true stories of her grand - rience helped the Polish-born, Jewish Yale pro - mother and Dr. H. fessor to craft the word genocide to define the Sayat Nova Dance Company Martin Deranian’s events that befell the Armenians in the mother — close Ottoman Empire and the new Turkish Celebrates 25th Anniversary with friends who were Republic. In addition, he delved into the deported together Armenians’ perception of the word genocide Special Performance from Mezireh in and how and when they started using it. In 1915. Memories addition, he also spoke about the collaboration BOSTON — From the darkness comes a soft ethereal sound; a sound that speaks and dreams inter - between Armenian-Americans and Lemkin in an ancient language, a language without words that curves and curls filling every lace in this “dream his tireless efforts to have the US ratify the hollow in time, in space, in soul. It is the duduk, the traditional woodwind instru - play” which Convention on the Prevention and Punishment ment of Armenia. Softly a dull light begins to rise; shadows take shape on stage and stretches from of the Crime of Genocide, more commonly there is movement. The women dance, their 1915 into the known as the Genocide Convention. costumes of color waving in unison, the music future beyond By Vana Melkonian flowing through their stretched fingertips 2015, and tackles extending out to the audience, grasping their large questions Joyce Van Dyke hearts and gently whispering “remember.” about the legacy From one dance to the next, the men and women of Sayat Nova Dance Company of the Genocide. (SNDC) of Boston bring to life the Armenian history of fear, faith, death and per - In the words of severance, and those who watch remember. Prof. Taner Akçam, Kaloosdian/Mugar I was 5 when I saw Sayat Nova perform for the first time. I remember marveling Professor at the Center for Holocaust and at the fluidity of movement, the power of the men, the grace of the women and the Genocide Studies at Clark University: “How can music that brought them all together. And now, 25 years later, I cannot remember we overcome a past trauma? How can we find the last time I watched a performance from the audience. Instead I have been on the words and acts to represent the “inconceiv - stage dancing with the company for the last 14 years. It is a family, Sayat Nova — a able” for today’s audience? Is it possible to over - family of people from all walks of life who join together in music and in dance to come this historic burden? In her extraordinary celebrate and share the love of their culture. An independent non-profit organiza - ‘Deported / A Dream Play,’ Joyce brings these tion, Sayat Nova has traveled the world, performing all over the United States coast- essential questions to the stage.” to-coast, in Canada and Armenia, and now, in the year of 2011 we celebrate Sayat The performance at ALMA will be followed by Nova Dance Company of Boston’s 25th anniversary. a conversation about how the play was devel - To commemorate and honor this milestone, Sayat Nova has prepared a brand oped, with the participation of the playwright, new show, the process of which takes years of planning and dedication from its director Judy Braha and Deranian. moderated members, and it is titled “Journey Through Time.” The show bursts to life with fire by Ilana Brownstein of Boston University. The and drama portraying the pagan days of our people. It then seamlessly pays homage November 6 program will take place from 3 to to St. Krikor Lusavorich in Khor Virap depicting the conversion to Christianity, 5 p.m. in the third floor gallery at ALMA. making Armenia the first Christian nation in the world. For more information visit the website “The Battle of Vartanantz” is remembered with deep heart-pounding drums, Khatchig Mouradian http://www.almainc.org/calendar.html or power and might vibrating through the auditorium. The dance of “Caravan” www.bostonplaywrights.org. respects those who suffered the brutalities of the Genocide and pays homage to Mouradian said Lemkin and his efforts, their memory. The show has all new numbers, new music and stunts; “Journey which cost him so much during his life, inspired Through Time” will fill your soul and have your heart beating in rhythm. him to turn from journalism to academia. “Journey Through Time” will premiere on November 19, at 7 p.m. at Waltham “Lemkin knew about the Genocide, was influ - High School. To purchase tickets, visit http://www.itsmyseat.com/sayatnova. To enced by the Genocide and dedicated his life” to learn more about SNDC, visit www.sayatnova.com. “make Genocide a crime punishable by law,” VIKEN KARAGUESIAN PHOTO Mouradian said. The issue was especially reso - nant with Lemkin because he had lost so many family members during the Holocaust. On December 11, 1946, thanks to his efforts, the United Nations General Assembly passed the Genocide Convention. After that, Lemkin was more and more in touch with the Armenian press, trying to galvanize them into action to push the US to ratify the Genocide Convention. He corresponded regularly with the editors of the Armenian papers and started interviewing survivors, including a woman in Watertown who was the only person to be spared in her family. In addition, he also wanted Turkey to ratify the Genocide Convention. Ironically, he succeeded with Turkey, but not with the US. It The precision of the movements creates a wave. was not until 1988 that the US ratified it. The issue of defining and avenging the The Modern Theatre see LEMKIN, page 17 S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 29, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 15 ARTS & LIVING Karsh Photo Still Enthralls Vartan Gregorian

Armenian Library and “It took four, maybe five hours before he was By Tom Vartabedian Museum of America done,” Gregorian remembered. “Looking at my (ALMA), only one indi - photo now being displayed at ALMA, it’s living vidual remains alive. proof that we all age — and unfortunately WATERTOWN — By virtue of his nature and Gregorian got to see decline.” fame, Dr. Vartan Gregorian is a man accus - his own portrait hung At the time of the grand opening on tomed to sitting on the hot seat. on the wall — two September 16, Gregorian had a previous Of all the positions he has held, all the acco - decades later — next to engagement and could not attend. He went to lades he has received, all the speeches he has Ernest Hemingway and see the exhibit on a Sunday afternoon in early given and notables he has encountered Eleanor Roosevelt. October when the museum was launching an throughout his academic lifetime, nothing has “It was a humbling art exhibit by impressionist Martin Barooshian. rattled him more than the time he posed for experience that day The two notables were floors apart, each greet - Yousuf Karsh. when he showed up at ing their own constituents and never did get to The year was 1991 and Gregorian was presi - the library with his meet that day. dent emeritus of New York Public Library. This gear,” recalled Gregorian had a flight to catch and was in would be his second encounter with the great Gregorian. “He ran the Geneva days later, attending a conference as Armenian photographer from Ottawa, whose Dr. Vartan Gregorian poses before a photograph of himself taken by picture in his Legends president of the Carnegie Corporation. At an lens immortalized some the greatest individuals Yousuf Karsh in 1991, during a recent visit to the Armenian Library and book. Being the only age when most retire, he also remains a trustee on this planet. Museum of America (ALMA) in Watertown. (Tom Vartabedian photo) Armenian included in of the Museum of Modern Art, the American “It proved to be a nerve-racking experience,” those pages was hum - Academic in Berlin, the Institute for Advanced he recalled. “It took hours before he actually bling.” Study and Brandeis University, among other took the picture, making sure every last detail on books and another in his pocket, smiling Few if any of the subjects, including Winston institutions. Nearly 70 honorary degrees have was in place. He was impatient because I was against a backdrop of library shelves. By his Churchill, were able to get two photo commis - come his way. growing impatient. Although I’ve been pho - name reads the inscription: “Academic, sions out of Karsh. The first time they met was The Iranian-born academic served as presi - tographed by several other prominent photog - Educator, recipient of the Presidential Medal of in 1981 when Gregorian was provost at the dent of Brown University for nine years before raphers, having Karsh take my picture was very Freedom.” University of Pennsylvania. going to Carnegie. His New York Public Library special because we were both Armenian.” Of the 25 subjects currently on display at the Even then, Karsh proved a taskmaster with tenure extended eight years and proved one of The setting shows Gregorian with one hand newly-refurbished Bedoukian Gallery inside the the sitting. his most lasting legacies. When he arrived there in 1981, the library faced a major deficit and a deteriorating archi - tecture. Eight years later, the operation budget had doubled, 400 new employees had been hired, the buildings were cleaned and restored and $327 million had been raised. Over the years, Gregorian grew to admire Karsh’s work and held him in the highest esteem. They had met on other occasions and the respect turned mutual. “Although he was proud to be Canadian, Karsh was equally proud to be Armenian,” said Gregorian. “I admired his erudition as well as his modesty. He treated everyone as if they were the only person who counted in the world. Even Churchill couldn’t defy him when he took the cigar out of his mouth.” Gregorian further described Karsh as “pro - found and humorous.” “He had no identity crisis,” Gregorian added. “He knew who he was and his mission in life. He had a rich inner life as well as a wonderful profession and he loved and admired his wife, Estrellita. They were a great couple who com - plemented each other. It was a joy to be with them.” The gratitude of seeing his photograph dis - played with other venerable figures brings over - whelming pride to Gregorian. In a letter to Board Chairman Haig Der Manuelian, he thanked ALMA for its leadership and its initia - tive toward keeping Armenia’s legacy alive in America.

