JANUARY 23, 2016 Mirror-SpeTHE ARMENIAN ctator Volume LXXXVI, NO. 27, Issue 4421 $ 2.00 NEWS INBRIEF The First English Language Armenian Weekly in the United States Since 1932 Armenian MP Seeks to Nine Years On: No Solid Steps Taken End Religious Info On Turkish IDs In Hrant Dink Assassination ANKARA (Ermeni Haber Ajansi) — Turkish Parliament Deputy Garo Paylan, an ethnic ISTANBUL (Hurriyet) — No solid legal Armenian in the pro-Kurdish People’s Democratic steps have been taken in the nine years Party (HDP), proposed this week that the line since Armenian journalist Hrant Dink was declaring the religion of an individual be removed assassinated outside his office in Istanbul from Turkish identity cards. on Jan. 19, 2007, as thousands of people Paylan spoke during a January session of the gathered to commemorate the late Agos Turkish parliament. He declared that as a result of editor-in-chief on the anniversary of his his card stating that he is Christian, he has experi- death. enced discrimination numerous times at the hands The large crowd filed past the military of state bodies. museum in the Sisli district at around 1:30 According to the haberciniz.biz, Paylan declared, p.m. on January 19 to walk toward the “They would look at my name and immediately Agos office building to read a statement at turn the card and examine the field for religion, the site where Dink was shot dead by trig- [stating] Christian. For this reason, on numerous german Ogün Samast nine years ago. occasions, I have experienced discriminatory behav- Accompanied by water cannons and ior. A matter which should take one day to carry out for me takes one week or 10 days.” armored vehicles, police took intense secu- A mass protest in Istanbul marks the ninth anniversary of Dink’s assassination. rity measures along the route of the Paylan also criticized the “identity code” used on march as well as around the office of the identity cards, saying that this perhaps was instituted by the Special Commission in the Young weekly Agos in Sisli’s Osmanbey neigh- claimed government officials, police, mili- Yasin Hayal, who in 2004 carried out a Turk period of the Ottoman Empire, and it was con- borhood. tary personnel and members of Turkey’s bomb attack with collaborator Erhan tinued by the Republic of Turkey. A poster reading “we are here Ahparig, National Intelligence Agency (MIT) played Tuncel targeting a McDonalds restaurant with longing, anger and determination!” a role in Dink’s murder by neglecting their see DINK, page 4 was placed on the outer walls of the office duty to protect the journalist. Warlick Meets with UK building. “Ahparig” means “brother” in When Dink was murdered, the 26 offi- Armenian. cials were on duty in police departments Judge Refuses to Move Minister on Karabagh In legal terms, only one lawsuit has in Istanbul, Ankara and the Black LONDON (Armenpress) — The Organization for been filed into Dink’s assassination, while Sea province of Trabzon, from which Trial of Russian Soldier Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Minsk an ongoing investigation was launched Samast came to Istanbul before shooting Group US Co-chairman James Warlick this week separately against 26 public officials into the prominent journalist in the head nine Accused Of Gumri met in the UK Ministry of Foreign Affairs with negligence at the time of the killing. None years ago. Samast was sentenced to 22 Minister for Europe David Lidington for consulta- of the 26 probed officials, including for- years and 10 months in prison after being Massacre tions related to the settlement of the Nagorno mer and current police chiefs, have yet tried in a juvenile court as he was 17 at GUMRI, Armenia (RFE/RL) — An Karabagh conflict. been tried. the time of the shooting death of Dink. Armenian judge has refused to move the The two discussed the activities of the Minsk Relatives and followers of the case have Samast’s killing of Dink was incited by trial of a Russian soldier accused of mur- Group, as well as the issue of the Nagorno dering an Armenian family of seven from a Karabagh conflict settlement. Russian military base to an Armenian court. Judge Harutyun Movsisian announced Riga Visit by Armenia his decision as the trial of Valery Delegation Permyakov resumed on January 18 in Gumri, where Russia’s 102nd Military Base RIGA, Latvia (Armenpress) — Vice President of the is located. Permyakov was once stationed National Assembly and the head of the Armenia- at the base and is currently jailed there on Latvia Parliamentary Friendship Group Eduard desertion charges. Sharmazanov, who is on an official visit in the Six members of the Avetisian family, Republic of Latvia, visited Saint Gregory the including a 2-year-old girl, were found dead Illuminator Armenian Church in Riga, accompa- on January 12, 2015, in their home in nied by Ambassador of Armenia to the Baltic Gumri. All the victims were shot dead or States Ara Aivazian and the representatives of the stabbed to death, and a 6-month-old boy Armenian community in Latvia. who was stabbed in the attack died of his Sharmazanov discussed with the representatives injuries a week later. of the Armenian community the issues they are see TRIAL, page 2 concerned about, as well as issues related to Armenia and the Armenian people. He conferred honors from the National Assembly Archbishop Barsamian speaking to representatives of the Armenian community who Senior Obama Aide had been instrumental in Riga for organizing the city’s Armenian Genocide centennial events. DC Community Bids Farewell to Visits Armenia YEREVAN (RFE/RL) — President Serge Ambassador Tigran Sargsyan Sargisian praised US involvement in the South Caucasus and assistance to Armenia INSIDE WASHINGTON — Friends and community members paid tribute to the outgo- on Thursday, January 14, when he met ing Armenian Ambassador to the US Tirgran Sargsyan and his family at the with a visiting senior official in the admin- farewell reception at St. Mary Armenian Church on January 14. istration of President Barack Obama. Sargsyan will assume the chairmanship of the Eurasian Economic Charles Kupchan, senior director for Picasso or Commission Board in Moscow, Russia on February 1. European affairs at the US National The farewell reception was presided over and attended by the Primate, see OBAMA, page 16 Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, and sponsored by St. Mary Parish Council. Also Bust in attendance were Permanent Representative of the Republic of Karabagh in Page 9 Washington Robert Avetisyan, the entire staff of the Armenian Embassy in Washington, Diocesan Legate Archbishop Vicken Aykazian, Executive Director of Armenian Assembly Bryan Ardouny, Executive Director of Armenian National Committee Aram Hamparian and former US Ambassador to Armenia Michael INDEX Lemmon and his wife. Representing the Armenian Democratic Liberal Party were District Committee of US and Canada member Kevork Marashlian and Board Arts and Living ...... 9 Armenia ...... 2 member of ADL Armenia Varaztad Avoyan. Community News...... 5 President Serge Sargisian (R) meets with In his speech, Barsamian emphasized Sargsyan’s dedication to the Armenian nation Editorial ...... 14 Charles Kupchan, senior director for which he has served as president of the Council of the Araratian Diocese of International ...... 3,4 see FAREWELL, page 16 European affairs at the US National Security Council. 2 S ATURDAY, J ANUARY 2 3 , 2 0 1 6 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARMENIA News From Armenia Inside the World’s Saddest Zoo: Starving Bears And Lions Abandoned by Armenian Oligarch Violinist Khachatryan Presented with Honored By Allan Hall Artist Title GUMRI (DailyMail.com) — Banging YEREVAN (Armenpress) — Armenian Minister of their heads against the wall in despair Culture Hasmik Poghosyan awarded renowned violin- and peering forlornly through the bars ist Sergey Khachatryan with the republic’s honored of their godforsaken cages, these are the artist title. The awarding ceremony took place on inmates of the world’s saddest zoo. The January 15 after the opening concert of the 7th planet’s worst animal park is probably Armenian Composing Art Festival in which the also its smallest. Just three lions, two prominent violinist participated. bears and two guinea pigs live out their Khachatryan lives in Germany. Born in Yerevan, boring, hunger-filled days in tiny cages, Armenia, Khachatryan won the VIII International displaying all the signs of creatures slow- Jean Sibelius Competition in Helsinki in 2000, ly being driven mad by their unnatural becoming the youngest-ever winner in the history of existence. They are the residue of a bil- the competition. lionaire’s whim, bought as entertain- In 2005 he claimed first prize at the Queen ment by an Armenian oligarch to under- Elisabeth Competition in Brussels. In recent seasons, write his ego and parade before his he has performed with the Bamberger Symphoniker friends in themed jungle parties. (Herbert Blomstedt and Jonathan Nott), Munich The parties, along with the cash to care Philharmonic (James Gaffigan), Swedish Radio One of the zoo lions bangs his head against his cage wall, displaying all the signs for the poor beasts, vanished at the same of a creature being driven mad by its unnatural existence. Symphony (Valcuha), Mariinsky Orchestra (Valery time as their owner. Now the animals Gergiev) and Orchestre de Paris (Andris Nelsons and scrape along on a starvation diet of slaugh- Gianandrea Noseda). terhouse scraps and scavenged woodland any responsibility for them and the His wife Alvina went on: “I get up He has also collaborated with the Berliner plants brought to them by an elderly cou- whereabouts of their former owner is every morning and go into the woods to Philharmoniker, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, ple fighting hard to keep them alive. unknown. find food for the bears, but it is never Netherlands Radio Philharmonic, Rotterdam The zoo is in the Armenian town of It is left to a dirt-poor pair of pension- enough. If I am lucky, some people Philharmonic, Orchestre National de France, London Gumri – the place where the family of ers named Hovhannes and Alvina donate some oats and cereal, which we Symphony, London Philharmonic and Philharmonia Armenian-American reality stars the Madoyan to care for them. Hovhannes can make into a kind of porridge for Orchestra, among others. said: “I lost my job. I had noth- them…Last week, we were lucky to have ing; my wife and I were walking been given the body of a baby foal to Deadly Swine Flu Hits by the deserted zoo when we feed to the lions. It is not often they get heard these terrible cries of ani- a feast that big.” Russia, Ukraine, mals in torment. We came in to Once in a while, a vet might pop in to see the lioness and her cub lit- examine the animals from outside the Armenia, Kazakhstan erally frothing at the mouths cages. But no one has any money to pay YEREVAN (RFE/RL) — Armenian officials say an from lack of water.” for a proper examination. outbreak of the H1N1 swine flu virus has killed 16 He continued, “My wife and I Sussex-based animal welfare group people in the country in the last two months. can’t bear to see God’s creatures International Animal Rescue is trying to Health Minister Armen Muradian said on January in pain. We fetched water from raise awareness of the zoo’s plight in the 15 that a 61-year-old woman died from the H1N1 them and then organized some hope action will be taken by the author- virus on January 18, raising the death toll from the meat from a local slaughterman. ities in Armenia, but the group is not outbreak to 16. A bear stares forlornly through the bars of its tiny That is how we scrape by, feed- raising funds itself. The group, which cage in the desperate hope food may eventually ing them what we can muster. It has animal sanctuaries for endangered According to Muradian, 92 patients with swine flu come its way. symptoms are currently being treated in emergency is the same for the bears. We orangutans in Borneo, is concerned that units at several medical institutions. He said 11 of moved into an old shed near the a harsh winter might prove lethal for the them are in very serious condition. lion enclosure to be near to lion cubs. A spokesman said: “The fate of Meanwhile, Education and Science Minister Armen Kardashians hails from – but it has been them five months ago.” He added: “They these animals should not be dependent Ashotian said that due to the outbreak, a winter over two years since it saw a paying are sad and lonely and, when they can be on the philanthropy of an elderly couple break for secondary schools across the country had guest. bothered, pace up and down their cages, who barely have enough for themselves. been prolonged by one week until January 25. The ragged, hungry and bewildered showing the signs of being driven mad They endure in terrible conditions. We Health Ministry spokeswoman Anahit Haytayan tenants – lioness Mary, seven, and her by boredom and inactivity. We cannot need to try to get enough money for said on January 14 that the deaths did not amount to cubs Geeta, four, and Zita, two, along get anyone to help them. The previous them to be moved to a place where they an epidemic. with bears Masha, four, and Grisha, nine owner was stuck in some kind of feud can be better cared for.” The deadly swine flu has caused deaths in Russia – are cared for by an elderly couple who with local mobsters, the government For more information on the rescue and other former Soviet republics. simply stumbled upon them one day. doesn’t want to get involved and it is the effort or to enquire about donating, please Health officials in Russia’s second-largest city, St. The civic authorities refuse to take on animals who suffer.” e-mail [email protected]. Petersburg, said on January 19 that five local resi- dents died of the H1N1 virus, adding that more than 310 individuals had been hospitalized with symptoms of the disease. Several other reports of deaths in Russia due to Judge Refuses to Move Trial of Soldier Accused Of Gumri Massacre swine flu have also been reported. TRIAL, from page 1 adjourned the trial until January 22. Gumri survived the Soviet Union’s The Ukrainian Health Ministry confirmed on Permyakov, who was 18 at the time The lawyers had accused Movsisian demise before receiving its current January 19 that H1N1 has killed 51 people. of the killings, was later detained near of being under outside influence. name — the 102nd Military Base — Armenia’s border with Turkey after Permyakov, who is being defended by along with a 25-year lease, in the mid- ICRC Representatives fleeing the Russian base. a court-appointed lawyer, was directly 1990s. The slayings led to numerous — and asked twice if he would agree to the In past years, a number of violent Visit Armenian POW in sometimes violent — rallies in Gumri trial being moved outside the Russian incidents related to the Russian mili- and Yerevan in which participants base. tary presence have been recorded. Azerbaijan protested Russia’s military presence in At first, Permyakov said the location In 1999, two drunk Russian officers YEREVAN (Armenpress) — Representatives of the the country and called for Permyakov of the trial made no difference to him. opened fire on shoppers at a local mar- International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to be tried in Armenian courts rather But when asked a second time, he said ket in Gumri, killing two people and visited Armenian prisoner of war Arsen Bagdasaryan than by Russian military judges. he felt safer on the premises of the injuring dozens more. In 2013, unat- on January 13 in Azerbaijan. In August, a Russian military court Russian base. tended explosive devices left on the “During the visit information about his family was found Permyakov guilty of According to Armenian and Russian 102nd’s firing range killed two conveyed to the prisoner, and he conveyed some desertion and sentenced him to 10 reports, Permyakov told military offi- teenagers information to his family,” Communication Officer of years in jail. The soldier pleaded guilty cials that he broke into the Avetisians’ In November, a 31-year-old Armenian the ICRC Mission in Nagorno Karabagh, Eteri to charges of desertion with weapons, home to steal money to return to stationed with Russian border guards Musayelyan, reported. stealing firearms and ammunition, and Russia because he couldn’t bear being was found hanged in the village of “The visit was conducted in line with the standard illegally carrying weapons. in the army anymore. Gusanagukh, in the northern Shirak ICRC procedures. According to its mandate, the However, the trial did not address the Commemorations were held for the region. ICRC visits detainees to monitor their treatment and killings themselves, and Permyakov was Avetisian family in Gumri last week, on In March, a 26-year-old Armenian conditions of detention and help to ensure that they handed to Armenian officials to face the anniversary of the slayings. national serving with Russian border are able to maintain contact with their families,” she murder charges. Hundreds of people visited the victims’ guards was found hanged in Gumri. informed. Lawyers for the victims asked Judge graves and attended a special liturgy at Despite the incidents, many Baghdasaryan was taken by Azeri forces on Movsisian on January 18 to allow the the city’s central church on January 12. Armenians consider the Russian pres- December 26, 2015. location of the civilian trial to be moved Russia maintains a garrison of ence key to Armenia’s security in the to a regular Armenian court, but the around 3,000 soldiers at the 102nd face of perceived threats from Turkey judge rejected their request. Military Base, located some 120 kilo- and Azerbaijan. Citizens in Gumri note Movsisian also rejected the lawyers’ meters northwest of Yerevan. that the 102nd base is an important call to recuse himself from the case and Founded in 1941, the facility in local employer. S A T U R D A Y , J A N U A R Y 2 3 , 2 0 1 6 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 3 INTERNATIONAL Armenia Hails Lifting Of Iran Sanctions International News

