Prime Minister Pashinyan Resigns Needs to Return ‘Occupied Territories’ Paves Way for Snap Early General Elections Are Therefore Vital for His Political Future

OCTOBER 20, 2018 Mirror-SpeTHE ARMENIAN ctator Volume LXXXIX, NO. 14, Issue 4558 $ 2.00 NEWS The First English Language Armenian Weekly in the United States Since 1932 INBRIEF Mills Says Armenia Prime Minister Pashinyan Resigns Needs to Return ‘Occupied Territories’ Paves Way for Snap Early general elections are therefore vital for his political future. Observers believe YEREVAN (Mediamax) — U.S. Ambassador to Election that the popular premier and his allies will Armenia Richard Mills, who is completing his diplo- win them by a landslide. matic mission in Armenia, said that the settlement YEREVAN (Combined Sources) — Prime Under the Armenian constitution, the of NK issue will require the return of “some portion Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced his National Assembly can be dissolved if it of the occupied territories.” resignation late on Tuesday, October 16, fails to elect another head of government In an interview with EVN Report published on paving the way for the holding of snap par- within two weeks after Pashinyan’s resig- October 16, Mills said that the Armenian people liamentary elections in Armenia in nation. will have to decide for themselves what they are December. The HHK, which holds 50 seats in the prepared for. In a televised address to the nation, 105-member legislature, said on October 9 He noted he has been struck by how little dis- Pashinyan said the elections are necessary that it “does not have an intention to nom- cussion there was about what would have been or for completing the democratic Velvet inate a candidate” for the post of prime is an acceptable solution and compromise in Revolution that brought him to power in minister. The party’s deputy chairman, Armenia. May. He seemed confident that the former Armen Ashotyan, reaffirmed that pledge “What I did hear was a little disturbing because ruling Republican Party of Armenia (HHK) earlier on Tuesday. it appeared to be a step back from where we were. and other parliamentary forces would not Two other parliamentary forces, the I was surprised when I first got here and found try to prevent them by electing another Prosperous Armenia (BHK) and the out that most Armenians I met were adamantly prime minister. Dashnaktsutyun (ARF), have also pledged opposed to the return of the occupied territories as part of a negotiation settlement. It has long President of Armenia Armen Sarkissian not to try to install another premier. They Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has accepted the resignation of the Cabinet have 31 and 7 parliament seats, respective- been my government’s understanding of why the of the Republic of Armenia, ARMEN- ly. occupied territories were originally seized; they PRESS was informed from the press ser- Pashinyan said that while his political and national security.” He stressed in that would be land for a peace option. So I was very vice of the President’s Office. team is “more than prepared for any sce- regard, he does not view the HHK as an surprised that there was no support for that any- Pashinyan’s party controls only a few nario” he believes that the parliament “enemy.” more,” Mills said. seats in the current Armenian parliament. majority will not “act against the people see RESIGNATION, page 2 Bolton to Travel to Armenia, Azerbaijan Trudeau, Macron And Georgia Headline 2018 WASHINGTON (RFE/RL) — US national-security adviser John Bolton has announced he will be traveling to Russia and three Caucasus Francophonie nations later this month for talks with senior officials. Summit in Armenia In a tweet on October 11, Bolton said he would depart on October 20 for Russia, Azerbaijan, YEREVAN (Combined Sources) — The Armenia, and Georgia. leaders of more than three dozen mostly “On October 20th I’ll be traveling to Russia, French-speaking countries wrapped up on Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia to meet with my Friday, October 12, a two-day meeting in counterparts and other senior officials to advance Yerevan which Prime Minister Nikol American interests on a range of security issues,” Bolton tweeted. Russia’s RIA Novosti news agency on October 12 quoted a Russian source as saying Russia’s Security Council secretary, Nikolai Patrushev, planned to meet with Bolton in Moscow on October 22-23. From left, Nicolas Aznavour, President Emmanuel Macron and President Armen Sarkissian The Bolton visit to Russia comes at a time of heightened tensions between Washington and Moscow over Russian actions in Ukraine and Syria Organization of La Francophonie (OIF). were involved in organizing it,” he said, as well as alleged Kremlin interference in US elec- The summit, also attended by govern- naming several senior Armenian diplomats tions. ment delegations from more than 40 other and other government officials. In August, Bolton told Patrushev that the US states, was the largest international forum Pashinyan also acknowledged that “wouldn’t tolerate meddling” in the upcoming US President Emmanuel Macron at the ever held in Yerevan. It highlighted what Armenia’s former government and former Aznavour Museum midterm elections. He also said US sanctions the current and former Armenian govern- Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandyan in against Russia would remain in place until Moscow ments have described as Armenia’s “privi- particular deserve credit for the changes its behavior. Pashinyan said has raised Armenia’s inter- leged relationship” with France. Francophonie organization’s decision in national profile. “We can say for certain that this event 2016to hold its next summit in Yerevan. French President Emmanuel Macron, has helped to boost the international stand- “Special thanks to Mr. Nalbandyan for Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau ing of our country and to strengthen the those efforts,” he said. and other participants of the summit adopt- International Organization of La The Armenian leader also used the ed a joint declaration that was not immedi- Francophonie and its authority,” Pashinyan forum to solidify his seemingly warm per- INSIDE ately made public. They also appointed said in a video address to the nation. “The sonal rapport with Macron. Private videos Rwanda’s Foreign Minister Louise summit was very well-organized.” captured the two men as well as Trudeau Mushikiwabo as head of the International “I want to thank all those people who see FRANCOPHONIE, page 4 TCA New Street Name in Istanbul Jersey Art Changed to Dink Page 14 ISTANBUL (Agos) — Samanyolu Street in Istanbul’s Sisli district has been renamed for Armenian journalist Hrant Dink, Agos reports. INDEX Dink, the editor-in-chief of the Istanbul-based Arts and Living ...... 14 Turkish-Armenian weekly Agos, was shot dead Armenia ...... 2,3 at the age of 52 in broad daylight by an ultra- Community News...... 6 nationalist outside his office in central Istanbul Editorial ...... 18 on January 19, 2007. International ...... 4,5 see STREET, page 3 2 S ATURDAY, O CTOBER 2 0 3 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARMENIA News From Armenia Prime Minister Pashinyan Resigns

RESIGNATION, from page 1 resignation of the government, the that they have a goal and intention to Pashinyan rallied tens of thousands National Assembly doesn’t elect a act against the people and Armenia’s US State Official Visits of supporters outside the parliament prime minister twice during the national security,” he said. building in Yerevan on October 2 upcoming 14 days, which results in the While he asserted his power, he also Armenia immediately after lawmakers from National Assembly being dissolved and encourage the political activity of all YEREVAN (Armenpress) — Prime Minister Nikol those three parties pushed through a the President of the Republic calling parties, including the Republican Party Pashinyan this week met with Deputy Assistant bill that could have complicated the for early elections of parliament. of former President Serzh Sargsyan. Secretary in the US State Department’s Bureau of conduct of fresh elections. The three “During this entire period, the cabi- “I’ve said during my entire political European and Eurasian Affairs George Kent. parties thus attempted to delay the net members will continue carrying out activity, and I would like to repeat now He welcomed Kent to Armenia and said it is a good vote until next May or June. They their duties. I will continue fulfilling also: I didn’t have, I don’t have, and I chance to discuss the agenda of bilateral relations dropped their objections to the Constitutional powers of Prime won’t have enemies in Armenia and and possibilities for developing cooperation, Pashinyan’s plans following angry Minister of the Republic of Armenia, among Armenians. And I would like to Pashinyan’s office said. protests. that is to say I will continue being the wish good luck to all political forces in George Kent said he is happy to visit Armenia in Pashinyan stepped up his push for guarantor of the people’s victory and if the early elections of parliament and to the period of ongoing changes in the country, and parliament’s dissolution after his you give a vote of confidence to our affirm that our government will guar- that the United States attaches importance to fur- alliance won more than 80 percent of political force in the upcoming elec- antee the free expression of will of the ther enhancement of mutually beneficial partnership the vote in the September 23 munici- tions in December, I will be re-elected people in the elections,” he added. with Armenia. pal elections in Yerevan. as Prime Minister.” He thanked the people of Armenia The prime minister addressed domestic political The constitution allows the premier He said the demonstration on for their support and apologized to processes and stressed that Armenia is resolutely and his ministers to continue to per- October 2 indicate his popularity and those whom he has let down. advancing on the path of developing democracy, form their duties at least until the inau- that he thus does not fear an under- “But, dear countrymen, I want you which isn’t a foreign political orientation for the gural session of the new parliament. handed move from other political par- to know definitely and undoubtedly: all Armenian society – but an inner conviction and Pashinyan emphasized this fact in his ties. your pains are in my heart, all your value. live address. “The October 2 events showed that needs are in my thoughts, all your Pashinyan also spoke about the coherent work as we are more than ready for any sce- dreams are in my soul and give me Pashinyan Speech part of the anti-corruption combat and the reforms in nario, because not a single force can wings and strength to stand before you various areas. Speaking directly to the camera, stand before the will and desire of the and to confidently say – everything will Kent noted that the United States government is Pashinyan in turns encouraged voters people. be all right, everything will be very interested in Armenia having successes in developing and explained his course. “But now I don’t even want to dis- good. Prepare yourselves for new victo- democracy, economic progress, as well as in other “The roadmap for achieving early cuss any such scenario, because as ries and prepare for building a new and priority directions of the country, and is ready to elections of parliament is the following: much contradictions and harsh powerful, free and happy Armenia.” assist the Armenian government in the process of after my resignation the President of debates we were to have with a number (RFE/RL and Armenpress con- implementing reforms. the Republic immediately accepts the of parliamentary forces, I can’t think tributed to this report.) During the meeting the sides also exchanged ideas over the settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, the current international situation, regional challenges and other issues. Armenia’s President Kocharyan Vague about Releases Details Future Plans From Meeting with YEREVAN (Armenpress) — Former President Artsakh Counterpart Robert Kocharyan spoke about his future in politics YEREVAN (Armenpress) — in an interview with Bloomberg, the ex-president’s Within the frameworks of his visit office said this week. to the Republic of Artsakh on Kocharyan has said that he is willing to support the October 15, President of Armenia active formation of balance in the political system. Armen Sarkissian met with Asked how he is planning to do it, the second pres- President of Artsakh Bako ident of Armenia said: “Be a part of it, first of all by Sahakyan in Stepanakert. expressing opinion, second of all by active partner- Sarkissian told reporters at ship with other political forces, using the entire tool- Shushi’s museum of fine arts that box which is usually used to participate in political he has discussed a range of issues processes. It may be both personal participation, it with his Artsakh counterpart. “We may be cooperation, it can simply be active stance in talked about the domestic political Armenia’s political arena, stance regarding issues of life in Artsakh, the situation in the public concern and the general situation. Meaning border, as well as a number of there is a rather broad circle here.” other issues. We also touched upon Kocharyan added that the most important thing for the future activity of Hayastan All- him is that he can’t be distant from ongoing events. Hayk Marutyan Armenian Fund. No one can under- He said that having office has never been an end in estimate the works of this struc- itself for him. “I passed through the highest offices ture for these years. We expect that that any politician can dream of. And in this case it the Fund will continue not only isn’t something new, it isn’t a so-called unseen thing operating well, but also ensuring for me, for me to have a powerful desire to aspire Hayk Marutyan Sworn good quality. I, as a chairman of for,” he said. the Fund’s Board of Trustees, will do everything possible for the In as New Yerevan 2 Ex-Armenian structure to develop program led by the new executive director Lawmakers Dead in which will contribute to reaching Mayor the activities of the Fund to a high- YEREVAN (Armenpress, Arka) — Yerevan Mayor Hayk Marutyan’s Suspected Murder- er level which in its turn will lead swearing-in ceremony took place on Saturday, October 13. to recovering the activity which has Suicide The new mayor promised to make every effort to ensure prosper- been stopped for several months,” ity to the city and welfare to its residents. He also vowed to pro- YEREVAN (AP) — Police in Armenia say a former the president said. tect the rights and property of the community. member of parliament was shot to death in a restau- The Armenian president added Marutyan also promised to do whatever he can to ensure eco- rant and that the suspected assailant, also a former that he wouldn’t like to separate nomic and spiritual renaissance to Yerevan and to support all the ini- lawmaker, later died of a suspected suicide. his visit to Artsakh as a regular offi- tiatives aimed at its development. According to police, Karo Karapetyan and Arutyun cial visit. “Every time by visiting Hayk Marutyan, My Step bloc’s mayoral candidate, was elected Karagezyan, met Saturday, October 6, in a restaurant Artsakh I discover it in a new way. recently by 81,5% of votes. in the Armenian capital of Yerevan and that a quar- In a sense, I come home. This time Marutyan met with the mayor of Stepanakert Suren Grigoryan, rel over unspecified financial issues broke out. I visited with my wife and partici- who arrived in the capital of Armenia to participate in the inaugu- Karapetyan was shot and pronounced dead at a hos- pated in the Harvest festival orga- ration. pital. nized at the Revival square,” Hayk Marutyan welcomed his guest and thanked him for accept- Police say Karagezyan was found dead early Sarkissian said, adding that he tast- ing his invitation. Marutyan stressed his special attitude towards Sunday of a gunshot wound in a village north of the ed the Artsakh dishes. “After visit- Artsakh and, in particular, Stepanakert, and also noted that close capital with a gun in his right hand. ing Shushi’s museum of fine arts, cooperation with the capital of Artsakh should be continuous, and Police spokesman Edgar Dzhanoyan said a pistol which has a collection of very great the directions of this cooperation will expand in the near future. found at the restaurant where Karapetyan was killed paintings in a short period of time, In turn, the mayor of Stepanakert thanked Hayk Marutyan for the belonged to Karagezyan. representing the works of different invitation and congratulated him on his election as mayor. Both men were former parliament members for the painters, I would like to state that Grigoryan wished his colleague practical success in this important Prosperous Armenia Party, which is currently in this structure is an architectural matter, which will also serve to develop cooperation formed between opposition. value, and it’s welcoming that clas- the two Armenian capitals. sic music concerts are regularly being held here.” S ATURDAY, O CTOBER 2 0 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 3 ARMENIA President Trump: ‘My Attitude International News Towards Turkey Is Very Positive’ OSCE Visits Artsakh Contact Line, Denied ISTANBUL (RFE/RL) — After few days after Washington had already on the table. the release of American pastor Andrew imposed sanctions on Turkey to a sig- “The Turks were aware that the Access to Azeri Line Brunson on October 12, signs of warm- nificant blow to the country’s economy. entire American administration was ing appear in Turkish-American US media outlets say the US presi- angry, and if Erdogan did not free YEREVAN (Armenpress) — On October 10, in strained relations. dent was ready to take stronger mea- Brunson many days ago, that anger accordance with the arrangement reached with the The head of the White House, though sures. According to ABC sources, would go out. Sanctions, restrictions, authorities of the Republic of Artsakh (Nagorno he does not speak of eliminating sanc- Washington seriously discussed the withdrawal of diplomats, everything was Karabakh Republic), the Organization for Security tions against Ankara yet, publicly issue of removing all diplomatic person- discussed,” a senior US State and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Mission con- announces his opinion on Turkey. nel from Turkey. Department official told ABC. ducted a planned monitoring of the ceasefire regime “We have not promised anything to Speaking to the TV station, senior US The Turkish court, who was impris- on the Line of Contact between the armed forces of Turkey, we do not go for a deal to officials said that the program was thor- oned for more than two and a half years Artsakh and Azerbaijan, to the south from Gyulistan release captives or prisoners. However, I oughly discussed in the American elite, on charges of espionage and terrorism, village of the Shahumian region, the Foreign must say that now I have changed my even though it was decided that the released him last weekend and allowed Ministry of Artsakh said. opinion about Turkey very much, my process would take place in two him to return to his homeland. From the positions of the Defense Army of the attitude is very different from the feel- months, first by US high-ranking diplo- Trump personally accepted Brunson Republic of Artsakh, the monitoring was conducted ing I had two days ago, now it’s very mats and then by ordinary employees of in the White House. “From the Turkish by Field Assistant to the Personal Representative of positive, two days ago it was not so,” the embassy. prison to the Oval Office is not bad in the (OSCE) Chairperson-in-Office (CiO) Ognjen Trump said. “For a moment, there was a fear that 24 hours,” he said. Jovic (Bosnia and Herzegovina) and Personal Until recently, Trump was critical of relations with Turkey would be severely The Turkish president continues to Assistant to the CiO Personal Representative Simon interviews and Erdogan’s administra- disrupted,” the State Department offi- insist that he has nothing to do with Tiller (Great Britain). tion in his tweets. cial said, adding that the issue of the release of Brunson since the From the opposite side of the Line of Contact, the “Turkey has abused the United putting more severe restrictions on courts in Turkey are free, justice is monitoring was conducted by Personal States’ confidence,” he said in August, a Turkish officials and businessmen was independent. Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Ambassador Andrzej Kasprzyk and his Field Assistant Ghenadie Petrica (Moldova), as well as staff member of the Office of the CiO Personal Representative Martin Schuster (Germany). Foreign Minister Meets with Rwandan Counterpart The monitoring passed in accordance with the agreed schedule. However, the Azerbaijani side did YEREVAN (Armenpress) — Armenia’s and its humanist values represent the major international linguistic zones (the not lead the OSCE mission to its front-line positions. Minister of Foreign Affairs Zohrab two cornerstones on which the English, Portuguese, Spanish, and Arab- From the Artsakh side, the monitoring was accom- Mnatsakanyan met on October 9 with International Organisation of La speaking zones). panied by representatives of the Republic of Artsakh his Rwandan counterpart Louise Francophonie is based. The IOF has its head office in Paris Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Defense. Mushikiwabo, the Foreign Ministry said. The International Organisation of La as well as four permanent representa- Mushikiwabo was in Armenia for the Francophonie was created in 1970. Its tions in Addis Ababa (at the African La Francophonie events. mission is to embody the active solidar- Union and at the United Nations Armenian Serial Rapist She was also elected to be the presi- ity between its 84 member states and Economic Commission for Africa), in Arrested in Poland dent of the organization later that week. governments (58 During the meeting the Armenian members and 26 WARSAW, Poland (news.am) — An Armenian crim- FM noted that he is happy to once again observers), which inal, who has committed several aggravated rapes host his Rwandan counterpart after together represent and assaults in the Belgian coastal town of Oostende, August. over one-third of was arrested last week in Szczecin, Poland, the web- Speaking about the bilateral agenda, the United Nations’ site of EU’s law enforcement agency reported. the sides stressed mutual readiness to member states and At the time of arrest, the 30-year-old was in pos- deepen relations and cooperation, point- account for a popu- session of counterfeit Romanian, Belgian and Greek ing out digital economy, IT and innova- lation of over 900 documents. Polish police officers immediately tions as a targeted sector. million people, checked Europe’s Most Wanted website and recog- The Armenian FM stressed that com- including 274 mil- nised him as the fugitive wanted by Belgium. prehensive development of relations lion French speak- The suspect was convicted in 2015 and sentenced with African countries is one of ers. to 25 years imprisonment by a court in Bruges Armenia’s foreign policy priorities and IOF organizes (Belgium). He was found guilty of violently raping expressed hope that the 35th political activities several women, threatening his victims with a Ministerial Conference and the XVII and actions of mul- Armenia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Zohrab Mnatsakanyan with his Rwandan counterpart Louise Mushikiwabo weapon, and numerous other assaults in Oostende summit of La Francophonie in Yerevan tilateral coopera- (Belgium) in 2011 and 2012. He fled abroad and his will boost expansion of cooperation. tion that benefit whereabouts were unknown until last week. The Armenia has been a member of the French-speaking Brussels (at the European Union), in criminal was featured on both Belgium’s and organization since 2008. populations. Its actions respect cultural New York and in Geneva (at the UN). It Europe’s Most Wanted websites. The International Organisation of La and linguistic diversity and serve to pro- has three regional offices (West Africa The Fugitive Active Search Team (FAST) of the Francophonie represents one of the mote the French language, peace and ; Central Africa and Indian Ocean ; Belgian federal police was contacted by their Polish biggest linguistic zones in the world. Its sustainable development. Asia-Pacific) located respectively in colleagues after they recognised him on Europe’s members share more than just a com- IOF has concluded 33 cooperation Lomé (Togo), Libreville (Gabon) and Most Wanted website. They were quickly able to con- mon language. They also share the agreements with international and Hanoi (Vietnam) and two regional firm his identify by comparing fingerprints. humanist values promoted by the regional organizations and has estab- antennas in Bucharest (Romania) and The Belgian authorities have requested his extra- French language. The French language lished permanent dialogue between the in Port-au-Prince (Haiti). dition. Sino-Armenian Aurora Initiative Announces Scholarship in Honor of Charles Aznavour Cooperation Discussed YEREVAN — Aurora Humanitarian Francophone countries – who will have the charisma, his worldliness, his genuine At Conference Initiative co-founders Noubar Afeyan, opportunity to study at UWC Dilijan. love for people took him around the Vartan Gregorian, Ruben Vardanyan In a letter disseminated this week, world and we will all remember him for LONDON — On September 12-14, the “The announced this week the creation of a they wrote, “Charles Aznavour personi- what he gave us – love, energy, faith in Annual Conference of the British Association for scholarship to honor the legacy of the fied the Armenian story – the child of ourselves and our fellow man. He did Chinese Studies” was held at King’s College London. late singer, Charles Aznavour. refugees became a global idol who deliv- this as an entertainer and philan- The conference was organized by The Lau China The new scholarship will be awarded ered messages of humanity through his thropist. He will not be forgotten and Institute, King’s College London and British annually to students from France – and music and his huge personality. His we will miss him. Association for Chinese Studies. “Aznavour lent his name and his ener- Selected scholars from different countries were gy to the Aurora Humanitarian invited to participate and introduce their research on Initiative from the beginning. He was international security issues. Street Name in Istanbul Changed to Dink an important part of the first two Mher Sahakyan, the head of the China-Eurasia Aurora Prize ceremonies in 2016 and Council for Political and Strategic Research STREET, from page 1 2017. In his memory, the Aurora Foundation, Armenia, was among participants. Ogün Samast, then a 17-year-old jobless high-school dropout, confessed Humanitarian Initiative will launch a He presented his research on “One Belt, One Road to the killing and was sentenced to almost 23 years in jail back in 2011. new annual scholarship as part of the Initiative’s Financial Resources and Prospects for The names of several streets in the city have been changed because the Gratitude Scholarship Program. This Sino-Armenian cooperation in the financial-banking municipality was concerned they would evoke the community of the exiled program was established in gratitude to sphere.” cleric, Fettulah Gulen. the people of the countries that offered The presentation was followed by a discussion on The Istanbul Municipal Council has decided to change the names of a shelter and food to those displaced by both the topic of research and the methods used by total of 90 streets that included words, which could be associated the Armenian Genocide more than a Sahakyan. with FETÖ, the group widely believed to have masterminded the failed century ago. Aznavour was one of those coup in 2016. people and he found refuge – and fame – in France.” 4 S ATURDAY, O CTOBER 2 0 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR INTERNATIONAL Trudeau, Macron Headline Francophonie Summit in Armenia

