NOVEMBER 5, 2011 MirTHE rARoMENr IAN -Spe ctator Volume LXXXII, NO. 17, Issue 4211 $ 2.00 NEWS IN BRIEF The First English Language Armenian Weekly in the United States Armenia Sends Aid for JIRAIR HOVSEPIAN PHOTO Quake Causes Turk Quake Survivors ISTANBUL (Today’s Zaman) — Armenia has sent a Cracks in Surb plane carrying goods to Turkey to help with the aftermath of the Van quake last week. Gagik Kostandyan, an official from Armenia, said Khatch Dome at Erzerum’s airport, where the aid plane had land - ed on Friday afternoon, that President Serge ISTANBUL (Anatolia and AFP) — The Sargisian had called President Abdullah Gül and 10th-century Armenian Church of the Holy expressed Armenia’s readiness to send aid. Cross (Surb Khatch) on Akhtamar Island Kostandyan said the Armenian government had in Lake Van has a crack in its dome as a sent 111 tents, 4,345 blankets, 36 beds and 474 result of the magnitude 7.2 earthquake that sleeping bags. struck there last week. The Armenian official said Turkey did not accept Officials said their initial observations food aid but asked for tents, recalling that Armenia show that there is no other serious damage had also sent aid to Turkey after the 1999 earth - to the church but they are waiting for the quake but that this was the first time that aftershocks to end before evaluating the Armenians had come to Turkey with aid. “We are whole structure of the church. ready to offer every kind of support if needed. We The Armenian Orthodox Church of the would like the two countries to enjoy good rela - Holy Cross occupies a special place in tions. This is a humanitarian aid. We are two neigh - medieval Armenian art and architecture. In boring countries,” Kostandyan stressed. Paul Rusesabagina receives a standing ovation. September 2010, 95 years after religious services ended, the church was reopened as a museum and operated by the Ministry of Knesset Speaker Culture and Tourism. Religious service is Rusesabagina Brings Message of Justice to allowed only once a year at the church. Working to Boost Heritage Park Audience from Rwanda Meanwhile, the death toll has reached Genocide Recognition 600. BOSTON — A large and diverse audience gathered at Faneuil Hall on Thursday, With temperatures dipping to below TEL AVIV, Israel ( Haaretz ) — Knesset Speaker October 20, to hear Paul Rusesabagina, the Rwandan activist whose life story was freezing the biggest problem now facing Reuven Rivlin said Monday that he wanted to con - dramatized in the award-winning movie, survivors in Van province was a lack of vene an annual parliamentary session of the full “Hotel Rwanda,” based on his autobiog - tents and heaters, media reports said. Knesset to mark the Armenian Genocide at the By Alin K. Gregorian raphy, An Ordinary Man . Health officials in Ercis, which bore the hands of the Turks. “It is my duty as a Jew and Mirror-Spectator Staff The lecture was the second K. George brunt of the 7.2-magnitude quake, warned Israeli to recognize the tragedies of other peoples,” and Carolann S. Najarian MD Lecture survivors against drinking tap water due to Rivlin said, speaking to an Israeli-based Armenian on Human Rights, an endowed program fears the supply had been contaminated action committee. of the Armenian Heritage Foundation, which is the sponsor of the city’s Armenian with sewage, the Anatolia news agency Rivlin added, “Diplomatic considerations, impor - Heritage Park, currently under construction. reported. tant as they may be, do not allow us to deny the dis - Charlie Clemens, the executive director of the Carr Center for Human Rights at Many survivors were still camped out in aster experienced by another people.” Harvard Kennedy School of Government, praised Rusesabagina as the “hero of tents or makeshift shelters, fearing further In recent years the Prime Minister’s Office and ‘Hotel Rwanda,’ not a label that he has chosen for himself.” building collapses with rain and snow the Foreign Ministry have applied heavy pressure He also noted that Rusesabagina has fallen out of favor with the current regime adding to their misery. to head off such sessions of the Knesset out of con - and has incurred the president’s wrath, but is not letting either fact hinder his Some whose homes were damaged had cern that relations between Israel and Turkey activism on behalf of the oppressed. tried to find new accommodation only to would be harmed. “He continues to do so at great risk to himself,” Clemens said. discover that unscrupulous landlords had Since 2008, the full Knesset has allowed the see LECTURE, page 10 hiked rents. Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee to hold ses - More than 4,150 people were injured in sions that have been closed to the media about the the quake that shook Van province near the Armenian Genocide. Last week, for the first time, Iranian border on October 23, the govern - the full Knesset approved the convening of an ment’s emergency unit said in a statement open, public session on the issue by the Education, Zarakolu among Dozens Arrested on its website. Culture and Sports Committee, at the request of The toll on Sunday rose to 601 from an Meretz Knesset member Zahava Gal-On. This repre - On Charges of Aiding Kurd Rebels earlier figure of 596, it said. sents a complete change in approach on the issue. Search and rescue work ended on In October 2008, in an unprecedented move, the ANKARA (Associated Press) — A Turkish Constitutional Commission, Zarakolu and 48 Saturday in Van city centre, but emergency Knesset voted to have a parliamentary committee court on Tuesday pressed separatism others were interrogated by a prosecutor. crews continued working at two locations convene on the Armenian Genocide at the initiative charges against 23 suspects, including a uni - The prosecutor referred 47 of them to court in Ercis, officials said. of then-Meretz Chairman Haim Oron, paving the versity professor and a publisher, on suspi - late on Monday, requesting their arrest. way for the sessions in the Foreign Affairs and cion of membership in a separatist Kurdish The KCK is accused of attempting to Defense Committee. Over the past two years, how - rebel group, state-run television reported. establish an alternative governing system ever, after relations between Israel and Turkey dete - The court in Istanbul said the suspects and terrorizing locals in the country’s pre - Yerevan Mayor riorated, the Foreign Ministry’s opposition to the included Prof. Busra Ersanli and Ragip dominantly Kurdish areas. Most of the issue abated, though Rivlin’s latest move was at his Zarakolu, founder of Belge Publishing, accused face charges of membership in Confirms Resignation own initiative. according to the state-run TRT channel. and/or aiding and abetting a terrorist group. They were among about 50 suspects Ninety-six people were arrested as part of YEREVAN (RFE/RL) — Yerevan Mayor detained over the weekend in a crackdown another operation against the KCK in Karen Karapetian confirmed on Friday on the autonomy-seeking Kurdistan Istanbul earlier this month. reports that he INSI DE Workers’ Party or PKK. A group of Turkish academics launched a has decided to Zarakolu’s publishing house has pub - petition campaign to protest the detention resign after less lished several books on the Armenian of Ersanli and to call for her release. A joint than one year in Genocide in Turkey, at great risk to himself. statement by the group said the detention office. Writers Ersanli, a member of the Peace and of Ersanli, who has for years been working He attributed Democracy Party’s (BDP) Party Council and for sustainable peace and a new constitu - the unexpected tion in Turkey, led to outrage among all cir - decision to “per - Honored cles in the country that believe in the sonal reasons” democratic state of law. and his “transfer page 13 “The detention of Prof. Büsra Ersanli is a to another heavy blow dealt to Turkey’s efforts work.” Karen Karapetian towards a real democracy with equality, “I took the peace, social justice and academic and polit - decision with ical freedoms. We demand the immediate great difficulty and am stating with all INDEX release of Prof. Büsra Ersanli and all other responsibility that there is no subtext of Arts and Living ...... 13 jailed politicians, academics and journalists political or intra-governmental disagree - Armenia ...... 2, 3 who work for peace, democratic rights and ments as is claimed by some,” said Community News...... 5 freedoms in our country,” the statement Karapetian. Editorial ...... 18 said in part. “At the same time I feel sorry for unful - International ...... 4 Ragip Zarakolu (Today’s Zaman contributed to this filled tasks and obligations as well as those report.) see RESIGNATION, page 2 2 S ATURDAY , N OVEMBER 5, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARMENIA News From Armenia Armenian Police Chief Sacked