Zohrab Center Seeks Young Scholars for Conference

NEW YORK — The Zohrab Center is currently organizing an Armenian young scholars’ conference and invites all under - graduates and/or recent graduates to pre - sent a paper related to Armenian Studies, including but not limited to the fields of history, literature, economics, art and reli - gion. The daylong conference, which is tentatively planned for Saturday, January 14, 2012 and will take place in the Diocesan Complex, will also feature the participation and attendance of estab - lished scholars and academics. To be con - sidered as a presenter, email a proposal and abstract to Taleen Babayan at [email protected] no later than December 15. Participants and the pro - gram will be finalized by the end of December. For more information about the center visit www.zohrabcenter.com. 16 S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 29, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARTS & LIVING Meet Terri Melkonian, a Power to Reckon with in Hollywood

soon. It was good to run into Gerry Butler By Jenny Werth again, too — he gave a powerful performance in the film and he’s a great guy for any lucky pro - ducer to work with. The PGA also offers great LOS ANGELES — Terri Melkonian is a pow - learning seminars that producers can take erhouse of a woman who embodies what it advantage of — I recently completed a six-part takes to “make-it” in the ever-shifting and chal - certification program on Film and TV Finance. lenging show business industry. In an inter - I can now pitch more effectively to the net - view, she mapped out her plans for the future, works having learned about their financing as well as the steps that have brought her to methods and ROI. With recent technology this point in her career. upgrades, the opportunities for producers/ Jenny Werth: Terri, you are one of the most filmmakers are endless. Any creative individual liked and respected studio executives in the can purchase a high-grade camera and editing industry. We can’t imagine Sunset Gower with - software at an affordable price — you can shoot out your strong presence. What initially video and upload it on YouTube instantly. Or, inspired you to take on the task of revamping create a sizzle reel to pitch an idea to a studio a small indie studio as Sunset Gower after or investors. You can create a web series and working for the super-sized Universal? get it funded by a company by offering product Terri Melkonian: Thank you for your kind integration and sponsorship. Contact corpo - words, Jenny. The best part of my job is being rate marketing departments or their ad agen - able to meet and work with some of the most cies. The webisode can later be pitched to a net - talented and amazing people I’ve come across work as a possible TV series. The bottom line during my 15 years in the studio business. is, there are many more opportunities for inde - This is a small industry where many of us pendent filmmakers today so go out and find know each other or know of each other. You one that fits and make it work. are only as good as your word — integrity and JW: You are like a shooting star. Really. respect is a big deal with me. What I value Who else has your energy, passion and talent? most is the trust my clients have in me and I TM: I think the world of producing is chang - would never, ever, jeopardize that. ing but not because I’m now a part of it. I want My job at Sunset Gower came to me very to be on the cutting edge and be ready for the unexpectedly when I called my friend Bob changes as they come and create the opportu - Papazian in mid 2006 — looking for stages nities for myself. Happiness in life comes from and offices to rent. About a year before that, finding a deep passion for your work and then GI Partners had purchased both the Sunset success will come to you in a very organic, Gower and the Nickelodeon Studio proper - unforced, way. We are all born with unique tal - ties in Hollywood for $110 million. Bob ents — we need to discover our gifts, however Papazian joined them as the CEO and part unassuming they might be and develop them investor. When I called Bob, I had just left to serve our life’s purpose and we will, in turn, Universal after 10 years and was working as find true happiness and satisfaction. a producer. I’d heard Sunset Gower was JW: Can you give a few words of advice to struggling to keep their stages full and was aspiring producers, directors? How would you asked by my Universal boss to send overflow advise them to “make it work” in a city that is business to them. I’d met Bob the year before so often seen as “impossible.” and instantly liked him. Now that I was a pro - TM: Learn your craft, have an immense ducer, I wanted to bring my business to him. desire and passion for what you choose to do, I called to let him know I was stopping by to and just go out and make it happen for your - tour his studio and after seeing stages and self. Don’t wait for others to open doors for offices, Bob called me to say he had some - you, create opportunities for yourself and thing else in mind for me. He offered me a job open your own doors. Stay true to yourself which he created for me — said he wanted me Terri Melkonian with Gerard Butler and don’t compromise your integrity and rep - to come work with him and rebuild the image utation for quick success — always protect of Sunset Gower and build up the business. your greatest brand, you. But I’d just left a great studio and was now a Michael Hill, who is the senior VP of produc - TM: Our industry is moving and changing at JW: Finally, how do you maintain such a producer! I turned down the VP of sales and tion at HBO, first called me about the pilot rapid speed and we have to keep up with the positive attitude with life and career chal - marketing job but he was persistent and script, I told him we have to do whatever it new technologies and opportunities to stay on lenges? asked me to take a week to think about it. I takes to bring this show to Sunset Gower top of our game or we become insecure and TM: I’m driven in life not by the achieve - contemplated and realized what a great chal - Studios. stagnant. I’m a believer in being an innovator ment of personal financial success but by max - lenge this would be for me. At this same time, I was thrilled to secure and thinking outside of the box. Business-as- imizing my abilities to achieve the highest lev - That’s really what drove me to say yes. This the new Shonda Rhimes drama “Scandal” — usual attitude will not lead you to success els of my capabilities. I don’t define myself or studio was a diamond in the rough and I saw with the help of my favorite studio exec, Gary these days. Knock down roadblocks and create my happiness by my job title. I try to find a tremendous potential — I knew we could turn French, who is ABC’s co-head and senior VP of your own path to get where you want to go. good balance in my life and acknowledge every this place around. And I really respected and production. He is one of the most ethical and Knowledge is power so don’t stop learning. I day of life as a gift I am truly grateful for. I trusted Bob. Once I arrived, I didn’t waste any kindest people I have met in this industry and was recently admitted into the Producers’ cherish every moment I spend with my family time. The phone wasn’t ringing but that was - his cool demeanor hasn’t changed one bit Guild of America (PGA) and attend many con - and they are my priority. I value my friend - n’t going to deter me. I called prospective since I knew him at Universal. Shonda is such ferences which also include think tank panels. ships and stay away from those that are con - clients daily. With the support of industry a gifted writer with already two hit shows, The PGA gives us an opportunity to network sistently negative. I have a happy disposition friends producer Michelle Imperato Stabile “Private Practice” and “Greys Anatomy” — and and share ideas among our peers and I would and will always see the glass as half full — and FOX VP David Starke, I brought their fea - she can now call Sunset Gower Studios her recommend producers join this great group. I that’s just my nature. ture “Alvin and The Chipmunks” to the studio new home! try to attend their film screenings followed by (For more information, visit terrimelproduc - right away. I joined the Association of After leaving the studio, it was time for me question and answer — it’s inspiring to hear the tions.com.) Independent Commercial Producers and lob - to venture on my own and I launched a devel - filmmakers sharing their experience. Recently, bied for commercial production and we were opment and production company, Terrimel I attended the “Machine Gun Preacher” screen - soon flooded with commercial business. I Productions. I can’t describe how great it feels ing and realized I know one of the executive called my friends at ABC and NBC and we to have the freedom to pick and choose whom producers on the panel. This gave us a chance brought new television shows to Sunset I want to work and align myself with now. I’ve to connect again and we’ve planned to meet Gower. Within a year, business was booming built great relationships with producers, writ - and we became the go to studio lot by pro - ers, directors and studio executives over the ducers and production executives. years and now I have the opportunity to work Sunset Gower was soon sold to a real estate with them in a different capacity then when I company Hudson Capital and I heard it was was at Sunset Gower and at Universal. I am one of the largest real estate transactions in reading film scripts daily and receiving pro - Los Angeles. GI Partners, in just over two jects in different phases of production. Some years, made a hefty profit! The revitalization of need additional funding and some need distri - Sunset Gower Studios worked. bution only — if the project meets the criteria, JW: Wow. And I believe it sold for over $200 I can step in and help close the deal. I’m also million, so you’re right, the revitalization developing television projects and getting a lot efforts really did pay off. Now that you’ve left of concept pitches, including some from my the studio, what are you working on next? 11-year-old son! I’m currently developing an TM: Don’t worry, I left the studio in a very unscripted new media project that has a fun good place with all of the stages booked. Right gaming component to it and this show can before my departure, I secured a long-term work on multiple platforms. I am extremely deal for Aaron Sorkin’s new HBO drama about busy these days but at the same time, I’m hav - Entertainment Fridays a cable news show. Scott Rudin and Alan Poul ing a lot of fun working with people I love. and Saturdays are exec producing it, and I’m blown away by JW: What do you feel is lacking in the pro - the talented team they and HBO have assem - ductions (reality included) today? Why do the bled for this sure-fire hit. When my friend producers become so complacent? S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 29, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 17 ARTS & LIVING CC AA LLEENNDDAARR