FRANCOPHONIE, from page 1 and Prince Albert of Monaco at an official dinner late on Thursday, learning how to perform Armenian dancing, as instructed by Pashinyan and his wife. (See https://www.rferl.org/a/macron-trudeau-dance-in-yerevan/29540450.html) Pashinyan and Macron hugged each other before the latter left the Karen Demirchyan Sports and Concert Complex, which served as the summit venue, for Yerevan’s Zvartnots international airport on Friday afternoon. The Francophonie grouping comprises 54 member states where French is spoken or where there is an affinity toward French culture. Many of them are former French colonies. Armenia hosted on Thursday a summit of the Paris-based Francophonie organization attended by French President Emmanuel Macron, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the leaders of three dozen other French-speaking nations.

Leaders of French-speaking nations pose for a photograph at a Francophonie summit in Yerevan, October 11.

Macron spoke about the planned meeting with great chan- “Together with the Diaspora we will continue Charles sonnier Charles Aznavour that was to take place at “Charles Aznavour’s struggle for the international recognition of the Aznavour” residence but failed to happen and the struggle of Armenian Genocide. That struggle is also the struggle of Charles Aznavour for the recognition of the Armenian France,” the French president said, reiterating that April 24 will Genocide, noting that April 24 will be remembered in France as be remembered in France as the Day of Remembrance of the the Day of Remembrance of the Armenian Genocide. Armenian Genocide. Macron and his wife also visited the Armenian Genocide Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan greets guests at the Francophonie Gala Concert conference. Museum and Memorial, as did Trudeau. Pashinyan, accompanied by his wife Anna Hakobyan, attend- Macron noted that 43,000 young people in Armenia speak ed the gala concert at the Republican Square of Yerevan orga- French, and highlighted the role of the Aznavour center for fur- The two-day summit, also attended by government delega- nized in the sidelines of the 17th summit of Francophonie. ther popularization of the French language in Armenia. tions from over 40 other states, is the largest international Macron, Trudeau, heads of delegations participating in the President of Armenia Armen Sarkissian and his wife, Nouneh forum ever held in Yerevan. It highlights what the current and summit, and the highest political and spiritual leadership of Sarkissian, attended the presentation of the architectural pro- former Armenian governments have described as Armenia’s Armenia were present at the concert. “privileged relationship” with France. The final part of the concert was ded- Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan opened the gathering with a icated to the memory of Aznavour. speech delivered in French. Pashinyan presented French “I and all Armenian people are happy to host in Yerevan the President Emmanuel Macron with the 17th summit of the heads of Francophone states and govern- Armenian translation of Macron’s book, ments,” he said. “Welcome to Armenia!” Revolution, translated into Armenian by “Armenia is a young member of the Francophonie … and yet the state prior to the summit. there is no need to prove its commitment to promoting cultural The French president added that and linguistic diversity and fundamental values of the French Aznavour’s struggle was first of all for language and the Francophonie,” he said. Those values include the sake of Armenia, in order the respect for democracy and human rights, added the Armenian Armenian nation could raise their heads leader. and withstand the wounds of history. Armenia and Moldova are the only former Soviet republics In his speech Macron also recalled the among the Francophonie’s 54 full members. The three Baltic Spitak earthquake of 1988, pointing out states, Georgia and Ukraine have an observer status in the orga- Aznavour’s role in providing support to nization the survivors. “Today, the Aznavour Foundation, Macron at the Summit under the auspices of [his son] Nicolas and Macron also addressed the summit, describing the [museum director] Kristina [Sarkisian] con- Francophonie nations as a global and diverse “family” that can tinues that humanitarian mission through- The gala concert contribute to international peace which he said is under grow- out the world,” Macron said. ing threat. “We do not have the same skin color, our gods do not bear ject of the Aznavour center at the Charles Aznavour Residence the same names and some of us do not believe in God,” he said. on October 11 with Macron and his wife, Brigitte. “We also live in very different climate zones and our songs are Nicolas Aznavour, the son of the late singer, who is also the not similar. Our histories do not originate from the same founder of “Aznavour” Foundation and Director Kristina Sarkisian sources and there have been many wounds between us which presented the goals and activities of “Aznavour” center. An interactive museum will operate in the center, dedicated to Charles Aznavour’s life, as well as music, French and film making will be taught. The two Presidents, accompanied by their wives and the leadership of the Foundation toured in the area of the center, which will open its doors after the full reconstruction of the building. “Dear Nicolas, on behalf of the entire Armenian people, my wife and personally me I once again extent deep condolences on the occasion of this great loss. Your father, the great poet, once said in a philosophic manner that life is very simple — President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte, visited the Armenian Genocide Museum and Memorial. there is birth, there is death and there is life between them. But let me say that in case of a great poet, musician and artist such as Aznavour there is something beyond all that — a second life coming after death. His second life started a few days ago,” President Sarkissian said. President Armen Sarkissian with Prime Minister Emmanuel Macron Armen Sarkissian thanked Emmanuel Macron for what he, his wife and the entire French people did to show great respect are only now starting to heal.” and appreciation towards Aznavour. “Yet strangely enough, this diverse family is united around a Nicolas Aznavour said that it’s a pity for him and the staff of single language … That language does not belong to anyone, it the Foundation to present the project of the Aznavour center belongs to all of us,” declared Macron. without the presence of his father. While in Yerevan, the French president held talks with Aris Adamian is the architect of the center, who discussed Pashinyan. The two men most recently met in Paris on October the reconstruction issue of the center with Aznavour when he 5 when the French government organized a national homage to was still alive. Charles Aznavour, the legendary French singer of Armenian descent who died earlier this month. New President of Francophonie Elected Pashinyan paid tribute to Aznavour in his speech. At his Mushikiwabo lobbied for support and got the backing of the request, the summit participants remembered the late crooner Nouneh Sarkissian with Brigitte Macron at the Aznavour Museum African Union and France with rapturous applause. The world organisation of French-speaking nations on S ATURDAY, O CTOBER 2 0 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 5 INTERNATIONAL