National Congress (HAK) portrayed Alik Armenia Honors Birth of By Ruzanna Stepanian, Irina Hovhannisyan Sargsian’s removal as a sign of govern - ment turmoil. “They themselves don’t (Possible) 7 Billionth understand what they are doing,” he YEREVAN (RFE/RL) — Lt.-Gen. Alik decision only the next morning. “I see said. “Alik Sargsian doesn’t know why he Child Sargsian, the chief of the Armenian nothing strange in this fact,” he claimed. was sacked. Nobody in the Republican police, was unexpectedly sacked without Alik Sargsian, who took over the ARTIK, Armenia (RFE/RL) — A baby boy born into Party knows why [Yerevan Mayor] Karen an official explanation on Tuesday amid national police service in 2008, insisted the Voskanian family, at 12:20 a.m. on Monday, was Karapetian was sacked.” reports that President Serge Sargisian is that he was fired not because of his track declared by Armenia’s office of the United Nations “All decisions are made by one person planning major personnel changes in the record. “My indicators are very good,” he Population Fund (UNFPA) to be the 7 billionth liv- and that person is confused,” Manukian state apparatus. said. “The situation with crime is under ing person on Earth. said. Sargisian was quick to replace him control and public order is maintained.” The United Nations has apparently decided to According to Armen Martirosian, a with Deputy Defense Minister Vladimir Asked why he was relieved of his allow every country to pick its own honoree. leader of the opposition Zharangutyun Gasparian. duties, the 54-year-old said, “It’s up to The baby in Artik, who was named Vahram, was (Heritage) party, President Sargisian is A statement by the presidential press the president to decide.” born two weeks prematurely. He weighs 2.9 kilo- keen to install in key government posi - office gave no reason for the dismissal. It Gasparian, the new police chief, head - grams (or about six pounds and six ounces) and is tions more loyal individuals who will said Sargsian would now serve as an ed the Armenian military police for more now under the supervision of local doctors. help the HHK win the May 2012 parlia - adviser to the head of state. The than a decade before being appointed Vahram’s parents are residents of the nearby vil- mentary elections at any cost. Armenian president also did not explain deputy defense minister last year. A lage of Pemzashen. “I have no doubts that this is connect - motives behind the sacking as he intro - native of Soviet Estonia, he served in the His father, Garik Voskanian, was not in town to ed with the forthcoming elections,” said duced Gasparian to senior police officials police in the early and mid-1990s. celebrate the occasion with his family. Like many in Martirosian. “The authorities do not later in the day. Addressing the senior police staff in this economically-depressed area he had gone to enjoy the people’s trust and so they will “I believe that today, the police of the his new capacity, Gasparian, 53, pledged Russia as a migrant worker. His close relatives say, try to reproduce themselves in less than Republic of Armenia need a leader like to uphold “the supremacy of the law” however, he will come back soon to see his son. legitimate ways.” Vladimir Gasparian and I am convinced during his tenure. “It’s time to move The UN office undertook to provide Vahram with But HHK spokesman Eduard that he will accomplish tasks set before him from words to action,” he said. “I think all essential items in the postnatal period, while the Sharmazanov denied any connection with honor,” he said. “I am convinced that that we will bring ongoing reforms in the maternity hospital in Artik issued a special certifi- with the elections. “The state system is a our people will feel more protected and police to their logical conclusion in a cate to him and the town’s mayor gave him a letter live organism and one should not be sur - that reforms in the police will continue.” very short period of time.” of gratitude. prised with such developments,” he said. “This is a very normal development,” Neither Alik Sargisian nor Gasparian The maternal hospital in Artik was chosen for the Sharmazanov also dismissed sugges - Alik Sargsian said by phone before that gave details of those reforms. symbolic celebration as an establishment that by its tions that Serge Sargisian is getting rid meeting. “Nothing is eternal and I will Meanwhile, representatives of level of equipment and the number of recorded of individuals that could back his prede - continue to serve the country, the coun - Armenia’s leading opposition forces sug - births yields to other similar centers in Armenia. cessor Robert Kocharian should the lat - try’s leader and our people till the end. gested political reasons for Gasparian’s The UN office on Monday donated a mobile echo- ter decide to return to the political arena. Nothing will change in my life.” appointment and other high-level per - scope to the center. Some media outlets claimed on Tuesday That Alik Sargsian was set to be sonnel changes in the government which that one such individual, Deputy Prime sacked was first reported by Armenian a leader of the ruling Republican Party Minister and Minister for Local Government Karekin II, Heffern media late on Monday. of Armenia (HHK) said are possible in Armen Gevorgian, will also lose his job. A The police general said he was the coming weeks and possibly days. spokeswoman for Gevorgian’s ministry Discuss Karabagh informed about President Sargisian’s Aram Manukian of the Armenian denied those claims, however. Settlement YEREVAN (PanARMENIAN.Net) — The Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II met with the new US ‘Brain Drain’ in the South Caucasus: A Deadly Cycle ambassador to Armenia, John Heffern. At the meeting, the catholicos called the YEREVAN (Hetq) — According to an — rendering additional waves of out percent of ethnic Georgians within the Heffern’s attention to the Organization for the article in this week’s The Financial migration,” added Asali. country. Security and Cooperation of Europe (OSCE) Minsk regarding emigration trends in the The data, compiled by the Caucasus Additionally, there is a pattern in Group and their work toward the preservation of South Caucasus, 64 percent of Barometer (compiled by The Caucasus which people who have traveled abroad peace and stability in the region. Armenians would leave Armenia for a Research Resource Centers) CRRC also are more inclined to emigrate in all Karekin II briefed the ambassador on the activi- certain period, while fewer Azerbaijanis, shows that Armenians are more willing three countries. Nearly eight-in-10 ties of the Armenian Church and its role in the 52 percent, and Georgians, 47 percent, to permanently leave their country — 29 Azerbaijanis, 78 percent who have once establishment of regional peace. would do the same. percent, than the Azerbaijanis, 17 per - traveled abroad, would temporarily The ambassador then thanked the catholicos for The article focuses on the phenome - cent, and Georgians 7 percent. leave the country followed by 71 per - a warm welcome and congratulated him on his 60th non called the “Brain Drain” — when Ethnic Armenians within Georgia cent who traveled abroad twice or birthday. the more skilled people emigrate to a alone are also more likely to perma - more, and 48 percent for those who more advanced country. nently emigrate from the country than have never traveled abroad. Similarly, Muhammad Asali, ISET professor, the other internal ethnic groups. Forty- 71 percent Armenians who have been Govt. Vows Heavier Tax PhD, Columbia University, 2008, two percent of the ethnic Armenian abroad at least once are more interested believes that it really does hurt local population in Georgia reported desire in temporary migration than their com - Burden on Rich economies. to leave Georgia forever compared to 7 patriots who have never traveled, 48 YEREVAN (RFE/RL) — The Armenian government “Not only is this a harmful phenome - percent of ethnic Azerbaijanis and 6 percent, outside Armenia. will primarily target large companies and wealthy non, but it is also self-sustained; the citizens in its drive to improve tax collection next vicious circle goes as follows: skilled year, Prime Minister Tigran Sargisian announced workers emigrate because there are no on Sunday. good opportunities for them in the Yerevan Mayor Confirms Resignation “We have come up with a package [of legal country of origin: no job offers, low amendments] whose goal is to collect more taxes wages, high unemployment, job possi - RESIGNATION, from page 1 Karapetian insisted, however, that he from high earners,” Sargisian said, referring to a bilities not matching their skills and expectations and programs which the has enjoyed “unlimited” support from bill finally approved by his cabinet last week. abilities. Once they leave, however, all country’s supreme leadership and the the president throughout his short The bill, which has still not been made public, these problems become worse — public had in connection with my tenure. He also dismissed as “absurd” reportedly contains a long list of draft amendments because the potential driving force of tenure,” he added. media claims about his uneasy rapport to Armenian laws regulating taxation. The govern- development (skilled and educated According to some newspaper with the presidential administration. ment says they are essential for ensuring a more workers) are not there anymore, infra - reports, Karapetian, who previously Under Armenian law, Yerevan mayors than 13-percent increase in tax revenues predicted structure and opportunities deteriorate managed Armenia’s national gas distri - are chosen by a municipal assembly by its draft budget for next year. bution company, received a lucrative elected through universal suffrage. Sargisian said more than a dozen of the proposed job offer from Gazprom or another Sargisian’s Republican Party of changes would simplify taxation for small and Russian energy conglomerate. Armenia (HHK) holds the majority of medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). “That means our In a separate interview with the seats in the Council of Elders. intent is to ease the tax burden on small and medi- Correction Armnews TV channel, Karapetian con - Derenik Dumanian, the leader of the firmed that he is likely to work in HHK faction in the council, claimed ear - um-sized business and shift that burden to sectors A story in last week’s edition of where there are high earnings,” he said. Russia but did not elaborate. lier on Friday to be unaware of the the Mirror-Spectator incorrectly Announcing the mayor’s impending res - mayor’s resignation plans. The premier has repeatedly identified big busi- gave the name of the pope who ness in the past as a key source of widespread tax ignation on Thursday, the Armenian press “Under the law on Yerevan, if the had used the phrase “Medz also speculated that President Serge mayor wants to step down he has to evasion in the country. Some of those companies Yeghern” to refer to the enjoy a de facto monopoly on imports of basic Sargisian is unhappy with Karapetian’s appeal to the Council of Elders and the Armenian Genocide. The cleric in controversial policies that have sparked council will then make a decision,” goods and other lucrative activities. question was Pope John Paul II. Samvel Avagian, an independent economist, warned angry demonstrations by street traders and Dumanian said. “The faction and the Also, a caption for a photo kiosk owners in the capital. council have received no official appli - that they are in a position to respond to a heavier tax from the Diocese-sponsored pil - burden with price hikes. “The more taxes you collect Another theory suggested by commen - cation to that effect as yet.” grimage in last week’s edition, tators is that Sargisian regards One of Karapetian’s likely successors from them, the more they charge consumers by left out the name of Kevork exploiting their dominant positions,” he said. Karapetian as a potential backer of his is Deputy Mayor Taron Markarian. His Atinizian. predecessor Robert Kocharian who is late father, Andranik Markarian, served We regret the errors. allegedly keen to resume political activi - as Armenia’s prime minister from 2000- ties and challenge the current president. 2008. S ATURDAY , N OVEMBER 5, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 3 ARMENIA ATP Starts Fall Tree Planting Season with Partners Engaged Tax Breaks In Corporate Citizenship and Community Building Planned for YEREVAN — Armenia Tree Project (ATP) trees in Yerevan and contributing to the pros - tions.” started its fall planting season partnering with perity of Armenia,” stated Chi-Foon Chan, “Synopsys employees view tree planting as a Synopsys Armenia, a world leader in software Synopsys president and chief operating officer. way to give back to our community by reducing and IP used in the design, verification and man - Armenian ufacture of electronic components and systems. ATP staff joined approximately 600 employees of Synopsys Armenia CJSC, their families and Church students to plant more than 600 thuya (arborvi - tae) evergreen trees in the area surrounding the European Regional Educational Academy and the Chess Academy of Armenia. By Sargis Harutyunyan “Armenia Tree Project has been planting trees with Synopsys for almost seven years now. YEREVAN (RFE/RL) — In a further boost We started our partnership in 2005 and annual to the Armenian Apostolic Church, Armenia tree planting events became a unique tradition is poised to introduce major tax breaks for of the two organizations,” said Arthur hundreds of worship sites and other prop - Harutyunyan, manager of ATP’s Community erties belonging to the ancient institution. Tree Planting (CTP) program. The Armenian parliament approved this The arborvitae trees were grown in ATP’s week in the first reading a set of govern - nurseries in the refugee villages of Karin and ment-drafted legal amendments that would Khachpar. Before the ceremonial event, the exempt them from property and land taxes. planting plots were prepared by ATP, and the The exemptions will apply to a list of 286 trees will be constantly monitored to ensure the specific properties drawn up by the govern - highest possible survival rate. ment. It includes not only churches and reli - “As a global company, Synopsys recognizes gious seminaries but also other residential the responsibilities that US businesses have buildings, charity institutions, shops and abroad. We were humbled to be among the 12 even a football stadium. companies selected by the US Department of The National Assembly passed the amend - State for our corporate citizenship, innovation Community Tree Planting Program Manager Arthur Harutyunyan distributing ATP trees to Synopsys ments despite serious misgivings voiced by and exemplary business practices in Armenia. President Chi-Foon Chan, CEO Rich Goldman and hundreds of company staff and their families for some of its members. They questioned the We continue to partner with and give back to planting at the European Regional Educational Academy and Chess Academy of Armenia wisdom of extending tax breaks to non-reli - the local community by voluntarily planting gious sites owned by the church’s Mother See in Echmiadzin and dioceses in Armenia. “On behalf of ATP, I air pollution and helping to renew Yerevan’s Fr. Vahram Melikian, the chief Mother sincerely thank Dr. Chi- commitment to a healthy environment,” said See spokesman, defended the measure. Foon Chan and the Rich Goldman, Synopsys Armenia CEO. “It’s “After all, those structures cater for our peo - employees of Synopsys heartening to see our employees plant trees ple,” he said. “The Church is not a private for their remarkable lead - with their families. It helps cultivate a lasting entrepreneur. The Church is a social struc - ership in demonstrating culture of taking care of the environment in corporate social responsi - which we live and work.” bility in Armenia. As part ATP and Synopsys have planted thousands of our ongoing collabora - of trees in the different communities of “There is nothing inappropriate tion, more than 600 par - Yerevan, including Viasphere Technopark, ticipants planted trees Victory Park, Tsitsernakaberd Park, on a hill - about exempting the church and greenery at the side of Nor Nork district, near the Holy from property taxes because I Chess Academy, honor - Trinity Church in the Malatia Sebastia com - ing Armenia as 2011 munity, and along one of the main routes think that in return the church World Chess leading to the Genocide Museum and in the Champions,” said Jeff public park next to the Pyunic Association brings quite a lot of other, non- Masarjian, ATP executive for the Disabled. director. “In addition, we In November, ATP is partnering with KPMG, material benefits to the ATP started its fall tree planting season with partners engaged in corpo - planted trees together at a network of member firms offering audit, tax rate citizenship and community building including Synopsys Armenia the European Academy and advisory services, to plant 300 trees and Armenian people.” and KPMG, with public tree-planting events at the European Regional to mark its 10 year shrubs in Musaler. The site is a shelter and sup - ture that has existed for centuries and natu - Educational Academy, the Chess Academy of Armenia (pictured here) anniversary. I cannot port center for abused women operated by the rally has certain properties, churches, and a women’s support center in Musaler. think of a more fitting Paros Lighthouse Charitable Foundation in shrines, infrastructures used for those tribute to these institu - Ptghunq Village. shrines.” “There is nothing inappropriate about exempting the church from property taxes because I think that in return the church brings quite a lot of other, non-material ben - Could a Forest Be Worth More than a Gold Mine? efits to the Armenian people. It serves only the interests and the well-being of the peo - Forest cover in Armenia has declined from 25 costs well; and third, indices are being estab - ple,” said Melikian. By David Braun percent at the turn of the 20th century to less lished that allow disparate contributors in a The cleric also argued that despite legal than 8 percent today based on satellite data, supply chain to converge on sustainability stan - requirements the Armenian authorities and the country’s Red Book of Endangered dards.” have not actually collected property and YEREVAN (National Geographic Daily News) Plants and Animals is two volumes and more As prices are now being calculated for things land taxes from the Apostolic Church since — As Armenia was celebrating twenty years of than 950 pages long, noted Sohigian. In addi - formerly considered priceless, UNEP’s program the Soviet collapse. “It is simply important independence in September, local and interna - tion, the South Caucasus region is one of the on The Economics of Ecosystems and to formalize this so that there are no prob - tional experts came together to discuss youth, world’s most endangered “hotspots for biodi - Biodiversity, or TEEB, recently estimated that lems in the future,” he said. maturity, and transitions at the TEDx Yerevan versity,” which makes the region worthy of temperate forest have a range of values between The Apostolic Church, which had made event on September 24, 2011. such global attention. U.S.$30 and $5,000 per hectare per year. This Armenia the first country in the world to The twenty speakers came from diverse back - This issue is of particular importance because estimate would make Armenia’s forests worth adopt Christianity as a state religion in 301, grounds, including a former U.S. ambassador, a cor - of the vast range of values a forest can provide between $7 million and more than $1 billion is the oldest institution uniting Armenians respondent for Bloomberg and ABC News, to this small landlocked country. Here, forests per year. scattered around the world. More than 90 renowned artists, photographers, and intellectuals. provide building material, food products, fire - If the value of Armenia’s forests could be percent of them are believed to nominally Among them was Jason Sohigian, Deputy wood, scenic beauty, protection of topsoil, and worth more than $1 billion a year, is this worth belong to it. Director of the Armenia Tree Project (ATP). habitat for plants and other wildlife including protecting? Sohigian ended his presentation While stipulating the separation of reli - National Geographic NewsWatch profiled ATP the endangered Caucasian Leopard. with a call to “redefine our economic systems” gion from the state, the Armenian constitu - in 2010. Furthermore, Armenia relies on hydropower to do three things: understand the true value of tion guarantees a privileged legal status for Sohigian’s presentation raised the question for more than a third of its energy, and “natural capital” and forests; understand our the church in view of its “exceptional mis - “could a forest be worth more than a gold Sohigian pointed out that a nation’s strategic relationship with nature, at both the individual sion in the spiritual life of the Armenian mine,” which was intended to stir some contro - water resources can be protected by improved and at the economic level; and finally, save people” and the “maintenance of their versy because the country’s economy is heavily forest management strategies. money by investing in natural like forests, espe - national identity.” dependent on extractive industries like copper While forests are still often undervalued and cially in places like Armenia where it can be crit - Successive Armenian governments have and gold mining. overexploited, Sohigian emphasized, the con - ically endangered. sought to uphold that status by trying to According to recent valuation estimates, the cept of sustainability has evolved and gained He quoted from the environmental advocate limit the spread of non-traditional religious answer may be yes. Sohigian focused on forests momentum in the business community. Robert F. Kennedy Jr.: It’s really a matter of organizations in the country. The current and didn’t go into specifics for mining, presum - Harvard Business Review summarized these thinking in the long-term about our national government drafted controversial amend - ably because of the emphasis on short ten developments on three fronts: “First, ‘prices’ wealth, rather than of treating the earth and its ments to an Armenian law on religion for minute talks for the TEDx format, but his point are now being calculated for many things that resources as if it’s “a business in liquidation.” that purpose in 2009. They would make it a came through and got a few of the invitation- had been considered priceless; second, capital is Keywords: http://newswatch.nationalgeo - crime for such groups to proselytize on only guests asking for more information. flowing into companies known to manage those graphic.com/tag/armenia/ adherents of the Apostolic Church. 4 S ATURDAY , N OVEMBER 5, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR INTERNATIONAL International News AGBU Helps Organize ‘Buenos Aires Exhibition of Armenian Celebrates Armenia’ Festival

Artists in Germany BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — On HALLE, Germany (Armenpress) — An exhibition of Sunday, October 9, more than15,000 works by 11 Armenian modern artists opened people strolled along Avenida de Mayo October 20 in Talstrasse Gallery. for the “Buenos Aires Celebrates The press service of the Armenian Foreign Affairs Armenia” Festival. Attendees explored Ministry said that Armenian Ambassador to the festival booths that sold handmade Germany Armen Martirosyan and head of the crafts, books, music and Armenian food Culture Ministry’s department Sona Harutyunyan for the all-day event — the latest by welcomed the participants of the opening ceremo- Buenos Aires devoted to the numerous ny. Harutyunyan read the welcoming speech of nationalities that call Argentina home. Armenian Culture Minister Hasmik Poghosyan. Dedicated to the centenary of AGBU’s Manager of the exhibition Seda Shekoyan spoke Buenos Aires Chapter and the 20th about the presented works and their authors. The anniversary of the Republic of Armenia, exhibition will be open until December 4. the Armenian festival was officially orga - nized by the Cultural Ministry and the General Executive Committee for Inter- Organizational Relations of the Buenos Turkey Fears Volcano Aires Municipality, in partnership with Eruption AGBU. Lori Antounian, Davit Gevorgyan (center background) and Ara Gevorgyan take their As one of the highlights of the day, bows during the daylong Armenian festival in Buenos Aires. BITLIS, Turkey (PanARMENIAN.Net) — Turkish the Diaspora Ministry of the Republic of seismologists fear that the earthquakes that hit the Armenia, the embassy of the Republic of province of Van on October 23 can cause eruption Armenia in Argentina and the Cultural the AGBU Marie Manoogian ambassador to Argentina; Archbishop of Nemrut volcano located northwards of Lake Van. Ministry of the Buenos Aires Educational Institute carried the flags Kissag Mouradian, Primate of the Diocese Mt. Nemrut is near Tatvan, a small town in the Municipality sponsored a concert by of Argentina, Armenia, AGBU and the of Argentina and Chile of the Armenian eastern Anatolian province of Bitlis. The mountain composer Ará Gevorgyan and his city of Buenos Aires onto the stage. The Apostolic Church; Hernán Lombardi, cul - rises from the southwestern shore of Lake Van and ensemble. Argentinean national anthem was tural minister of the Buenos Aires enters the district of Ahlat to the north. Festival celebrations kicked off with played by the symphony orchestra Municipality; Claudio Avruj, general direc - More than 1,000 people are feared killed in the performances by local rock groups Sin under the direction of Valle, while the tor of the general executive committee of earthquake. Clase and Los Armenios and the popu - Armenian anthem was performed by the Committee for Inter-Organizational Another magnitude 6.1 earthquake, which was lar band Nor Arax. Local dance troupes soprano Alla Avetissian and pianist Relations; benefactor Shahé the second to rock the country in the past 24 Khatchadourian, one of the founders and hours, was registered about 20 kilometers (12 principal supporters of Kohar Ensemble; miles) from the city of Van at the depth of some 10 Sevag Seropian and thousands of kilometers (6.2 miles). Armenians and non-Armenians, for whom the entire festival, and the concert of Ara Gevorgyan and his musicians, was an ‘Grandma’s Tattoos’ unforgettable experience. Once the headliner, Gevorgyan, took World Tour Continues the stage, the audience was enthralled But not in Armenia Yet by the musician as he performed togeth - er with the symphony orchestra, which STOCKHOLM, Sweden (Panorama) — The launch of was led by young Armenian-Canadian the film “Grandma’s Tattoos” by Suzanne conductor Lori Antounian, who had Khardalian, a Swedish-based director of Armenian flown in for the occasion. A number of descent, took place here nearly a month ago. The dance ensembles captivated the audi - film deals with the cruel fate Armenian women ence as they interpreted Gevorgyan’s experienced during the Genocide where they were compositions with grace and vitality. forced to wear tattoos on their bodies. Through her The participating dance troupes were personal story, the director tackles this difficult the Kaiané of the Armenian-Argentine subject. Nairi Dance Ensemble’s performance during the “Buenos Aires Celebrates Armenia” Cultural Association, Masís, sponsored Khardalian told Ermenihaber.am, “The film’s Festival by the Diocese of the Armenian tour continues. We have already received invita- Apostolic Church, Nairí of the Armenian tions to participate in various festivals. The United Relief Society and Narek of the States shows a particular interest in the film. took part in the program and presented Santiago Chotsourian. Armenian Catholic Church, which per - ‘Grandma’s Tattoos’ will be screened in a range of a myriad of folk dances for the audience. AGBU Buenos Aires Honorary formed on a three-level stage outfitted cities in the US from mid-November to mid- Before the headliners began, the local Chairman Vahram Hairabedian and with two large screens. December,” the director said. Aída Victoria Mastrazzi School of Folk AGBU Central Board of Directors mem - The following guest artists also con - According to her, the film will also be screened in Dance performed for an audience of ber and Buenos Aires Executive tributed their talents: Gagik Gasparyan Swedish schools, as part of the UN anti-racism pro- nearly 8,000 people. The folk dance Committee Chairman Rubén (duduk and other wind instruments, jects. show was followed by the performance Kechichian invited the mayor of Buenos musical director); Prof. Alicia It remains unknown when the film will screen in of the Municipality’s Symphony Aires, Mauricio Macri, to the stage and Antreassian, director in charge of the Armenia since Khardalian said she has not yet Orchestra, which played the tango and thanked him for his support of the city’s dance ensembles; soprano Alla received an official invitation from Armenia. other compositions under the direction Armenian community with a small Avetissian; conductor Santiago of Lito Valle. token of appreciation. Chotsourian; violinists Aída Simonian To mark the beginning of the main Other guests in attendance were and Rubén Hovsepian and bandoneón Moscow Warns of portion of the program, students from Vladimir Karmirshalyan, Armenia’s player Adolfo Gómez. Retaliatory Measures on NATO Missile Defense AGBU Melbourne’s Annual Camping Trip Attracts Old and Young MOSCOW (PanARMENIAN.Net) — Moscow reiterat- ed its warning on Tuesday, November 1 that it MELBOURNE, Australia — From would take “retaliatory measures” if the United September 23-25, the AGBU Melbourne States and NATO continue to ignore its position on Chapter ran a weekend camping trip at a missile defense system in Europe. Don Bosco Camp in Safety Beach. This “We are ready to continue the missile defense dia- year’s event was the 10th annual camp - logue with the United States and NATO,” Russian ing trip organized by the AGBU Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said in an interview Melbourne and the second year at the with Serbian newspaper, Vecernje Novosti. Don Bosco Camp. More than 20 families “However, if our partners continue to ignore our took part in the trip. position, we will have to ensure our own security The annual camping trip weekend interests using other methods.” serves as a key tool in teaching children, “Forced retaliatory military-technical measures as well as adults, about teamwork, com - may be needed,” Lavrov said. munity spirit and discipline. Committee Moscow was not pleased with US plans to deploy members, along with volunteer parents, missile defense elements in Europe. worked together to run the kitchen and Russia proposed a joint missile defense system, prepare meals for everyone in atten - an idea that many experts both at home and abroad dance. The camping trip coordinators Children participating in one of the many team sports and games held dismiss as unviable and unrealistic. included Berdj Tchakerian, Hovig throughout the AGBU Melbourne camping weekend Chahinian and Hovnan Torosoglu. S ATURDAY , N OVEMBER 5, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 5 Community Ne ws