YEREVAN (Combined Sources) Jahangiri discussed these and other that Russia suggests paying for the tran- — Armenia welcomed over the weekend joint projects with Armenian leaders sit to Armenia with money and not with Missile Attack Damages the lifting of Western economic sanc- during an official visit to Yerevan in 10 percent of the transited gas as it tions against Iran, saying that the devel- October. Jahangiri told them that the does now. Besides, he said that Armenian Church opment bodes well for its closer com- Iranian side is ready to boost Armenian- Gazprom offers natural gas to Georgia mercial ties with the Islamic Republic. Iranian relations “without any limita- at a lower price than the Azerbaijani ALEPPO (PanArmenian.net) — Militant groups on The United States and the European tions.” state oil company, SOCAR. Sunday, January 17 launched a missile attack on sev- Union announced the end of the crip- And late last month Iranian Energy The current struggle for the natural eral districts of Aleppo, Syria, also damaging the pling sanctions on Saturday after Minister Hamid Armenian Evangelical Emmanuel Church, Kantsasar United Nations nuclear watchdog certi- Chitchian visited newspaper said in a Facebook post. No causalities fied Tehran’s initial compliance with a Armenia to chair, were reported. July 2015 agreement with world powers together with At least 4 Armenians were killed in the Islamic over the Iranian nuclear program. Zakharian, a regular State-authored blasts in a Christian neighborhood of “We welcome the start of the imple- session of an the Syrian city of Qamishli, Ermenihaber.am mentation of the agreement on Iran’s Armenian-Iranian reports. According to Turkey-based Armenian news- nuclear program and the lifting of the intergovernmental paper Agos, the attack took place in a restaurant on sanctions against Iran,” Armenian commission on eco- December 30, killing 16 Christian civilians and Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian nomic cooperation. severely wounding at least 35. said in a statement. “Armenia is inter- Zakharian said at the The bombs went off in the city center, near a secu- ested in deepening mutually beneficial meeting that the rity point run by government troops, said the Britain- cooperation with friendly Iran.” upcoming sanction based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which The Armenian government reacted relief has already cre- relies on a network of activists and other sources inside Syria. It said the death toll rose to 18 after just as positively to the announcement ated a “favorable envi- Yervand Zakharyan of the landmark nuclear deal this sum- ronment” for strength- two more people died of their wounds. Syrian mer. Senior government officials said at ening bilateral rela- SANA’s toll, however, remained at 16. the time that the deal will speed up the tions. gas markets of Georgia and Armenia implementation of Armenian-Iranian Minister of Foreign Affairs of the began in view of Iran’s intention to Amal Clooney to Defend energy projects regarded as strategical- Republic of Armenia Eduard enter the market with less expensive ly important by Yerevan. Nalbandian issued a statement: “We hail gas. Judging by the statements of Azeri Journalist at ECHR In August, the two neighboring states the launch of the implementation of the experts, Iran offers gas supplies to reached a final agreement on the con- agreements reached over Iran’s nuclear Armenia at a much lower price than STRASBOURG (RFE/RL) — Radio Liberty struction of a new power transmission program and the lifting of the sanc- Gazprom. At the same time, Georgia has Azerbaijani Service has confirmed that human rights line which is due to significantly boost tions. Armenia is interested in deepen- to change its relationship with Gazprom lawyer Amal Clooney has offered to take the case of exports of Armenian electricity to Iran. ing mutually beneficial cooperation after the enforcement of this country’s jailed Azeri journalist Khadija Ismayilova to the The latter pays for that electricity with with friendly Iran”. Association Agreement and related Free European Court of Human Rights. natural gas delivered to Armenia In news directly affected by lifting the Trade Area deal with the European Ismayilova, an RFE/RL contributor, and her through a presently underused pipeline. sanctions, the Georgian government Union, and it is possible that Georgia lawyer are said to be considering Clooney’s offer. Iranian gas supplies should also and Russia’s gas monopoly Gazprom will refuse to transit Russian gas to Clooney has taken several prominent cases in recent increase significantly as a result of the are discussing new terms of natural gas Armenia at all. Then the Armenian mar- years in such countries as Egypt, Armenia and the $117 million project mainly financed by transit through Georgia to Armenia. ket will be taken over by Iran and Maldives, defending people imprisoned on charges the Iranian government. Work on the The Georgian opposition and civil move- Russia’s Gazprom, apparently, is now often seen by human rights groups as politically transmission line reportedly began later ments are holding protest actions in trying to keep at least the Georgian motivated. in 2015 and is due to be completed by this connection, considering that the market. Ismayilova was sentenced in September 2015 to 2018. government in Tbilisi should not con- Russia watchers often describe 7.5 years in prison on charges of avoiding taxes and Energy and Natural Minister Yervand duct negotiations with a country that Gazprom as Moscow’s political stick, and abusing her official position. Her case is widely Zakharian said in July that greater oil has occupied parts of the territory of many European countries, including viewed as trumped up in retaliation for her reports revenues and the unfreezing of its Georgia (Tbilisi considers its breakaway Ukraine, have announced their intention linking members of President Ilham Aliyev’s family assets in the US and the EU should also republics of Abkhazia and South not to buy natural gas from Russia any- to massive business and real estate holdings. enable Iran to finance the construction Ossetia to be under Russian occupation more in order to neutralize Moscow’s of a major hydroelectric plant on the since the 2008 Russo-Georgian war). political influence. It is possible that the Turkish FM Links Ties Arax River marking the Armenian- However, the Georgian government same process has begun also in the Iranian border. The $350 million project did not fully disclose the essence of the Caucasus, where another major player, With Armenia to has for years been stalled due to a lack negotiations, stating only about some Iran, is likely to appear soon. of funding and serious restrictions on details. For example, yesterday (Armenpress, ArmeniaNow and Karabagh Settlement Armenian banking operations with Iran. Georgia’s Deputy Prime Minister and RFE/RL contributed to this report. ISTANBUL (PanARMENIAN.Net) — Normalization Iran’s First Vice-President Eshaq Minister of Energy Kakha Kalalze said See related editorial on page 14.) of Turkish-Armenian relations is impossible without the settlement of the Nagorno Karabagh conflict, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on January 15. Swaziland Church Ownership Transferred to Echmiadzin In response to a question on relations with neigh- boring countries, Cavusoglu said Armenia has “occu- MBABAN, Swaziland (Armenpress) later, the Armenian chapel of Swaziland the Armenian University of Cairo, for 12 pied” 20 percent of Azerbaijan’s territory, Haberler — On January 13, King Msvati III of truly became an Armenian chapel and years, Derbelyan worked in Khartum reported. Swaziland officially transferred the Holy one that will legally pertain to the (Sudan) where there was quite a large According to Cavusoglu, the Nagorno Karabagh Resurrection Armenian Chapel and the Mother See from now on. Armenian community. Later, he settled conflict concerns Turkey too. lands pertaining to the chapel to the The Armenian Church in the distant in Swaziland where, according to him, Armenia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Shavarsh Catholicosate of Etchmiadzin. African kingdom was constructed in he discovered a wonderful place called Kocharyan said earlier that President Ilham Aliyev’s The Diaspora Ministry of Armenia 1989, thanks to Grigor Derbelyan. Pine Valley, which is not far from remarks, suggesting that the meeting with his Mbaban, the capital of Swaziland. Armenian counterpart was a “formality,” show the Seeing the place, Grigor decided that it Azeri authorities’ attitude toward negotiations. is here where he wants to spend the rest of his life and die. In the center of Pine Valley, the landscape of which reminded More than 7,000 him of Armenia, Grigor purchased an Christians Killed in 11-acre plot, built a small Armenian chapel and planted 1,770 pine and fir 2015 for Beliefs trees. A small river flows aside the chapel. LONDON (Armenpress) — A report in the British- Construction of the church was based Christian Today indicates that in 2015, accord- launched in 1985 and ended in 1989. ing to human rights activists, more than 7,000 About 60 people made contributions for Christians were killed simply for their faith. construction of the chapel, including That figure is 3,000 more than the previous year. Olivetti Company, which hired Grigor The January 14 story includes research from Open for 12 years. The small church has two Doors international human rights organization. In cupolas. Local construction materials addition, 2,300 churches were attacked or razed. were used to build the chapel. North Korea remains on top of the list as the worst Interestingly, the part in the back of the place to be a Christian according to Open Doors, The Holy Resurrection Church in Swaziland chapel leans on a large stone that serves with 70,000 Christians estimated to be held in bru- as an altar, like the Geghard Church in tal labor camps. Elsewhere, ISIS ongoing brutality Armenia. Today, there is a small means Iraq has replaced Somalia as the second most reported that a year ago, representa- Derbelyan, citizen of Swaziland, was Armenian community of eight members dangerous place to be a Christian. Eritrea comes in tives of the local Armenian community born in 1914 in Aintab. During the in the small African Kingdom. The at number three and, according Open Doors, is submitted to King Msvati III of Armenian Genocide, his mother, with Armenians of the neighboring South “nicknamed the ‘North Korea of Africa’ due to high Swaziland a petition with the request to her 20-day-old son, reached her hus- African Republic help the Armenians of levels of dictatorial paranoia.” transfer the Holy Resurrection Church band in Cairo by foot and died a few Swaziland care for the chapel and the to the Holy See of Echmiadzin. A year months later. Finishing his studies at lands pertaining to the chapel. 4 S ATURDAY, J ANUARY 2 3 , 2 0 1 6 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR INTERNATIONAL

EU Committed to Peaceful Settlement of Nagorno Karabagh Conflict BRUSSELS (PanArmenian.net) — The “2015 was a unique year in terms of Armenia- Both sides welcomed the launch of negotia- the prospects for the resolution of the Cooperation Council between the European EU cooperation, with the launch of negotiations tions and provided further political guidance Nagorno Karabagh conflict. On the latter, the Union (EU) and Armenia held its 16th meet- on a new framework agreement marking a new and impetus as regards the future EU- EU reaffirmed that the status quo is unsus- ing on January 18. The EU was represented page for both of us,” Nalbandian said in his Armenia Agreement, meant to replace the cur- tainable and that the peaceful resolution of by Bert Koenders, Minister of Foreign Affairs opening remarks. “We are confident the new rent outdated Partnership and Cooperation this conflict remains a priority issue for the of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, acting as agreement will reflect the extent and depth of Agreement and to reset their relations within EU. The security situation along the line of head of the European Union delegation on bilateral relations, paving the way for mutually the wider framework of the reviewed contact and the international border between behalf of the High Representative of the beneficial cooperation.” European Neighborhood Policy and the Armenia and Azerbaijan is a matter of serious Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Thanking the EU for its support over many Eastern Partnership. concern. The EU reiterated its call for Federica Mogherini, and by Johannes Hahn, years, the Armenian foreign policy chief hailed The Cooperation Council reviewed recent restraint and further engagement in the Commissioner for European Neighborhood the recent EU-Armenia agreement on visa political, economic and social reforms in OSCE-led negotiation efforts. Moreover, the Policy and Enlargement Negotiations. The facilitation, further expressing hope that the Armenia. The EU took note of progress EU reiterated its support to the negotiations Armenian delegation was led by Foreign deal would lead to the abolition of visa achieved in implementing these reforms and mediated by the OSCE Minsk Group Co-chairs Minister Eduard Nalbandian, acting this year requirements. of Armenia’s commitment to continue on this aimed at settling the conflict. It encouraged as the Chair of the Cooperation Council. Also, the Armenian delegations dwelled positive trajectory, while at the same time further dialogue between Armenia and The European Union and Armenia recon- upon their government’s economic policy and encouraging Armenia to accelerate reforms in Azerbaijan, including at the level of Presidents firmed their joint commitment to enhance the reforms in the judicial sector, while the specific areas, notably democracy and the rule and welcomed the summit held on the initia- and deepen their cooperation in all areas pos- Foreign Minister presented the events orga- of law, anti-corruption, human rights and fun- tive of the Co-chairs in Switzerland on sible and compatible with Armenia’s new nized in commemoration of the Genocide cen- damental freedoms, constitutional and judicial December 19, 2015, which provided an impor- international obligations deriving from its tennial. reforms. Particular attention was drawn to tant opportunity for exchanges on the way accession to the Eurasian Economic Union. At Nalbandian introduced the latest develop- the need for reform of the electoral system, to ahead. Furthermore, the EU reiterated its will- the session, the parties discussed steps ments in the settlement of the Nagorno the need to appropriately implement the new ingness to support peace-building activities towards the further development of Armenia- Karabagh conflict, dwelling upon the escala- constitution and assure media freedom, as and its readiness to provide reconstruction EU ties, as well as issues concerning bilateral tion of situation on the contact line with well as to the important role of civil society. and rehabilitation support to the regions dialogue, human rights reforms and EU assis- Azerbaijan and Armenian-Azeri border due to The Cooperation Council also addressed affected by the conflict, once a peace deal is tance to Armenia. Baku’s destructive policy. regional issues of common interest, including struck. ISIL Issues Rules for Sex Slavery in ‘Caliphate’

LONDON (Reuters) — A fatwa from Islamic In an April report, Human Rights Watch inter- Princeton University, Cole Bunzel, who has Theology at Al-Azhar University, a 1,000-year-old State (ISIL or ISIS) theologians says father and viewed 20 female escapees who recounted how reviewed many of the group’s writings, said the Egyptian centre for Islamic learning, said ISIL son cannot share a sex slave, among other regu- ISIL fighters separated young women and girls fatwa went beyond what has previously been “has nothing to do with Islam” and was deliber- lations from men and boys and older women. They were published by the militants on how to treat female ately misreading centuries-old verses and sayings Islamic State theologians have issued an moved “in an organized and methodical fashion slaves. that were originally designed to end, rather than extremely detailed ruling on when “owners” to various places in Iraq and Syria.” They were “It reveals the actual concerns of ISIL slave encourage, slavery. of women enslaved by the extremist group can then sold or given as gifts and repeatedly raped owners,” he said in an email. “Islam preaches freedom to slaves, not slavery. have sex with them, in an apparent effort to curb or subjected to sexual violence. Still, he cautioned that not “everything dealt Slavery was the status quo when Islam came what they called violations in the treatment of Displaced people from the minority Yazidi with in the fatwa is indicative of a relevant viola- around,” he said. “Judaism, Christianity, Greek, captured females. sect, who fled the violence in the Iraqi town of tion. It doesn’t mean father and son were neces- Roman, and Persian civilizations all practiced it The ruling or fatwa has the force of law and Sinjar, march in a demonstration at the Iraqi- sarily sharing a girl. They’re at least being and took the females of their enemies as sex ‘warned’ not to. But I bet some of these viola- slaves. So Islam found this abhorrent practice tions were being committed.” and worked to gradually remove it.” The fatwa also instructs owners of female In September 2014 more than 120 Islamic slaves to “show compassion towards her, be kind scholars from around the world issued an open to her, not humiliate her, and not assign her letter to Is ISIL leader Abu Bakr al- work she is unable to perform.” An owner should Baghdadi refuting the group’s religious argu- also not sell her to an individual whom he knows ments to justify many of its actions. The scholars will mistreat her. noted that the “reintroduction of slavery is for- Prof. Abdel Fattah Alawari, dean of Islamic bidden in Islam.”