Friday elected Rwandan Foreign Minister Louise Mushikiwabo part the steps and reforms aimed at developing the economy, On October 9, Bishop Abgar Hovakimyan, Primate, accom- as its new head despite her country’s shift to English a decade changing the economic structure and fighting corruption. panied by Ohan Ohanessian, Chair of the Diocesan Council, ago and controversy over its rights record. Pashinyan suggested Trudeau to convey to Canadian busi- traveled to Armenia to partake in events organized on the Mushikiwabo was elected in a suspense-free vote on the last nessmen the signals from Armenia – readiness of the govern- occasion of the 17th Summit of the International Organization day of the International Organisation of La Francophonie ment of Armenia for cooperation. of La Francophonie, and the celebration of the 2800th (OIF) summit in the Armenian capital Yerevan. She will replace The prime minister of Canada saluted the reforms under anniversary of Yerevan, the Capital of Armenia. Canadian politician Michaelle Jean. implementation in Armenia and expressed readiness to active- Karekin II received Trudeau at Mother See of Holy The 57-year-old visited dozens of countries to campaign for ly cooperate with the Government of Armenia. Echmiadzin, who was accompanied by Foreign Minister of support and received the backing of the African Union as well During the meeting the sides discussed a number of issues Armenia Zohrab Mnatsakanyan. as the crucial support of France. referring to the development of democracy, efficient gover- The catholicos recorded with satisfaction that the successful Ironically Rwanda, a former Belgian colony where French nance, civil society, women’s involvement in social and politi- organization of the 17th summit of Francophonie in Armenia cal processes. resulted in deepening of relations between different countries The sides also and establishment of new relations and partnership. According exchanged ideas over to Karekin II, it gave the member states of Francophonie and Nagorno Karabakh con- opportunity to get familiarized with the Armenian people. flict settlement, interna- Karekin II also expressed his appreciation for the warm atti- tional threats and chal- tude of the Canadian authorities towards the Armenian com- lenges. munity. The Armenian premier Trudeau noted that he is glad for the meeting, emphasizing presented to his that it’s a great pleasure to pay another visit to Armenia after Canadian counterpart 3 decades and a great honor to be hosted at the religious cen- the nature of Nagorno Karabakh conflict, emphasizing that it’s not a territorial dispute as Azerbaijan tries to present. The issue is about the right to life of the people of Artsakh and it’s important for Armenia that international partners are Prime Minister Pashinyan congratulates the group’s new leader, Rwanda’s Foreign Minister Louise informed about the nego- Mushikiwabo. tiation process and situation. Nikol Pashinyan emphasized that the con- was the lingua franca, switched to English as the language of flict can be settled only through peaceful means in the side- education in 2008 and joined the Commonwealth a year after. lines of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-chairs’ format. Her election is a victory for both Rwandan strongman Paul The Canadian PM highlighted the continuation of dialogue Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with the Armenian leader Kagame and Macron, who have sought to improve relations and internationally authorized negotiation format for NK con- and his wife. between their two nations, long fraught due to Kigali’s accu- flict settlement. sations of French complicity in the 1994 genocide that killed In addition, Trudeau and a group of his top aides paid a visit ter of Armenia. at least 800,000, mostly Tutsis. to the Mother See of Holy Echmiadzin and met Karekin II, Speaking about the Armenian community in Canada, Her candidacy sparked criticism with Rwanda under fire Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians. Trudeau noted that Canada has to thank the Canadian- over human rights violations and Kagame’s controversial con- Armenians who have made a great contribution to various stitutional changes that allow him to extend his stay in power. aspects of life of Canada. Referring to the Armenian- Trudeau Visit Canadian relations, the PM noted that Canada is proud to be Armenia’s partner and will continue cooperation in various Pashinyan, welcoming Trudeau to Armenia said, “Mr. Prime spheres. Minister, Your visit has caused great interest and good mood Trudeau also met with Pashinyan, who said, “I am glad to in Armenia. I hope that we will manage to transform this good welcome you in the capital city of Armenia. You are the first mood into good deeds and agreements based on the talks. We Prime Minister of Canada to pay an official visit to the can say that a very good atmosphere and mood exists in our Republic of Armenia and this is a historical event. I think you relations. Now there is the necessity to implement projects and have already felt the positive attitude in our country towards initiatives corresponding this mood and to put the cooperation your country and personally you and I hope that the already on more tangible grounds, recording more tangible results. established relations will help to raise the friendly relations Once again welcome to Armenia. We perceive you as a good between our countries to a new level. I once again welcome friend and I hope the same can be said about you in relation you and I am glad to see you in Armenia.” to our country and Government.” Trudeau said in his speech, “Mr. Prime Minister, I am very Trudeau said, “Thank you Nikol, these feelings are really rec- grateful to you for the reception. It’s a great honor to be in iprocal between Armenia and Canada. I want to once again Armenia. I think you know that years ago I had the honor to visit Armenia with my father on summer holidays. He was no longer the prime minister of Canada at that time, which means I am the first prime minister of Canada to pay an official visit to Armenia. But even at that time I felt the friendship between Armenians and Canadians and the reception I received in Armenia today and in the previous days was great. It just an honor to be here. I am thankful.” Pashinyan presented his Canadian counterpart with the Armenian translation of the book, Common Ground, which Trudeau had written. “This is another proof that you have a unique place in the perceptions of the citizens of Armenia and this is the Armenian translation of your book which I am glad to present to you”. The two discussed a number of issues of bilateral interest, including the political changes in Armenia. Trudeau noted that when developments jeopardizing democracy were taking place throughout the globe, Armenia served as an example for the entire world, which was excellent not only for Armenia, but Prime Minister Trudeau visited the Armenian Genocide Memorial. Prime Minister Trudeau visited the Armenian Genocide Memorial. for the entire world. He noted that he had visited Armenia also for the reason to show the readiness of his country to support Armenia’s development. congratulate you and the Armenian people for organizing “The democratic developments of Armenia are a reason of Francophonie summit in a brilliant and excellent way. It’s not pride not only for Armenians, but the entire world,” Trudeau that easy to organize such an international event, it was really emphasized, adding that Canada is ready to support Armenia held on an excellent level. During our talks we will try to in the directions of economic development, attraction of achieve simplification of interactions between our peoples and investments, improvement of infrastructures and so on. to ease air communication so as to create favorable conditions Speaking about the economic development of Armenia, for investments, to promote enterprisers and economic devel- Pashinyan emphasized that the goal of the Government is to opment”. Justin Trudeau added that he expects productive change the economic structure of the country, making cooperation with the Armenian Government. Armenia a technological country, and expressed confidence Pashinyan and Trudeau discussed a broad scope of issues that there is the potential necessary for that. The PM added referring to the development of Armenian-Canadian agenda. that the Government of Armenia has achieved serious success The Armenian and Canadian PMs highlighted the facilita- in the direction of fighting corruption and expressed confi- tion of air communication for the activation of relations in the dence that it will foster the improvement of business environ- political, economic, business, culture and humanitarian ment and economic progress of the country. spheres. For that purpose the sides reached an agreement to From left, Nicolas Aznavour, President Emmanuel Macron, Nikol Pashinyan and Justin Trudeau referred to other issues task the relevant bodies to start negotiations on the issue and Brigitte Macron, and President Armen Sarkissian and Nouneh of development of Armenian-Canadian cooperation in various submit a concrete package of proposals. Sarkissian spheres. The Armenian premier presented to his Canadian counter- (RFE/RL, Daily Mail, Armenpress contributed to this report.) 6 S ATURDAY, O CTOBER 2 0 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Community News

‘Armenia Way’ at Students Disciplined Home in Queens After Brawl Described As Race Riot at High On 210th Street School in Glendale BAYSIDE, N.Y. — Sunday, September 30, was an amazing and historic day – not just for the Armenians of Holy Martyrs, but for all By Steve Gabey, Wendy Burch Armenians. The dream to have a street co- and Elizabeth Espinosa named for Armenians in Bayside, New York finally became a reality! The day began with an Episcopal Badarak, GLENDALE (KTLA) — A meeting was held celebrated by Abp. Khajag Barsamian (former Monday, October 8, after video posted online Primate of the Armenian Diocese of America, showed what appeared to be dozens of stu- Eastern), representing Very Rev. Daniel dents involved in a melee at Hoover High Findikyan. Following Badarak, the choir mem- School in Glendale last week. bers, deacons and parishioners filled the church Students involved in the fight — described plaza to capacity (and overflowed into the by concerned parents as racially motived — street) while the children of the three schools — were reportedly kept in separate rooms on Holy Martyrs Armenian Day School, Holy Monday and speaking to counselors in Martyrs Armenian Language School and “restorative circles.” Sunday School — assembled on the church Police were called when the brawl broke steps. With much excitement, the children sang out last Wednesday on the upper quad on Hayr Mer, and the American and Armenian campus at Hoover. national anthems, waving tri-colored flags and Parents told KTLA their kids say there is beaming with excitement. It was a proud racial tension on campus between Armenian moment for everyone who sang together. students — said to be the largest ethnic group Councilman Barry Grodenchik, who was in the school — and football players, who are instrumental in getting the approval for mostly black, Latino, and other ethnicities. Razmik Grigorian with Mayor Zareh Sinanian and Assemblymember Adrin “I know a lot of the students are very “Armenia Way,” served as master of ceremonies Nazarian for the day. The celebratory program began stressed and they can’t concentrate, and they with congratulatory remarks by Barsamian and don’t want to be at school. And what are we Fr. Abraham Malkhasyan of Holy Martyrs supposed to do?” parent Iris Lopez asked. Armenian Church, who were both visibly excit- An Evening of Art and Education “Our kids are supposed to go to school to get ed and moved by the sheer number of people an education, not to worry about getting in a who had turned out for the occasion. In Support of the American fight or getting jumped.” Barsamian declared the day a “blessed” one, Tensions boiled over into violence after an marking the journey of Armenians to the incident involving a special needs student shores of the United States and making use of University of Armenia who attempted to hug an Armenian student, the opportunities in their new homeland to parents said. At that point, they say, the GLENDALE — Among a showcase of rare Armenian paintings, the American become good citizens. Armenian student refused and supposedly University of Armenia (AUA) held a special event for its Pillars at the home of Armenian-Americans settled in Queens more spit at the special needs student. Razmik Grigorian on Saturday, October than 60 years ago. Armenians love Queens and Football players then became involved in a 6, where the city’s Mayor Zareh Queens has now given back to the Armenian fight with Armenian students. Some parents By Taleen Babayan Sinanian and State Assemblymember community with a permanent sign. say the spitting never took place. Adrin Nazarian were on hand to cham- Malkhasyan, who was beaming, boldly told the The tension apparently didn’t end there. pion the university. hundreds in attendance that “this street sign, A screenshot of a Snapchat message shared Grigorian’s ties to AUA were solidified during a visit to the campus, where he however, will have no importance if we do not with KTLA read “whoever’s not Armenian had a chance to tour the campus with President Dr. Armen Der Kiureghian, wit- fill our church with active members.” The we’re going to shoot.” Parents said that mes- nessing students in action who are eager to learn and become an important part cheers that erupted was a great indicator of the sage circulated Thursday night, yet they were of the country’s future. energy present in the Holy Martyrs community. not informed by school administrators until “Armenia has no natural resources but it has the brainpower and energy of Local politicians who also spoke words of Friday, one hour after classes had begun. youth,” said Grigorian, a developer and community activist who is an avid art col- congratulations during the ceremony included Parents met with school administrators on lector. “Dr. Der Kiureghian and his counterparts did something right with AUA by Monday to address the violence and threats. creating a university fit for the 21st century.” see BAYSIDE, page 7 One parent said they feel that there is not Providing updates from Armenia to the donors gathered in the room, Der enough security at the school. Kiureghian emphasized the “Western approach” AUA had adopted since its inception. District Superintendent Winfred Roberson “We are essentially preparing the next generation and investing in the future of Jr. issued a statement Monday afternoon, say- the country,” said Der Kiureghian, who noted that AUA currently has over 4,000 ing unsubstantiated rumors were heighten- alumni, the vast majority of whom live and work in Armenia. “Our earliest gradu- ing anxiety and fear in the campus communi- ates are coming of age and have taken on significant roles in the Armenian gov- ty. ernment.” “Speculation about any motives and trig- Nearly half of the nearly 2,000 students now on campus among the five under- gers for this altercation are very premature,” graduate and nine graduate degree programs receive tuition waivers and financial the statement reads in part. “The district is assistance. still gathering all of the facts and interview- “We make sure we are open to all Armenians, regardless of the ability to pay,” ing witnesses to the incident to determine said Der Kiureghian, stressing the importance of need-blind admissions, a policy exactly how and why this occurred.” that is maintained thanks to the unrestricted funding received through the 100 Roberson also said “adult supervision” on Pillars of AUA program, comprising donors who have dedicated themselves to the the campus has been increased to “maintain advancement of the University. order.” KTLA spoke to a security guard on These contributions have indeed been put to good use as new degree programs site Monday, who said she doesn’t generally and courses have emerged, remaining on par with the evolution of society and the work there, but the school has hired extra job market. Observing the growth of the sciences and IT sector in Armenia, which security because of the incident. has now been dubbed “Silicon Mountain,” AUA established new Bachelor of The students involved have been disci- Science degree programs in Engineering Sciences and Data Science, as well as a plined, Roberson added, noting that the Master of Science degree in Strategic Management, in order to stay ahead of the “entire football team was not suspended or curve. disciplined.” However, the superintendent “Armenia has enormous potential to develop this field,” said Der Kiureghian. said he could not go into the specifics of the “This industry is one that requires brains, computers, the internet and manage- repercussions or which students were ment skills, and that is very suitable for Armenia.” involved. The opening of the brand new Student Union, Faculty Center and According to parents, multiple students Amphitheater, funded by the American Schools and Hospitals Abroad Program were suspended. (ASHA) of the US Agency for International Development (USAID), has also District officials are continuing to investi- brought about positive changes on campus, as has the increase in the number of gate the fight. students from abroad who are studying at AUA, marking a record high of 233 aca- “This was a serious situation and the dis- demics from the U.S. and 28 other countries. In addition, AUA’s endowment has trict is taking it very seriously,” Roberson grown three fold over the course of 4 years, as the University of California fund said. “GUSD is working collaboratively with managers carefully oversee the investment. all responsible stakeholders to address the see AUA, page 7 underlying circumstances and perceptions The sign on “Armenia Way” that may have contributed to the incident.” S ATURDAY, O CTOBER 2 0 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 7 COMMUNITY NEWS An Evening of Art and Education in Support of the American University of Armenia

AUA, from page 6 day event but it was an accumulation of efforts Recognizing the Pillars in attendance, by AUA and the culture it instilled in its stu- including Adour and Arsho Aghjayan, Vigen dents that played a great role,” said Sinanian, and Houry Ghazarian and Garo and Rebecca who has witnessed the country’s progression Minas, Der Kiureghian praised their commit- due in major part to institutions like AUA. ment to the University through the 100 Pillars “The university brings a new way of think- of AUA program, where donors pledge ing, knowledge and modernity,” he concluded. $50,000 over the course of five years, allowing Speaking on behalf of state Sen. Anthony J. the institution to continue to thrive as it Portantino was his field representative Arda enters its third decade. Tchakian, who said that the Senator enjoyed Shedding insight into why they decided to his recent trip to Armenia and AUA with the support AUA, Ghazarian said that “education is California State Legislature and appreciates the way to become a progressive country, espe- the strong ties between the university and the cially for Armenia that has limited resources.” State of California. She highlighted the recent “We see that our brethren in Armenia are bill the Senator signed, allowing tuition sacrificing so much to create a better waivers to the UC Hastings College of Law to Armenia,” said Houry Ghazarian. “By becom- AUA alumni who are California residents. ing an AUA supporter, we have joined this big Prof. Osheen Keshishian, editor of the family of like-minded individuals.” Armenian Observer, who has been present at The couple expressed their appreciation at AUA’s multiple graduation ceremonies, the letters they receive from students who encouraged guests to visit AUA’s campus, call- have benefited not only from their contribu- ing it Armenia’s “educational center.” tion as Pillars but also from the Endowed In the positive spirit of the evening’s gath- Scholarship they created in memory of their ering, Grigorian made a final announcement at parents. the close of the Art and Education reception “We have seen how the funding has helped by naming himself as a Pillar of AUA. change their futures,” said Vigen Ghazarian. “Education is what Armenia needs right “We feel we are playing a small role in chang- now to empower the youth and the bright G ing Armenia.” minds,” said Grigorian. “Because of my belief a The parents of AUA’s youngest Pillar, Adour Pillar Adour Aghjayan, Razmik Grigorian, Mayor Zareh Sinanian, Arsho Aghjayan and President Dr. in AUA, I have decided to become the 84th and Arsho Aghjayan, said they made the com- Armen Der Kiureghian Pillar and fulfill my pledge to the University mitment to become Pillars at the request of that has brought so much to Armenia.” their son Nareg, who visited Armenia and AUA in 2015 as part of a delegation with the State Referring to AUA as a “hub of innovation,” Department for environmental protection, Nazarian pointed out that the leadership and while he was in law school. vision of AUA will help Armenia flourish. “On his return he was so impressed with “It takes money and resources to be able to AUA, he asked us to be Pillars and continue develop the future,” said Nazarian, who pre- the interaction between the Diaspora and sented California State Assembly certificates Armenia,” said Adour Aghjayan. to both Grigorian and Der Kiureghian for their New Pillars Garo and Rebecca Minas said commitment to the advancement of Armenia they appreciated “the vision of the founding and the Armenian people. members of AUA” and that it is “only through Mayor Sinanian, who traveled to Armenia higher education that Armenia can become an and visited AUA along with a delegation from economically independent country.” the California State Legislature last month, The couple made their commitment after elaborated on his connection with AUA that visiting AUA in person and were impressed dates back to the beginning of the school’s with the “enormous amount of energy on cam- founding when he interned at the institution pus.” in 1993 for two and a half months. “Seeing the desire of students to excel gave “I wanted to volunteer in Armenia during me the inertia to become a part of the 100 its dark days because I felt I had to be there Pillars of AUA,” said Mr. Minas. and be of service during the war,” said In his remarks, California State Sinanian, who regularly travels to Armenia Assemblymember Nazarian said that AUA is and praised the work of AUA’s leaders. “training human capital for the next century.” “The revolution may have seemed like a one Assemblymember Adrin Nazarian presented certificates to Razmik Grigorian and President Dr. Armen Der Kiureghian.