Pallone Emcees ALEKO BOGHOSKHANIAN PHOTO Creating New Families Celebration of And Leaders at 20th Anniversary Assembly Program WASHINGTON — The age-old question “so how did you two meet?” is typically Of Armenian what everyone wants to know as they look upon a happy couple in love. The Independence answer often leads to the most captivat - ing stories, and no matter what stage in WASHINGTON — The Congressional life, the audience wants to know what cir - Armenia Issues Caucus Tuesday joined the cumstances brought these two people Armenian Embassy and Armenian-American together. groups in honoring the 20th Anniversary of For Leslie Azarian and Alex Armenia’s Independence. Rep. Frank Pallone, Karapetian, the opportunity arose on a Jr., co-chairman of the Caucus, emceed the warm sunny day in Washington, DC, on event and honored the progress the Republic June 5, 2002. The cherry blossom trees of Armenia has made towards democracy over around the tidal basin and Lincoln the past 20 years. Pallone stressed the need Memorial lived up to their reputation and for continued US support of Armenia in the there was a buzz of excitement in the air. form of foreign assistance and the need for the The Armenian Assembly of America’s House passage of the Armenian Genocide annual Thomas-Terjenian Summer Resolution. Internship Program was set to begin. “The people of Armenia continue to suffer Over 20 young Armenian-Americans from under the difficult circumstances of a devastat - all over the world would embark on a ing dual blockade of Turkey and Azerbaijan, journey that, for these two in particular, illegal action that costs Armenia approximately would be life changing. $720 million annually,” said Pallone. “As a Karapetian of Easton, Penn., and Azarian of Old Tappan, NJ, had just fin - result it remains vitally important that the At the start of the walkathon at Glendale Memorial Hospital and Health Center, United States play a strong role in helping the ribbon is cut by a leukemia survivor, standing next to ABMDR President Dr. ished their sophomore years in college Armenia meet the challenges it faces.” Frieda Jordan. and were thrilled to be Assembly interns The event also honored Medal of Mkhitar for the summer. Azarian, who attended Gosh awardees Representatives Howard George Washington University in Berman and Adam Schiff, who were recognized Washington, DC, was ecstatic to spend for their work as champions of the Republic of the summer living in Georgetown and Armenia. Walk of Life 2011 Rallies intern on the Hill for New Jersey Rep. Bill Pallone said that the caucus has been helpful Pascrell, Jr. to Armenians in the years since independence Broad Community Support Karapetian, who hailed from Lafayette but wants to do more. College, could not wait to take part in the “Armenia still needs significant help devel - political process and meet fellow oping its infrastructure. Funding provided by In Fresno and Los Angeles the Millennium Challenge Corporation has been successful and made a difference with LOS ANGELES — For the first time, the Armenian Bone Marrow Donor irrigation projects for example,” Pallone Registry (ABMDR) held a Walk of Life event in Fresno, in addition to its annual added. “We want the Millennium Challenge walkathon here. Walk of Life 2011 took place on October 15 and 22 in Fresno and to renew its commitment to Armenia so that Glendale, respectively. Both events received extensive media coverage. vital funding will continue well into the In an interview with “We Are Fresno,” co-host Stephanie Booroojian (seen on future.” NBC Fresno affiliate KSEE 24), ABMDR President Dr. Frieda Jordan commented on the significance of the registry’s first-ever Fresno walkathon. “I think it’s extremely important for Fresno’s community at large to be aware of the registry’s work,” she said. “Fresno is among areas in California which may face higher-than-normal health St. Gregory the risks due to industrial pollution, particularly in terms of the use of pesticides,” Jordan continued. “These risk factors can be responsible for a prevalence of life- Enlightener threatening diseases such as leukemia, which has already claimed the lives of many Armenians in Fresno. By registering as potential bone marrow stem cell donors, our supporters can actually save the life of a fellow Armenian who might need a Alex Karapetian and Leslie Azarian with Celebrates 40th bone marrow transplant.” Armenian Caucus Co-chair Frank Pallone, Jr. (center) in 2002 Walk of Life 2011 kicked off on the morning of October 15 at Fresno’s Eaton Anniversary Plaza Amphitheater, as teams of supporters from various local organizations gath -

ALEKO BOGHOSKHANIAN PHOTO Armenians his age. He interned for his WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. — On Sunday, congressman, Patrick Toomey, who is December 4, St. Gregory the Enlightener now the US senator from Pennsylvania. Armenian Church will celebrate the 40th The Armenian Assembly of America was anniversary of the founding of its Sunday and not something new to Karapetian and Armenian Schools. Archbishop Yeghishe Azarian. Karapetian’s family, the Acopians, Gizirian will preside over a celebratory banquet have been longtime supporters of the in Tutak Hall. The program will include perfor - Assembly. Following the devastating earth - mances by both Sunday and Armenian School quake in 1988, the late Sarkis Acopian and children, a video presentation on the 40 years his wife Bobbye donated over $1 million of activities, congratulatory messages from the toward the Assembly’s earthquake relief Primate and the Catholicos of All Armenians efforts. That following year, Sarkis Acopian and a few brief addresses. led an Assembly delegation to Armenia In the morning, Gizirian will celebrate Divine aboard his private aircraft to discuss earth - Liturgy and will ordain three young men to quake rehabilitation efforts and continued minor orders. They are: Paul Derderian and to financially support the organization Arsen Yelegan as sub-deacons and Andrew throughout his lifetime. Kayaian as tbir. The choir, under the direction Azarian’s maternal grandparents, Sam and of Deacon Mirijohn Givelekian, will sing the Barbara Hagopian of Sugar Land, Texas, Badarak, with John Wolohojian at the organ. A scene from the walkathon in Los Angeles have also been longtime supporters and The pastor, Fr. Karekin Kasparian, and his activists of the Assembly. They were fellow intern assistant, Father Arakel, will assist the trustees of the organization and Sam archbishop. ered to take part in the event. The teams represented the Armenian General Hagopian was on the Board of Directors. He On Sunday, November 6, the congregation Benevolent Union (AGBU) Fresno Chapter (led by chairperson Zaroohi Der was also the first-ever Regional Council chair will see the video footage of the Diocesan Youth Mugrdechian), the Armenian National Committee (ANC) of Fresno (led by for the Southwest. Both the Hagopians and Pilgrimage to Jerusalem and hear additional Chairperson Hygo Ohanessian), the Armenian Relief Society (ARS) Fresno Mayr the Acopians were among the first partici - comments by Prof. Abraham Terian, who is on Chapter (led by Chairperson Angele Ohanessian), the Armenian Youth Federation pants of the Assembly’s Mission Trip to a brief visit to St. Nersess Seminary. (AYF) Fresno Kevork Chavoush Chapter (led by Chairperson Rita Costanian) and Armenia in 1991. On November 27, the Culture Committee will see WALK-A-THON, page 7 see INTERNS, page 8 have its Annual Book and Gift Sale following services. 6 S ATURDAY , N OVEMBER 5, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS Holy Ascension Church A Worthy Tribute Celebrates 80th Anniversary GLENDALE, Calif. — The one-year anniversary of the passing of Harout Yeretzian was commemorated by a concert on Sunday, October 16, at the First Baptist Church. TRUMBULL, Conn. — On Sunday, October Yeretzian was a longtime member of both Tekeyan Cultural Association’s Board of 23, the Armenian Church of the Holy Ascension Directors and Tekeyan Cultural Association’s Los Angeles Chapter. He was also a longtime here capped a year-long series of successful member of the Executive Committee of the Armenian General Benevolent Union’s events marking the 80th anniversary of its con - Ardavazt Theater Group in Pasadena. secration with an Episcopal Divine Liturgy fol - Yeretzian will also be remembered for his bold act of launching Abril monthly magazine in April lowed by a gala banquet with 150 parishioners 1977. This one-of-a-kind literary and cultural magazine evolved into a tri-monthly magazine, but it and friends in attendance. Archbishop Yeghishe was unfortunately discontinued in December 1984, due Gizirian, one of the most senior princes of the to huge financial strains. Many notable figures in the Armenian Church, celebrated mass assisted by By Kevork Keushkerian Armenian political and cultural arenas had been sub - Archpriests Rev. Untzag Nalbandian, longtime jects in this once sought-after magazine. Trumbull pastor, and Rev. Karekin Kasparian, Yeretzian’s Abril Bookstore had become a mod - the four-decade-long spiritual leader of neigh - ern version of the Vernadoon, where Armenian intellectuals regularly met and discussed boring St. Gregory the Enlightener Church of current affairs that concerned the homeland and the diaspora. White Plains, NY. During the appropriate part of Yeretzian was also instrumental in opening up his bookstore to serve as a forum for promoting Badarak, Gizirian ordained altar server Garo young writers to present their poems, short stories and essays. Seasoned writers would also pre - Kalfayan as sub-deacon. On Saturday, Kalfayan’s sent their newly published books, creating an environment conducive to literary growth. ordination as clerk (tbir) took place in the The tribute-concert was appropriately titled “Homage to Giants.” Participating in the church sanctuary followed by a reception in its concert were acclaimed professionals from the community: Vatche Mankerian on the piano Agahigian-Sherinian Hall. The newly-ordained is and the Lark Musical Society’s Chamber Choir, conducted by Vatsche Barsoumian. the son of one of Holy Ascension’s former pas - Archbishop Yeghishe Gizirian ordains Garo The invocation was conducted by Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western tors, Rev. Guregh Kalfayan and Yeretzgin Shake, Kalfayan. Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America, assisted by Very Rev. Baret Yeretzian both of blessed memory. His three siblings were and Archpriest Manoug Markarian. all present to witness this occasion. Yeretzian’s son, Arno Yeretzian, made the opening remarks. He characterized his father The banquet was held at the Race Brook in pictures, at the people and events that have with three distinctive features: his everlasting smile, his addiction to cigarettes and his pas - Country Club in Orange. Linda McGann, coor - shaped the mission of this small but vibrant sion for classical music. He then walked the audience through the memories, recalling fun parish. The presentation was produced and nar - moments with his father’s best friends and colleagues. rated by Dottie Bengoian. The first part of the program was dedicated to classical music. Award-winning pianist Nalbandian, who will be celebrating his 28th Mankerian rendered musical selections from Yeretzian’s favorite composers: Frederic year as the parish priest in January 2012, per - Chopin’s Fantaisie-Impromptu and Necturne , Johann Sebastian Bach’s Chaconne , Arno formed two selections at the piano after which Babajanian’s Ellegie in Memory of Aram Khatchaturian and Sergei Rachmaninoff’s he presented the annual Holy Ascension Prelude . Awards for 2011 to three couples who exempli - The second part of the program presented solo and choral works, with Barsoumian con - fy “responding to the call” of the church ducting and Victoria Simonian accompanying on the piano. Soprano Alenoush through their time, talent and treasures: Elisa Yeghnazar’s selection was Raise Your Voice , O Crane and tenor Raffi Kerbabian’s selec - and Paul Marotollo, Adrienne and Alexander tion was You are a Poplar , both from Komitas. Ziemkiewicz and Scott and Lauren Paklaian. The Lark Chamber Choir’s selections were more elaborate. They presented Three Autumn Linda McGann reviewed the five major reli - Songs from Tigran Mansourian’s Ars Poetica , three songs from Komitas, including his Lullaby , gious, educational and social events of this and Johann Sebastian Bach’s Ruht Wohl (Rest in Peace) from St. John Passion . Fr. Untzag Nalbandian milestone year and thanked all her committee Arno Yeretzian then thanked all the artists for their excellent performances and members. Nalbandian thanked the three mem - promised to commemorate the anniversary every year with an artistic program. bers of the 80th Anniversary Fund-Raising This was a worthy tribute indeed for a person who had dedicated his life for the advance - dinator of the 80th anniversary events, and her Committee, Dr. Robert Badrigian, Heather ment of the Armenian art and culture in this far away land, where material wealth is unfor - committee members greeted the guests upon Tarpinian and Edward Gulbenkian, who were tunately more of a priority among our compatriots. their arrival. After a cocktail hour and Gizirian’s charged to raise $80,000 relative to this special invocation, Diocesan Delegate Deacon Thomas anniversary year. He proudly announced that Dabakian offered a toast to the past and the the goal has been met and the final figure is OBITUARY confident future of the parish which has been nearly $100,000. Nalbandian thanked all prior serving Armenian-Americans in southern and present generations for their beneficence Connecticut since the 1920s. After Parish through the years. Awadis Bamoukian Council Chairman Dr. Robert Badrigian’s words Gifts of appreciation were presented to: 100- of welcome and before the dinner, the micro - year-old George Krikorian, who was present at BELMONT, Mass. — Awadis Bamoukian, 85, phone was turned over to the emcee of the day, the consecration on Sunday, June 14, 1931; died on October 26, when he was on a visit to Ani Nalbandian. Presently a working profes - Mortgage Burning Committee Chair Edward the US. He succumbed to injuries he suffered sional in the Washington, DC, Nalbandian was Jevarjian, one of the senior members of the during a house fire. born and raised in Trumbull and clearly repre - parish, and to the other members of the com - He was the husband of the late Zewart sents the younger generation upon which the mittee; Ray Bagdasarian, who has brought the (Ekmekjian) Bamoukian. He is survived by chil - church will grow. Her impressive “lay-ministry” community into the 21st Century with his super - dren, Arpi Boynerian and her husband Rev. resume includes, but is not limited to, organist, vision of all on-line news and communiqués as Avedis Boynerian of Belmont, Ani Salbashian Junior Choir Leadership Program graduate and well as several other deserving members. and her husband Dikran of Jordan and Sona volunteer teacher at the Armenian Patriarchate Gizirian’s poignant message and benediction Kazenji and her husband Simon of Dubai. He of Jerusalem’s St. Tarkmanchatz School. concluded the gratifying day. A colorful com - also leaves grandchildren Mgo and Aren The afternoon’s program moved briskly and memorative book containing 100 pages of pic - Salbashian, Antranig and Arek Boynerian and smoothly, highlighted by a historic, 80-year look tures and names chronicling the rich history of Arev and Moses Kazenji and siblings Hagop and Zabel Pamboukian. Funeral services were held at the Armenian Memorial Church, 32 Bigelow Ave., Watertown on Wednesday, November 2. Nardolillo Funeral Home Expressions of sympathy may be made in his Awadis Bamoukian memory to the Armenian Memorial Church. Est. 1906 John K. Najarian, Jr. Rhode Island’s Only Licensed Armenian Funeral Director Donation 1278 Park Ave. Cranston, RI 02910 (401) 942-1220 1111 Boston Neck Rd. Narragansett, RI 02882 (401) 789-6300 Mr. and Mrs. Kevork Tutundjian of Toronto, Canada, encouraged by the quality of journal - ism of the Armenian Mirror-Spectator , have donated $100 to the newspaper. www.nardolillo.com

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ALEKO BOGHOSKHANIAN PHOTO WALK-A-THON, from page 5 Hospital and Health Center (an the Fresno State Armenian Students ABMDR Partner for Life) and Association (led by Vartush Mesropyan). Karoun Dairies, Inc., Jordan also Following Jordan’s welcome remarks and the acknowledged the many teams invocation by Fr. Vahan Gosdanian of the participating in the event, partic - Western Prelacy, the participants walked to the ularly youth teams from area uni - historic Statue of David of Sassoon at the versities, Armenian schools, Courthouse Park and on to the landmark Glendale Unified District schools Saroyan Theater. Subsequently they returned and various community organi - to the Eaton Plaza Amphitheater to enjoy a day - zations. long celebration featuring music and food. Next to take the podium was Participants also had the opportunity to join Schiff, who stated, “You can the ranks of ABMDR by inquiring at informa - imagine the trauma of a family tion and recruitment booths set up throughout whose child’s life depends on a the venue. bone marrow transplant. The “What a profoundly rewarding experience Armenian Bone Marrow Donor this has been,” said Dr. Karoline Rostamiani of Registry brings hope to such the ABMDR Board of Advisors, who co-chaired families, by matching potential the Fresno and Los Angeles events with fellow stem cell donors to patients suf - Board member Dr. Stella Baghdasarian. fering from life-threatening dis - Baghdasarian expressed her “profound admi - eases.” ration for all those who participated in the Friedman, a cancer survivor, walkathon, particularly youth groups.” praised the work of the registry and thanked all participants for Los Angeles: Powerful Expression of their unflinching support of its Solidarity mission. A week later, on the morning of October 22, The walk started following the A US Army Armenian veteran (left) walks next to the father of a patient. the Armenian community of Los Angeles in invocation, which was delivered turn rallied in support of Walk of Life 2011. jointly by Fr. Vazken Atmajian of Hundreds gathered outside Glendale Memorial the Western Prelacy, Fr. Hovhannes Maroukian by Liu, who is a longtime advocate of breast- member of the California State Assembly who Hospital and Health Center, where the event’s of the Western Diocese and Rev. Joseph cancer awareness, Rostamiani thanked all par - represents the 43rd District. opening ceremony was held. Matossian of the Armenian Evangelical Union ticipating schools and Armenian Student Commenting on the growing Armenian-youth Dignitaries included US Rep. Adam Schiff, of North America. Associations for their involvement. She also presence within the ranks of ABMDR, Dr. California state Sen. Carol Liu, Glendale Mayor Passing through central Glendale, the almost conveyed special gratitude to the US Army Vergine Madelian, the registry’s outreach offi - Laura Friedman, Burbank Mayor Jess four-mile walkathon concluded in Verdugo Armenian Veterans for taking part in the cer, stated, “Over two-thirds of our donors are Talamantes, Glendale Unified School District Park, where the success of the event was cele - walkathon. below 35 years old and 27 percent are under Board of Education President Greg Krikorian brated well into the afternoon in a festive com - In addition to Liu, dignitaries attending the 25. The younger the donors, the longer they and Glendale Community Development munity atmosphere featuring food, live music as festivities included Grigor Hovhannisyan, con - stay active in the registry and the higher their Department Director Hassan Haghani. well as several donor-recruitment and health- sul general of Armenia in Los Angeles. chances of matching a patient somewhere down After she thanked the walkathon’s two main information booths. The registry received a Certificate of the line. This is youth power in the best possi - corporate sponsors, Glendale Memorial Following congratulatory remarks delivered Achievement from the office of Mike Gatto, a ble sense.”

