NOVEMBER 3, 2012

THE ARMENIAN

Mirror -Spe ctaItn Ouor Mirror -Spe ctatror 80th Year Volume LXXXIII, NO. 16, Issue 4261 $ 2.00 NEWS IN BRIEF The First English Language Armenian Weekly in the United States Since 1932 Book on Armenian Armenia, Genocide Becomes Azerbaijan Bestseller in Turkey ANKARA (News.am) — The prominent Turkish jour - nalist Hasan Cemal’s recent book, titled 1915: Renew Talks Armenian Genocide , which was published last month, has become a bestseller in Turkey. The author is the grandson of Cemal Pasha, a Commitment key figure in the Young Turk government that was responsible for the Armenian Genocide. In his PARIS (UPI) — The foreign ministers of book, Hasan Cemal not only presents data on the Armenia and Azerbaijan over the week - tragedy, but also, discusses how his personal views end recommitted themselves to finding a have changed and how he has gone from a peaceful solution to the Nagorno- Genocide denier to a recognizer. Karabagh conflict. The book begins with the first column Cemal Azerbaijan Foreign Minister Elmar wrote on the topic on February 18, 1985, when he Mammadyarov and Armenian counter - was still loyal to the official view of Ankara, which maintains “reciprocal massacres” occurred between part Eduard Nalbandian met Saturday in AGBU delegates gather in front of the iconic Armenian monument “We Are Our Paris with leaders of the Organization Armenians and Muslims, and the book ends with Mountains” during a three-day trip to the Republic of Nagorno Karabagh that kicked his lecture at the University of California, Los for Security and Cooperation in off the organization’s biennial General Assembly. Europe’s Minsk Group, which is mediat - Angeles on March 31, 2011, in which he formally ing the conflict. recognized the Armenian Genocide. After the meeting, the parties issued a The book also quotes passages from Cemal statement in which the foreign ministers AGBU Trip to Karabagh Marks Beginning of Pasha’s memoirs published in Germany in 1919, in “reiterated their determination to contin - 87th General Assembly Week in Yerevan which he — considered to be one of the organizers ue working with the co-chairs to reach a of the Genocide — specifically claimed that, “The real blame [for the Genocide] is with the Russian peaceful settlement” in the wake of a STEPANAKERT — On Sunday, October 14, Armenian policy which incited them to attack each other furor this summer over the pardon of an General Benevolent Union (AGBU) delegates and guests, Announcement of [that is, the Armenians and the Turks].” Azeri soldier convicting of killing an under the leadership of AGBU President Berge Setrakian, So far no charges have been filed in Turkey Armenian counterpart eight years ago in departed for a three-day trip to the Republic of Nagorno New AGBU Project against the book’s author, or its publisher. Hungary. Karabagh (NKR or Artsakh). There, they became acquaint - The Organization for Security and ed with NKR’s social-economic situation and local AGBU In Stepanakert Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) co-chair - projects, met with public figures, and visited Shushi and Gandzasar. Armenian Foreign men — including Ambassadors Robert The highlight of the trip was a meeting with President Bako Sahakyan and mem - Bradtke of the United States, Igor Popov bers of the NKR government held the next day. Sahakyan welcomed the AGBU del - Ministry Announces of Russia and Jacques Faure of France — egates, expressed his gratitude for the organization’s work in NKR and provided a “stressed to the ministers the importance thorough status update on the economy, focusing on areas such as agriculture, Names of Kidnapped of reducing tensions among the parties,” hydro-electricity, mining and tourism. In turn, Setrakian thanked him for the brief - Armenians the statement said, adding, “They pre - ing, his leadership and his focus on building the economy and improving the edu - sented their ideas on a working proposal cational infrastructure. YEREVAN (Armenpress) — The Armenian to advance the peace process.” see AGBU, page 2 Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has confirmed The Minsk Group leaders also put a information about the 10 bus passengers kid - focus on an upcoming visit to the region napped by armed insurgents on the Beirut- in which they are to meet with the two Aleppo highway on October 29, with seven countries’ leaders next month, saying the Knights of Vartan Prepare for Annual Awards Gala Armenians among them. “working proposal” would be discussed The names of five of the kidnapping victims further then. look at it as a great accomplishment. But I already have been released. Tigran Balayan, the The Paris meeting represented an also need to give credit to all those I have spokesman of the Armenian MFA, reported the attempt to bridge a vacuum in the talks By Gabriella Gage Mirror-Spectator Staff worked with over the years. They have names of the captured: Karo Pampalian, Arsen that have developed following Baku’s inspired me and I guess I have inspired Aroian, Levon Zeitunian, and Bashar and George August pardoning of Azerbaijani military them. It has really been a team effort… so I Rabat. officer Ramil Safarov, who had been con - CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — On Friday, accept this award on behalf of all those I Jirair Reisian, the spokesman for the Aleppo victed of killing Armenian serviceman November 9, the Knights of Vartan Ararat have worked with over the years in the Prelacy, shared information on the sixth Gurgen Markarian in Hungary eight Lodge will hold its annual awards gala at the Armenian community.” Armenian, named Koko, whose surname has yet years ago. Hyatt Regency Hotel. The reception will take New Sparabed Jirair Demirchian will also to be clarified. According to Reisian, they are The Azeri courts issued a pardon for place at 7 p.m., followed by dinner at 8 p.m. be in attendance and said of this year’s working towards the safe return of all passengers Safarov after he was extradited from The Knights will honor Haig Deranian, a “Man of the Year,” “He [Deranian] deserves to Aleppo. There is some information about the Hungary, where he had been sentenced member for more than 30 years and a for - the man of the year award. He has always Assyrian and Kurdish passengers as well. Reisian to life in prison. He was greeted by mer grand commander, as the “Man of the been a great leader for all the lodges and also denied claims concerning demands for ran - Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev as a Year.” On receiving this honor, Deranian for the community.” som from the Prelacy. see TALKS, page 2 remarked, “I appreciate being chosen. I see GALA, page 10 According to unofficial sources, the opposition forces have urged the government to exchange 150 prisoners for the 10 captured hostages. Former Ambassador Djerejian Speaks at Annual Human Rights Lecture

LEO GOZBEKIAN PHOTO BOSTON — Former American ambassador to Israel and Syria, Edward Djerejian, was the speaker at the third INSI DE annual K. George and Carolann Najarian By Alin K. Gregorian Lecture on Human Rights in Faneuil KOHAR in Mirror-Spectator Staff Hall. Djerejian started off by joking that his daughter asked if he really is an Uruguay expert on the Middle East, as other people have called him. When he responded in the affirmative, she Page 11 quipped, “You haven’t done a very good job.” His talk was divided into geographical regions. Armenia and the Caucasus made up the last portion of the talk. Sounding at times like the Cold War vet - INDEX eran that he is, he figuratively wagged his finger at Arts and Living ...... 11 Armenia. Djerejian was unhappy with the choice of Armenia ...... 2 friends Armenia has made — Russia and Iran — and Community News...... 4 suggested it should get a “truly democratic and Editorial ...... 14 Former Ambassador Edward Djerejian at Faneuil Hall enlightened foreign policy.” He stressed that International ...... 3 see DJEREJIAN, page 10 2 S ATURDAY , N OVEMBER 3, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARMENIA News From Armenia Speaker Vows Resignations after Criticism

YEREVAN (RFE/RL) — Armenian resignations in the prosecutor-general’s were beaten in prosecutors’ offices. Parliament Speaker Hovik Abrahamian office. The president also questioned morale Armenia Has Lowest CIS says serious repercussions will follow “There are always resignations in all in the ranks of prosecutors and law- President Serge Sargisian’s recent spheres,” Abrahamian said. “In this enforcement officers. According to him, Infant Mortality Rate harsh criticism of the country’s prose - case, president has raised the issue very there have been many cases in which cutors. seriously.” police officers have misbehaved in pub - YEREVAN (Panorama.am) — Neonatal and maternal Abrahamian, who is on an official trip In a televised meeting at the prose - lic and also have been found guilty of mortality rates in Armenia have dropped over to the Czech Republic, said he expects cutor-general’s office on October 29, beating people. recent years, Karine Saribekyan, director of the Sargisian angrily accused some prose - Sargisian demanded what he termed Maternal and Child Health Unit at the Armenian cutors and law-enforcement officials of “more professionalism and a serious Ministry of Health, said in a recent interview, pre- involvement with organized crime attitude” from the prosecutor-general, senting the results of the 2010 Armenia American-Armenian groups. his deputies, and their investigators. Demographic Health Survey (ADHS) conducted by Sargisian said little has been done to His unusually tough criticism of law the Armenian Ministry of Health and the National Investor Plans to Sue curb corruption and thoroughly investi - enforcement officers and prosecutors Statistical Service of Armenia. gate some cases. According to the pres - comes as the country is getting ready In 2008, 15 cases of maternal death were record- Armenian ident, investigators at prosecutor-gener - for presidential elections in February ed in Armenia, 13 in 2009, three in 2010 and three Government al’s office often forge documents, alter 2013. in 2011. Neonatal mortality rate dropped more data, and misuse facts to help criminals Sargisian is the leader of the ruling than 10 percent in 2010, according to the report. YEREVAN (Hetq) — American- avoid justice. Republican Party of Armenia. He has She said Armenia’s rate of infant mortality is the Armenian businessman Edmond Sargisian also accused law-enforce - confirmed his intention to run for the lowest among the members of the Commonwealth Khudyan, who claims he has been swin - ment officers and prosecutors of fram - second term in office. of Independent States. dled out of millions in a case involving ing innocent citizens in order to protect his Arin Capital & Investment real criminals. He said several com - (With additional reporting by Corporation, says he’s planning to take plaints have been filed saying citizens Novosti-Armenia) French President Will the government of Armenia to court. Khudyan, in his statement, laments Fulfill His Pledge on the fact that he has not been able to pursue his legal case in Armenia’s court Genocide Bill system and that his so-called business Armenia, Azerbaijan Renew YEREVAN (Panarmenian.net) — According to the partners in Armenia are protected by French ambassador to Yerevan, French President top-ranking officials in government. Talks Commitment François Hollande will fulfill his pledge to adopt a Deputy Minister of Diaspora Affairs bill criminalizing Armenian Genocide denial in the Davit Karapetyan said during a press TALKS, from page 1 approach to the talks. country. conference regarding such cases that national hero and promoted to major “After the extradition and pardon of “I have no doubt that President Hollande will the ministry can only afford free legal after the extradition. Ramil Safarov, we have a different situ - keep his promise,” Ambassador Henri Reynaud advice and has no jurisdiction to pur - That move upset Armenia and ation. Armenia did not abandon the noted during the meeting with Yerevan State sue such matters in the courts. brought condemnation from the United talks, but we now have much to say,” he University (YSU) international relations faculty stu- He argued that according to the RA Nations (UN). Rupert Colville, a said. dents. Constitution the courts are a indepen - spokesman for the UN High “I think before making the Safarov On January 23, the French Senate passed a bill dent branch of the government. Commissioner for Human Rights, said deal, Azerbaijan discussed the possible making it a crime to deny the Armenian Genocide. Khudyan’s attorney, Nikolai in September Safarov’s attack on consequences [of] thinking that The bill, if passed, would impose a 45,000 Euro fine Baghdasaryan, responded to this state - Markarian was clearly ethnically moti - Armenia would quit the talks, (which is and a year in prison for anyone in France who ment rhetorically. “The government vated. just what Azerbaijan wants), the Minsk denies this crime against humanity committed by allocates 1.366 million drams to the “International standards regarding Group format would change, the nego - the Ottoman Empire. Chamber of Advocates and that amount accountability for serious crimes should tiations would be transferred to anoth - Later, the French Constitutional Council ruled has doubled so that such advice will be be upheld,” he said. “Ethnically moti - er platform and Azerbaijan could that the bill as unconstitutional. again be provided to diaspora vated hate crimes of this gravity should accuse Armenia of foiling the negotia - Armenians. So why is the Diaspora be deplored and properly punished, not tions,” Bekaryan said. Ministry conducting such work when publicly glorified by leaders and politi - Tensions rekindled in June when professional lawyers are providing the cians.” fighting broke out between Azeri and Yerevan Mayor Awards same?” Since then, the Minsk Group media - Armenian forces over the region. Khudyan, who participated in the tors have been trying to get the two NATO Secretary-General Anders Medal to Astghik interview via a video link-up, declared sides to re-commit to the peace process Fogh Rasmussen in September visited Gevorgyan that he had received no assistance from and to set up next month’s meeting, Armenia for the first time, calling on the ministry and that the Armenian which is likely to involve the presidents both sides to break down barriers that YEREVAN (Armenpress) — Mayor of Yerevan, Taron court system was committing a crime Aliyev and Serge Sargisian of Armenia. interfere with reconciliation. Margaryan, awarded a member of the Council of by covering up the case. Karen Bekaryan, head of the “There must be no return to conflict the Elders of Yerevan, Astghik Gevorgyan, with the Lernik Hovhannisyan, another Armenian non-governmental organiza - between Armenia and Azerbaijan,” he golden medal for her years of service to the Khudyan lawyer, said there was no tion European Integration, told the said. “Tensions must be reduced and Yerevan community. In addition to her work on the information regarding what steps the English-language news website concrete steps must be taken to pro - Council of Elders, Gevorgyan works as a writer, investigative body working the case had Panorama.am last week that the mote regional cooperation and reconcil - journalist, member of the Public Council and chair- conducted during the past year. Safarov episode has changed Armenia’s iation.” woman of Journalist’s Union. Gevorgyan expressed her gratitude for the award and added that she will continue helping the capi- tal and its residents in whatever way she can. AGBU 87th General Assembly Week in Yerevan