‘Armenia Way’ at Home in Queens on 210th Street BAYSIDE, from page 6 video rolling, Grodenchik, Barsamian and US Rep. Grace Meng (D-Flushing) who compli- Malkhasyan pulled on the rope together and mented the church for maintaining a “stellar” the beautiful “Armenia Way” sign was relationship with the community, adding that unveiled. she is a proud member of the Congressional “Armenia Way” is the first street named for Armenian Caucus, Assemblywoman Nily Rozic Armenians in New York City. The ceremony on (D-Fresh Meadows), Assemblyman Ed September 30 was filled with much pride and Braunstein (D-Bayside) and Assemblyman joy for the entire Armenian community, as the David Weprin (D-Flushing). All spoke highly of day also coincided almost exactly to the 60th the Armenian community and their excitement anniversary of the consecration of Holy Martyrs to be with us on this historic day. (September 28, 1958). Following the unveiling Following the speeches, Councilman Barry of the street sign a celebratory fellowship, Grodenchik stood in front of the church doors which was standing-room-only, took place in and unveiled a duplicate “Armenia Way” sign Kalustyan Hall. Remarks by Aram Ciamician to loud cheers. He then gifted the sign to (Parish Council Chairman), Dr. Lynn Cetin Malkhasyan, who, with much pride and joy, (60th Anniversary Co-Chair) and Rabbi lifted the sign up for all to see. The crowd of Menashe Bovit (a dear friend of the Armenian excited parishioners and friends then walked community) highlighted the significance of the around the church complex to the corner of day’s event. A cake cutting ceremony concluded 210th Street and Horace Harding Expressway the historic day’s festivities. for the official unveiling. With cameras and Lynn T. Cetin MD 8 S ATURDAY, O CTOBER 2 0 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR OBITUARIES

tling in Kirkuk, Iraq, then in Baghdad, Iraq, and Anna Hovnanian later immigrating to the United States. Hirair arrived in the United States in 1951, and stayed Philanthropist, Artist initially with his second cousins, the Vosbikian family. He later got an apartment and attended WASHINGTON — Philanthropist and artist Anna, from a young age, leaned towards the Villanova University, working four jobs to put Anna Hamparian Hovnanian died recently. arts, and would pass time sitting at their apart- himself through school. Hirair has always She was born February 24, 1929 in Hoboken ment window sketching what she saw below. expressed his gratitude to the Vosbikian family NJ, the only child of Hambartsum Hamparian She recalls her childhood as loving, but quiet for the welcome they gave him when he first and Virginia Achemian. Her father had been a and lonely, and she vowed to herself she would arrived in US. professor in Kharpert, Western Armenia, where marry for true love and have a lively happy Hirair and Anna were married February 11, he had lost his first wife and son, who were household filled with lots of children and laugh- 1956. Their marriage started with humble slaughtered by the Turks during the Armenian ter. This was to be her destiny. beginnings. They got a small apartment in Genocide. Anna was a diligent student and while attend- Wayne, Pennsylvania, and as Hirair was com- Hambartsum Hamparian escaped to France ing high school would take a subway to pleting his education at Villanova University to and served in the French Legion. From France Manhattan, to work in the hat department of graduate in the spring, Anna got a part-time job he immigrated to the United States. He met Macy’s, where she would model the hats. Her at a leather factory making saddles. Anna was especially grateful for the kindness and love of Lily Vosbikian Hovnanian, who had married Hirair’s brother Jirair, and she became the sister Anna never had. After graduation, with his engineering degree in hand, the couple settled in Bridgeport, Conn., where Hirair was employed by the Connecticut Turnpike Authority. Early homes in Connecticut were small walk up apartments with no kitchens, so the cooking had to be done in the bathroom. Memorial Day 1958, was a life-changing day Anna Hovnanian for the young couple, as that was the day that Hirair decided, with Anna’s full encouragement, that he would start his own enterprise in large- morning subway commute, dressed chicly as scale real estate development. They moved to usual, the subway attendant commented on her Toms River, NJ, to another modest apartment youthful elegance and said, “Miss, you are not behind a supermarket, and in 1958 their first meant to ride the subway.” This, too, would be child Siran was born. Within the next six years her destiny. they would have four more children. Anna had In addition to friends she had met through promised Hirair a son, and after three more school and work, she spent time with a small girls, Edele, Tanya and Leela, Armen was born group of Armenian friends, whom she met after in 1964. During this time Hirair was working she had joined the Armenia Dance Group of the during the day, and on evenings and weekends AGBU. It was these friends who had invited her would oversee his growing real estate business. one weekend to join them in Asbury Park for a The young couple worked hard, with Anna dance, where the Vosbikian band was playing. It home raising five young children and Hirair was there she met Hirair Hovnanian, whose working almost 24 hours a day. Left to Right: Anna Hovnanian (front row, fourth from left) with Governor George Deukmejian, Gloria father had also escaped the Genocide, first set- see HOVNANIAN, page 9 Deukmejian, and the Armenian Assembly of America leadership at the Assembly’s 1987 tribute ban- quet in honor of George Deukmejian; Anna Hovnanian (front row, far right) with the Armenian Assembly summer interns class of 1984 at their New Jersey home; Lyudmilla Ter-Petrosian, Hirair Hovnanian, then President Levon Ter-Petrosian, and Anna Hovnanian at the grand opening of the Condolences Armenian Embassy in Washington, D.C. in 1995 On behalf of the Tekeyan Los Angeles Chapter I would like to extend our condolences to Sossi and Vatche Semerdjian on the loss of Sossi’s brother, Avedis Okkayan, who recently passed Virginia, who had immigrated from Aleppo love of Manhattan began and would continue away in Toronto, Canada. (Haleb), Syria; they married, and had one child- throughout her life. Her beauty and elegant Parsegh Kartalian Anna. style were clear at this point and despite her Chairman They soon after settled in Queens, New York, humble position, she was always fashionably Tekeyan Los Angeles Chapter where Anna was raised. Her father worked long dressed, sewing her own clothes after studying hours in a small factory, and while always affec- the latest fashions from the best New York tionate towards Anna, carried with him always stores. the sadness of his lost family. Anna carries a Anna graduated from high school and then special memory of her father carrying her on received her bachelor’s degree in fine arts from Telephone (617) 924-7400 his shoulder through the streets so she would the Fashion Institute of Technology. Thereafter, get sleepy, and holding her up to see the new she worked in Manhattan, first at Chase Aram Bedrosian invention of the television, displayed in shop Manhattan Bank, and later for many years at windows. Proctor and Gamble. On one occasion during a Funeral Home, Inc. Continuous Service By The Bedrosian Family Since 1945 Noted Artsakh Filmmaker Don MARION BEDROSIAN 558 MOUNT AUBURN STREET PAUL BEDROSIAN Askarian Dies at 69 WATERTOWN, MA 02472 LARRY BEDROSIAN BERLIN (Panorama.am) — Don Askarian, a lished in Armenia. renowned international filmmaker and photog- Among his most famous films are “Nagorno rapher from Artsakh, died in Berlin on October Karabkh” (1988), “Komitas” (1988), “Avetik” 6 at the age of 69. He was the brother of sculp- (1992) “Parajanov” (1998), “Musicians” (2000), tor and painter Robert Askarian. “On the Old Roman Road” (2003) and “Ararat In a Facebook post, the Artsakh Ministry of — 14 Views (2007). Culture, Youth Affairs and Tourism extended its F UNERAL H OME condolences to Askarian’s family. Giragosian Born in 1949 in Stepanakert, Askarian stud- James “Jack” Giragosian, CPC ied art and history in Moscow beginning in Mark J. Giragosian 1967. He worked as an assistant director and Funeral Counselors film critic for a year after his study but was 576 Mt. Auburn Street, Watertown, MA 02472, TEL: 617-924—0606 imprisoned between 1975 and 1977. In 1978 www.giragosianfuneralhome.com he emigrated from the Soviet Union to West Berlin, living and working in the country for some 20 years. He founded his own film company, Margarita Woskanian Film Production, in Germany in 1982. Askarian returned to his homeland after Nardolillo Funeral Home Armenia’s independence in 1992. Est. 1906 His first film was “The Bear” (direction, scripts, costumes and scenery), based on John K. Najarian, Jr. Chekhov’s story (1983-1984). From 1985-1988 Rhode Island’s Only Licensed Armenian Funeral Director he made “Komitas,” which won several prizes at international film festivals. 1278 Park Ave. Cranston, RI 02910 (401) 942-1220 In 1995 he founded the production and dis- 1111 Boston Neck Rd. Narragansett, RI 02882 (401) 789-6300 tribution companies — Don Film in Armenia www.nardolillo.com and in 1998 Askarian Film in Germany. In 1996 his book Dangerous Light was pub- S ATURDAY, O CTOBER 2 0 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 9 COMMUNITY NEWS Armenian Women’s Welfare Association Annual Luncheon at the Belmont Country Club

guest on every table. By Lalig Musserian Entertainment will be provided by a profes- sional DJ. This luncheon is an annual tradition of the BELMONT, Mass. — On Saturday, November AWWA. It is one of the group’s major fundrais- 3, beginning at noon, the Armenian Women’s ers to support its focus on aiding and promot- Welfare Association (AWWA), sponsor of the ing the moral, intellectual, physical and social Armenian Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in well-being of Armenian people. In addition to Jamaica Plain and the Hanganak Clinic in the Armenian Nursing and Rehabilitation Armenia, invite members of the community to Center in Jamaica Plain, the AWWA also con- join them for their annual Thanks-for-Giving tinues to expand its mission of caring by under- Luncheon. writing the Hanganak Clinic Elderly Project in This year, the Belmont Country Club will be Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) and by contribut- hosting the event. ing to projects to improve the Armenian com- The afternoon features a luncheon and a munity at large. cash bar, followed by an array of “bucket chal- The AWWA Board of Directors, and its pres- lenge” auction items showcasing artisans from ident, Susan Deranian, invite everyone to this Armenia, as well as a three-tier supermarket afternoon of friendship and socializing. challenge with three large prizes from local For more information, contact the Armenian supermarkets. The creative “Armenian Sourj” Nursing and Rehabilitation Center or visit themed centerpieces will also be won by a www.awwa.us.

Some of the staff and clients at the Hanganak Clinic Elderly Project in Artsakh, which the AWWA supports.

Anna Hovnanian Dies HOVNANIAN, from page 8 Anna produced many seascapes and land- Throughout his life Hirair has consistently scapes. As the years past, Hirair and Anna credited Anna’s unwavering fortitude and deter- became the proud grandparents of five grand- mination, her total confidence and loyalty, as children, whom Anna showered with love, as the inspiration for his grand endeavors, tremen- she did her own children. dous risks, and monumental success. At home, In 1999 Hirair and Anna moved to Armenia, she took full responsibility for their children to a magnificent home which Hirair had built. and was the ideal mother, loving yet firm. Even Anna Hovnanian had a personal exhibition of with the full responsibilities as wife and moth- paintings on July 18, 2012 in Yerevan, Armenia. er, Anna never let go of her artistic talents, She was a Life Trustee of the Armenian drawing and painting when she could, the life Assembly, but did much more than support the around her; her family, the field behind their organization. She and her husband were the house, or a bowl of fruit on the kitchen table. gracious hosts, and entertained at their beauti- In 1972, with Hirair’s financial success well ful house, which was always filled with on its way, the family moved to an oceanfront Armenian music and dancing. During the early mansion in Deal, where the children continued years of the Assembly’s summer internship pro- their education and went on to top universities. gram in Washington, DC, now called the Hirair and Anna enjoyed the fruits of their hard Terjenian-Thomas Assembly Internship work and success, with world travels and enter- Program, Anna and Hirair hosted the numer- taining at their beautiful home. ous intern classes in their New Jersey home for Their anniversaries were often celebrated in a weekend filled with activities with as many as grand style. For their 40th anniversary they flew 30 to 40 college-age students at a time. over 50 family and friends to the Bahamas for a Assembly intern alumni still have fond memo- weekend celebration, a 48-hour party, everyone ries of their time with the Hovnanians during sharing in the joy of their happy marriage. their participation in the summer internship In 1992, they moved to a large estate on the program, and speak affectionately about Anna. Navesink River in New Jersey, and there Anna Hirair also spoke to others at the Assembly created a full artist’s studio in a cottage on the about Anna’s unwavering fortitude and deter- property on the water’s edge. With her children mination, as well as her total confidence and grown and the time now available to her, she loyalty, and credited her as the inspiration for embarked on the most prolific phase of her his life’s work and passion for Armenia and the artistic career. When she could, Anna always betterment of the Armenian people. Like Hirair, preferred to paint outdoors, as is reflected by Anna looked to foster the next generation of her many landscapes. She continued her world Armenian leaders. Her dedication to young peo- travels with Hirair, often to Armenia, and had ple is evident through her work within the CHECK US OUT the opportunity to visit the studios of the Hirair and Anna Hovnanian Foundation, where artists she admired, including Rafael Atoian, Anna hoped to encourage and develop the artis- Hagop Hagopian and Jansem, who once paint- tic talent and higher education of the Armenian mirrorspectator.com ed their portraits. Anna would often go on artis- youth through scholarships and grants to vari- tic retreats with her dearest friend, Charlene ous organizations and students. She was a Onanian, to Rockport, Mass. where Charlene major force with the Foundation, and helped had a small seaside cottage. During this period shape many lives. 10 S ATURDAY, O CTOBER 2 0 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS

Knights and Daughters of Vartan members with Ambassador Richard Mills, center, above picture, and with President Sarkissian, below at right. Knights Meet Armenian President, US Ambassador

YEREVAN — The Knights of Vartan Back to port any program which contributes to the ben- the Homeland third mission trip to Armenia efit and prosperity of Armenia. took place September 16-22, during which the In addition, the members met with the Grand Commander, Dr. Gary Zamanigian, along United States Ambassador to Armenia Richard with members in leadership positions met the M. Mills, Jr. and USAID Armenia Mission President of the Republic of Armenia Armen Director Deborah Grieser. Sarkissian on September 18. During the meeting Zamanigian presented During the meeting Zamanigian presented the history and mission of the Knights and the history and mission of the Knights and Daughters of Vartan in Armenia and the US. Daughters of Vartan in Armenia and in the The organization has been involved with sup- United States of America. The organization porting many projects in Armenia since its has been involved with supporting many pro- independence which include renovation and/or jects in Armenia since its independence building of schools, kindergartens, community which include renovation and/or building of centers and homes for low income families; in schools, kindergartens, community centers addition grants are given to scholars which and homes for low income families; in addi- enable them to do research. Also the Knights tion grants are given to scholars which and Daughters of Vartan support orphans in enable them to do research. Also the Knights borderline regions. and Daughters of Vartan support orphans in The US Ambassador informed the group of borderline regions. the many projects the United States has been The members expressed how most of their supporting in Armenia and that the current families have been living in the United States emphasis is on: Agriculture, IT and Tourism. of America for two or three generations, as a The Knights and Daughters of Vartan thanked result of the Armenian Genocide in 1915, but the US Embassy for the support they have pro- that their hearts always belong to Armenia. vided to the Armenian people and discussed The president expressed his readiness to sup- possible future joint projects. TCA Group Meets with New Armenian UN Representative

NEW YORK – On October 11, the executive of the Tekeyan Cultural Association of Greater New York Chapter visited Mher Margaryan, Armenia’s permanent representative to the United Nations, to congratulate him on his appointment to the post this August. Prior to the appointment, he served one year as deputy permanent representative at the UN Mission of Armenia, under Ambassador Zohrab Mnatsakanyan, who now is Armenia’s foreign minister. The Tekeyan delegation promised to continue to unstintingly support the UN Mission in the same manner as with all the previous UN representatives.

