JUNE 17, 2017 Mirror-SpeTHE ARMENIAN ctator Volume LXXXVII, NO. 48, Issue 4492 $ 2.00 NEWS The First English Language Armenian Weekly in the United States Since 1932 INBRIEF US House Annual Mirror- Spectator Vacation Unanimously WATERTOWN — The Armenian Mirror-Spectator will be closed for two weeks for its annual summer Condemns vacation. The issue of July 1 is going to be the last issue Turkish Violence before the vacation. The first issue back will be that Against Protestors of July 22. World’s Longest Zip Calls on Perpetrators to be Line to Be in Armenia Brought to Justice YEREVAN (Armenpress) — The world’s longest WASHINGTON — On June 6, the US zip line will be opened in Yell Extreme Park in House of Representatives unanimously Yenokavan, this summer, Tigran Chibukhchyan, adopted House Resolution 354 with a vote cofounder of the park told reporters. of 397-0, which condemns the violence “The architectural section of the zip line is against peaceful protesters outside the almost completed and only a few issues remain to First Lady of Armenia Rita Sargsyan at the My Way center with students and staff Turkish Ambassador’s residence on May be solved. Construction will begin from June 20. 16, 2017, and calls for measures to be We have planned to finish it by August,” taken to prevent similar incidents in the Chibukhchyan said. ‘My Way’ Is Helping Children future. H.Res. 354 was spearheaded by A crowd funding was held May 4 to June 2 on House Foreign Affairs Chairman Ed Royce Indiegogo for building the world’s longest zipline in With Autism in Armenia (R-CA), Ranking Member Eliot Engel (D- Armenia, raising $22,165. Yell Extreme Park offers NY), Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R- also paragliding, paintball, horse riding, off-road dri- YEREVAN — It was not the atmosphere we expected to find in a center for CA), and Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer (D- ving tours and other active leisure services. youngsters with autism: laughter rang out of one room where children were MD), and calls for “the perpetrators to be The zip line will be 2,680 meters long. busily painting, while piano brought to justice.” music sounded in another “House Resolution 354 puts Congress By Muriel Mirak-Weissbach room, where two young lads firmly on record in clear, unmistakable Cargo with Armenian Special to the Mirror-Spectator were performing a duet. terms condemning the actions of the Support Reaches Syria Playing from memory without Turkish security guards last month. The scores, they were fully concen- resolution also demands that Turkey imme- DAMASCUS (Prensa Latina) — The Armenian trated, absorbed in producing the strong rhythms. When one of the lads played diately lift diplomatic immunity for all Diocese of Damascus this week received 40 tons of a solo piece, his companion grabbed the hands of a woman (who turned out to those who assaulted US citizens and law food supplied by the people and government of be his mother) and swept her up enforcement officers. This resolution also Armenia sent by the Armenian Church of Armenia,. in dancing across the floor. In calls for the US State Department and the Armenia’s Ambassador to Syria Arshak Poladian another room, a child hovered US Secret Service to review their security highlighted that the cargo was sent by order of over his notebook, carefully writ- procedures and for them to convey to Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan himself. ing out exercise sentences in Turkish officials in clear terms the expec- This contribution — the third this year — is part Armenian under the watchful eyes tations for the behavior of their security of a consistent delivery of humanitarian support to of his teacher. In other small teams when they are operating in the US,” Syria since 2012, responding to the Syrian solidar- rooms, the same one-on-one com- Chairman Royce said on the House floor. ity with Armenia for more than 100 years. bination of specialist and student “Passage of this resolution is an appropri- A week ago, another delivery had reached the air- was to be seen: whether in speech ate, strong response by this House to these port of Damascus with 18 tons of humanitarian therapy or physical therapy. The First Lady of Armenia Rita Sargsyan with brutal actions by Turkish forces.” support and other first necessity items. scenes depicted youngsters con- AGBU President Berj Setrakian see VIOLENCE, page 16 centrated on tasks that they were carrying out in their own fashion, Valencia Recognizes with serenity, or delight or outright joy. The meaning of the center’s slogan — Armenian Genocide “I am different, I am one of you” — was immediately apparent. Heritage Park see AUTISM, page 3 VALENCIA, Spain — On June 9, the Valencia City Fundraiser Brings Council adopted a motion on the recognition and condemnation of the Armenian Genocide, reports the Armenian Embassy in Spain. Together Eating The municipal groups Compromís, València en Congressional Letter Protests Comú and Socialista voted in favor of the motion Well, Doing Good presented by the Armenian Association “Ararat” on Proposed Cuts in Aid to Armenia the recognition of the Armenian Genocide, thus condemning the first genocide of the 20th century WASHINGTON — Since the White House from its responsibilities as the world’s lead- By Alin K. Gregorian and calling on the Valencian Courts, the released its budget recommendations for ing democracy. As the US and Armenia com- Mirror-Spectator Staff Government of Spain and Turkey to follow suit. FY18 on May 23, the Armenian Assembly memorate the 25th anniversary of diplomat- of America (Assembly) joined with ic relations, we urge the committee to reject BOSTON — One hates to stereotype, but Members of Congress to express concern the harmful cuts to US aid to Armenia pro- for many Armenians, food and conversa- about the 67 percent reduction in foreign posed by the President’s FY18 budget,” they tion, especially talking about food, can ele- INSIDE aid to Armenia. Spearheaded by continued. vate any evening. Congresswoman Anna Eshoo (D-CA), 27 Last week, the Assembly submitted testi- On Friday, June 9, the Armenian Members of Congress sent a letter to House mony to the Senate Appropriations Heritage Park brought together many in Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Subcommittee on State, Foreign the community who like good food and Bohjalian Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Operations, and Related Programs for also want to support efforts to maintain Chairman Hal Rogers (R-KY) and Ranking Fiscal Year 2018 highlighting key priorities. the park, at the Boston Public Market. Member Nita Lowey (D-NY) sharing those The Assembly’s testimony calls for: $40 mil- see CHEFS, page 8 concerns. lion in US economic aid to Armenia; $8 mil- Talk in LA The cuts in aid to Armenia dropped from lion to Artsakh; full enforcement of Section $20.4 million in FY16 to $6.8 million pro- 907 of the Freedom Support Act; $20 mil- Page 11 posed for FY18. lion to implement the Royce-Engel initiative “As Members who care deeply about to advance peace; assistance to protect and strengthening the bilateral relationship safeguard Christian minorities at risk in the between the United States and the Republic Middle East escaping to Armenia, such as INDEX of Armenia, we urge you to reject the harm- inclusion in the Near East Foundation’s Arts and Living ...... 11 ful cuts to US foreign aid to Armenia includ- programs in the region; $11 million in US Armenia ...... 2,3 ed in the President’s Fiscal Year 2018 military assistance to Armenia; and assis- Community News...... 5 (FY18) budget,” the Representatives stated tance to the Samtskhe-Javakheti region of Editorial ...... 14 International ...... 4 in the letter. “At a time of tremendous glob- Georgia. The Assembly also strongly sup- al uncertainty, the US should continue to ports a second US-Armenia Millennium foster the progress of its allies, not retreat Challenge compact. 2 S ATURDAY, J UNE 1 7 , 2 0 1 7 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARMENIA News From Armenia Sixth Armenian Church Representative Assembly was Convened in the Mother See of Holy Echmiadzin Drug Traffickers ECHMIADZIN — On June 6, under Church of North America, and Levon was possible to organize the joint the presidency of Karekin II, Supreme Sargsyan (Araratyan Pontifical Diocese), Episcopal Assemblies, as a result of Arrested for Smuggling Patriarch and Catholicos of All were elected as co-chairman of the which we offered the rite of canoniza- Armenians; the 6th Armenian Church Assembly. The positions of co-Vice tion of the victims of the Armenian Meth from US Representative Assembly commenced a Chairman was assumed by Archbishop Genocide. We are delighted that year by YEREVAN (Armenpress) — Amid an ongoing inves- four-day meeting in the Mother See of Abraham Mkrtchyan, Primate of the year the pilgrimages of our faithful sons tigation, Armenian law enforcement agencies uncov- Holy Echmiadzin. The ered a drug trafficking case by an organized criminal meeting is being attend- group. The drugs were smuggled from the United ed by Bishops of the States in large quantities. The investigative commit- Mother See and the tee said the drug traffickers have been identified – Hierarchal Sees; one of them being a resident of the United States, Primates of the Dioceses and the two others of Armenia. According to evi- of Armenia and Diaspora; dence — a US-based ethnic Armenian man conspired Locum Tenens; Pontifical with his childhood friend from Armenia, and the lat- Delegations; members of ter’s acquaintance — on selling large amounts of the Supreme Spiritual drugs. According to their agreement, the man Council; elected clergy acquired a large amount of methamphetamine in the and lay representatives US and sent it to Armenia, hidden in a package. The from the Hierarchal Sees, package was received by his accomplice in Armenia, Pontifical Delegations who tried to transport it to their other accomplice, and Dioceses around the but failed and was caught by police. world. The two citizens in Armenia have been charged and Led by the Catholicos remanded in custody. An arrest warrant has been of All Armenians, the issued for the US-based man. 150 delegates attended the Sunrise Service in the Mother Cathedral TUMO Center to Be prior to the meeting. The sixth Armenian Some of those assembled at the Representative Assembly in Echmiadzin Established in Armenia’s Church Representative Koghb Community Assembly was opened with the Lord’s Prayer in the Diocese of Vayots Dzor, and Dr. from worldwide dioceses to Jerusalem YEREVAN (Armenpress)— Koghb community in Events Auditorium of the Gevorkian Varoujan Altebarmakian, member of the is increased, through which a support is the province of Tavush will soon be the home of the Theological Seminary. Archbishop Supreme Spiritual Council (Western extended to the Armenian Patriarchate latest branch of the TUMO Center for Creative Yeznik Petrosyan, a member of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of of Jerusalem. “ Technologies. The center in Koghb will be able to Supreme Spiritual Council and North America). He also spoke about the difficulties accommodate 600-1000 students from Koghb, Executive Secretary of the Bible Society In his message, the catholicos said, “ in the Armenian Patriarchate of Noyemberyan, Berdayan and nearby settlements. of Armenia gave opening remarks, fol- The constitutions by which our ecclesi- Constantinople. “We offer thanks to On June 5, the groundbreaking ceremony of lowing which he invited Karekin II to astical life will be regulated, especially God, that upon our advice and as our TUMO Center was held in Koghb with the participa- convey his blessings and message to the the administrative aspect of our Church, pious people were expecting, through tion of President Serzh Sargsyan. The project is participants. are anchored in the commandments of the joint efforts of the clergy and lay being jointly implemented with Koghb Foundation. Following the Pontifical message, the Gospel, in the canons of the holy officials of the Patriarchate it became During the ceremony, Chairman of the Board of Archbishop Karekin Bekchian, Locum fathers, and in the centuries-long tradi- possible to restore the normal state of Trustees of Koghb Foundation Arman Barseghyan Tenens of the Armenian Patriarchate of tion of our church, at the same time life within the Patriarchate and the delivered speech stating: “TUMO-Koghb project in Constantinople, made remarks. The demanding a mission which is in accord Patriarchal Locum Tenens was able to reality is symbolic and has certain features and many assume his duties. Once more we important components. The first component I want express our support to the Locum to mention is the educational component which is Tenens of the Patriarch perhaps the most important tool for making long- of Constantinople, His Eminence term changes. The second key factor is the regional Archbishop Karekin Bekchian and development issue. This is another project which con- urge him to undertake with diligence tributes to the development of provinces. In this the current works of the Patriarchate sense, we believe that TUMO-Koghb project will play and organize the election of the a significant role for Koghb and adjacent communi- Armenian Patriarch of Constantinople ties. This initiative is also important from security in accordance with the canons of our perspective since cooperation with the army is Church.” expected within the frames of the project. In the He addressed the benevolent works of morning, the center will also be used by soldiers,” he the Holy See. “Through the Charitable said. Social office of the Mother See, the The leader of the Education Department at the church provides help for the needy and Tavush Governorate Karen Nazaryan said from the the vulnerable, to whom last year was start the Simonian Educational Foundation while allocated 820 million drams in total. The proposing the TUMO center project put a goal to fur- Mother See also takes care of those ther develop the contemporary information knowl- sons and daughters who have fled Syria edge of Armenian children. “Personally, being Catholicos of All Armenians and other religious dignitaries and found refuge in Armenia. The engaged in educational reforms, I can state that goal enlargement and productivity of the is being fulfilled. The results are especially visible in activities of our Church have become our province. The first TUMO center in our province Locum Tenens expressed his joy on the with the needs of the modern world.” possible in the reality of independent was opened in Dilijan. We are very happy that after occasion of convening of the Church He added, “A consultation review pro- statehood and with the complete sup- long-lasting discussions a decision was made and Representative Assembly, which is ject has been undertaken by us with an port of state organizations. Having this agreement was signed in 2016 to open the second aimed at regulating and benefitting the intent to increase the efficiency of oper- in mind we would like to express our TUMO center in Tavush province. I want to thank all church life and efficiency of the Church ations in our ecclesiastical life. The pro- gratitude and appreciation to our state those who had their contribution to implementing mission. He also reflected on the ject was discussed several times at the officials on behalf of you, the partici- this important initiative,” Nazaryan said. progress and achievements by the sessions of the Supreme Spiritual pants of the Diocesan Representative The funds for construction of the center will be church over the recent years. Council and has received an approval. Assembly.” provided based on donations of Koghb foundation, The official opening of the Assembly Presently, 20 clergymen and lay people He praised the independent state of TUMO, Ucom and Mission Enfance. was followed by nomination and elec- are being involved in the works of the Armenia and Artsakh. tion of officers and committees. The project, both from Armenia and from “It is our sacred duty to show support Assembly elected Archbishop Khajag the Diaspora. All of them are undertak- to the Armenian Army, to the establish- 2,000-Dram Banknotes Barsamian (Eastern Diocese of the ing the formulation of the task and ment of peace at our borders, unifica- Expected to Be Issued in Armenian Church of North America) questions, based on which the necessary tion of all the efforts for the sake of and Mr. Levon Sargsyan (Araratian research of the consultation project will empowerment of the Republic of Armenia Pontifical Diocese), to serve as Co- take place. The project is being coordi- Artsakh and its international recogni- Chairman, and Bishop Abraham nated by a renowned and experi- tion, and to the victory of our just YEREVAN (Armenpress) — A new bill may be in Mkrtchyan (Diocese of Vayots Dzor) and enced compatriot of ours from the cause,” the Catholicos said. circulation in Armenia soon. Dr. Varoujan Altebarmakyan (US United States, Mr. Aso Tavitian.” He added that he was looking forward The 2,000-dram banknotes, the spokesman for the Western Diocese of the Armenian He also referred to positive relations to next year, when “our people will cele- Central Bank of Armenia Harutyun Kbeyan, said, Church of North America) to serve as with other sees. “We note with gratitude brate the 100th anniversary of the will be issued when the board makes a final decision Vice-Co-Chairman. that the relations between the Mother Battle of Sardarapat, and the establish- on a timetable. During the first session, the election See and the hierarchical sees are on ment of the first Republic of Armenia. Ample notice will be given before the bill is issued, of the secretaries, audit and rules com- good terms. Joint committees with the We shall use this opportunity to value he added. mittee was held. His Eminence Catholicosate of the Great House of our independent statehood, to renew Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate Cilicia consistently continue to operate. our love and responsibility towards our of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Through such fraternal relationships it motherland.” S A T U R D A Y , J U N E 1 7 , 2 0 1 7 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 3 ARMENIA ‘My Way’ Is Helping Children With Autism in Armenia