Nine Years On: No Solid Steps Taken In Hrant Dink Assassination

DINK, from page 1 The Istanbul Chief Prosecutor’s Office in Trabzon on the grounds that it was sell- had returned the indictment to Kökçü in ing food during the holy month of early November last year, arguing that “evi- Ramadan. dence that some of the suspects committed Hayal, who like Tuncel is a former mem- ‘deliberate murder’ could not be proven.” ber of a far-right political party and a right- Lawyers representing the Dink family Yazidi women forced out of Iraq wing nationalist youth group, was sen- reacted against the indictment returned to tenced to life in prison for inciting Dink’s Kökçü, which meant that cases will likely appears to go beyond ISIL’s previous known rul- Turkish border murder. Tuncel had been appointed as an not be opened against the suspects. ings on slavery, a leading ISIL scholar said. It Fatwa Number 64, dated January 29, 2015, Assistant Intelligence Officer at Hakan Bakircioglu, a Dink family lawyer, sheds new light on how the group is trying to and issued by ISIL’s Committee of Research and the Trabzon Police Department and said on November 4 last year that not open- reinterpret centuries-old teachings to justify the Fatwas, appears to codify sexual relations informed police a year before Dink’s murder ing a case against former police chiefs rape of women in the swaths of Syria and Iraq between ISIL fighters and their female captives that Hayal had been planning to murder Ahmet lhan Güler, Celalettin Cerrah, Reat under its control. for the first time, going further than a pamphlet him. This information was then conveyed to Altay, Engin Dinç and other suspects, would The fatwa was among a huge trove of docu- issued by the group in 2014 on how to treat the three police departments in Istanbul. exclude their integral responsibility in ments captured by US special operations forces slaves. The investigation launched into the negli- Dink’s murder. during a raid targeting a top ISIL official in Syria The fatwa starts with a question: “Some of the gence of public officials at the time of Dink’s Recalling the first two versions of the in May. brothers have committed violations in the matter murder is still ongoing, with 26 current and indictment, the latest one drafted in late Among the fatwa’s injunctions are bans on a of the treatment of the female slaves. These vio- former police officers stated as suspects in October last year, Bakircioglu said the two father and son having sex with the same female lations are not permitted by Sharia law because the indictment. The indictment prepared by indictments charged former police chiefs Ali slave, and the owner of a mother and daughter these rules have not been dealt with in ages. Are Gökalp Kökçü, an Istanbul prosecutor who Fuat Yilmazer, Ramazan Akyürek, Tamer having sex with both. Joint owners of a female there any warnings pertaining to this matter?” has also been in charge of terrorism-related Bülent Demirel and Osman Gülbel each captive are similarly enjoined from intercourse It then lists 15 injunctions, which in some investigations, was approved by the Istanbul with “deliberate murder,” Engin Dinç, Reat because she is viewed as “part of a joint owner- instances go into explicit detail. For example: “If 14th Court for Serious Crimes after it was Altay and Ahmet lhan Güler each with ship.” the owner of a female captive, who has a daugh- presented on December 9, 2015. “deliberate murder with negligence,” and The United Nations and human rights groups ter suitable for intercourse, has sexual relations However, Kökçü was appointed to a Sabri Uzun and Celalettin Cerrah each with have accused ISIL of the systematic abduction with the latter, he is not permitted to have inter- department dealing with non-terrorism-relat- “malpractice on public duty.” and rape of thousands of women and girls as course with her mother and she is permanently ed criminal activities as part of his job rota- “Despite resistance and barriers in front young as 12, especially members of the Yazidi off limits to him. Should he have intercourse tion system within the Istanbul Chief Public of the interrogation and investigation of minority in northern Iraq. Many have been given with her mother then he is not permitted to have Prosecutor’s Office, meaning that he was public servants who took part in Dink’s to fighters as a reward or sold as sex slaves. intercourse with her daughter and she is to be not able to head the investigation into the murder, they were interrogated and investi- Far from trying to conceal the practice, ISIL off limits to him.” negligence of public officials in Dink’s mur- gated by the prosecutor [in charge of the has boasted about it and established a depart- ISIL’s rape of female captives has been well der. case],” Bakircioglu said. ment of “war spoils” to manage slavery. documented, but a leading ISIL expert at S ATURDAY, J ANUARY 2 3 , 2 0 1 6 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 5 Community News

Armenian Business Armenian-American Network Provides Veterans of Detroit Career Help Honor Kay Vartanian Of Dearborn Presents Career Day in Cambridge, Mass. February 20 DEARBORN, Mich. — On November 14, 2015, the Armenian-American Veterans of Detroit celebrated their 70th anniversary by honoring all the men and women who have By Aram Arkun served or are serving in the United States Armed Forces. There was a Military Honor Mirror-Spectator Staff Guard, Presentation of the five military flags, and an empty table for all the missing service- CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — The Armenian men and women, a blessing of the Veterans and Business Network (ABN) is a relatively new Taps in memory of all veterans who have Armenian group based in Boston, served. There was also a photo wall of honor Massachusetts. Founded in 2011, it has grown displaying photos of Veterans, who served in quickly and has close to 10,000 members now. wars from World War I to the present. It provides free mentoring and career advice to Kay Vartanian, who is a life long Dearborn res- any Armenian who needs it. ABN is organizing Children in the renovated classroom ident, was honored for her service. Vartanian, who a major career counseling event at the will be 102, was born on January 25, 1914 and Microsoft New England Research and lives in her Dearborn home. There is reason to Development Center (NERD) in Cambridge on believe she may be the oldest woman veteran in February 20 for college students and young Paros Renovates Nerkin the area. She is a vibrant lady with stories to tell. adults. That evening, Master Sergeant Kay Vartanian Jack Antounian is the founder of the group. was escorted front and center by members of He said, “The idea started as we were talking Karmir Aghpyur Village the Vietnam Veterans of America Post 528 - with friends about getting the Armenian youth Plymouth-Canton. US Rep. George Darany (D- involved, and help- ing them with their Elementary School career paths. It BERKELEY, Calif. — Thanks to a $30,000 donation from Mike and Patricia stems back to my Starzer of Highlands Ranch, Colo., children attending elementary school in the background. When I isolated border village of Nerkin Karmir Aghpyur now attend classes in a newly came to this country renovated wing of their school. in 1976 [from “This is the fourth project we have completed in this village,” said Peter Lebanon], I didn’t Abajian, Paros Foundation’s executive director. “Three years ago, we began our have a mentor and I work here by renovating the medical center. Then our efforts turned to the vil- learned things the lage’s kindergarten that was renovated the following year. We also began imple- hard way, concern- menting our Agribusiness on the Border project in this village; with six families ing school and receiving economic assistance to help grow their home-based businesses and Armenian Business career selections. It improve the conditions for their families. We hope that this strategic approach to Network founder Jack was all trial and village development significantly improves the lives of these villagers.” Antounian error.” The village of Nerkin Karmir Aghpyur is an isolated border village in Armenia’s With a back- northeast Tavush province. 1,380 residents are living under the constant threat of ground in engineer- cross border sniper fire from Azerbaijan. The village school was damaged during ing, Antounian eventually achieved his career the war with Azerbaijan. While portions of the school have been partially reno- goals. He led various high-tech manufacturing vated, the wing housing the elementary school classrooms, was in need of a com- companies and supply chains, and currently is plete renovation to provide the children with a clean, safe and sanitary environ- vice president of Operations at Revolabs Inc. a ment in which to learn. A video about this project can be found on the Paros wholly-owned subsidiary of Yamaha Foundation’s website at www.parosfoundation.org. Corporation and premier provider of audio Work consisted of rebuilding classroom walls, heating system upgrades, instal- solutions for unified communications, enter- lation of new restrooms including water supply and sewer lines, installation of prise collaboration, and professional audio classroom doors, new flooring, electrical fixtures, new whiteboards and new and applications across a wide range of markets. renovated furniture. In total, five classrooms (grades one through five), two Antounian said, “If you had a mentor, it restrooms and a large corridor were reconstructed. In response to the donation would be a matter of selection instead of going from the Starzers, Jean-Marie and Lori Atamian, the Starzers’ friends and Paros into the unknown. If you secure a position in a supporters, recently announced that in 2016 they will underwrite the renovation Kay Vartanian well-established company or group, that can act of the remaining wing of the school, housing students in grades 6-12. This is the as a springboard in your career, but that means Atamian family’s fourth project in this village. The final phase of the school recon- that you have to have connections and con- struction will be the kitchen and cafeteria, which are located in an adjacent build- Mich.) presented to Vartanian a tribute from tacts. Some of us are fortunate to have them ing. We plan to secure pledges for this final phase this year. himself and Gov. Rick Snyder. but others don’t.” The Paros Foundation underwrote all administrative expenses so that 100 per- Karen Nigosian, a Dearborn City ABN, he continued, helps Armenians “gain cent of contributions were allocated to this project. To help this effort or another Commissioner, presented her with a plaque access to people’s knowledge, skill and connec- project of the Paros Foundation’s Projects for Prosperity, please visit www.paros- from Mayor John O’Reilly. tions. There is a level of trust that you need to foundation.org. Edward H. Korkoian, chairman of the event build but ultimately the idea is to give and sup- and president of the Armenian-American port without any expectations.” Veterans of Detroit, presented her with tributes Even before establishing ABN, Antounian from US Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) and tried to help some of his friends’ children by US Rep. Debbie Dingle (D-Mich.). providing career advice and contacts through Vartanian received a standing ovation from his professional network, and it worked. He the 240 guests said, “I thought, if that works, why not get oth- She enlisted in the Army on September 1, ers involved and help more kids.” 1943 and was stationed at Fort Oglethorpe, Ga. It started with helping college graduates She served until her honorable discharge on secure positions out of school, either intern- January 11, 1946. She is the recipient of the ships or jobs, but the economic downturn led to Victory Medal, American Theater Ribbon, WAAC many professionals losing their jobs, and need- Service Ribbon and Good Conduct Medal. ing help to find new positions, while small busi- The photo wall had more than 300 pho- nesses faced grave challenges too. They could tographs and other memorabilia of Armenian use a boost with consultancy ideas, and guid- men and women who have served the US ance on better marketing and business man- armed forces. Kay, her late brother Lt. Col. agement. Harold C. Vartanian, who served in the US Aside from personal and business assistance Army in WWII, and her late nephew, Lt. Col. and development, ABN tries to support various Donald N. Vartanian of the US Army were endeavors of the Armenian community. included on the wall. To help its broad constituency, ABN orga- The ribbon-cutting ceremony with Sevan Amirians of Paros and excited students All those attending were reminded that the nizes various types of events and programs. It brave servicemen and women pictured fought prepares workshops in order to help small and served in places from WWI, WWII through see NETWORK, page 7 today to protect the freedoms we all enjoy. 6 S ATURDAY, J ANUARY 2 3 , 2 0 1 6 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS Charlie Papazian Takes on New Role at Brewers Association

BOULDER, Colo. (BrewHound) — Charlie chronicling the success and joy that craft events as: The World Papazian, the president of the Brewers beer has brought to our lives inspires me,” he Beer and Beverage Association and founder of the Great said in the statement. “Ultimately it’s the peo- Forum in Munich, American Beer Festival, will step back from ple and their communities who have been National Press Club, day-to-day responsibilities this month after 37 and continue to be involved with beer who Master Brewers years. make our current beer world so special. I Association of the Papazian, who “discovered craft homebrew- look forward to continued opportunities that Americas, American ing 45 years ago,” will remain an integral part will enhance the world of beer.” Society of Brewing of the Brewers Association, according to a In addition to continuing to offer his per- Chemists, Institute of statement published on the organization’s spectives on beer, Papazian will still attend Brewing Asia-Pacific, website. His title will shift to “founder, past “key Brewers Association and American BrewTec Tokyo, president” and current CEO Bob Pease will Homebrewers Association events,” the orga- International Craft Beer add president to his title, the BA said. nization said. Conference Japan, AHA “My 37-year journey as founding president “The Brewers Association would not exist National Conference, has provided me a lifetime of fulfillment,” today without Charlie’s vision, guidance and National Craft Brewers Papazian said in a statement. “Being part of determination,” Pease said in a statement. Conference, Chef des an organization that serves to enhance the “What was once a dream is now an associa- Chef International opportunities for professional and amateur tion that lifts up homebrewers, brewers, Trade Show, National craft brewers is especially rewarding. The retailers, distributors, suppliers and beer Restaurant Association, hard work, dedication and long hours of past lovers. We are honored and excited to con- Pizza Today Exposition, and current association staff and the commu- tinue building upon his success.” Great American Beer nity of brewers it has served has undoubted- Charlie Papazian is one of the most promi- Festival, Nightclub and ly made the world a better place for every nent and recognized names in the world of Bar Expo, Canadean’s beer drinker. beer and brewing. His published commen- International Beer Papazian is credited with founding the taries provide insights into the industry, Seminars, Amsterdam, American Homebrewers Association, the advice to homebrewers, and beer perspectives Slow Food’s Salone del Institute for Brewing Studies, Brewers for beer drinkers. Since founding the Gusto in Italy, BRAU Publications, the World Beer Cup and Great American Homebrewers Association and Beviale Germany, American Beer Festival. He is the founding Association of Brewers in 1978, he has Mondial de la Bière in publisher of Zymurgy, a magazine for home- helped guide the development of the associa- Montreal, Rüdiger Charlie Papazian brewers, and The New Brewer, a bi-monthly tion. Ruoss’ Sommertage journal issued by the Brewers Association. In his worldwide travels, he has been both Workshops in Berlin, “The tens of thousands of individual stories lecturer and presenter at such prestigious among others. (2014), Home Brewer’s Gold (1997), The Best He is author of five best-selling books pub- of Zymurgy (1998), and The Interactive New lished by HarperCollins Books: Microbrewed Complete Joy of Home Brewing CD-ROM. He Adventures (2005), The Complete Joy of is the National Beer Examiner for Home Brewing, 4th Edition (2014), The www.Examiner.com Syros Pushes Forward for Drugs Targeting Genes Home Brewer’s Companion, 2nd Edition He is founder of National Pie Day. WATERTOWN — Syros Pharmaceuticals raised raised a $53 million Series B in 2014 and got $40 million in equity to push forward with its started with a $30 million A round the year pipeline of genetically targeted drugs, securing before. the cash it needs to take its top prospect into With its new funds, Syros is blueprinting a Telephone (617) 924-7400 Phase II. Phase II trial for SY-1425, targeting acute myel- New investor Deerfield Management led the ogenous leukemia and myelodysplastic syn- Aram Bedrosian round, joining repeat backers Fidelity, WuXi drome patients who have certain genetic muta- tions. The company expects to start enroll- Funeral Home, Inc. ment in the first half of Continuous Service By The Bedrosian Family Since 1945 the year, and its new cash should carry Syros MARION BEDROSIAN through to a first major 558 MOUNT AUBURN STREET PAUL BEDROSIAN data readout, “a critical WATERTOWN, MA 02472 LARRY BEDROSIAN inflection point for the company in validating its novel platform,” Deerfield Partner Jonathan Leff said in a statement. Syros’ therapies affect what CEO Nancy F UNERAL H OME Simonian has called “the Giragosian James “Jack” Giragosian, CPC operating system by Mark J. Giragosian which genes are regulat- Funeral Counselors ed,” homing in on key 576 Mt. Auburn Street, Watertown, MA 02472, TEL: 617-924—0606 CEO Dr. Nancy Simonian proteins downstream www.giragosianfuneralhome.com processes. The latest cash will also Healthcare Ventures, Polaris Partners, Redmile, support the Watertown biotech’s work on an Aisling Capital and Alexandria Venture undisclosed second drug candidate, which Investments. Syros hopes to move into Phase I/II study this The company, a 2015 Fierce 15 honoree, year. OBITUARY Rose (Dadaian) Bejoian CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — Rose (Dadaian) and Kasper and sister of Elsie Minassian. Bejoian of Cambridge formerly of Watertown, Funeral services were at Saint James died on December 4. Armenian Church, Watertown, on Friday, She was the wife of the late Kasper Bejoian. December 11. Interment at Ridgelawn She was the mother of Paul, Chris, Bob Bejoian Cemetery, Watertown. and the late Barbara Bejoian; mother-in-law of Arrangements were made by the Aram Newell Thomas; grandmother of Casey, Ian, Tyler Bedrosian Funeral Home. DENNIS M. DEVENEY & SONS Val Asbedian Cemetery Monuments BEDFORD, Mass. — Val Asbedian of Bedford Funeral services were held at St. Stephen’s Specializing in died on January 16. Armenian Church, Watertown. on Thursday, He leaves his wife, Nancy (Fantazian) January 21. Interment followed at Shawsheen Armenian Designs and Lettering Asbedian; children Susan Ciaffi and her hus- Cemetery, Bedford. 701 Moody St. Waltham, MA 02543 band Marco and James Asbedian and his wife Amy; and six grandchildren. He was the broth- Arrangements were by the Aram Bedrosian (781) 891-9876 www.NEMonuments.com er of the late Kenneth Asbedian. Funeral Home. S ATURDAY, J ANUARY 2 3 , 2 0 1 6 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 7 COMMUNITY NEWS Warwick Mayor Avedisian Congratulates New Detectives