From left, Barkev Kalayjian (treasurer), Amb. Mher Margaryan, Vartan Ilanjian, Hilda Hartounian (chair), Hagop Vartivarian (honorary chair) S ATURDAY, O CTOBER 2 0 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 11 COMMUNITY NEWS 12 S ATURDAY, O CTOBER 2 0 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS

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VAHE Join us for... BERBERIAN Great Entertainment S ATURDAY, O CTOBER 2 0 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 13 COMMUNITY NEWS Armenian Cultural Center of Forest Hills Dissolves

Sivaciyan, Archbishop Nourhan Manougian, Archbishop Pargev decline were the migration and the loss of its members and Legacy Survives through HMADS Martirosyan, Prof. Abraham Terian, Zahrad, Rober Haddejian, friends. Zareh Khrakhouni, Vahakn Dadrian, Yves Ternon, Israel Charny, In compliance with the by-laws of the ACCFH, the Board of Peter Balakian, Aris Sevag, Berc Araz, Sahan Arzruni, Vartan Trustees was formed to dissolve the organization in May 2018. By Arto Khrimian and Silva Gomigyan, Agop Hacikyan, Gabriel Basmajian, The members of the ACCFH Board of Trustees included Dn. Nourhan Ouzunian, Hrant Dink, Rakel Dink, Herand Markarian, Frank Kabarajian (chairman), Arto Khrimian, Toros Celiksu, FOREST HILLS, N.Y. – New York City has become an impor- Hagop Vartivarian, Osheen Keshishian, Carla Garapedian, Ara Hilda Biosyan-Sheshetian, and Zabel Khrimian; in addition, Silva tant cultural center for Diaspora Armenians for over fifty years Kalaydjian and Zakariya Mildanoglu. Celiksu Terjanian, Walter P. Bebirian, and Medeia Mark (repre- thanks to its vibrant Armenian community with cultural organi- Those collaborative events were mostly organized under the senting Sirpuhi Mark) as advisors. zations and private elementary and language schools. The auspices of Diocesan Primate Archbishop Khajag Barsamian and The Trustees adhered to the guidelines stipulated in its by-laws Armenian Cultural Center of Forest Hills had been a notable par- facilitated by the Krikor and Clara Zohrab Information Center of for the dissolution of the ACCFH. After careful and exhaustive ticipant among other organizations in their efforts to enrich our the Diocese of the Armenian Church through its directors Rev. consideration of appropriate distribution options of its total cultural and social life. Fr. Krikor Maksoudian, Aram Arkun, and Rachel Goshgarian. funds, the Trustees recommended and the members approved The Armenian Cultural Center of Forest Hills (ACCFH) — a The collaborating organizations generally consisted of the the following decision: non-political, non-religious, and non-profit organization — was Armenian Cultural Center of Forest Hills, Constantinople The Trustees and members decided to make individual dona- founded in 1971 to foster Armenian culture in the Greater New Armenian Relief Society (CARS), Esayan-Getronagan Alumni of tions to the ACCFH to increase the total of the funds to above York community, through such activities as lectures, literary New York, Hamazkayin Armenian Educational and Cultural $10,000, so that it would be transferred as a lump-sum to the events, educational classes, theatrical pre- Holy Martyrs Armenian Day School for the sentations, student talent shows, and establishment of an ACCFH Endowment Fund. social functions. The rationale for the choice of the school The founders were Dr. Sureyya (Suren) was that the children or grandchildren of some Naci Arkun, Ania Gross, Angel of the ACCFH members had been the students Hovagimian, Kevork Kahveciyan, George of the Holy Martyrs Armenian Day School Mouradian, Vartkes Ovanesian, Hagop throughout the existence of the organization, it Puskul, Arshag Sahakian, Levon would be appropriate to choose the said school Tatevossian, and Aram Vartanian. to donate the total funds. The presidents of the Executive In the judgment of the ACCFH Trustees and Committee in chronological order were the participating members, this is an important Arshag Sahakian, Levon Tatevossian, event for our community as well as for the Hrant Saruhan, Frank Kabarajian, HMADS family to feel proud. First, our com- Josephine Bebirian, and Sirpuhi Mark. munity through the ACCFH is invigorating our In addition to the above, the following new generation to uphold our language and individuals on the Executive Committee culture. Second, the HMADS has been chosen of the ACCFH at different terms had as an exemplary Armenian School deserving made substantial contribution to elevate the honor of receiving this symbolic inheri- the organization to its heights: Seda tance of our cultural heritage to impart to its Terzian, Baruyr Tezel, Onnik Nevruzian, students…. Alis Kahveciyan, Silva Celiksu The Trustees of the ACCFH and the Board of [Terjanian], Toros Celiksu, Hilda Biosyan the HMADS reached an agreement reflecting [Sheshetian], Ayda Kabarajian, Walter their shared purpose, and the first paragraph Bebirian, Zabel Khrimian, and Arto of their joint statement reads: “The Armenian Khrimian. Cultural Center of Forest Hills (ACCFH) and During its active years, the ACCFH the Holy Martyrs Armenian Day School organized both culturally and socially (HMADS) jointly confirm that, as its final dis- meaningful events such as theatrical pro- From left, Dn. Frank Kabarajian, Principal Seta Tavitian-Megherian and Arto Khrimian solution according to its by-laws, the ACCFH ductions in Armenian based on the works will transfer its total funds of about $10,000 to of Hagop Baronyan and Yervant Odyan; the HMADS for the purpose of establishing the scholarly book presentations — the one ACCFH Endowment Fund, the interests or div- by Sona Tingir was memorable in its scope; concerts of classical Center of New York, Hye Doun - Armenian American Support idends of which to be distributed annually to a deserving 5th- Armenian and European music, among which soprano Ruthann and Educational Center, Tekeyan Cultural Association of NY and Grade student—in addition, to one 4th–grade and one 3rd–grade Turekian Drewitz’s was the most riveting; English language NJ, and Tibrevank Alumni of New York. students at the discretion of the Principal and the Board if the classes for new immigrants taught skillfully by Josephine The ACCFH was one of the pioneers among its sister organi- generated income is sufficient—as the Armenian Cultural Center Bebirian were also an introduction to American culture; and tal- zations in philanthropy. The ACCFH donated $2000 to the St. of Forest Hills – Excellence in Armenian Award.” ent shows of poetry recitation, playing musical instruments, Sarkis Armenian Church for its reconstruction at Douglaston The signatories of the agreement comprise Frank Kabarajian singing and dancing by the students of the Armenian schools in after the fire in 1985; $2000 to the Earthquake Relief for and Arto Khrimian from ACCFH; Bruce Ashbahian, Hovannes our Greater New York area enlivened the cultural life of our com- Armenia through the Armenian Diocese in 1988; $2000 to the Malikyan, and Seta Tavitian-Megherian from HMADS. Arek munity. Emergency Fund – Food for Armenia through the Armenian Nisanyan, a member of the HMADS Board, acted as a liaison The Paregentan, a dinner-dance masquerade party, had been a Diocese in 1992; $500 to the Gandzasar Theological Center in throughout the process. The transaction was finalized when celebrated annual event for the ACCFH for many years. In addi- Artsakh in 1995; $2000 to the Armenian Patriarchate of Istanbul Frank Kabarajian and Arto Khrimian signed the agreement and tion to the Armenian music and dance, the “Quadrille Dance” for earthquake relief in 1999; frequently rented the Kalustyan presented the ACCFH check to Seta Tavitian-Megherian (School conducted by Baruyr Tezel was considered the trademark of the Hall of the Armenian Church of the Holy Martyrs for its events Principal) and Mina Hovsepian (Treasurer) of the HMADS — thus ACCFH Paregentan event. to provide income to the Church; made donations to the Holy the ACCFH dissolved — on September 28, 2018. The ACCFH also collaborated with its sister institutions in Martyrs Day School, Holy Martyrs Armenian Language School, This endowment fund will perpetually honor the memory organizing literary, musical, celebratory, commemorative events. St. Illuminator’s Armenian School, and St. Sarkis Armenian and the principles of the Armenian Cultural Center of Forest Among the many renowned figures who were either honored or Saturday School. Hills’s founders and members, while inspiring our new gener- participated in those events, the following names stand out: The ACCFH remained dormant in recent years after con- ation of students to uphold our culture and language through Archbishop. Shnork Kalustyan, Archbishop Karekin II tributing to the vibrant cultural and social life of the community the only and the exemplary Armenian elementary school in Kazanciyan, Archbishop Mesrob Mutafyan, Archbishop Sahan in Queens for more than 40 years. The main reasons for this New York.

US Nominee to Azerbaijan Condemns Violence along Line of Contact

WASHINGTON — On October 4, during a are important, any agreement or settlement especially the targeting of kindergartens. Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing, that does not fully take all three into account “We appreciate Ranking Member in response to questions posed by Ranking is unlikely to succeed,” said Litzenberger. “All Menendez for raising key concerns about Member Robert Menendez (D-NJ), the US of the Co-Chairs, the US especially, condemns Azerbaijan’s ongoing bellicose rhetoric and Ambassadorial nominee to Azerbaijan, Earle any violence and any threat of the use of vio- cease-fire violations,” stated the Assembly Co- D. Litzenberger, stated that the US condemns lence along the line of contact, it undermines Chairs Anthony Barsamian and Van violence along the line of contact, which he the peace process, it violates the 1994 cease- Krikorian. “We also remain deeply troubled noted undermines the peace process and vio- fire, and is very unhelpful,” Litzenberger con- by Azerbaijan’s ongoing attempt to white- lates the 1994 cease-fire agreement. tinued. wash its human rights record through its $3 “As one of the three Co-Chairs of the During the Assembly’s National billion laundromat scheme, which not only Minsk Group process that is working to Advocacy Conference last week, Assembly has been exposed, but led to an indictment by achieve a peaceful settlement to the Nagorno Executive Director Bryan Ardouny along the US Department of Justice,” the Co-Chairs Karabakh conflict, we are working along the with former Chairman of the Armenian continued. lines of three principles: one is the non-use of Assembly of America Board of Directors Litzenberger of California is a career mem- force and the non-threat of the use of force, Peter Vosbikian and other New Jersey con- ber of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of the second is the respect for territorial stituents met with the Senator’s policy Minister-Counselor. Read his full statement US Ambassadorial Nominee to Azerbaijan integrity, and the third is the rights of peo- staff and discussed several issues, including before the Senate Foreign Relations Earle D. Litzenberger ples to self-determination. All three of those Azerbaijan’s ongoing cease-fire violations, Committee. 14 S ATURDAY, O CTOBER 2 0 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Arts & Living

Gomidas Institute Vartan Gregorian Director Sarafian to Scholarship Announces Speak on Book by Calls for Applications YEREVAN — The Aurora Humanitarian Dr. Sarkis Karayan Initiative announces a call for applications for new research grants. The Vartan Gregorian FRESNO — Ara Sarafian, the London- Scholarship (Research Grants) Program will sup- based director of the Gomidas Institute, will port exceptional early-career scholars and speak on the newly published Armenians in researchers, with a specific focus on historians Ottoman Turkey, 1914: A Geographic and and social scientists, in their efforts to study the Demographic Gazetteer on Thursday, unexplored questions of the 20th century history October 25, at 7:30 p.m. in the University of Armenia. Business Center, Alice Peters Auditorium, The first phase of the five-year scholarship pro- Room 191 on the Fresno State campus. gram will focus on Armenian scholars and The presentation is co-sponsored by the researchers from Armenia under the age of 35. Armenian Film Foundation and is part of the The second and third phases of the scholarship Fall Lecture Series of the Armenian Studies program will be expanded to include scholars and Program. researchers in the global Armenian diaspora and Armenians in Ottoman Turkey, 1914, writ- beyond. The scholarship program will award two ten by Dr. Sarkis Karayan, is a monumental, $30,000 grants per year. 674-page work, which painstakingly lists “Universities and scholars play a critical role in more than 4,000 Armenian inhabited towns asking and answering the questions that concern and villages in modern Turkey, prior to the mankind. The Vartan Gregorian Scholarship sup- destruction of 1915. His presentation of data ports the spirit of inquiry and study that Vartan himself embodies. We are proud that the scholarship will enrich the body of knowledge about Armenia and will augment the contributions of Armenian scholarship”, said Ruben Vardanyan, Co-founder of the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative. “We are making this announcement today, on Holy Translators Day, in the spirit of commitment to the foundational, cross-cultural exchange that the 5th century Translators introduced to the Armenian world. The “Abstract Forms with Two Children,” 1979, poster color, pen and ink and pastel by Vartan Gregorian Scholarship will celebrate this Simon Simonian man and this tradition.” The Vartan Gregorian Scholarship (Research Grants) Program was created to strengthen con- nections between Armenian and international research institutions, building on the deep and TCA Exhibits Simon rich scholarly tradition of Armenia. With the support of the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative and Samsonian Paintings in NJ experts in the field of Armenian Studies, the Scholae Mundi education platform will play a key role in the implementation of the program. A Master of Rich Colors, Cityscapes, Portraits, The scholarship program was created by the Landscapes and Bold Lines Aurora Humanitarian Initiative in consultation with experts in the field of Armenian Studies, to ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J. — The Tekeyan Cultural Association of Greater New advance scholarly research in Armenia and on York Chapter (TCA-NY) will inaugurate a unique exhibition featuring Armenian Armenian topics internationally. The experts who artist Simon Samsonian (1912-2003). The exhibition will take place on October 27- were consulted by the Initiative have included: 28 at the Tekeyan Center, 560 Sylvan Ave., Englewood Cliffs, with an opening Hratch Tchilingirian, Associate Faculty Member of reception on Saturday, October 27, 7-10 p.m. The exhibition will be open to the Faculty of Oriental Studies, University of Oxford; public on Sunday, October 28, from 3 to 5 p.m. Hayk Demoyan, Doctor of Historical Sciences and Born in 1912 and orphaned during the Armenian Genocide, Samsonian moved former Director of the Armenian Genocide to Egypt and later to the United States. He became a giant in the art world with Museum-Institute; and Levon Chookaszian, Head his “Symbolic Cubist” of Chair of History and Theory of Armenian Art, style. Yerevan State University. The pieces selected for Each application will be reviewed by a five-mem- this exhibition are works ber international Selection Board comprised of on paper, as well as oil prominent scholars: paintings, many framed by •Ronald G. Suny, the William H. Sewell Jr. Samsonian himself, span- Distinguished University Professor of History, ning several decades and University of Michigan and Emeritus Professor of showing a wide range of Political Science and History, the University of Samsonian’s styles and Chicago Dr. Sarkis Karayan modes, including his •George Bournoutian, senior professor of his- unmistakable warm tory, Iona College abstraction and what crit- •Hratch Tchilingirian, associate faculty mem- and analysis is meticulous and allows readers ics have termed cubist- ber of Faculty of Oriental Studies, University of to see the full extent of the Armenian pres- impressionism. One may Oxford ence in these lands. Karayan identifies each find hints of abstract •Levon Chookaszian, head of Chair of History location by its old and new names, maps and expressionism in some of the pieces, which would make sense as Samsonian was and Theory of Armenian Art, Yerevan State geographical coordinates, population figures, intrigued by developments in the west in the mid-twentieth century, perhaps more University and other vital references. His work puts so than most of his contemporaries. Of interest is the shift into less figurative •Hayk Demoyan, Doctor of Historical Sciences Armenians back onto the map of Turkey. works as he grew closer to his passing and more of an emphasis on softer tones and former director of the Armenian Genocide Armenians in Ottoman Turkey, 1914 is the and hues instead of the bold lines and colors of the studies that dominated earli- Museum-Institute first English-language book dealing with the er in his career. Welcoming the call for applications, Suny said, demographic profile of Ottoman Armenians Samsonian’s works are on display in various museum collections, including the “A small investment in a promising scholar at the on such a massive scale. It is the result of sev- National Art Gallery in Yerevan, Armenia, the Museum of Modern Art, Cairo, beginning of her or his career rebounds many fold eral decades of probing Armenian, Turkish, Egypt, the Musée Arménien de France, the collection of the Mekhitarist Fathers’ as that researcher continues through time to con- German and French books, maps and archival Monastic Order, Vienna, Austria and the Hecksher Museum of Art in Huntington, tribute to our knowledge of the world. The Vartan sources. NY. Gregorian Scholarship will bear fruit many Sarafian will discuss the significance of this The Tekeyan Cultural Association of Greater New York Chapter is a non-profit decades after its first seeds are planted.” work and why it is a milestone in serious organization dedicated to promote Armenian culture, language and art. The chap- The application process will be scholarship on the Ottoman Empire. It is also ter will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2019. conducted online at the Aurora website and will an invaluable resource for Armenians, Turks For more information about upcoming events, visit and like the chapter’s be open until December 1, 2018. All applicants and Kurds wishing to know more about their Facebook page and Instagram @tekeyangreaterny or send emails to will be requested to submit: A research proposal ancestral lands. [email protected]. in English (maximum of 2,000 words, double Armenians in Ottoman Turkey, 1914 will spaced, 12pt font); a CV with a list of publications; be on sale at the lecture. a cover letter and at least one academic letter of The lecture is free and open to the public. recommendation. S ATURDAY, O CTOBER 2 0 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 15 ARTS & LIVING