AUTISM, from page 1 Armenians who exhibited their works in over 100 students. This was the Socio- tors are seeking funds for the necessary reno- As Lilith Soghomonyan and Sona Petrosyan, Wiesbaden last December (see “Portraits of the Rehabilitation Day Care Center for Children vation. Here the vocational training program co-founders and board members, explained to Artists as Young Men,” December 10, 2016 and and Teenagers with Autism known as My Way. will find its logical continuation as students will my husband and me, taking us on a tour of the “Art Inspires Artists,” December 17, 2016). The new Center brings together the ANF, the learn the advanced skills and specialization in My Way Socio-Rehabilitation Day Care Center Through Beil’s intervention, Maria Kaminski, NGO “Autism.Overcoming” and the ICDC in various fields, preparing them for employment last April, the children come to the center five director of the German organization named one facility and is able to offer therapy to 5 in different professions. About 70 students days a week from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and “Autismus,” travelled to Yerevan several times times the number of students assisted in the should find work here, while others will seek take part in a wide range of activities, selected with associates and organized workshops for previous site. employment independently outside the center. in consultation with the parents according to the families of autistic children. Kaminski is the specific needs of each individual. Therapy is also the mother of a son with autism, and that Providing a Healthy Life Chain National and Regional Pioneer provided in small groups where appropriate or is how she got started. She has founded 82 (!) At the same time, a second building was The goal is for the center to operate in three individually, as for example, in speech therapy. centers for autism in Germany and is currently made available on a neighboring site, slated to buildings: in the first, more than 100 children Music, art, — whether drawing, painting, paper President of the National Association of Autism house another My Way Center, this one provid- under the age of 14 will find accommodation, in maché or clay modeling — sports, gardening or — Germany.) She told the Armenian parents, ing age-specific vocational training for the second, 70 teenagers and young adults at a making candles, — all sorts of playful and pro- “You have to do something” and they did. teenagers with autism. This includes work sta- time will be able to participate and in the third, ductive activities are available, to allow the stu- Initially, she helped Lilith and her daughter, tions for vocational training as well as living 70 adults will find training in the workshops. dents to learn new skills in a social context. And then it expanded to a group of six children. Out quarters for young adults. The vocational train- Currently, the State Budget covers costs for they see the fruits of their endeavors, not only of this process the NGO “Autism. Overcoming” ing, as we learned, includes crafts such as operations and therapy for the first building in the final creation, but often in its sale. Near was born, as the effort of a group of parents, sewing and embroidery as well as carpet weav- and it is expected that the same will be the case the entrance, we saw such products on display, among them Soghomonyan and Petrosyan in ing and pottery, woodworking, computer skills, for the second and third facilities, once they items ranging from candles to ceramics to 2004. Two years later the International Child gardening, cooking, music and art. The aim is to have been renovated and made operational. works of art. The center has organized online Development Center (ICDC) was founded by Dr. work with organizations and employers to find It is important to stress that all services avail- auctions of paintings, for example, and the pro- Ira Heilveil, PhD, an American clinical psychol- jobs for the students and markets for their able at the Center are free, thanks to govern- ceeds go to financing art therapy classes. This ogist and behavior analyst from Los Angeles. goods. ment support and partner organizations. It is commercial activity, albeit on a small scale, illus- Heilveil, who has over 30 years of experience In March 2016, a grant from Save the also noteworthy that this institution is the only trates the principle of gainful employment. In treating children with autism, trained a base of Children financed a pilot program, “Vocational one of its kind, not only in Armenia, but fact, as we learned, those running the center specialists, and in Yerevan, these specialists Training for Teenagers and Young Adults with throughout the Transcaucasus. Indeed, it is a hope to expand, to provide actual vocational have trained others, expanding their capabili- Autism,” and in the five-month program 30 pioneer in the field and can serve as a role training to the older students, in an effort to ties. Initially, due to space constraints the cen- therapists attended seminars and received on- model for similar initiatives nationally and provide them the means to earn a living. ter could offer help to a limited number of chil- the-job training. Now they are working inde- abroad. It is a “global mission,” Soghomonyan dren and youth. pendently providing speech, art, music and When we left Yerevan, Lilith and Sona and explained to us, an approach that addresses the dance therapy. On completion of this part of their colleagues were optimistic that they needs of the children as well as the families, pro- First Lady Spearheads National Effort the project, the parents extended the activities would reach their goals and we shared their viding information exchange and advice, and Progress was being made on a national level to the end of 2016. Since January 2017, the optimism. As a symbol of that shared commit- increasing social awareness of the issue. By that was to have a decisive impact on the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs has been ment, Lilith Soghomonyan gave us a beautiful functioning like a school, with a five-day sched- Yerevan group. In 2012, the “Autism National financing the project, providing salaries for 30 painting done by her daughter. ule, the center provides the students with ther- Foundation” (ANF) was established on the ini- of the specialists, albeit at a minimal level. Now This week Lilith has been in Germany, to apeutic, social activity under the supervision of tiative of the First Lady of Republic of Armenia My Way is seeking further financial support to attend the annual gathering of the German specialists, while allowing families to tend to Ms. Rita Sargsyan, who is its President. The raise salaries. Currently 140 students are receiv- Autism Congress, held in Dortmund on June 9- their jobs and homes. Director, Lilit Atajanyan, MD, has been involved ing education and therapy from a total of 73 10. This is the organization of Maria Kaminski. in various charitable activities for children with specialists. This year’s conference was entitled, “Learn — The Founding Mothers disabilities. The mission of the Foundation, as To help children with autism, early diagnosis Work — Quality of Life,” and featured lectures It should come as no surprise that the detailed on its website (www.anf.am), is “To is crucial. Our guides told us that this might be by specialists as well as workshops and round founders of the center are mothers of autistic support people with autism in Armenia” which at the age of 1 or 2 years even, and it is impor- table discussions. The presence of a founding children. Prior to the opening of My Way, there includes children, teenagers and adults. This tant to begin therapy as soon as possible. As the member of My way was a fitting reminder that were no facilities in Armenia to address the means providing them education as well as word has spread about the encouraging work of the campaign to help persons with autism has needs of persons with autism. Lilith, whose preparing them for meaningful employment. At My Way, more and more parents have made reached Armenia; and it was a personal daughter Jeva displayed symptoms of autism, the same time, the Foundation seeks to contact, and the waiting list now has well over acknowledgement of the crucial contribution came into contact with Renate Beil, a German enhance their quality of life, increase public 150 names. The only obstacle to welcoming Kaminski has made to this effort. who had been taking painting lessons from awareness and promote social inclusion also them is physical and logistical: My Way needs For more information about the center, visit Lilith’s mother Nona Gabrielyan in Wiesbaden. with government engagement. more room. They have the therapists, the exper- http://anf.am/ On a visit to Armenia, Beil met Lilith, who is In 2012, the foundation received a building tise and have gained the experience required, also an artist of the second generation. (Her from the Yerevan City Municipality as well as but need expanded facilities. (Material for this article has been taken son Guy represents the third generation of this the funds to have it renovated and in January Last year a third building was made available from the ANF website and project reports of artistic family, and he was among six young 2015, a new facility opened to provide help for to them for this expansion, and now the direc- the ANF and My Way.)

Armenia Reliable NATO Partner, Envoy Says YEREVAN (RFE/RL) — Armenia is a “reliable ability, defense reform and defense education.” Tom Catena Meets Future Doctors partner” of the North Atlantic Treaty Despite its close military alliance with Russia, Organization (NATO) and its close ties with Armenia has forged closer links with NATO — YEREVAN — The 2017 Aurora Prize winner Dr. Tom Catena delivered a public lecture Russia have caused no problems for the and the United States in particular — since the at the Yerevan State Medical University on May 22. He presented his experience and Western alliance, according to a senior NATO early 2000s. It currently contributes around challenges as a doctor in the war-torn Nuba mountains of Sudan where he has been envoy. 130 troops to NATO-led missions in Kosovo and working at the Mother of Mercy hospital for years. Catena is the only surgeon at the hos- The official, James Appathurai, described as Afghanistan and regularly participates in multi- pital serving the area with more “excellent” the South Caucasus nation’s national exercises organized by US forces in than 700,000 population. increased cooperation with NATO at the start of Europe. “I am not a superhuman doctor. I his latest visit to Yerevan on Monday. In 2015, Yerevan expressed readiness to par- encourage you if you have interest “We fully respect the balanced foreign policy ticipate in more such missions abroad with spe- you also can do this work. I was like that Armenia has,” Appathurai told a news con- cialized medical and demining units. US mili- you 25-30 years ago. Anybody can ference. “It causes us no complication that tary instructors began training Armenian mili- do this work. It’s a matter of will Armenia is, for example, in the [Russian-led] tary personnel for that purpose last year. and the wish to do it. This work is Collective Security Treaty Organization or the Appathurai cautioned that while the two extremely interesting and so grati- Eurasian Economic Union.” sides will carry on with their “steady coopera- fying. Don’t be intimidated by the “Armenia has been a reliable partner for tion” he does not expect “dramatic leaps for- different problems there, by the dif- NATO,” added NATO Secretary General Jens ward” in their relations. ficulties of work in Africa,” Catena Stoltenberg’s special representative for the said. “Thank you for giving me an South Caucasus and Central Asia. opportunity to show what is happening in Nuba. I really appreciate it.” Appathurai met with President Serzh Yerevan State Medical University has awarded Catena an honorary doctorate degree Sargsyan on Tuesday, June 13, for talks that for the exceptional humanitarian actions on preserving lives in Sudan’s Nuba moun- focused on NATO-Armenia ties, the Nagorno- tains. Karabakh conflict and broader regional securi- “Medicine is the most humanitarian profession in general, a mission with a high level ty. Armenia’s relationship with neighboring of responsibility. We are extremely honored that Tom Catena, the only surgeon of Nuba Iran was also on the agenda, according to a mountains’ Mother of Mercy hospital, has been awarded an honorary doctorate by the statement released by the presidential press decision of Scientific Council of the YSMU,” said Armen Muradyan, YSMU rector. “The office. Aurora Prize finalist is truly an exceptional humanitarian taking direct responsibility for The statement said Sargsyan “recalled with medical assistance of thousands.” fondness” his most recent meeting with After the lecture, Catena answered the questions of students and professors. Stoltenberg held at the NATO headquarters in His visit to Armenia became possible thanks to the efforts of the Aurora Humanitarian Brussels in late February. Speaking after those Armenia - President Serzh Sargsyan (R) meets Initiative and three Armenian doctors who left for Sudan’s Nuba mountains to tem- talks, Stoltenberg praised NATO’s “partner- with NATO envoy James Appathurai in Yerevan porarily substitute for him while he was on his trip to Armenia. ship” with Armenia and spoke of “opportunities on June 13. for us to cooperate more closely on interoper- 4 S ATURDAY, J UNE 1 7 , 2 0 1 7 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR INTERNATIONAL International News Azerbaijan Tags Armenia, Georgia in