WARWICK, RI (Warwick Post) — The Warwick McGee’s father, retired Capt. Frank McGee, RI ROB BORKOWSKI PHOTO Police Department honored three officers’ State Police, is an old friend of McCartney’s, and, advancement to detective rank and the promo- “We already know Frank is a solid guy who’s tion of a detective to sergeant Tuesday night at done great work for us ever since he’s done the the community room inside Warwick Police job.” McGee was a reliable Patrolman, Headquarters at 99 Veterans Memorial Drive. McCartney said, and he wasn’t surprised when Officers Nadine J. Parmenter, Nicholas A. he got promoted to detective. “He did a great job Reay, and Gilda T. Fortier were named detectives up there as a detective, and now I know he’s by the Warwick Board of Public Safety, and Sgt. ready to step up to the plate again, and particu- Frank J. McGee, III was promoted to sergeant. larly show our young police officers out there on McGee steps into a post vacated by a recent the third shift, and be a great mentor,” retirement, said Warwick Police Chief Col. McCartney said. Stephen McCartney. Although the department McCartney said the Police Department is also had just held a recognition ceremony Dec. 16, going to begin recognizing officers when they’re McCartney said, they decided not fill the empty named detectives “While it’s not considered a sergeant’s post right away, “Because we know promotion per se, still they had to work hard as we’ve got a good man ready to step up to the patrol officers. They had to take a test and go plate there in Sgt. Frank McGee.” through a process, a very difficult process, for

ROB BORKOWSKI PHOTO

From left, Mayor Scott Avedisian and Col. Stephen McCartney present Gilda T. Fortier with her cer- tificate honoring her new rank as detective.

three months. in addition to the good work they first few months as a sergeant, and my first few did as patrol officers. So I think it’s high time months as a detective,” Babula said. that we recognized them,” the Chief said. Babula addressed newly minted Sergeant “Job well done,” McCartney said to Parmenter McGee directly. “Frank, this will stick with you, and Fortier. Reay was not able to attend the the first time that you pull up to a call, where event. something truly bad has happened, and you real- Mayor Scott Avedisian also offered his con- ize, ‘they’re waiting for me to tell them what to gratulations. “You’ve all done incredibly well. do’, and you realize that they’re waiting for you We’re all proud of everything that you’ve done, to teach them how to be police officers. And one and we look forward to wonderful things from of the places you learned that is where you just you in the future.” came from, and that’s what Jilda and Nadine are Dep. Chief Michale Babula said they intended learning. This is where you take your ability to to keep the ceremony brief, but made it clear that conduct investigations to a new level,” the was no commentary on the importance of the Deputy Chief said. evening in the minds of the officers. “But the fact “These are big moments in these peoples’ From left, Mayor Scott Avedisian and Col. Stephen McCartney present Nadine J. Parmenter with her that this is brief, doesn’t mean that this is any lives,” Babula told the crowd before turning his certificate honoring her new rank as detective. less important for these people. I’ve been on 33 attention to the officers, “and I want to con- years, and what I remember most clearly, is my gratulate all of you.” Armenian Business Network Provides Career Help

NETWORK, from page 5 What are some of the gaps to fill in and strengths us. They get something in return too, such as physics, Inessa Rifkin, co-founder and CEO of businesses, and has networking events once a necessary to highlight?” ABN works on short- [good] public relations.” Furthermore, the group the Russian School of Math, Peter Koutoujian, quarter. Antounian said that average attendance term and long-term strategies. If the applicant does not incur many expenses. It uses free or the sheriff of Middlesex County, and Dr. Anna at the latter is 150 people, and growing, with the needs a job immediately, for example, one cannot inexpensive technology when possible, like Ohanyan, chair of the Department of Political last event attracting close to 200 people. They be too picky, as opposed to a situation allowing Facebook or LinkedIn for communications. Science and International Studies at Stonehill are held at Armenian-owned restaurants or more time for achieving results. The present executive team of ABN, aside from College (Easton, Mass.). hotels in the Boston area in order to also benefit Assistance can also be provided in an informal founder Antounian, includes two people involved There will be three 50-minute parallel breakout Armenian businesses. fashion or for a very specific problem not neces- since the early years — corporate marketing sessions covering the following 12 field or indus- Antounian noted, “The nice thing about it is sarily career-connected. Antounian said the orga- director Arlette Yegumians and real estate com- try groupings: biotechnology and pharmaceuti- that we are a mosaic of our Armenian back- nization has helped people moving from pany managing member George Haroutiounian, cals, medical and health care, engineering and grounds and communities. Our members are Armenia to Boston, or Syria to Paris, to find and relative newcomer Karina Demurchyan, a sciences, internet technology and software, from all types of different backgrounds, political, places to stay or work through members who are real estate consultant who has been on the exec- finance and accounting, marketing and sales, religious, and geographical. It is really beautiful.” in the destination cities. utive for a little over a year. Previous executive arts and humanities, education, legal, interna- The only requirement is to be Armenian, or to be For certain types of requests that are made member Emil Vartan is no longer with ABN, tional relations and politics, manufacturing, and “Armenian by choice.” publicly to the entire network, via its Facebook while Paul Yeghiayan has taken a break after architecture, civil engineering and real estate. There are several types of programs to help or LinkedIn sites, any of the 10,000 members moving to Washington D.C. Each session will have two to three speakers and individuals directly. Mentors can be found in rel- theoretically could respond. If nobody does, then ABN has decided for the first time to organize most of them are Armenian by background. All evant fields to provide guidance, while in the the ABN executive members step in and stimu- a career day this year for high school seniors, col- attendees will have the opportunity to attend Champion-an-Armenian program, more intensive late the discussion publicly or privately. lege students and young adults. The February 20 their top three panel discussion and/or presen- and continuous help is provided. Antounian said, The range of fields for assistance is as wide as event has limited seating, so that only the first tation-style sessions of choice. “The ‘champion’ takes someone under his wings the range of professions and interests of mem- 160 registrants can participate. Antounian said, A one-hour reception at the 11th floor of the and guides him or her until the desired goal or bers. While 55-60 percent of members live in the “The concept is almost like a school guidance Microsoft NERD Center will be the conclusion to result is reached, whereas the mentor provides New England area, primarily in greater Boston, counsellor session. The only difference is that the the event, at which participants can network direction, and stops until asked again.” Resumes the group is expanding rapidly, with Armenia counselor in this case is an accomplished profes- with the industry experts and fellow attendees. or business plans can be reviewed and improved. being its highest growth area. It is open to start- sional expert in a particular field — usually CEOs In addition to Yegumians and Demurchyan, The information is kept confidential, and track- ing branches in different US regions or other or other executives with commanding positions members of the ABN executive board members, ing, which must be on an anonymous basis, is parts of the world. in their respective industries. Not only will they there is a special group of people involved in not that extensively done, so Antounian could The ABN partners with other Armenian orga- share what is currently needed and what cur- organizing this event. It includes Sona Antonyan, only estimate that roughly 20-30 individuals have nizations occasionally to help what ABN feels are rently helps you become competitive, but they Michael Demirchian, Raffi Kotikian, Ani used the Champion program, with a 60 to 70 per- useful programs. For example, the Knights of will point out where the industry is going and Zargarian, David Hamparian, Yelena Bisharyan cent success rate. Vartan has a scholarship program for students. how you can prepare for it. and Harry Glorikian. Dr. Edward Shapiro, a Antounian gave an example of how ABN When the latter are ready for an internship or Antounian said that the extra element of hav- Russian-American scientist who founded the works. He said, “Typically somebody approaches career placement, the Knights connects the stu- ing Armenians who share similar backgrounds in organization Nobel Laureates’ School Visits, you, saying, ‘I just lost my job, so and so thought dents with the ABN to help the latter. terms of upbringing and family show how they assisted in getting Dr. Friedman for the event. it would be a good idea to reach out to ABN and Antounian stressed that “We don’t get any succeeded in their careers can be inspirational to The career day will begin at 1 p.m. and end at to you for assistance. Can you help me?’ We start financial assistance from any organization. If any- young Armenians. Furthermore, relationships 6 p.m. at the NERD Center, at 1 Memorial Drive, from that and take a look at what happened. We thing, we support and encourage our members may be established as there is a potential for net- Cambridge, MA. For more information on ABN assess the situation, look at their background, to support other organizations. We don’t charge, working. and registration for the February 20 career day, and look at strategies based on their skill set — so that everything we do is done pro bono. This The keynote speakers are Dr. Jerome Isaac see armenianbusinessnetwork.com. To join ABN, where are they and where do they want to be? is true even for the organizations that support Friedman, holder of the 1990 Nobel Prize in use its Facebook or LinkedIn web pages. 8 S ATURDAY, J ANUARY 2 3 , 2 0 1 6 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS

Armenian Striker Yura Movsisyan Returns Celebrity Plastic Surgeon, To Real Salt Lake From Spartak Moscow Dr. Raffi Hovsepian,

SALT LAKE, Utah (Vavel) — The long “For me, it’s been a long time I’ve been thing to come back.” Named Top Doctor 2016 rumored deal has been wanting to come back,” said Movsisyan Since leaving Rio Tinto Stadium, completed: Armenian striker Yuri in a team statement. “Obviously Salt Movsisyan has bounced around in both BEVERLY HILLS — Plastic surgeon Dr. Raffi Hovsepian Movsisyan is returning to Real Salt Lake was my first choice because it was Denmark and Russia. With Randers, he was named Top Doctor 2016 by Los Angeles Magazine for Lake as an on loan Designated such a great place for me and my family. played in the Europa League, and made outstanding work, professionalism and expertise. Player from Spartak Moscow of I felt at home in Utah. Leaving with a such an impression that he attracted the “In all I do, my goal is to make my patients happy and the Russian Premier League. championship — I want to come back and interest of FC Krasnodar. After two sea- do what is best for Movsisyan was with the Utah club do that again. I want to win more cham- sons there, where he averaged nearly a their health and goal every two games, the Armenian appearance. I ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO international moved to Spartak Moscow, strive for perfec- one of the most storied clubs in Russian tion in each proce- history. He went on to make 62 appear- dure. I love being ances for The People’s Team while scor- able to shape the ing 25 goals. lives of my In addition to his club career, the strik- patients. It’s an er brings with him an international pedi- honor to be recog- gree. The 28-year-old has scored 10 times nized for my hard in 35 appearances for his national team. work.” The RSL hierarchy are clearly hoping Hovsepian is a that he will bring that quality to their triple board certi- team once again. fied Beverly Hills “Yura is a goalscorer,” said RSL gener- plastic surgeon. al manager Craig Waibel. “He’s always Dr. Raffi Hovsepian He has worked in been a goalscorer and statistically speak- aesthetic, plastic ing, his numbers are undeniably produc- and reconstructive tive no matter where he’s played. He’s at surgery innovation. an age right now and at a point of his life Hovsepian encourages multiple patient consultations to right now, he had a priority with his wife ensure the most individualized treatments and counseling. that they wanted to move back to the He has spent his entire career studying facial, breast and States. Everything just added up to make body aesthetics to guarantee beauty for his patients. sense for him to come. We have an unde- Dr. Hovsepian has co-authored and edited various books niable interest to bring in good soccer in his field and has published many original journal arti- Yura Movsisyan players and goalscorers and Yura is one cles. He has received more than 65 awards and achieve- of those. We believe he’s a double-digit ments. Some of the awards include “America’s Top Plastic from 2007-2009, and made 48 appear- pionships with Salt Lake — with the club goalscorer and we’re really excited to get Surgeons,” “The Patients’ Choice Physician Award,” ances for the Claret-and-Cobalt while that I was part of the evolution. I was him back out on the field and start pro- “2000 Outstanding Intellectuals of the 21st Century scoring 15 goals. His first stint at the part of the team that went basically from ducing.” Award,” and “2010’s “Man of The Year Distinction” award. club came to a fairytale ending when he the bottom to being champions. This is The Claret-and-Cobalt will be hoping Hovsepian has also appeared on multiple television pro- won the 2009 MLS Cup Final before what I want to do again and what I’m that he can bolster what was the league’s grams. moving on to Danish side Randers FC. excited about. For me, it’s an amazing second worst offense in 2015. S ATURDAY, J ANUARY 2 3 , 2 0 1 6 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 9 Arts & Living Picasso Bust at Center of Custody Haig Hosepian Battle Between Wins Concord Gagosian and Orchestra’s Qatar Royal Family Young Artist