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INTERNS, from page 5 events while listening to our favorite music.” It was credit the Assembly internship program as a game- a fitting tribute to a program that will celebrate 35 Further, Azarian’s uncle, Sam Hagopian Jr., was the beginning of a relationship that would grow changing experience and we are forever grateful years of service to the Armenian American com - part of the first Assembly internship program in between these two over the next few years despite for the experiences we’ve had, as well as our fami - munity in 2012. 1977. Her cousin, Raffi Manoukian, was an intern traveling abroad, remaining college years, starting ly’s encouragement to participate in the program,” “I wish other Diasporan Armenians could in 1996 and was later the internship program man - off careers and living in different cities. Azarian added. have the wonderful experience Leslie and I did ager. Her younger brothers, Michael and Adam Both often reflect on the Armenian Assembly To show their appreciation, these former interns, in Washington, both professionally and socially.” Azarian, were also summer interns in 2006 and program, which exceeded their expectations in a who are set to marry on November 19 in “The Assembly not only helped pave my career 2008, respectively. number of ways. Each has cherished the excite - Manhattan, ave decided to donate to the path, but I found the love of my life. Not too bad Due to their family’s involvement and encour - ment and stimulation of living and working in the Assembly’s Terjernian-Thomas Internship program for an eight-week program,” added Karapetian agement, both Karapetian and Acopian applied to nation’s capital. For Azarian, she found great value on behalf of all of their guests. They believe this is with a smile. the internship program and were accepted. “Leslie in her experience, despite being a former market - was the first person I met on the program. She was ing student and pursuing a career in the financial my next door neighbor and we became friends industry where she is currently a Director of instantly,” said Karapetian. “Quickly we developed Operations at Morgan Stanley: “Seeing firsthand Armenian Professional Society a nightly after-work ritual,” Azarian chimed in, how our government works is knowledge you’ll “where we would sit on our shared patio over - always take with you, on whatever path you Announces Five Scholarship Recipients looking the Potomac River and discuss the day’s choose. I immensely enjoyed corresponding with constituents, attending briefings on behalf of the GLENDALE — On November 5, at the Armenian Professional Society (APS) Professional Congressman, working on projects with the leg - of the Year Banquet event, the scholarship chair, Dr. Seta Khajarian, will present the awards islative assistants, and learning what legislation the to the five 2011 scholarship recipients. Congressman was supporting.” The APS scholarships are open to students who have been accepted or enrolled in a grad - Zohrab Center Organizing For Karapetian, the program provided even uate school in the United States. Selection is based on financial need, scholastic achieve - Armenian Youth Scholars more career opportunities, as he was offered the ments, faculty recommendations and involvement in the community. assistant grassroots director position with the Numerous applications were received but five applicants demonstrated excellence in the Conference Assembly during his senior year of college: “I still applicable areas noted above. As such, this year’s scholarship recipients are: Nelli keep in close contact with members of my intern - Martirosyan, Ara Rostomian, Sharlene Gozalians, Hovannes Kulhanjdian and Armen Derian. NEW YORK— The Zohrab Center is currently ship class and fellow alumni. Without my summer Martirosyan, of Glendale, Calif., is enrolled in a doctoral program in education and infor - organizing an Armenian Youth Scholars internship experience, none of this would be pos - mational studies at UCLA. She has extensive local and worldwide volunteer service includ - Conference and invites all undergraduates sible.” Although Karapetian left the Assembly to ing NGOs. and/or recent graduates to present a paper join his family at Acopian Technical Co., he still Rostomian, of Glendale, attends UCLA Medical School, pursuing a medical degree. He has related to Armenian Studies, including but not lends his support as the current Pennsylvania high scholastic achievements, impressive letters of recommendation from scholars in the limited to the fields of history, literature, eco - Armenian-American Action Committee (ARAMAC) field and is involved in community service. nomics, art and religion. state chair and helps organize Young Professionals Gozalians, of Glendale, Calif., attends Loma Linda University, working towards a doctoral The day-long conference, which is planned for events in New York. degree in public health. She has an extensive portfolio in service and research and involved Saturday January 21, 2012 and will take place Despite differences in their experiences, both in community service. in the Diocesan Complex, will also feature the agree it was also an amazing opportunity to learn Kulhandjian, of Williamsville, NY, attends the State University of New York at Buffalo, participation and attendance of established more about their Armenian culture and heritage. working towards a doctoral degree in electrical engineering. He has high merits coupled scholars and academics. “The Assembly organized a number of educational with community involvement, especially through church. To be considered as a presenter, e-mail a pro - and social events outside of the workday to engage Derian, of Mission Hills, Calif., attends UCLA Medical School in pursuit of a medical posal and abstract to Taleen Babayan the interns in current affairs. We even took a field degree. He has received numerous prestigious honors due to his scholastic achievements at [email protected] no later than trip to the future Genocide Museum and met with and is involved in community service. December 15. The participants and program various US ranking officials who supported the will be finalized by the end of December. organization,” Karapetian commented. “We both

ON DECEMBER 13 Vote For Jon Hecht Party at the Other Park! Benefit for the Armenian Heritage Park Endowment

Thursday, November 17, 2011 Representative 7:30 - 9:30pm Hecht Fenway Park State Street Pavilion Launches Boston, Massachusetts Campaign Armenian Heritage Park in Lights John Baboian Quartet Informal Sports Talk with Bob Lobel for Senate Open Bar & Hors d'oeuvres Tour of Fenway Park at 7pm for Party Supporters of $1,000 and above Brief Program: Extending Thanks to former Transportation Secretary Jeff Mullan Seat Casual Business Attire Representative Jonathan Lots of Fun! Hecht, a friend of the Armenian RSVP by November 12, 2011 community of Massachusetts Advance Reservations required. and sponsor of the Armenian The 2nd Suffolk and Middlesex For a Reply Form, please e-mail Senate district in Massachusetts [email protected] Genocide Commemorations in includes Watertown, Belmont and or call Charles Guleserian 617.484.6100 parts of Cambridge, Allston- the State House, announced ______Brighton, the Fenway and the Funds raised support the Endowment for Armenian Heritage Park his candidacy for the Senate Back Bay. under construction on the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway, Boston. seat of Senator Steven The Park commemorates lives lost during the Armenian Genocide of 1915-1923 and all genocides, For more information contact State and celebrates the immigrant experience and contributions made to American life and culture. Tolman, who has resigned. Representative Jon Hecht at www.ArmenianHeritagePark.net [email protected] 617.320.8905 S ATURDAY , N OVEMBER 5, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 9 COMMUNITY NEWS 10 S ATURDAY , N OVEMBER 5, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS Rusesabagina Brings Message of Justice

JIRAIR HOVSEPIAN PHOTO LECTURE, from page 1 Rusesabagina, when he took the stage after thunderous applause and a standing ovation, appeared comfortable and conversational. His hosts’ story was not lost on him and he started by putting the events in Rwanda in context. He said, “We are gathered here to remember a sad story about a genocide — the Armenian Genocide.” During that genocide, he noted, JIRAIR HOVSEPIAN PHOTO

Paul Rusesabagina

“the whole world was watching and [yet] the world closed its eyes.” He continued that once again, in the 1940s, it happened, this time with the Jews. “It happened again and again.” From left, Paul Rusesabagina, Dr. Carolann Najarian, Charlie Clemens and James Kalustian The Rwandan Genocide, which took place in 1994, led to the deaths of approximately

800,000 people. Over the course of approxi - JIRAIR HOVSEPIAN PHOTO mately 100 days, from the assassination of which specified an ethnic group. These Rusesabagina said, “The capital was so danger - President Juvénal Habyarimana and Cyprien cards served as symbols that the ous. Armed people were coming, throwing Ntaryamira, in April through mid-July, more Interahamwe could check via the threat grenades.” than 500,000 people were killed, according to a of force. In addition, the media was used At first, he and his wife and family stayed at Human Rights Watch estimate. It was the cul - to incite hatred. the Sabena Belgian Airlines’ Diplomat Hotel, mination of longstanding ethnic competition The film “Hotel Rwanda” documents which he managed. He was able to travel with and tensions between the minority Tutsi, who Rusesabagina’s acts to save the lives of his family for a while in Europe and get away in had controlled power for centuries, and the his family and more than a thousand JIRAIR HOVSEPIAN PHOTO majority Hutu peoples, who had come to power other refugees, by granting them shelter in the rebellion of 1959-62 and overthrown the in the besieged Hôtel des Mille Collines. Tutsi monarchy. Rusesabagina said that before the geno - The assassination of Habyarimana in April cide and the start of the civil war, he Charlie Clemens, left, with James Kalustian 1994 set off a violent reaction, during which could not imagine that some former Hutu groups conducted mass killings of Tutsis friends would turn against him. From (and also pro-peace Hutus, who were portrayed 1992 to 1993, when the campaign for the geno - During the early 1990s, Rwanda slowly as “traitors” and “collaborationists”). cide was beginning, “People, instead of doing descended into a place where enmity and chaos Hutus and Tutsis were forced to use ID cards something, just closed their eyes.” made everyday life nearly impossible. JIRAIR HOVSEPIAN PHOTO

Dr. Carolann Najarian

the early days of unrest, but needed to go back. “We trusted the UN that it had come to Rwanda to make peace,” he said. Once they were back in Rwanda after a few months in Europe, things were not better. At this point, he was the manager of the Hotel Des Mille Collines in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda. It was by chance that his wife found out about the attack on the Rwandan president’s airplane, as she was headed in the direction of the air - port. In the immediate aftermath, what little order there was completely evaporated and rampant killing became the order of the day. “It was the most scary time of my life,” he said. Several neighbors decided to come to the Rusesabaginas’ house for safety. In a few days, he and his group, eventually to number about 1,000, took refuge at the hotel. To get to the hotel, the family and their neighbors had to walk over many dead bodies on the streets, he recalled. He stressed that Paul Rusesabagina enters the hall, with Charlie Clemens and Dr. Carolann Najarian following him. in the immediate period before the killings continued on next page S ATURDAY , N OVEMBER 5, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 11 COMMUNITY NEWS from Rwanda to Heritage Park Audience

JIRAIR HOVSEPIAN PHOTO JIRAIR HOVSEPIAN PHOTO from previous page began, a process was ini - tiated to dehumanize the Tutsis. “I have faced evil. I learned how to deal with evil,” he recalled. He and his family and ragtag group which he was hiding were occupy - ing rooms that were not taken by the soldiers. He recalled that he was try - ing to get in contact with his friends in Europe, in order to ask them for From left, Dr. Barbara Merguerian, Paul Rusesabagina and Dr. Joy help and let them know Renjilian-Burgy about what was happen - ing in their country. JIRAIR HOVSEPIAN PHOTO Thus, on April 23 he fell asleep at 4 a.m., after talking to friends in Europe, only to be awak - ened at 6 a.m. when he felt the barrel of a gun on his head. “I started negotiation James Kalustian [but] for the first time, I lost heart,” he recalled. He managed to find a way to send his wife and children out “It is my obligation to start to talk about it,” Rusesabagina of the country and stayed put himself, thinking he would concluded, “to talk for the voiceless.” never see them. He stayed for another two years and finally, James Kalustian, the president of the Armenian Heritage in 1996, went into exile. Foundation, closed the program by noting to the audience “People who couldn’t run away were killed,” he said bluntly. that the lecture is a gift to the city of Boston from the local In addition to using guns and machetes, the fighters used Armenian community and thanked the city and state for their Doctors Paul and Joyce Barsam rape as a weapon. The use of sexual violence, he noted, is still help in getting the project off the ground. happening. A reception followed at the Old State House. Reparations: Different Meanings for Different Cultures

under Article 301 of its Criminal Code, which Turkey “remains opposed to the recognition,” major revision of history textbooks. By Daphne Abeel bans such speech, had violated his freedom of he said. “Many Turks support these measures,” expression in Turkey. He pointed out that the Armenians have Torpey said. Special to the Mirror-Spectator In his address, Torpey sketched a broad can - received some reparations through successful The primary aim of reparations, said Torpey, vas regarding the subject of reparations, mak - lawsuits against insurance companies, such as “is to ensure that all members of society enjoy WORCESTER, Mass. — On Thursday, ing the point that reparation can mean some - New York Life, that have awarded compensa - equal rights, opportunities and mutual respect.” October 27, an audience of 200 braved snow to thing different depending upon the culture and tion to the descendents of policy holders who Germany, as a successor state to the Third attend the opening of a two-day conference at the circumstances. In spite of these differences, were denied the benefits of their policies. Reich has been able to acknowledge the Clark University, titled “Beyond the Armenian there are some commonalities amongst groups, “These, however, have reached only a very nar - Holocaust, whereas, in contrast, Turkey, a suc - Genocide: The Question of Restitution and including European Jewry, the Armenians, row group of plaintiffs,” he commented. cessor state to the Ottoman Empire, has not. Reparation in Comparative Review.” The fea - Native Americans and African Americans, all of He added, “Turkey’s refusal to apologize is a “Ultimately,” said Torpey, “the issue of tured speaker was Prof. John Torpey, professor whom have asked for reparations for wrongs continuing open wound to Armenians. The responsibility is more important than guilt.” of sociology at the Graduate Center of City done to them, he explained. Turkish government doesn’t seem to realize the The conference, which included workshops University of New York (CUNY). Reparations commonly involve coming to world won’t fall apart if it acknowledges the on Friday, was sponsored by the Strassler terms with the past, an expectation that finan - Genocide, and it would increase its chances of Center in conjunction with the National cial recompense will be made responsibly, rec - becoming a part of the European Union.” Association for Armenian Studies and Research onciliation between the parties, financial com - Further acts of reparation by the Turks could (NAASR) and Eric Weitz, the Arsham and pensation and the promise that wrongs will not include acknowledging the contributions of the Charlotte Ohanessian Chair at the University of be repeated, said Torpey. Not every reparation Armenian community to Turkish life and also a Minnesota. settlement involves a financial factor, as in the case of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in South Africa, which brought groups of blacks and whites together to talk out Krikor Garo Arman, II Receives Medical their conflicts and differences. In the case of African-Americans who seek Degree with Distinction from UMich reparations for slavery, the monetary factor has been more important. While reparations have WEST BLOOMFIELD, Mich. — Krikor Garo Arman, II was not been made to individuals, the issue of repa - born in Royal Oak, on March 8, 1978. He grew up in Livonia and ration has been addressed, in part, by the build - later attended West Bloomfield High School where he graduated ing of hospitals and schools in disadvantaged with honors in 1996. He earned his bachelor’s in psychology black neighborhoods and by building the from the University of Michigan in 2000. He played on the varsi - National Museum of African-American History ty ice hockey team at Michigan, and during his four years, was in Washington, DC. part of three Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA) On the other hand, he continued, reparations championships, along with the National Championship in 1998. Prof. John Torpey to the Japanese who were interred in camps in Upon graduation, he continued his hockey career, playing pro - the US during World War II involved only a pay - fessionally in the United and East Coast Hockey leagues, prior to ment of $20,000 per person, “not enough to retiring due to lingering injuries. Krikor Garo Arman After welcoming remarks by Deborah Dwork, change the circumstances of their lives,” said He then returned to the University of Michigan to attend med - director of the Strassler Center for Holocaust Torpey, but “a way to address past wrongs.” ical school. Prior to medical school, he conducted scientific and Genocide Studies at Clark, Taner Akçam, Native Americans have sought and received research in the Department of Plastic Surgery, publishing numerous journal articles and who holds the Robert Aram, Marianne reparations in the preservation of certain tribal presenting them at two national conferences. He graduated with honors from the University Kaloosdian and Stephen and Marion Mugar lands, artifacts, burial grounds and the granti - of Michigan Medical School on May 17. He is currently a general surgery resident at William Chair in Armenian Genocide Studies and orga - ng of casino licenses. Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak. nized the conference, began the evening with In the case of the Armenians, said Torpey, the He is the son of Kerope and Zmrukhd Arman, and brother of Varujan Arman, of West the announcement of his victory in the issue of reparations from Turkey for the acts of Bloomfield. He is married to Anita (Atamian) Arman. A talented musician, he plays the European Court of Human Rights, which ruled the Armenian Genocide has focused primarily piano, clarinet, saxophone and drums. He also speaks Armenian and Spanish fluently. the Turkish government’s prosecution of him on the insistence of recognition of the Genocide for speaking about the Armenian Genocide, by Turkey. And it remains the primary issue as 12 S ATURDAY , N OVEMBER 5, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Ne w York M E T R O Armenia Fund’s Talk on Ararat Climb Brings Historic 14th Thanksgiving Day Telethon Armenia within Grasp of Audience Celebrates Water