Armenian Defense Journalist Kidnapping

Minister Meets with Without bothering with evidence, the But this latest attempt from Baku did by Giorgi Lomsadze article claims that Armenia “and the not seem to catch on. Many Minsk Group Co-Chairs Armenian lobby” finance a Georgia- Georgians view Mukhtarli case’s first YEREVAN (Public Radio of Armenia) — Armenian based network of Azerbaijani dissidents and foremost as a Georgian Defense Minister Vigen Sargsyan received on June TBILISI (Eurasnianet.org) — It only to stir up trouble against Azerbaijan’s problem and hold the Georgian govern- 10 co-chairs of the Organization for Security and took so much time before Azerbaijan state interests. ment responsible for it. Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Minsk Group, blamed Armenia for the Georgia “has become a playground” Baku has yet to come up with a story Richard Hoagland, Igor Popov and Stephane scandalous abduction of an Azerbaijani for such operators. opines political ana- for that one. Visconti, as well as the Personal Representative of journalist from Georgia, even though a lyst Tofik Abbasov, an advisor for the the OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Ambassador Andrzej senior Azerbaijani parliament member Baku International Center of Kasprzyk. had just said that it was the Georgian Multiculturalism, a body founded by The parties discussed the state of Nagorno and Azerbaijani special forces who did President Ilham Aliyev. New Business Ties Karabakh conflict, the situation at the Armenian- the kidnapping. The story alleges that Mukhtarli was Azerbaijani border and the Artsakh-Azerbaijan line Reporter Afgan arrested while trying to carry Armenian Established as Result of contact, the developments since the previous visit Mukhtarli vanished from a downtown cash across the Georgian-Azerbaijani Of Armenia-Italy of the Co-Chairs. Tbilisi street on May 29 and reappeared border for Azerbaijan’s political opposi- The Armenian Defense Minister called attention to in a Baku prison the following day as tion. Business Forum the recent incident on the frontline and welcomed the result of “joint work by the “But, owing to joint efforts by the the targeted response of the mediators. Azerbaijani and Georgian special Georgian and Azerbaijani authorities, ROME (Armenpress) — Through the Sargsyan emphasized the importance of implemen- forces,” Elman Nasirov, an MP from the this anti-Azerbaijan network and the cir- initiative of the Development tation of an investigation mechanism, which “will ruling Yeni Azerbaijan Party, said in a cles that support it have been exposed Foundation of Armenia (DFA), and with- help build confidence between the parties.” June 9 interview with the Azeri-lan- and measures have been taken to stop in the framework of the first Armenian- guage service of RFE/RL. their subversive work,” Abbasov con- Italian Intergovernmental Commission Faced with public outrage over cludes. meeting, the Armenia-Italy Business Dignitaries, Diplomats Mukhtarli’s disappearance, Georgian Drawing Armenia into the mix might Forum was held in the Italian capital of officials have fervently denied any seem a puzzler at first glance, but Rome, in order to establish and Visit Vienna Mekhitarist involvement in his abduction. The State Armenia, with which Azerbaijan has an strengthen bilateral investment and Security Service did the same for ongoing bitter territorial dispute that business ties, the DFA told Armenpress. Congregation Nasirov’s claims, noting that a criminal has cost it large swathes of territory and The decision to establish the investigation into his kidnapping had displaced thousands of its citizens, has Commission was made during the offi- VIENNA (Armenpress) — On June 6 the Armenian been opened. long been an explanation among cial visit of the Italian Minister of Embassy in Austria and Austrian Society journal Georgian and international media Azerbaijan’s political elite for any event Foreign Affairs and International jointly organized the visit of Austrian members of advocacy groups have dismissed as that casts aspersions on their own Cooperation, Paolo Jentiloni, in parliament and heads of diplomatic representations canards Azerbaijani prosecutors’ claims actions. November 2016. in Vienna to the Mekhitarist Congregation church. that Mukhtarli, who fled persecution in The blame-Armenia game is matched Around 26 Armenian businessmen The visit aimed at making the Austrian political and Azerbaijan, returned to his homeland — by Azerbaijan-bashing in Armenia that presented their different business plans public figures, as well as the foreign diplomats get incidentally, without a passport — and also offers ammunition for Baku’s to 170 potential Italian business part- acquainted with the heritage of Armenian culture in carrying just enough cash to qualify for attacks against homegrown criticism. ners, and highlighted the investment Europe. smuggling charges. “How come Armenian news sites and sectors where profitable cooperation is The tour was attended by members of Austria- But Baku has its own take on that intellectuals are defending Afgan possible. Meetings between interested Armenia parliamentary group, aAmbassadors accred- one. Ruling party MP Nasirov alleged to Mukhtarli?” wondered Nasirov. companies were held to discuss invest- ited in Austria, permanent representatives at RFE/RL that Georgia has become the But the Azerbaijani government’s ment projects and export opportunities Organization for Security and Cooperation in launching pad for Armenian attacks public-service announcements about for Armenian products. Europe and other organizations in Vienna, as well as against Azerbaijan, and Mukhtarli was Armenia are not meant just for domes- The success stories of Italian compa- Austria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs representatives. part of it. tic consumption. Everyone in the nies Renco and Sartis were also pre- At the beginning of the visit Armenia’s The same point was made earlier Caucasus has irredentist claims against sented in the forum. Ambassador to Austria, Armenia’s permanent repre- this week by the state-run 1news.az. each other, and separatism-torn Georgia “Now is a favorable time to invest in sentative at OSCE and other international organiza- In a long and winding opus (“The is no exception. Armenia. The government is actively tions in Vienna Arman Kirakosyan delivered welcom- Traces of Armenia in the Case of Home to a sizeable ethnic Armenian taking steps towards improving the busi- ing speech, talking about the history of the Afgan Mukhtarli”) the site laid out community and an ethnic-Armenian- ness environment and eliminating Mekhitarist Congregation, as well as a number of how Armenia, with whom Azerbaijan dominated region, Georgia contains a bureaucratic obstacles. Our foundation issues related to maintenance of Armenian cultural has an ongoing territorial conflict, is muffled distrust toward Armenia, a in particular is ready to provide practi- heritage. Accompanied by the Very Rev. Vahan supposedly conspiring to sow discord longtime cultural rival. This often cal support and consulting services to Hovakimyan, the guests toured the church, got between Georgia and Azerbaijan, offers fertile ground for anti-Armenian Italian businessmen at any stage of acquainted with the museum, as well as the world- close strategic allies. propaganda. investment,” stated the CEO of the renowned publishing house and library. At the end of Development Foundation of Armenia the visit the guests had a chance to taste Mekhitar Armen Avak Avakian, adding that the liqueur prepared with a 400-year-old recipe. conference and B2B meetings were AGBU Europe Launches Appeal Calling on organized to present the country’s Turkey Says Iraqi investment opportunities. European Union to Provide Aid to The agenda of the Armenia-Italy Kurdish Independence Forum included presentations on invest- Nagorno-Karabakh People ment opportunities in the agro-process- Vote a ‘Terrible Mistake’ ing, renewable energy, information and PARIS — On June 7, Armenian to the people of Nagorno-Karabakh, communication technology, footwear ANKARA (Reuters) — Turkey called a plan by Iraqi General Benevolent Union (AGBU) in contrast to other territories under and textile, and tourism sectors. During Kurds to hold a referendum on independence a “ter- Europe launched an appeal calling dispute, such as Northern Cyprus, the forum, a Memorandum of rible mistake,” saying on Friday, June 9, that Iraq’s on the European Union and Abkhazia or Transnistria, which Understanding was signed between the territorial integrity and political unity was a funda- European aid organizations to have received substantial benefits Development Foundation of Armenia mental principle for Ankara. engage with the population of from EU engagement and aid. (DFA) and the Italian Trade Promotion Iraq’s autonomous Kurdish region said this week it Nagorno-Karabakh. “We call on all those who believe Agency (ICE), which will promote fur- would hold a referendum on independence, a move Nagorno-Karabakh Republic in Europe to sign onto this appeal. ther bilateral trade and economic rela- that is also unlikely to be welcomed by the central (NKR), known also as Artsakh, is a We stand ready to work with tions. According to the Memorandum, government in Baghdad. landlocked mountainous territory in European institutions as well as with the two parties agreed to promote the Kurdish separatism is a sensitive issue for Turkey, the South Caucasus, home to international NGOs to find ways to cooperation between the Armenian and which has been battling a militant insurgency in its 150,000 people. It is one of the sev- respond to the needs of the civilian Italian business sectors, and share infor- largely Kurdish southeast for three decades. eral unrecognized states that population in Nagorno-Karabakh,” mation on business visits, exhibitions Ankara is also worried about the advances by a emerged from the breakup of the says Nadia Gortzounian, president of and upcoming events. Both parties will Syrian Kurdish militia in northern Syria, fearing that Soviet Union in 1991, and the AGBU Europe. do everything possible to identify and could embolden the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Republic of Azerbaijan claims sover- Despite the isolation and econom- eliminate barriers against bilateral trade Party (PKK) in Turkey. eignty over NKR. It is one of the ic hardship, Nagorno-Karabakh and increasing investment. Statistics: “We think this will represent a terrible mistake,” most impoverished areas in the focuses on the development of The trade turnover between Armenia the foreign ministry said in a statement. “The main- periphery. democracy. It is making considerable and Italy amounted to $160 million in tenance of Iraq’s territorial integrity and political The inhabitants have been under efforts to improve institutions and 2016. Last year Armenia mainly export- unit is one of the fundamental principles of Turkey’s continuous threat of war and isola- strengthen civil society. ed textile, clothing, aluminum foil, Iraq policy.” tion for more than 20 years, which AGBU Europe has published a ethanol, liquor, plastic goods, automatic The idea of Iraqi Kurdish independence has been has caused considerable hardship. A video and information package regulators and control devices to Italy. historically opposed by Iraq, Turkey, Iran and Syria, blockade continues to impact the aimed at explaining the case for EU The imports from Italy mainly consisted as they all fear separatism spreading to their own daily life of the people, who also suf- engagement in NKR. of chocolate, confectionery, pasta, fab- Kurdish populations. fer from the highest mine-related The appeal can be signed online rics, central heating boilers and casualty rate in the world. at: change.org/p/we-want-europe-in- oil/petroleum products. The EU does not provide direct aid nagorno-karabakh Italy is Armenia’s 17th largest invest- ment partner. S ATURDAY, J UNE 1 7 , 2 0 1 7 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 5 Community News

Longtime Peabody House Approves Councilor Garabedian Resolution to Provide Won’t Run for 9th Term Emergency Relief to

PEABODY, Mass. (Salem News) — After 24 Genocide Survivors in years in Peabody politics, Mike Garabedian says Iraq, Syria it’s time for a change. And it’s not just a sales pitch. WASHINGTON — The US House of Garabedian, 61, confirmed this week he Representatives unanimously passed H.R. 390, won’t seek a ninth term on the City Council. the bipartisan Iraq and Syria Genocide “I ... spent almost 25 years in local govern- Emergency Relief and Accountability Act of ment and just thought it was time for me to get 2017, on June 7. H.R. 390, spearheaded by out,” he said, adding that lately between work Helsinki Commission Co-Chair Rep. Chris Smith and family commitments, he isn’t able to “put (R-NJ) and Religious Minorities in the Middle 100 percent in” to his job as a city councilor as East Caucus Co-Chair Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-CA), well. provides emergency relief to survivors of geno- That was a sign, he said, it was time to step cide in Iraq and Syria and provides accountabili- away. “It’s a tough decision.” He almost didn’t ty for the perpetrators of these crimes. run two years ago, but decided on one more “The Armenian Assembly strongly supports term. passage of this critical legislation bringing relief A 1974 Peabody High graduate, Garabedian to those who continue to suffer as a result of has been a car salesman his entire life; for the genocide, crimes against humanity, and war past eight years, he’s been the general sales crimes. The world has watched in horror as manager for Ira Subaru in Danvers. Armenians, Yezidis, Kurds, and other innocent His first foray into politics was on the School minority communities have been subjected to Committee. He served two terms, starting in violence and unspeakable crimes, and unfortu- 1993. nately without full accountability of the perpe- “I don’t know what prompted me to run trators,” Assembly Executive Director Bryan other than both my daughters were in school. I Ardouny said. “Armenians, having been target- wanted to get into local politics, but I didn’t ed for annihilation in the twentieth century, are really know where to start,” he said. Participants of the Hye M’rtsoom with Celtics legend M. L. Carr deeply troubled that 100 years later descen- There was a spotlight on the schools at that dants of genocide survivors in Iraq and Syria time, Garabedian recalls — this was in the latter are facing similar genocidal atrocities. With pas- years of Peter sage in the House, the Assembly urges the Torigian’s tenure — Senate to follow suit.” new schools were Hye M’rtsoom Program Last year, the House unanimously passed being built, the dis- Assembly supported legislation H.Con.Res. 75, trict was searching which condemned the atrocities committed by for a new superinten- Held in Watertown ISIS as genocide against Christian, Yezidi, and dent and the state other religious and ethnic minorities – includ- was embarking on ing Armenians – in Iraq and Syria. education reform. WATERTOWN — The Armenian Church Youth Organization of America “President Trump and Vice President Pence “We moved some (ACYOA) Juniors gathered over Memorial Day weekend at St. James Church of have strongly, publicly committed the mountains,” he said. Watertown for the 42nd annual Hye M’rtsoom program. The parish hosted 306 Administration to providing relief to Christians, Mike Garabedian He then ran for participants from 20 parishes across the Diocese for a weekend of worship, sports, [Yezidis] and other genocide survivors, and and won an at-large and fellowship. ensuring perpetrators are brought to justice. seat on the council in The Rev. Arakel Aljalian, pastor of St. James Church; Yeretzgin Natasha Aljalian; H.R. 390 will help ensure that officials imple- 2001, moving over to City Hall with newly mint- and St. James youth minister Maria Derderian worked alongside dedicated com- ment these commitments and is a blueprint for ed Mayor Mike Bonfanti. For several years, munity members to ensure the success of the weekend. Events were held at the implementation,” Rep. Smith said. Garabedian served on the council floor with St. James Church’s Charles Mosesian Cultural and Youth Center, and participants The bill states that it is US policy “to ensure Ted Bettencourt until he entered the corner were housed with local families. Kathryn Ashbahian, the Diocese’s associate of that assistance for humanitarian, stabilization, office in 2011. Youth and Young Adult Ministries, was present throughout the weekend. and recovery needs of individuals who are or “I’ve loved every day of it. I don’t regret a sin- After the morning service on Saturday, the participants gathered in the gym were nationals and residents of Iraq or Syria, gle day,” said Garabedian. “The council, since and heard an inspiring message by former Boston Celtic member M.L. Carr. He and of communities from those countries, is day one, was always a good, respectful council.” shared his love of basketball and community, all the while inspiring the teenagers directed toward those individuals and commu- He added that he hopes he did some good with his encouraging attitude. nities with the greatest need, including those along the way. Halfway through the sports, participants gathered in the kitchen to make more individuals from communities of religious and “The mayor has done a great job, (he’s) one than 300 sandwiches for Pine Street Inn, a Boston shelter that serves the area’s ethnic minorities, and communities of religious of the best we’ve ever had, if not the best,” said homeless population. Once the sports concluded for the day, participants headed and ethnic minorities, that have been identified Garabedian. He talked with Bettencourt about home for dinner with their host family and then returned to St. James for an as being at risk of persecution, forced migra- his decision to not run, and despite the mayor evening dance and other activities. tion, acts of genocide, crimes against humanity, hoping he would stay for two more years, was- On Sunday, May 28, Aljalian celebrated the Divine Liturgy and delivered a ser- or war crimes.” n’t dissuaded. mon focused on the weekend’s theme, “We Are One.” He emphasized the impor- H.R. 390 authorizes the Secretary of State “I don’t want to go in there without being a tance of working together as an Armenian Christian community across the and Administrator of the US Agency for 100 percent,” he said. Diocese. On Sunday evening, participants gathered at St. James Church for din- International Development to provide assistance Garabedian, who would often finish near the ner and an awards ceremony, and later enjoyed dancing to Armenian and to entities, including NGOs, for activities to top of the ticket, is stepping out of a crowded American music. address ISIS-committed genocide, crimes against race this fall for an at-large seat on the council. Everyone gathered for a farewell breakfast on Monday before heading back to humanity, and war crimes in Iraq. These activi- This ensures there will be at least two new their parish communities. ties include conducting criminal investigations, councilors come November. and collecting and preserving evidence for use in AWARDS State Rep. Tom Walsh is finishing up his criminal trials of suspected perpetrators. council term, and as promised when he was ACYOA Central Council Awards In addition, the bill directs the Secretary of elected to the House last year, will not seek a The Abp. Tiran Nersoyan Service Award was given to Isabelle Akian from Fair State, in consultation with the Attorney new term on the council. Lawn, NJ, as an ACYOA Junior who has served the Armenian Church with the General, Secretary of Homeland Security, With Walsh’s seat up for grabs, Peter Bakula same humility and compassion as the late founder of the ACYOA. Director of National Intelligence, and Director and School Committeeman Tom Rossignoll The Abp. Tiran Nersoyan Leadership Award was given to Lucas Ferraro from of the FBI, to encourage foreign governments quickly announced they were entering the race. Framingham, MA, as an ACYOA Junior who has taken on leadership roles within to include in their security databases and secu- They were joined by newcomers Ryan Melville his ACYOA chapter, and has approached those roles with Christian love, under- rity screenings identifying information about and Stephen Collins, as well as incumbents Tom standing, and patience. suspected perpetrators of genocide, crimes Gould, Dave Gravel and Anne Manning-Martin, The Abp. Tiran Nersoyan Vision Award was given to Shahe Der Torossian from against humanity, and war crimes in Iraq and who have all pulled nomination papers. Watertown, as an ACYOA Junior who has established programs that incorporate Syria, and to prosecute such individuals for Council races are also shaping up in three one or more of the five circles of the cross (education, worship, service, witness these crimes. wards. Ed Charest is being challenged by Kia and fellowship), and who has made a lasting impression on her ACYOA chapter. “Tens of thousands of Christian genocide sur- Chalvire in Ward 4, while James Jeffery and The ACYOA Junior Chapter “A” Award was given to the chapter of St. Peter vivors in Iraq and Syria need our help now and Andrew Diamond have pulled papers against Church of Watervliet, NY, for its work as an ACYOA Junior organization that has it is essential that emergency humanitarian aid Joel Saslaw in Ward 5. done its best to create an atmosphere conducive to Christian love, education, and for the survivors be provided,” said Rep. Eshoo. Margaret Tierney and Michael Geomelos are service. “I thank Chairman Smith for his passionate vying for Ward 6. Ward 6 Councilor Barry see HYE M’RTSOOM, page 6 leadership on this issue and I look forward to Sinewitz announced in April that he would not working with him and all my colleagues in seek a sixth term. Congress to quickly move this aid package and see GARABEDIAN, page 7 bring relief to those who continue to suffer.” 6 S ATURDAY, J UNE 1 7 , 2 0 1 7 T H E A R M E N I A N M I R R O R - S P E C TAT O R COMMUNITY NEWS

All the participants of the Hye M’rtsoom with Celtics legend M. L. Carr Hye M’rtsoom Program Held in Watertown