$45, students, $25. UMass Lowell Conference Center, 50 CALIFORNIA Warren St., Lowell, (978) 934-6920. Cash bar only. Mezza, coffee, dessert. Sponsored by Armenian Apostolic Church at NOVEMBER 19 — The Armenian EyeCare Project will hold Hye Pointe. For info call Mike (978) 682-3946 or Richard its ninth Annual Newpor t Gala, honoring Gov. George (978) 374-0687. Deukmejian, on November 19, 6:30 p.m., at the Balboa Bay DECEMBER 2-3 — Trinity Christmas Bazaar, Holy Trinity Club, Newport Beach. For info and reservations, call (949) Armenian Church, 145 Brattle St., Cambridge, Friday, 3-9 675-5611. p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Lunch and dinners offered. Booths include: farmer’s market, country store, candy, FLORIDA gourmet, pastries, wreaths and poinsettias, jewelry, second- time around, sports silent auction and more. Santa’s The Armenian Cultural Association of America, Inc. pre- Playland, Saturday 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. sents: Armenian Heritage Cruise XV. Leaving January 21, DECEMBER 11 — Christmas Holiday Concert: Erevan 2012. 15th Anniversary Celebration. For more info, visit Choral Society and Orchestra, 3 p.m., church sanctuary, www.ArmenianHeritageCruise.com. Holy Trinity Armenian Church of Greater Boston, 145 Brattle St., Cambridge. Conductor Konstantin Petrossian. For further MASSACHUSETTS info, contact the church office at [email protected] or (617) 354-0632. NOVEMBER 4-5 — Annual Bazaar sponsored by Armenian NEW JERSEY Apostolic Church at Hye Pointe, 110 Main St., Haverhill, Friday, 12-8 p.m.; Saturday, 12-7 p.m. Armenian cuisine served all day. Pastry table, Country Store, Gift Basket Raffles and NOVEMBER 13 — St. Stepanos Armenian Church Raffles for cash and prizes. For more info, visit Women’s club invites you for an Armenian concert by www.hyepointechurch.org or call (978) 372-9227. the AREKAG Children’s Choir, conducted by Vago John NOVEMBER 4-5 — “Alleluia,” It’s St. Stephen’s Bazaar Ohanyan. Following church services, 1184 Ocean Ave., Time. 55th Annual St. Stephen’s Church Bazaar, 10 a.m.-9 Elberon. Thanksgiving Lunch will be served. Tickets: $30, p.m. Armenian gourmet food, pastries, arts and crafts, silent adults; $10, children, 10 and under. Call Linda Patruno (732) and live auctions. Armenian Cultural and Educational Center, 449-5249, Norig Buchakjian (732) 929-0776. 47 Nichols Ave., Watertown. NEW YORK NOVEMBER 6 — Preview of “Deported/ A Dream Play,” a On November 6, a reading of new play about the Armenian Genocide, with award-winning “Deported/A Dream Play,” about the playwright Joyce Van Dyke, director Judy Braha and actors Genocide, by award-winning playwright OCTOBER 30 — Shushi Armenian Dance Ensemble of St. reading scenes from the play that premieres next March in Joyce Van Dyke, pictured above, will Vartan Cathedral, New York City, presents Independence Boston. Armenian Library and Museum of America, 65 Main feature director Judy Braha and actors celebrating the 20th anniversary of Armenia’s St., Watertown, 3-5 p.m. Free and open to the public. reading scenes from the play, at the “Independence.” Twentieth anniversary of Karabagh and NOVEMBER 11 — The Knights of Vartan Ararat Lodge 20th anniversary of the Shushi Armenian Dance Ensemble. Armenian Library and Museum of Number 1 annual ceremony at the Renaissance 150 Performers. 5 p.m., Felician College, 262 Main St., Lodi. Waterfront Hotel on Long Wharf, Boston, Friday. Guest America (ALMA), 65 Main St., Donation: $100, $50, $40, $30 and $25. For tickets, call speaker, Primate of Artsakh, Archbishop Pargev Watertown, starting at 3 p.m. Marie (201) 745-8850, Sossy (201) 779-9007, Diocese (212) Martirossian. Reception, 7 p.m.; dinner, 8 p.m. Man of the 686-0710. Purchase tickets online at www.shushidance.org. Year is Aurelian Mardiros, Community Leader Award to DECEMBER 3 — The AGBU/NYSEC presents the fourth Registrar Rachel Kaprielian and the Faithful Knight Award to annual AGBU Per forming Artists in Concert, at 8 p.m. John Peterson. NOVEMBER 19 — Sayat Nova Dance Company of Boston Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall. 154 W 57th St., New York NOVEMBER 12-13 — Save the date. ADAA Fourth Annual presents 25th anniversary per formance, “Journey City. Tickets, $65. For info, call AGBU at (212) 319-6383, ext. Boston Armenian Film Festival. Fresh Pond Cinemas, Through Time,” with new choreography and music. 124. To purchase tickets directly through the Carnegie Hall Cambridge. See www.armeniandrama.org. Robinson Theater, Waltham High School. For tickets, Box Office: carnegiehall.org. Carnegie charge: (212) 247- NOVEMBER 17 — Party at the Other Park! Benefit for the www.itsmyseat.com/sayatnova or Apo: (339) 222-2410. 7800. Box Office: 57th Street and Seventh Avenue. Armenian Heritage Park Endowment. Fenway Park, www.sayatnova.com. MAY 19, 2012 — HMADS Gala Dinner Dance. Details to fol - Boston. Advance reservations only. For details and reply NOVEMBER 19 — Holiday Kef, featuring Richard Hagopian low, June 25. HMADS 30th Commencement Exercise at 8 form, visit www.ArmenianHeritagePark.net. and his Kef Time Ensemble. Saturday, 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Adults, p.m., Kalustyan Hall.