By Robin Pogrebin Competition CONCORD, Mass. (Wicked Local) — NEW YORK (New York Times) — The high- Each year, the Concord Orchestra fea- powered art dealer Larry Gagosian says he tures a young performer selected by the bought it. The royal family of Qatar says it annual young artist competition. The bought the sculpture, too. And now they are fac- competition is open to musicians of high ing off in court over who owns Picasso’s impor- school age or younger who live in eastern tant plaster bust of his muse (and mistress) Massachusetts. The winner is chosen by a Marie-Thérèse Walter, a star of the Museum of panel of orchestra members and the Modern Art’s popular “Picasso Sculpture” music director. The winner also receives a show. cash prize from the Ehlers Memorial The seller, in both cases, was Picasso’s daugh- Scholarship Fund. ter Maya Widmaier-Picasso, 80. She declined to This year’s winner is 17-year-old Haig comment on why she appears to have sold the Hovsepian, of Belmont. Hovsepian will per- artwork twice. form Khachaturian’s Violin Concerto in D In a legal action filed on Tuesday, January 5 minor in the orchestra’s winter concert at 8 in federal court in Manhattan against the Qatari Work by Kevork Mourad p.m. January 29 and 30 at the Performing family’s agent, Gagosian claims that he bought Arts Center at 51 Walden St., Concord. the 1931 sculpture in May 2015 for about $106 In addition to fine performances by million from Ms. Widmaier-Picasso, and then these talented young artists, the Concord sold it to an undisclosed New York collector Gallery Z Commemorates Orchestra is excited to perform works by who expects to receive it after MoMA’s show Joyce Mekeel and George Frederick closes on Feb. 7. 15th Anniversary, Presents Two Handel with The Spectrum Singers, John But the Qatari family’s agent, Pelham Erhlich, music director. This highly- Holdings, run by Guy Bennett, maintains in its International Painters regarded chorus performs music from all own court documents that it secured an agree- musical periods and has recently collabo- ment with Widmaier-Picasso to buy the work in PROVIDENCE — Gallery Z will present works by two internationally-known November 2014 for 38 million euros, or about Armenian painters, Kevork Mourad and Harut Aghajanian, through Saturday, $42 million. February 6. The bust, a major work from a highly creative Renowned painter Kevork Mourad was born in 1970 in Syria. Of Armenian ori- period in Picasso’s life, reflects the evolution of gin, he received his MFA from the Yerevan Institute of Fine Arts in Armenia. He a new erotic style of curves and exaggerated has recently exhibited at Galerie Claude Lemand in Paris, and at the Art Paris Art forms inspired by Walter’s charms. Fair in 2015. He has had solo exhibitions at the Contemporary Art Platform in The conflict exposes the stubbornly elusive Kuwait, 2014, previously at Gallery Z, at JK Gallery, Los Angeles, the Rafia Gallery, nature of an increasingly competitive art mar- Damascus, Syria, which represents him in the Middle East, and at the Courtyard ket, in which deals are made behind closed Gallery in Dubai (2010). Five of his pieces are in the permanent collection on the doors and ownership can be ambiguous. 70th floor of the Bourj Khalife in Dubai. The case is further complicated by the par- Mourad has twice had work auctioned at Christie’s Dubai. He has exhibited and ticular nature of Picasso’s family, which painted live in “Art Moment 2014” in Budapest, Hungary. “The Map of Future includes a multitude of wives, muses, children Movements,” a digital piece, was part of a touring group exhibition in Jerusalem and grandchildren who over the years have and Ramallah, and was included wrangled over the patriarch’s valuable cre- in the 2010 Liverpool Biennial. Haig Hovsepian ations, and in many cases sold off works. Six of his pieces are in perma- Picasso’s total fine art sales in 2015 were just nent residency at the Gumri rated with Emmanuel Music, the Indian over $652 million, beating out Andy Warhol for the Museum in Armenia, and several Hill Symphony Orchestra and The year, according to Artnet, the New York-based art more at the Armenian Library Cantata Singers. platform. Last May, Picasso’s 1955 painting “Les and Museum of America in Joyce Mekeel’s Toward the Source for Femmes d’Alger (Version ‘O’)” sold at Christie’s for Watertown. orchestra and chorus was commissioned $179.4 million, a high for any artwork at auction, Group shows include the NYU by the Concord Bicentennial Committee not accounting for inflation. Small Works Gallery in both and was premiered by the Concord In the action filed on January 12 against 2005 and 2007. He has also per- Orchestra and the Concord-Carlisle High Pelham, the Gagosian Gallery asked a judge to fected a technique of sponta- School Concert Choir for the April “quiet” any challenges or claims to its title of neous painting, during which he Patriots’ Day celebration in 1975. Mekeel the bust. shares the stage with many did extensive research to complete her “We bought and sold the sculpture in good world class musicians including assignment to interpret “Concord, its faith without knowledge of the alleged claim,” Yo-Yo Ma and the Silk Road rivers, and its search for values.” the gallery said in a statement, referring to Ensemble, of which he is a mem- A painting by Harut Aghajanian The piece relates the town’s history Pelham’s lawsuit. “We are entirely confident ber as a visual and teaching from 1635 to the time of the transcen- that our purchase and sale are valid and that artist. He has co-produced and dentalists. The chorus recites Indian place Pelham has no rights to the work.” directed two plays that have toured and been performed internationally, and has names, sites on the river, Biblical quotes, Gagosian has a longstanding relationship created the animation for an opera by Lembit Beecher, “I Have No Stories to Tell tombstone inscriptions and the name of with members of the Picasso family, having col- You,” commissioned by Opera Philadelphia. Mourad has also designed stop-motion every colonial fighter at the North Bridge laborated with Diana Widmaier-Picasso, the animation for Manuel De Falla’s “Master Peter’s Puppet Show,” which he per- the day of “the shot heard ‘round the artist’s granddaughter, on a show of Picasso’s formed with the Knights at Tanglewood in July 2015 to great acclaim. world.” It concludes with a quote from sculptures at Gagosian’s uptown New York Mourad lives in New York City and maintains a studio in Brooklyn, when he is the hymn that Ives used as the basis of gallery in 2003. not traveling internationally. the Concord Sonata, a work inspired by In 2011, his Chelsea gallery exhibited the Harut Aghajanian is an Armenian artist born in Iran in 1956. He studied at the transcendentalists. plaster bust along with other work inspired by Terlemezian College art school in Yerevan from 1984 to 1987; in 2002 he was Other works on the program are From the relationship between Picasso and Walter, awarded a prize by the Gemmayse Development Association ( ADG). His paintings the Censer from Handel’s oratorio who were Maya Widmaier-Picasso’s parents (the have been exhibited in the Beirut, Lebanon, art galleries Bronte and Zeina Sultan, Solomon and Mendelssohn’s Symphony pair never married). The show prompted sever- and in Boston. Many of his works are in private collections in the United States and No. 5, Reformation. al bidders to offer “more than $100 million for several European countries. Two runners-up, Amir Siraj and the work,” Gagosian’s court papers say. This exhibit includes a selection of beautifully balanced exquisite figurative works Katherine Liu, both on piano, will per- According to Pelham’s filings, Widmaier- on paper in both black and white and soft wash tones. In some, animal heads form at 7.15 p.m. Picasso originally agreed to sell the sculpture in emerge tucked amongst finely drawn huddled human figures. Cost: $30 for adults, $25 for senior cit- November 2014 through the art dealers In addition, Gallery Z displays an ever-changing extensive and diverse selection in izens and $10 for students. Connery, Pissarro, Seydoux, a now disbanded salon style of original Fine Art works (paintings, photographs, drawings, mixed For tickets and further information firm, to Pelham, which bought it on behalf of see ANNIVERSARY, page 11 Sheik Jassim bin Abdulaziz al-Thani. He is visit www.concordorchestra.com see PICASSO, page 13 10 S ATURDAY, J ANUARY 2 3 , 2 0 1 6 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARTS & LIVING New Book Retraces Grandfather’s Steps into Syria and Salvation

The new book from former writer for the online magazine Salon, Dawn Anahid MacKeen, has just been published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. Titled The Hundred-Year Walk: An Armenian Odyssey, the book is a retracing of the steps of the author’s grandfather’s forced march in the desert. Below is an excerpt from the book, courtesy of Salon.

At the busy border crossing Khabur River, everything I’d into Syria, the sun beat down read about. onto the stream of cars that “The crime of being Armenian: Sick, Escorting me to the guard’s twisted out of view. A thousand booth, Jemal asked for my pass- reflections scissored off the dehydrated, I was following my port. I extracted it from my windshields, mirrors, and hub- money belt, always embarrass- caps on vehicles that packed the ing, as I wondered what others road like an old junkyard. grandfather’s path through Syria must think of us Americans, Momentarily blinded, I averted holding our valuables so close my eyes and turned toward the as he fled the Turks. How must to our underwear. He handed forbidding checkpoint out of over my blue identification card, Reyhanlï, Turkey. I was nervous, he have suffered? and the two began to talk. I jumpy at every horn blare. Only smiled to deflect my nervous- fifteen minutes had passed since ness. I should have been watch- Jemal had dropped me off to park the van, but it seemed he’d ing them, rehearsing my lines one last time, but my attention been gone too long. In another fifty yards, I’d face the uni- retreated to the mountains. Could I climb them? No, I couldn’t. formed guards, and I had to get my story straight. I glanced at Certainly not today. How did he do it? How did anyone? my security blanket, my gray cell phone; approximately ten in As the officer questioned me, I tried to answer like any the morning, and no missed calls. In the swell of heat and tourist would, expounding on my lifelong desire to visit the exhaust on this August Friday, I felt like collapsing. On the ancient riches of Turkey and Syria, which was partly true. I asphalt, massive cargo trucks leaving Turkey idled. They wasn’t lying per se, and I wanted to be more forthcoming, but roared on, advanced a few feet, then went off again, while given that it was illegal to say the words Armenian genocide in pedestrians zigzagged through without fear. Turkey, I didn’t want to take any chances. The Turkish guard I was keeping an eye out for Jemal, but my gaze kept return- waved me through. ing to the surrounding mountains, parched and imposing, the “Teshekkür ederim.” I thanked Jemal with my few words of color of dirt and not much else. The place couldn’t be more dif- Turkish. ferent than where we had been the afternoon before: relaxing “Rica ederim.” He smiled broadly. high above the clouds in Turkey’s last Armenian village, Vakïflï As I shouldered my luggage and began to walk away, my legs Köyü, a serene oasis of felt unsteady beneath me. One more hurdle to go, with the Arabic, I realized, stupidly slow through my fog of illness. stone homes and tall trees Syrian guards. I was so close now, and I thought about the Thumbing through my phrasebook, I attempted the basic that perfectly followed the kind Arab sheikh who had sheltered my grandfather, saving his greeting: Marhaba, shlonik? Hello, how are you? I mangled it sweet serenade of the life, and whose family I was traveling to Syria to find. Not even so much their eyebrows furrowed. Inside was stuffy, the vinyl Kilis bathhouse. I’d been my mother, Anahid, knew about this part of my quest. At sev- seat sticky with sweat. I knew nothing about them; they might healthy there, too, but enty-nine, she was already beside herself with worry about me, have had contraband in the back. had fallen sick later that her only daughter, and this part of the trip made her the most As the car accelerated, I stared out the window, getting a night. Now dehydrated anxious. closer look at these desecrated mountains that formed the bar- and dizzy from repeatedly In many ways, Syria was a police state, intolerant of dissent rier between Turkey and Syria. I had imagined the landscape throwing up, I took and willing to imprison those who threatened the regime. The of this area would be desert, similar to Palm Springs. But another swig from my country was ruled with a firm hand by President Bashar al- somehow it seemed more forsaken. It was near this border that plastic water bottle. Assad. I’d heard about his infamous Mukhabarat, commonly my grandfather had first realized his life was in danger, that a Water. It was all my body called the Syrian secret police, which tracked its citizens and much darker objective was driving the deportations. wanted; I could never routinely accused foreigners of being spies. Still, I hadn’t been The station wagon sped forward until a Turkish guard wash enough down my that concerned until a family friend from the region warned blocked the road. Another checkpoint. Apparently, we were Dawn Anahid MacKeen sore throat. I studied the me about traveling there alone. “You don’t know Syria,” she’d still in Turkish domain. The guard scrutinized me for a little rises from ground to said. “It’s not like other countries.” The United States warned while, then spoke to the driver. He handed over his paperwork. peak. Could I hike across travelers against going to Syria and accused Syria of sponsor- The official flipped through the pages, then pointed to the side these heights as my grandfather did? In this condition? Somewhere ing terrorism. Just the year before, armed men had attacked of the road. We were being pulled over. I panicked. Had the beyond this point, he had suffered the most. the American embassy in Damascus with grenades and explo- guards at the border crossing figured something out about I can turn around now, I told myself. But I could not. I had sives, killing one person and injuring thirteen. me? A queasy feeling welled up in my throat. I heaved. I was spent too long getting there, a day of flying to Istanbul, two “Dawn! Dawn!” I heard Jemal call out. “You . . . cannot . . . about to vomit again. weeks of traveling overland through Turkey, six months of walk . . . border,” he cried in his limited English. The car turned to the right, parking opposite a small office. planning, and a lifetime of family stories, all leading me to this “Yes, I can.” I took out my cell phone to tell my fixer on the Syrian side corridor once part of the Ottoman Empire. Ever since I could “No, it’s too far,” he said. what was happening. God. I tried to dial. Nothing.Goddamn remember, I had heard the dramatic tales from my mother: “How far?” it. I tried again. I glanced down — there was no signal, and I was how my grandfather wandered for years in the desert of what “Too far walk.” on my own. is now Syria; how he, Stepan Miskjian, staggered a week with “How far?” two cups of water, trying to escape from the Turks who were “Maybe five kilometers?” Welcome to Syria trying to kill him, for the crime of being Armenian. “Oh.” I glanced at the road that soon disappeared, exposed 2007 Only halfway into my nine-hundred-mile journey, and I was to the glare of the sun, without any visible shade. Before com- already weary. And I was a well-fed thirty-six-year-old traveling ing, I had imagined a short footbridge, like the one from On this barren stretch between Turkey and Syria, I felt a by car and train, not on foot as Stepan did. I was the one sleep- California into Tijuana, Mexico. Instead, there was a vast no kick of stomach pain. I doubled over, dropping my head ing in beds rated by stars, not outside on the hard ground man’s land I’d have to cross. I was so stupid. After a few paces, between my knees; the nausea intensified. Then came another under the constellations. Just an hour after leaving my air-con- I was melting. wave. Still stuck in international limbo, I felt like screaming. I ditioned hotel room, I was weak and feverish and needed a “Can you take me?” never foresaw that this trip across the border into Syria could bathroom. And I was still far from my endpoint, a godforsaken “I’m sorry, Dawn, no have papers,” he said. go so wrong, that I would end up hitching a ride with a car- mound of dirt named Marqada just short of the Iraqi border, load of strange men, that I would be pulled over, effectively where my grandfather’s caravan of thousands met its end. Within moments, Jemal went to work on a new plan. “Wait imprisoned between the two countries and brown mountains. I glanced at my cell phone again; only five minutes had here.” Striding into the middle of the road, where the bottle- The heat was stifling here, the sun’s lashings excoriating. My elapsed. I wasn’t even moving, but rivulets of sweat were nose- neck lifted, he began waving to passing vehicles.What is he skin was reddening into blotches, hypersensitive because of an diving off my forehead. Not only did I look ridiculous in my doing? He’s going to get run over. Several drivers slowed, antibiotic I’d taken the previous night. Nearby stood the car’s mock neo-colonial disguise of a hat, sunglasses, and baggy exchanged words with him, and then accelerated. Finally, the other passengers. Shifting their feet, they, too, seemed impa- linens, but now, I feared, I appeared suspicious too, as if I were door of a station wagon swung open, and a middleaged guy tient; our driver had been in that nearby building for what felt hiding contraband. Where is Jemal? Passport control would popped out. He and Jemal approached me. like ages. Are they detaining him? What has he done? How I ask why I’d come to the region, and I wanted him there in case “You give five dollars,” Jemal said. “He take you.” longed to be singing my way across eastern Anatolia again anything went wrong. I hadn’t been completely up-front about The man studied me, waiting for my reaction. He wasn’t with Jemal and Baykar. I was half delirious, half paranoid, cer- my research when I’d applied for a tourist visa to both coun- much older than me, short, with dark hair. Shifting his feet, he tain only that I had to extract myself from this situation. On tries. Ten days earlier, the Turkish police had followed and pho- seemed to be in a hurry. Without another choice, I reluctantly wobbly legs, I crossed the hot asphalt and strode through the tographed me and I was still spooked. I wondered if there was dug into my bag, and withdrew five U.S. dollars, crumpled ripples of heat to the Turkish sentry stationed outside the some sort of file on me. among my Turkish liras. office. At last I heard Jemal’s cheerful voice: “Hello, Dawn!” He was Now the man gestured me to the back passenger seat. “Do you speak English?” carrying my luggage. With the crowds, he had had to park a Ducking in, I realized it was overloaded with men. Not a single “A little,” he said. distance away. After a week of his guiding me over the moun- woman. Two sat in the front seat, three in the space next to “I’m not with these men. I just met them. Can I continue on tain ranges my grandfather had been forced to climb, I now me, and a pile of others in the trunk area with the baggage, by foot?” had to say goodbye. I would miss his jovial laugh and his pro- knees pressed to chests. “It is still very far,” he said. tective paternal instinct. In a few minutes, I would cross the “Hello,” I said. Nothing. I tried a few words in Turkish. They Defeated, I sat back down in the blistering sun. A lone border, the portal to the Euphrates camps, Deir Zor, the still didn’t respond, continuing their chatter. They spoke see SALVATION, page 11 S ATURDAY, J ANUARY 2 3 , 2 0 1 6 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 11 ARTS & LIVING Madden Library Exhibition to New Book Retraces Grandfather’s Feature Pioneering Armenian Steps into Syria and Salvation SALVATION, from page 10 ing so curious: How could my trip to the branch of shade barely covered an arm, and I Amazon, where I fished for piranhas, now be Artist from Istanbul contorted in vain into its silhouette. Finally, our suspicious? I was no fearless femme fatale driver came barreling out the door, rushing agent, though I could understand the mistaken FRESNO — The Henry Madden Library at from Christian images to whirling dervishes, toward us. He motioned for us to get back into identity. In Brazil, I ran at the speed of light Fresno State will present a retrospective exhi- and from Mother Earth to the Tree of Life. the car. After we’d piled in again, the station from a tiny spider and courageously posed next bition of artwork by Kristin Saleri — a pio- Her message was one of inclusivity, express- wagon sped the remaining distance, the road to a restrained baby crocodile. The inspector’s neering 20th-century artist of Armenian her- ing her deep appreciation for the range of winding at a slight grade. I couldn’t believe that mistrust was astonishing, yet real, and he itage who lived in Istanbul — from February diversity in nature and humanity. I’d thought I could walk this in my depleted pressed me on the specifics for the next hour, 6 to May 31 in the Leon S. Peters Ellipse The exhibition is curated by Fresno natives state. Up ahead loomed the Syrian checkpoint, almost down to the number of bugs that had Gallery and Pete P. Peters Balcony gallery. Joyce Kierejczyk and Carol Tikijian, who also spanning the road like a bridge. The last hur- stung each leg. I was trying to appear casual, Despite the challenges presented by her curated a spring exhibition at the Fresno Art dle, I thought. but my arm began to shake, so I braced it in In that moment, another officer stepped into our between my knees. Finally, a middle-aged man lane and waved us down. Beside the car, he with cropped hair appeared at the doorway and addressed the men in Arabic. At once, my fellow pas- spoke in Arabic. I recognized his strong voice sengers retrieved their passports and gave them to and lilting cadence. It was my Syrian translator, the officer, signaling for me to do the same; at least, Levon (whose name I’ve changed). I’d never that’s what I assumed their gestures meant. met him in person, but I had spoken to him sev- Leaning forward, I handed mine to the official. eral times before my arrival and, thanks to the After a brief inspection, he began to return the pre- urging from my family friend, had requested he cious documents, fanning them out around the car meet me on the Syrian side. like sold-out concert tickets. Nearly incoherent from “Parev,” we said to each other in Armenian. my sickness, I extended my hand, expectant. “One minute,” he said, and he vouched for me Instead, he directed me out of the car with a stern to the official. Into his hands, I was soon voice. Now I really started to panic. released, and we drove the remaining miles to Through the windows, the car’s men stared Aleppo, passing arid land dotted with square at me as I extracted my heavy roller bag from homes. I’d learn later that this suspicious treat- the trunk. They were all strangers to me, but ment at the border was standard fare for for- they were more comforting than this guard, eigners entering the country. But what had who now led me to a spartan governmental begun as routine escalated into something else office. There, an official sat behind a desk busi- the farther I traveled into the country. In the gender and ethnicity, she secured her place Museum of works by artists of Armenian ly questioning another foreigner, a young girl in car, Levon quickly shifted gears from rescuer to as a member of the founding generation of descent in commemoration of the centennial her twenties. When finished, he turned to me, tour guide and began to tell me about their modern art in Turkey. of the Armenian genocide. The artworks his demeanor pleasant as I took the hot seat. I thriving community of a hundred thousand, the Saleri, who trained in Paris, was influenced exhibited are on loan from members of tried to appear calm. majority living in Aleppo. Many Syrian- stylistically by Impressionism and used art to Saleri’s family who reside in Houston. “Why have you come to Syria?” Armenians were originally from Anatolia, Levon convey a message of modern feminism. Her The public is invited to join Peter “I want to visit the country.” explained, and had settled there following the work is filled with images evoking her love of McDonald, dean of Library Services, and the I kept quiet about retracing the deportation Armenian genocide. the vast Anatolian landscape and its people — Discovering Kristin Saleri committee for the route. An Armenian filmmaker had shared with After we wound through the sprawl of the from women in traditional village dances to Gala Donors Opening Dinner with the artist’s me his experience of being granted permission city, Levon dropped me off at my contact’s spa- Bosporus fishermen to laborers in booming family and a preview of the exhibition at 6 to shoot a documentary about the genocide cious house, where I crashed for days, vomiting, post-World War II factories. p.m. Friday, February 5. Tickets for the three- and then having it revoked. I couldn’t jeopar- curled up like a worm. Her poof of a white poo- Stylistically, Saleri’s work presents a blend course catered dinner are $100. dize this trip; I needed to find the family of the dle kept tiptoeing into my room, curious about of Eastern mysticism and Western For more information on the artist, visit Arab sheikh who’d saved my grandfather. I did- the visitor, her nails against the tile always fore- Impressionism. Her folkloric themes range www.kristinsaleri.com. n’t even know if this was possible, but I had to telling her arrival. I had a permit to remain in try. So I had decided to enter as a regular the country for only two short weeks, and pre- tourist instead of a journalist. In essence, that cious days were passing as I slept, febrile, the air was what I was. I just had different landmarks oppressively hot. I couldn’t imagine lying out- on my itinerary than most sightseers. side in this state, exposed to the sun or snow- Gallery Z Commemorates 15th Anniversary “Why Syria?” the man asked. drifts, like my grandfather. Despite a soft bed “I am also visiting someone.” Before I left, a and a gracious host as nurse, I was miserable. ANNIVERSARY, from page 9 Venice by Gallery Associate Linda Kamajian in family friend had insisted I stay with her aunt, At last, that Monday, my powerful antibiotic media, glass, sculptures, assemblages, etchings, a sparkling rainbow of colors. These are set a resident of Aleppo, so I wouldn’t be com- finally chased down my temperature. Not losing lithographs) from Gallery Z’s deep stable of amidst fine art paintings and photographs relat- pletely on my own. I argued with her for the another minute, I climbed into the back seat of over 300 fine artists, locally, nationally and ed to Italy or by some of Gallery Z’s established longest time, maintaining that I had plenty of a taxi, an Armenian driver behind the steering internationally renowned, along with fine Italian-American fine artists. experience traveling in foreign countries and wheel and Levon in the passenger seat. ceramics and pottery, jewelry and Armenian Gallery Z offers an intimate setting and pro- handling unexpected situations. “It will be easi- Together, we set out east to visit the region that and international handicrafts. vides a center for experiencing fine art in a his- er if I just check in to a hotel,” I said, not want- was once riddled with camps, the places where The adjacent “Italy” room expands the toric Providence neighborhood. Although ing to impose, but she wouldn’t hear of it. As I my grandfather had lived and nearly died. vibrant local Federal Hill Italian cultural atmo- there are no Gallery Night official events sat in this office now, trapped, I felt immensely sphere with “Dreamy Venice,” filled with lumi- December through March, Gallery Z carries grateful for her persistence. Someone is expect- (Excerpted from The Hundred Year Walk: nous handmade small Murano glass gifts the torch by hosting a free opening reception ing me, I told myself, someone will know if I go An Armenian Odyssey by Dawn Anahid (paperweights, ornaments, vessels, perfume bot- for the current exhibit every third Thursday of missing. The official flipped through the pages MacKeen. Copyright © 2016 by Dawn Anahid tles) and Murano glass jewelry (pendants, neck- the month, 12 months of the year. Gallery Z is in my passport and lingered on one, covered in MacKeen. Reprinted by permission of laces, bracelets, rings, earrings, watches, hair a tax-free zone. stamps. “Why did you visit Brazil?” Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing clips), all personally chosen and imported from The gallery is located at 259 Atwells Ave. “For vacation,” I said. I found this question- Company. All rights reserved.) Christmas Concert in Providence