HYE M’RTSOOM, from page 5 Advanced Tavloo Boys Ping-Pong 1st Place — St. Leon A — Fair Lawn, NJ 2nd Place — Alec Maserejian (Watertown) 2nd Place — Michael Nargizian (Fair Lawn) Volleyball Individual Sports Awards 1st Place — Michael Manoukian (Cambridge) 1st Place — Nareg Dabaghian (Fair Lawn) 2nd Place — Holy Martyrs A — Bayside, NY Beginner Tavloo Advanced Chess Team Sports 1st Place — Holy Trinity — Cambridge, MA 2nd Place — Lucas Ferraro (Framingham) 2nd Place — Jacob Naroian (Watertown) Girls Basketball Sportsmanship Awards (Maria) 1st Place — Katiana Sarkissian (White Plains) 1st Place — Edward Naroian (Worcester) 2nd Place –– Holy Trinity — Cambridge, MA Boys — Lucas Ferraro (Framingham) Beginner Chess Girls Ping-Pong 1st Place — St. Leon A — Fair Lawn, NJ Girls — Katrena Daldalian (Watertown) 2nd Place — Michael Connors (New Britain) 2nd Place — Adi Najarian (Fair Lawn) Boys Basketball Overall Champion 1st Place — Lauren Dadekian (Fair Lawn) 1st Place — Sophia Naroian (Worcester) 2nd Place — St. Leon B — Fair Lawn, NJ St. Leon — Fair Lawn, NJ

American Women Led by Coach Krikorian Drench Canada for Water Polo Title DENNIS M. DEVENEY & SONS SHANGHAI, China (Palo Alto Online) way we played this week,” US coach Adam Cemetery Monuments — Stanford freshman Makenzie Fischer scored Krikorian said. “I must credit the Canadian Specializing in twice, one of five Americans to do so, and the team, as it is much improved and they were a US women’s senior national water polo team good challenge.” Armenian Designs and Lettering downed Canada 12-6 in the championship Team USA (17-1, 6-0) has a month before 701 Moody St. Waltham, MA 02543 match of the FINA World League Super Final returning to competition at the FINA World in Shanghai, China on Sunday. Championships in Budapest on July 16. The (781) 891-9876 www.NEMonuments.com Stanford grad Kiley Neushul and Cardinal Americans open group play with South Africa senior Jamie Neushul each added a pair as the and will also meet Spain and New Zealand. US won its fourth straight Super Final title, and The US scored the game’s first two goals and 11th overall. Fischer was named the tourna- remained ahead with solid defense and a sharp Telephone (617) 924-7400 ment’s MVP and Kiley Neushul, tied for second attack. with 14 total goals, also made the all-star team. “We were rested and it helped, but it was Maddie Musselman and Stanford junior hard in the last two quarters,” Canada coach Aram Bedrosian Jordan Raney each scored two goals while Haris Pavlidis said. “They still played very hard Stanford’s Melissa Seidemann and Maggie and we couldn’t put the ball into the middle.” Funeral Home, Inc. Steffens also scored. Both teams were 3-of-6 on power plays and The Americans led 6-4 at halftime and then there were no penalty shots. Continuous Service By The Bedrosian Family Since 1945 broke the game open in the second half, hold- In the bronze-medal encounter, Russia came MARION BEDROSIAN ing the Canadians scoreless in the fourth peri- home a 9-7 victor over Hungary, Netherlands 558 MOUNT AUBURN STREET od as Stanford senior Gabby Stone minded the swamped China 14-4 for fifth place, and PAUL BEDROSIAN net. Australia claimed seventh place with a 10-8 win WATERTOWN, MA 02472 LARRY BEDROSIAN “It was a great start and I was happy with the over Japan.

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Check us out at www.mirrorspectator.com S ATURDAY, J UNE 1 7 , 2 0 1 7 T H E A R M E N I A N M I R R O R - S P E C TAT O R 7 COMMUNITY NEWS Garabedian Returns Atlas Created in Mkhitarist Monastery Sells for Record Price To Run Bio Accelerator Xontogeny NEW YORK — On June 7, Swann Galleries’ held its biannual auction of Maps & Atlases, Natural History & Color Plate Books. Approximately two thirds of the lots offered fell into the category of maps and atlases, with strong results in both subheadings. Of the BOSTON (Xconomy) — Chris Garabedian, a 265 lots, 86 percent found buy- veteran biotech executive who helped turn ers, exceeding the low estimate Sarepeta Therapeutics around before his con- for the section by more than troversial exit in 2015, has returned to the life $100,000. sciences scene — this time with a new venture One of the first world atlases to form some biotech startups and help others in the Armenian language find their footing. topped the sale, reaching more Garabedian is the chairman and CEO of a than five times its $6,000 high new Boston-based life sciences accelerator estimate to sell for $37,500, a called Xontogeny. The accelerator announced record for the work, Fine recently that it has secured $15 million in fund- Books Magazine reports. ing, a sum that represents the first tranche of a Hovhannes Amira Dadian $25 million Series A round. Perceptive created the atlas in the Advisors, a New York life sciences investment Armenian Mkhitarist firm, is the only institutional investor backing monastery on the Venetian the accelerator. island of San Lazzaro in 1849 In his new role, Garabedian will serve as a in an effort to bring Western mentor and advisor to the accelerator’s star- knowledge to his home coun- tups. He is currently assembling a team of try. drug development experts to help find exper- The atlas boasts 10 hand-col- imental therapies and technologies and fun- ored double-page maps, includ- nel them into new ventures, according to a ing one of the solar system, all statement. Xontogeny, which Garabedian of which were printed in Paris founded last June, will help these fledgling and based primarily on con- The Armenian Atlas biotechs progress experimental programs temporary French models. from preclinical research through proof-of- concept studies in unspecified “serious dis- ease areas.” Garabedian is a former dealmaker at Gilead Sciences and Celgene, but is best known for his tenure as CEO of Cambridge, MA-based Sarepta. He was named the company’s CEO in 2010, when the company was still known as AVI Biopharma and based in Bothell, Wash. Despite more than 30 years in operation, AVI hadn’t yet gotten one of its RNA-based drugs into late-stage clinical testing. It did have an experimental Duchenne muscular dystrophy drug, eteplirsen (Exondys 51), however, and Garabedian helped drive the program forward, largely on the back of a tiny, 12-patient study that would help turn the company around. Renamed Sarepta 2012 and relocated to Cambridge, Sarepta became a Wall Street darling and won support from a Duchenne patient community eager for a treatment for the disorder. Despite the turnaround under Garabedian, his tenure ended in controversy. Regulatory delays, reported internal squabbles and an uncharacteristically contentious relationship with the FDA eventually unwound the good- will that Garabedian had earned. In April 2015, he abruptly resigned from the compa- ny, which handed the reins over to longtime chief medical officer Ed Kaye and vowed the company would have a more collaborative approach to working with the FDA. The move, incidentally, paid dividends for Sarepta. Under Kaye’s stewardship, Sarepta — in one of the more controversial FDA rulings in recent memory — won approval of eteplirsen, making it the first-ever FDA- approved treatment for Duchenne.

Longtime Peabody Councilor Garabedian Won’t Run for 9th Term

GARABEDIAN, from page 5 On the School Committee, incumbents Beverley Griffin Dunne and Jarrod Hochman are seeking re-election while Andrew Arnotis, Laurence Aiello and Linda Lopez are also in the race. Rossignoll’s bid for the council means his seat is wide open. No challengers have emerged for Bettencourt, and so far, only Tom Pappas and Dianne Caputo have pulled papers for five open Library Trustee slots. Light commissioners Bill Aylward and Tom D’Amato are being chal- lenged by Raymond Melvin and Laurence Olcott. As for Garabedian, his plans right now involve selling cars and spending time with his family. He and his wife Marian have two daugh- ters, Amy and Jillian, and two grandkids. “I’ll see what happens in my business,” he said. “I also wouldn’t rule out something politi- cally down the road.” 8 S ATURDAY, J UNE 1 7 , 2 0 1 7 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS Eating Well and Doing Good at

LEO GOZBEKIAN PHOTO CHEFS, from page 1 The market, which opened in 2015, is on Hanover Street, not far from the Heritage Park. It offers about 40 different booths featuring local meats, fish, produce, flowers and gourmet chocolates in a huge airy space. At the very end of the building is the Kitchen, which offers space for events as well as cooking demonstrations. In a departure from the usual format of various local chefs offering a standout food from their restaurants, this time, four chefs each got about 15 minutes each to demonstrate how to make a particular specialty. They did not disappoint. Emcee Wendy Semonian Eppich, the publisher of the Improper Bostonian, was on hand to announce the chefs and keep time. Andrew Janjigian, chef/baking instructor at America’s Test Kitchen and senior editor at Cook’s Illustrated magazine, began the evening demonstrating a new recipe for choereg. His choereg was in loaf form and sliced thinly. The fragrant and moist bread, Janjigian explained, was based on his mother’s recipe. However, he gave it the “Cook’s Illustrated treatment,”

LEO GOZBEKIAN PHOTO

From left, Chefs Bedros DerVartanian, Eastern Lamejun Bakers; Jason Reed, Vicki Lee’s; Andrew Janjigian, America’s Test Kitchen and Nathan Kibarian, Bastille Kitchen prepared scrumptious signature dishes during Let’s Party! at the Kitchen at the Boston Public Market to benefit Armenian Heritage Park on The Greenway

LEO GOZBEKIAN PHOTO Victor Zarougian, Judith Saryan, Alice Avanian and Larry Welch

Nairi Strauch and Melanie Bilazarian

LEO GOZBEKIAN PHOTO which means, he said, that he “took it apart and put it back together” for the best and easiest pos- sible recipe. Clearly it worked as some of those attending cornered him to buy full loaves and took slices of choereg from serving baskets by the dozen. “The flavors are the same but my interpreta- tion is different,” he said. “It stays true to the fla- Gayané Ebbling, Lisa Kaufman and Carol Ishkanian vor.” He noted that for the (A.K. GREGORIAN PHOTO) ideal choereg, he first made tangzhong or a water roux, used in Chinese and Japanese baking, to mix the flour and liquid so as to allow the dough to take on a lot more liquid and thus remain much moister. The product, takes about 24 hours from start to finish, as it involves letting the dough rise and proof several times before baking. Janjigian clearly has something that every baker needs: pre- cision. In fact, he said he spent 12 years working as an organ- ic chemist, laying the groundwork for his future job. Bastille Kitchen pastry chef Nathan Kibarian tackled string cheese, right after taking a group selfie with all those assem- bled. An overhead camera showed how he melted mozzarella cheese curds in a bit of water, before adding nigella seeds and mahlab, an aromatic spice made from the seeds of a type of cherry. With skilled hands, he turned out the cheese and started stretching. In no time, the curds had transformed themselves into the traditional string cheese. He then immersed the final product into an ice-water bath. He later did a demonstration on baklava with a cakey dough as well as a dark chocolate bark with dried apricots. The choco- lates, especially, disappeared with alarming speed. Jason Reed of Vicki Lee’s in Belmont demonstrated how to make tabbouleh. His parsley-heavy and tart concoction was put out in a couple of large containers and participants paired it with the string cheese. Finally, Bedros DerVartanian, the owner and chef at Eastern Lamejun in Belmont, showed how their store’s namesake product comes together. He stressed that every- thing was prepared from scratch at the premises, with the dough a simple mixture of water, flour, yeast, salt and sugar, and the meat topping flavored with parsley, onion, diced red Wendy Semonian Eppich served made by Jason Reed. pepper, tomato paste and spices including paprika and all- tabbouleh spice. S ATURDAY, J UNE 1 7 , 2 0 1 7 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 9 COMMUNITY NEWS Armenian Heritage Park Program

LEO GOZBEKIAN PHOTO (A.K. GREGORIAN PHOTO)

Susan Piligian, Stepan Piligian and Astor Guzelian Chef Nathan Kibarian demonstrates how to make string cheeese.

(A.K. GREGORIAN PHOTO) LEO GOZBEKIAN PHOTO

LEO GOZBEKIAN PHOTO

Leon Semonian, Marion Semonian and Wendy Semonian Nathan Kibarian demonstrates how to make string cheese with Wendy Semonian Eppich in the background. Eppich, Emcee

LEO GOZBEKIAN PHOTO One of the guests, Dr. Armineh Mirzabegian, who also served on the event’s committee, said that “because it is some- thing very special to our culture. It gives us an opportunity to tell the greater community who we are and bringing people together of all different cultures.” Eppich said “I just want to support the park and my her- itage. Plus, I love Armenian food. It is casual and relaxed, with people mixing and mingling. It makes you want to make those foods yourself.” Another guest, Lisa Terrizzi, said she was there to support the “Armenian Heritage Park and our heritage” which she praised for being not only “some place where people recog- nize the Armenian Genocide” but one where they “acknowl- edge the contributions of all immigrants.” Another guest was Rev. Laura Everett, executive director of the Massachusetts Council of Churches (MCC), attending with her wife, Abi Holt. Everett, who helped the group hold a non-denomina- tional service at Trinity Church in Boston’s Copley Square in 2015 in honor of the centennial of the Armenian Genocide, is familiar with the Armenian community. She praised the Armenians’ “gregarious hospitality. It is a real delight to celebrate the history of Armenians and Armenian-Americans.” Packets of roasted nuts courtesy of Fastachi in Boston and Watertown were available on tables. Wines from Tutunjian Estate Vineyards were served. Alexis Butler Demirjian asks Chef Andrew Janjigian about something about something about his fabulous Choereg For more information on the park, visit www.armenianher- itagepark.org 10 S ATURDAY, J UNE 1 7 , 2 0 1 7 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS ‘End of Transition’ International Conference Concludes in Yerevan