NEW YORK — Armenia Fund launches its By Shoghig Chalian 14th International Thanksgiving Telethon campaign set to air on November 24, in all major Armenian-American communities in FAIR LAWN, N.J. — On October 21, an audi - the US and across the globe. ence of more than 100 congregated for a “jour - In early October, Armenia Fund unveiled ney” at St. Leon Church’s Pinajian Youth the 2011 Telethon logo, an image of water Center, which was organized by both the underneath a growing plant with the slogan, church and the Tekeyan Cultural Association “A Gift of Water, A Gift of Life.” (TCA) of greater New York. Audience members The slogan for Telethon 2010 was “Water were transported through history to their is Life,” and Armenia Fund has continued the ancestors in Western Armenia, through the theme of water in this year’s telethon. Water photographic eyes of Hrair “Hawk” (Baze) is a central component to the overall viability Khatcherian. The program started with a joint of a community and instrumentally affects welcome from Ara Araz of St. Leon Church and the health and livelihood of every citizen. Dr. Vaghenag Tarpinian of the TCA, who intro - Throughout the rural communities of duced the photographer/author and one of the Armenia and Artsakh, the lack of accessible climbers of Ararat 11, Saro Hartounian, with a water has been significantly hindering the brief biography. lives of many. On average, each family Khatcherian was born in Lebanon and, at age throughout Armenia and Artsakh spends 40 of 23, moved to Montreal, Canada. He and his wife, Lena, have two daughters, Lori and Palig. His first visit to Armenia was in 1993 and since then, he has been a voracious traveler, having visited 44 countries. Hartounian, an established businessman who resides in Franklin Lakes, with his wife, Hilda, and three children, was one of the 11 climbers of Mt. Ararat. He was born in Lebanon as well, educated in the American University of Beirut (AUB) and later came to US and attended the University of Chicago. Khatcherian transported viewers through the most distinct destinations in Historic Western Armenia and Cilicia, such as Zeytoun, Sis, Dikranagerd, Van as well as Ani, where Armenian monasteries and churches once stood intact. He also compared the original Father and son climbers, Masis and Greg Parseghian picture slide of the past along with the pre - sent. The photographs in his new book, Yergir 2, captivate and transport the reader into Ararat 11 refers to the 11 men who climbed flags. Mount Ararat has been the symbol of percent of their daily lives carrying water ancestral time and place, each time one visits Mount Ararat in July 2010. The group included Armenia for 3,000 years and is the “Constant from a source two to five miles away. the book. cyclers from California and two from the New reminder of the home of the Gods.” Along with the Telethon campaign, A significant scene was the Badarak taking York-New Jersey area. The actual climb was Present at this event were the father and son Armenia Fund USA said they are now accept - place at the Holy Cross Church on Lake Van’s videotaped and photographed by Khatcherian team of Masis and Greg Parseghian, who ing text donations in support of this year’s “A Akhtamar Island, where the sun, seeping as well. climbed the mountain about 25 years ago. They Gift of Water, A Gift of Life” Telethon. To help through the window inside the church, seemed The videotape of the climb captivated the shared their experience, along with Hartounian bring clean water to people in Armenia, like an incensed light of the Holy Spirit. audience as they watched the group’s journey and Khatcherian, and answered questions from donate $10 by texting the word Armenia to Khatcherian has it made his mission to revis - and their determination to reach the summit of the audience. 80088. By replying with yes to confirm dona - it these places and investigate more destina - Mt. Ararat. The attendees seemed as if they A wine-and-cheese reception followed and tions, $10 will be charged to the caller’s cell tions of the monasteries and churches, with a were joining these 11 courageous men in their magnets of Mt. Ararat, which were handmade phone bill. subsequent book. It is a grand project that he pursuit. When the 11 reached the summit, they by 88-year-old Anna Yeshilian of Boston, were Once the donation is confirmed, callers plans to pass on to the next generation. proudly held up the Armenian and Karabagh much appreciated. have the chance to opt in, by replying yes to the automated text. Armenia Fund has constructed more than 175 miles of water treatment and supply sys - tems across Armenia and Artaskh over the past 19 years. Thanks to those who con - Sponsor a Teacher in Armenia and Karabagh 2011 tributed to last year’s telethon, Armenia Fund was able to give 26,880 residents of Artsakh a supply of clean drinking water in their households. Since its inception in 2001, TCA’s ‘Sponsor Because of such dire conditions in the homeland, Armenia Fund has made it its mis - a Teacher’ program has raised over $477,750 sion to construct reservoirs, wells, pumps and new inner systems and water pipelines across and reached out to 3,700 teachers and the region. Within one year, 14 water pro - jects were either initiated and/or completed school workers in Armenia and Karabagh. through Armenia Fund’s programs, bringing clean water to more people everyday. By supporting Armenia Fund’s Telethon £ efforts, people from all over can become a part of its collective strength to revive the K Yes, I want to sponsor teachers in Armenia and Karabagh to continue economies in the rural communities abroad. helping them to educate the children, our future leaders. I would like to have Every call makes a difference and will con - the teacher’s name and address. tribute to the shared objective of achieving K $160 K $ 320 K $ 480 K other $ an economically independent and prosperous ————————— Armenia and Artsakh. Name Clean drinking water is undeniably impera - Address tive, which is why Telethon 2011 will address City State Zip code this issue for the second year in a row and Tel: continue to make water more accessible to every Armenian community. Make check payable to: Tekeyan Cultural Association – Memo: Sponsor a Teacher 2010 The live broadcast of the Thanksgiving Mail your check with this form to: Telethon will be available online on the TCA Sponsor a Teacher Armenia Fund USA website. 5326 Valverde, Houston, TX 77056 Volunteers are being accepted in New York the day of the telethon. For information on volun - Your donation is Tax Deductible. teering, visit www.ArmeniaFundUSA.org. S ATURDAY , N OVEMBER 5, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 13 Arts & Living

Mark Mustian’s Barooshian Gendarme Exhibit Piques Draws Crowd The Imagination In New York By Tom Vartabedian MANHATTAN — Mark Mustian, author of the critically-acclaimed novel, The Gendarme, pre - WATERTOWN — Martin Barooshian is the sented his book on October 12, at the Diocesan kind of artist whose work needs to be seen in Center. order to be appreciated and understood. The event, hosted by the Armenian Network Sometimes it takes awhile. of America (Greater New York Region), Barooshian’s work is currently on exhibit at Armenian Students Association and the Zohrab the Armenian Library and Museum of America Center, started with an introduction by Talene (ALMA), where 50 of his selected pieces of Kachadourian, president of the Armenian impressionistic art are on display through Network of America. She spoke of Mustian’s January 20. More than 100 guests turned out background as a lawyer and as city commis - October 2 for a grand opening and reception. sioner in Tallahassee, Fla., where he currently Titled “Pointillism to Surrealism,” the gallery lives with his wife and three children. covers various mediums and approaches span - Published last year, The Gendarme quickly ning years of intense creativity and technical created a buzz and was the winner of the 2010 finesse, taking the viewer down a path of mys - Florida Gold Book Award for General Fiction. It Peter Sourian receives a gold medal from Hasmik Poghosyan, Armenian minister of tery, humor, eroticism, lyricism, line and color is a finalist for the 2011 Dayton International culture and into the depths of an unconscious mind. Literary Peace Prize. The book has been trans - “It definitely calls for interpretation,” said lated into eight foreign editions in Brazil, Barbara Sohigian of Middleton. “You can look Bulgaria, France, Greece, Israel and Spain, at it one way and get a different meaning anoth - among others. er way. Martin’s art is diverse in every sense, Mustian’s novel follows the story of a Turkish Writers Assembled from forging him into the best of his class.” gendarme officer who once led the Armenians The work invites the viewer into a contem - on the death marches of 1915. Following an plative spirit and takes them into an unpre - Around the World in dictable world filled with surrealist fantasies and joyous abstract design. One eye-catcher is the “Twin Towers,” dedi - Armenia in October cated to the 10th anniversary of 9/11 terrorist attacks. It shows the two buildings intact prior to their destruction. Another work devotes YEREVAN — The Fourth Annual Conference of Armenian Writers in Foreign itself to music, essentially Bach and Beethoven, Languages took place in Armenia this year from October 10 to 15. Sessions took two of the artist’s favorite composers, done in place at the Writers Union centers in Yerevan and Tsaghkadzor. Writers, translators oil. and editors from at least 10 countries (Armenia, Canada, France, Georgia, Germany, A still life with fish features a mixed media Iran, Romania, Turkey, Ukraine and the United States), as well as from the Republic approach while an ink painting of a disengaged of Mountainous Karabagh, participated in the sessions. The Ministries of Culture ballet dancer requires further scrutiny. and Diaspora were organizers of the confer - “Though this is primarily a show of my ence, together, of course, with the Armenian newest paintings spanning the last decade, By Aram Arkun Writers Union, and the sponsors, the World some other influential prints and drawings are Mirror-Spectator Staff Armenian Congress and the Union of also included,” Barooshian points out. “To my Armenians of Russia. surprise, I realized that ideas from such draw - An opening press conference on October ings have been germinating in my mind for 10 in Yerevan presented the outlines of the conference’s activities to the media. The years and have found their way into my new first official session was opened on October 11, again in Yerevan, by Levon style 50 years later.” Ananyan, chairman of the Writers Union of Armenia. Ananyan pointed out that the Mark Mustian signing copies of Barooshian commended the ALMA staff for The Gendarme activity of Armenian translators in a sense allows many writers of Armenian origin at the Diocese posting what he called “a museum-quality abroad who write in other languages to take their places in the ranks of Armenian show,” which ironically coincides with the open - literature. Armenian independence has facilitated this process. Many of the writers ing of a Karsh exhibit on the ground floor. abroad deal with issues of importance to the Armenian people such as Armenian injury at Gallipoli, he was sent to an Allied Visitors to the museum got a double treat at the culture and the Armenian Genocide. Hospital where he met and married an grand opening. A letter from President Serge Sargisian of Armenia, read by Hranush Hakobyan, American nurse and eventually settled in the “ALMA is one of our valuable treasures both minister of diaspora, valued the contributions of the participants and stressed the United States — having lost all recollection of inside and outside the Armenian community contemporary importance of the complex issues of Armenian identity. Hakobyan the Armenian Genocide. Almost a century later, whose potential hasn’t been fully realized,” he then welcomed the conference participants on behalf of her ministry and awarded the officer, now 92, suffers a brain tumor and said. “Hopefully, many more artists and pho - the William Saroyan Medals, granted by the Diaspora Ministry in recognition of begins to recall the story of his youth and to tographers will take advantage of this facility.” efforts toward the dissemination of Armenian culture in the diaspora, to Mari- seek redemption before it is too late. Born in 1929 in Chelsea, Barooshian has dis - Antoinette Varténie Bédanian (France), Madeleine Karacashian (Romania) and Following Kachadourian’s introduction, tinguished himself as an artist whose great Aram Arkun (US), as well as certificates to Khachik Khacher (Iran), Natella Mustian discussed his book, which touches on vitality and willingness to explore is matched Lalabekyan (US) and Levon Osepyan (Russia). many themes within the larger context of the only by his technical finesse. He is regarded as Conference patron Ara Abrahamyan, who is president of the World Armenian Armenian Genocide, including the role of mem - a superb and accomplished printmaker having Congress and the Union of Armenians of Russia, gave a speech of welcome to the ory, politics, religion and human relationships. innovatively produced in every graphic medium conference participants. Abrahamyan felt that the present conference was one of the Mustian also talked about the process of hav - including woodcuts, etchings, engravings, various positive results of the independence of Armenia, whose 20th anniversary ing the book published, which required perse - lithographs and silk-screens. had just been celebrated. verance and determination on his part. Seven Over the past 55 years, Barooshian has been The winners in various categories of the World Armenian Congress’ literary con - years after perfecting his manuscript, the rep - fascinated by what he calls fantastic art and sur - test, “Twenty-first Century Armenian Prose,” conducted together with the Union of utable Putnam imprint published the book to realism. He cites the work of Miro, Matta, Dali Armenians of Russian and the Armenian Writers Union, were then announced: positive reviews, including in the Sunday Book and, in particular, Arshile Gorky as contributing Kurken Khanjyan (novel), Husik Ara (short story) and Eduard Khachikyan (short Review of the New York Times , which wrote to the development of his style. story series), while a special diasporan writer’s award was given to Boghos that Mustian “tells a story that probes a time - He shares with them an artistic commitment Kupelian. less array of life’s general adversities,” and to exploring the subconscious mind. Levon Ananyan then bestowed Abrahamyan with the award Literary Benefactor. noted that “Mustian refuses to flinch when Imagination, fantasy and freedom of thought Hasmik Poghosyan, minister of culture of the Republic of Armenia, spoke of the describing the grim realities that resurface in are of paramount importance to this philoso - importance of October for Armenian culture. She awarded Peter Sourian (US), Conn’s [the protagonist’s] thoughts of the phy. Migirdiç Margosyan (Turkey), Peter Cowe (US), Alan Whitehorn (Canada), past.” With his technical expertise firmly estab - Alexander Bozhko (Ukraine) and Raffi Kantian (Kebabciyan) (Germany) with Gold Following his presentation, Mustian lished, Barooshian created many fine and com - Medals of the Ministry of Culture. answered questions from the audience and pelling works, including the “Alice in Three papers were then delivered on a variety of topics in a session chaired by signed copies of his books. A reception followed Wonderland” series, a successful venture that Ananyan. The first speaker was Prof. Souren Danielian, who is the founder where guests had the opportunity to speak rekindles several memorable scenes and char - with Mustian further. For more information acters from the Lewis Carroll classic. see WRITERS, page 16 about The Gendarme and its author, visit “To me, painting with oils on canvas go hand- www.markmustian.com. in-hand with printmaking,” says the spry — Taleen Babayan see BAROOSHIAN, page 15 14 S ATURDAY , N OVEMBER 5, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARTS & LIVING Something Armenian TALEEN BABAYAN PHOTO In Portugal

By Taleen Babayan and Karine Abalyan

LISBON — Portugal does not have a sizeable the sister of the artist Arshile Gorky, and her Armenian community nor an Armenian son, Karlen. The Mooradians placed their col - Church. But it is here, in Europe’s westernmost lection of Gorky works here in 1985. country, that the philanthropist Calouste In her will, Mooradian left the artwork to the Gulbenkian’s esteemed private art collection Eastern Diocese, which has continued the part - accidentally found its home. nership with the Gulbenkian Foundation. The Surrounded by a vast property featuring works have been exhibited at various times in stretches of lawn and bamboo gardens, the Lisbon and thanks to this unique collabora - Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation and Museum tion, the Gorky paintings have been exhibited is a centerpiece of Lisbon’s cultural life. On a at museums worldwide. In 2007, the Paris warm day last summer, tourists and Lisboans branch of the Gulbenkian Foundation worked took in the splendor of the peaceful landscape, with the Centre Georges Pompidou to display pausing to appreciate one of the city’s most vis - Gorky’s works as part of the “Year of Armenia” ited sites. in France. In addition, Gorky’s works have Inside, schoolchildren and art enthusiasts been shown at the Tate Modern in London, the browsed Gulbenkian’s extensive collection, Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles, which is composed of more than 6,000 pieces the Philadelphia Museum of Art and most dating from antiquity to the early 20th centu - recently at the Gagosian Gallery in New York Statue of Calouste Gulbenkian based on a photograph taken of the philanthropist during his travels ry. These include works by Rubens, Van Dyke, City. Rembrandt, Renoir, Manet, Degas and Monet, as well as Persian rugs, Chinese pottery and jewelry by Rene Lalique. Gulbenkian began acquiring artwork at a young age. Born in Istanbul in 1869, he was MoonMooon and SStarstars PrProjectoject PrPresentsesentss the son of a wealthy merchant who had hold - ings in the oil fields of the Caucasus. After KardesKardes Türküler (Songs of FrFraternity)ateernity) earning a degree in engineering and applied with ArtoAArto TTunçboyaciyanunçboyaciyan in ConcertConcert science at King’s College in London, Gulbenkian was encouraged by his father to SpecialSpeecial GuestGuest StarStar ArAraraa Dinkjianan get involved in the oil business. Earning British citizenship in the wake of the 1895 massacres of Armenians in the Ottoman Empire, Gulbenkian established valu - able networks with leading European and Russian oil businessmen. In 1907, he helped found the Royal Dutch Shell Group, and five years later was influential in the development of the Turkish Petroleum Company, of which he owned a 5-percent share. Gulbenkian’s insistence on securing this frac - tion with subsequent projects eventually earned him the epithet “Mr. 5 Percent.” During World War II, Gulbenkian planned to emigrate to America. But a brief visit to neu - tral Portugal — where he found a welcoming and hospitable atmosphere — changed his course. Gulbenkian spent the last 13 years of his life at the fashionable Hotel Aviz in central Lisbon. During this time, he decided to establish an international foundation to showcase his art collection and to bring together different cul - tural values and interests. After Gulbenkian passed away in 1955 at the age of 86, his vision was realized with the opening of the Foundation and Museum in Lisbon in 1969. Building on Gulbenkian’s artistic vision, the foundation added a Modern Art Center to the property in 1983. Dedicated primarily to 20th- century Portuguese artists, the center also serves as a depository for other modern pieces. Known for its leading efforts in restoration and preservation, the Modern Art Center NovemberNovember 13, 7pm attracted the attention of Vartoosh Mooradian, MerkinMerkkin CConcertoncert Hall atat KKaufmanaufman CCenterenteer 129 WestWest 667th7th StreetStreet NewNew York,York, NY 10023100223 kaufman-center.orgkaufman-center.org