Mascots and Flags: Thoughts from a Genocide Amusement Park

set up camp to feed on the piles of Armenian itary police with children, or smiling next to gave me a unique opportunity to see both sides By Anahit Cass bodies? tourists. The fortress was well preserved, but of this story. There, my family were victims of At the other side, a nice new park had been had all mentions of Armenians removed. The the Genocide, but I am also a citizen of the built, named after none other than Ataturk, one views from the fortress were beautiful but bit- United States, a country built on the genocide I am grasping for words to describe what it of the perpetrators of the Genocide. looked like in Van. Just outside of the bustling It was nothing compared to Kharberd. modern city was the old city, or its ghost. Kharberd, or Harput in Turkish, is the last Walking through the fortress gate, the view in place that my family lived before they fled to front of us was the embodiment of the word America. It is there where they lived after being desolation. The old city was a wide field of forced out of their village of Gumish Madan, rolling hills covered in dry yellow grasses. and there where the ones who did not escape Patches of the hills were charred black, as if the were murdered in horrific ways. It was where Armenian houses had been burned yesterday. thousands of Armenians from different areas Only a few buildings, forlorn and crumbling, were taken to be killed, leading it to be called looked back at us from the other side of the the “slaughterhouse province.” field. I had heard that Kharberd was preserved, but As we walked off the path, I stepped through I did not realize that it had been turned into rough grasses and ashes that stained my feet some sort of dystopian amusement park. It was grey and black. The ruins of a church were open as if you set up a quaint old German tourist to the elements, with crumbling walls, and piles town in Auschwitz. The houses were preserved of trash rotting in the desecrated sacred space. in a kitschy “old” style, including one which had I walked in the faint path littered with paper been turned into an “ethnographic museum,” cups and cigarette butts that must have been with pictures of Turkish folk dancing, and car- the old streets. It was almost impossible to pets depicting attacking Ottoman soldiers, and imagine that just a century ago, this had been a harem. It was crowned, of course, with a a city. People had walked here in between build- framed picture of Ataturk next to a Turkish ings, in a community that is now completely flag. These images mocking the Armenians who gone. Two of the churches had been retro-fitted had been murdered there made me recoil, as if with minarets, and a new mosque had been I could feel the Armenian owners of the house

tersweet. To me they looked strangely like the of Native Americans and the cruel exploitation cliffs of Shushi, a haunting reminder of what of African slaves. As I walked through Old would have happened in Artsakh had the peo- Kharberd, I couldn’t help but think that this is ple not fought back. how African Americans must feel seeing con- At one of the viewpoints in the town, a man federate symbols and monuments, or how struck up conversation with us. He was very Native Americans must feel seeing the faces of friendly, asking us about our professions and the perpetrators of their genocide carved into a where we lived, but it was hard to make con- sacred site at Mount Rushmore, or any number versation. Our souls were shaken, and it seemed of Native American sports mascots. impossible to make a human connection in a Here’s the thing about these symbols: they place of this much inhumanity. The viewpoint say something important about the society that was next to a mosque, potentially one of the old uses them. Old Kharberd says that the Turkish churches. There had been five churches, but all government is happy to erase Armenians from were destroyed. their country and celebrate the Genocide that Even as we left old Kharberd, I was haunted by they committed. Similar symbols in America the thoughts of the churches. Numerous say, subconsciously to many, but directly to the accounts described how the Turkish soldiers had victims, that we are not sorry for our crimes, gathered women, children, and old people in the and that even now we are willing to dehuman- churches and set them on fire. I had even heard ize them. one of someone who had watched the soldiers I hope I never see Old Harput again, but I am take the village girls inside the church, strip grateful that I saw it. It brought home the them naked, hang them up by their hair, set the incredible inhumanity of mocking Genocide, no built overlooking the destruction. It was clean turning in their unmarked graves. church on fire, and listen to them scream. matter who it is done to. It brought home to me but empty. Who was praying in a graveyard? Out in the streets, tourists walked and chat- Old Kharberd was a deeply unsettling that in my own country I am one of the tourists The old city was backed by cliffs, on which ted, ate at outdoor cafes, and bought souvenirs reminder that the cruelty of the Armenian of Old Harput, smiling without a thought to the the old fortress rested, marred by a giant red made to look like the clothes and household Genocide is not a thing of the past. This cele- blood I am walking on. It was a strong reminder Turkish flag, flying as it must have flown when items of the Armenians who had been mur- bration of murder was here all around me, and that we must look beyond our own groups and the soldiers began the Genocide by shooting dered there 100 years ago. Military police, it was full of hapless tourists, probably not real- be advocates for the rights of all, so that we can down on civilians below. In an ironic turn, whose street checkpoints are threateningly pre- ly aware all of the corpses they were walking say never again to anyone. crows circled the flag, coming to nest in the sent all over the Kurdish areas of Turkey, had a on. With an uneasy stomach, I wondered, When (This piece originally appeared in the blog cliffs. Were they the descendants of those that station there too, lined with pictures of the mil- was I one of these tourists? Being in Turkey Rebirth Armenia.) 16 S ATURDAY, O CTOBER 2 0 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — The Erevan Choral Society of the Holy Trinity Armenian Church of Cambridge, pictured left, is welcoming voices in all sections in preparation for its Annual Christmas Holiday Concert on Sunday, December 10 in the Sanctuary of the Church. Rehearsals are held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, from 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. in the Talanian Hall of the church under the direction of Konstantin Petrossian. To join this group , and for more information, contact Aida Diloyan at adiloy- [email protected]

Society for Armenian Studies (SAS) Recipe Launches Podcast Series Corner FRESNO — In August, the Society for Armenian Studies (SAS) launched the SAS Podcast Series. The aim of the SAS by Christine Vartanian Datian Podcast Series is to interview authors of recent books in Armenian Studies and related fields in order to disseminate knowledge about the latest research in the field. The first episode was released on August 22 and featured Dr. George Bournoutian Holiday Pear Apple Cobbler discussing his new book, Armenia and Imperial Decline from 1900-1914: The INGREDIENTS Province of Yerevan (Milton Park, 4 cups Anjou or Bartlett pears, cored, peeled, cut into1/2 Abingdon, Oxon: Routledge, 2018). inch slices Since then, three further episodes have 2 cups Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced been released and more are forthcoming. 1 cup sugar or light brown sugar The episodes are released on a biweekly 3 tablespoons flour schedule. Bedross Der Matossian, presi- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted dent of the SAS commented, “We are 2-3 tablespoons lemon juice and 1 teaspoon grated lemon extremely excited about this new initiative rind which aims at disseminating the knowl- 1 teaspoon each vanilla and cinnamon edge about the latest cutting edge research 1/2 cup dried cranberries (or golden raisins) in Armenian studies to a general audience. 1/2 cup pear juice (or apple juice or apple brandy) It is also encouraging to work with a dedi- Sprigs of fresh mint to garnish cated team of young scholars who are very enthusiastic to be part of the project.” PECAN CRUMBLE TOPPING: The SAS Podcast Series committee is in 4 cups Anjou or Bartlett pears, cored, peeled, cut into1/2 charge of both conducting the interviews inch slices as well as commissioning relevant scholars 2 cups Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced in the field to conduct interviews with 1 cup sugar or light brown sugar authors of recent books. The committee consists of: Anna Aleksanyan, Clark 3 tablespoons flour University; Jesse Arlen, UCLA; Dzovinar 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted Derderian, Univ. of Michigan, Ann Arbor; Toppings: Chopped cilantro and green onions, salsa, sour Varak Ketsemanian, Princeton University; cream, sliced avocado, Jack cheese, crumbled Queso and Armen Manuk-Khaloyan, Georgetown cheese, diced black olives, and sliced lemon and lime University. wedges New podcast episodes are posted on the SAS Podcast Series homepage, society- Combine the sugar, flour, spices, and salt in a medium forarmenianstudies.com, where they may bowl. Mix to blend thoroughly. Cut in the butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Mix in the pecans and set aside. be listened to online or downloaded for free. They are also disseminated via the PREPARATION SAS Facebook page. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease a 13” X 9” baking dish. The Society for Armenian Studies was Toss the pears and apples with sugar in a large mixing bowl. Add flour, melted butter, lemon juice, lemon rind, vanilla, cinnamon, dried cranber- founded in 1974 and exists to promote the ries, and pear juice, and toss to combine all ingredients. study of Armenian culture and society, Pour half the fruit mixture into the baking dish and sprinkle with half the topping. Add remaining fruit mixture and sprinkle with remaining top- including history, language, literature, and ping spreadover the top. social, political, and economic questions, Bake for 35-40 minutes or until top is golden brown and fruit is bubbly. Cool slightly on a wire rack. as well as to facilitate the exchange of This cobber is best served warm with ice cream, half and half, or fresh whipped cream. Top with sprigs of fresh mint, if desired. scholarly information pertaining to Serves 6-8. Armenian studies around the world; and to sponsor panels and conferences on *Christine's recipes have been published in the Fresno Bee newspaper, Sunset magazine, Cooking Light magazine, and athttp://www.thearmeni- Armenian studies. ankitchen.com/ The SAS website is www.societyforarme- nianstudies.com. S ATURDAY, O CTOBER 2 0 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 17 ARTS & LIVING CC AA LL EE NN DD AA RR

MASSACHUSETTSCALIFORNIA Boston, 145 Brattle St., Cambridge. Save the date; details to follow. For further information, call the Church office, NOVEMBER 17 — Join the Armenian EyeCare Project 617.354.0632 or email [email protected]. for its Annual Gala at the beautiful Balboa Bay Resort DECEMBER 16 – Candlelit Labyrinth Peace Walk, in Newport Beach, CA. The fun-filled evening will begin Armenian Heritage Park on The Greenway, Boston, at 6:30pm with a cocktail hour and silent auction fol- Sunday, 4:30-5:30 p.m., Walk the Candlelit Labyrinth. lowed by a delicious Mediterranean-inspired meal, live Tie a Ribbon on the Wishing Tree. Hot Chocolate & music and dance entertainment, and an exciting live auc- Desserts, hosted by The Bostonian Hotel. RSVP appreci- tion. Tickets are $500 per person and for those 35 and ated [email protected] under, $250 per person. To RSVP or for more informa- SEPTEMBER 18, 2019 – SAVE THE DATE! tion, please call 949-933-4069, email leslie@eyecarepro- InterContinental Hotel, Boston. Extraordinary Benefit ject.com or visit eyecareproject.com/gala for Armenian Heritage Park’s Endowed Fund for Care.