NAASR Talk Pays Tribute to Lemkin LEMKIN, from page 14 measure in court to receive compensation. Peace Concert in LA to crimes against the Armenians, Mouradian Mouradian listed some of the many phrases noted, for Lemkin came to a head with the case Armenians have used since the tragic events of Soghomon Tehlirian, who assassinated took place, some of which are still in usage, Honor Stevie Wonder Talaat Pasha, one of the three of Ottoman lead - including Medz Yeghern, Aghed, Medz ers who devised the policy of Armenian exter - Voghperkutyun, Hayaspanoutiun and Chart . mination. Tehlirian assassi - As for Medz Yeghern , he Flora Martirosian and Arto Tuncboyaciyan to Perfrom nated Talaat in Berlin where said, Armenians often use it he had fled after being found but it became “a four-letter LOS ANGELES — Artists for Peace (AFP) will host one of the largest peace events of guilty of crimes by a military word” once Pope John Paul II the year on November 1 at the Gibson Amphitheatre at Universal CityWalk. The Never court in Turkey. Tehlirian was and President Barack Obama Again Peace Concert this year will honor Stevie Wonder for his continuous efforts as the traumatized by witnessing used it in order to avoid using United Nations Messenger of Peace. the deaths of all his family the word “genocide.” The “Never Again” Peace Concert is an annual event that brings together some of the members, which the court Mouradian detailed the hottest artists from around the world for an evening celebrating life and survival. found, absolved him of guilt. numerous instances in which Performances by American artists Chaka Khan, Eric Benet, Pras and Malina Moye will be Lemkin was a student in Raphael Lemkin Armenian publications start - accompanied by world music performances by Flora Martirosian, Arto Tuncboyaciyan and Lvov, then part of Poland and ed using the translation of Alexia Vassiliou, among others. The artists will perform hits of their own as well as a spe - now part of Ukraine, when genocide (tzeghaspanutiun) cial selected tribute song for this year’s honoree. the assassination took place in March 1921. to refer to the events of 1915-1923. One of the The Never Again Peace Concert serves to increase awareness and create better under - The events made him think what recourse indi - first examples, he said, was in Haratch in 1945. standing of the injustices of discrimination. In the words of founder Martirosian, “We viduals had against any government which had Interestingly, he said several people wrote let - must do everything we can so that, in this day and age and beyond, we make sure we edu - put into place a policy of extermination. From ters to the editors of Armenian publications at cate our youth to be more understanding and harmonious.” Martirosian goes further on that starting point, he dedicated himself to first the time — the height of the Cold War — asking to say, “It is with great respect and pleasure that we are able to give the United Nations defining that mass extermination and then them not to use the word genocide, as it would Messenger of Peace, the legendary Stevie Wonder the AFP Angel Award for his ongoing making sure that it was punishable. He also cause problems for the US and help the Soviet work to help others through change.” wanted to help the Armenian people get some Union. Proceeds from the concert event goes to benefit several charities, including Children sort of justice, even if only symbolic. “The US forgot Lemkin. He was someone with Leukemia in Armenia, The Chaka Khan Foundation, We Are You Foundation and Among the reasons the US used for not rati - who should have been nominated for a Nobel Genocide Memorial Museum, to name a few. Tickets are now available through all fying the convention were that they referred to Peace Prize, but by the mid-1950s, it was over Ticketmaster outlets. a territory under Soviet rule and that they were for him,” he concluded. For more information, visit www.Artists4Peace.org. afraid the descendents of slaves would use the 18 S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 29, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMENTARY

T HE A RMENIAN COMMENTARY Mirror- Armenia’s Armed Forces under Scrutiny

the number of such incidents is decreasing. But that is no con - Spectator By Edmond Y. Azadian solation to the mothers who have lost their sons. Those mothers, dressed in black, have demonstrated in front of the presidential palace demanding explanations for those killings. During the Karabagh war, the ragtag Armenian armed forces Some of the new recruits have been sent to psychiatric wards scored a historic victory against overwhelming Azeri forces and after the brutal treatment they have received from their superi - liberated a piece of Armenian territory long languishing under ors. Established 1932 Azeri misrule. That victory was achieved because morale was Every time a soldier is killed, news comes out that it is a case An ADL Publication high and the Armenian soldiers were inspired. After a tenuous of suicide, even before an investigation has begun. Even if the ceasefire, Armenia and Karabagh were engaged in state building, findings are true, the mothers would like to see the responsible which included a swift organization of their armed forces, parties who have driven their sons to commit suicide to be iden - because a no-war, no-peace period had ensued, following that EDITOR tified and punished. Alin K. Gregorian cease-fire, which kept everyone on their toes. In reference to the controversial cases of death in the armed Today we are being reassured that the Armenian armed forces forces of Armenia and civil society’s response, Deputy Minister of ASSOCIATE EDITOR possess the necessary military technology and the man power to Defense Vladimir Gasparyan said during a recent interview on Aram Arkun defend Armenia against possible Azeri aggression, despite H1 Public TV that some human rights organizations are trying