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MANHATTANMMANHATTAN S ATURDAY , N OVEMBER 5, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 15 ARTS & LIVING ARPA International Film Festival Celebrates its 14th Year

HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — The 14th annual Arpa International Film Festival, presented by AT&T YP.com, captivated audiences over three days at the Egyptian Theater here. Arpa Foundation for Film, Music and Art’s (AFFMA) signature event kicked off with the opening night Los Angeles premiere of Braden King’s “Here,” on September 22. The film, starring Ben Foster and Lubna Azabal, was shot entirely in Armenia. The festival’s centerpiece film, “My Uncle Rafael,” headlined the program on Friday, September 23. Writer/producer/actor Vahik Pirhamzei, director Marc Fusco, co-screenwriter Scott Yagemann, actress Missi Pyle and other cast and crew attended the sold-out showing. This year, the festival screened more than 30 films from 15 countries. The closing night featured the North American pre - miere of Mahsun Kirmizigul’s action drama “Five Minarets in AFFMA Committee Members Lisa Tutunjian, Talia Tanielian and Sylvia Minassian, founder with board members Dr. Zaven New York,” which drew a record crowd over three days. Annetta Babakhanie Khatchaturian, Dr. Navasart Kazazian and Maral Kazazian The festival’s prestigious Armin T. Wegner Humanitarian Award was presented to Bryan Single for his documentary, “Children of War,” which was filmed in Uganda and tells the story of a group of former child soldiers as they escape the bat - tlefield and undergo a remarkable process of trauma therapy and emotional healing. Two of Wegner’s grandchildren, Giulia and Fiammena, were on hand to co-present the annual award.

Dr. Zaven Khatchaturian, AFFMA Board, Sylvia Minassian, Fiammena and Giulia Wegner, granddaughters of Armin T. Wegner, AFFMA founder, and Giulia and Fiammena Wegner (grand - festival director Alex Kalognomos, founder Sylvia Minassian, board daughters of Armin T. Wegner) member Zaven Khatchaturian and filmmaker Bryan Single

The AT&T’s Award for Environmental Conservation and Stewardship was awarded to Susan Edwards for “Marion Actress Missi Pyle, with actors Anahid Avanesian, Vahik Pirhamzei Stoddart: The Work of 1000,” a documentary short about a and Sage Ryan remarkable woman who transformed herself from a 1960s house - wife to a citizen leader and environmental hero honored by the United Nations. Other notable award recipients included Eric Nazarian, Best Short winner for “Bolis,” Arman Yeritsyan and Inna Sahakyan, Best Documentary winners for “The Last Tightrope Dancer in Armenia,” screenwriters Vahik Pirhamzei and Scott Yagemann and director Marc Fusco for “My Uncle Rafael” and Ahmad Zahra, producer of Best Feature Film winner, “Three Veils.” Pirhamzei was also awarded the festi - val’s 2011 Breakthrough Artist Award. During the festival, the interna - tional distribution company Slater Brothers acquired the rights to distribute “My Uncle Rafael.” The jury consisted of industry veterans Ara Keshishian and Jeff Speich, both Actress Mercedes Masohn, second from left, and cast and friends of the winner of best motion picture talent agents at Creative Sylvia Minassian, founder, Alex Kalognomos, festival director, and film, “Three Veils” Artists Agency, and Owen Ward, producer Marc Fusco, director and marketing executive. Barooshian Exhibit Piques The Imagination

BAROOSHIAN, from page 13 octogenarian. “Frequently, a print image will trigger off a painting idea and quite the reverse. There’s no doubt that painting for me has the greater amount of problems necessary to solve than printmaking. I try to be good in both. When one tires of painting for a few days, one can switch to prints.” No portraits. Nothing to do with landscapes. Forget the bowls of fruit and flowers. Barooshian derives his pleasure with mystery art. According to one critic, Barooshian’s promi - nence has been somewhat subdued because his paintings and prints have always gone against the grain of the art scene. Entertainment Fridays Yet, by reinventing a new approach, he rein - vents himself. In the process has come a glori - and Saturdays ous world of great storms, mythological heroes and Faustian love affairs with an impeccably bold color sense. Judging by the ALMA works, a kaleidoscope of color matches any foliage seen in season. “I’d be bored to tears if I wasn’t involved with Advertise in the art,” Barooshian says. “It’s been my obsession for decades and continues to build self-esteem. Artist Martin Barooshian with ALMA exhibit Mirror-Spectator My art is designed to make people think.” 16 S ATURDAY , N OVEMBER 5, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARTS & LIVING Writers from around the World in Armenia in October

WRITERS, from page 13 Angeles, spoke of the difficulties of his child - cussed at the conference. sary of Ananyan’s active leadership of the and director of the Diaspora Scientific- hood in the Middle East and his experiences in Khacher of Iran, an engineer by profession, is Writers Union, and many writers and others Educational Center, which focuses in particular Africa, which he turned into literature. He later a writer by vocation. He primarily writes poetry congratulated his accomplishments during this on Western Armenian language and literature. began writing about the American-Armenian and prose in Armenian and Persian. He also is period of time. His talk was titled “Armenian Destiny in Modern immigrant experience in Los Angeles, and his engaged in much translation, in order to make Perhaps not totally by coincidence, two works American-Armenian Literature” (for the text of son Roger, in turn, became a filmmaker who has Armenian culture better known in Iran. He relat - of Ananyan were published and presented to his speech, and Armenian-language reports on attempted a film about Vartanantz. Kupelian, ed that his volume of Zahrad’s poetry translated him on his birthday — a bilingual Armenian- the conference, see http://spyurk-cen - vice president of the Armenian Writers into Persian garnered much attention in Iranian German children’s book, Anna and Armen , ter.am/am/news/79). Davit Gasparyan present - Association of California, has published three cultural and literary circles. He helped organize which he prepared with German writer Yurgen ed a report examining which works of writers of novels and a number of collections of short sto - the commemoration of William Saroyan’s cente - Yankovski (with Hermine Navasardyan as trans - Armenian background writing in non-Armenian ries. nary in Iran recently, and writes in Iranian news - lator), and Wild Tulips , a Georgian-language languages were included in the curriculum of The fourth speaker, Migirdiç Margosyan, is papers periodically. anthology of Ananyan’s works published in schools and universities in the Republic of considered one of the last representatives of Araz Barseghian, a young writer from Iran, Tbilisi. Armenia. Finally, poet and writer Artem Western Armenian literature of the provinces. then commented about the importance of a vari - On October 14, further writers spoke about Harutyunyan spoke about Peter Balakian’s poet - His works on Dikranagerd in the post-Genocide ety of other Iranian-Armenian writers. Zoya their works under the chairmanship of ry and its reflections of Armenian and American period show what had been preserved of the Pirzad for example has sold millions of copies of Margosyan. Jaklin Çelik of Istanbul (but born in realities. Harutyunyan, who had spent several past and the price paid to do so, as well as the her Persian-language novels to Iranians. Dikranagerd) presented a paper in translation months in Balakian’s home, presented some per - nature of human relations in Turkey. He has Barseghian himself is the author of several pub - from Turkish about questions of cultural identi - sonal reminiscences as well. written them in Armenian and Turkish versions, lished works. ty. She examined the relationship of religion, The day concluded with two symbolic and while Kurdish translations of his short stories Translator and writer Aram Arsenyan’s newly- land, nationality belonging and destiny and con - emotionally-laden trips. First was a visit to have also appeared. Margosyan pointed out that published translation of Peter Sourian’s cluded that in the Armenian case, destiny was Echmiadzin, where the group was received by the Turkish editions of his works sell many, Armenian-themed novel The Gate (Darpas) was the migration of the heart. Bishop Arshak Khachatryan, chancellor of the many more copies and are republished much presented that afternoon at the conference. Cathy Salibian (Rochester, NY) explained the Holy See. Khachatryan spoke about the background of Genocide and immigration role of intellectuals in Armenian society which impelled her to travel in search of and answered questions from the writers her ancestors’ homes in Turkey and about the activities and positions of the formed an important foundation of her lit - Church of Armenia. Second was a visit to erary work. Moved, Margosyan on the the Genocide Memorial, where the writers spot invited her to visit him in Turkey. placed flowers next to the eternal flame in Mari-Antoinette Varténie Bédanian of honor of victims of the Armenian France spoke of the sorrow of the inter - Genocide and a wreath next to the monu - nal division and quarreling of Armenians ment itself. in France over many decades and added that she was forced to publish her own Moving to Tsaghkadzor works in non-Armenian publishing hous - The group then departed for es because Armenians did not want to Tsaghkadzor, where the next sessions took consider her writings. However, she point - place on October 12. Ananyan started the ed out that the conferences of foreign-lan - day by pointing out that in a sense, reports guage writers of Armenian origin in would be given about the creative activities Armenia have created new connections of the participants in various countries and together though they were from so and the effect that they have had. many different countries, the participants A panel of four prose writers presented managed to serve as a conduit of their thoughts on “Armenian destiny” in Armenian culture and heritage that their works in a session chaired by Aram almost was destroyed as a result of the Arkun, who translated where necessary in Genocide. this and later sessions. First, Arkun noted Khosrov Khajavian of Iran spoke about the passing of first-generation American- his own writing in Persian, including Dr. Raffi Kantian at one of the sessions in Tsaghkadzor Armenian writer Dr. Nishan Parlakian and translations. spoke briefly of his literary and editorial Karacashian spoke about her decades work. Everybody in the room stood up to of work as a journalist in Romania. She honor Parlakian’s memory. Then Arkun pointed more frequently than the Armenian versions of Arsenyan last year translated a collection of worked 18 years for the newspaper Nor geank . out how the panel’s speakers were from very dif - the same works. He noted that ironically, Sourian’s short stories into Armenia, but Darpas She also is a translator and member of the ferent environments and each had struggled in though he received a medal last year from the is the first of Sourian’s novels to appear in Romanian Writers Union. Her fourth volume of his own way to deal with the 20th century’s Armenian minister of the diaspora, he is not a Armenian. Arsenyan’s labors have turned With the Armenians, About the Armenians was tribulations of the Armenians, overcoming them diasporan writer, having been born in Western Sourian into part of the corpus of Armenian lit - just published a few months ago in Romania. in a sense through literature that presented the Armenia. However, he did not learn Armenian erature, as well as a senior writer in the This series, the fruit of her publications in peri - Armenian destiny, if there was really such a until he was an adolescent. American-Armenian literary canon. Arsenyan odicals, serves to better inform Romanians thing, to the world. That afternoon, Los Angeles-based spoke about how he became acquainted with about the Armenians. She has translated both The first speaker, Peter Sourian from New Lalabekyan’s book of poetry and short stories, Sourian’s work. prominent Armenian writers of the past and York, is one of the important representatives of Road to Yourself (translated into Armenian by Olexander Bozhko, former ambassador of contemporary Armenian writers into Romanian. the first generation of American-Armenian writ - Artem Harutyunyan), was presented to the con - Ukraine to Armenia, then introduced Levon The Romanian state fortunately sponsors works ers, who has over the decades played an impor - ference with praise from Ananyan. The author Osepyan’s collection of short stories, Telephone by minority nationalities like the Armenians. tant role as a literary critic, novelist and short herself spoke about her views on life and then Call, to the audience, and praised it highly. It That afternoon, Ananyan introduced Aram story writer in the United States, while support - read some samples in Russian from her work, was translated into Armenian from Russian by Arsenyan’s third volume of Contemporary ing the Armenian-American community. while translator Harutyunyan read some of the Hovhannes Ayvazyan. American-Armenian Short Stories , largely Sourian spoke about how his grandfather Armenian versions. Bozhko at one point noted about himself that based on pieces translated from the printed Missak Sourian sent his son Zareh to America to The following day Davit Muradyan chaired the he had helped create a radio hour in Kiev which version of Ararat quarterly. This volume learn journalism in order to serve Armenia. morning session. Alan Whitehorn of Canada, a both offered folk music like that of Komitas to includes works of Peter Najarian, Sourian, Though Zareh did not do this, Peter, his son, felt grandson of an orphan of the Armenian the Ukrainian public, as well as information Mark Arax, Aris Janigian, Nancy Krikorian, that perhaps unconsciously he transmitted the Genocide, presented his poems as well as his about topics such as the Armenian Genocide. He Aram Saroyan, Mary Kandilian-Aslanian, Jack same hope to him, to “try to bear humble wit - activities in Canada toward the recognition of has translated a number of Armenian literary Aslanian, Cathy Salibian, Vonnie Madigan, ness to the ‘incomprehensible destiny’ of the the Genocide. Whitehorn professionally is a works into Ukrainian and at present is working Michael Minasian, Nancy Agabian and Alan Armenians.” Peter Sourian then read an excerpt political scientist teaching at the Royal Military on a late medieval Armenian work about Whitehorn. A number of writers present of a short story, published in the Spectator College of Canada since 1978, and genocide and Kamenets-Podolsk. praised Arsenyan’s efforts. (which later turned into the Mirror-Spectator ) human rights are important themes in both his After this, various members of the audience In the closing session on October 15, by his father, who, it turns out, did dabble at academic work and his poetry. presented their own works, especially poetry, to Ananyan explained that a chief goal of such least a bit in writing, too. The moral of the story, Raffi Kantian of Germany spoke next. He has the conference. For example, young Armenian conferences has been to unite foreign-lan - as interpreted by Peter Sourian, was that one published a number of volumes of short stories poet and university Prof. Vahe Arsen (son of guage Armenian writers around the idea of important role of the writer was to bear witness. in Armenian using his family name of Aram Arsenyan) read some of his poems, includ - the homeland. Professor of philology Davit Levon Osepyan, vice chairman of the Union of Kebabciyan, and one collection of his short sto - ing a piece translated into English recently by Gasparyan suggested that in the future, for - Russian [Armenian] Writers, editor-in-chief of ries has been published in Turkish. He declared Diana Der-Hovanessian. eign-language Armenian writers join two literary magazines, Aragast and Metsenat i that his preferred writing style is realism. Born The assembled group of writers had the Armenian-language writers in conferences. Mir (as well as of the monthly Armyanski and raised in Istanbul, the September 6-7, 1955 opportunity to visit Armenian monasteries and Ananyan felt the idea was a good one but per - Pereulok from 1996 to 2002), and author of six riots had a great effect on him, and he later dealt churches in several parts of Armenia and also haps the time for it had still not yet come. volumes, then spoke about his own literary with them in a short story. Kantian is also the were pleasantly surprised to be part of the 65th Margosyan pointed out that previous such work, as well as his attempts to represent Hanover-based editor of the German-Armenian birthday celebration of Levon Ananyan on conferences have led to useful work such as Armenians, together with Seda Vermisheva, in Society’s literary and research publication October 13. Delegations from various Armenian his Aras Publishing House’s publication of the Russian cultural and intellectual circles. Osipyan Armenisch-Deutsche Korrespondenz (ADK). government ministries, as well as Russia, Turkish translation of Iranian-Armenian writer also is a photographer and has provided illus - Kantian suggested that working groups be Georgia and Iran made various presentations on Zoya Pirzad’s novel, and this year too there no trations for various works, including Edgar created for the future to make presentations on this occasion, and Ananyan was granted the doubt would be similar results. Khosrov Allen Poe’s “The Raven,” in Russian translation. various topics to the conference. Collective Garegin Nzhdeh Medal from the Ministry of Khajavian’s offer to financially support the Osipyan spoke in Russian and his words were translations or other types of workshop activites Defense of the Republic of Armenia. President publication of the presentations of the present translated into Armenian by Lilit Hovsepyan. could be conducted. Also, a website could be Serge Sargsian sent Ananyan a special letter. conference as a separate book was enthusias - Raymond Boghos Kupelian, now of Los used to present the materials that would be dis - This was also approximately the 10th anniver - tically accepted by the participants. S ATURDAY , N OVEMBER 5, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 17 ARTS & LIVING CC AA LLEENNDDAARR