AGBU, from page 1 Presidents Sargisian and Both past and future projects were discussed, including a new AGBU com - Ahmadinejad Discuss plex, composed of 30,000 square feet of Economic Cooperation land, located in the center of Stepanakert, which is being spearhead - YEREVAN (Armenpress) — In a recent telephone ed by AGBU in partnership with the conversation with his Armenian counterpart, Serge American University of Armenia (AUA) Sargisian, Iran President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and the TUMO Center for Creative claimed that the two countries’ Joint Economic Technologies. Through the AUA Cooperation Commission was a success. Extension Program, NKR students will The meeting, held in Yerevan, focused on have the opportunity to attend special - strengthening the ancient ties between Tehran and ized courses at the center that focus on Yerevan through advancing bilateral negotiations. English language improvement and Sargisian stated that the commission meeting preparation for university entrance served as an incentive for promoting economic exams, specifically the GRE/GMAT and cooperation. Iranian companies’ participation in TOEFL. The program will also offer the Armenian projects also fosters further cooper- courses in management, tourism devel - ation, Sargisian added. opment, media technologies and more. Ahmadinejad agreed that such expansion of eco- The TUMO Center will also play an nomic cooperation will help strengthen Iranian- important role, offering educational AGBU President Berge Setrakian presents Karabagh President Bako Sahakyan with Armenian ancient ties. Ahmadinejad also explained experiences to NKR youth interested in a certificate acknowledging his great leadership of the Republic. that Iran considers the full implementation of the creative and broadcast technologies. two countries’ agreements another point of posi- Additionally, the center will be home to tive relations between Armenian and Iran. both a chess club and an academy for the opportunities of developing their evening by a concert by the Karabagh young musicians. As Setrakian noted, talents while remaining in their home - Chamber Orchestra, the highly talented the project will create an attractive envi - land. group which the AGBU founded in ronment for Karabagh’s youth to enjoy The visit culminated on Monday 2004 and has supported ever since. S ATURDAY , N OVEMBER 3, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 3 INTERNATIONAL Armenia, Costa Rica Explore Ways for Cooperation International News SAN JOSE, Costa Rica (Public Radio Australian state of New South Wales we are confident that it is impossible to of Armenia) — While on a visit to San recent decision to recognize the be guided by stereotypes and ignore the José, Armenian Foreign Minister Republic of Nagorno Karabagh and the developments taking elsewhere,” the Aleppo Armenian Church Eduard Nalbandian met with the presi - right to self-determination of its minister said adding that “along with Destroyed in Fire dent of the Legislative Assembly of Armenian people. deepening the cooperation with tradi - Costa Rica, Victor Emilio Granados The same day the Armenian foreign tional partners, Armenia is taking steps ALEPPO, Syria (Armenia Now) — St. Gevorg Armenian Calvo. minister met with his Costa Rican coun - towards developing relations with Latin Church in Aleppo’s Nor Kyugh district was set ablaze Greeting the Armenian Foreign terpart Jose Enrique Barantas. American, Asian and African states.” on Monday, October 29, according to the Armenian Minister, the chairman of Costa Rica’s “Our countries have a number of sim - The parties agreed to appoint non-res - Prelacy. Parliament remarked on the importance ilarities, a rich history and cultural her - ident ambassadors to Yerevan and San Prelacy spokesman, Jirair Reisian, confirmed that of Nalbandian’s visit to bilateral cooper - itage, and I’m confident that we’ll use José, appoint honorary consuls, hold the church had become a target for the rebels and ation. this opportunity to reach agreements political consultations between the for - that it had been reduced to ashes. Nalbandian said, in turn, that his visit on the development of cooperation. eign ministries of the two countries, Reisian also stated that the Mesrobian Armenian is aimed at establishing new ties with School adjacent to the church had sustained serious Latin American countries, and spoke of damage as well. the importance of developed coopera - Earlier on Monday, a blast near an Armenian dis- tion with Costa Rica in the political, eco - trict of Syrian capital Damascus reportedly killed 10 nomic and cultural spheres. He added people and wounded around 50. Armenians are feared that the establishment of ties between among the dead and wounded. the two parliaments could play an About four-dozen Syrian-Armenians have reported- important role in this relationship. ly been killed since the start of the conflict in Syria The interlocutors exchanged views on in March 2011. a number of regional and international issues. The Armenian foreign minister briefed the Parliament speaker on the Georgian Minister to process of settlement of the Karabagh Oversee Murder Case of conflict, underlining that Armenia’s approaches are aligned with those of MP’s Niece the international community expressed in the statements of the heads of TBILISI (PanARMENIAN.Net) — Georgia’s Minister of Internal Affairs Irakli Garibashvili has agreed to Organization for Security and Foreign Minister Eduard Nalbandian, with his Costa Rican counterpart, Jose Enrique Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Minsk Barantas oversee the murder case of an Armenian girl, Group co-chairing countries. However, according to the ministry’s official website. Azerbaijan continues to reject all pro - “Every resource and effort will be used to dis- posals, he added. Like Armenia, Costa Rica is willing to continue cooperation within interna - cover Barbara Rafalyants’ murder,” the statement “The longer Azerbaijan tries to main - develop relations with different coun - tional organizations, create framework said. tain the status quo, the more resolu - tries of the world, and here also our agreements in the field of economy and On September 30, Rafalyants, a 10-month-old tions recognizing Nagorno Karabagh objectives overlap,” Barantas said. develop documents on visa facilitation. child, was killed in the Georgian village of Kolaga, will be adopted, paving the way for the “Armenia is conducting an active and Nalbandian left for Paris, where he is having been found drowned in a wine pitcher fol- international recognition of Artsakh,” initiating foreign policy, one of the most scheduled to meet with the OSCE lowing a kidnapping. the Armenian minister said, recalling important components of which is the Minsk Group co-chairs and the foreign The baby’s aunt is Manana Berikashvili, the the legislative council of the largest increase of the number of friends, since minister of Azerbaijan. majoritarian candidate of the Georgian Dream oppositional coalition, and therefore the murder triggered a number of accusations against the United National Movement ruling party. The Forgotten of Aleppo’s Hotel Baron Orhan Pamuk Honored In Denmark following his role as intelligence officer pened in Aleppo where she hoped to COPENHAGEN, Denmark (News.am) — Turkish By Flavia Amabile and military adviser in the Middle East. begin a new life, unaware that she’d The souvenirs of his stay at Baron’s lie meet again the nightmare from which Nobel Prize laureate Orhan Pamuk received in the hall on the right just after the she was running away 60 years before. Denmark’s most prestigious prize in literature last “Madame Flavia, Syria is finished, entrance: sheets of paper of a wrong It’s not easy to live these days in this week. Aleppo is finished.” bill, letters, and pictures. Now the hall is sad town, once one of the main center The Sonning Prize, which is worth one million Armen Mazloumian pauses, maybe closed, windows glasses were broken of trades on the Silk Road. Sally doesn’t Danish kroner, was awarded to Pamuk in following a flashing thought. An omi - one week ago by the last grenade that get out since long. Armen is an aging Copenhagen, Hurriyet daily reported. nous silence’s spreading all around: in went off in the street. It’s almost two man, some serious diseases affect him Representatives from Denmark’s Armenian com- Aleppo Baron Street has always been a years since when someone nosed and his stock of medicines is running munity likewise were on hand at the ceremony, but busy road, crowded and jammed night around the precious showcase to look at out. He too doesn’t go out, his legs can’t Turkey’s Ambassador to Denmark was not in atten- and day, in the very heart of Aleppo, a the tiny calligraphy of the Englishman run anymore and flee to safety in case dance. five minute walk from the suq. Today it that wanted to lead the Arab revolt. of bombings. A young boy helps him in After the event, Orhan Pamuk did not respond to is a still street, totally mute but for the The opposite door opens on the quest for food in the few stores still the Danish journalists’ questions concerning the frequent clashes in the surroundings Baron’s bar, a kind of a tale among trav - open. Armenian Genocide. and for the noise of the loyalist troops elers in the past. Everyone stopped and Armen can hardly go upstairs, to the In an interview with the Turkish DHA News headquartered nearby to protect the astonished at its amazing British coun - first floor. The most imposing rooms Agency, however, Turkey’s Ambassador Berk Dibek area. tryside furniture. No one ever saw any - are located there, the ones furnished noted that he was not invited to the award cere- The Baron’s Hotel stands there, in the thing of the kind in the very heart of with the fine hand-woven carpets col - mony, but, had he been invited, he would have middle of the street as it does since Middle East. lected by his grandfather in the begin - attended it with great delight. 1911, when it opened its doors. Sunk in the armchair in the right cor - ning of the 20th century. Those are the Founded by Armen Mazloumian, the ner, Agatha Christie wrote Murder on rooms where guests such as Charles De Armenia to Host NATO grandfather of the present owner, it The Orient-Express during the 1930s. In Gaulle and Rockefeller slept. And the gave its name to the street, a tribute and the following years people came from rooms where thousands of Armenians Week on November 1-8 a homage since everyone knows it: every corner of the world to grip that were saved in those years during the Barons’ history mirrors Syria’s history. peculiar touch of the room. Today the Genocide committed by the Young YEREVAN (PanARMENIAN.Net) —NATO Week has And everyone looks at the future of the most famous lounge hall among travel - Turks. And where important documents been scheduled for November 1-8 in Armenia, to be hotel to understand the future of the ers and archaeologists of last century is definitely supporting the historical held within the framework of Armenia-NATO country. It was a place of culture and closed, barred, and its windows blown reconstruction of the Armenian Individual Partnership Action Plan (IPAP).On the power when Syria was a place of culture to pieces too. “No one has ever tried to Genocide were kept. For more than a sidelines of the event, Gumri State Pedagogical and power. T.H. Lawrence would have attack us — Armen Mazloumian tells — century Middle East history has been Institute will host a meeting with students, with never slept anywhere else when he loyalist troops defend the street.” parading on the Baron Hotel’s terrace representatives of NATO, Armenian Foreign came back from his tours officially But who will protect them from and its fate depicted Syria’s destiny. Ministry, UK and US embassies to deliver lectures. devoted to archaeological sites, actually bomb blasts? “Half of Aleppo fled to In the near future Armen’s most On November 5-6, Yerevan will host a NATO sem- escape the fighting, the suq was pil - urgent worry is to find some wooden inar on cooperation strengthening and NATO’s new laged and sacked, the Citadel damaged.” planks to protect the hotel’s windows partnership policy. Whoever had the chance fled months from grenades that will surely blast High-ranking NATO members, representatives of Correction ago when borders were open and streets them or where to find fuel to face the Armenia’s Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Defense, as well as public figures and experts were The date for Krikor (Kirk) safe. Armen remained. The hotel’s coming winter. This is Baron’s destiny responsibility rests entirely on his shoul - now, served with the unpleasant feeling invited to participate. Gulezian Service of Remembrance A TV spacebridge with Armenian peacekeepers in was listed incorrectly last week. It ders. Koko, his father, the man that that this could be its last chapter. turned the Baron into one of the most “Madame Flavia, it’s all finished,” he Afghanistan and Kosovo, a visit to Emergency will be held Saturday, November Situations Ministry’s Crisis Management Center 10, at 1 p.m., First Armenian charming hotels in Middle East, passed repeats and the same unsetting silence away. Sally, his mother, is 92. In 1945 spreads again all around. and a roundtable discussion on NATO reforms are Church, Belmont, with a luncheon also on the agenda. following. she was a young, beautiful girl fleeing (This article originally appeared in to leave London bombs behind. She was the Italian newspaper La Stampa , with looking for a free and safe land and hap - an Armenian translation in Hetq.) 4 S ATURDAY , N OVEMBER 3, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Community Ne ws