ART DIRECTOR Baku’s military build up through its Petrodollars. We are being to politicize the issue and have made a habit of criticizing the Marc Mgrditchian further reassured that Azerbaijan would have already attacked army. “I suggest to them to refrain from those personal attacks, Armenia — making good on its threats — had it not been deterred because they are affecting the army’s combat capacity.” PRODUCTION by the might and combat-readiness of the Armenian armed He further accused those critics of being foreign agents. Dilani Yogaratnam forces. However, human rights activist Arthur Sakunts, head of the Despite all these assurances, there are some disquieting inci - Helsinki Citizen’s Assembly of Vanadzor, has discounted those dents in the armed forces, which undermine the morale of the threats as “means by officials to divert public attention.” CONTRIBUTORS: servicemen; these are the alarming number of peacetime deaths The issue has been politicized especially in the hands of the Elizabeth Aprahamian, Daphne Abeel, Dr. in the army. Although the figures vary, nonetheless they are opposition, which never misses the opportunity to criticize the Haroutiune Arzoumanian, Edmond troubling. government. This year when Armenia could not make in the first Azadian, Prof. Vahakn N. Dadrian, Diana It is said that the army reflects the image of the civil society. 10 of Eurovision song contest, some opposition papers explained Der Hovanessian, Philip Ketchian, If that is true, in Armenia’s case there is some healing to be done that Armenia lost because it does not have a legitimate govern - Kevork Keushkerian, Sonia Kailian- within the army. ment. Placido , H arut Sassounian, Mary Terzian, The corruption in the army was well known and bearable until But the issue has become a political hot potato and it has to Hagop Vartivarian, Naomi Zeytoonian, unexplained deaths began to increase. The recruiting officers be resolved somehow before the public loses complete confi - Taleen Babayan have always had lucrative positions to give dispensation to any dence in its armed forces. recruit for a price. Additionally, normal furloughs and discharges Minister of Defense Seyran Ohanian is a most erudite and CORRESPONDENTS: were allowed through bribes, which certainly found their way articulate government official. He is also a war hero who has lost Armenia - Hagop Avedikian into the higher echelons of the army. There is no way to uproot a leg in the Karabagh conflict. Boston - Nancy Kalajian this kind of corruption, because that corruption is committed by An Azeri newspaper wished that the bullet which hit Philadelphia - Lisa Manookian the same officers tasked with guaranteeing discipline in the Ohanian’s leg instead had been aimed at his heart! Contributing Photographers: army and keeping the hands of leadership clean. It was a way of Unfortunately some people have publicly called for his resig - Jacob Demirdjian, Harry Koundakjian, Jirair life society tolerated, though with a degree of resentment. Now, nation, because he has not been able to resolve the issue of Hovsepian however, the increasing number of the deaths has alarmed the peacetime killings. He is the most astute military leader who has families and society as a whole. The army brass is under pressure put fear in the Azeri hearts and he should be able to bring this The Armenian Mirror-Spectator is published by human rights groups to do some explaining. painful phenomenon to a close. weekly, except two weeks in July, by: Only on October 9, three new draftees died: Vladimir Two years ago, the Writers Union of Armenia surprised me Baikar Association, Inc. Assatryan, 19, Yourik Nercissian, 19, and Aram Melkonian, 21. in Dzaghgadzor by celebrating my 50 years of literary activity. 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 All three deaths have been ruled to be suicides. Ohanian dropped in to award me the Marshal Baghramian Telephone: 617-924-4420 Valerik Mouradian died in March 2010. According to his moth - Armed Forces Medal. I thought it would be politically incorrect FAX: 617-924-2887 er, he had seen his superior officer stealing gas from the army, to ask an embarrassing question in that setting. But these www.mir rorspectator.com and he had reported the incident to his mother over the phone. killings were so much on my mind that I asked him anyway, E-Mail: editor@mirrorspectator .com A few days later, the mother received the tortured body of her “Mr. Minister, why should a young man serve in the armed For advertising: [email protected] son. “What has my son done to be torn apart like that? I want - forces and defend the homeland, when that homeland in return ed to be the last mother whose son is killed in peacetime. I has incidents of hazing, beatings, shipping to psychiatric wards wished he was killed by a Turk to make me proud that my son and death sentences?” died defending the borders of our homeland.” He was surprised by the question and he answered: “No com - SUBSCRIPTION RATES : According to unofficial reports, 30 soldiers have been killed mander would like to intimidate and hurt his soldiers. We have U.S.A. this year, and only nine by enemy fire. The public relations per - taken the issue seriously and we will control the situation.” 2nd Class $75 a year son at the Ministry of Defense, Gegham Harutunian, has stated Two years later the beatings and killings are shamefully con - 1st Class $120 a year that last year 54 soldiers died and the official figures for the cur - tinuing. Therefore, the question is still valid: why would a young Canada Air Mail $125 a year rent year will be released at yearend. He assured the public that man serve in the army to defend Armenia?

All Other Countries Air Mail $190 a year Display advertising r at e: $7 per column inch

© 2010 The Armenian Mirror-Spectator Turkey and Neighbors: Disaster Diplomacy Periodical Class Postage Paid at Boston, MA and additional mailing offices. happened, see: www.mfa.gov.tr/massacres- tance and aid workers have been dispatched ISSN 0004-234X By Giorgi Lomsadze by-the-armenians-against-the-turks.en.mfa.) to Turkey from Azerbaijan. POSTMASTER : Send address changes to The But Turkey was not ready to have that Georgia, which falls into the pretty-much- Armenian Mirror-Spectator, P.O. Box 302, symbolism exploited and have a positive a-friend category, said aid to Turkey would Watertown, MA 02471-0302 The tremors that rippled through the moment with Armenia. Instead, Ankara indi - be available upon request. Other than the editorial, views and opinions South Caucasus from neighboring Turkey’s cated that, at times like these, it would rely expressed in this newspaper do not necessarily powerful October 23 earthquake brought on itself and good friends like Azerbaijan. (This commentary originally appeared in reflect the policies of the publisher. with them a diplomatic opportunity. But not Three planes carrying emergency assis - EurasiaNet.org.) all offers of help have managed to cross the region’s political fault lines. “Thanks, but we should be fine,” Ankara tact person and a daytime telephone number. Copying for other than personal use or told Armenia, the world’s least Turkish- Notice to Contributors — Deadline for submission of all articles and advertising internal reference is prohibited without friendly country — and one well acquainted is 12 noon on Monday of the week of publication. The welcomes articles, — Photos will be published without charge at the discre - express permission of the copyright with earthquakes — after Yerevan offered to Armenian Mirror-Spectator owner. Address requests for reprints or commentaries and community news from our readers. In tion of the editors and art director. Photos will be help. back issues to: order to assure the accurate and timely publication of returned only if a self-addressed and stamped envelope By no stretch of the imagination would Baikar Association, Inc. articles submitted, please note the following policies: is included. aid cooperation fix the outstanding issues in — All articles submitted should be typed, double (or triple) — The will publish only one article about an upcom - 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 M-S Turkish-Armenian relations, but it might spaced and printed in a type size large enough to be ing organizational event. For major special events, have had symbolic value. After all, more clearly legible (10 point or larger). Submissions that do not exceptions may be made only by special arrangement than 100 years ago, it was the city of Van — conform to these specifications will be assigned lowest pri - with the editors. now hit hard by the earthquake — that was ority. — Telephone numbers, ticket prices and other details (at Check us out at the epicenter of the 1894-1896 massacre of — Articles sent by fax are acceptable, and e-mail sub - the discretion of the editors) will not be included in press mirrorspectator.com ethnic Armenians, a disaster bitterly missions are encouraged. releases, but should be reserved for calendar listings begrudged by Armenians to this day. — All submissions should include the name of a con - and advertise ments. (For the official Turkish view about what S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 29, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 19 COMMENTARY