DECEMBER 2-3 — Trinity Christmas Bazaar, Holy Trinity CALIFORNIA Armenian Church, 145 Brattle St., Cambridge, Friday, 3-9 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Lunch and dinners offered. NOVEMBER 19 — The Armenian EyeCare Project will hold Booths include: farmer’s market, country store, candy, its ninth Annual Newpor t Gala, honoring Gov. George gourmet, pastries, wreaths and poinsettias, jewelry, second- Deukmejian, on November 19, 6:30 p.m., at the Balboa Bay time around, sports silent auction and more. Santa’s Club, Newport Beach. For info and reservations, call (949) Playland, Saturday 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. 675-5611. DECEMBER 11 — Christmas Holiday Concert: Erevan Choral Society and Orchestra, 3 p.m., church sanctuary, FLORIDA Holy Trinity Armenian Church of Greater Boston, 145 Brattle St., Cambridge. Conductor Konstantin Petrossian. For further The Armenian Cultural Association of America, Inc. pre- info, contact the church office at [email protected] or (617) sents: Armenian Heritage Cruise XV. Leaving January 21, 354-0632. 2012. 15th Anniversary Celebration. For more info, visit www.ArmenianHeritageCruise.com. MICHIGAN MASSACHUSETTS NOVEMBER 16 — Armenian Genocide Recognition: A New Approach, a free lecture by international lawyer and former NOVEMBER 11 — The Knights of Vartan Ararat Lodge diplomat Sandra L.B. Livingstone, PhD. St. John Armenian Number 1 annual ceremony at the Renaissance Waterfront Church, St. Vartan Room, Wednesday. Refreshments, 7:30 Hotel on Long Wharf, Boston, Friday. Guest speaker, Primate of p.m; program, 8 p.m. RSVP to Pam Coultis at (248) 646- Artsakh, Archbishop Pargev Martirossian. Reception, 7 p.m.; 7847 or [email protected]. dinner, 8 p.m. Man of the Year is Aurelian Mardiros, Community Leader Award to Registrar Rachel Kaprielian and the Faithful Knight Award to John Peterson. NEW JERSEY NOVEMBER 12-13 — Save the date. ADAA Fourth Annual Richard Hagopian and his Kef Time Boston Armenian Film Festival. Fresh Pond Cinemas, Ensemble will be the feature of a Holiday NOVEMBER 13 — St. Stepanos Armenian Church Cambridge. See www.armeniandrama.org. Women’s club invites you for an Armenian concert by Kef at UMass Lowell Conference Center, 50 NOVEMBER 13 — Nine Armenians Presented by Wellesley the AREKAG Children’s Choir, conducted by Vago John Warren St., Lowell, Mass., on Saturday, College, at the Ruth Nagle Jones Theatre, in the college, Ohanyan. Following church services, 1184 Ocean Ave., at 6:30 p.m. Dedicated to the Nish Boyajian Memorial November 19, 8 p.m.-1a.m., sponsored by Elberon. Thanksgiving Lunch will be served. Tickets: $30, Foundation, which will receive the proceeds from tickets Armenian Apostolic Church at Hye Pointe. adults; $10, children, 10 and under. Call Linda Patruno (732) sales. For ticket info, contact Richard Boyajian (617) 328- For info, call Mike (978) 682-3946 or 449-5249, Norig Buchakjian (732) 929-0776. 6881 or Peggy Hovanessian (781) 863-6273. Richard (978) 374-0687. NOVEMBER 17 — Party at the Other Park! Benefit for the NEW YORK Armenian Heritage Park Endowment. Thursday, 7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Fenway Park. State Street Pavilion, Boston. DECEMBER 3 — The AGBU/NYSEC presents the fourth The event will feature John Baboian Quartet, informal sports annual AGBU Per forming Artists in Concert, at 8 p.m. talk with Bob Lobel and open bar and hors d’oeuvrse. Tour www.itsmyseat.com/sayatnova or Apo: (339) 222-2410. Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall. 154 W 57th St., New York of Fenway Park at 7 p.m. for Party supporters of $1,000 and www.sayatnova.com. City. Tickets, $65. For info, call AGBU at (212) 319-6383, ext. above. RSVP by November 12. Reservations required. For a NOVEMBER 19 — Holiday Kef, featuring Richard Hagopian 124. To purchase tickets directly through the Carnegie Hall reply form, e-mail [email protected] or call and his Kef Time Ensemble. Saturday, 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Adults, Box Office: carnegiehall.org. Carnegie charge: (212) 247- Charles Guleserian (617) 484-6100. $45, students, $25. UMass Lowell Conference Center, 50 7800. Box Office: 57th Street and Seventh Avenue. NOVEMBER 19 — Sayat Nova Dance Company of Boston Warren St., Lowell, (978) 934-6920. Cash bar only. Mezza, MAY 19, 2012 — HMADS Gala Dinner Dance. Details to fol - presents 25th anniversary per formance, “Journey coffee, dessert. Sponsored by Armenian Apostolic Church at low, June 25. HMADS 30th Commencement Exercise at 8 Through Time,” with new choreography and music. Hye Pointe. For info call Mike (978) 682-3946 or Richard p.m., Kalustyan Hall. Robinson Theater, Waltham High School. For tickets, (978) 374-0687.

One Life, Three Cultures: An Iranian-Armenian Odyssey

A New Autobiography by out details. She interviewed friends Hovanessian lived in London at different and relatives with incredible memo - times in the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s, and Elma Hovanessian ries. then moved to Los Angeles. In those days, Hovanessian grew up in a multi-cul - the Armenian community in London was tural Iran. She attended Iranian dominated by Armenians from Cyprus. Los By Nora Vosbigian schools and Tehran University. All of Angeles was different, with its large Iranian her classes were in Persian (Farsi). Her and Iranian-Armenian community. She felt classmates included students of vari - more comfortable there. Elma Hovanessian decided to write her ous ethnic and religious minorities, What did Hovanessian miss about Iran? The memoirs after the success of her first book, such as Armenians, Assyrians, Jews, Caspian Sea in the summer, with its warm Under the Blue Dome . Whenever she gave Zoroastrians, Baha’is and Turks from waters and the soft sandy beaches; her home in book presentations people were interested in Iranian Azerbaijan. They were all part Tehran with its balcony overlooking the busy, her personal background as an Iranian- of Iran’s rich tapestry of people. noisy Naderi Avenue; her youth spent in that Armenian. For young Armenians, there were country, with its wonderfully uncomplicated They were fas - the Ararat Cultural Center and the life, surrounded by her extended family and Book Review cinated by her Armenian University Students Society friends. She misses the Armenian cultural and family life in where they were introduced to the social life, a remarkable community that had Iran, descriptions of her grandfather’s cara - Armenian culture and a sense of eth - flourished and refined throughout hundreds of van trips to India from New Julfa, life in the nic identity. The Armenian Church years of existence. beautiful Armenian quarter in Isfahan, the played an important part in acquaint - One Life, Three Cultures is a beautifully- occupation of Iran by the Allied Forces in ing them with their religious tradi - written work, which gives a fascinating WWII, student days at Tehran University... All tions through annual activities and glimpse into one of Iran’s oldest communi - fodder for her autobiography. festivities, such as Easter Sunday, ties. The hardest part of writing her story was Tiandarach, Vartavar and A free sample chapter of One Life, Three the first chapter. Once started, the rest was Hambartzoum. Cultures is available at www.gomidas.org. easy. Memories started to flow from the While living in Iran, Armenians felt recesses of her mind, as she remembered her themselves to be Iranian citizens of One Life, Three Cultures: An Iranian childhood, adolescence and beyond. Then Armenian origin. The sense of being Armenian Odyssey. London: Taderon Press. came the exploratory stage of her book, as Iranian-Armenian actually grew when they Armenians, such as those from Cyprus, 222 pages, 19 photos. she gathered additional information to flesh left Iran and came face-to-face with other Lebanon and Soviet Armenia. ISBN 9781903656389. US$22 / UK£ 16 18 S ATURDAY , N OVEMBER 5, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMENTARY

T HE A RMENIAN COMMENTARY Mirror- Prospects of a Kocharian Comeback

them being the rumors that during his presidency one of his Spectator By Edmond Y. Azadian sons built a personal fortune of $10 billion. Even if the figure is 90-percent exaggeration, it is still a tremendous amount of money to amass in a poor country like Armenia. Armenia’s electoral atmosphere is heating up as the parlia - Mr. Kocharian may be convinced that he can bring radical mentary election date gets nearer. Next May, Armenia will hold change to the plight of the people, but the voters may ask, why parliamentary elections, which will prove to be a litmus test for didn’t he use that magic during his presidential tenure of 10 Established 1932 the presidential election in 2014. Speculations abound in the years? An ADL Publication news media about possible realignments in the political spec - Also, heavy clouds hang on Mr. Kocharian’s credibility. One is trum. the October 27 massacre in the parliament 10 years ago, which One major question is hanging over all the discussions and was not fully investigated, and whose direct beneficiary was speculations: Would former President Robert Kocharian throw EDITOR Kocharian himself. The other case is the March 1 incident, which Alin K. Gregorian his hat into the ring? Before completing his second term as pres - claimed 10 victims. That was a liability that he bequeathed to ident, Mr. Kocharian had indicated that he did not wish to then President-Elect Serge Sargisian. ASSOCIATE EDITOR become the youngest retiree in Armenia, leading to wild specu - The greatest handicap of course for a Kocharian comeback is Aram Arkun lations. After all, politics and politicians in Armenia walk in lock - the incumbent president, who does not seem willing to yield his

ART DIRECTOR step with Moscow. Kocharian’s master, Vladimir Putin, made his position. Marc Mgrditchian future political plans all too obvious when he handpicked Dmitry Former Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian has been testing the Medvedev to succeed him. As the latter’s term was nearing its ground for a possible return of Mr. Kocharian. PRODUCTION close, Medvedev himself proposed Putin as candidate for the The political group which benefited most during Kocharian’s Dilani Yogaratnam next presidential election. presidency was the Dashnak (ARF) party, which is positioning Robert Kocharian certainly wishes to emulate Putin in itself in Armenia’s political spectrum with obvious nostalgia. Armenia. That is why he was very frank when asked about his Raffi Hovannisian’s Heritage Party (Jarangoutioun), which CONTRIBUTORS: future plans. He cited three conditions for his comeback: “1. flirted last time with Levon Ter-Petrosian’s HAK opposition coali - Elizabeth Aprahamian, Daphne Abeel, Dr. Should economic stagnation continue to deteriorate the tion without joining in the end, is gravitating towards the ARF. Haroutiune Arzoumanian, Edmond prospects of improving the social conditions, which, in turn, fur - Ter-Petrosian certainly still holds a grudge against Azadian, Prof. Vahakn N. Dadrian, Diana ther increases emigration; 2. Demand by different strata of soci - Hovannisian for his inconclusive political flirtation last time. Der Hovanessian, Philip Ketchian, ety for my return to big politics and 3. My personal conviction Ter-Petrosian himself and his lieutenants are still calling for Kevork Keushkerian, Sonia Kailian- that I will be able to bring radical change to the situation.” early parliamentary elections and for President Sargisian’s resig - Placido , H arut Sassounian, Mary Terzian, These are broad prospects to be able to measure in any mean - nation, which do not seem likely to happen. Even the opposition Hagop Vartivarian, Naomi Zeytoonian, ingful way, and therefore they are open to various interpretations. is convinced that those are slogans to lull the opposition block Taleen Babayan Since the number of votes still do not determine the outcome during the rallies. of the elections in Armenia but only the plans of the people In one of his recent speeches, Ter-Petrosian extended an olive CORRESPONDENTS: counting the votes, Kocharian certainly may have a chance for a branch to Gagik Zaroukian, who did not take the bait. Armenia - Hagop Avedikian comeback. Only the interaction of political forces and the for - In the meantime, the president is struggling to keep his coali - Boston - Nancy Kalajian mation of coalitions may frustrate his plans. tion in tandem, sometimes even trampling on certain established Philadelphia - Lisa Manookian That is why when asked if Kocharian can run as a presidential principles, like extending the same rank and courtesy to the Contributing Photographers: candidate in the upcoming election, the head of the Prosperous Supreme Spiritual Head of the Church and Catholicos Aram I. It Jacob Demirdjian, Harry Koundakjian, Jirair Armenia Party (Parkavaj Hayastan) Gagik Zaroukian, answered looks like every aspect of Armenia’s life is being politicized. The Hovsepian bluntly that Mr. Kocharian has all the moral right to run. Since principles trampled today for political expediency may not be that party has served as a front for Kocharian’s power base, news restored tomorrow. The Armenian Mirror-Spectator is published media began to speculate that the ruling coalition is falling Prime Minister Tigran Sargisian’s remark drew fierce reactions weekly, except two weeks in July, by: apart. The Prosperous Armenia and Republican parties together from different parties; he had indicated that those who do not Baikar Association, Inc. control the current parliament. side with the Republican Party, will be on the losing side. 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 Arthur Baghdassarian’s Country of Laws Party (Orinats The president has certainly an uphill battle in front of him and Telephone: 617-924-4420 Yerkir) is a minor partner in the ruling coalition. Baghdassarian recent shocks are not helping that struggle; within a week two FAX: 617-924-2887 has a cozy place in the present coalition, since he has no chance key resignations shook the political stability of the government. www.mir rorspectator.com to be re-elected if his party tries to run independently. During the The first one was the Yerevan Mayor Karen Karapetyan, who E-Mail: editor@mirrorspectator .com last elections he duped the electorate, running as an opposition they say has received a lucrative offer from Russia’s Gazprom. For advertising: [email protected] candidate and he split the opposition votes, and after the elec - But the rumor is that he was asked to resign because the tion he switched sides and joined the ruling coalition. You can - authorities did not believe the mayor could deliver their expec - not deceive people all the time. tations during the parliamentary elections. To dispel rumors and speculations, Mr. Zaroukian recently On the heels of the first resignation the chief of police, Alik SUBSCRIPTION RATES : came up with a clarification that the agreement signed between Sargisian, was also asked to resign after running a scandalous U.S.A. the Republican and Properous Armenia parties last February 17 police department. He is believed to be unable to hold together 2nd Class $75 a year was still in force, and he blamed the media for manufacturing warring factions within his department. 1st Class $120 a year artificial crises between the coalition partners, whereas high- In view of this turmoil the US has been sending a message that Canada Air Mail $125 a year place officials in his party made public statements about the nothing less than perfect elections will be acceptable. party’s plans to run independently in the elections, fueling those The parties and coalitions will continue realigning themselves. All Other Countries speculations. The government will try to project a picture perfect image, yet Air Mail $190 a year Display advertising r at e: $7 per column inch As far as Kocharian candidacy is concerned, the former presi - the starving people will vote for the party who hands them 5,000 dent comes with a heavy baggage of liabilities, the least among drams under the table.