Armenian Sisters’ AIWA’s Women’s Business Training Program Opens Academy Celebrates New Doors for the 45 Years of Women of Armenia Spreading Light in Philadelphia By Dalita Khoury WATERTOWN — The Women’s RADNOR, Penn. — Hundreds of supporters Entrepreneurship Program (WEP), sponsored from greater Philadelphia raised their voices in jointly by the Armenian International Women’s praise of the Armenian Sisters’ Academy (ASA), Association (AIWA) and the American in harmony with the school’s multi-talented University of Armenia (AUA), is hosting its lat - sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade students, who est session this fall in the city of Dilijan. took to the school stage in song and dance in Launched in 2001, the program offers inten - salute of the 45th anniversary milestone on the sive training for women in Armenia who are evening of Sunday, September 30. interested in starting a business. “Go Light the World,” the children hailed, cap - WEP’s overarching goal is to empower turing the school’s mission in 1967 and still Armenian women by encouraging them to own, today to radiate the Philadelphia area youth with lead or operate small and medium-sized enter - a guiding light to the Armenian Christian cause. prises, thus driving social and economic Messages of congratulations flooded the cel - progress in their communities. Since 2006, ebration, as guests enjoyed warm reunions, sen - Anahid Ugurlayan has run eight marathons, raising more than $20,000 to aid training sessions have been added in rural timental reflections and moving tributes, in a Armenian charities both here and abroad. Joining her (center) at the recent Armenia — in Gumri, Vanadzor, Gavar and now festive atmosphere. Hamptons Marathon are, from left, Makrouhi Kalayjian, Magardich Nercessian, Stepan Ipekian and Manoug Hazarian. Dilijan. Befitting an institution created through the In the past six years, the program has trained combined efforts of the five Philadelphia area about 100 Armenian women, many of whom Armenian churches, representatives of all have started their own businesses or moved up denominations toasted the school’s continued the corporate ladder, thus accomplishing pro - academic and cultural successes and saluted its jects that foster skills and confidence. leaders’ efforts to raise the bar ever higher. The Marathoner Aids This year, a networking and mentoring com - academy is in the process of implementing rec - ponent has been added to further engage WEP ommendations of a five-year strategic planning graduates in new projects, business expansion, review, with many new cutting-edge 21st or more active interaction. In November, a con - Century teaching and learning endeavors on Diverse Charities ference will bring together all graduates and the horizon. other successful women to the American Principal Sister Emma extended her heartfelt University of Armenia to attend workshops on thanks to the students and praised the Sisters, JACKSON HEIGHTS, N.Y. — Anahid Ugarlayan is not your typical marathoner. teachers, parents, alumni, volunteers and The more she runs, the better it gets for charities she supports. friends throughout the years for making the With the eight marathons she has entered and completed, she has collected a school the outstanding institution it is today. grand total of $20,232.40. For those unfamiliar with the distance, a marathon cov - ers 26 miles, 385 yards. More than 500 marathons take place annually through - out the world. Ugarlayan runs her races to create a better society for those in need. No doubt, her cheering section at each event reflects high esteem and passion for the sport. “The first time I ran track was in college,” she recalls. “I did the sprints because distance running didn’t appeal to me. I started running after my grandmother passed away. Her death devastated me and running was a great stress release. By Tom Vartabedian I had watched marathons on TV and thought it would be fun.” She entered three races and was rejected each time, finally qualifying in 2005. Her goal isn’t to win, but to break five hours and raise a respectable sum of money for a mission. The training can be chaotic but like any challenge, Ugarlayan tends to persevere. Marina Poghosyan, instructor “I prefer training alone,” she says. “Your life sometimes revolves around your workouts. It’s 3-4 months of constant training leading up to a marathon. I know of other Armenian runners, some of whom are my friends, who are marathoners specialized business topics and hear prominent and do it for charity.” speakers talk about the different faces and Her first two were the New York City Marathon, joining some of the world’s elite rewards of “Successful Armenian Women.” looking for Olympic status. She has done five others in the Hamptons and in 2008, she It is no surprise that Armenian business own - ran the Paris Marathon, pushing herself over the brink after insufficient training. ers have faced a multitude of difficulties on Sister Hripsime, founding sister of the academy, Here are her accomplishments: the Armenian Relief Society (ARS) Mother & Armenia’s road to achieve market economy. rejoices in the school’s accomplishments. Child Clinic and Fund for Armenian Relief (FAR) Children’s Center in Yerevan, Studies of Armenia’s economic development $5,500; St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, $2,000; Make It Right (Brad Pitt’s have shown that startup companies are the foundation to rebuild homes in New Orleans), $1,300; Armenia Fund’s Elderly most promising source of new jobs and offer Bishop Mikael Mouradian, of the Armenian Home in Yerevan, $4,000; Joyful Heart Foundation (actress Mariska Hargitay’s Catholic Eparchy of the US and Canada, the economy’s best hope for advancement. foundation to help victims of domestic violence), $550; Tufenkian’s School in However, despite the fact that more than 50 opened and closed the gala in prayer and Aragamough, Karabagh and Armenia Fund’s Elderly Home in Yerevan, $2,500; expressed his sincere gratitude for the work of percent of the labor force and more than 50 per - American Cancer Society, $1,200, and ARS Sosseh Kindergarten and FAR soup cent of college students in Armenia are female, the Sisters and all segments of the community kitchens, $3,182.40, which took place in September. to create an Armenian Christian school that women have not risen to top positions in cor - Twice she has run for FAR and the ARS, of which she’s been an active member porate Armenia and represent only a fraction of puts the child’s Armenian Christian education since 1996. After visiting soup kitchens in Gumri and the Sosseh Kindergarten in first and foremost and above all else. Academy Armenian business owners. Medz Tagher (Hadrut Region), she answered an urgent appeal for help. “There are plenty of highly qualified women Board of Directors President Asadur Minasian In total, some 65 children and 11 supervisors at the Sosseh Kindergarten ben - and the gala chair, Silva Santerian (Class of in sciences and various other fields in the efit from her run and the work being performed there by the ARS since 2000. Republic of Armenia,” points out Dr. Arpie 1977), saluted the school community for its Ugurlayan maintains her own strategy for completing the distance. She keeps a invaluable and decades-long work to keep the Balian, the director of the AUA Extension steady pace until the last six miles, then increases speed through her focus, recit - Program that oversees WEP, “They just don’t Armenian future strong, as Board President ing mantras, encouraging phrases, prayers and whatever else it takes to carry her Emeritus Joseph Hoplamazian reflected on the possess the skills necessary for transforming an to the finish line. invention or a fabulous business idea into a founders of the school and the vision and “I don’t run with music anymore but I have a mental soundtrack of great courage it took to build an Armenian school in reality.” music,” she confirms. “Throughout my run, I always think of my guardian angels “More women are taking various positions in a diverse community. The speakers drew partic - who keep me going and the charities for which I am running. Sometimes, you get ular attention to the accomplishments the corporate Armenia than ever before,” she adds. sidetracked by the pain you are experiencing.” “However, while women have broken through the school has enjoyed along the way. There are In 2006, an injured knee wreaked havoc toward the end but like all the others, 484 ASA graduates today, they said, many of glass ceiling, they continue to encounter ‘glass she managed to finish. walls’ that keep them from launching their own them with advanced degrees and professional “I was running for St. Jude’s Hospital and I had on my St. Jude’s shirt,” recalled credentials, impressive career pursuits and, businesses at the same rate that men do.” Ugurlayan. “Others along the way noticed the anguished look on my face and There are very few provisions in existing laws importantly, extensive involvements in the see MARATHONER, page 5 Armenian community. that promote gender equity in Armenia, and see CELEBRATION, page 7 more often, Armenian women are simply see TRAINING, page 5 S ATURDAY , N OVEMBER 3, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 5 COMMUNITY NEWS AIWA’s Women’s Business Training Program Opens New Doors for the Women of Armenia

TRAINING, from page 4 participants come with no prior business expe - viewed in their traditional homemaker roles. rience. However, the women’s WEP-acquired This makes it that much more difficult for them knowledge, skills, motivation and enthusiasm is to have a prominent presence in Armenia’s what pushes each graduate forward. labor force. Official statistics report that only Lilit Sargsyan, who enrolled in WEP in 2006, 31.8 percent of businesses have female partici - “came with a business idea, but did not have the pation in business ownership (many acting as basic knowledge and business know-how to go just façades to male-owned businesses), and about realizing it.” Now, Lilit is the founder and only 13.5 percent of these businesses have manager of Arahet Travel in Armenia. In fact, women in top management positions. 50 percent of WEP participants have been able “As more women engage in entrepreneurship to improve their income by advancing in their to build their careers and elevate the quality of current positions or by starting their own busi - life in their families and immediate surround - ness. ings, new jobs and increased productivity will Currently, WEP’s major components include have a positive impact on Armenia’s economic training in fundamentals of entrepreneurship, prosperity, without question,” says AIWA’s from analyzing the business environment to President Suzanne Moranian. WEP encourages understanding the laws pertaining to the pri - women to use the skills and strategies they vate sector; from planning and creating one’s acquire to start and succeed in business — thus, own business to forecasting and managing increasing the number of women entrepreneurs finances and human resources; and finally, in Armenia. acquiring and upholding ethical business acu - Program participants are selected from a men. The program runs for six weeks with 48 pool of applicants with various backgrounds hours of intensive study to assure that enrolled and by the merits and feasibility of their indi - women gain comprehensive knowledge of the WEP students vidual and original business ideas. Many of the business sector in Armenia. Summer 2013 Assembly Internship Re-Elect Marilyn Petitto Devaney Our Governor’s Councilor on Thursday, September 6 Applications Being Accepted Now WASHINGTON — The Armenian Assembly the popular program since its inception in “She‘s Always There for Us” of America announced this week that the 1977. application deadline for the 2013 Terjenian- Partial and full housing scholarships for Thomas Assembly Internship Program is the Terjenian-Thomas Assembly Internship December 1, 2012. Additionally, applications Program in Washington, DC are available to for the Assembly’s internship program in qualified students on a competitive basis. Armenia will also be accepted through Applications are available on the Assembly’s January 10, 2013. website. The Terjenian-Thomas Internship Program The Assembly also offers a similar intern - recently celebrated its 35th year at the ship program in Yerevan, Armenia. Now Assembly’s Gala in California, which included entering its 13th year, the Yerevan program remarks by former intern Mark Hoplamazian, provides students the opportunity to live and president and CEO of Hyatt Hotels work in one of the most historically and cul - Corporation in Chicago. Hoplamazian fondly turally rich countries in the world. Students recalled his internship at the Federal Reserve will work in Armenian government agencies, Bank and the bonds made with fellow non-governmental organizations, medical Armenians from across the country. centers, media outlets and more, as well as Hoplamazian credited the Assembly intern - meet with Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh ship with instilling an “ethic of engagement” officials and tour historical sites in and that continues to this day. around the country. The eight-week summer program is From its earliest phases the Assembly designed to provide college students of Summer Internship Program received major • When an earthquake hit Armenia, Marilyn organized a fundraiser for vic - Armenian descent the opportunity to intern gifts from the Richard Tufenkian Memorial tims and held an event at the Oakley Country Club. in the nation’s capital, while taking part in a Fund, the John Hanessian Scholarship Fund, full schedule of educational, social and cul - the Armen Astarjian Scholarship Fund, the • When a Town Councilor, Marilyn refused to renew Watertown’s procla - tural activities. Students accepted to the Ohanian Memorial Fund, James and Connie mation of ADL’s “No Place for Hate,” because of the ADL’s work against Washington program are assisted in securing Melikian and the Knights of Vartan. the recognition of the Armenian Genocide. an internship placement in congressional In 2003, the Armenian Assembly’s Summer • Marilyn wrote a “New” Proclamation on removing Watertown from offices, think tanks, media outlets, govern - Internship Program was renamed in honor of ADL’s “No Place for Hate.” ment agencies or non-governmental organiza - Aram and Florence Terjenian and Annie tions based on their educational background Thomas after the announcement of • Marilyn was the only elected official who traveled to towns and cities and interests. their pace-setting $1 million donation to the convincing them to withdraw from ADL’s “No Place for Hate.” Interns will have the opportunity to discuss program. Armenian-American issues during meetings For more information on the internship • Marilyn wrote a proclamation requesting the Massachusetts Municipal with members of Congress and other govern - programs or assistance with the application Association to stop sponsorship. ment officials and noted academics through process, contact Internship Programs • Marilyn authored a resolution requesting the President of the US to sup - the Capitol Ideas and Lecture Series pro - Director Joseph Piatt via email at jpi - port Congressional resolution recognizing the Armenian Genocide — and grams. Over 950 students have taken part in [email protected]. for reparation to the Armenians. • Marilyn has attended every Martyr’s Day Commemoration at the State House since 1985, when the late Speaker George Keverian initiated the program. Marathoner Aids Diverse Charities • She was always endorsed for election by her dear late friend, George Keverian. MARATHONER, from page 4 Committee of New York. shouted words of encouragement. That was all Taking it all in stride, Ugurlayan looks to her “We support Marilyn for her integrity, experience and the inspiration I needed to hear.” grandmother’s words in guiding her toward the In the ARS, Ugurlayan is following in the Promised Land. commitment and the positive changes she has made on footsteps of her mom, Makrouhi Kalayjian. “She always told me there’s no such thing the Governor’s Council.” Both are members of the Mayr Chapter and as ‘I can’t’ but only ‘I don’t want to.’ I think involved with humanitarian work, especially everyone should challenge themselves to per - “We ask you to join us by voting for Marilyn (Councilor with issues relating to women and children. form an act that seems impossible,” says on your ballot) on Tuesday, November 6.” Ugurlayan has a law degree from Hofstra Ugurlayan. “It doesn’t have to be a marathon, University. She worked at the National but something that gives you an indescrib - Peter Koutoujian, Middlesex County Sherrrif, Congressman Michael Capuano, Advertising Division of the Advertising Self- able feeling of satisfaction. Push yourself to Congressman Stephen Lynch, Regulatory Council. She is currently involved the limit and you’ll be amazed at what you A. Joseph DeNucci, former state auditor with the New York City Bar Association, can accomplish.” chairing the Consumers Affairs Committee, As for future marathons, Ugurlayan plans on www.reelectmarilyn.com along with various other associations con - continuing her quest with regularity, meeting nected with her practice, particularly with her many missions with each step she takes — Committee to re-elect Marilyn Petitto Devaney; women’s issues. through snow or blistering heat. Michael Gayzagian treasurer She sings with the choir at St. Illuminator’s “I love hearing stories about elderly marathon - Armenian Apostolic Cathedral and remains ers,” she notes. “I hope that’s me some day, running actively involved with the Armenian National with [or after] my grandkids.” 6 S ATURDAY , N OVEMBER 3, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS

Educator Nancy Kalajian Receives Grant from National Endowment for the Humanities

Workshop titled “Inventing America: Lowell By Tom Vartabedian and the Industrial Revolution.” Kalajian also visited Ellis Island during her stay in New York. “It was fascinating to again BOSTON — Nancy Kalajian is not one to see all the huge photos on display at Ellis rest on her many laurels. The longtime edu - Island, along with passports and personal arti - cator took advantage of a grant from the facts from so many immigrants.” National Endowment for the Humanities On weekends, Kalajian visited the (NEH) to take a food and immigration-related Metropolitan Museum and viewed exhibits on course this summer in New York. Armenian khatchkars, pottery and coins, attend - Kalajian, a journalist in the Armenian- ed church services at St. Vartan Cathedral and American community, took a course titled, visited with Armenian friends and relatives liv - “Recipe for America: New York, Immigration ing in the region. Seeing some musicals added and American Identity through Culinary to her cultural experience of New York City, and Culture.” Kalajian was among 25 participants she remarked, “‘Porgy and Bess’ was so from across the country attending a special poignant, with such impressive acting and really institute set up for teachers dealing with mat - shed light on the disparity and struggles for ters of immigration, assimilation and food cul - those so convincingly portrayed.” ture in New York City during the 19th and Kalajian has taught elementary age stu - 20th centuries. More than 200 applications dents for more than 20 years, including a four- were received. Kalajian was the only resident year stint overseas at American International from Massachusetts to win the honor and one Schools in Germany and Egypt. She has also of only two from New England. worked in school publishing where she wrote To apply to the institute, Kalajian prepared Nancy Kalajian makes magic with Mary Poppins during a visit to New York City teacher manuals for reading programs. an essay and secured references from two Occasionally, she writes food, education, arts school administrators from Tewksbury Public and human interest-orientated articles as a Schools, where she works as a Title I reading night and by day were basically in class with ence — being in the same library building that freelance journalist and correspondent for the teacher for third and fourth graders. the NYPL curators or with expert culinary many immigrants have used in the past 100 Armenian Mirror-Spectator and various The institute was hosted by the New York historians, conducting online research or years to enrich their learning.” Boston-based newspapers. Public Library (NYPL) and was presented in research using primary documents available Cultural ties are in Kalajian’s blood. She Kalajian is a member of the Culinary conjunction with “Lunch Hour,” an NYPL at the library, or were on walking tours serves as a member of the board of directors Historians of Boston. She also created an exhibition about food in New York City which through the Lower East Side, Harlem, of the Ethnic Arts Center founded by her sis - Armenian pudding recipe that won third prize draws from the library’s vast materials, includ - Jackson Heights and other areas. As exhaust - ter, Dora Tevan, and also on the board for in a nationwide “Raisins and Rice Contest.” ing its cookbook and menu collections. ing and intense as it was, this was one of the Cambridge-Yerevan Sister City Association. “Looking back upon my experience,” added The program addressed cultural traditions, best educational experiences I ever had,” After returning from a teaching stint over - Kalajian, “the well-organized Institute deep - the formation of ethnic neighborhoods and Kalajian added. “Can you imagine being able seas, Kalajian established Building Cultural ened my understanding of the humanities interactions with the broader American cul - to touch and read a diary that an immigrant Bridges in order to aid those in cultural tran - through reading, discussion, writing and ture. wrote at the turn of the century that sition moving from one location to another. reflection. Soon, I’ll be able to apply what I “It was an extraordinary experience,” said describes foods eaten, holidays celebrated and In the past, she also attended the NEH learned to my present teaching surroundings Kalajian. “We had lots of reading to do each games played? Plus it was a powerful experi - Landmarks of American History and Culture and enrich the lives of students.”

Armenian Food and Bazaar Festival at Sts. Vartanatz

CHELMSFORD, Mass. — Once again, tries and other items to share with family and Donations Saints Vartanantz Armenian Church is host - friends at upcoming holiday celebrations. In memory of Rev. Papken Maksoudian, the following donations were made to the Armenian ing its Annual Bazaar and Foods Festival on In addition to the great food fair items, the : Friday, November 16 and Saturday, bazaar also features booths that include jew - Mirror-Spectator November 17. elry and white elephant tables as well as cash Apet Torosian, Watertown, Mass., $100; Hagop and Maria Vartivarian, Englewood, NJ, Lunch and Dinner will be served all day and prize raffles, silent auctions and games $100, Sonig Vayedjian Kradjian, Vestal, NY, $50 and Hmayak and Lucy Torosian, Belmont, from noon until 7 p.m. and will feature ethnic for the kids. Mass., $50. favorites Lamb Shish Kebab, Chicken Kebab The event will take place at Sts. Vartanantz and Losh Kebab (spiced Armenian burger) Church, Kazanjian Memorial Pavilion, 180 along with other traditional dishes and Old Westford Road. Armenian style rice pilaf. There also will be Doors open 10 a.m. on Friday and a wide selection of homemade Armenian pas - Saturday.

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WATERTOWN — St. Stephen’s Armenian Prelate, handed out the certificates. Elementary School (SSAES) held a grand open - Noubar Afeyan, for whose family the new ing ceremony for its recently completed building building is named and who has been a long - project, located at 46 Elton Ave., on Sunday, standing supporter of the school, took the oppor - October 14. tunity to commend the achievements of the The event, which marked the completion of school and highlight the importance of support - the largest building project supporting the ing Armenian education in the diaspora. Greater-Boston Armenian community in the last The financial generosity of the community was 20 years, provided an opportunity for the school coupled with the support of volunteers, includ - board and administration to thank all the volun - ing Ara Krafian, CEO of the design and engi - teers, partners and donors who gave their time neering firm SMMA, who designed the new and financial support to realize the project. building and oversaw the abbreviated construc - The newly-expanded nursery school building tion process. His father, Yervant Krafian, was one includes the addition of a new, 6,000-square-foot, of the founding members of the school 28 years two-story structure encompassing new class - ago. rooms, a learning center as well as indoor and As Houry Boyamian, the principal of SSAES, outdoor recreation areas. noted at the event, “The expansion of our facili - The project was funded solely by donations, ties is a commendable accomplishment and a tes - which allowed the school to cover the cost of the tament to what we can achieve when we come project without the need to use its endowment together with one purpose — but the real accom - fund or incur any debt. The primary donors, plishment is the learning that will take place Noubar and Anna Afeyan, the Mirak Family, the inside the walls of this building, and for that I Bilezikian Family and Aurelian and Anahid thank our teachers and students.” Anna and Noubar Afeyan cut the ribbon of the new Afeyan Building, as Archbishop Oshagan Mardiros, were all recognized with certificates of She added, “During our fundraising efforts it Choloyan and school board members look on. (Garo Lachinian photo) merit from the Prelacy of the Armenian Church became very clear to us that our community of America. Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, viewed St. Stephen’s Armenian Elementary School as a vital institution that not only pro - arm our students with the tools they need to be vides an excellent education, but one that is successful in this technologically driven world.” essential in the preservation of our culture and St. Stephen’s Armenian Elementary School heritage. We had a vision and you helped us was founded in 1984. It is the only Armenian day make it a reality. This beautiful new addition, school to be fully accredited by the Association that you see, not only solved our space issue, but of Independent Schools in New England it also created new possibilities for our school. (AISNE), the accrediting body for independent With it, we have been able to continue offering elementary schools. AISNE has commended the small class sizes, imperative for an effective learn - school for “creating an environment where all ing experience, as well as introduce enhance - the students love to read and appear committed ments to our curriculum such as the Science to academic excellence” and for recruiting a ded - Technology Engineering and Math program icated staff. To learn more about SSAES, visit (STEM Initiative), launched this year that will www.ssaes.org.

Armenian Sisters’ Academy Celebrates 45 Years of Spreading Light in Philadelphia

CELEBRATION, from page 4 the 6th, 7th and 8th grades sang the national - Major donors to the St. Stephen’s Armenian Elementary School building (Garo Lachinian photo) Several letters of congratulations were read istic song Ask Parabandz, as 7th and 8th grade from those unable to attend the gala, including girls performed ethnic and contemporary Mother Eudoxie Kechichian, Superior General dances and an alumnus of the Class of 2012, of the Order of the Armenian Sisters of the Brian Damerau, entertained with an impressive Immaculate Conception; and Sister Arousiag, piano solo. former principal of the Radnor Academy and The gala’s success was the result of the founding director of the Sisters’ orphanage in efforts of the committee, Sister Emma Armenia. Special recognition went to Sister Moussayan, school principal; Silva Santerian

Academy Vice Principal Donna Rossi, Very Rev. Nerses Manoogian and longtime Academy support - er Peter Vosbikian, socialize at the gala.

Hripsime Tchiftelian, Superior of the Armenian (Class of 1977), gala chair; Vivian Ghazarian Sisters of the Immaculate Conception, and a Bouloutian (Class of 1981), Virginia founding Sister of the Radnor Academy. Sister Garabedian, Jeanne Ellen Gulasarian (Class of Hripsime is a former principal of the Los 1977), Annette Megerian, Asadur Minasian, Angeles Armenian Sisters’ Academy, former school board chair; Lena Ohannessian, Linda vicar general of the order and former mistress Preske, Sona Selverian, Ani Semerjian, of novices. Together with the late Sister Ashkhen Setrakian, Diane Uber and Rosa Valentine, Sister Hripsime and Sister Arousiag Zeibari (Class of 1990). Special acknowledge - first opened the Philadelphia Academy in 1967. ments were extended to the Academy’s Class of Celebrating their love for the Armenian her - 2012 for serving the evening meal. itage that the ASA works to foster, students of — Melissa Selverian, Class of 1977 8 S ATURDAY , N OVEMBER 3, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Ne w York M E T R O Young Armenian Musicians Dazzle in NYC

Hakko, Eugenia Sarian, Margarita Terzyan, and By Florence Avakian Diana Vasilyan. They were led by their longtime artistic director, Vagarshak Ohanyan, who accompanied them on the piano. NEW YORK — Saturday, October 13 was These young performers’ instruments of choice both a revelation and a celebration, as 30 ranged from string, wind, voice and piano with the young people, aged 10 to 18, wowed an appre - latter producing 17 musicians, the largest number. ciative audience, showcasing their individual As each performer came on stage, his/her poise musical talents at Weill Recital Hall of Carnegie was obvious. Following their individual achieve - Hall. This was the fourth annual Direct Help for ments, each young musician was gifted with a cer - Armenian People (DHAP) performance, and tificate and a check. Among the flutists were this year it was dedicated to the 20th anniver - Sareen Balian, Armen Kasparian, saxophonist Ara sary of Armenia’s membership to the United Kasparian and Lucine Musaelian on viola de Nations. gamba. They tackled such demanding composi - As the recital hall filled with parents, and sup - tions as Gluck’s Orphee et Eurydice and Abel’s porters, the anticipation was palpable. Harutun Allegro in D Minor . Minasian welcomed the crowd, and ushered in The voices of three singers seemed to soar to the charming 20 very young members of the the heavens — Zovinar Aghavian, Julia Naldjian Hamazkayin Arekag Choir, garbed in colorful and Nicole Nudelman sang Armenian favorites,

Opening prayer For Peace In The World performed by Daiana Valisyan (violin), Vagarshak Ohanyan (piano), Eugenia Sarian, George Hakko, Reuven Arachulieta and Margarita Terzyan (soloists)

works with aplomb. They included Shushan American Foundation who has been a support - Aghavian, David Antabian, Kristina Ayanian, er of DHAP. Among the members of the orga - Aram Balian, Nareg Balian, Jason Cordero, nization is Marina Bagdasarova, vice president Katia Hajjar, Michael Gilmore, David of DHAP and executive member of the AYT Hovanisyan, Nicole and Alin Khrimian (in a committee. duet), Daniel Manucharian, Arianna Mesrobian, Armenia’s Ambassador to the United Nations Kalina Mesrobian, Katherine Sadaniantz, Ani Garen Nazarian also offered his congratulations Tchorbajian and Alex Tiratsuyan. to the young musicians who, he said, “have to The musical segment closed with a rousing organize to preserve our culture.” rendition of Hovanisyan’s Erebuni-Yerevan , Among the guests of honor present was Rev. played on violin by Aren Arakelian, Anthony Bedros Lakissian, pastor of New York’s St. Degoian, Nicholas Degoian, Griffin Kang, Lily Illuminator’s Armenian Cathedral. Violinists Erebuni-Yerevan, all of them 2012 AYT finalists. Kljyan and Nicole Mark, and sung by all the per - Letters of congratulation had also been formers as well as the audience which gave received from Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, these young people a standing ovation. Primate of the Eastern Diocese; Archbishop Armenian costumes. including Dolukhanian’s Dzidzernag, Komitas’ At the conclusion of the event, the dedicated Oshagan Choloyan, Prelate of the Eastern They performed songs “dedicated to peace in Oror and the traditional Ari Im Sokhak. president and founder of Direct Help for Prelacy; AGBU; Tekeyan Cultural Association; the world,” and in particular a soulful rendition But it was the group of pianists who present - Armenian People (DHAP), Dr. Svetlana Hamazkayin Armenian Educational and of Komitas’ Der Voghormia . The popular song, ed a wide and varied array of composers, includ - Amirkhanian, thanked the parents, grandpar - Cultural Society; Armenian American Cultural Thalvoriki Zavak , was sung with great pride. ing Khachaturyan, Tchaikovsky, Chopin, Grieg, ents and jury members who had auditioned Association; and former honorary chairs Professional musicians who took part in this Clementi and Mendelssohn, among others. And dozens of young musicians. She introduced Metropolitan Opera diva Lucine Amara and presentation were Reuven Aristigueta, George these young piano virtuosi presented their Marina Kovalyov, president of the Russian noted pianist Sahan Arzruni.