LOS ANGELES and YEREVAN — The extensive experience in Russia and the Middle more specific domestic issues, such as immigra- Scotland. provost of the University of Southern California East; Tim Judah, a Balkans expert and writer tion, women’s rights, and more. “We need to The conversation turned to Georgia with (USC), Dr. Michael Quick, and Dr. Anthony for the Economist and the New York Review of also have a transition in our thinking. It’s not Prof. Anton Popov from the UK, who presented Bailey, USC’s Vice-President for Strategic and Books; Prof. Ronald Suny of the University of only enough now to target fertility in our poli- a talk titled, “Rehabilitating Telavi: Politics of Global Initiatives as well as dignitaries and over Chicago who has specialized in the Soviet and cies. What we need to target is more gender Historical Heritage in Post-Soviet Georgia.” The post-Soviet space, with a special focus on the equality, increasing of women’s roles in our changing roles of Armenian churches was dis- Caucasus; Dr. Hans Gutbrod founder of society because it’s women who decide if they cussed by Sabrina Papazian from Stanford Transparify, formerly with the Caucasus should have more children or not.” University. Dr. Antranig Kasparian addressed Research Resource Centers; Garik Hayrapetyan Tuesday’s final speaker was Tim Judah, the the changing motives and modalities of chari- of the UN Fund for Population Activities on the Balkans correspondent for the Economist. To table assistance from the Diaspora over a quar- demographics of transition, and finally, Russia- offer a comparative element, Judah explained ter century. The Diaspora conversation contin- based author and journalist Anna Arutunyan. the transitional processes in the Balkans, not- ued with Eviya Hovhannisyan from European Suny presented the first talk of the confer- ing that “in the former Yugoslavia, nobody had University at Saint Petersburg in Russia. ence, summarizing the relations between the much time for expectations. And communism, In between the panels, the audience enjoyed West, Turkey, and Russia. He noted that one of unlike in Armenia, didn’t collapse, it just fizzled a brief presentation by filmmaker Eric Nazarian the most important factors to remember is how out.” He mentioned that the Kosovo War was on the transitioning of post-Soviet cinema in important and central Russia is to any of the also important because it propelled Bulgaria Armenia. He mentioned the urgent need to pre- problems in the South Caucuses. “What if and Romania into NATO and sooner, rather sent Armenia and Armenians in cinema with its Russia were the power that, in fact, could bring than later, into the EU. This significantly new, 21st century identity. some kind of solution to the problems in the impacted the transition process in the Balkans. He said, “The first time audiences around the South Caucasus?” he said. The conference continued on May 24. The first world were exposed to the concept of an Matlock, who served between 1987 and panel — on The Beginning and End of Armenian was of a destroyed, victimized, 1991, discussed the evolution of US-Russia rela- Transition — was chaired by Arutunyan. repressed, brutalized, raped race…as they say, tions since the fall of the Soviet Union and the English opened the panel with a talk titled you don’t get a second chance to make a first impact of this relationship on the South “Russia, Trump, and a new Détente.” He impression. This was the first impression the Salpi Ghazarian Caucasus region. Matlock noted that, as long as addressed Washington’s obsession with world got of Armenians — as a victimized Russia continues to sense growing hostility and Russia’s potential meddling in US elections and nation, aka the starving Armenians.” twenty scholars from Armenia and around the rivalry from the US, it will take reactionary the need to move beyond smaller issues into the Following Nazarian, philanthropist Ruben world participated in the second part of “The steps to ascertain itself not only regionally but larger picture of the relations between the two Vardanyan, took the stage to discuss approaches End of Transition: Shifting Focus a Quarter internationally. powers. “As long as this cloud hangs over the to the next stage of transition in Armenia. He Century After the Soviet Collapse” internation- “What Putin, internationally, has reacted neg- Trump administration, any progress or rela- talked about his desire to do something more sys- al conference, held on May 23-24, in Yerevan. atively to is what he considers an effort to put tions with Russia will be viewed as Kremlin temic to address development in Armenia. “Let’s Organized by the USC Institute of Armenian him down,” Matlock said. Ambassador Ed manipulation; Congress will not provide any try to go from the vision to execution, which is Studies, the conference’s first part was held on Djerejian took the stage next. He further funding or support any initiative,” English sometimes the more difficult part of transition,” the USC campus April 9 and 10, and featured expanded on the important role of US-Russia noted. he said. Vardanyan discussed the impact of his scholars and specialists from across the globe relations on Armenia. “Armenia’s future is Prof. Ugur Ümit Üngör from the Netherlands initiatives, taken by his family foundation, or as they discussed Armenia’s trajectory since linked, in an important way, to the way in which addressed the evolving relations between with the collaboration of friends and other independence in 1991. the US-Russia relationship is going to evolve,” Armenians and Turks. His talk was focused on investors. Those initiatives range from develop- Salpi Ghazarian, the director of the Institute, Ambassador Djerejian noted. the Armenian Genocide and its aftermath; ment projects which focus on advancing educa- opened the conference. Quick, Bailey, and Following the individual presentations, Suny, evolving social and political relations in the past tion, expanding tourism, and developing local Deputy Director of the USC School of Matlock and Djerejian engaged in a conversa- decades; and the issue of leadership in both economies through the IDEA Foundation. In International Relations and moderator of the tion moderated by English. They focused on the countries. Referencing Suny’s discussion, he turn, the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative aims to conference, Prof. Rob English, presented the impact of regional and global hegemons on noted that there is one element of this that is put Armenia in a global context. opening remarks. Armenia’s transition since the collapse of the relevant to Armenian-Turkish relations, which is Dr. Irina Ghaplanyan moderated the third “This conference reflects our commitment to Soviet Union. The panelists agreed on the grow- transitional justice. This is a burgeoning field panel on Governance and Economy. Prof. be that essential bridge between the problems ing role of Russia in the region and the need for that looks at the aftermath of mass crimes, Armenak Atinyan from Tianjin University in and challenges facing Armenia and Armenians, the US to take into account Russia’s regional such as genocide. China opened the panel with a presentation on and those with the intellectual and academic interests. Pointing out the importance of the event in the impact of temporary migration in the South skill and passion to tackle them.” said “Armenia should, of course, act in its own the present, Üngör said, “There is no single Caucasus. Dr. Taline Papazian discussed the Ghazarian. interests, but those interests involve the other interaction between any single Armenian or role of the Yerkrapah in the institutional devel- Quick, who spent his first day in Yerevan vis- great powers around it and the limits placed on Turk, either at a café or at a university or in a opment of democracy. Discussing “hybrid iting the American University of Armenia, it by those particular powers. And those inter- business setting that the genocide does not cast regimes,” Babken DerGrigorian presented TUMO, and CivilNet, as well as the Genocide ests have to maybe be more carefully defined at a shadow on. The genocide looms large.” Armenia as a case of anocracy. The conversa- Memorial and Museum and other sites in times. They go in all kinds of different direc- Continuing the conversation, Director of the tion changed to healthcare as Shant Yerevan, reflected on his experiences. “The past tions,” Suny concluded. Armenian Communities Department at the Shekherdimian of the University of California, is present in Armenia like no other place I have The conference continued with the next Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation in Lisbon, Dr. Los Angeles, discussed the efficiency, or lack ever visited in the world, whether it’s around speaker, Arutunyan, a journalist and author of Razmik Panossian, asked in his presentation on thereof, of the Diaspora’s efforts in healthcare the issue of genocide, or whether it’s around The Putin Mystique. Arutunyan highlighted the “Trends and Lessons from Transitions,” in Armenia. the issue that we’re going to be talking about focal points of transition for both Russia and “Where are we now, globally?” Building on previous research done by today and tomorrow about the 25 years since the independent states during the last 25 years. His talk addressed issues of electoral illiber- Professor Don Miller, Dr. Karena Avedissian pre- the break-up of the Soviet Union. But I realize She said, “In the case of Russia, when we alism, consolidation of elites in government, as sented a talk on her current research on post- it’s not just about the past. It’s about how that look at it as transitioning, we think transition well as ineffective or “tired” civil societies. Soviet perceptions of poverty and unequal from point A to point B, from yesterday to Calling on the Diaspora, Panossian asked again, wealth. Arsen Stepanyan addressed the transi- tomorrow, from tyranny to freedom. It’s a bina- “The choice that we, as Diasporan Armenians, tion in legislative processes in Armenia since ry issue. And that in itself, that view, has embed- have vis-à-vis Armenia itself, given this rather the collapse of the Soviet Union. ded with it a path dependency.” bleak picture, is, do we accept it as it is with the The last panel of the conference, titled Following the conversation on Russia, Garik occasional visit, do we engage with Armenia for “Foreign Policy and Regional Integration,” was Hayrapetyan of the United Nations Population change, or do we turn back and move on?” moderated by Dr. Hans Gutbrod. Fund summarized the data related to the demo- Prof. Georgi Derlugian from New York Presenters focused on Russia, Iran, the graphics of transition. Out-migration, sex-select- University in Abu Dhabi, focused his talk on the European Union, and Georgia. Prof. Mikayel ed abortions and an aging population are all development of democracy in Armenia and all Zolyan of Yerevan’s Brusov University part of this conversation. Talking specifically the various factors that affect this. Despite all addressed the paradoxes of Russian-Armenian about sex-selected abortions, Hayrapetyan the challenges in Armenia, Derlugian stressed relations. noted, “If we continue the trend like this, by that one should not take for granted the inde- Iran’s relationship with Armenia was covered 2060, Armenia will lose 93,000 girls.” pendence of Armenia. “We have a multilingual by Iran-based scholar Robert Markarian. Dr. Hans Gutbrod, director of Transparify, a population…we have refugees now arriving Armen Grigoryan of the Cental European policy research and advocacy organization from countries like Syria. This is a burden in University in Hungary presented on Armenia based in Tbilisi, Georgia, discussed global and the short term. This is, if we manage to keep and the European Union, with a focus on regional trends in democracy development, or them, a great investment. So, the situation is lessons from Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine. what he called “ten years of backsliding of actually begging for a developmental state.” GeorgiaArmenia relations were addressed by democracy.” The second panel — on Civic Culture and Tamar Kutsishvili. “Apart from the evident Gutbrod’s presentation focused on local Social Change — was moderated by Prof. Don value of bringing together the experiences of Anna Arutunyan activism and policy changes that can have Miller, Director of the Center for Religion and these scholars and diplomats, this conference is impact on the next stages of transition. He Civic Culture at USC. Professor Miller opened proof of the need to support deeper research highlighted Georgia as an important example of the panel by defining the term civil society, not- into all aspects of development in the Republic past influences the future.” transition. “Why was change possible? Small ing that, “Central to civil society are the values of Armenia. The Institute has embarked on sup- Bailey said, “Part of my role here today is to teams of people who trusted each other worked of free speech, the right to advocate for the pub- porting research in and about Karabakh; we tell you that the USC Institute of Armenian together, a mix of insiders and outsiders that lic. A vibrant civil society typically has multiple continued with offering assistance for research Studies is the most important international cen- brought relevant expertise, and an emphasis on contending voices that are a part of that.” on aspects of the transition process. We intend ter at USC.” delivery in the first six months so you could The first presenter of the panel was Dr. Pal to continue to identify critical areas of research The conference opened on the afternoon of actually make change and have an impact. Wilter Skedsmo from the Fridtjof Nansen needed to address national challenges,” said May 23. In addition to the USC guests, special Georgia shows that change is possible, even in Institute in Norway. Skedsmo’s talk focused on Ghazarian. The entire two-day conference in speakers included Ambassador Jack Matlock, places where it seems like people have given environmental rights in Post-Soviet Armenia. Yerevan is available online at the last US envoy to the USSR; Ambassador Ed up,” he noted. Yerevan’s urban landscape since independence https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=in2sHsLP Djerejian, director of the Baker Institute at Rice Changing the topic from regional to domestic was discussed by Vrej Haroutounian, a graduate SOA&list=PLrV5tKkl8- University and a former US diplomat with issues, Gutbrod discussed the need to tackle student at the University of Edinburgh in JiJWrqAywZEyHjMknY5kkv S ATURDAY, J UNE 1 7 , 2 0 1 7 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 11 Arts & Living CARS ACF Launches Celebrates Classical Music Anniversary Series ARLINGTON, Mass. — In pursuant of its mis- sion, “to sponsor programs in the arts and With Exhibit humanities . . . for the advancement of culture in general, and the Armenian culture in partic- ular,” the Armenian Cultural Foundation (ACF) LIVINGSTON, N.J. — On Friday, June announces the launch of a new musical pro- 2, St. Mary Armenian Church was host to an gram. art exhibit and lecture at the church’s On Sunday, June 25, at 3 p.m., the ACF, co- Toufayan Hall. sponsoring with the Armenian International More than 80 people attended the talk Women’s Association’s New England affiliate, about “The role of Constantinople, Istanbul, will hold the inaugural concert of the Mirak in the History of Armenian Culture,” with Chamber Music Series, named in memory of slides and pictures, in English and John P. Mirak (1907-2000) entrepreneur, phi- Armenian. Sevan Araz efficiently and effort- lanthropist, community leader, sole benefactor lessly translated the Armenian to English. A for decades and late president of the Armenian first to him and new for the Armenian Cultural Foundation. Community... The series aims to place the world’s finest Levon Lachikyan, is an active member of classical music at the center of the cultural life Chris Bohjalian with Aline Ohanesian the Constantinople Armenian Relief Society of the Boston Armenian community in general (CARS) team and is closely involved with and Arlington in particular. In line with the the Hintliyan School, built in 2005, in Foundation’s mission, to focus “on the history Tavoush Marz, Armenia. of Armenian music in the diaspora and on the On May 25, CARS celebrated its 90th Armenian Assembly Hosts role of Armenian women in the nation’s histo- Anniversary, at St. Vartan Cathedral, with a ry,” the Series will showcase works by interna- concert, featuring the participation of 13 tional and Armenian composers, with an sister organizations. Discussion with Chris emphasis on introducing works by Armenian women composers in Armenia and the Diaspora. On occasion, the Series will also fea- Bohjalian in Los Angeles ture and promote young and promising per- formers, and groups and premieres of newly LOS ANGELES — The Armenian Assembly of America in April hosted a discus- written works. sion and book signing with critically-acclaimed novelist Chris Bohjalian, the #1 New With this inaugural concert, the ACF will also York Times bestselling author. Aline Ohanesian, herself an acclaimed writer, mod- celebrate the rededication of the Foundation’s erated the event, which was followed by a question-and-answer session with the piano. The handsome ebony 1897 Steinway is audience. After the discussion, guests had an opportunity to have books signed by the gift of the late Lillian Norian Moranian their respective authors. (1929-2006). Refurbished and extensively reno- Bohjalian spoke to the audience about his books, of which he has written 19. vated, the Moranian piano will provide new Several have been chosen as Best Books of the Year by The Washington Post, St. opportunities for higher quality performances Rev. Arakel Vardazarian receives a painting Louis Post-Dispatch, Hartford Courant, Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, Publishers and musical events at ACF. Several noted and from Prof. Levon Lachikyan. Weekly, Library Journal, Kirkus Reviews, Bookpage and Salon. internationally recognized pianists have already His new novel, The Sleepwalker, which was published in January 2017, received praised the quality of this special gift and pledged participation in future events. The Hrant Dink Oratorio performance a glowing review in Publishers Weekly: “Bohjalian’s storytelling makes this a beau- Born in North Bergen, NJ, Moranian was the was a huge success. For its 90 years of edu- tiful, frightening, and unforgettable read.” Julie Kane in the Library Journal wrote: child of Armenian immigrants from Aintab: her cational and charitable contribution, “Bohjalian powerfully narrates an intricately nuanced romance. This is not to be mother was a survivor of the Armenian Armenia’s Diaspora Ministry had bestowed missed. Simply astounding.” Genocide and her father a businessman and CARS with a Gold Medal and Prof. Levon In his novel, The Sandcastle Girls, Bohjalian explored the Armenian Genocide philanthropist. She grew up in a musical home: Lachikyan, had taken the responsibility for from the perspective of the protagonist Elizabeth Endicott, who joins her father in two of her sisters were concert pianists. She bringing and transfering this award. The traveling to Aleppo, Syria to provide aid to deported Armenians. There, she falls in received her formal education at Drew June 2 Event provided the medium. love with Armen Petrosian, an Armenian engineer searching for his wife and child University in Madison, NJ. Tamar Kayseryan, the president of CARS despite being certain they are dead. For decades Moranian and her husband (and the Concert Committee); Berc Araz, Ohanesian, the moderator, is the author of the critically-acclaimed novel Orhan’s played instrumental roles in the development of chairman of the Board of Trustees; Dr. Inheritance, which was long-listed for the Flaherty-Dunnan First Novel Prize, a such important Armenian cultural and academ- Levon Capan, past president and member of Summer 2015 Barnes & Noble Discover Great New Writers pick, a April 2014 Indie ic organizations as the National Association for Board of Trustees, Levon Antreasyan and Next pick, and an Amazon Top 25 pick for 2015. The novel was also a finalist for Armenian Studies and Research (NAASR), the Armine Araz, members of Board of the PEN Bellwether Award for Socially Engaged Fiction. Armenian Museum of America and the Directors were present. Together, they During the insightful discussion between Bohjalian and Ohanesian, the authors Armenian International Women’s Association accepted the medal, the shared their respective thoughts on the repercussions of the Armenian Genocide, (AIWA). corresponding Certificate also a very spe- continued Turkish denial, and the impact of the genocide on their own works of fic- Performing at the concert will be the NOR cial gift from the Hintliyan students, on tion. Bohjalian also reflected upon his visit to historic western Armenia during the [new in Armenian] Trio, formed in Boston by paper an ornamented hand work, centenary of the genocide, as well as his visit to Armenia and Artsakh in September the coming together of three instrumentalists, colorful flower, were presented to CARS. 2016, during which he met with soldiers and civilians alike. Bohjalian shared that Nune Hakobyan (piano), Sarkis Karapetyan The atmosphere was very festive. filmmaker Eric Nazarian will create a motion picture based on the story of The Sandcastle Girls. (violin), and Andrei Sobchenko (saxophone). A see BOHJALIAN, page 13 trio whose instruments do not traditionally comprise a classical trio, Nor Trio produces music that is distinctive, while still retaining the traditional aspects of a piano trio. It seeks to promote Armenian and Russian music, intro- ducing rarely performed composers through their own unique arrangements. The program will include works by Glinka, Franck, and Khachaturian. Specifically, the con- cert will feature Boston premieres of three works: Paul-Henri Büsser’s (1872-1973) The members of CARS accepting the medal Rhapsodie armenienne [Armenian Rhapsody]; from Armenia Elegia for violin and piano by Svetlana Aleksanyan (b. 1965) and Cantique by Koharik Ghazarossian (1907-1967). The art exhibition raised $1,300 to bene- Büsser was born in Toulouse. He received his fit Gyumri’s needy families. musical education at Paris Conservatoire, During the Event, Lachikyan presented a where he studied under César Franck. Later he print to Rev. Arakel Vardazarian titled Chris Bohjalian with students became protégé of Jules Massenet. He com- “ Dzidzarnagapert, The Armenian Genocide posed a wide range of pieces, mostly for the Memorial Complex.” stage. His Rhapsodie armenienne, dedicated to –Berc Araz see MUSIC, page 12 12 S ATURDAY, J UNE 1 7 , 2 0 1 7 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARTS & LIVING Sevan Kaloustian Greene Named Kondazian Playwriting Award Winner by ADAA