PROVIDENCE — On Sunday, January 3, to secular. the Cultural Committee of Saints Sahag and Petrossian arranged for many soloists to Mesrob Armenian Church of Providence pre- perform in this concert: singers Joanne sented the concert “Silent Night, Holy Night” Mouradjian, Debra Pjojian, Gohar in the sanctuary of the church. Manjelikian, Sarkis Yepremian, flutist David This Christmas concert included the Griego The concert ended with the Armenian Armenian Chorale of Rhode Island and the Chorale and Junior Choirs performing Park Junior Choir of Saints Sahag and Mesrob Ee Partzoons and Silent Night. The final Armenian Church. This special evening also song was Joy to the World, accompanied by featured performances by talented soloists. Griego on the flute. Mari Panosian provided The Very Rev. Simeon Odabashian, the the organ accompaniment. Diocesan Vicar was present at the concert. Father Shnork Souin, pastor of Saints Joyce Avedisian, Chair of the Parish Council, Sahag and Mesrob Church offered the closing gave the opening remarks and welcomed remarks and led all in the Lord’s Prayer. everyone. Konstantin Petrossian, artistic director and A lovely pre-concert gathering took place conductor of the Armenian Chorale of Rhode in the Egavian Cultural Hall. Many friends of Island and Junior Choir, presented a program the bazaar committee led by Marc Janigian featuring Armenian and international prepared this lunch. The gathering allowed Christmas carols and songs. The Armenian people to share ideas and truly help celebrate The two choruses Chorale sang a variety of songs from sacred the season. 12 S ATURDAY, J ANUARY 2 3 , 2 0 1 6 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARTS & LIVING

Letters to You Book Launch with Fashion Show and Art Exhibit on January 30

BOSTON – Three different genres of creativity and art will dovetail on Saturday, January 30 at Boston’s Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel. The event will feature creations by author Zareh Zurabyan, fashion designer Samuel Vartan and artist Lucie Abdalian, the latter two inspired by Zurabyan’s book. The event, which will take place at 7 p.m., is the official Letters to You book launch by Zurabyan. Also featured will be a fashion show by Vartan inspired by some of the letters which appear in the book, and an art exhibit by Abdalian based on the last three letters of the book. Fashion designer Vartan chose eight letters of the book which inspired him to design eight pieces of clothing. It is abstract symbolism. In other words, his work could match how he pictures a char- acter in the book, or a dress may convey the same emotion that was portrayed in the respective letter. This book is a collection of letters from different characters, completely unrelated to each other, how- ever with an underlying theme. Each letter portrays a perspective on life, and with each turn of the page, the reader gets to see different shades of global real- ity in human relationships. The book is designed so that each letter has a specific photograph with abstract symbolism expressing the emotions/mes- sage of the letter. This event is free, and its purpose is to promote creativity. Come dressed to impress, network and meet new people. Be entertained by beautiful fash- ion and art, and engage in meaningful conversations about the perspectives of our lives through the book Letters to You. The book will be available at the event, and the Lucie Abdalian and Zareh Zurabyan in New author will sign it for you. York City above Central Park Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel is located An urban Zareh Zurabyan’s book at 606 Congress St.

Rev. Vahan H. Tootikian Releases 38th Book

By Rev. George Kevork Terian

DETROIT — In the first week of the New Year, the Armenian Heritage Committee of Greater Detroit released the 38th book of Rev. Dr. Vahan H. Tootikian titled Observances and Observations/Doner Yev Nshmarner. This hard- cover bilingual volume consists of 158 pages and is composed of 26 English and 15 Armenian arti- cles and essays dealing with religious, social, the- ological and Armenian subjects. The author has dedicated this book to the church of his birthplace, Emmanuel Armenian Evangelical Church of Ekiz-Olouk, Kessab (Syria), where he received his early Christian education. In this book, the author tackles tough ques- tions that relate to our existence and does not shy away from giving Biblical answers to the problems that we encounter. He deals with the “why” type of questions that people with inquis- itive minds often raise, such as: Why do we commemorate certain religious, national and ethnic holy days and holidays? (pp. 14-40); Why do people pay “lip service” to their Creator and to their fellow creatures rather than paying “heart service”? (pp. 48-51); Why are some peo- ple, especially professionals, jealous of one another, and how do they cure this deadly sin? (pp. 58-60); Why do people drift with the crowd? (p. 61); Why do people make some unimportant matters seem important? (p.75); Why is the Armenian culture so vital for the Armenians? (pp. 128-130). The author analyses these and similar questions and provides answers from a Christian perspective. What I particularly like about the book Observances and Observations is its immense depth. Every paragraph contains words of wisdom, and every sentence needs to be read carefully to be fully comprehended. What makes this volume valuable is its candid discussions about society, life, things that are deep within us that cause us to groan and laugh, reflect and ponder, and most of all, never to give up hope. It is well-written and reflects the author’s empathy with our dilemmas and aspirations. I highly recommend the reading of this book to all those who, in an age of uncertainty, are looking for a firm foundation for their lives; for those who, in a time of confusion, want to retain clarity of mind; and for those who, in a period of doubt, want to cling to the enduring truths of the Gospel. This hard cover bilingual book may be obtained at $30 from the Armenian Heritage Committee, 3922 Yorba Linda Blvd. Royal Oak, MI 48973. S ATURDAY, J ANUARY 2 3 , 2 0 1 6 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 13 ARTS & LIVING CC AA LENDARLENDAR

Yessayan. Sponsored by the Armenian International MASSACHUSETTS Women’s Association. 2 p.m., Watertown Free Public Library. JANUARY 24 — “Who Today Remembers” Portraits of MAY 12 – Holy Trinity Armenian Church of Greater Survivors By Mary Hilt-exhibition opening and reception. Boston Presents the Dr. Michael and Joyce Kolligian The artist will be available for explanations of the pieces Distinguished Speaker Series, with John Prendergast, during the opening, Adele & Haig Der Manualian founder of “The Enough Project,” an initiative to end Galleries (3rd Floor of ALMA). 2-4 p.m. The event is free genocide and crimes against humanity, co-founder “The and open to the public and light refreshments will be Sentry,” a new investigative initiative focused on disman- served at the reception. tling the networks financing conflict and atrocities. 7 JANUARY 30 – Letters to You Book Launch - Fashion p.m. Thursday at Charles and Nevart Talanian Cultural Show - Art Exhibit: Author Zareh Zurabyan signs Hall, Holy Trinity, 145 Brattle Street, Cambridge MA Info: books; Samuel Vartan fashion show and Lucie Abdalyan’s 617.354.0632 art exhibit inspired by Letters to You. No admission SEPTEMBER 30 - OCTOBER 2 — 25th Anniversary charge. 7 p.m., Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel, Celebration, Armenian International Women’s 606 Congress St., Boston, (617) 338-4111. Association. Charles Hotel, Cambridge. FEBRUARY 6 –Tsapik, Tsapik Children’s program fea- NOVEMBER 29 — Full Circle: The Art of Barry M. turing Noune Karapetian and Zangakner Performing Martasian, exhibition opening reception, 2 to 4 p.m., Arts Ensemble. Sponsored by St. James Erebuni The Armenian Museum of America, the Adele & Haig Der Armenian School. 4 p.m. at St. James Armenian Church Manuelian Galleries (3rd Floor). Watertown. Martasian’s Charles Mosesian Cultural & Youth Center - Keljik Hall, art is heavily influenced by graffiti, which he sees as the Watertown. Admission $25; For tickets call Armine at result of the innate human desire to leave a visual mark 508-494-6008. on the world. On view through January 17. Light refresh- FEBRUARY 12 – Panel Discussion, “Nagorno-Karabagh: ments will be served. Free and open to the public. Where Is It Headed and How Did It Get There?” 7 p.m., Friday. Moderated by Dr. Anna Ohanyan, Stonehill College. Introduction to history by Dr. Simon Payaslian, NEW JERSEY Boston University. At Northeastern University McLeod MARCH 18 – Cultural Committee of St. Thomas Suites, Curry Student Center, 3rd floor, 346 Huntington Armenian Church presents A Night at the Opera, Ave., Boston. Organized by NAASR and the Northeastern Anoush by Tigranian, HD Opera with K. Kasbarian, D. Armenian Students Association. Levonian, A. Garabedian, M. Andonian. Friday, 7:30 FEBRUARY 20 – Armenian Business Network Career “Tsapik Tsapik” Children’s program p.m., Atrium, 174 Essex Drive, Tenafly, NJ 07670. Wine Day for Armenian high school seniors and college stu- on February 6 will feature singer and cheese reception. Donation $10 adults & children. dents, Saturday, 1-6 p.m., Microsoft N.E.R.D. Center in Noune Karapetian and the For reservations, please contact: Talar Sesetyan Cambridge, MA. Meet prominent mentors from many Zangakner Performing Arts Sarafian: (201) 240 – 8541 or Church Office: (201) 567 professions. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity! Ensemble. The program is sponsored – 5446. Registration required, Feb. 1 deadline. No charge. For by St. James Erebuni Armenian School details: www.armenianbusinessnetwork.com. and will take place at 4 pm., St. NEW YORK FEBRUARY 24 — Resilient Women Series: Armenian James Armenian Church’s Charles Women in Iran, Wednesday, 7 p.m. reception, 8 p.m. Mosesian Cultural and Youth Center, APRIL 5 – Fund for Armenian Relief (FAR) presents presentation. Speaker: Ani Babaian-Khachikian. Co-spon- Sahan Arzruni in Benefit Concert “Together for Keljik Hall, Watertown. Admission is sored by AIWA New England Affiliate and NAASR at Armenia,” Tuesday, 7:30 p.m. An evening of solo piano Armenian Cultural Foundation, 441 Mystic Street, $25. For tickets, call Armenia at 508- music to benefit the Vanadzor Old Age Home adminis- Arlington, MA. RSVP at [email protected] or 494-6008. tered by FAR. Merkin Concert Hall - Kaufman Music 617.501.1215 Center, 129 West 67th Street, New York. Tickets $35, will MARCH 6 — Book Launch, commemorating go on sale in February 2016. Please contact FAR for more International Women’s Day: In the Ruins by Zabel info: [email protected] or 212.889.5150.