MASSACHUSETTSFLORIDA NEW JERSEY On Sunday, November 4, several JANUARY 20-27, 2019 — Armenian Heritage Cruise OCTOBER 23 — At the Foot of Ararat: Armenian Folk groups, including the Tekeyan XXII 2019. Western Caribbean Cruise aboard the Royal Dance, on Tuesday, 12.30 to 1.30 p.m. and 7 to 7.30 Caribbean’s Allure of the Sea. Traveling to Nassau, Cultural Center, will collaborate to p.m., at the Paramus Campus, Technology Education Cozumel, Roaten, Costa Maya. Cabin Rates, starting from celebrate the life and work of Diana Center, TEC-128. Refreshments will be served. RSVP Nvair $949/person based on double occupancy, including port Der Hovanessian. Sunday, 3 p.m., at Beylerian at [email protected] or charges and ACAA registration fee. Government rates of the Armenian Cultural Foundation, www.bergen.edu/pjr/events. Presented by the Center for $137.45 are additional. Armenian entrainment, 441 Mystic St., Arlington. Admission Peace, Justice and Reconciliation and the Bergen Armenian cultural presentations, Armenian Festival Day, is free. Community College Dance Club. Susan Lind-Sinanian of Tavlou and Belote Tournaments and much more. Call the Armenian Museum of America will introduce and Travel Group International at 1-561-447-08750 or 1-866- teach line dances that she has collected over the last 40 447-0750 ext. 108, contact person Janie. years. Park in Lot B-Section G. OCTOBER 27-28 — Art Exhibition sponsored by the Association, Armenian Museum of America, The Friends Tekeyan Cultural Association of Greater New York MASSACHUSETTS of the Longfellow House, Hamazkaine Armenian with artist Simon Samsonian (1921-2003). Opening Educational and Cultural Society - Boston, National OCTOBER 20 — Fall Harvest Bazaar, Saturday, noon to reception, Saturday, 7 to 10.30 p.m. and Sunday, 3 to 5 Association for Armenian Studies and Research, New 7pm, First Armenian Church, 380 Concord Avenue, p.m. Tekeyan Center, 560 Sylvan Ave., Englewood Cliffs. England Poetry Club, and Tekeyan Cultural Association of Belmont. Handmade choreg, manti, Armenian pastries Free admission. For more information email the United States and Canada. Sunday, 3 p.m. Armenian and more. Grilled kebab all day. All are welcome, rain or [email protected] Cultural Foundation (441 Mystic Street, Arlington). shine. MBTA and handicapped accessible. Information: DECEMBER 8 — Tekeyan Cultural Association of Admission free and open to the public. www.facbelmont.org, or call 617-484-4779 Greater New York Mher Megerdchian Theatrical NOVEMBER 5 — St. James Men’s Club Dinner Meeting, OCTOBER 20 – Hye Kef 5: Onnik Dinkjian Performs at Group will present a Christmas gala with Sarina Cross. social hour and mezza at 6:15 p.m. and dinner at 7 p.m. DoubleTree by Hilton in Andover, MA, with Ara Dinkjian Save the date. Details to come. St. James Armenian Church Charles Mosesian Cultural and local ensemble, for Armenian Friends of America, 7 and Youth Center - Keljik Hall, 465 Mt. Auburn Street, pm to midnight. All proceeds benefit the Armenian Watertown. Speaker will be writer, editor, political car- NEW YORK churches of the Merrimack Valley. For tickets: John toonist, and book publicist Lucine Kasbarian. Following Arzigian – 603-560-3826; Lucy Sirmaian – 978-683-9121; SEPTEMBER 22 - January 13, 2019 – ARMENIA! at the questions and answers, she will sign copies of her new Peter Gulezian – 978-375-1616; Sharke Der Apkarian – Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. Armenia! is book, Perspectives from Exile, which will be available for 978-808-0598; Kathy Geyer 978-475-8309. the “first major exhibition to explore the importance of purchase. Mezza and a Losh Kebab & Kheyma Dinner OCTOBER 21 — 5th Annual Trinity Tailgate, New Armenians and their remarkable achievements in a glob- $16/person. Call St. James Church at 617-923-8860 or England Patriots vs. Chicago Bears, sponsored by the al context…” https://www.metmuseum.org/exhibi- call Hapet Berberian at 781-367-6598. Trinity Men’s Union of Holy Trinity Armenian Church of tions/listings/2018/armenia NOVEMBER 14 — Najarian Lecture on Human Rights at Greater Boston, 12:15 p.m., Sunday, Charles and Nevart Historic Faneuil Hall, Boston. Wednesday. Doors open at Talanian Cultural Hall, 145 Brattle Street, Cambridge. All RHODE ISLAND 6.45. Program at 7.30 p.m. “INCARCERATION are invited to a tailgate party to watch the game, 1 p.m. Untangling the web of injustice.” Speakers: Secretary kick-off, on a 12 foot high-definition screen. Lots of OCTOBER 25 — The Armenian Historical Association of Andrea J. Cabral, former Massachusetts Secretary of food, beverages and snacks. For further information, call Rhode Island and the National Association for Public Safety, Author, Enforcing and Defending Chapter the Holy Trinity Church Office, 617.354.0632 or Armenian Studies and Research present The Art of 209A Restraining Orders in Massachusetts; Marc A. email [email protected]. Armenia: An Introduction. Illustrated lecture by Dr. Levin, Esq, Vice President of Criminal Justice, Texas Public OCTOBER 28 – 57th Anniversary Celebration of Holy Christina Maranci, Arthur H. Dadian and Ara Oztemel Policy Foundation and Right on Crime; Founder, Trinity Armenian Church of Greater Boston Honoring Professor of Armenian Art and Architecture, Tufts Foundation’s Criminal Justice Program Moderator: Sheriff “Parishioners of the Year” Nancy D. Kasarjian and University. Thursday, 7 p.m. Armenian Historical Peter J. Koutoujian. 30th Sheriff of Middlesex Carol Krikorian upon their Retirement, following Church Association of Rhode Island (AHARI) Museum, 245 County. President, Massachusetts Sheriffs’ Services, Charles and Nevart Talanian Cultural Hall, 145 Waterman Street, Suite 204, Providence. Admission free. Association. Founding Member, Law Enforcement Brattle Street, Cambridge MA. Sunday. Donation for NOVEMBER 3-4 — Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Armenian Leaders to Reduce Crime & Incarceration. Reception fol- catered reception: $30 per person. RSVP requested by Church, 88th Annual Food Fair and Bazaar. 70 lows at the Bostonian Hotel. An endowed public program October 19 by calling the Holy Trinity Church Office, 617- Jefferson St., Providence. Saturday, 11:30 a.m.- 10 p.m.- of Armenian Heritage Park on the Greenway. Advance 354.0632, emailing [email protected] or Sunday, Noon – 6 p.m. Daily Raffle & Silent Auction, Kids Registration is appreciated. [email protected] www.htaac.org/calendar/event/588/ Games, Kids Movies, Arts & Crafts, Balloon man. Shish NOVEMBER 16 and 17 — Saints Vartanantz Armenian NOVEMBER 2-3 — The 62nd Annual St. Stephen’s Kebab, Losh Kebab, Kufta, Kheyma, Yalanchi, Armenian Church, Annual Food Festival and Fair, 180 Old Armenian Apostolic Church Bazaar. Church volunteers Pastries, Lahmajoon & many other delicious food avail- Westford Rd., Chelmsford, Phone 978-256-7234. will serve homemade chicken, beef and losh kebab, able. All are welcome. Handicap accessible. Cash, Check, Armenian Food and Pastries and Vendors, Friday and kufteh and kheyma dinners all day along with pastries Visa and Mastercard Accepted. For further information, Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tours of the church sanctu- and specialty gourmet items prepared by members of the call church office 401-272-7712. ary and complex - Friday, 11 a.m. and Saturday, 4 p.m. Ladies Guild. Booths and vendors. Silent Auction. Tavloo Tournament - Saturday, 2 p.m. Armenian Cultural and Educational Center. Watertown, CANADA NOVEMBER 30 and DECEMBER 1 — Trinity Christmas 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Bazaar, Friday, 12 noon-9 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m.-7 NOVEMBER 3 — Thanks-for-Giving Luncheon at the NOVEMBER 14 — Book presentation by Adrienne G. p.m.; Holy Trinity Armenian Church, 145 Brattle Street, Belmont Country Club in Belmont, hosted by the Alexanian on her father’s memoir. Forced into Cambridge MA. Save the date; details to follow. For fur- Armenian Women’s Welfare Association (AWWA). An Genocide: Memoirs of an Armenian Soldier in the ther information, contact the Church office, afternoon of socializing with old and new friends, exciting Ottoman Turkish Army. Wednesday, November 14, 2018 617.354.0632 or email [email protected]. raffle prizes from various artisans in Armenia, Super Market 7:30 p.m. AGBU Montreal Center – Demirdjian Hall 805 DECEMBER 2 — Acapella Christmas Concert by Boston prizes and other fun events. AWWA sponsors the Manoogian Street Saint Laurent , QCH4N1Z5. Reception Jazz Voices to Benefit the Armenia Tree Project. 5 Armenian Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and the and book signing to follow. (All proceeds from the sale of p.m. at the Jenks Center, 109 Skillings Road, Winchester. Hanganak Clinic Elderly Project in Stepanakert, Nagorno- the books will be donated to the AGBU). RSVP Free parking. Event will feature an acapella performance, Karabagh. Saturday,12-4 p.m. Limited number of tickets. – [email protected] (514) 748-2428. refreshments, raffle, and silent auction. Tickets are $30 Complimentary Valet Parking available. Please call Karen, each and a family four-pack of tickets is available for Martha or Lalig at 617-319-2651 for tickets or information. $100. Tickets available via Eventbrite at www.armenia- Calendar items are free. Entries should not be longer NOVEMBER 4 — Celebrating the Life and Work of tree.org/acappella than 5 lines. Listings should include contact infor- Diana Der Hovanessian, Organized by the Armenian DECEMBER 9 — Christmas Holiday Concert – Erevan mation. Items will be edited to fit the space, if need Cultural Foundation and co-sponsored by Amaras Art Choral Society and Orchestra, 7 p.m., Church Alliance, Armenian General Benevolent Union - New be. A photo may be sent with the listing no later Sanctuary, Holy Trinity Armenian Church of Greater England affiliate, Armenian International Women’s than Mondays at noon. 18 S ATURDAY, O CTOBER 2 0 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMENTARY

COMMENTARY Mirror Armenia Enters Uncharted Spectator Course of Democracy tion, Pashinyan’s party will once again receive 80 percent of the By Edmond Y. Azadian vote. The constitution requires that the 105-member parliament comprise four political parties. Thirty percent of the parliamentary seats have to be allocated to the opposition parties. EstablishedEstablished 1932 1932 Armenia’s political reformation course, which was halted for a Therefore, if Pashinyan sweeps the majority of the seats, a fic- tional opposition needs to be created to conform to the form An ADLAn Publication ADL Publication short period to accommodate the convocation of the Francophonie conference, is to resume with the resignation of rather than the spirit of the legislative structures. The system Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on October 16. will not be far from the Sargsyan era, when ersatz opposition Incidentally, the 58-nation member Francophone summit, groups were created to give the appearance of democratization headed by France’s President Emmanuel Macron and Canada’ to the parliament. EDITOR Alin K. Gregorian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau over the weekend, was a good In drafting the current constitution, Serzh Sargsyan had fash- opportunity to rehearse all the slogans of democracy. Now ioned the office of the super prime minister to shape his ambi- ASSISTANT EDITOR comes the true test of installing and applying true democracy. tions, even stripping most powers of the president. Aram Arkun Since the fall of the former regime and the election of Pashinyan realizes that some of those powers have to be Pashinyan as prime minister on May 8, Armenia’s political for- returned to the office of the president. And also, the security ART DIRECTOR Marc Mgrditchian tunes have experienced many twists and turns until they were apparatus, which are under the command of the prime minister, cleared of all hurdles to head into snap elections in December. need to work independently. After Pashinyan took the reins, the Republican Party, the The judges and the entire judicial system had always been longtime political juggernaut of Armenian politics, which had dependent on the presidential office. Verdicts were issued at the held a majority in the parliament, tried a comeback with a whim of the power center. If the role of the judiciary should be SENIOR EDITORIAL COLUMNIST: sneaky legislative action with the collusion of Gagik Tsarukyan’s to hold the balance between the legislative and the executive Edmond Y. Azadian Prosperous Armenia Party, which still has 31 members in the branches, there has to be an independent judiciary. If in the parliament, and the ARF (Dashnaktsutyun), to which Pashinyan past, the calls were emanating from the power center in the CONTRIBUTORS: responded with swift political action by firing the ministers and office of the president to the courts, recent leaks from the secu- Florence Avakian, Dr. Haroutiun governors (marzbeds) belonging to the renegade parties. rity apparatus reveal the calls now are coming in reverse order Arzoumanian, Philippe Raffi Kalfayan, Tsarukyan, the unabashed chameleon of Armenia’s political with the same effect and result. Philip Ketchian, Kevork Keushkerian, landscape, struck a deal and signed a pact with Pashinyan to The structure of the forthcoming government, which will put Harut Sassounian, Hagop Vartivarian, refrain from proposing a prime ministerial candidate and agree- in place the changes, is extremely important. Naomi Zeytoonian ing to hold snap elections in December. During the French Revolution, guillotine executions had CORRESPONDENTS: Although Pashinyan is holding on to power by the rule of the become public entertainment. Similarly, high profile arrests in Armenia, such as that of oligarch Gen. Manvel Grigoryan, satis- Armenia - Hagop Avedikian mob, he is still trying to push his political agenda through the Boston - Nancy Kalajian constitutional motions, which requires a seven-day period to fy the public demand for the former gluttons filling their pock- Los Angeles - Taleen Babayan elect a prime minister after the resignation of the incumbent. ets to face consequences in the wake of the Velvet Revolution. Berlin - Muriel Mirak-Weissbach And then, another seven days of inaction to pave the way for the “I’m not sure how educated the public has been about anti- dissolution of the parliament is required. corruption; Armenians mostly see corruption as oligarchs plun- Contributing Photographers: Jirair Hovsepian dering the country,” said Anahit Shirinyan, a Chatham House Academy fellow specializ- ing in Armenian politics. The fight against cor- The Armenian Mirror-Spectator is published ruption is not a goal in weekly, except two weeks in July and the first itself; it has to lead week of the year, by: towards the formation of Baikar Association, Inc. a fairer society. Pashinyan 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 has been advocating for Telephone: 617-924-4420 non-violent change in an FAX: 617-924-2887 atmosphere of love and www.mirrorspectator.com brotherhood. That policy E-Mail: [email protected] has served him well in For advertising: [email protected] getting rid of a corrupt regime. But the task of reconstruction is more challenging, mostly because the public sentiment has not settled yet. SUBSCRIPTION RATES : Social media, which supports Pashinyan, is full of obscene and lewd state- U.S.A. $80 a year ments aimed at detrac- tors, from which the Canada $125 a year prime minister must dis- Other Countries $190 a year associate himself. He has Many pundits and advisors had been warning Pashinyan already tried to tame that beast, to no avail. against resigning in light of recent intrigues, but Pashinyan “The rhetoric during the transition of power was entirely decided to take the risk after effectively paralyzing the forces against the old regime,” wrote Alexander Iskandaryan, the direc- © 2014 The Armenian Mirror-Spectator which were capable of plotting against him. tor of the Caucasus Institute. “That was smart. The old regime Periodical Class Postage Paid at Boston, MA The unconditional surrender of 15 parliamentary members of thought they could survive on bribes and apathy, but you can’t and additional mailing offices. the Republican Party already has broken the camel’s back. Now, maintain that forever. But neither does high popularity. The ISSN 0004-234X the path is open for Pashinyan to sprint towards final victory. legitimacy it brings is useful only if you use it for something.” Pashinyan was successful in mobilizing the citizenry to defeat At this point, the Velvet Revolution is on its way towards its the well-entrenched structure of the Republican Party. The lat- final victory, which is “using it for something.” POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The ter, with all its petty, greedy cronies, had badly bruised the pub- Once the elections are held, without bribes and with cohe- Armenian Mirror-Spectator, 755 Mount Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472 lic sentiment. Pashinyan realized at the recent mayoral election sion, it will be the time for implementing reforms and those in Yerevan that a good number of votes cast were against the old reforms should not only prove to be cosmetic, playing around Other than the editorial, views and opinions expressed in this newspaper do not necessarily regime rather than for the new administration. At this time, the constitution, but fundamental, which envision the for- reflect the policies of the publisher. there is so much anger and rancor against former presidents mation of true and serious political parties, emulating Robert Kocharyan and Serzh Sargsyan and their cohorts plun- Western democracies. Thus far, all three presidents of dering the country, that the public is out for revenge. Little heed Armenia, beginning with Levon Ter-Petrosian, have fought is being paid to Pashinyan’s actions, policies or political philos- traditional political parties for having operated in the dias- ophy. Pashinyan has already realized that the mob that he ener- pora yet always focused on a free Armenia. Copying for other than personal use or gized needs to be tamed so that the country can take a con- All new political parties in Armenia have been formed around internal reference is prohibited without structive course toward democracy. personalities or around their pocketbooks, and that is why they express permission of the copyright There is no question about the forthcoming overwhelming have fallen like a house of cards. There is no ideological body owner. Address requests for reprints or victory of Pashinyan’s Social Contract Party. He has not yet had that can hold them together. The diaspora may contribute in back issues to: the time and opportunity to enunciate the political philosophy investments but also in political experience. of that party. Armenia needs to harness all its resources domestically and Baikar Association, Inc. Another major question is what configuration the forthcom- from around the world to make this time its march towards a 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472- ing parliament will take. If the mayoral elections are any indica- democratic future a success. 1509 S ATURDAY, O CTOBER 2 0 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 19 COMMENTARY