LOS ANGELES — The first-ever Armenian Dramatic Arts Alliance (ADAA) Kondazian Playwriting Award for Armenian Stories was awarded on April 23 to London-based play- wright Sevan Kaloustian Greene, at the Antaeus Theatre in Glendale. Greene won the $2,500 Kondazian Award for his play, “Forgotten Bread.” An ode to the Armenian Genocide, Forgotten Bread is the volatile, and sometimes humorous, journey of a Lost Son trying to uncover his family’s past and reclaim his cultural identity. The other finalists for the Kondazian Award were “Ermeni” by Eric Sirakian, about an Armenian-American college student who brings home her Turkish boyfriend, only to have an argument about history turn into a family crisis; and “Wishing and Flesh” by Susan Kelejian, a full-length play is based on the real-life trials of American-Armenian writer Steven Vincent, a New York journalist who was tortured and killed in Iraq in 2005. Greene has enjoyed a professional acting career in New York as an AEA and SAG-AFTRA union actor appearing on stage in the Lortel Award-Winning “Betrayed,” HERE’s production Kondazian Award Playreadings at Antaeus Theatre (L - R): Ryan Henry, Armina LaManna, Michael Arabian, Bianca Bagatourian, Anahid Shahrik, Shaun of Betty Shamieh’s “The Strangest,” Yusef El- Duke, Award Founder Karen Kondazian, Adriana Sevahn Nichols, Jade Hykush, Vickie Ohanian, and Raffi Wartanian Guindi’s “Language Rooms” and NYTW’s “Aftermath.” In 2010, he embarked on a writing career and began his tenure in The Public Exchange and The Camden Fringe. Kondazian Award, at the post-performance “Wishing and Flesh” were directed by Ovation Theater’s 2011 Emerging Writers Group. Since The Kondazian Award for Armenian Stories reception at the Antaeus Theatre. award-winning director Michael Arabian. then his work has been seen at The Flea is made possible by award-winning actress, April 23 saw readings of excerpts of all three The performance was followed by the Theatre, Actor’s Theatre of Charlotte, NOOR author and ADAA founding board member finalist plays, presented with the Antaeus announcement of the winner and a VIP recep- Theatre’s Highlight series, The Public Theater’s Karen Kondazian, and her parents, who estab- Theatre Company, produced by Bianca tion at the theatre. Music was provided by Ryan Spotlight series, Ugly Rhino and Mixed lished the Lillian and Varnum Paul Fund at the Bagatourian. The combined cast included Jade Henry and Photography by John Charles. Phoenix. He moved to London in 2013 and has Armenian Church Western Diocese. Kondazian Hykush, Adriana Sevahn Nichols, Shaun Duke, The Antaeus Theatre Lobby Gallery featured since performed at The Camden Fringe, The and the Paul Fund were instrumental in estab- Bianca Bagatourian, Anahid Shahrik, Vicki original paintings by William Saroyan, present- Space and RichMix. His work has been seen lishing ADAA’s early writing competitions from Ohanian and Raffi Wartanian. ed by ADAA and the William Saroyan at Theatre503, Arcola, The Bush Theatre, its inception in 2005. Karen herself announced “Forgotten Bread” was directed by award-win- Foundation. The stunning watercolor paintings Vertical Line Theatre, Birmingham Theatre Sevan as the winner of the inaugural $2,500 ning director Armine LaManna. “Ermeni” and are available for sale to support ADAA.

ACF Launches Classical Music Series

MUSIC, from page ? the Ardashes H. Shelemian Collection, a mas- violist Maurice Vieux, on a popular theme, was sive collection of books and Armenian music, Recipe written for the Concours of the Conservatoire donated to the foundation in 2012, which will nationale de Musique in Paris in 1930. also be dedicated on this occasion. This will be the Boston premiere of the piece Born in Constantinople in 1923, Shelemian arranged by the Nor Trio. received his early education at the Nersesian Corner A native of Armenia, Aleksanyan belongs to School, Constantinople, and the Azgayin the younger generation of Armenian com- Kentronakan Varjaran [National Central posers. A graduate with honors of the School], and continued his higher education at by Christine Vartanian Datian Tchaikovsky Music School (1982), Aleksanyan the American Robert College, graduating with continued her studies at the Komitas a B.S. in Exact Sciences. Later he attended the Conservatory of Music under N. Shamakhyan Reserve Officers Academy where he received Caramelized Onion and Eggplant Salad and Ghazaros Saryan and received her doctor- the rank of Lieutenant in the signal corps. ate in composition with high honors in 1991. Shelemian received his musical education INGREDIENTS Some of her works include Nocturnal Dialogue under Sargis Boyajian of historical St. Gregory 2 or 3 large eggplants with Narekatsi, based on Vahagn Davtian’s the Lusavorich Armenian Church of Galatia and 2 medium red onions, sliced thinly poem of the same name, Devotional Choral- Harut’iwn Muradian (later, Fr. Shnorhk’ 1 small head flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped Melody in memory of her mentor Ghazaros Muradian). He also studied violin under Enoch 1 bunch green onions, finely chopped Saryan, and Cinderella, a musical which was Gavafian and harmony and composition under 1 large green or red bell pepper, seeded and chopped or 1 large roasted green or red staged in Armenia under directed by Arman prominent musician Koharik Ghazarossian. bell pepper, seeded and chopped Mirijanian. Aleksanyan is the recipient of a Fluent in Armenian, Turkish, English and 2 or 3 cloves garlic, minced number of national and international awards. Spanish, Shelemian has been an active member Kosher or sea salt, black pepper This performance will mark the premiere of of his community in his birthplace as well as 1/2 teaspoon each cumin, paprika, red pepper flakes or sumac Elegia in Boston. Buenos Aires, Argentina and Boston. As a free- Juice of 1 or 2 lemons Ghazarossian received her early musical edu- lance writer and correspondent, Shelemian has Unsalted butter, olive oil, dash of sugar cation in her hometown of Istanbul, under contributed pieces to several Armenian lan- Finely chopped tomatoes, basil, crumbled feta cheese, green onions, walnuts, or mint European instructors and Armenian composer guage periodicals, among them Jamanak, as garnish Edgar Manas. Upon graduating from the Marmara, Jarakeyt, and Badge, Arev and Essayan School, she left for Paris to continue Yerchanik, all in Istanbul; and Nerkay, Hay PREPARATION: her musical studies at the Conservatoire Ketron and Vospor as editor, in Buenos Aires, Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Wash eggplants, puncture each with a fork, and place National de Musique, where she studied under Argentina. on a baking sheet; bake for 11/2 hours or until soft. Remove eggplants from oven and pianists Lazare Lévy, Camille Decroix, Shelemian has held a number of academic cool. (Eggplants may be grilled on medium-high heat until golden brown for this recipe.) Paul A. Dukas and Jean Roger-Ducasse. positions in the United States, Argentina and While eggplant is baking, place sliced red onions in a pan with 2 tablespoons of but- Upon completing her studies, Ghazarossian Turkey. He has been a member of a number of ter and a dash each of salt, black pepper and sugar. Cook onions until they are com- embarked on a flourishing career of composing Armenian and non-Armenian organizations and pletely caramelized, adding a drop of water, and tossing; remove red onions from heat and performing. She performed almost 400 con- institutions, among them, Alumni Association of and set aside. certs that spanned Europe and the United Ketronakan Armenian Lyceum, Istanbul; When eggplants are cooled, dice or chop and place in a bowl with the red onions, pars- States. One Paris critic wrote about her perfor- Associacion Cultural Armenia de Estambul, ley, green onions, bell pepper, garlic, and choice of spices. Toss with olive oil and lemon mances: “She shows in her entire execution Buenos Aires; Co-founder of Pro-Music Armenia, juice to taste, cover, and refrigerate for 1-2 hours before serving so ingredients marinate. that she is a cultivated musician of superior Buenos Aires; Association of Argentino- This salad is best served the next day; adjust lemon juice, olive oil and spices to taste. intelligence.” Armenian Musicians; National Association for Serve salad with Armenian hummus, cheese, olives, crackers, lavosh or peda bread. Ghazarossian has left a rich musical legacy. Armenian Studies and Research; and Tekeyan Top with choice of garnish and serve with fresh lemon wedges. Among her works are: Two Sharakans (1940), Cultural Association, Boston. Serves 4-6. Prelude and Fugue (1941), Album (1948), The Shelemian collection will join those of Sonate (1956), 24 Etudes for piano (1963), and violinist, composer and conductor Rouben *Christine's recipes have been published in the Fresno Bee Newspaper, Sunset Concertos for double piano. Gregorian (1999), Arsen Sayan (2002), pianist Magazine, Cooking Light Magazine, and athttp://www.thearmeniankitchen.com/ Established in 2003, the ACF musical Beatrice Ohanessian (2012), world renowned archives house a unique collection of Koharik prolific composer Alan Hovhaness (2013) and Also see: http://www.myrecipes.com/search/site/Datian Ghazarossian papers, articles, newspaper clip- Hayg Boyadjian (2012). pings as well as musical scores and correspon- The concert, free of charge and open to the dence. This special collection constitutes part of public, will be followed by a reception. S ATURDAY, J UNE 1 7 , 2 0 1 7 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 13 ARTS & LIVING CC AA LENDARLENDAR

players. Tournament and tee sponsorships available. MASSACHUSETTSFLORIDA RSVP deadline, June 12. To register or for further infor- NEW YORK mation, http://www.htaac.org/calendar/event/403/ or JANUARY 20-28, 2018 — Armenian Heritage Cruise contact the Holy Trinity Church Office,617.354.0632, or JUNE 29 — The Freeport Memorial Library will have a XXI 2018 Eastern Caribbean Cruise aboard the Royal email [email protected]. lecture on the history of the Armenians, Thursday Caribbean’s Freedom Of The Seas. Travelling to: St. Kitts JUNE 20 — 7 p.m. ABN-AIWA Boston Spring Soiree. Join at 2 p.m. by Dr. Ronald Brown, professor of history and / St.John’s Antigua / San Juan / Labadee, Private Island. the Armenian Business Network and Armenian ethnic studies at Touro College and world religions at the Cabin Rates starting from US $1044 / person based on International Women’s Association for an evening of net- Unification Theological Seminary in New York City. Free Double Occupancy, including Port Charges and ACAA working and a view of the Tall Ships at 7p.m. at the Boston to the public. The library is located at 144 W Merrick Rd, registration fee. Government taxes of $108.36 are addi- College Club (100 Federal Street 36th Floor, Boston) Freeport, NY 11520, phone (516) 379-3274. tional. Armenian Entertainment, Armenian Cultural $130 per person. Space is limited. Register at aiwainterna- Presentations, Armenian Festival Day, Tavlou & Belote tional.org/ABNAIWA2017 RHODE ISLAND Tournaments and much more. Call TRAVELGROUP INTER- JUNE 25 — Sunday, An Afternoon of Classical Music, JUNE 30 — Friday, 7 p.m. Egavian Cultural Center. Sts. NATIONAL @1- 561-447-0750 or 1-866-447-0750 Ext. Armenian Cultural Foundation, Arlington, Featuring Nor Sahag and Mesrob Cultural Committee presents 108. Ask for Janie. trio. 3 p.m. Works by Glinka, Franck, Ghazarosian, “SUMMER RHAPSODY” Concert featuring Jasmin Aleksanyan, Khachaturian and Büsser The Mirak Atabekyan and the Gasparyan family quartet ( from Chamber Music Series: Inaugural Concert. MASSACHUSETTS Greece) Janet Khalarian, vocal NAZELI Dance Groups. NOVEMBER 2 — Thursday, Symposium with the partic- American, Armenian music , and dance. Providence. JUNE 17 — Society of Istanbul Armenians of Boston ipation of International media representatives, dedi- Donation $15. Refreshments. Inc. is hosting A Father’s Day Dinner Celebration hon- cated to the Armenian Mirror-Spectator’s 85th oring Rev. Arakel Aljalian as Father of the Year. 7 p.m. St. Anniversary. Details to follow. James Armenian Church, Armene and Veronica Tarvezian NOVEMBER 3 — Friday, 85th Anniversary Celebration WASHINGTON, D.C. Hall, 465 Mount Auburn St., Watertown. Tickets $50. Banquet of the Armenian Mirror-Spectator JUNE 25 — Book reading, Adrienne G. Alexanian, Call Mr. or Mrs. Shaboyan at 617-489-0346 or Garo Newspaper the first English Language Armenian Forced Into Genocide, memoirs of an Armenian Yavshayan at 617-620-9899. Newspaper in the United States @ Newton Marriott Hotel Soldier in the Ottoman Turkish Army. 1 PM, 4125 JUNE 19 — The Gregory Hintlian Memorial Golf Banquet Hall. 85 Years and Beyond. Details to follow Fessenden St. NW, Washington, DC. Organized by Tournament, “This Year Remembering Gerry Knights & Daughters of Vartan, St. Mary’s Armenian Ajemian,” sponsored by Holy Trinity Armenian Church of NEW JERSEY Apostolic Church Parish Council, Armenian Assembly of Greater Boston, Marlborough Country Club, America, Armenian National Committee of America. Marlborough. Monday, 9:30 a.m., registration; 11 a.m., NOVEMBER 18 — Save the date. Gala banquet cele- “Shot Gun.” Payer’s fee: $175 (includes hospitality, lunch, brating the 70th anniversary of the Tekeyan Cultural dinner, green & cart fees, prizes and gifts) – or just din- Association. At the Terrace at Biagios. Details will be Calendar items are free. ner and a social evening ($50 per person). Limited to 128 forthcoming. Send items to [email protected].