Picasso Bust at Center of Custody Battle Between Gagosian and Qatar Royal Family

PICASSO, from page 9 the understanding that he would resell it. married to Sheika al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al- That same month, Pelham sued Widmaier-Picasso and Thani, chairwoman of the Qatar Museums Authority, Connery, Pissarro, Seydoux in Switzerland to enforce who has become one of the most powerful players in the the sale. It then obtained a court order to prevent art world. The Thani family has ruled the oil-rich state Widmaier-Picasso from moving the sculpture, an injunc- since its founding in 1850. tion which has been challenged and is under appeal. In court papers, Gagosian questions how Pelham Gagosian maintains that on October 2, 2015, title managed to secure Widmaier-Picasso’s “supposed con- passed to him after his third payment to Widmaier- sent to such an unreasonably low price,” referring to the Picasso, and that he has to date paid $79.7 million, or $42 million, and whether the Pelham agreement was 75 percent of the purchase price. ever valid, since it requires “full payment.” The dealer added in court papers that he “did not After consulting with her daughter Diana, who learn anything” about Pelham’s claim to the work until reminded her mother of the offers in excess of $100 mil- later that month, when Pelham — realizing that the dis- lion, Gagosian’s papers say, Widmaier-Picasso contested puted sculpture was in the MoMA show — alerted the sale as “null and void,” returning the 6 million euros Gagosian that it had a “priority claim” to the work. (roughly $6.5 million) of the purchase price that Pelham Glenn D. Lowry, MoMA’s director, said he had no com- had paid so far. ment on the case. According to Pelham’s court papers, Widmaier- Experts say the dispute casts a shadow over a prized Picasso’s counsel, Sabine Cordesse, asked in April 2015 piece of art history. “It’s regrettable that this has come that the sale to the royal family be canceled. Pelham to a quarrel between dealers and collectors,” said John says Cordesse “told them that Widmaier-Picasso lacked Richardson, Picasso’s longtime biographer. “It’s a major mental capacity” to agree to the transaction “due to pur- work by Picasso.” ported medical issues.” Cordesse, reached on Tuesday in Since late November, Pelham says it has been trying Paris, declined to comment. to get the Gagosian Gallery to provide information Pelham further asserts that its purchase of the sculp- regarding the sale. ture was negotiated by Widmaier-Picasso’s son, Olivier “They continue to obfuscate the relevant facts,” Widmaier-Picasso, “whom no one contends was ever Pelham charges. cognitively impaired or had any interest other than Gagosian made clear that his dispute is with the negotiating a fair market value for the sculpture.” Qataris’ representative, not the royal family. “We have Gagosian later made his deal with Diana Widmaier- the highest respect for Sheik al Thani, a longtime friend Picasso, Pelham says, “in an attempt to thwart Pelham’s of the Gallery,” the dealer said in a statement, “and rights because they sought a higher purchase price.” regret that he has been unfairly drawn into this matter.” “Bust of a Woman” is currently on display at the Museum of Modern Art as part of the exhibition “Picasso Sculpture.” (Philip Greenberg for the ) Gagosian asserts that Maya Widmaier-Picasso agreed New York Times to sell the work to him in May for $105.8 million, with (Doreen Carvajal contributed reporting from Paris.) 14 S ATURDAY, J ANUARY 2 3 , 2 0 1 6 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMENTARY

COMMENTARY Mirror Sailing Along with Iran’s Trade Winds

Iran has the eighth largest army in the world, with a popula- Spectator By Edmond Y. Azadian tion of 80 million and growing at the rate of one million a year. The International Monetary Fund estimated that Iran’s GDP for the year has been $393.5 billion, a growth of 1 percent despite During his last State of the Union address, President Barack the sanctions. The forecast is that it will rise to 4.5-5 percent dur- Obama announced that another war had been avoided, referring ing 2016-2017. to the Iran nuclear deal which began dismantling the sanctions As a result of lifting the sanctions, $100 billion of frozen assets EstablishedEstablished 1932 1932 imposed on Iran in return for the latter getting rid of its nuclear will be freed to boost its economy. With the lifting of the sanc- An ADLAn Publication ADL Publication weapons. The historic accord was signed on July 14, 2015 in tions regime, Iran will pump 500,000 more barrels of oil daily to Vienna between six leading powers and Iran, and it took effect on boost the total to 2 million barrels. Saturday, January 16, after the International Atomic Energy Tehran assures the members of OPEC that the additional Agency (IAEA) certified Iran’s compliance with the agreement pumping will not impact the oil market any further, since the

EDITOR regarding the country’s nuclear program and the Joint major buyer will be China, which was already trading with Iran, Alin K. Gregorian Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). despite the sanctions. Thus the sanctions regime imposed on Iran by the United Armenia is the only country which has had stable friendly rela- ASSISTANT EDITOR States has been substantially weakened. tions with Iran, and thus it is in a position to participate in all the Aram Arkun The sanctions had been imposed by a presidential decree and positive ways which will link Iran to the world. In fact, it can act

ART DIRECTOR by congressional action dating back to 1979, and later expanded as a bridge between Iran and Europe. Marc Mgrditchian in 1995. The first set can be lifted by the president but the latter “We welcome the start of the implementation of the agreement will need congressional action, which may hit some hurdles down on Iran’s nuclear program and the lifting of sanctions against the road depending on any change in the configuration of the Iran,” said Armenia’s Foreign Minister Eduard Nalbandian this next congress. week. There was certainly jubilation in Iran as well as a sigh of relief The Tehran government has already signaled that it is ready to SENIOR EDITORIAL COLUMNIST: in the entire region, but some tough talk on the US presidential further develop economic relations with Yerevan. Edmond Y. Azadian campaign trail. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who had During a visit last October to Armenia, Iran’s First Vice secured billions of dollars of additional US aid to Israel and had President Eshaq Jahangiri discussed projects with Armenian lead- CONTRIBUTORS: managed to divide the Israeli lobby in America, acquiesced only ers, telling them that the Iranian side is ready to boost Armenian- Florence Avakian, Dr. Haroutiun grudgingly to the fact. He continued to state that “Iran has not Iranian relations, “without limitations.” Arzoumanian, Taleen Babayan, Diana given up its nuclear ambitions” and that he would keep watching Besides the economic development between the two countries, Der Hovanessian, Philip Ketchian, its actions closely. On the presidential campaign trail, Republican Kevork Keushkerian, Harut Sassounian, Armenia will benefit from the reconfiguration of geopolitical Hagop Vartivarian, Naomi Zeytoonian candidate Ted Cruz vowed to throw out the Iran nuclear deal on realignments in the region. the first day he is in office, with his eyes focused on Netanyahu, In the first place, Iran is offering cheaper gas to Georgia. CORRESPONDENTS: rather than the US electorate. Should an agreement be reached between the two countries, the Armenia - Hagop Avedikian President Obama was able to achieve the Iran deal against all pipelines will run through Armenia. Also, because of economic Boston - Nancy Kalajian odds, like the Cuban rapprochement, because he was able to read necessity, Tbilisi has been siding with Baku, the source of its gas, Philadelphia - Lisa Manookian the war weariness of thus becoming the Berlin - Muriel Mirak-Weissbach the public after the third member of the Contributing Photographers: waste of trillions of blockade imposed by Jacob Demirdjian and Jirair Hovsepian dollars of US taxpay- Turkey and ers’ money and the Azerbaijan. That precious blood of our blockade will be loos- youth in uniform. ened if Georgia’s The Armenian Mirror-Spectator is published That war weariness interests are better weekly, except two weeks in July and the first week of the year, by: was signaled in the served with Iran. successive defeats of Azerbaijan, whose Baikar Association, Inc. the campaigns of currency, the manat, 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 John McCain and has suffered a dra- Telephone: 617-924-4420 Mitt Romney, for matic drop recently, FAX: 617-924-2887 whom a strong will further lose on www.mirrorspectator.com defense was a the gas market with E-Mail: [email protected] euphemism for enter- Iran’s emergence as For advertising: [email protected] ing yet another war, a major power in the all under the guise of region. And finally, patriotism, while Iran’s perennial directing taxpayer adversary, Turkey, money to the military will further lose industrial complex. ground in the region SUBSCRIPTION RATES: No nation in the in addition to its con- world can match nor frontation with challenge American Russia. U.S.A. $80 a year military supremacy Last August, Iran in the foreseeable and Armenia Canada $125 a year future. That is why Britain’s opposition Labor leader Jeremy reached a final agreement on the construction of a new power Other Countries $190 a year Corbyn is advocating the decommission of the UK’s nuclear sub- transmission line which will boost the export of Armenian marines, symbols of the waste of taxpayers’ money. electricity to Iran, and which in turn will pay for the electrici- Iran was on the military radar of the Bush-Cheney adminis- ty with natural gas delivered through a pipeline which is used tration along with Iraq, Syria and Libya, which are enjoying © 2014 The Armenian Mirror-Spectator under capacity. Energy Minister Yervand Zakharyan has the fruits of “democracy building” in their respective blood- Periodical Class Postage Paid at Boston, MA announced that with the unfreezing of the assets, Iran will be baths. and additional mailing offices. able to finance the construction of the hydroelectric plant on Despite the demonization of the Tehran regime, the mullahs the Arax River. The $350-million project had been shelved ISSN 0004-234X proved that they were competent to play the game of diplomacy because of a lack of funds earlier. and get their country out of political isolation. Armenia is dependent for its gas supply on GazProm of Russia. The proven venue of diplomacy may also lead to a settlement Now, with the availability of a larger Iranian gas market, Yerevan POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Armenian Mirror-Spectator, 755 Mount Auburn of the Syrian nightmare, in which Tehran is a major player. is able to bargain a lower rate with Russia. St., Watertown, MA 02472 Incidentally, the West used and deepened the religious fault Thus far, Armenia’s exports to Iran have been limited because Other than the editorial, views and opinions lines in the Middle East in order to fragment and pulverize sev- of the Eurasian Economic Union’s high tariffs, which need to be expressed in this newspaper do not necessarily eral Arab countries. Despite the fact that those fault lines have negotiated between EEU members and Tehran to lower them to reflect the policies of the publisher. historically existed, they exploded only in recent decades, which boost exports. served interests other than those nations and led to a new pro- A North-South highway linking the Gulf countries to Europe file of the region. However, ironically, the unintended conse- has a better chance of being constructed through Armenia. That quence of the “divide and conquer” policy is that Iran became its will also contribute to the rise of the tourism industry in the major beneficiary, mobilizing the Islamic world within the Sunni- country. Copying for other than personal use or Shia divide. Iran’s political and economic emancipation is a bonanza to its internal reference is prohibited without At this time, Tehran enjoys great influence in Iraq, Lebanon, neighboring countries. It remains for Yerevan to take advantage express permission of the copyright Bahrain, Yemen (Shiite Houthis) and among the Shiites of of this unique development to improve its economy, to stabilize owner. Address requests for reprints or back issues to: Kuwait. In Syria, Iran supports the Alawis, a Shiite branch. There the country and provide reason and hope to the population not are more than 4 million Shiites in Saudi Arabia, living right by to emigrate. the Saudi oil wells. Thus, Iran dominates the “Shiite crescent” in Political developments work in a fluid realm; they may change Baikar Association, Inc. the region, opposed by Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Israel, at best course any time for any reason. We have to sail with the favorable 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472- odd bedfellows. trade winds as long as they last. 1509 S ATURDAY, J ANUARY 2 3 , 2 0 1 6 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 15 COMMENTARY

Garo Paylan, representing the Kurdish opposition HDP Turkish Parliament discussed at length the crimes commit- Party, then took the floor and also spoke about the ted by the Young Turk Government, after a motion was pre- Armenian Genocide: “One hundred years ago the Armenian sented stating: “A population of one million people guilty people were uprooted and exterminated by a decision of the of nothing except belonging to the Armenian nation were State. My family — grandfather and his family — also suffered massacred and exterminated, including even women and My Turn from these events. My grandfather was orphaned, having lost children.” In response, Minister of Interior Ali Fethi Okyar both parents. I am from the generation of orphans and left- declared: “It is the intention of the government to cure By Harut Sassounian overs of the sword, living in this land. My race is massacred.” every single injustice done up until now, as far as the As Paylan was speaking, several members of Parliament means allow, to make possible the return to their homes of shouted in disapproval. Baki Shimshek, member of the ultra- those sent into exile, and to compensate for their material Turkey was First Country to nationalist opposition MHP Party, warned: “We are in the loss as far as possible.” Recognize the Armenian Genocide Turkish National Assembly. No one can say that genocide As a result of this motion, a Parliamentary Investigative was committed. Such rudeness is unacceptable!” Committee was set up to collect all relevant documents — in 1918 Although this was an unusual discussion, it was not the describing the actions of those responsible for what was then first time that affirmative statements were made in the called, “Armenian deportations and massacres.” The evi- The Armenian Genocide is rarely discussed in the Turkish Turkish Parliament on the Armenian Genocide. In November dence was turned over to the Turkish Military Tribunal and Parliament; and even rarer are statements calling for its 2014, Sebahat Tuncel of HDP Party proposed a resolution those found guilty were hanged or given lengthy prison sen- recognition. condemning the Armenian Genocide. Tuncel urged Pres. tences. On January 14, 2016, two of the three recently elected Erdogan to come to the Parliament to acknowledge and apol- In addition to this parliamentary motion, we need to recall Armenian members of the Turkish Parliament boldly dared ogize for the Armenian Genocide and other mass crimes. The the words of Kemal Ataturk, first President of the Republic to raise the issue of the Armenian Genocide in their parlia- resolution also asked Erdogan to repeat his apology publicly of Turkey, who was quoted by the Los Angeles Examiner on mentary remarks. at one of the sites of mass killings, and declare April 24 as an August 1, 1926, as stating: “These leftovers from the former Selina Dogan, representing the opposition Kemalist CHP official Day of Mourning. In addition, the Parliament was Young Turk Party who should have been made to account Party (Republican People’s Party), made the following state- requested to form a Truth Commission and make public all for the lives of millions of our Christian subjects who were ment in Parliament: “Since this issue concerns not only documents in state archives pertaining to these mass crimes. ruthlessly driven en masse from their homes and massacred.” Armenians but also Turkey, therefore, it should be raised in Finally, the proposed resolution sought moral and material The combination of the 1918 Parliamentary motion, the the Turkish Parliament and not in other parliaments. restitution for descendants of the victims. Not surprisingly, guilty verdicts of the Turkish Military Tribunals, and the Otherwise, on every April 24, we will continue making trite Tuncel’s resolution was quickly suppressed, never to see the damning words of President Kemal Ataturk qualify Turkey as statements and hastily rid this topic from our minds. I am light of day again! the first country that recognized the Armenian Genocide! convinced that none of us is interested in doing so. I would As I reported over a year ago, Tuncel’s proposal was not Consequently, rather than seeking recognition of the like to remind you that during a 2015 public rally in the first time that a resolution was submitted to the Armenian Genocide by Turkey, Armenians should demand Erzurum, the Prime Minister clearly stated that the deporta- Turkish Parliament to recognize the Armenian Genocide. restitution for all their losses, as promised 98 years ago by tion is a Crime against Humanity.” On November 4, 1918, the newly-constituted Ottoman Minister of Interior Fethi Okyar!