investors, without checking her source of funds. get suspected corrupt foreign officials who have potentially “Mrs. Hajiyeva is the wife of Jahangir Hajiyev, 57, the for- laundered stolen money. Justice Supperstone demanded that mer chairman of the state-owned International Bank of she explain the source of the funds for her lavish purchases. Azerbaijan. In 2016 he was sentenced to 15 years in jail for If she is unable to do so, her properties could be seized. The defrauding the bank out of $3 billion,” according to Rupert judge agreed that “this evidence is significant in the light of My Turn Neate of The Guardian. the reports of Mr. Hajiyev’s trial allegations made against him Mrs. Hajiyeva’s lawyers in London had petitioned to keep included abuse of his position at the Bank by issuing credit By Harut Sassounian her name, the husband’s name, their nationality and his bank cards in the names of family members, through which large a secret. However, the British court of appeal lifted the veil of debts were run up against the Bank.” secrecy at the request of the media. Mr. Jahangir Hajiyev, as chairman of the IBA bank between Britain Investigates Azeri Banker’s The National Crime Agency stated that Mrs. Hajiyeva used 2001 and 2008, had an official salary of $71,000 a year. Wife For Multi-Million Dollar 35 American Express, Mastercard, and Visa credit cards issued However, Werner Capital, which manages property invest- by her husband’s bank to fund her spending spree. On one trip ment for wealthy people, produced a report in 2011 disclos- Shopping Spree to Harrods she spent $200,000 on Boucheron, a luxury jewel- ing that Mr. Hajiyev was worth $73 million, The Guardian ry, perfume and watches brand. On another trip she bought reported. The prosecutor, Jonathan Hall, who represented the Another Azerbaijan-related major corruption scandal is $132,000 of Cartier jewelry. She also purchased a $42 million National Crime Agency, announced: “As a state employee brewing in Europe. The country’s crooked officials have swin- Gulfstream G550 jet. Her wine cellar is stocked with some of between 1993 and 2015, it is very unlikely that such a posi- dled billions of petrodollars for their personal benefit while the world’s most expensive bottles, The Guardian reported. tion would have generated sufficient income to fund the the majority of the Azeri people live in abject poverty. Meanwhile, Mrs. Hajiyeva’s daughter from a previous marriage, acquisition of the property.” The latest example is on the front pages of most British who was a student in London, had shares worth $20 million In court, Mrs. Hajiyeva stated that she had no knowledge newspapers. Mrs. Zamira Hajiyeva, 55, the wife of an paying dividends of $1.3 million a year. Mrs. Hajiyeva also has of the source of funds for her purchases, claiming that her Azerbaijani banker, has spent over $21 million by shopping at two 17 and 20 year old sons from her current husband, who husband was responsible for the payments. She described Mr. the Harrods luxury department store in London between were also educated at private British schools. Hajiyev as “a man of substantial means.” She has hired a team 2006 and 2016. Mrs. Hajiyeva’s husband gave her $1.3 million to invest in of highly paid British lawyers to defend her in court. The United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency alleged that British government bonds, and received $26,000 monthly For the time being Mrs. Hajiyeva’s expensive London man- stolen funds were used to buy a $15 million, five-bedroom expense allowance. However, after her husband’s arrest, she sion and the golf and country club remain frozen and cannot house in the exclusive London neighborhood of fled Azerbaijan and began selling her family’s silver at be sold. Knightsbridge, 100 yards from the doors of Harrods. The Christie’s auction house. It remains to be seen if the British government would seize house is now worth $20 million. She is also accused of spend- The Azerbaijani authorities are interested in questioning Mrs. Hajiyeva’s properties in London. There are many more ing almost $14 million to purchase a golf and country club in Mrs. Hajiyeva in connection with her husband’s banking case, such cases which will come before the courts in the coming Ascot, The Guardian newspaper reported. Incredibly, Mrs. accusing her and other family members of serving as conduits months, exposing the widespread corruption of Azeri officials Hajiyeva owns two reserved parking spaces in Harrods at a for Mr. Hajiyev’s scheme to take money out of the country. who have stolen billions of dollars from their country’s oil cost of $500,000 a year. She was given permission to live in Mrs. Hajiyeva is the first person in the UK’s new anti-cor- wealth, investing them for their personal benefit in many the UK eight years ago under a visa scheme for wealthy ruption law — “Unexplained Wealth Order” — designed to tar- countries around the world.

ing the Armenian Acting Patriarch, the Greek Patriarch, the police started rounding up dozens of Ittihat ve Terakki leaders Jewish Chief Rabbi were paraded with one of the presidential and commanders, at least the ones who had not fled yet. Trials aides of Erdogan and signed a declaration that ‘minorities live ensued in Istanbul and most of the wartime Ittihat ve Terakki Hostages happily in Turkey, completely free to practice their religious and leaders, including Talat, Enver and Cemal who had already fled, citizenship rights without any pressure’. It was obvious that the were sentenced to death in absentia. Two lesser officials who declaration that the minorities are not under pressure was were sentenced to death were executed by hanging in Beyazid obtained by pressure applied by the state on the minority lead- Square in Istanbul in April 1919. The Turkish public opinion ers who had to comply obediently – or else… Sometimes, the was dead set against these hangings, and concerned with As State state does not even have to exert any pressure and, as a classic increased protests against them, the British decided to trans- case of Stockholm Syndrome, some minority leaders like the port all the jailed Ittihat ve Terakki leaders to the British colony chairman of an Istanbul Armenian hospital foundation, volun- island of Malta in the Mediterranean, and continue the trials tarily profess their love for their Turkish masters or parrot the there. 148 Turkish leaders were interned in Malta. Almost all of state version of history. them were actively involved in the massacres and deportations This pattern keeps on repeating itself in Turkey. During the of Armenians from various regions of Anatolia. Some of them Policy Cyprus crisis in the 1960s and 1970s, the Greek Patriarch in had amassed great fortunes with stolen property, possessions Istanbul was obliged to condemn the Greeks and praise the and lands left behind by the murdered or deported Armenians. Turkish invasion of Cyprus. When German Parliament recog- In the meantime, the Turkish resistance movement led by nized the Armenian Genocide and acknowledged its responsi- Mustafa Kemal in Anatolia started to gain momentum against bility, the Istanbul Armenian Acting Patriarch condemned the the Istanbul government, which was regarded as a puppet By Raffi Bedrosyan decision and defended the Turkish version of history. When regime friendly to the occupying Allied forces. Mustafa Kemal Israel takes any steps against Palestinians or Moslems in gen- and the newly formed government in Ankara demanded the eral, the Jewish minority in Turkey pays for it with attacks and release of the Malta prisoners. The Allied forces had sent British In August 2018, US President Trump angrily announced that vandalism against Jewish synagogues, shops and homes. When Colonel Rawlinson to Turkey to assess the situation in Eastern sanctions will be implemented against Turkey, and personally Greece is perceived to treat its Moslem citizens unfavorably, the Anatolia, ahead of the Sevres Peace Treaty negotiations. against the Turkish ministers of interior and justice. What was Greek minority in Istanbul is punished by the state as retribu- Rawlinson had met with Mustafa Kemal, other Turkish com- the reason for Trump’s fury? The refusal to release Andrew tion. manders and community leaders. He was married to the niece Brunson, a US evangelical pastor arrested and jailed over two Sometimes one hostage community is used against another of Lord Curzon, who was the British Prime Minister and chief years ago, on still unproven charges of aiding terrorist organi- hostage community. When Armenians worldwide started to decision maker at the peace treaty negotiations. Declaring that zations in Turkey and aiding the failed coup attempt against push for Armenian genocide recognition in the parliament of Rawlinson is a ‘valuable catch’, Mustafa Kemal promptly decid- President Erdogan in June 2016. The alleged master- ed to arrest Colonel Rawlinson in order to force mind of the failed coup attempt is Fethullah Gulen, a the British to release the Ittihat ve Terakki lead- Turkish cleric who lives in exile in Pennsylvania and ers jailed in Malta. After several rounds of nego- Erdogan has repeatedly demanded his extradition tiations, the British resolve to hold on to the from the US. In the absence of any real evidence, the Malta prisoners started to weaken. The hostage Americans have not complied with the Turkish The Greek, Armenian and taking tactic of Mustafa Kemal succeeded, as demands for Gulen’s return, and therefore, Turkey Lord Curzon finally declared that “one Briton is resorted to an age old tactic of hostage taking to Jewish minorities living in worth more than a shipload of Turks.” An achieve its objectives. The arrest and jailing of pastor exchange of prisoners was agreed upon and Brunson, as well as several Turkish employees of the Turkey have been treated as Colonel Rawlinson, along with 20 other British American Embassy in Turkey were meant to pressure prisoners of war, was exchanged for the 121 the US to exchange them for Gulen. President hostages by the Turkish state Turkish prisoners of Malta at the port of Erdogan was even quoted a few months ago to have Inebolu in the Black Sea in October 1921. The stated: ‘You give me my cleric, I give you your pastor’. throughout history. freed Ittihat ve Terakki leaders were never tried The use of hostages is a normal state of affairs in for their war crimes nor their roles in the Turkish politics. Other recent examples include the Armenian Genocide. In fact, most of them arrest of a German journalist of Turkish descent, used assumed leading positions in the new republi- as a hostage to secure the return of several Turkish military offi- several states, the Jewish minority leaders in Istanbul were pres- can government as ministers and members of parliament. The cers who had sought asylum in Germany. A similar demand for sured to actively engage Jewish parliamentarians and influential state policy of hostages, denial of historic injustices and racist the return of Turkish military officers who fled to Greece was political leaders in those countries to stop the genocide recog- ultra nationalistic hatred of minorities inherited from Ittihat ve made by Turkey by taking hostage a Greek soldier who alleged- nition legislation. The Jewish minority leaders in Istanbul were Terakki leaders continue today. ly crossed the Greek-Turkish border. ‘persuaded’ by the Turkish state to convince the Jewish lobby The Greek, Armenian and Jewish minorities living in Turkey in the US to counteract Armenian and Greek lobbies. (Raffi Bedrosyan is a civil engineer and a concert pianist, liv- have been treated as hostages by the Turkish state throughout But the most obvious and painful hostage incident in Turkish ing in Toronto. Proceeds from his concerts and CDs have history. The religious and community leaders of these three history relates to the perpetrators of the Armenian Genocide. been donated to the construction of school, highways, and minorities are pressured to declare their allegiance to the gov- When World War One ended with the defeat of Ottoman Turkey water and gas distribution projects in Armenia and Karabagh ernment, despite openly discriminatory conditions, unfair legis- in 1918, the victorious Allies started occupying Istanbul and — projects in which he has also participated as a voluntary lations, denials of historic facts, and so on. The pressure on the other regions of Turkey. In cooperation with the occupying engineer. Bedrosyan was involved in organizing the Surp hostage minorities is maximized during crisis times. The most British forces, the new Ottoman government went after the Giragos Diyarbakir/Dikranagerd Church reconstruction pro- recent example is again related to the Pastor Brunson affair. Ittihat ve Terakki (Committee for Union and Progress or CUP) ject. He is the founder of Project Rebirth, which helps hidden Just as Trump demanded the release of the pastor, for no appar- leaders for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and for whole- Islamized Armenians reclaim their original Armenian roots, ent reason, out of blue, all the minority religious leaders includ- sale massacre of its own Armenian citizens. Turkish and British language, and culture.) 20 S ATURDAY, O CTOBER 2 0 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR New Britain Pastor Paid with His Life While Helping Armenians in Adana

In April 1909, in a precursor to the horrific By Harry N . Mazadoorian Genocide of 1915, in which more than a million and a half Armenians perished, a number of Turkish nationalists began attacking local NEW BRITAIN, Conn. — A major interna- Armenians in Adana and setting their homes tional news story which has recently captured on fire. Rogers was in Adana at the time attend- the attention of people all over the world has ing a meeting with a number of other ministers been that of Andrew Brunson, a US pastor held serving in Turkey. captive in Turkey and just released this past Amid the burning, looting, and killings, many week. local Armenians sought refuge in the Brunson had first been held in a Christian missions. Rogers and a Turkish prison and then number of his fellow clergymen detained under house arrest. sought to protect first the dis- He was arrested after a pensary and then to extin- failed coup attempt guish the fires set by the against now Turkish attackers. The New Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, with his wife, Anna Hakobyan, take a selfie with Sophia. President Recep Tayyip Britain native hurled Erdogan in 2016, himself into the rescue despite all indications efforts by transporting that the pastor had buckets of water in an Unique Robot Sophia been engaged only in effort to put out or at humanitarian efforts in least diminish the infer- Turkey. no. Eyewitness accounts Attends Summit The story bears a num- reported him abandon- ber of somber similarities ing his own safety as he to an older but similar tried to protect others. YEREVAN (Armenpress) — Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan exchanged story involving the sad fate Tragically, he and another some words with Sophia the robot during his visit to Tumo center in the sidelines of of another minister in a com- minister were shot and killed the Francophonie economic forum. parable situation more than 100 by the Ottoman aggressors as the After his speech at the economic forum, Pashinyan, accompanied by his wife Nikol years ago. The older story indeed clergymen tried to protect the Pashinyan, approached Sophia the robot and exchanged some words with him. The Daniel Miner Rogers had very local roots. innocent local Armenians. premier asked Sophia if they can take a photo with her and Sophia answered “Of The incident, which took place in Thousands of Armenians were ulti- course.” 1909, also involved a pastor who mately killed in the brutal assault. Sophia is a social humanoid robot developed by Hong Kong-based company was committed to humanitarian pursuits and The atrocities and Rogers’ heroic efforts were Hanson Robotics. Sophia was activated on February 14, 2016 and made her first pub- also involved the same part of the world, the widely reported in newspapers such as the New lic appearance at South by Southwest Festival (SXSW) in mid-March 2016 in Austin, former Ottoman Empire. Moreover, it involved York Times. Texas. She is able to display more than 50 facial expressions. misfortune coming to someone whose principal Rogers hailed from a prominent New Britain Sophia has been covered by media around the globe and has participated in many goal was to bring comfort to others. family and the Rogers were and have been involved high-profile interviews. In October 2017, Sophia, the robot became the first robot to The pastor in 1909 was Daniel Miner Rogers in numerous civic, philanthropic and commercial receive citizenship of any country. In November 2017, Sophia was named the United and he was from New Britain. After graduating activities in New Britain. His grandfather was David Nations Development Programme’s first ever Innovation Champion, and is the first from Princeton University and the Hartford Nelson Camp, a noted scholar, pioneering educator non-human to be given any United Nations title. On October 25, at the Future Theological Seminary, he committed himself to and former New Britain mayor. Investment Summit in Riyadh, the robot was granted Saudi Arabian citizenship, working in a mission in Turkey along with his Several plaques memorialize pastor Rogers becoming the first robot ever to have a nationality wife Mary, who also attended the Hartford death, including one in South Church in New Theological Seminary. Britain.

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