erals who muzzled free speech, closed down Islamic This list does not even include the worldwide implication of schools, and arrested businessmen who were financing the foreign policy they wanted to impose on Turkey.” Islamist politicians. In concluding his letter, Yafet warned that the Islamic As a loyal supporter of Turkey, Yafet sent a scathing let - Party would withdraw Turkey from NATO, close down US ter to the Times, defending the draconian measures taken bases, threaten Israel, side with Libya, Iran and Sudan and My Turn by the military junta against the Islamic Welfare (Refah) support Hamas and Hizballah. Yafet went as far as asking Party, the predecessor of Erdogan’s Justice and the Times’ editors to apologize to the Turkish generals! By Harut Sassounian Development (AKP) Party. In his last week’s e-mail, Yafet found it ironic that the Yafet then mailed a copy of that letter to the Turkish same Namik Tan who had thanked him for his anti- Embassy in Washington, proudly notifying them of his Erdogan letter back in 1998 is now representing an The Unmasking of Namik Tan, “good work” on behalf of his native land. Within days, he Islamist government that he so passionately despised only Turkey’s Ambassador to the US received a letter of appreciation from Namik Tan, then a dozen years ago. “Counselor and Embassy Spokesperson,” and now ambas - It is truly amazing that the Turkish government would I received a revealing message last week from Benjamin sador of Turkey to the United States. Counselor Tan send to Washington in 2010 an ambassador who had Yafet, a Turkish Jew who had immigrated to the United praised Professor Yafet, stating that his “rebuttal was an opposed Erdogan’s Islamist party and supported the gen - States in 1976. He is a retired professor and high tech astute, lucid and rational argument, which handled the erals who had imprisoned him. While it is understandable entrepreneur in Arizona. issues with profound insight and understanding and corre - that Erdogan himself may have not been aware of Mr. Tan’s Professor Yafet disclosed that in recent years he has been sponded, in many aspects, to how we also approach the 1998 letter, it is highly unlikely that his superiors at the transformed from a staunch supporter of Turkey to an anti- subject.” Foreign Ministry were unaware of his pro-military and anti- Turkish crusader. He explained that he was “disgusted” A close reading of Yafet’s letter to the Times reveals why democratic views. After all, Mr. Tan has been a career diplo - with Turkey when Hitler’s Mein Kampf became a bestseller Counselor Namik Tan had offered to him such lavish mat since 1982 and served as deputy undersecretary of the in that country. Since then, he has had “1,001 reasons” for praise. Likening Erdogan’s ideology to that of the Nazis, Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Ankara prior to his ambas - being totally “fed up” with Turkey’s hypocritical policies. In Yafet accused his political party of “preaching the end of sadorial assignment in Washington. fact, he was so disgusted that he informed Ankara that he democracy itself” aiming “to replace it by an Islamic theoc - It remains to be seen how the prime minister would react was renouncing his Turkish citizenship! racy.” He went on to explain that “a careful reading of the to the unmasking of Ambassador Tan. Erdogan may decide In his e-mail, Yafet enclosed a 1998 New York Times edi - party program does exhibit an agenda that is a carbon copy to castigate Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu for appoint - torial titled, “Turkey’s Destructive Generals.” The editorial of the reactionary Iranian Ayatollah’s ideology. A direct ing an ambassador with such anti-Islamist views to repre - harshly criticized the generals for imprisoning Recep application of the party doctrines would deprive Turkish sent the AKP government in the United States. Erdogan, then mayor of Istanbul and now prime minister women of their hardly acquired civil rights and they would Indeed, Tan may face the same premature exit from of Turkey. Mayor Erdogan was forced out of office for recit - first lose their right of not wearing the chador (veil). The Washington as his predecessor, Ambassador Nabi Sensoy, ing an Islamic poem! The Times ’ editors were displeased Welfare Party was totalitarian in essence, racist and anti- who was forced out in 2009 after an argument with with “Turkey’s politically meddlesome” and autocratic gen - Semitic in philosophy and anti-democratic by definition. Davutoglu. An Open Letter to Facing The Hazards in Turkey’s History and Ourselves New Strategy

(The following open letter is addressed to implied that the Armenian killings were not When fighters from the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party killed 24 Turkish sol - Facing History and Ourselves Executive intentional but rather merely the “conse - diers in the eastern province of Hakkari, the Turkish prime minister, Recep Tayyip Director Margot Strom, Associate Executive quence” of Turkish “actions.” FHAO is aware Erdogan, immediately ordered 10,000 soldiers to cross into Iraq and find the militants. Director Martin Sleeper and Board that Article II of the United Nations Genocide “This is an operation to get results,” Mr. Erdogan said. Chairwoman Tracy Palandjian.) Convention specifically requires “intent” for Besides provoking one of the largest ground operations against the Kurdish fighters killings to be considered genocide. in recent years, the resurgence of the group, known as the PKK, shows the difficulties I am deeply offended and disappointed to “Consequences” is, however, the opposite of Ankara now faces in adjusting a foreign policy learn that one of our nation’s foremost genocide “intent.” that was based on its ambitious “zero prob - education organizations — Facing History and Cities, towns and the MMA weren’t buying By Judy Dempsey lems” strategy in the region. Ourselves (FHAO) — has elected to “partner” Mr. Foxman’s act. They severed ties with the “The zero problems strategy in practice with the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) to spon - ADL’s “No Place for Hate” even after the ADL meant dealing with autocratic regimes. So when sor a panel discussion on “The New Anti- statement. the Arab Spring happened, it exposed the fundamental flaws of that policy,” said Sinan Semitism: A Contemporary Discussion in The ADL has yet to unambiguously recognize Ulgen, chairman of the Center for Economics and Foreign Policy Studies, an indepen - Historic Faneuil Hall” in Boston on November 7. the Armenian Genocide. And Mr. Foxman con - dent research group in Istanbul. Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National director, tinues to oppose passage of the Armenian “The zero problem policy was over-optimistic, almost naïve in the belief that difficult will be one of the panelists. Genocide resolution, contemptuously calling it problems could be solved easily,” Mr. Ulgen added. I respectfully urge you to withdraw FHAO a “counterproductive diversion.” Turkey may now be paying the price for its belated defense of human rights in the from its partnership with the ADL for this Neither Mr. Foxman nor the ADL has ever region, most notably in Syria and Iran. Ankara is abuzz with speculation that these event. apologized to the Armenian people for their countries may have been behind the PKK attacks. Mr. Foxman and the national ADL have actions. Syria and Iran are accused of supporting the PKK right from the beginning in 1984, denied the factuality of the Armenian genocide The ADL has stated that any diminishment of when the PKK started fighting the Turkish state to have the 20-million-strong Kurdish of 1915-1923 committed by Turkey. And they the Holocaust is anti-Semitic and constitutes population recognized as a minority within its own autonomous Kurdish region. have used their considerable influence to active - hate speech. Yet the ADL has diminished the When Mr. Erdogan’s Justice and Development Party was elected in 2002, it devel - ly assist the government of Turkey to defeat Armenian genocide. By its own definition, oped a foreign policy aimed at realigning the country’s role in a highly volatile region Armenian genocide resolutions in the U.S. therefore, the ADL is guilty of hate speech. consisting of the Caucasus and the Middle East. Congress. A political agreement two decades Would FHAO partner with an organization and That zero problems policy was designed by Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu in order ago among Turkey, certain organizations such man that diminished the Holocaust and to build strong economic, political and social ties with Turkey’s immediate neighbors. as the ADL, and Israel brought this about opposed the many Congressional resolutions In practice, that policy meant shifting away from Turkey’s traditional reliance on the (www.noplacefordenial.com/2007/08/press- on the Holocaust? Why, then, would you part - United States and its close military ties with Israel to a regionally based strategy aimed kit-history-of-lobbying-against.html). ner with the ADL? This is incomprehensible, at Turkey becoming the main player in the neighborhood. Since the summer of 2007, due specifically to especially as FHAO has long had an education - As a first step, Ankara improved ties with the Syrian regime. Human rights played their disapproval of the ADL’s genocide denial al program on the Armenian genocide no role between Damascus and Ankara even though Ankara has used that argument and lobbying efforts against the Armenian- (www.facinghistory.org/resources/collections/ to champion the rights of the Palestinians. American resolution, more than a dozen major armeniangenocide). Nothing came of an initiative to mediate between Israel and Syria on the Golan Massachusetts cities and towns have ceased We know that the ADL and similar groups’ Heights. The lack of success was due to Israel’s bombing of the Gaza Strip in 2008-9, their affiliation (www.noplacefordenial.com) appeasement of Turkey — for example, Mr. which angered the Turkish public, as much as to Ankara’s overconfidence in its diplo - with the ADL’s so-called “No Place for Hate” Foxman presented Prime Minister Erdogan matic overtures. program. with a “Courage to Care Award” a few years ago There were attempts, too, at negotiating a solution to the Iranian nuclear program, In April of 2008, for precisely the same rea - - has failed dismally on an international level as which is worrying the United States in particular. sons, the Massachusetts Municipal Association well. Again, Ankara paid scant attention to the crackdown on the Iranian opposition, (MMA), which represents every city and town in I am at a loss to understand why or how your much to the disappointment of civil society movements in the region. This damaged the state, also severed ties with “No Place for partnership with Mr. Foxman has come about. Turkey’s foreign policy credentials, according to analysts. Its Iran initiative proved to Hate.” One hopes that ADL members among FHAO’s be unsuccessful diplomatically. The national ADL drew widespread condem - donors and its treasurer, Elizabeth Jick, who is As for Turkey’s attempts at normalizing relations with its neighbor Armenia, with nation from principled Jews, human rights an ADL Executive Committee member, did not whom diplomatic ties were severed in 1992, the zero problems policy has not lived up advocates, editorialists and others. These events unduly influence your decision. to expectations, either. made national and international news I respectfully call upon you to withdraw After secret talks in Switzerland, in 2009 a protocol was signed with the hope of (http://npfdnews.blogspot.com). FHAO’s partnership with the ADL in the restoring diplomatic ties and reopening of the borders. To deflect growing criticism, on August 21, November 7 event. I hope that when FHAO con - The thaw ended soon. Azerbaijan, which traditionally has had very close ties with 2007, Mr. Foxman issued a statement which siders the facts and the long-term credibility of Turkey, was from the outset suspicious about any breakthrough. The Azeri authorities masqueraded as an acknowledgment of the its programs and dedicated staff, it will do the feared they would lose leverage over Armenia if restoring diplomatic relations between Armenian Genocide. The statement not only right thing. Armenia and Turkey was not linked to the resolution of the conflict in Nagorno- used deceptive and dishonest language, such — David Boyajian Karabakh. as “tantamount to genocide,” but also Belmont, Mass. see STRATEGY, page 20 20 S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 29, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Shengavit Archeological Preserve Shows History of Yerevan