Turkey Walks Diplomatic Tightrope in Iran-Saudi Showdown

caused by its foreign policy positions of late. ing tougher times and is unlikely to jeopar- ferent picture, according to Han. By Suraj Sharma Under normal circumstances I don’t see the dize them now and risk even more uncer- In Han’s view, there is a convergence and Saudis being able to drag Turkey into this con- tainty along its already volatile borders.” overlapping of Israeli and unofficial Saudi flict.” In an address to his party’s MPs on January foreign policy aims, which suits Turkey. Han URKEY must avoid taking However, he added that might change 5, Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said: said he believed recent comments by sides in the “given the situation in the Middle East is “We expect all countries in the region to show Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan current Saudi-Iran dis- very fluid”. common sense and take steps aimed at easing the explaining how much Israel and Turkey pute to avoid being fully tensions in the region.” needed each other in the region point to dragged into the sectari- Benefits of neutrality He added: “As Turkey, we are ready to Ankara’s longer term plans. an quagmire in the Kerem Alkin, a macroeconomist and pro- make any effort to solve the problems “We know that Israeli and unofficial Saudi Middle East, analysts fessor at Istanbul’s Medipol University, between the two countries.” foreign policy overlap and Turkey will try to have said. believes Turkey is well aware of the advan- Earlier on January 4, Deputy Prime adjust its policies and fall in tune with those T Simmering tensions tages of adopting a neutral position in the Minister Numan Kurtulus criticized both two countries, thus forming an anti-Iran between Iran and Saudi region and will resist Saudi attempts to drag Saudi Arabia and Iran and called for calm. alliance in the mid to long term,” said Han. Arabia boiled over on the first weekend of it into the conflict as long as Iran doesn’t do Apart from chastising Iran for not provid- Ever since Turkish-Russian relations nose- January after Riyadh executed 47 people, anything to further sour relations with ing sufficient protection for foreign diplo- dived in November 2015 after the shooting including Shia cleric Nimr al-Nimr. Ankara. matic missions on its territory, he also criti- down of a Russian jet, Ankara has been rattled Despite Turkey having friendly relations “We just need to look back at the Iran- cized the Saudis for political executions, and fears an expanding Russian-Iranian with both countries, the government in Iraq war of 1980-1988. Turkey maintained keeping Ankara on the same page as its alliance that could leave it isolated in the Ankara has moved region. closer to the But most analysts Saudis since the agree that Turkey has accession of King no option other than Salman last year; adopting a non-sectari- slamming Iran’s an and neutral position alleged involve- at the moment as the ment in Yemen, Ever since Turkish-Russian relations nosedived in November other two regional joining a Saudi-led heavyweights collide. “anti-terrorism” The missed economic alliance and last 2015 after the shooting down of a Russian jet, Ankara has opportunity alone by week setting up a shunning Iran just as it “strategic coopera- been rattled and fears an expanding Russian-Iranian alliance is about to open up to tion council”. the outside world Relations with would be a blow that Tehran, mean- that could leave it isolated in the region. Ankara can ill afford. while, have Regardless of the strained due to financial incentive that Yemen, Iran’s sup- close relations with the port of Bashar al- Saudis brings in terms Assad in Syria, and its interventions in Iraq. strict neutrality and was rewarded with mas- Western and NATO allies. of investments in the economy, Turkey But analysts warned that Ankara must sive export volumes to both countries,” Akgun also believes Turkey will not be needs to ensure that it doesn’t damage its resist any attempts by Saudi Arabia to fully Alkin told MEE. forced into siding with Saudi Arabia despite relations with Iran beyond the point of involve it in its direct dispute with Iran, a “If Iran wants to see Turkish neutrality, it their shared views on Syria since it consid- repair in order to reap the economic bene- move that could prove costly to Turkish too will have to adopt a neutral position in the ers Qatar as its main ally in the Gulf. fits of its years of friendly ties with Tehran. diplomacy as well as its economy. Turkey-Russia dispute. Otherwise there is a “Qatar is the key country for Turkey “Once nuclear-related sanctions on Iran Ahmet Kasim Han, a professor of interna- likelihood that Turkey will take sides regard- among the Gulf states. Just like Doha has are lifted, Turkish firms involved in manu- tional relations at Istanbul’s Kadir Has less of its natural inclinations,” said Alkin. refrained from taking sides, I think Turkey facturing, construction, retail and so many University, said Turkey had too much at stake Mensur Akgun, the chairman of the inter- too will refrain from taking sides in this sit- other sectors will find themselves in a prime to involve itself in another regional dispute. national relations department at Istanbul’s uation,” he said. position to take advantage of an untapped Kultur University, said he believed it was in “Turkey’s relations with its number one Longer term strategies market of 80 million people,” said Alkin. gas provider Russia are frozen. It is very Turkey’s interest to maintain amicable ties “If Turkey wants to attain its lofty cen- unlikely that Ankara will want to ruffle the with Iran, which it shares a border with. While Turkey will avoid siding with the tennial goals in 2023, it will have to have all feathers of its second-largest gas supplier, “All statements thus far from government Saudis in the short term because it will hurt these markets rather than substituting one Iran, at this point,” Han told Middle East officials suggest that Turkey is going to it both economically and diplomatically — lost market with another,” said Alkin. Eye (MEE). maintain a balance and call on both sides to and also because the United States appears “I don’t see how Ankara could be keen to defuse tensions,” Akgun told MEE. “Turkey keen to keep itself out of this crisis — the (This commentary originally appeared in add another headache to an already long list has maintained amicable ties with Iran dur- medium to long-term represents a totally dif- Middle East Eye.) 16 S ATURDAY, J ANUARY 2 3 , 2 0 1 6 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Armenian Honorary Consulate Opens in Tirana

YEREVAN (Armenpress) — An Armenian hon- arrival in Albania to this day. Armenian community in Albania. The St. Koll (the 11th-12th centuries) could have been the orary consulate opened in the capital of Piranjani said, “They found in Albania their Church is thought to originate from Armenia time when Armenians started to settle there as Albania, Tirana, according to the Albanian second home and were easily integrated in the because it has been built in the style of part of the movements within the territories of Telegraphic Agency. Honorary Consul of the Albanian society for which they will be always Armenian churches which feature pointed Byzantine Empire. This church is the first of its Republic of Armenia Varuzhan Piranjani was grateful to the Albanians.” Almost all members domes. The Byzantine period when it was built kind in the Albanian territories. presented in Tirana during a special ceremony of this community have managed to get a uni- with the participation of representatives from versity education and made a name for them- Albanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, other min- selves in professions as diverse as university istries, honorary consuls of some countries, rep- teachers, engineers, doctors, artists and resentatives of media and business, and the economists, and, above all, are hardworking and DC Community Bids Farewell to Armenian community in Albania. The opening decent people, he continued. of the honorary consulate will help restructure “Piranjani will spare no effort to boost and cooperation between the two countries in the encourage the relations between Armenia and Ambassador Tigran Sargsyan area of joint economic development, trade and Albania in a constructive fashion,” said the tourism exchanges, and the implementation of ambassador of Armenia to Albania, Gagik FAREWELL, from page 1 cooperation during the Centennial activi- various projects. Ghalatchian (resident in Greece). His message Yerevan, director of Central Bank of ties dedicated to the 100th Anniversary of In his speech, Piranjani stressed the need to reads, “On behalf of the Embassy of the Armenia, prime minister of Armenia and as the Armenian Genocide last May when the deepen interstate cooperation between the two Republic of Armenia and on my personal name, ambassador to the United States, which hierarchy of the Armenian Nation, countries while highlighting the already excel- I wish to congratulate you and the Armenian embodies his values as religious, economic President Serge Sargisyan, and Holy lent relations. According to him, tourism is an community in Albania on the opening of the expert and politician. On behalf of Fathers Karekin II and Aram I were visiting area which should be developed by both coun- Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Armenian Assembly, member of Board of Washington. tries. These two countries, which have almost Armenia in Tirana.” Trustees Annie Totah thanked the ambas- Ambassador Sargsyan has been the same geographical size and population, and Ghalatchian continued, “It is our desire to sador for his cooperation during his short Chairman of Armenia’s Central bank from whose languages come from the family of Indo- deepen bilateral cooperation with Albania in all tenure in Washington and wished him suc- 1998 to 2008 and from 2008 to 2014, European languages but are unique, are subjects areas of mutual interest and the opening of the cess in his new leadership endeavor. Prime Minister of Armenia. of important historic and linguistic studies. Honorary Consulate is a practical and funda- Also speaking at the program were Rita On February 1, Mr. Grigor “Armenia is considered as the first country in mental step in this direction. I am fully confi- Balian and Father Hovsep Karapetian, pas- Hovhannisyan, former Consul General of the world to embrace Christianity in the fourth dent that the Honorary Consulate will make a tor of St. Mary Church. Armenia in Los Angeles and Ambassador in century and among the first countries with a significant contribution to development of Ambassador Sargsyan thanked the Mexico will assume his duties as the new unique alphabet since the fifth century. Just trade, economic and scientific ties between the Armenian Community of Greater Ambassador Extraordinary and these two historic clues suffice to understand two countries.” Washington for their unconditional sup- Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Armenia the role and contribution of Armenia and the The head of Armenian community in Albania, port given to Armenia, for their complete to the USA. Armenians [to the world]. This is the first time Xovasar Çakmakxhian, in his address to the in history that Armenia has an honorary consul guests looked back on the history of this com- in Albania. Therefore I feel honored but also munity in Albania. It originated in 1914-1915 feel the responsibility for the task I have been and 1920-1922. The first two Armenians who assigned. Having an Armenian father and an set foot in Albania came from the Ballxhian and Albanian mother will make me more responsi- Bodikian families as part of the Ottoman army bly and passionately involved in this duty,” in 1913. After Albania’s declaration of indepen- Piranjani said. dence, they settled in Albania to start their fam- The appointment of an honorary consul is a ilies by marrying Albanian women and living in big step forward in establishing this coopera- Elbasan. tion. Piranjani expressed his confidence that The year 1915 saw the first wave of this cooperation will come to fruition. The first Armenians coming en masse via Greece and steps taken so far include the publication of dic- Syria to escape the persecution of the Turks. At tionaries and books, the production of docu- that time many Armenians were forced to settle mentaries on the Armenian community in in different countries all over the world. A large Albania, meetings involving the Armenian com- number settled in France: over three hundred munity and representatives of Armenia, friend- Armenians. In 1922-1924 during King Zogu ly soccer matches, and participation in athletics (Zog I)’s reign around 30-50 Armenian families and weightlifting events. were accommodated in Albania. At the outset, Pirnajani added that Armenia has recently one part of the Armenians engaged in handi- seen important changes in all walks of life, such crafts and others in the coffee trade. Many of as economy, culture, modernization of life and them were involved in intellectual activities. youth as well as more openness to the world, Poturlian (Mokini) worked as the personal upgraded infrastructure and increase in the num- doctor of Zogu. After the 1990s, Armenians From left Kevork Marashlian, Ambassador Sagsyan with his son Margos, Armen Sargsyan, ber of tourists. In Piranjani’s opinion, Armenia, started to establish contacts with other com- Armenia’s Ambassador to China, and Varaztad Avoyan with its mountainous terrain and countless his- munities abroad, mainly with their Diaspora in toric sites and museums which bear testimony to Greece and that in France which was bigger in an ancient and rich culture, and Albania, with its size. In Albania the Armenians created the mild weather and enchanting coastline, have a Cultural Association of Armenians in Albania. lot to offer to the citizens of each other’s coun- In 1993, Archbishop Kiud Nakkashian of the tries. The organization of events such as artistic Armenian Church in France made a visit to Senior Obama Aide Visits Armenia exhibitions, friendly matches and shows will be a Albania where he gathered together the great opportunity to promote the cultural trea- Armenian community in a meeting held in St. OBAMA, from page 1 bilateral ties as “strong” and reaffirmed sury of both countries. Anoni Church in Tirana. “Armenians have given Security Council, arrived in Yerevan the day Washington’s commitment to “a free, prosper- The presentation of available opportunities great hospitality to the Albanians,” Xovasar after visiting Baku and holding talks with ous and secure Armenia at peace with its neigh- and the provision of incentives for investments says. The relations between this community and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. bors.” in Armenia and Albania will be promoted the Albanian population have been very good, The Armenian presidential press office said The official Armenian sources gave no details through the chambers of commerce of both which is reflected not only in the excellent hos- Sargisian discussed with Kupchan a range of of Kupchan’s discussions with Sargisian and countries as well as through participation in pitality but also in mixed marriages, aid and issues, including the Nagorno-Karabagh con- Nalbandian on the unresolved Karabagh con- fairs in Armenia and Albania, as in the case of mutual respect. flict, broader regional security and Armenia’s flict. The issue was also on the agenda of his the agri-food industry. Armenians have preserved their traditions for relations with NATO and the European Union. talks with Aliyev. The recent match between the national soc- many years as well as the language, religion and It quoted Sargisian as saying that US-Armenian The US official visited Azerbaijan more than cer teams was another opportunity to get to holidays. Unlike the rest of the world who cele- relations have “constantly developed” since the a month after Obama reportedly sent a letter to know Armenia and Albania on a mutual basis. brate Christmas on December 25, Armenians early 1990s. Aliyev inviting him to a global nuclear security Armenia’s honorary consul in Albania stressed mark this day on January 6 as they belong to a “The President underscored the importance summit that will begin in Washington on March that the Armenian Diaspora is another impor- different denomination, new for Albanians. of the US assistance to Armenia’s economic 31. Aliyev’s chief foreign policy aide, Novruz tant factor for Armenia given that around 8 mil- They have preserved the Armenian language. development, reforms, democratization and Mammadov, was quoted by Azerbaijani media lion Armenians are part of its Diaspora. Apart Some of them bear Armenian nationality, as civil society, as well as the US government’s as saying on Thursday that the letter also con- from their significant contribution to the coun- Xovasar does. A special tradition handed down continuous efforts to maintain stability in the tained “thoughts on ways of resolving the try’s economy, they have become the best from generation to generation is the wedding. region,” the office added in a statement. Karabagh conflict.” Mammadov did not elabo- ambassadors of Armenia and Armenians over- Before the bride enters the house, a rooster will According to the statement, Kupchan, for his rate. seas, especially with prominent people such as be sacrificed on her feet and afterwards she has part, praised Armenia’s participation in the It is not yet known whether Sargisian too has artists, businessmen, politicians, sportsmen and to break with one foot a plate set down on her NATO-led missions in Afghanistan and Kosovo. been invited to the summit to be hosted by sportswomen such as the great Charles feet. Sargisian was among some 50 heads of state Obama. Aznavour. Today there are around 800 Armenians living and government who were invited by Obama to The United States co-heads the OSCE’s The Armenian community in Albania has in Albania. Xovasar considers himself to be a UN peacekeeping summit held in New York in Minsk Group on Karabagh along with Russia been and remains a small but solid community. “100 percent Armenian due to his Armenian September. Addressing the summit, the and France. Its chief Karabagh negotiator, There are roughly 30-35 families of Armenian parents but also “100 percent Albanian” Armenian leader affirmed Yerevan’s readiness James Warlick, said earlier this month that the descent who have preserved a good part of because he was born and raised in Albania to join more peacekeeping missions abroad in conflicting parties and the three mediating their traditions and in some cases even the where he has built everything up. According to the near future. powers should “intensify work towards a nego- Armenian language. This small community has a study conducted by Gjin Varfi, in the Kupchan also held separate talks in Yerevan tiated settlement in 2016.” had the chance to live among the Albanians Armenian village of Vlora, there is a church with Foreign Minister Eduard Nalbandian. The “The parties say they are willing. If not now, who have been very hospitable from their which is presumed to have been built by an Armenian Foreign Ministry said he described when?” Warlick said.