© 2010 The Armenian Mirror-Spectator Periodical Class Postage Paid at Boston, MA and additional mailing offices. LETTERS ISSN 0004-234X POSTMASTER : Send address changes to The Armenian Mirror-Spectator, P.O. Box 302, Facing History Should Face the Facts Watertown, MA 02471-0302 Other than the editorial, views and opinions expressed in this newspaper do not necessarily To The Editor: The problem is that FHAO is cosponsoring support recognition of the Armenian genocide. reflect the policies of the publisher. Sometimes it takes friends to tell a friend an Anti-Defamation League (ADL) panel on It is clearly wrong for a genocide education that the latter has a problem. “The New Anti-Semitism: A Contemporary organization such as FHAO to affiliate itself The friends who must do the telling, in this Discussion in Historic Faneuil Hall” in Boston with Foxman as long as he and his organiza - case, are Armenian Americans, particularly on November 7, 2011. tion remain foes of Armenian genocide Copying for other than personal use or those of the San Francisco-based Genocide Abraham Foxman, ADL National Director, acknowledgment. internal reference is prohibited without Education Project (GEP) whose main mission will be a panelist. Foxman continues to oppose passage of the express permission of the copyright is teaching about the Armenian Genocide. The Mr. Foxman and his ADL have denied the Armenian genocide resolution, contemptuous - owner. Address requests for reprints or friend with a problem is the Brookline, Mass.- factuality of the Armenian Genocide of ly terming it a “counterproductive diversion.” back issues to: based Facing History and Ourselves (FHAO), 1915–1923 committed by Turkey and, to this My October 24 “open letter” asked FHAO to Baikar Association, Inc. the Holocaust and human rights organization day, have failed to unambiguously acknowl - withdraw its partnership with Foxman for the 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 whose curriculum includes the Armenian edge that genocide. They have also immorally November 7 event. Genocide. and actively assisted Turkey in defeating Since that letter, scores of Armenian GEP collaborates with FHAO and makes use Armenian genocide resolutions in the US Americans have emailed and called FHAO, and of the latter’s teaching materials. More impor - Congress. A political agreement two decades posted online, to express their dismay at the Check us out at tantly, two top FHAO executives are advisors ago among Turkey, a few top groups such as FHAO-Foxman pairing. to GEP, while two famous Armenian American the ADL, and Israel formalized this arrange - FHAO’s response has been a disappoint - mirrorspectator.com academicians are advisors to both organiza - ment . This contrasts with the principled ment. FHAO has said, against all evidence, that tions. Jewish American groups and individuals who see LETTERS, page 20 S ATURDAY , N OVEMBER 5, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 19 COMMENTARY

tary incentives to UN delegates and economic inducements for not declaring Armenia’s candidacy for the Security to financially strapped nations in return for their votes at Council, arguing that this would have taken away votes the UN General Assembly, which elects the 10 non-perma - from Azerbaijan. Such a strategy, however, may not have nent members of the Security Council. By hook or by been in Yerevan’s best interest, because Armenia could not crook, Azerbaijan acquired the support of Islamic coun - compete with Baku’s vote-buying spree and would have My Turn tries, the Arab League, the Non-Aligned Movement and CIS drawn votes away from Slovenia, assuring a bigger victory (former Soviet) countries, including Russia. Yet, despite margin for Azerbaijan. By Harut Sassounian these unusual lobbying tactics, it took Azerbaijan 17 In an earlier column, I had suggested that Armenian orga - rounds over a two-day period to garner the necessary votes, nizations and prominent individuals in the diaspora, in con - and only after Slovenia, its main rival, withdrew in protest sultation with Armenia’s Foreign Ministry, launch a global Azerbaijan Wins Security Council from the race. Slovenia’s Foreign Minister Samuel Zbogar campaign to counter Azerbaijan’s candidacy. I had urged Seat, While Armenians Remain Idle complained that his country “did not approve the way this Armenians around the world to ask their respective govern - campaign was held.” Although he did not elaborate, he was ments not to support Azerbaijan’s Security Council bid. President Ilham Aliyev was celebrating last week his referring to Azerbaijan’s lavish gift-giving spree. Regrettably, neither the Armenian Foreign Ministry nor country’s historic victory at the United Nations. With an Naturally, gaining a seat on the powerful UN Security the diasporan leadership initiated such a coordinated overwhelming number of votes, Azerbaijan was elected for Council accords Azerbaijan international prestige and a new effort. Two months ago, when delegates from 50 countries the first time to the prestigious UN Security Council for a venue to pursue its incessant Armenophobic campaigns. gathered at a Pan-Armenian Conference in Yerevan, two-year term. Nevertheless, there is little chance that Azeri officials will be Foreign Ministry officials should have taken the opportu - This column shall address three questions: 1) How did able to succeed in their announced objective of placing the nity to strategize with activists and heads of organizations Azerbaijan manage to get elected to such an elite body? 2) Karabagh (Artsakh) conflict on the Council’s agenda. The on how to counter Azerbaijan’s candidacy. Ironically, one What will Azerbaijan accomplish with its newly-acquired Minsk Group co-Chairs — France, Russia and the United of the topics on the conference agenda was “mechanisms seat? 3) What actions did Armenians take to counter States — as three of the five veto-wielding permanent mem - for the development of Armenia-Diaspora partnership.” Azerbaijan’s candidacy? bers of the Security Council, have made it amply clear that Such discussions are only useful if they are followed up by Azerbaijan, Hungary and Slovenia were competing for a this matter will be handled by the Minsk Group, outside the concrete actions. non-permanent seat reserved for the Eastern European UN framework. Hence, Azerbaijan’s leaders risk disillusion - Fortunately, a mechanism for global Armenian coordi - region in the Security Council. Normally, Azerbaijan would ing their people, having reassured them that the Security nation is in the works for the 100th anniversary of the have no chance of getting elected to such a distinguished Council will take up the Karabagh issue. Azerbaijan could Armenian Genocide. For this purpose, a preliminary body, since it is the least qualified of the three countries in also get entangled in precarious situations, being forced to meeting was held in Yerevan several months ago. Turkey fulfilling the requirements of the UN Charter, due to its fail - take sides when voting on confrontational issues involving has already announced its UN Security Council candi - ure to contribute to international peace and security, as Iran, Israel and Syria, among others. dacy for 2015, at a time when Armenians will be com - well as lack of participation in the work of UN agencies. While the Aliyev regime was turning the world upside memorating the centennial of the Genocide. The ques - According to knowledgeable sources, Azerbaijan made down to come up with votes for its Security Council bid, tion is: Will Armenians be better prepared to counter up for its deficiencies by offering tour packages and mone - what were Armenians doing to counter Azerbaijan’s efforts? Turkey’s candidacy in four years than they were Opponents at home criticized the Armenian government Azerbaijan’s this year? Many ‘Firsts’ Accomplished in Turkey this Month

Church of America, and Archbishop Vicken media energy, transport, mining, construction interests, for the personal gain and profit of his By Raffi Bedrosyan Aykazian, President of the National Council of and banking. Members of his corporate team, and Armenian businessmen parishioners. The article Churches of Christ in the US. This group includ - a member of the Turkish parliament representing is the ultimate example of defamation, lies and ed professionals such as doctors, lawyers, engi - Istanbul accompanied him. There were useful dis - conjecture, blaming everyone involved, including In just a few days during the third week of neers as well as businessmen and retired people. cussions regarding opening the Turkish American Armenian businessman Oscar October 2011, several “firsts” were accomplished The one thing common to the individuals in the Armenian borders, increasing trade, jobs and Tatosian, Turkish-Armenian journalist Vercihan in Turkey, with respect to the future Turkish- group was the recognition of the investments on both sides of the Ziflioglu, but most significantly, Barsamian. The Armenian relations, the significance of which will significance of this church recon - border. To his comment that “we writer blames the Turks for dividing the become more apparent in the coming months struction project for all COMMENTARY are ready to cooperate with the Armenians into good ones and bad ones, and yet, and years. Naturally, every precedent setting Armenians worldwide, not only Armenians, once the politicians he feels himself justified to pass judgment on event is the result of many years of hard work for Armenians originating from resolve their differences,” the who the bad Armenians are — the ones who and determination in overcoming equally hard Diyarbakir or Turkey. group suggested that “people vote in the politi - engage in dialogue. circumstances and mindsets. They had become acutely aware that this is not cians, especially influential people like him can After reading such an article, one can con - The largest Armenian church in the Middle just another church, but a historic reminder of sway politicians.” The member of parliament also clude that yes, there are good Armenians and East, Surp Giragos of Dikranagerd/Diyarbakir, thousands of years of Armenian presence in responded favorably to the questions from the Turks, as well as bad Armenians and Turks. My became the first Armenian church in Anatolia to Anatolia, as well a future pilgrimage destination group regarding issues facing the Istanbul late friend Hrant Dink’s statement is a timely go through a complete reconstruction after will - for all Armenians worldwide. These individuals Armenian community and the impact of the cur - reminder, who had said: “Both Armenians and ful destruction and neglect since 1915. This was had also recognized that financing its recon - rent task of rewriting of the Constitution on the Turks are clinical cases. Armenians are suffering the first “first.” struction would be much more meaningful than minorities. This dialogue was another “first.” from trauma (of the 1915 events); Turks are suf - The consecration of the restored church took any church reconstruction in the United States And yet, despite all these positive “firsts” and fering from paranoia (of what the consequences place on Saturday, October 22, and the first mass and even in Armenia. That is why these individ - precedent setting events, we also experienced would be of accepting the 1915 events). Who will conducted on Sunday, October 23, in the pres - uals donated significant funds for a far away multiple negative “usual” events that we are cure them? What is the prescription? The ence o nearly 3,000 Armenian worshippers from church in southeastern Turkey, spent funds to more accustomed to. The undeclared civil war Armenian will be the Turk’s doctor, the Turk will Europe, North America, Armenia and from with - travel there and also promised to act as fellow between the Turks and Kurds intensified. be the Armenian’s doctor. The prescription will in Turkey. The moving ceremonies were attend - fundraisers toward shortfalls in the project bud - Kurdish militants murdered 24 Turkish soldiers, be dialogue.” ed not only by Armenians, but also Turkish citi - get. This was also a “first” for the Diaspora the Turkish army responded by killing several Although still few in numbers, there is an zens of Kurdish origin who are the majority pop - Armenians. Kurdish militants. Turkish jets flying from the increasing number of Armenians and Turks ulation in the southeastern Turkey, as well as In a spirit of cooperation, the local Diyarbakir Diyarbakir military base bombed several Kurdish engaging in dialogue, in academia, media, arts, several prominent Turkish intellectuals who trav - municipal leaders decided to participate in the targets within Turkey and in northern Iraq. sciences, law, business and other professions, eled from Istanbul, all together praying for dia - church reconstruction project and they financed Then the earthquake struck Van and prevent - which has started to produce real results in logue, peace and empathy, rare spiritual com - one-third of the project costs. They acknowledged ed our group from traveling to Van and improving Turkish Armenian relations. And yes, modities mostly absent among the three peoples. the role of their forefathers in the 1915 evil deeds Akhtamar. The predominantly Kurdish popula - at the beginning, the dialogue need to be about This was another “first.” and considered their present assistance in this tion of Van complained about the Turkish state today and tomorrow. The dialogue about the sen - Due to the absence of these precious spiritual church reconstruction project as a means of ‘mak - for not helping them. Ultra-nationalist factions of sitive past can only happen after today and commodities, untold numbers of Armenian indi - ing up for the past events’. They greeted the the Turkish media rejoiced that the earthquake tomorrow can be discussed. viduals and families had stayed hidden among Armenians with Armenian signs “welcoming was a “divine punishment” meted by God upon Without dialogue, the Surp Giragos Church Turks and Kurds since 1915. Recently, many of them to their own home” — another “first.” the Kurds. These were not “firsts” unfortunately could not have been achieved. these individuals have started “coming out,” Back in Istanbul, in a similar spirit of coopera - and a continuation of decades old practices. Without dialogue, none of the “firsts” declaring themselves Armenians. Some decide to tion, the mayor of Istanbul welcomed the But the most negative incident experienced by described above could have been achieved. be identified as Muslim Armenians, some go one American Armenian group and the two our group during this historic trip was an article step further and become Christian Armenians. A Archbishops, providing a snapshot of the accom - written by an ultra-nationalist Armenian in an (Raffi Bedrosyan is a civil engineer as well as few of them even went ahead and became bap - plishments and challenges of running one of the Armenian political party publication, accusing a concert pianist, living in Toronto, Canada. For tized in the newly-consecrated church, which has great cities of the world. He was specifically the group for mixing business with pleasure. This the past several years, proceeds from his con - already become a beacon for all Armenians with - asked what steps he is taking in promoting the unfortunate writer stated that meeting Turkish certs and two CDs have been donated toward in Turkey. This was also a “first.” Armenian built and owned buildings sprinkled government or business leaders is tantamount to the construction of school, highway, water and There are more than 200 deeds recently dis - all over Istanbul, and he responded very posi - falling into a “trap set up by the Turkish govern - gas distribution projects in Armenia and covered, showing church ownership of many tively in terms of correcting all guidebooks, ment,” and that any dialogue with Turks about Karabagh, in which he also participated as a properties around Diyarbakir prior to 1915; legal inserting plaques and audio messages at promi - culture, academic cooperation and trade is mere - voluntary engineer. He is involved with the processes and negotiations have started to recov - nent Armenian buildings, describing the signifi - ly following Ankara’s narrative, which requires Surp Giragos Dikranagerd Church er these properties, which is another “first.” cant contribution and legacy of Armenians in that Armenians set aside their quest for truth, Reconstruction project in organizing fundrais - A group of about 25 Armenians traveled from architecture, arts and theatre. This was another justice and security, in the name of just doing ing activities in Canada, as well as promoting North America to witness these historic events, “first.” business. The twisted logic of this writer further the significance of this historic project world - led by two prominent religious leaders, In another meeting in Istanbul, the group had claimed that by engaging in this “damaging dia - wide to Armenian communities outside Turkey, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the the opportunity to meet one of the most influen - logue,” Barsamian had allowed himself and the on behalf of the Church Foundation Board and Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic tial corporate leaders of Turkey, with interests in church to be manipulated by Turkish business the Istanbul Patriarchate.) 20 S ATURDAY , N OVEMBER 5, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR

AGBU’s Young Professionals of Toronto Hosts Leadership Aronian Maintains In Organizations Panel Discussion with Top Executives Third Position on FIDE Rating List TORONTO — On Sunday, October 16, more than 60 Armenian young professionals attend - YEREVAN (ArmeniaNow) — Armenia’s ed a panel discussion titled “Leadership in top grandmaster, Levon Aronian, has Organizations: Experiential Strategies for maintained his third place standing Success,” hosted by the AGBU Young among the world’s best chess players in Professionals of Toronto (YPTO) at the AGBU the latest rating released by the game’s Toronto Center. international governing body FIDE. The “Leadership in Organizations” panel dis - The November 1, Top 100 players list cussion was led by business leaders from vari - (released every second month) shows ous industries and backgrounds, including Silva Aronian with a rating of 2802 and trailing Basmajian, executive producer of the National Norway’s Magnus Carlsen (rating 2826) and Film Board of Canada - Ontario Centre; Tanya India’s Viswanathan Anand (rating 2811). Khojajian, senior manager of Accenture; Berge The latest Top 100 player rankings of Papazian, who is secretary of the AGBU Board FIDE (www.fide.com) also include of Directors and a founding partner of Armenian grandmasters Sergei Papazian, Heisey, Myers, Barristers & Solicitors Movsesian (position 34; rating 2710), and Jack Stepanian, formerly of Rogers Vladimir Akopian (position 63; raiting Communications and CIBC bank. 2681) and Gabriel Sargissian (position 73; During the course of the discussion, which rating 2671). was moderated by YPTO Steering Committee The FIDE Top 100 female players list member Talar Sahsuvaroglu, panelists shared includes three Armenian grandmasters. The their insights and experiences on personal and highest rank among them is held by Elina strategic leadership and engaged in a question A member of the audience of the October 16 event asking a question during the question-and- Danielian (position 16; rating 2507), followed and answer with audience members. The dis - answer session, which followed the YPTO-organized panel discussion by Lilit Mkrtchyan (in 29th place, rating cussion was motivating and encouraging and 2469) and Lilit Galojan (in 78th place; rating offered attendees valuable tips and secrets for 2383). Hungary’s Judit Polgar tops the rank - success. The panel discussion was followed by a The AGBU Young Professionals of Toronto, a vol - together like-minded young professionals, and offer - ings with a rating of 2710. networking reception providing YPs an oppor - unteer-run organization, has been offering ing resources to help promote talent, self-develop - In the list of 145 chess nations ranked tunity to meet and connect with each other as Armenian young professionals a diverse calendar of ment, and personal and professional success. For by the average rating of their top 10 play - well as with the guest speakers. events since 2006. YPTO is dedicated to bringing more information about YPTO, email yptoron - ers Armenia is sixth. [email protected] or visit www.ypto.ca.

Discussion panelists, from left, Berge Papazian, Talar Sahsuvaroglu (moderator), Silva Basmajian, Tanya Khojajian and Jack Stepanian

Facing History Should Face the Facts

LETTERS, from page 18 unduly influence its decision. The FHAO is Foxman has acknowledged the Armenian unnecessarily and gratuitously lending its pres - genocide. In fact, he has done no such thing. tige to Foxman. This is offensive to Armenians. Though Foxman’s statement of August 21, Four years ago, Armenian grassroots 2007 used the “G” word, it also employed eva - activists, including those from the Armenian sive language that implied, for example, that National Committee of America and the Armenian deaths may have been merely a “con - Armenian Assembly of America (AAA), and oth - sequence” of Turkish “actions” rather than hav - ers, were the movers and shakers behind the ing been intentional. Article II of the UN campaign (www.NoPlaceforDenial.com) against Genocide Convention specifically requires the ADL’s anti-Armenian actions. With very lim - “intent” for an act to be considered genocide. ited exceptions, however, Armenian-American Foxman and the ADL know that. academicians — genocide specialists and histori - A dozen Massachusetts cities and the ans affiliated with the GEP, remained unin - Massachusetts Municipal Association, which volved. represents every city and town in the state, did Even as the issue moved to New York, Los not buy Foxman’s rhetorical gymnastics. They Angeles, Santa Barbara and San Francisco in cut ties with the ADL’s “No Place for Hate” pro - 2007 and 2008, these academicians largely gram even after Foxman’s statement. remained silent. Astonishingly, FHAO’s response did not even Journalists and grassroots activists in Los attempt to address Foxman’s and the ADL’s Angeles and on the East Coast often take the past and present opposition – hand in hand lead on this and similar issues while academi - with the Turkish government — to the cians fail to add their own voices. Armenian Genocide Resolution. There is a fail - The GEP, its staff, board, and advisors are ure to recognize that Foxman and his ADL have friends of FHAO, as they should be. And as not even begun to undo the damage they have friends, they are obligated to urge FHAO to done to Armenians. withdraw from its partnership with Foxman for It is difficult to understand why or how the the November 7 event. Check us out at FHAO-Foxman partnership for this event came When credibility hangs in the balance, silence about. One hopes that ADL members among is not an option. www.mirrorspectator.com FHAO’s donors and its treasurer, Elizabeth Jick, –David Boyajian an ADL Executive Committee member, did not Belmont, Mass.