Statue of Canadian-Armenian Photographer Yousuf Karsh Unveiled in Ottawa

OTTAWA (Armenpress) — On the occasion of Arif Virani — parliamentary secretary to the the 25th anniversary of establishing diplomatic Canadian minister of heritage, delivered ties between Armenia and Canada, and the remarks on behalf of the Canadian government, 150th anniversary of the Canadian thanking the Armenian Embassy and commu- Confederation, Armenian -Canadian portrait pho- nity for the large-scale work and this unique gift tographer Yousuf Karsh’s statue was inaugurat- to Canada on the 150th anniversary of ed on June 9 in Ottawa’s Confederation Park. Confederation. The foreign ministry said the ceremony was Karsh (1908-2002) was an Armenian– carried out by Armenia’s Ambassador to Canadian portrait photographer. He has been Canada Armen Yeganyan, Speaker of Canada’s called one of the great portrait photographers Senate George Furey and Mkrtich Tarakjean — of the 20th century by Time magazine and the the renowned Canadian-Armenian sculptor of Metropolitan Museum of Art, with the latter the statue. noting the “distinct style in his theatrical light- Following the unveiling, an official reception ing. Karsh’s work attracted the attention of var- was held by the Armenian Embassy in the ied celebrities and on 30 December 1941 he Château Laurier hotel in downtown Ottawa, photographed Winston Churchill, after attended by Speaker of Canada’s Senate Churchill gave a speech to Canadian House of Pianist Jasmin Atabekyan and the Gasparyan Family Quartet George Furey, Canada’s Ambassador to Commons in Ottawa. Yousuf Karsh portrait of Armenia H.E. John Kur, Canadian lawmakers, Winston Churchill on the cover of Life maga- Ambassadors accredited in Canada, official of zine. It is considered one of the most iconic the foreign ministry, diplomats, journalists and images of the 20th century. The image of Canadian-Armenians. Ambassador Yeganyan Churchill brought Karsh international promi- ‘Tunes from Our Hearts’ at delivered remarks saying the presence of nence, and is claimed to be the most repro- Yousuf Karsh’s statue in downtown Ottawa will duced photographic portrait in history. In 1967, Armenian Museum always be one of the most beautiful symbols of he was made an Officer of the Order of Canada the Armenian-Canadian friendly relations. and in 1990 was promoted to Companion. WATERTOWN — The Armenian Museum of America and the Composer’s Union of Armenia will present a concert, “Tunes from Our Hearts,” on Sunday, June 25, at 2 p.m. The program, featuring Jasmin Atabekyan and the Gasparyan Family Quartet, will be held on the third floor of the Armenian Museum in the Adele & Haig Der Manuelian Galleries. Discussion with Chris Bohjalian in Los Angeles The program will include classical, popular and traditional music. The family quartet is comprised of internationally known musicians including Jasmin Atabekyan on piano, BOHJALIAN, from page 11 “I had a wonderful time with the Armenian Vahagn Gasparyan on guitar, and Emily and Daniel Gasparyan on violin. The quartet The Assembly also facilitated an hour-long Assembly. First of all, the kids at the Hovsepian members, and the quartet itself, have been named winners in a number of international conversation between Bohjalian and eighth- School rock. My morning experience with them music competitions. grade students of the Pasadena-based St. energized and inspired me. And in the evening Light refreshments will be served at a reception following the concert. Both the concert Gregory A. & M. Hovsepian School. The I had a terrific time with the adults, discussing and the reception are free and open to the public. This concert is made possible by a gen- school’s principal, Shahe Mankerian, and what books can mean to the soul,” Bohjalian erous donation from the Dadourian Foundation. Armenian Department Chair, Liza Manoyan, said. “Aline Ohanesian is such a gifted novelist joined the students in a dynamic discussion that it was a joy to share the dais with her. with the author. The students asked questions Armenian writers, filmmakers, musicians, and about the art of writing, the research that photographers have been doing yeoman-like authors are required to do in preparation for work to champion Armenian causes lately. writing a book or short story, character-shaping Artists can be activists, supporting the impor- in a work of fiction, as well as the difference tant work of groups like the Armenian between publishing in e-book versus traditional Assembly — and it is such an honor to do so and LIKE US ON FACEBOOK print. play a part,” he added. 14 S ATURDAY, J UNE 1 7 , 2 0 1 7 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMENTARY

COMMENTARY Mirror Kurdish Independence Aspirations Raise Spectator Red Flags in Middle East Kurdish area but above all, pitting the Kurdistan Regional By Edmond Y. Azadian Government against the PKK, which has been waging a nation- al independence war within Turkey for the last three decades. President Masoud Barzani recently held a meeting with politi- The Kurdish issue is one of the most intricate political jigsaw cal parties in the Kurdistan Region when it was announced that Established 1932 Established 1932 puzzles for anyone to fully comprehend, let alone solve. the region would hold a referendum on September 25 that An ADLAn Publication ADL Publication The Kurds are spread throughout the Middle East, causing would also include “the Kurdistani areas outside the region’s problems to host countries and in return, they are being affect- administration.” ed by the governments of those countries. The announcement raised red flags all over the region, sud- An estimated 40 million Kurds live in Turkey, Iraq, Iran, Syria denly rallying around the same position countries which other-

EDITOR and Armenia. The Kurds constitute almost one third of Turkey’s wise have conflicting agendas. Alin K. Gregorian population, making up 25 million out of the total of 80 million. Predictably, the first reaction came from the central govern- Eight million live in Iran, while the rest are divided among other ment in Baghdad, which claimed that the entire population of ASSISTANT EDITOR counties. Like Iranians and Armenians, the Kurds are of Indo- Iraq must have a say in determining the destiny of one region in Aram Arkun European stock, while the rest of Turkey’s population have Iraq.

ART DIRECTOR descended from Central Asian invaders of the region. As long as the Kurdistan Regional Government was doing busi- Marc Mgrditchian Through the last century, Armenia has been the only country ness with Ankara and was fighting its brethren in the PKK, the which has recognized the ethnic and cultural rights of Kurds, Turkish government considered it a docile ally. But the declara- both during the Soviet era and after independence. tion of independence altered the equation and jolted the leaders Throughout their history, the Kurds have never enjoyed a in Ankara. Turkey called the plan “a terrible mistake,” saying sovereign state, although they have aspired to and struggled for that Iraq’s territorial integrity and political unity was a funda- SENIOR EDITORIAL COLUMNIST: it. Having lived under different regimes and geographically dis- mental principle for Ankara. Edmond Y. Azadian tant areas have left their impact on Kurdish aspirations and have Just to illustrate how duplicitous Ankara’s concern over Iraq’s divided them around their common goals. territorial integrity is, it suffices to mention that as of this CONTRIBUTORS: The Kurds have been used against the Armenians by the moment, Turkey is violating its neighbor’s sovereignty by main- Florence Avakian, Dr. Haroutiun Sultans and then by the Ittihadist government of the Young taining its armed forces in that country, against the vehement Arzoumanian, Taleen Babayan, Diana Turks during the Armenian Genocide. The Hamidieh Units, complaints of the Baghdad government. Der Hovanessian, Philip Ketchian, which were the most ferocious persecutors of the Armenians, Kevork Keushkerian, Harut Sassounian, Over and above the principled statements about Kurdish aspi- Hagop Vartivarian, Naomi Zeytoonian were mostly composed of Kurds. rations, Ankara is worried about the ripple effect of the inde- Successive Turkish governments have exploited the Kurds to pendence movement and also, it identifies a real threat of Kirkuk CORRESPONDENTS: usurp Armenian property and wealth as well as sow religious being incorporated in the Kurdish region. Kirkuk has most of Armenia - Hagop Avedikian fanaticism, as the Turks and Kurds belong to the same sect of the oil reserves in Iraq and Turkey has set its eyes on the region Boston - Nancy Kalajian Sunni Islam. It has been only after the emergence of the for a long time. Already, a fifth column of ethnic Turkomans New York/New Jersey - Marylynda Kemalist movement that the Kurds realized the historic mistake inhabiting the area are seeking Ankara’s support in any emer- Bozian-Cruickshank they committed against the Armenians by willingly becoming gency. Berlin - Muriel Mirak-Weissbach accessories to the Turkish designs of ethnic cleansing. Ankara and Tehran don’t see eye to eye, but there seems to be Contributing Photographers: Since the establishment of the Turkish republic, the Kurds a confluence of interests in the Kurdish events: “The Kurdistan Jacob Demirdjian and Jirair Hovsepian have rebelled 27 times and their insurgence has been crushed region is part of the Iraqi Republic and unilateral decisions out- side the national and legal frameworks, espe- cially the Iraqi constitu- The Armenian Mirror-Spectator is published weekly, except two weeks in July and the first tion … can only lead to week of the year, by: new problems,” Iranian Baikar Association, Inc. Foreign Ministry Spokesman Bahram 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 Ghasemi said on June 10. Telephone: 617-924-4420 During the previous FAX: 617-924-2887 regime, Shah Reza www.mirrorspectator.com Pahlavi was not more E-Mail: [email protected] merciful in his treatment For advertising: [email protected] of Kurdish minority. After the fall of the Shah, Ayatollah Khomeini inherited the mantle of his predecessor in sup- pressing the Kurdish SUBSCRIPTION RATES : insurgency in Iran. Tehran is worried like Ankara that an indepen- U.S.A. $80 a year dent Kurdistan next door Canada $125 a year may fuel Kurdish aspira- tions at home. Other Countries $190 a year Additionally, Iran has vir- tual sway over Iraq, ruled currently by a Shiite © 2014 The Armenian Mirror-Spectator regime. With Kurdistan’s Periodical Class Postage Paid at Boston, MA ferociously each time, especially during the 1930s rebellion of independence, a piece of and additional mailing offices. Dersim. territory will be chipped away from its influence and may switch Kurdish political leaders have apologized to the Armenians on to an opposing camp. ISSN 0004-234X every possible occasion but the collective amends may come Saudi Arabia has seldom made a public policy statement about once the Kurds attain their independence or autonomy. Kurdish independence but it is surprising that the kingdom has POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The The Treaty of Sevres of 1920 finally recognized the rights of joined the foray by becoming an advocate for Kurdish indepen- Armenian Mirror-Spectator, 755 Mount Auburn the Kurds for an independent homeland and codified it in its dence. However, the motivation is very transparent; during the St., Watertown, MA 02472 Article 64. But like the Armenian rights in the same treaty they recent Saudi-led coalition fallout with Qatar, Ankara switched its Other than the editorial, views and opinions were superseded by the Treaty of Lausanne, which became the allegiance from the Muslim Coalition, so carefully crafted recent- expressed in this newspaper do not necessarily basis for the founding of the Republic of Turkey. ly by President Trump, and sided with the besieged Qatar. Thus, reflect the policies of the publisher. One of the outcomes of the Iraq war was the emergence of the Riyadh is rebutting Ankara while at the same time serving its Kurdistan Regional Government though technically it remains a strategic ally, the US, and secret ally, Israel. part of the fragmented Iraq. The US has yet to comment on the issue. Some sources have During the war, the Israelis set up shop in Iraqi Kurdistan, and revealed that the State Department has shown sympathy Copying for other than personal use or among the regional leaders, only Benjamin Netanyahu has offi- towards Kurdish national aspirations. internal reference is prohibited without cially called for Kurdish independence. That allows Israel to have Today, there are many theories floating about the Kurdish ref- express permission of the copyright erendum. One school of thought suggests that independence owner. Address requests for reprints or an ally on Iran’s border and prevent the emergence of a revan- back issues to: chist government in Iraq in the mode of Saddam Hussein. movements succeed in such fluid political situations extent at Turkey, although worried about the overall Kurdish presence this time in the Middle East. Another theory contends that the declaration is a political Baikar Association, Inc. in the region, extended its conditional support to the Kurds in Iraq benefitting from the illegal pumping of the oil from the continued on next page 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472- 1509 S ATURDAY, J UNE 1 7 , 2 0 1 7 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 15 COMMENTARY

$240,000; Jim Arnold $240,000; and MediaFix $108,000! In then Vice-President Biden.” addition, a business associate of President Erdogan paid Israfil Kahraman, an Istanbul lawyer, was listed in the President Trump’s disgraced former National Security Department of Justice filing as the legal representative of Advisor Michael T. Flynn $540,000 in September 2016 to KEA, according to the Daily Beast. Israfil stated that the pur- lobby on behalf of the Turkish government! pose of the contract was “to develop friendship and cooper- My Turn In recent months, trying to get out of its P.R. quagmire, the ation between Turkey and the United States in the fields of Turkish government and groups affiliated with it have hired scientific and economic development.” Kahraman is quoted By Harut Sassounian three new firms. This week we will present one of these lob- by the Daily Beast as stating that the KEA was founded “by bying firms, leaving the other two to a future column. a group of distinguished scientists with the aim of conduct- Turkey Hires More US Lobbying Monte Advisory Group was hired in August 2016 for a fee ing civil society activities in order to raise awareness in of $400,000. According to the Daily Beast, the firm is run by Turkey about developing an economy with high added Firms As its Reputation is Further Douglas Baker, the son of Republican James Baker [Chief of value.” This makes no sense. Why would a group whose aim Staff and Secretary of State for President George H.W. Bush; is to raise awareness about the economy in Turkey hire a lob- Tarnished and Chief of Staff and Secretary of the Treasury for bying firm in Washington? This sounds more like a front for President Ronald Reagan). The firm is supposed to improve the Turkish government than an independent group of sci- As Turkey becomes the target of worldwide condemnation public perceptions of Turkey! Douglas Baker is the “sole and entists. It would be interesting to find out who is funding the for its human rights violations, the Turkish government managing member” of the Monte Advisory Group. The con- KEA! decides to spend a fortune on lobbying and public relations tract is signed by an Istanbul-based mysterious non-govern- Interestingly, when contacted by The Bureau of firms to try to cleanse its tarnished reputation. On the heels mental organization known as Knowledge Economy Investigative Journalism (BIJ), Douglas Baker stated that of the April 16 flawed referendum which Erdogan barely won Association (KEA). The Daily Beast reported that KEA’s there had been some concerns the US-Turkey relationship to give himself a wide-ranging dictatorial powers, and his “activities aligned sometimes with the interests of the “has soured a little” in the latter years of the Obama admin- bodyguards’ brutal attack in front of the Turkish Embassy in Turkish government.” More ominously, the Daily Beast istration. “There could be opportunities to either strengthen Washington, DC, on innocent protesters has been universal- reported that “at least one member of the KEA leadership that relationship or see it undergo further harm. And that’s ly criticized by the executive and legislative branches of the was a representative of the Turkish government.” the reason that [KEA] retained Monte — to help during that US government, including a resolution adopted by the US Furthermore, the founder and former president of KEA, transitional phase.” House of Representatives 397-0! Davut Kavranoglu, is now a scientific advisor to President Douglas Baker added that his company’s work for KEA Unfortunately, for Turkey and its autocratic president, the Erdogan, according to the Daily Beast. Kavranoglu had “was never designed to be broad brush public relations cam- country’s reputation is so tainted that public relations firms, tweeted a photograph of himself with James Baker! paign. It was a bit more of an opportunity to present their regardless of how powerful and competent they are, cannot The Daily Beast reported that, according to its filing with point of view… they felt we were positioned to help them with whitewash its image. Turkish leaders are simply wasting mil- the Department of Justice, Monte Advisory Group was the necessary introductions.” lions of dollars of their taxpayers’ money attempting to “engaged in outreach to the Trump Presidential Campaign Not surprisingly, after President Trump’s inauguration, accomplish an impossible task. and Presidential Transition Team” on behalf of KEA “to and after “the necessary introductions” were made between The Turkish government has already been paying $5 mil- improve the overall relationship and public perceptions the KEA and Trump administration officials, KEA did not lion a year to 10 lobbying firms: The Gephardt Group between Turkey and the United States.” Monte also made renew the contract with Monte when its initial six-month $1,700,000; APCO $741,000; Amsterdam Partners $600,000; contacts with “outgoing Obama administration officials, term expired in February 2017. “Only $105,000 of the con- Greenberg Traurig $480,000; Capitol Counsel $384,000; holding meetings with staff from the Department of Defense tracted $400,000 was paid by this point,” according to the Mercury $240,000; Madison Group $240,000; Mcbee Signal and emailing Colin Kahl, the National Security Advisor to BIJ.