Armenia Fund Board Recognizes Gala Committee Chairwoman Vesna Markarian

NEW YORK — After the gala on September 29 at New York’s Gotham Hall, Armenia Fund USA released a statement, for - mally thanking gala committee chairwoman, Vesna Markarian of Cliffside Park, NJ, for her efforts. Active in both the Armenian-American and non-Armenian charity circuit, Markarian accepted the volunteer position of gala com - mittee chair to help make the 20th year mile - stone celebration a success. Khoren Bandazian, the chairman of Armenia Fund USA, said, “We knew that this high caliber event at such a prestigious venue required someone with similar quali - ties and, of course, Mrs. Markarian was the obvious choice.” Bandazian also noted that because Markarian had vast experience in managing special events like this one, “her background and knowledge, combined with an exacting attention to detail, were indis - pensable. In addition, her elegant touch brought the event to a level we could not have anticipated.” He also cited that she had chaired the Vesna Markarian with her daughter Aline Charles Aznavour event in New York for Markarian Vesna Markarian Fund for Armenia Relief (FAR) and this expe - rience proved helpful and relevant for the Armenia Fund USA gala, which featured impressed with the professionalism on dis - surable and gratifying experience. Her sense also donated the flower arrangements for French-Armenian entertainer Patrick Fiori play throughout the evening,” Bandazian of responsibility, team spirit, impeccable the cocktail reception. and his band. They flew from Paris for two stated. Markarian was also tasked with mobi - taste and dedication to excellence were evi - The Armenia Fund USA board of directors nights solely to perform for Armenia Fund lizing the younger generation of volunteers dent from start to finish in ways large and also thanked the entire gala committee team, USA. “Mrs. Markarian was uniquely to be supervised by the committee. small. She is a lovely person inside and out.” including Kristine Toufayan Casali, Alex equipped to make sure that our featured Bandazian remarked, “Everyone who works Markarian is the wife of Alex Markarian, Karapetian, Aline Markarian and Lorig guests and those in our audience would be with Vesna Markarian finds it a truly plea - and they have two daughters. The couple Setrakian. S ATURDAY , N OVEMBER 3, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 9 Ne w York M E T R O Internationally Recognized Genocide Scholar Akçam Presents Book at New York Event Co-Sponsored by AGBU

NEW YORK — For decades, Ottoman Empire lowing his presentation, made this clear. archives have been central to Armenian Attendees also had the opportunity to speak Genocide studies, and few scholars know those with Akçam at a reception immediately after his annals of history as well as Taner Akçam. One talk. Very Rev. Simeon Odabashian ended the of Turkey’s first academics to publicly acknowl - event, noting that the Diocese was honored to edge and discuss the genocide, Akçam is a lead - bring together two great intellectuals and ing authority on the subject and his work has thanking the evening’s sponsors, AGBU Ararat, been published internationally. His latest book, CARS (Union of Armenians from The Young Turks’ Crime Against Humanity: Constantinople), Eseyan-Getronagan Alumni, The Armenian Genocide and Ethnic Hye Doon, the Knights and Daughters of Cleansing in the Ottoman Empire , which Vartan, the Tekeyan Cultural Association and sheds new light on one of the darkest periods Tibrevank Alumni. in Armenian history, was presented last week at Akçam also gave a talk at St. Leon Armenian an event co-sponsored by AGBU Ararat. Church in Fair Lawn, NJ, the following evening, On Thursday, October 18, a crowd of more which was co-sponsored by AGBU Ararat once than 120 gathered in the Eastern Diocese of again, the church and a number of local the Armenian Church of America to hear Armenian organizations. Akçam introduce his recent publication, which is filled with some 600 once-classified Ottoman- era documents. Before Akçam took the podium, Applications Begin Diocesan Council Chair Oscar Tatosian deliv - ered the welcoming remarks. He applauded Rolling in for AGBU both Akçam and Peter Balakian, the award-win - ning poet and author who introduced the lec - 2013 Summer ture, stating, “neither man is a stranger to the Diocesan Center. That’s because this center has Internship Program been the true hub of our community over its NEW YORK — Applications are now four decades of existence. So many great and being accepted for AGBU’s 2013 Summer influential figures of our generation — Internship Program, putting the opportu - Armenian and otherwise — have come here, to nity to live and work in some of the meet the people, and address our concerns. world’s most exciting cities within reach Tonight is no exception.” for Armenian university students. This Balakian, who himself has been praised as a year’s applicants will have the chance to leading voice for Armenian Genocide advocacy, join the ranks of more than 1,000 alumni was next to take the microphone. He recount - who have risen to the top of their fields. ed Akçam’s student activism on behalf of Taner Akçam signs copies of his new book at the Eastern The Young Turks’ Crime Against Humanity The competitive selective process is Turkey’s minorities, which resulted in his 10- Diocese of the Armenian Church of America in Manhattan. already underway and AGBU is urging all year prison sentence in 1976 — a term cut short interested students to apply now. by his unlikely escape to Germany, where he The destinations include Moscow, New began his groundbreaking research on Turkish in recent years, what has been missing is a to add that crucial piece to the evolving dis - York and Yerevan, where AGBU enjoys nationalism. As Balakian explained, while Turkish voice. Akçam’s dozens of articles and course on the Armenian Genocide...and opened relationships with top institutions — from Armenian Genocide scholarship has increased several books, Balakian stressed, have “helped up courageous spaces for young Turkish schol - Fortune 500 companies to top public sec - ars who see the work he’s done and begin to tor organizations — where students find their own way into their own country’s receive one-on-one guidance and key past.” industry insights from experienced super - A critical look of the past is exactly what The visors. In recent years, AGBU has con - Young Turks’ Crime Against Humanity pro - gratulated numerous participants who vides through Akçam’s analysis of scores of have been welcomed to the staff of their original Ottoman telegraphs and internal host companies and pursued careers. For more than 25 years, the AGBU Summer Internship Program has not only given students hands-on professional Ak çam’s dozens of articles and training, but a complete cultural immer - sion experience, as well. In Yerevan, meet - several books ... have helped to ings with government officials and com - munity leaders help students understand the country’s political and economic cli - add that crucial piece to the mate today, while tours of historical land - marks and a 4-day journey to Karabagh evolving discourse on the bring them closer to their past. In Moscow, participants take weekly Russian language classes and a mid-summer trip Armenian Genocide... and to St. Petersburg. In New York, a string of career seminars, networking events and opened up courageous spaces social activities give meaning to the phrase “the city that never sleeps.” No matter where they are, community service for young Turkish scholars who is an important part of every AGBU intern’s experience. Working side by side see the work he’s done and with their international peers, they volun - teer in orphanages, senior citizen homes or wherever there is a need, strengthen - begin to find their own way ing the local Armenian diaspora commu - nity. into their own countr y’s past. Interns are accompanied by a knowl - edgeable staff that helps them navigate the complexities of a new city and memos. They make the case, Akçam reiterated ensures an unforgettable summer for all. throughout the evening, not only for the Scholarships are awarded to students Armenian Genocide, but for the well-orchestrat - based on need and academic merit. ed plan to resettle and assimilate Armenians, as For more information on the AGBU well. As Akçam pointed to decoded texts, he Summer Internship Program, visit: presented one of the book’s central arguments: http://agbu-internship.org/. Application that population statistics were a main compo - deadlines and contact information for nent of a “genocidal process.” By establishing each program are as follows: New York: this link between demographic policy and the December 3, 2012, email: atrocities committed against Armenians at the [email protected]; Moscow: March 15, Author and poet Peter Balakian introduces Turkish scholar Taner Akçam, who presented his latest turn of the 20th century, Akçam has placed his 2013, email and [email protected]; Yerevan: book at a New York on October 18, co-sponsored by The Young Turks’ Crime Against Humanity work once again at the forefront of genocide March 15, 2013, email: [email protected]. AGBU Ararat. studies. The audience, who engaged Akçam with a series of questions and comments fol - 10 S ATURDAY , N OVEMBER 3, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS Former Ambassador Djerejian Speaks at Annual Human Rights Lecture

DJEREJIAN, from page 1 to not support an old ally, Hosni LEO GOZBEKIAN PHOTO the Middle East, was published by Simon & Azerbaijan and Georgia have instead culti - Mubarak, in Egypt, instead allowing for Schuster (2008). Among his many awards and vated strong ties with the west, which Armenia — and demanding — a regime change. honors, in 2011 he was elected a Fellow of should emulate. “He doubled the military there, allow - the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, He said the “US has made a concerted effort ing [Mubarak] to leave peacefully,” said and named to the Board of Trustees of the to help Armenia,” giving “$2 billion in develop - Djerejian. Carnegie Corporation of New York. ment aid” to the nation. He noted, “Serious However, another case, similar in Starting off the program was James challenges remain,” including high unemploy - nature, in Bahrain, has ended differ - Kalustian, the president of the Armenian ment, inflation and emigration by the young. ently, with a mere “slap,” as they are Heritage Foundation. He spoke about the dedi - He suggested Armenia had two problems it allies of firm US friends, Saudi Arabia. cation of the Armenian Heritage Park, happily should solve in terms of foreign policy: its conflict Djerejian is the founding director recounting that “the overflow crowd was truly with Azerbaijan and the stalled talks with Turkey. of the James A. Baker III Institute for representative of the overall tapestry that is Djerejian stressed that Azerbaijan was esca - Public Policy at Rice University. He Boston.” lating its arms race and that while now it was served as ambassador to Syria from From left, George Najarian, Edward Djerejian and Dr. Dr. Carolann Najarian, in her remarks, paid only paying lip service to renewed war with 1988 to 1991 and to Israel from Carolann Najarian tribute to Joshua Rubenstein, the northeast Armenia, it would be ready to battle Armenia 1992 to 1994. He has served in the regional director of Amnesty International USA, for Karabagh by 2014. Thus, he said, Armenia US Foreign Service for eight presi - who recently stepped down. Rubenstein, one of should negotiate. dents, from John F. Kennedy to William J. Clinton administrations. After retirement the co-chairs of the foundation, was present at “The time for diplomacy is now,” he said. Clinton (1962-1994). Prior to his nomination from government service in 1994, he became the program and thanked the Najarians for “The diaspora should discourage the idea that by Clinton as US ambassador to Israel, he was founding director of the Baker Institute. His their support. time is on Armenia’s side.” assistant secretary of state for Near Eastern book, Danger and Opportunity: An Djerejian was introduced by Dr. Joyce With regard to Turkey and the issue of the Affairs in both the George H.W. Bush and American Ambassador’s Journey Through Barsam. recognition of the Armenian Genocide, he sug - gested that “The most pragmatic way is state to state” diplomacy between Armenia and Turkey. While he praised the “soccer diplomacy” of President Serge Sargisian in 2009, when he vis - Knights of Vartan Prepare for Annual Awards Gala ited Turkey to attend a soccer game between the teams of the two nations, he suggested that GALA, from page 1 became involved with the Knights of Vartan in here and all over the world,” said Grand Armenia was responsible for the “failure to rati - As the leader of the lodge, Demirchian said the 1990s. Many of my closest friends and peo - Commander of the Knights of Vartan, Nigoghos fy” the Protocols drawn up by the US and facil - he hopes to “continue to help all the Armenian ple that inspire me are in the Knights of Vartan. Atinizian. itated by Switzerland, for establishing ties organizations in the community.” Demirchian We are a there as a fraternity of men working The Knights of Vartan, a fraternal organiza - between Armenia and Turkey. shared his specific goals for his time as leader: for the survival of “The stakes are simply too high,” he said, “My goal is to help Armenian schools. […] Armenian culture, adding, “We Armenians can never forget the Without the Armenian schools, children won’t history and language past. Our tragedy has made us the people we learn about our history, heritage and culture.” […] I feel humbled, are today, yet I firmly believe that our first duty Watertown attorney and former president of privileged and grate - is to the future and the youth of Armenia.” the Armenian National Institute, Robert A. ful by having the Djerejian started off by saying he was a child Kaloosdian will receive the community leader opportunity to con - of survivors of the Armenian Genocide, before award for his decades of dedication to tribute to my com - delving into his representation of America’s for - Armenian causes within the community. “It’s a munity.” eign policy in the Middle East. He said great honor to be recognized by such an impor - Boghosian also America’s foreign policy could be seen in two tant organization,” said Kaloosdian. He was a credited his late par - modes: idealist (propagation of American values co-founder of the Armenian Assembly of ents for fostering his and principles around the world) and realist America, and is a co-founder of the Robert devotion to (national security interests). He proceeded to Aram and Marianne Kaloosdian and Stephen Armenian causes, From left: Haig Deranian, Paul Boghosian, Robert A. Kaloosdian give details about both. and Marion Mugar Chair in Armenian Genocide saying, “I am very In the idealist scenario, the US tries to Studies at Clark University. much a product of encourage democratic values along the lines of Paul Boghosian will receive the “Faithful their devotion and to tion, has been in existence since 1916. It was the Bill of Rights around the world, helping the Knight” award. Boghosian, a longtime member, dedication to Armenian causes. My parents founded to assist Armenian organizations and “sovereignty of the people and their institution - has been helping the Armenian community for taught me to always do the right thing and that various charities. al rights,” supporting “rule of law, equality more than 30 years. When asked about being is what I try to do. I’m proud that I’m fulfilling For more information and tickets to the before the law and free speech.” This approach, named this year’s Faithful Knight, he said, “I’m what they wanted me to do.” November 9 program, call (617) 354-0632. The “Wilsonianism,” advocates for active global role excited, but it is also a time of reflection. I have “I commend the lodge for recognizing three event is black tie optional and complimentary in the spread of democracy,” he said. been involved in this work for over 30 years. I great men who help the Armenian community parking is available. By contrast, actions taken to defend US national security, seek to secure political, mili - tary, energy and cyber security. This mode of thought, he said, is most identified with President Richard Nixon and Secretary of State Henry Kissinger. Djerejian’s talk was thorough and far-ranging with regards to politics and the changing face of the Middle East. He recalled that in answer to a question from a New York Times reporter on the Arab Spring, he called it “a tectonic shift in the makeup of Middle East politics.” He added, “We’re witnessing the end of post- colonialism in the Middle East.” Reaching back to the previous centuries, Djerejian blamed much of the semi-permanent state of chaos in the Middle East on the colonial powers — Britain, France and Italy — which had drawn maps of the countries according to their own needs. He spoke at length about — and against — the Syrian government, calling the al-Assad regime a “cleptocracy.” “Nobody has a real solution for Syria today. This regime thinks it is winning and major parts of the opposition think they are winning. There is no doubt in my mind that we’re on the verge of a post-Assad era,” he said. As for the Arab Spring, he said, “What is amazing is that there is no leadership. It is truly a grassroots and youth phenomenon.” With the collapse of the Soviet Union, he said, the State Department has been looking for its next “enemy,” and those are, or should be considered, extremism and terrorism rather than any specific group. “We have to influence regimes we are friends with in order to make them democratic,” he said, citing as an example Saudi Arabia. US foreign policy can vary from country to country. He noted President Obama’s decision S ATURDAY , N OVEMBER 3, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 11 Arts & Living