Armenian and Russian. The actual archeological were plastered. There was evidence that the walls zero) for the maintenance and renovation of the By Joseph Dagdigian site spans an area of six hectares (about 15 were painted, though that evidence no longer site. The site desperately needs to install running acres), though during the Soviet era a hospital exists. Within the rooms were found triangular water (there is no water at the site), a sewage line was built over part of the site, destroying forever hearths set upon stands. The circular rooms con - (there is none), rest rooms,and a phone line YEREVAN — The foundation of Yerevan is the yet-unexamined archeological evidence tained centrally located stone pedestals upon (there is none). They need a dozen or so boards often cited as 782 BC, the year the Urartun city underneath. which columns rested to support the roof. Floors to repair the benches (they were denied $100- of Erebuni was founded by Argishti I on a hill The Shengavit archeological record contains were made of pebbles covered with clay. 150 needed for the bench repairs by the head of within the borders of the modern city. While four layers, each about four meters (12 feet) in The Shengavit culture was spread throughout Yerevan’s Shengavit district — there are bud - Yerevan may be considered the direct descendant depth representing distinct phases of habitation. the Ararat valley and was influential as far as getary constraints). The museum building dates of Erebuni, mankind has lived there for many The lowest and oldest layer contains the archeo - thousands of years before King Argishti I built logical record of inhabitants living around 4000- his city. 3000 BC, while the uppermost, most recent layer Visitors arriving at Yerevan’s Zvartnots airport is dated to about 2000 BC. Scholars believe the pass the US Embassy on the way to Yerevan’s site was continually inhabited for more than center. In back of the embassy is a small, man- 2,000 years. Found within the oldest Stone Age made lake. Rising above the lake’s opposite layer were crude stone tools and other items, shore is the Shengavit Historical and while the upper layer revealed sophisticated pot - Archeological Culture Preserve. Within the pre - tery, the presence of agricultural activity, cattle serve are excavations revealing settlements from raising and copper tools as well as stone molds the end of the fourth to the beginning of the sec - used to cast copper implements. Buildings were ond millennium BC, as well a small museum con - constructed of unbaked clay bricks set upon taining artifacts found at the site. The neatly- stone foundations with connected circular and arranged artifacts are labeled in English, rectangular rooms. The inside walls of the rooms