Kurdish Independence “Yet, although this is not an anti-Saudi position, it is a pro-Qatari Analysis: Why Is one for sure. Ankara prioritised its geopolitical perspective, and Aspirations Raise showed that it holds its military presence [in Qatar] above the Red Flags in Middle East recent diplomatic crisis.” Turkey Deploying On the Same Side from previous page Turkey and Qatar have a long history of being on the same side gambit by the Kurds to incorporate Kirkuk within of regional conflicts and developments. They both provided sup- their territory in any future deal with the central Troops to Qatar? port for the Egyptian revolution and condemned the military government in Baghdad. But an expert on the coup that brought the country’s current leader, Abdel Fattah el- region, Nahwi Saeed, believes that incorporating Sisi, in to power. Kirkuk into Kurdistan is considered a red line by Only two days after Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Riyadh is viewing Iran as an existential threat, yet Qatar, much the Arabs and Turkomans. “Any unilateral attempt Emirates and Bahrain severed diplomatic relations with Qatar for like Turkey, has been following a rather complicated and multilay- by the Kurdistan Region to cross the red line will its alleged support of “terrorist organizations,” Turkey’s parlia- ered strategy against Iran. lead to violence,” says Mr. Saeed. And Turkey will ment has ratified military deals allowing its troops to be deployed They also refuse to classify Muslim Brotherhood and Hamas as not be a passive onlooker in that case. to a Turkish military base in Qatar. “terrorist organizations” and they both backed rebels fighting to Therefore, Kurdistan has two choices: either Turkish analysts talking to Al overthrow President Bashar al-Assad in Syria. seek independence without Kirkuk, which is less By Birce Bora Jazeera interpreted the move as Their partnership in regional politics gained further strength perilous, or try to incorporate Kirkuk and rally all “an apparent show of support for after Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani showed the enemies of independence together and block Qatar.” strong support for the Turkish government and President Recep the way. “This indeed suggests that Turkey sees its defense ties Tayyip Erdogan during and after last July’s failed coup attempt. Whether Iraqi Kurdistan attains independence with Qatar as an indispensable pillar of its strategic posture in the Qatar and Turkey are also following a similar strategy “of bal- or not, the Kurds in Turkey will press for their region,” Can Kasapoglu, a defense analyst from Turkey’s EDAM, ance” in their relations with Iran. Analysts explained that at the rights. The independence of Kurds in Iraq and told Al Jazeera. “It also shows that Ankara would not drastically moment Saudi Arabia and the UAE, with Donald Trump’s support Syria, which is already a fact of life, will accelerate alter its long-term vision for regional fluctuations.” and encouragement, are trying to form a unified front to isolate the process in Turkey, should the latter still harbor “Turkey has had a base and soldiers in Qatar for a while,” Kadir Iran completely. dreams of joining the European Union. Ustun, the executive director of the SETA Foundation in Qatar, as a result of its refusal to follow a hawkish strategy One may wonder what the fallout would be for Washington, DC, explained. “Increasing Turkish presence there at against the Islamic Republic, is being perceived as the “weakest Armenians in the wake of the Kurdish indepen- this point might be an attempt to reassure Qatar.” link” in this anti-Iran Gulf alliance, analysts said. dence movement. That partly depends on evolving Turkey set up a military base in Qatar, its first such installation Turkey, with its strong trade links to Iran and apparent unwill- developments but also what course Armenia and in the Middle East, as part of an agreement signed in 2014. The ingness to have a confrontation with its neighbor, is supporting Armenians around the world choose. When the base, which has a capacity to accommodate up to 5,000 troops, Doha’s approach to the Iranian threat. National Delegation was active during the already hosts 200 Turkish soldiers. “Riyadh is viewing Iran as an existential threat, yet Qatar, much Versailles negotiations, it contacted Kurdish lead- Late on Wednesday, June 7, two deals were ratified in Turkey’s like Turkey, has been following a rather complicated and multilay- ers in Europe to coordinate policy. That initiative parliament; one allowing Turkish troops to be deployed in Qatar ered strategy against Iran,” said Yesilada. also had the blessing of the government of the and another approving an accord between the two countries on “Turkey is in loggerheads with Iran in Iraq and Syria, but it is First Republic. This course was adopted despite the military training cooperation. also continuing its growing trade relationship with this neighbor fact that the Kurdish atrocities were very much Both agreements, which were drawn up before the spat between — and this compartmentalized relationship is making Riyadh ques- alive in the memories of those present. When the Qatar and its neighbors erupted, were brought to parliament by tion the strength of Turkey’s position in the alliance that is form- Sevres Treaty was abandoned, the two groups MPs from Turkey’s governing Justice and Development Party ing against Iran in the Middle East.” dropped their official cooperation. (AKP) in an extraordinary session. “Their attitude towards Iran is putting Qatar and Turkey in the Today, when the Kurds are struggling for their “The military base in Qatar is an important power projection same camp, once again.” independence, Armenian support goes a long way. asset for Turkey,” said Kasapoglu. “Turkey has always considered Analysts explained that Turkey would do everything it can to Above all, political support as well as any other Qatar an important strategic ally in the region, and it is using this resist the US and Saudi pressure to turn its historic rivalry with support. base to demonstrate this view.” Iran into enmity. “Turkey and Iran had long been compertmental- Once the Kurds attain their autonomy or inde- Yet analysts added that it is important not to read Turkey’s deci- izing their relations,” Kasapoglu explained. pendence in Turkey, it will be relatively easier to sion to deploy troops in to Qatar as “picking a side” in the spat “They faced each other in Iraq and Syria, but this did not stop deal with them rather than the Turks, especially if that rocked the Gulf. the Iranian Foreign Minister from visiting Turkey, or affected the we pay our dues today. “Turkey’s military base in Qatar has always been, and still is, a two countries’ trade relations.” Currently the Kurds have been inhabiting his- symbolic gesture and nothing more,” said Atilla Yesilada, a politi- “Turkey agrees to many aspects of Qatar’s foreign policy vision, toric Armenian territory. It is not realistic to expect cal analyst with Istanbul’s Global Source Partners. and President Erdogan made it clear that he does not agree with them to abandon it for our sake, after spilling so “While Turkey values its partnership with Qatar, and does not the accusations Riyadh directed at Qatar,” Yesilada said. “On sub- much blood. But it is within reason to expect that approve the foreign policy vision Saudi Arabia is trying to enforce jects like Palestine, Egypt, Hamas and Muslim Brotherhood, the independent Kurds would be amenable to come to on the small but influential emirate, it is also not willing to — and two countries are definitely on the same page.” an accommodation with Armenians to preserve cannot afford to - pick a fight with Riyadh.” “But this does not mean Turkey is willing to jeopardize its rela- our heritage for us and for humanity. “The ratification of the military treaties is not an anti-Saudi tions with Saudi Arabia or the UAE.” But first, let us find out where all the red flags move at all,” Kasapoglu added. “Turkey still sticks to ‘I don’t want against Kurdish aspirations would lead. problems between my two good friends’ policy. see QATAR, page 16 16 S ATURDAY, J UNE 1 7 , 2 0 1 7 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Armenologist Michael Stone on Armenian Culture and Unique Archaeological Discoveries

“[Those who wrote these names] were in By Nvard Chalikyan Nazareth, in the Church of Annunciation; then they went to Mount Sinai and wrote their names in both places. The Latins built a new JERUSALEM (Panorama.am) — “When I was basilica and they found stones underneath, doing my PhD I started to learn Armenian. I below a mosaic floor that was damaged in an [also] learned to have great affection for the earthquake. We know that there was an earth- Armenian people and its creativity. I liked it… I quake in the middle of the fifth century, in the learned to value the music and art through my year 447; so anything under that floor is older wife,” said Dr. Michael Stone, professor of than 447. This was quite an extraordinary dis- Armenian studies at Hebrew University of covery,” he said, adding that the director of Jerusalem, during a recent video interview. Stone the archaeological institute of the Armenian has devoted many years of his life to studying academy told him they didn’t have anything Armenian history and culture; he has written that old. more than 40 books and 400 articles, most of He has also discovered a special dialect of which are on Armenian topics. Armenian that was spoken by the people in He has done many studies of stories related to Jerusalem who were called kaghakatsiner – old the Bible in Armenian, about which he says, Armenian families. Dr. Michael Stone “There is an enormous literature of Armenian Stone also speaks about the discovery of a biblical stories that are not in the Bible but are Jewish cemetery in Armenia. Near the village of retelling the Bible stories. I have recently pub- Yeghegis together with the Primate of Vayots the same thing... It was Genocide and we should Hebrew University of Jerusalem; the program lished a book in Yerevan of texts of this sort, pub- Dzor, Bishop Abraham Mikirdichian, they dis- recognize it — it is just a moral imperative… has about 30 students. Stone used to teach lished by Matenadaran [Armenian manuscript covered a cemetery which had inscriptions in When you think of the riches that the people Armenian and also Medieval Armenian, and museum],” he added. Hebrew and Aramaic dating back to the 13th had produced… I was in Istanbul (Constantinople though he has retired he still continues to teach Apart from being a scholar and historian, century. we say) some years ago, and I saw the chemaran Grabar (Classical Armenian) for advanced stu- Stone is also a poet and has translated a good “So there was a Jewish community in Yeghegis [academy] in which the great Armenian linguist dents. His former student currently teaches deal of medieval Armenian poetry into English, for at least 100 years who were buried and who Acharyan studied. It was a great culture — music, Armenian as well. In the university, they com- including such work as Adamgirk of Armenian were rich enough to leave gravestones, like the food, language and dialects.” memorate the date of the Armenian Genocide philosopher Arakel Syunetsi. Orbelian family cemetery... This is important, for There are Armenian classes currently held in as an official university function. Stone also has a great interest in Armenian [we discovered that] there was a Jewish settle- epigraphy and has himself made discoveries of ment in Armenia in the 13th century. Those peo- old Armenian inscriptions. ple came from Iran... We know from Stepanos “I had the great fortune in the late 1970s and Orbelian that there were also Jews in Kapan. So US House Unanimously Condemns early 1980s to work in the Sinai desert. We did there is a lot of evidence”, – he says. They are find extremely old Armenian inscriptions, not currently preparing a book on the history of Jews just on Mount Sinai but also in various stopping in Armenia together with philologist Aram Turkish Violence Against Protestors places in the desert. They were dated archeolog- Topchyan.” ically probably between 430 and 440, which Speaking about the Armenian Genocide Stone VIOLENCE, from page 1 Speaker of the House Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) means they were written in all likelihood when said, “I, as a human being, am profoundly com- H.Res. 354 states that “any Turkish security publicly supported H.Res. 354, noting in a pre- St. Mesrop Mashtots was still alive”, – he says. mitted to recognition and restitution of the officials who directed, oversaw, or participated vious statement: “The violent crackdown on On the pages of one of his books he shows the Armenian Genocide… [The recognition of the in efforts by Turkish security forces to illegally peaceful protesters by Turkish security forces oldest Armenian writing (inscription) which is an Armenian Genocide] is important for any human suppress peaceful protests on May 16, 2017, was completely indefensible, and the Erdogan Armenian name written in Armenian alphabet. being first of all. Second, I think we underwent should be charged and prosecuted under government’s response was wholly inadequate. United States law.” The Resolution continues: Turkey is an important NATO ally, but its lead- “the United States should take steps to ers must fully condemn and apologize for this strengthen freedoms for the press and civil soci- brutal behavior against innocent civilians excis- ety in countries such as Turkey, and combat ing their First Amendment rights. In the mean- efforts by foreign leaders to suppress free and time, we stand fully committed to helping bring peaceful protest in their own countries.” all those responsible to justice.” During the discussion, Hoyer stated: “Our “The Armenian Assembly strongly commends resolution makes it clear, the United States will Chairman Royce, Ranking Member Engel, not tolerate violence against peaceful protesters Majority Leader McCarthy, and Minority Whip on our shores and those responsible must face Hoyer along with Speaker Paul Ryan for ensur- justice.” ing swift passage in the House of In addition, Rep. John Sarbanes (D-MD) Representatives on this principled measure to added: “The assault on protesters in address the egregious actions of Turkey’s body- Washington, D.C., is entirely consistent with the guards against peaceful protesters on America impulses of an autocratic Turkey. It has soil,” Assembly Executive Director Bryan unmasked President Erdogan for the bully he is Ardouny said. “This vicious assault against and offers Americans a teachable moment on peaceful protesters exercising their constitu- the character of official Turkey. It reflects a tional right to free speech and assembly is unac- deeply embedded reflex that in the modern era ceptable. Today, America made it clear that has brought the world, among other things, the such actions will not be tolerated and run unlawful invasion and occupation of Cyprus, counter to our democratic values,” he contin- the Armenian Genocide, and the violent repres- ued. sion of the Kurdish people.” Thirty members had abstained from voting.

Analysis: Why is Turkey deploying Troops to Qatar? QATAR, from page 15 ship with the new US administration and it Turkey also enjoys strong political and eco- wants to open up a new channel for dialogue nomic relations with the Kingdom of Saudi with Donald Trump through Saudi Arabia,” he Arabia. The two countries signed a special agree- said. ment in April last year to establish a team specif- “Of course, this does not mean Turkey is ically tasked with strengthening bilateral trade going to abandon Qatar, but it is safe to say that ties. Ankara won’t be openly positioning itself against “Turkey wants to increase its share in the glob- Riyadh.” al arms trade,” said Kasapoglu. “Ankara believes Turkey supports resolving the crisis within the this is a prerequisite to becoming a global power Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) through diplo- and it rightly identifies Saudi Arabia as a sus- macy, Ustun said. “I think Turkey is not interest- tainable and hungry market.” ed in being seen as on ‘one side’ of a dispute like “Turkey is expected to sign a major export this,” he added. deal to sell several small ships to Saudi Arabia in “At the moment, Turkey does not want any- the near future,” he added. “If the deal comes to body to ‘win’ the conflict that is ripping apart the fruition, it is going to be Turkey’s largest arms GCC,” Kasapoglu said. “Turkey wants the GCC export deal to this day and Ankara is not eager to swiftly solve its internal problems and show a to jeopardize this opportunity.” unified front to the world and to their mutual Yesilada pointed out that Turkey also needs adversaries.” Saudi Arabia to stay a “trusted strategic part- (Birce is an online journalist with Al ner.” Jazeera English. She mainly covers the “Ankara is aware of Riyadh’s growing friend- Middle East with a focus on Turkey.)