Worcester Public ‘Orphans of the Library Exhibit Genocide’ Film Celebrates 500th Focuses on Anniversary of Children’s Trauma BURBANK, Calif. — The presentation of the Book Printing broadcast version documentary “Orphans of the Genocide” directed by four-time Emmy WORCESTER — The Worcester award winner Bared Maronian, took place on Armenian Book Commemoration Sunday, September 30 at the Woodbury Committee is hosting an exhibit at the University. Worcester Public Library for the entire This well-attended event was organized by month of November to commemorate Ararat-Eskijian Museum, with the support of the 500th Anniversary of Armenian book both the Western Diocese of America and the printing. Yerevan, Armenia has been des - Prelacy churches. ignated the “World Capital of the Book Martin Eskijian welcomed the attendees on for the Year 2012” by United Nations behalf of the Ararat-Eskijian Museum and invited Educational, Scientific, and Cultural the world-renowned Armenian Genocide scholar, Organization (UNESCO) in honor of this The members of KOHAR perform in Montevideo. Prof. Vahakn N. Dadrian to the stage. Dadrian milestone occasion in Armenian history. gave a compelling introductory lecture on the Various displays explain, with essays extreme cruelty these young orphan children and pictorial images, the development by experienced at the hands of the Ottoman Turks. Saints Sahag and Mesrob of the Not only were some brutally murdered by hatch - Armenian alphabet, resulting in an imme - KOHAR Debuts ets, poison and swords, but also by utilizing the diate availability of Western and novel method of mass drowning at the shores of Christian knowledge in Armenia. The the Black Sea and sections of the Euphrates In Uruguay River, especially in the Harput province. Often

MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay — As part of a nine-concert, four city tour of South America, KOHAR performed here on October 23 and 24, bringing the audiences to their feet. KOHAR’s 170 members traveled from Armenia to South America, beginning with Uruguay, where its program, titled “All Time Armenian Favorites,” were performed with The first printed Bible many new songs that were orchestrated exclusively for South American audiences. In Montevideo in particular, the song La Cumparsita , a Uruguayan tango, brought tears to the eyes of the audience when it was Armenian alphabet in various forms, combined with Im Karavan , the copies of early illuminated manuscripts, renowned Armenian song that yearns and the advancement of Armenian print - for the caravan to take the Armenian ed books and materials are other features people on an eternal journey destined of the exhibit. to their homeland. Worcester is the site of the first per - KOHAR mesmerized again with its manent Armenian Community in the charm, beauty, dance choreography New World and the first Armenian and presentation on stage. The audi - Church to be built in the Western ence applauded every appearance of a Hemisphere. The city is fortunate to have solo performer, and at the end of each the presence of the Kaloosdian/Mugar song applauded again with chants of Prof. Vahakn Dadrian Endowed Chair of Armenian Genocide “bravo.” Studies at Clark University. Several texts The pinnacle of both concerts was on the Armenian Genocide by the first the distribution of more than 1,200 the victims were brutalized through sexual two holders of the Armenian Genocide Kingdom of Cilicia flags per show, abuse, irrespective of gender, before being mur - Studies Chair, Prof. Simon Payaslian and which were waved by the audience dered. Children placed in Turkish homes were Prof. Taner Akcam, reinforce the exhibit’s during the song Veraganknir almost always sexually abused and brothels were theme of the power of the published Guiliguia that brought the stage to common. Another milder form of perpetration word. Contributions of Armenian- emotional heights by boasting the involved the reducing of female victims in many American writers include William ancestral roots of the dispersed Turkish households to the status of a concubine. Saroyan, Vrastad Kazanjian, and others. Armenians that still covet the return In rare instances the female victims were inte - A grand opening reception with of their ancestral lands. grated in a Turkish household as a legitimate refreshments is scheduled on José Mujica, the president of An audience member holding a young fan wife, often as one of several wives, or, as a single Wednesday, November 7, 7 p.m., in the enjoys the music. Uruguay, and his wife, were seen wife. Very few of these could — or wanted to — library’s Saxe Room with a lecture on enjoying the first night of the concert. return to their original household after the end Armenian book printing by two KOHAR is the brainchild of Armenian cultural patron, Harout Khatchadourian of of the war. Armenian newspaper editors, Alin Lebanon, who along with his brothers, sustains the activities and concerts of KOHAR Dadrian’s eye-opening lecture was followed Gregorian of the Armenian Mirror- in memory of his father and as tribute to his mother. by Maronian’s dynamic presentation of the Spectator and Khatchig Mouradian of KOHAR continued its tour of South America in Buenos Aries (October 27, 28 and Armenoid Team’s inception, accomplishments the Armenian Weekly . Their topic is 29), Cordoba ( November 3) and will perform in Sao Paulo (November 9, 10 and 11). and future plans with a focus on the team’s cur - “The Power Of The Printed Word: rent project, “Orphans of the Genocide” that Successes And Challenges, Past And consists of a documentary film and a compan - Present.” Other programs will follow ion book, telling the story of untold numbers of throughout November. The event is free Armenian children who had become prime tar - and open to the public. gets by the organizers of the Genocide. The Worcester Armenian Book Maronian’s extraordinary work depicts a theme Commemoration Committee is com - that for decades has remained overlooked by prised of representatives from the historians trying to explore the various aspects Worcester Armenian Community with of the World War I cataclysm that nearly oblit - the support of the Armenian Church of erated the Armenian nation. The material in Saviour, the Armenian Church of The question almost entirely focuses on the surviv - Martyrs, and Holy Trinity Armenian ing Armenian children. The extreme and Apostolic Church. The Committee deplorable condition and abuses of these sur - Chairman is Van M. Aroian and viving orphans allows insight into the overall Committee Members are Hrair B. context and intent of the crime. “Turkification” Aprahamian, Nevart Asadoorian, Charles also was a form of genocide that was perpetrat - K. Der Kazarian, Frank S. Minasian, ed on the Armenian nation by stripping the Sarah D. Moradian, Stephen J. Papazian. Uruguayan President José Mujica and his wife, Sen. Lucia Topolansky children of their Armenian identity. Maronian showed four complete segments see ORPHANS, page 12 12 S ATURDAY , N OVEMBER 3, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARTS & LIVING ‘Orphans of the Genocide’ Film Focuses on Children’s Trauma

ORPHANS, from page 11 thoughts on his film, who in return praised of the broadcast version of the film, which the well researched and produced film depict - resonated a benchmark production value and ing the stories of the Armenian Genocide a unique story telling technique. At the con - orphans. Maronian thanked the attendees for their support especially all those who contributed to his project. The seed money for the project was provided by Alecco Bezikian, who is the son of an Armenian Genocide orphan. Dr. Noubar Ouzounian and Sarah Chitjian, both a son and a daughter of Genocide orphans continually supported “Orphans of the Genocide.” “I wholeheartedly thank all those who made this project possible, specially the cura - tor of Ararat-Eskijian Museum, Maggie Goschin-Mangassarian who adopted this pro - ject from its inception,” he added. Among the dignitaries were Hollywood pro - ducer Howard Kazanjian and Missak Keleshian, the researcher who revealed the story of the Armenian Genocide orphans of Aintoura, Lebanon, who were destined for “Turkification.” The closing words were delivered by Nancy Eskijian, Esq., who reiterated the importance of supporting the project at hand in any way Archbishop Hovnan Derderian speaks, with a still from the film projected behind him. possible. Filmmaker Bared Maronian Finally, Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, the Primate of Western Diocese, commended ing to me.” Auditorium of Woodbury University, where Maronian’s work and concluded his words by Upon the conclusion of the event, the 18 images depicting the experiences of clusion of his presentation, Maronian gave saying, “after seeing this powerful film, I can guests were invited to a reception at the atri - Armenian Genocide orphans were displayed the attendees a chance to express their attest that the Genocide has a different mean - um of the Fletcher Jones Foundation on special canvas prints. Armenian Edition of Bournoutian’s A Concise History of the Armenian People Just Published

YEREVAN — Before the publication of A AGBU Armenia Representation Office in had achieved that goal; the original book had Century. For Bournoutian, who has orga - History of the Armenian People, a two-vol - Yerevan among dozens of academics, profes - been reissued three times, putting it out of nized and taught the very first Armenian his - ume set commissioned by AGBU from 1993- sionals and students. The diverse crowd print. That, as Bournoutian described at the tory courses at the University of Connecticut, 1994, teachers in the US and abroad were included visitors from Japan who are looking event, and the region’s changing political Glendale Community College, New York hard-pressed to find a comprehensive text on forward to the upcoming release of the landscape, prompted him to revisit the pro - University, Ramapo College, Rutgers Armenian history. With his semi - Japanese edition. Before signing ject. The new edition combined two volumes, University and Tufts University, such speak - nal treatise, scholar George their copies, Bournoutian took tracing centuries of Armenians’ struggles ing engagements help ensure that the story Bournoutian quickly changed the audience through each step of and contributions worldwide, while at the of the Armenian people is told — and heard that. Today, the text — a sweeping Books his research process, pointing to same time placing them in a modern context. around the world. account that ranges from ancient the book’s various documents In addition to the AGBU event, Bournoutian is a professor of Eastern times to present-day — is required and maps that fill its some 500 Bournoutian was invited to the American European and Middle Eastern History at Iona classroom reading. Updated and redistributed pages. He described the inspiration for the University of Armenia (AUA), where he pre - College. He has taught at the California State in 2002 as a single volume, A Concise ambitious text: to create a resource on sented his most recent work, The 1823 University at Fresno, University of California, History of the Armenian People, has been Armenian culture and history that would be Russian Survey of the Karabakh Province: A Los Angeles and Columbia University and reprinted in five different editions, number - accessible to all readers – Armenians and Primary Source on the Demography and has authored dozens of articles and publica - ing 20,000 copies in four languages, Arabic, non-Armenians alike. By the mid-1990s, he Economy of Karabakh in the Early 19th tions on Armenian history. English, Spanish and Turkish. Now, Bournoutian is celebrating the release of the book’s newest translation: the Armenian version made possible by AGBU. The translation, which was funded by the AGBU Cleveland Chapter, was done by Artsvi Sponsor a Teacher in Armenia and Karabagh 2012 Bakhchinyan in Yerevan. On Wednesday, September 19, 2012, Bournoutian debuted his latest work at the Since its inception in 2001, TCA’s ‘Sponsor a Teacher’ program has raised over $518,000 and reached out to 4,064 teachers and school workers in Armenia and Karabagh.