The Hazards in Turkey’s New Strategy

STRATEGY, from page 19 so little attention to human rights in its zero Since 1994, Nagorno-Karabakh has been problems policy. It quickly reinvented its strate - held by Armenia. The ethnic Azeri population gy. has fled the enclave, while ethnic Armenians Turkey was one of the first countries to aid Shengavit excavation, with the American Embassy in the background have mostly fled Azerbaijan. Libya’s rebels, providing $300 million in cash, As a result of Azerbaijan’s conditions, the and it was one of the first to call for the resig - talks have stalled. Instead of trying to maintain nation of the former Egyptian president, Hosni western Armenia, Cilicia, northern Mesopotamia from 1920 when it was constructed to serve as a the momentum even at the risk of poorer ties Mubarak. and Palestine. Obsidian tools from Armenia were station for Red Army officers. The roof needs with Azerbaijan, Mr. Erdogan backed away. Its change of heart with Syria and Iran is found in the Middle East. Anthropologists, ana - repair and the museum walls need reinforcement “Turkey should have remain focused on the even more radical. Turkey is now openly criti - lyzing human remains from Shengavit tombs, in order to support the used air conditioners, Armenian issue, which, after all, is its immedi - cizing the Syrian regime. Its relations with Iran believe the “Armenoid” skull type typical of cur - which were donated to the museum. ate neighborhood, instead of broadening its for - are also strained, especially as Ankara agreed rent day Armenians evolved in this region. My wife and I spent a day visiting building sup - eign policy,” said Richard Giragosian, director last month to deploy part of the U.S. missile Shengavit was linked to other settlements in the ply stores where we bought enough material to of the independent Regional Studies Center in defense shield on its territory. region, all of which demonstrated a similar cul - start the most critical repairs before the arrival of Yerevan, Armenia. If Turkey continues to pursue a foreign poli - ture and were connected by trade. While there is winter weather. The staff does all the repair and “Turkey did not have the capacity for resolv - cy anchored on human rights, it can win respect no record of the language used at the time, sci - maintenance work, including digging trenches ing the conflict with Armenia,” said Tom de and support in the region. But no such policy entists believe that a non-Semitic, non-Indo- for a sewer line and for a water connection. Part Waal, a specialist on the Caucasus at the can work, say analysts, if Turkey excludes the European language or family of languages was of the preserve was illegally sold to a private indi - Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in Kurds from it. prevalent, traces of which remain today within vidual. The director has gathered extensive doc - Washington. “Turkey wanted to run before it the Armenian language. umentation on this illegal sale and presented the could walk.” (A version of this article appeared in print While it can not be stated that the early resi - evidence to Yerevan City Hall. He is assured that Then came the Arab Spring. on October 25, 2011, in The International dents of Shengavit were “Armenian,” as the the matter will be rectified. If it is not, he says, he Suddenly, Turkey realized that it was running Herald Tribune with the headline: The Armenian nation, people and language may not will go to court — though hiring a lawyer will a serious risk of being shunned by the newly Hazards in Turkey’s New Strategy. It also have been formed at that time, it is likely that the require funds, which he does not have. If it comes emerging democratic forces because it had paid appeared in the New York Times.) tribes living in the region ultimately coalesced to to this, and one hopes it won’t, the Diaspora will form the Armenian people and the Armenian lan - need to help. Moreover the site is not fenced in. guage. At a much later time migrating tribes I visited the site on two consecutive days. On the introduced Indo-European elements into the second day a new pile of trash had been dumped Armenian language. on the site. Fortunately there is a policeman sta - More than 500 Die in Turkey Quake Initial excavation of the site began in 1936 by tioned at the site during off hours to protect the Joseph Orbeli (1887-1961) and Eugeni valuable artifacts in the museum and the undis - QUAKE, from page 1 People in Armenia were alarmed by the pow - Bayburtyan (1898-1938) and lasted for two covered ones, which still lie underground. In fact, also on Sunday, about five hours away erful earthquake, which sent tremors to the years; then the site was abandoned. Orbeli was This is an important site not just for the study from Van in Diyarbakir, a baptism ceremony entire region, including Georgia and Iran. the director of the Hermitage Museum in St. of the formation of the Armenian nation but for was held in newly-re-consecrated Saint Giragos The tremors in Armenia measured three to Petersburg, Russia. Bayburtyan apparently was a studying the ancient history and culture of the church for Armenians whose families had been five points on the 12-point scale, the National bit too nationalistic; he was arrested by Stalin entire region. This past summer a group of forced to convert to Muslim faith during the Seismic Protection Service of the Armenian and was never seen again. From 1945-1950 American archeologists from Pennsylvania were time of the Genocide. Emergency Situations Ministry said. There were Sandro Sardaryan (1912-1995) studied the site researching the site until the really hot weather Sunday’s quake and at least one of the neither casualties nor damage in the republic. and then, from 1950-1983, led a new excavation arrived, at which point they returned home. They dozens of subsequent tremors was felt in The Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of Shengavit. Yuli Tamanyan, being an architect plan to return once the weather cools down a bit. Yerevan, as some residents in the Armenian of America expressed its sorrow over the lives and member of the excavating team, performed It is embarrassing for foreign visitors to see that capital fled their buildings in fear. lost in the earthquake, while expressing grati - the site’s measurements. He was the son of such an important site is so severely underdevel - Armenia is among countries that have offered tude for the safety of its tour participants. famed architect Alexander Tamanian who, in oped and ignored, except for the few people who assistance in search and rescue. “We are greatly relieved to report that the del - 1925, developed the general layout of Yerevan. In are desperately trying to maintain it. Of course Israel’s defense minister says Israel will help egation of Armenian pilgrims, who had depart - 1967 Sardaryan published a study “Primitive there are severe financial shortages in Armenia, Turkey aid earthquake victims “as soon as pos - ed from the Eastern Diocese earlier this week Society in Armenia” in English describing but a recent UN survey indicated that Yerevan sible,” after Turkey accepted Israel’s offer of to take part in the re-consecration of the his - Shengavit and other ancient settlements within has more expensive cars per capita than any assistance. toric Armenian Church in the city of Diarbekir the Armenian highlands. other major city. A ministry spokesman said Turkey asked for (Dikranagert), are safe and were not affected in Currently on the Shengavit preserve one may Tshagharyan has ambitions to establish the emergency housing units and Israel was check - any way by the earthquake. The group of view the foundations of ancient dwellings and amenities needed by visitors. The site needs to be ing what else it could do. Diocesan leaders led by Diocesan Primate visit Shengavit’s nicely-arranged museum. The secured with a fence surrounding the area. The The two countries were once close allies, but Archbishop Khajag Barsamian were far from director of the Shengavit Historical and illegally-sold land must be returned. The antiquat - Turkey has shifted to seeking a wider Mideast the strike zone and did not experience any of Archaeological Culture Preserve is Vladimir ed museum building needs to be renovated and role while harshly criticizing Israel. the tremors or aftershocks, Archbishop Tshagharyan, an experienced archeologist and ultimately replaced with a more modern facility Armenian President Serge Sargisian, who Barsamian reported in a telephoneinterview on architect with considerable experience in manag - with a library, an area to study and preserve arti - was on a state visit to Russia, sent a message of Sunday morning,” the Diocese said in a state - ing and preserving Armenia’s large number of facts, and an area where visiting archeologists can condolence to Turkish President Abdullah Gül. ment. historical and archaeological sites. He is assisted conduct their research. Tshagharyan is consider - “I learned with profound pain about the pow - Plans for later this week which would have by Vano, an experienced construction worker, ing the establishment of a non-profit organization erful earthquake that occurred in Van and taken the pilgrims to Van, the historic and Gayane, a guide who is fluent in Armenian, or an NGO to oversee donations to the site. about the destruction, human losses and the Armenian region which was seriously affected English, Russian and perhaps a few other lan - The Shengavit Historical and Archaeological people trapped under the collapsed buildings. I by this morning’s disaster were cancelled; guages. The three-person staff is severely under - Culture Preserve is only a 15-20-minute taxi drive feel sorrow about that, express my condolences instead, the pilgrims visited the St. Kevork paid, receiving salaries that are impossible to live from the center of Yerevan. Its entrance is in and inform you that Armenia’s specialized res - Church in Derek, near Mardin. They will travel on in Armenia. They are, in effect, volunteers as back of the Shengavit hospital on Bagratunyats cue division is put on alert to be able to reach to Istanbul as scheduled on Tuesday. their motivations are the preservation of Street, on the opposite side of Yerevan Lake the epicenter as soon as possible and start (Stories from the Associated Press, Armenia’s important historical and archaeologi - from the US embassy. Visitors are welcome immediately its rescue operations,” read ArmeniaNow, Reuters and Itar-Tass were used cal record. In addition to inadequate pay, there is throughout the week other than on Mondays Sargisian’s message. to compile this report.) zero budget (not an exaggeration — it’s actually when most museums in Armenia are closed.