£

K Yes, I want to sponsor teachers in Armenia and Karabagh to continue helping them to educate the children, our future leaders. I would like to have the teacher’s name and address. K $160 K $ 320 K $ 480 K other $ ————————— Name Address City State Zip code Tel:

Make check payable to: Tekeyan Cultural Association – Memo: Sponsor a Teacher 2010 Entertainment Fridays Mail your check with this form to: TCA Sponsor a Teacher and Saturdays 5326 Valverde, Houston, TX 77056

Your donation is Tax Deductible. S ATURDAY , N OVEMBER 3, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 13 ARTS & LIVING St. James Church Celebrates Armenian Printing Anniversary with Rare Book Exhibit

WATERTOWN — On Sunday afternoon, Bible printed by Abbot Mkhitar of Sepastia, October 21, St. James Armenian Apostolic which was donated to St. James by the late Church commemorated the 500th Anniversary Mary Sarajian, who took the great risk of car - of Armenian Printing with an exhibition of rare rying the book with her from Gesaria to the Armenian printed books, organized by the St. United States. Other highlights include sam - ples from around the world, including: Venice, Amsterdam, Jerusalem, India, Paris, Tbilisi, the Mother See of Echmiadzin, the United States, Vienna and Constantinople, the most important center of Armenian printing. A brief program accompanied the exhi - bition, during which Alex Kalaydjian, Cultural Committee Chair, discussed the origins of early Armenian Printing. Kalaydjian also spoke about the circum - stances which led to the first Armenian book being printed outside the Motherland, and highlighted the various is the oldest book printed in Armenian. Ourpatakirk stages of Armenian printing up to the present day. Aljalian, in his closing remarks, James Cultural Committee. Following Divine expressed his pleasure in hosting this exhibi - Liturgy, a large crowd of parishioners gathered tion, and thanked the members of the Cultural to view the exhibition, along with St. James pas - Committee and Friends for organizing the tor, Rev. Arakel Aljalian and Rev. Arsen event. A lavish reception followed, while parish - Barsamian, associate pastor emeritus. ioners continued to get an up-close view of the A page from a Bible printed by Voskan Vartabed Also in attendance was special guest books on display. Archbishop Yeghishe Gizirian from New York, who presided over Divine Liturgy and delivered the sermon of the day. Close to 30 rare books were on display, all from private collections. Among them was the first printed Armenian book — Ourpatakirk , or Book of Fridays , the first printed Armenian C A LENDAR Bible by Voskan Vartabed, and an Armenian C A LENDAR

Summer of ’42: CALIFORNIA A Study of German- NOVEMBER 17 — Haigazian University Trustees Banquet in Armenian Relations in Honor of Joyce Philibosian Stein, Ellis Island honoree, Sheraton Universal Ballroom, Los Angeles. Social hour, 6 p.m., dinner, 7 p.m. Second World War For more information, call (323) 456-8031 or joyceabdu - [email protected]. ATGLEN, Penn. — Despite the over - whelming contributions made by the Armenians to the Allied war effort, it is MASSACHUSETTS widely unknown that at least 18,000 NOVEMBER 7 — The Worcester Armenian Book Commemoration served under the Third Reich. After the Committee hosts exhibit at Worcester Public Library during month war, these so-called collaborators were of November to commemorate the 500th Anniversary of Armenian chastised and indiscriminately labeled as book printing. Displays will explain, with essays and pictorial images, traitors by those unable to grasp the com - the development of the Armenian alphabet and illuminated plexity of their circumstances. Largely manuscripts and the advancement of Armenian printed books and based on archival research, Summer of materials. A Grand Opening Reception is scheduled for Wednesday, ‘42 attempts to separate fact from fallacy November 7, 7 p.m., in the Saxe room, and will include a discussion, by examining the complex motives, treat - titled, “The Power of the Printed Word: Successes and Challenges, ment and history of these Armenians. Past and Present,” by two editors, Alin Gregorian of the Armenian St. Stephen’s Armenian Apostolic Church Levon Thomassian was born in Mirror-Spectator and Khatchig Mouradian of the Armenian Weekly . Hartford, Conn. In 1994, he graduated will host its 56th annual bazaar this Friday Other programs will follow throughout November. The event is free and Saturday, November 2 & 3, from 10 from the University of California, Los and open to the public. For additional information call (508) 963- a.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Armenian Cultural Angeles, with an undergraduate degree in 2076. history. He later pursued his graduate NOVEMBER 9 — 10th Annual Bazaar sponsored by the Armenian & Educational Center. This year’s event will studies at the California State University, Church at Hye Pointe, 110 Main St. Haverhill. Friday, 12 to 8 p.m., feature traditional meals, Armenian pas - Northridge, writing his master’s thesis on Saturday, 12 to 7 p.m. Lamb, losh, chicken kebab and kheyma din - tries, arts and crafts, book sales, raffles German-Armenian relations during World ners served all day, along with your favorite Armenian cuisine. Pastry and attic treasures. The Armenian Cultural War II. He currently resides with is family Table, Country Store, Gift Basket Raffles and Raffles for Cash and & Educational Center is located at 47 Nichols in Los Angeles. Prizes. For more info, visit www.hyepointechurch.org or call (978) Avenue, Watertown, Mass. For more infor - Schiffer Publishing, Ltd. is based in 372-9227. mation, contact the church office at (617) Atglen on the Schiffer Book Farm. NOVEMBER 30 and DECEMBER 1 — “Trinity Christmas Bazaar,” 924-7562. This title can be purchased at Holy Trinity Armenian Church, 145 Brattle St., Cambridge, Friday, 3-9 www.schifferbooks.com. p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Delicious Armenian cuisine; farmer’s market, country store, candy, gourmet foods, pastries, wreaths & poinsettias, jewelry, second time around, silent auction, sports silent auction and more. Santa’s Playland, Saturday 10:30 Laughter” (Ser yev Dzidzagh), directed by Krikor Satamian, with a.m. to 12:30 p.m. more than 20 actors participating. Dwight Englewood High School, Englewood Cliffs, 8 p.m. on Saturday and 4 p.m. on Sunday. $25, MICHIGAN $35, $50. For tickets, call Marie Zokian or Noushig Atamian. NOVEMBER 18 — Join the TCA Mher Megerdchian Theatrical NOVEMBER 9 — The Cultural Society of Armenians from Istanbul Group Cast Par ty to celebrate “Love and Laughter.” Special hon - of Detroit will present a program titled “History of the Armenian oree, Karnig Nercessian, one of the founding members of the TCA Patriarchate in Jerusalem,” a lecture and slide presentation by David Mher Megerdchian Theatrical Group. St. Thomas Armenian Church, Terzibashian on the history of the Armenian Patriarchate from East Clinton Ave. & 9W, Tenafly. 8 p.m. Donation: $30. BYOB. For Apostolic times to the present. The presentation will be in English. tickets, call Marie Zokian (201) 745-8850, Maro Hajakian (201) 934- 7:30 p.m. at the AGBU Alex and Marie Manoogian School, 3427 or Noushig Atamian (718) 344-5582. Multipurpose Room, Southfield. The entire community is invited and a reception will follow. RHODE ISLAND NEW JERSEY NOVEMBER 24 — Christmas with Onnik Dance hosted by the Providence ACYOA. 70 Jefferson St., Providence, RI. Doors open at 8 NOVEMBER 17-18 — Musical theater presentation by TCA Mher p.m. Adults $30 and Students $20. Mezza, cash bar and raffle. Megerdchian Theatrical Group, Yervant Odian’s “Love and Contact Kevork Vartanian for details: [email protected]. 14 S ATURDAY , N OVEMBER 3, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMENTARY

T HE A RMENIAN COMMENTARY Mirror- From ‘Whispers’ to Loud Demands of Justice

Armenians. By Edmond Y. Azadian Another example is Charles Aznavour, who after attaining Spectator international fame, dedicated himself to Armenian advocacy. Who would imagine that a second- or third-generation The Armenian communities around the world preserve col - Italian-Armenian in Padua, Italy, professor of comparative lit - lectively the language, history, traditions, religion and mem - erature Antonia Arslan, would come up with a best-selling ory. They are the ones to react in massive waves to injustices, novel, Skylark Farm , that once again dramatizes the to the denials of the Genocide and they can mobilize forces Armenian Genocide in literary form. The story, based on her Established 1932 for political action. One would surmise that major actions in grandfather, made a lot of noise in her native Italy, and was An ADL Publication dramatizing the Genocide issue must always come from the turned into a movie by the noted Italian producer/directors, mainstream Armenian communities. But it is not always the the Taviani brothers. case. Chris Bohjalian, a popular American novelist, had never

EDITOR Yes, we can generate an impact when we rally at New touched upon Armenian subjects in his novels. He had made Alin K. Gregorian York’s Times Square for a Genocide memorial service, with his literary fame through his novels addressing the human some political reverberations. But history has proven time condition, and almost all centered in his home state of ASSISTANT EDITOR and again, that world-class artists or celebrities who are not Vermont. However, the question of the Armenian Genocide Gabriella Gage political activists per se, have contributed in a major way to was brewing in his blood and this genetic memory eventual - the recognition of the Genocide by touching the conscience ly gave rise to his latest bestseller. The Sandcastle Girls , ASSOCIATE EDITOR of mankind, rather than by straightforward political which the author believes reflects his inner self, his love, has Aram Arkun activism. become his best work, if not one of the most popular. ART DIRECTOR I came to this realization recently by reading about a book No one has assigned any responsibility to the writers and Marc Mgrditchian which was not written nor published in a large Armenian artists to uphold the recognition of the Genocide. They are community, yet is receiving international attention and fame. personally driven by a deep-rooted atavism which erupts vol - First, a bit of background: We seldom hear about the canically as these artists deal with their inner truths and the SENIOR EDITORIAL COLUMNIST: Romanian-Armenian community, which has a history that histories which have shaped them. Edmond Azadian dates back almost 1,000 years. When the medieval city of Ani One of the most famous examples of the profound politi - was overrun by the Seljuks, the Armenian population dis - cal contribution by an artist is Serj Tankian, the former CONTRIBUTORS: persed throughout Crimea and in Eastern Europe, settling leader singer of the popular heavy metal band, System of a Florence Avakian, Elizabeth Aprahamian, particularly in Romania, Hungary and Bulgaria. In the sec - Down, and a successful solo artist. Tankian, the child of Daphne Abeel, Dr. Haroutiune ond half of the 20th century, that part of Europe was shut Lebanese-Armenian immigrants who was raised in Los Arzoumanian, Taleen Babayan, Prof. off from the rest of the world. And the example I would like Angeles, is the idol of many young fans. He spontaneously Vahakn N. Dadrian, Diana Der Hovanessian, Philip Ketchian, Kevork to cite to generalize the phenomenon comes from that part announced in his concerts attended by thousands of fans: “It Keushkerian, Sonia Kailian-Placido , of the world, from Romania, to be exact. was a Genocide.” Harut Sassounian, Mary Terzian, Hagop Indeed a novel was published in Bucharest in 2006 and it Soprano Hasmik Papian was approached by an admiring Vartivarian, Naomi Zeytoonian is now making waves throughout Latin America. The novel journalist after her stellar performance of the opera is titled, The Book of Whispers , and the author is Varoujan “Norma” at NY’s Metropolitan Opera and was asked to what CORRESPONDENTS: Vosganian, who has also served as the minister of economy does she ascribe her unusual talent. “I am an Armenian,” Armenia - Hagop Avedikian and finance of Romania. The novel is based on the memoirs was her response. Boston - Nancy Kalajian of his grandfather, a survivor of the Armenian Genocide. That self-appointed mission can extend over other fron - Philadelphia - Lisa Manookian Although the author is fluent in Western Armenian, his tiers too. For example, Kirk Kerkorian, who has never been Contributing Photographers: book was written in Romanian in order to reach a broader in the mainstream of Armenian life, even had all the reasons Jacob Demirdjian, Harry Koundakjian, Jirair audience. to resent his Armenian affiliation, because he had Hovsepian The novel has already been translated into Hebrew, been denied a scholarship. And now he has been con - French, Swedish, Bulgarian, German, Italian and Spanish. At tributing to Armenia many millions of dollars. the present time, it enjoys a great popularity in Latin And lest we forget, the dubiously-famous Kim Kardashian, The Armenian Mirror-Spectator is published American countries. The Spanish-speaking people have who is known for many things, none of which are remotely weekly, except two weeks in July, by: noted commonalities between Vosgaranian’s novel and the intellectual. A steady stream of scandalous (to use a quaint Baikar Association, Inc. works of Colombian Nobel Prize winner, Gabriel Garcia word rarely used now) photos and videos featuring 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 Marquez, especially in terms of its mystical style. Many rave Kardashian in various states of undress with or without part - Telephone: 617-924-4420 reviews have appeared in the Latin American press about the ners, has brought her much fame. However, on April 24 FAX: 617-924-2887 book. when she Tweeted, “Today we all need to stand together & In an interview with the Colombian paper, La Semana , remember the 1.5 million people who were massacred in the www.mir rorspectator.com Vosganian confided that he is an admirer of Marquez and Armenian Genocide, April 24th, 1915,” she was re-Tweeted E-Mail: editor@mirrorspectator .com that he regards the author’s One Hundred Years of Solitude thousands of times and her statement was covered by many For advertising: [email protected] as one of his favorite pieces of literature. major mainstream sites on the Internet, reaching millions of Vosganian was recently invited to Bogota, Colombia, to people. attend a literary festival honoring Marquez. No one will confuse Kardashian with Vahakn Dadrian, The reader of this column can guess what happened next: Richard Hovannisian or Taner Akçam in terms of scholar - SUBSCRIPTION RATES : Turkish officials in Romania have tried to stop the publica - ship, yet she is able to reach more people than any of those tion of the novel to no avail. They have also tried the same eminent scholars, which in and of itself is a sad commentary in Latin America, but the move has backfired and raised the on our society. U.S.A. $80 a year profile — and thus popularity of the novel — further. In fact, Cher, in her turn, shared the agony of Armenia during the Canada $125 a year the book has even been presented on television. devastating 1988 earthquake. Sometimes a single book can do more than an entire com - This is a phenomenon that we will encounter time and Other Countries $190 a year mittee in a way a community may not be able to achieve. again in our history. There will always be hidden activists This novel is not a memoir, per se, nor is it a narrative of who will come forward to contribute to the Armenian cause. the events of the Genocide. It has literary merit, written in This is a fortunate stroke of luck. © 2011 The Armenian Mirror-Spectator Marquezian spirit. Vosganian says it is not the job of the nov - Does that mean that mainstream Armenian life is inca - Periodical Class Postage Paid at Boston, MA elist to moralize or give answers to the issues raised in a lit - pable of producing such figures or phenomena? Of course and additional mailing offices. erary work. The writer has to give the truth and the conclu - not. But the need to reveal the truth about the Armenian ISSN 0004-234X sion must be left to the readers. Genocide always will erupt at unexpected moments by unex - Vosganian’s case is one example. There are many similar pected talents to illuminate our path to the future. We have POSTMASTER : Send address changes to The individuals and cases, which prove that there is a latent force to have confidence that the “whispers” in Vosganian’s novel Armenian Mirror-Spectator, P.O. Box 302, in history, buried deep down, and we never know when and will amplify in time to become loud demands for justice Watertown, MA 02471-0302 how that force will surface and dramatize the plight of the worldwide. Other than the editorial, views and opinions expressed in this newspaper do not necessarily eflect the policies of the publisher. LETTERS

get its way. On the issues important to ters, it was a quasi ally of ours during the Cold Just Vote! Armenians, we know that Obama is philo - War by allowing us to spy on the Soviet Union, Copying for other than personal use or sophically on our side based on statements he and it is continuing that relationship by giving internal reference is prohibited without made in the past. So if he is reelected, there is us tactical support in our Mideast wars. In express permission of the copyright To the Editor: a chance that he may act more in tune with his deciding who to vote for, ask yourself, who got owner. Address requests for reprints or back issues to: No one would argue that President Obama gut feelings being freed from future political us into those wars, and who is extricating us hasn't been somewhat of a disappointment for constraints. We don't know what Romney's from them now. Baikar Association, Inc. those who voted for him. But to sit out the gut feelings are, or considering all his vacilla - 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 coming presidential election because of that tions, whether he actually has any. As to why –Berge Tatian would be like a child sulking because it didn't we are so deferential to Turkey on such mat - Stoneham, MA S ATURDAY , N OVEMBER 3, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 15 COMMENTARY

Award on his behalf. Here are highlights from Senator ers. Reid’s speech: “As Majority Leader, I rarely cosponsor legislation. But I “I am disappointed that, because of an automobile acci - have traveled to Armenia; I know the story of the Genocide. dent, I can’t be with you tonight. I appreciate Harut Therefore, I have been a long-time cosponsor of the Sassounian for his advocacy for these many years, and ulti - Armenian Genocide resolution. My Turn mately, his friendship. “To move forward, I believe we must acknowledge the “The Armenian National Committee has, of course, past — no matter how difficult or painful. We must honor By Harut Sassounian always been at the forefront of supporting Armenia and the the memory of those who lost their lives and pay tribute to causes that are important to the Armenian-American com - those who survived. munity. “I am fortunate to represent a thriving and vibrant ANCA Honors Senate Majority “I have enjoyed my relationship with Armenian- Armenian community in Nevada, which will soon complete Leader For Championing Americans — from my marathon training partner Art a new church in Las Vegas. And while I was in Armenia, I Dakesian to my friend and former law client, Kirk visited the Mother See of Holy Echmiadzin and the Armenian Causes Kerkorian. Catholicos. “Having been born in a home in Searchlight, Nevada, “The endurance and strength of the Armenian commu - The Armenian National Committee of America, Western with no inside toilet, hot water or other modern conve - nity in Nevada, and throughout the United States is a tes - Region, honored Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid on niences was hard for me to accept. My parents were uned - tament and an honor to those who were lost in the October 28 with the organization’s highest and most pres - ucated; my father didn’t graduate from the eighth grade Genocide. We must always be vigilant to atrocities like the tigious “Freedom Award.” and my mother didn’t graduate from high school. In most Armenian Genocide from occurring ever again — in any Regrettably, Senator Reid could not attend ANCA’s annu - ways, things surrounding my youth were not exemplary. part of the world.” al banquet because of a car accident two days earlier. The “It took me many years to really accept who I was. But Senator Reid then urged everyone to “honor and remem - Senator’s motorcade was involved in a six-car pile-up on my youth — the place and circumstances of my birth -- made ber the loss of so many during the Armenian Genocide Interstate 15, in Las Vegas. Fortunately, Senator Reid me who I am. Once I personally accepted this, I became a nearly 100 years ago.” escaped serious injury, but suffered some bruised ribs. better person, a better American. The Majority Leader also expressed his satisfaction that In my introductory remarks at the banquet, I noted that “So, I say to each of you, no matter the circumstances of “the Obama Administration and a number of members of the ANCA was honoring one of America’s most powerful your upbringing — accept it. Because in America, it doesn’t Congress strongly condemned Azerbaijan’s pardon of an legislators for his outstanding service to the nation and his matter, and I testify to this. It doesn’t matter your eco - Azeri military officer. The officer was released from prison longstanding support for the aspirations of the Armenian nomic circumstances, your religion, the education of your despite being convicted of brutally murdering an Armenian people. parents or your ethnicity. In America, we can all succeed. military lieutenant with an ax as he slept. The two men I observed that “the Majority Leader has diligently In short, be proud of who you are. were at a NATO training in Hungary when the murder worked, often quietly, at the highest echelons of the US “I am pleased to accept this award and reaffirm my sup - occurred.” government to defend Armenian-American issues and val - port for the Armenian-American community. Senator Reid concluded his remarks urging Armenian- ues. He has cosponsored every Senate resolution to reaf - “I repeat, the Armenian National Committee of America Americans to be “very proud of where you come from and firm the Armenian Genocide.” has always been at the forefront of supporting Armenia and of your Armenian heritage.” Due to Senator Reid’s understandable absence from the the causes important to the Armenian-American community. Along with Senator Reid, the ANCA honored entrepre - banquet, ANCA Chairman Ken Hachigian read the “You have succeeded in bringing the true story of the neur Varant Melkonian, Rev. Joseph Matossian, Dr. Rubina Senator’s prepared remarks and accepted the Freedom Armenian Genocide to the attention of national policy lead - Peroomian, and author Chris Bohjalian. Cuban Missile Crisis: The Other, Secret One

indignation over the concessions Khrushchev had made to short of global nuclear war until November 20. By Joe Matthews Kennedy, might lead to a breakdown of the agreement Mikoyan came to a personal decision that under no cir - between the superpowers, the Soviet leader concocted a cumstances should Castro and his military be given control plan to give Castro a consolation prize. of weapons with an explosive force equal to 100 Hiroshima- ontrary to popular belief, the Cuban missile crisis The prize was an offer to give Cuba more than 100 tacti - sized bombs. did not end with the agreement between the US cal nuclear weapons that had been shipped to Cuba along He then extricated Moscow from a seemingly intractable and Soviet Union in October, 1962. Unknown to with the long-range missiles, but which crucially had passed situation which risked blowing the entire crisis back up in the US at the time, there were 100 other nuclear completely under the radar of US intelligence. the faces of Kennedy and Khrushchev. weapons also in the hands of Cuba, sparking a Khrushchev concluded that because the Americans had - On November 22, 1962, during a tense, four-hour meet - frantic — and ingenious — Russian mission to n’t listed the missiles on their list of demands, the Soviet ing, Mikoyan was forced to use the dark arts of diplomacy recover them. Union’s interests would be well served by keeping them in to convince Castro that despite Moscow’s best intentions, it In November 2011, aware that the 50th Cuba. would be in breach of an unpublished Soviet law (which C anniversary of the most dangerous few weeks in Kremlin number two, Anastas Mikoyan, was charged with didn’t actually exist) to transfer the missiles permanently history was less than a year away, my Russian making the trip to Havana, principally to calm Castro down into Cuban hands and provide them with an independent colleague Pasha Shilov and I came across several new and make him what seemed like an offer he couldn’t refuse. nuclear deterrent. accounts that changed our perspective on the Cuban mis - Mikoyan, whose wife was seriously ill, took the assign - Finally after Mikoyan’s trump card, Castro was forced to sile crisis and how much we thought we knew about it. ment knowing that the future of relations between Cuba give way and - much to the relief of Khrushchev and the Growing up in Berkshire, England, through the nuclear and the Soviet Union were on the line. Shortly after arriv - whole Soviet government — the tactical nuclear weapons paranoia of the 1980s, with Ronald Reagan’s Cruise and ing in Cuba, Mikoyan received word that his wife had died, were finally crated and returned by sea back to the Soviet Pershing missiles stationed only 30 miles away from my but despite this, he pledged to stay in Cuba and complete Union during December,1962. family home, I was inculcated with a keen awareness of negotiations with Castro. This story has illuminated a chapter in history that has Cold War brinkmanship. In the weeks that followed, Mikoyan kept the detail of the been partially closed for the past 50 years. Pasha grew up in Moscow and described how it was from missile transfer to himself while he witnessed the mood But it leaves us with a great respect for Mikoyan and his the Soviet point of view — equally frightening by his swings and paranoia of the Cuban leader convinced that ability to judge and eventually contain an extremely dan - account. Moscow had sold Cuba’s defense down the river. gerous situation which could have affected many millions of But what we’ve now learned about the chilling events of Castro particularly objected to the constant flights over people. October and November 1962 has put our own experiences Cuba by American surveillance aircraft and, as Mikoyan into perspective — and maybe given rise to a few more grey learned to his horror, ordered Cuban anti-aircraft gunners hairs along the way. to fire on them. (Joe Matthews is reporter and producer for Wild Iris Our investigations took us to St Petersburg and the Knowing how delicate the state of relations were between TV, which has made a short film about the “secret” Soviet Submariners Veterans’ Society via the National the US and Russia after the worst crisis since World War II, Cuban missile crisis. This column originally appeared in Security Archive in Washington DC, where Svetlana US forces around the world remained on Defcon 2, one BBC News Magazine online on October 12.) Savranskaya, the director of the Russian archives, told us an incredible story. There had been a second secret missile crisis that con - tinued the danger of a catastrophic nuclear war until the end of November 1962. Notice to Contributors This extended the known missile crisis well beyond the The welcomes articles, com - son and a daytime telephone number. weekend of 27-28 October, the time that had always been Armenian Mirror-Spectator thought of as the moment the danger finally lifted with the mentaries and community news from our readers. In order — Deadline for submission of all articles and advertising is deal between Kennedy and Khrushchev to withdraw the to assure the accurate and timely publication of articles noon on the Monday of the week of publication. Soviet missiles in exchange for a US promise not to invade submitted, please note the following policies: — Photos will be published without charge at the discretion Cuba. of the editors and art director. Photos will be returned only The secret missile crisis came about through an unnerv - — All articles submitted should be typed, double (or triple) if a self-addressed and stamped envelope is included. spaced and printed in a type size large enough to be clear - — The will publish only one article about an upcoming ing mix of Soviet duplicity, American intelligence failures M-S and the mercurial temperament of Fidel Castro. ly legible (10 point or larger). Submissions that do not con - organizational event. For major special events, exceptions The Cuban leader, cut out of the main negotiations form to these specifications will be assigned lowest priority. may be made only by special arrangement with the editors. between the superpowers over the fate of the long-range — Articles sent by fax are acceptable, and e-mail submis - — Telephone numbers, ticket prices and other details (at Soviet missiles stationed in Cuba, began to cease coopera - sions are encouraged. the discretion of the editors) will not be included in press tion with Moscow. — All submissions should include the name of a contact per - releases. Fearing that Castro’s hurt pride and widespread Cuban 16 S ATURDAY , N OVEMBER 3, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR