MARCH 29, 2014 MirTHErARoMENr IAN -Spe ctator Volume LXXXIV, NO. 36, Issue 4330 $ 2.00 NEWS IN BRIEF The First English Language Armenian Weekly in the United States Since 1932 Armenian Deputies Kessab Head to Syria YEREVAN (Armenpress) — A group of deputies of the National Assembly of Armenia — Samvel Farmanyan, Arman Sahakyan, Naira Karapetyan, Tevan Poghosyan, Edmon Marukyan and Levon Attacked Martirosyan — have left for Syria to get acquainted with the problems and the conditions of compatri - ots there. Armenian Population They issued a statement on March 24: Flees as Town Is “Armenians all over the world are shocked by the recent events in Kessab and the surrounding areas Attacked by Rebels in the result of which the resident Armenians were again deported because of the actions of the KESSAB (Combined Sources) — Asbarez Turkish Armed Forces again taking the road of newspaper reported that the Armenian-pop - migration after almost a century of the Armenian ulated town of Kessab and its surrounding Genocide. We, as Deputies of the National villages were the targets of three days of Assembly of the Republic of Armenia, assessing the brutal cross-border attacks from Turkey by incident not as internal affairs of Syria or Turkey, al Qaeda-affiliated bands. The attacks have but as an extraordinary case of massive violation of cost 80 lives and forced the civilian popula - human rights, strongly condemn the actions of the tion of the area to flee to neighboring hills. Turkish Armed Forces which, in essence, are a new Some 670 Armenian families, the majori - challenge directed to the Armenian Diaspora ty of the population of Kessab, were evacu - formed in the Middle East as a result of the ated by the local Armenian community Genocide. We call on the Syrian and Turkish leadership to safer areas in neighboring authorities to conduct an impartial investigation Basit and Latakia. upon the events. We also demand the internation - One initial report suggested that govern - al community to give an unequivocal assessment to ment forces have repelled the rebels, but - The reconfigured abstract sculpture (Matt Conti photo) these heinous cases of human rights violation by later the report was disputed. sending UN observers to the Armenian-populated The Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin areas of Kessab to document the events of the mas - II was in contact with Catholicos Aram I of Armenian Heritage Park’s sive human rights violations.” the See of the Great House of Cilicia regard - ing the state of the Armenians in Syria and asked for the shelling and murders to stop. Sculpture Reconfigured for 2014 Azerbaijan Demands BOSTON — The Abstract Sculpture, a key feature of Armenian Heritage Park on Warlick’s Dismissal the Greenway, was recently reconfigured, the third annual reconfiguration since YEREVAN (Armenpress) — A Tweet by the the park opened in 2012. Organization for Security and Cooperation in According to the 25-year configuration schedule prepared by Don Tellalian, AIA, Europe Minsk Group US Co-Chair James Warlick, the park’s designer/architect, the sculpture was reconfigured early Sunday morn - that the Nagorno Karabagh conflict is “between ing, March 23. Aurelian Mardiros, whose company, A&A Industries, fabricated the Karabagh and Azerbaijan” and not between sculpture, and Bill Martin, representing the Armenian Heritage Foundation, over - Armenia and Azerbaijan, caused a raucous in saw the configuration skillfully handled by Jerry Rigging Corporation that, for the Baku. third year, provided the cranes and rigging services pro bono. The fabrication of Warlick wrote earlier: “I was corrected today — the park’s abstract sculpture is the gift of A&A Industries and the Mardiros fami - the conflict is Nagorno Karabakh and Azerbaijan. A scene from Kessab after it was attacked ly. Police detail and other costs associated with the annual configuration are sup - Still, we want a peaceful settlement for all parties ported by the endowed fund established by Bilezikian Family Foundation. for NK.” Former political advisor to the President Annually, the abstract sculpture, a split dodecahedron, is reconfigured, symbol - Social Democrat Hunchakian Party of Azerbaijan Vafa Guluzade stated in an interview ic of all who pulled away from their country of origin and came to Massachusetts Chairman Narek Galstyan said in a face - with an Azeri site that “it is necessary to dismiss to establish themselves in new and different ways. Commemorating the immigrant book post that the rebels are moving James Warlick from the OSCE Minsk Group.” experience, the sculpture sits atop a reflecting pool; its waters wash over its sides toward Latakia, where many Armenians Azerbaijan did not like that the American side got and re-emerge as a single jet of water at the labyrinth’s center. The sculpture is have found refuge. certain in the fact that Stepanakert should be fully dedicated to lives lost during the Armenian Genocide of 1915-1923 and all geno - involved in the negotiations to settle the Nagorno cides that have followed. see KESSAB, page 16 Karabagh conflict issue. An Azeri pro-government website called him “foolish” and expressed discontent on the fact why Washington has appointed a “diplomat, who writes Ukraine Recalls Amb. to Armenia over Crimea Recognition such unserious things in social networks” in the Minsk Group. President Serge Sargisian met with YEREVAN (RFE/RL) — Ukraine recalled US Ambassador to Armenia of his move criticized by the United States. the co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group and dis - its ambassador to Armenia on Friday after “For centuries, we fought shoulder to cussed the current state of the settlement process warning of serious damage to bilateral ties Expresses Regret shoulder against aggressors. We have thou - of the Nagorno Karabagh conflict. The meeting and demanding an official Armenian expla - sands of glorious pages of common history. took place on March 23 in the Netherlands. nation regarding President Serge This has been the case and this will be the Sargisian’s acceptance of a referendum in Asked to comment on the development, case,” he said in a speech during an awards Crimea that led to its annexation by Russia. Armenian Foreign Ministry spokesman ceremony held at the presidential palace in A spokesman for the Ukrainian Foreign Tigran Balayan said, “As soon as we receive Yerevan. Ministry said Ambassador Ivan Kukhta was the Ukrainian side’s note, we will formulate “It happens so that in the heat of time INSI DE ordered to return home for consultations. our response and decide whether or not we and events, different phenomena are per - Deputy Foreign Minister Danilo will publicize that response.” ceived in different ways,” continued Lubkivsky announced earlier in the day The Ukrainian protest stems from Sargisian. “But the great thing about time that the Armenian ambassador in Kiev, Sargisian’s remarks made during is that over time things clear up, misunder - Tufts Andranik Manukian, has been twice sum - Wednesday’s phone call with his Russian standings and disagreements disappear and moned to the Ukrainian Foreign Minister counterpart, Vladimir Putin. Sargisian was everything returns to normal. I want to Talk and handed an official note. cited by his press office as saying that the repeat that the Ukrainians are our broth - “We appealed to Armenia to officially and weekend referendum on Crimea’s secession ers.” Page 4 publicly state that it does not recognize the from Ukraine, condemned as illegal by the Sargisian spoke after handing out annu - annexation of Crimea,” Ukrainian news international community, was “yet another al Armenian presidential awards to dozens agencies quoted him as saying. “We expect example of the realization of peoples’ right of artists, writers and scientists. Olena such a response.” to self-determination through a free expres - Fetisova, the Ukrainian screenwriter, pro - “In case of statements or actions that we sion of will.” ducer and co-director of a new feature film INDEX could interpret as unfriendly, there will be Sargisian appealed to Ukrainians and about the late Sergey Paradjanov, a Arts and Living ...... 10 negative consequences for our bilateral rela - described them as “brothers” of Armenia renowned Soviet filmmaker of Armenian Armenia ...... 2 tions,” Lubkivsky warned, according to the on Friday as he sought to minimize the fall - descent, was supposed to be one of those Community News...... 4 RBK-Ukraine news agency. He did not spec - out from his decision to welcome Crimea’s artists. Fetisova decided at the last minute Editorial ...... 14 International ...... 3 ify those consequences, saying only that the secession from Ukraine. not to accept the award carrying a mone - Ukrainian side will consider taking “a broad However, Sargisian stopped short of pub - tary prize of 5 million drams ($12,000) in range of measures” against Yerevan. licly explaining the implications and rationale see UKRAINE, page 2 2 S ATURDAY , M ARCH 29, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARMENIA News From Armenia Armenian, Turkish Filmmakers to Meet at Festival YEREVAN (Public Radio of Armenia) ra can submit projects by March 28. Istanbul Film Festival, a nice gesture to — Turkey Cinema Platform (ATCP) is The initiative had started with short both the film’s director and main hero getting ready for its tenth meeting. The films and documentaries, produced and the ATCP. Six Sentenced in platform, promoting joint film produc - with amateur means and based on Lusin Dink’s “Saroyan Country,” tion between Turkish and Armenian human stories that moved the audi - which received financial support in Restaurant Killing filmmakers, will convene on April 14-16 ences and built cultural bridges. The 2011, is another source of pride for the YEREVAN (RFE/RL) — Six men have been sen- as part of activities on the fringes of the quality of productions, however, ATCP. It was embraced in Turkey and tenced to long prison terms after being convicted 33rd Istanbul International Film increased throughout the years. So did Armenia alike. The film competed both of beating a military doctor to a death in 2012. Festival. The ATCP this year is backed the prestige of the platform, which has in the “Armenian Panorama” section of The six, security guards and other employees of by the European Union, a unique offered financial support to filmmakers the Yerevan Golden Apricot Film the Harsnakar restaurant, were accused of attack- accomplishment for which the filmmak - since 2010. Festival and the national section of the ing Vahe Avetian and his friends on June 17, 2012. ers deserve congratulation, Al-Monitor This year, the platform’s internation - Istanbul Film Festival. Two days ago, it Avetian died in the hospital two weeks later as a reports. al jury will assess 10 projects and award received the “Best Balkan Film” prize result of severe head injuries. The ATCP, which has ushered bilat - one a $10,000 grant. ATCP officials say of the Film Critics Jury at the Sofia The incident led to public uproar as hundreds of eral cultural ties into a new era, was they received a submission even from International Film Festival. In 2013, it people protested at the restaurant and the home of formed in 2009 by the Yerevan Golden Africa this year and regret they had to won the 2013 Best Documentary prize its de-facto owner, Ruben Hayrapetian, a wealthy Apricot Film Festival and the reject it on eligibility grounds. of [Turkey’s] Cinema Writers businessman and lawmaker from Armenia’s ruling Anatolian Culture organization. There are remarkable examples of Association (SIYAD). party. Meeting twice every year, it evaluates how the film quality has improved and In “Ziazan” — another ATCP-support - The outcry forced Hayrapetian to resign from par- project applications from Turkey and the initiative moved forward. “I Left My ed production, which is currently count - liament and apologize to Avetian’s family. Armenia and brings together filmmak - Shoes in Istanbul” — a documentary by ing down to meet the audience — a sur - Each defendant received a 12-year prison sen- ers from the two countries. Over the Lebanese director Nigol Bezjian, a prise name is behind the camera. Derya tence and was fined $250. past five years, it has brought together friend of [Turkish filmmaker] Kutlug Durmaz, the popular actress of many more than 200 filmmakers and sup - Ataman from the renowned UCLA film movies and TV series, is making her ported 13 films. “Diyar,” which in school — has received international debut in the director’s chair, telling the Armenia Seeks Closer 2012 became the eighth film to receive acclaim. The film follows poet Sako adventures of a five-year-old girl in the ATCP support, was selected for the Arian as he travels — both fearful and name of chocolate cream her uncle Ties with Peru Istanbul Film Festival. A documentary curious — to Istanbul, the city of his brings from Turkey. The film, scheduled YEREVAN (Armenpress) — The governments of chronicling the life of director Devrim ancestors, which he knows almost to make its world premiere at a Armenia and Peru hope that by signing a bill abol- Akkaya’s grandfather, making its street by street from the books of European film festival soon, reflects the ishing visa requirements for those with diplomatic debut at the Istanbul Film Festival, will Armenian writers and his family history, child’s innocent view of the world as it passports, the two countries would develop closer be meaningful. and visits prominent people from both tells a naive story about the “losses” ties. Applications remain open ahead of communities in the city. “I Left My caused by the closure of the Turkish- The draft of the agreement was introduced to the the ATCP’s April meeting. Filmmakers Shoes in Istanbul” was selected for Armenian border, displaying an able agenda of March 27 session of the Government of from Turkey, Armenia and their diaspo - showing in the “Home” section of the directing of child actors. the Republic of Armenia. “The agreement will contribute to the promotion of mutual visits of citizens bearing diplomatic pass- ports: the lack of diplomatic representations between the two countries complicate the visa Armenian Boxers Cruise to Victory acquisition,” according to the statement. MONTREAL — Local Armenian box - Bazinyan, 18, started boxing four years Championship and the International ing fans had been eagerly anticipating ago and quickly rose through the ranks Adidas Cup. He also won the interna - More than 400 Mines the March 21 boxing gala organized by in his native country. He won the 2010 tional competition in Poland as a mem - Operate in Country Grant Brothers Boxing and presenting Armenian Republic Championship and ber of team Canada. Prior to turning an evening of 5 amateur and 4 profes - the Armenia Olympic Federation’s 20th pro in September 2013, he had 109 vic - YEREVAN (Armenpress) — There are more than 400 sional fights. Anniversary Competition prior to tories and only one loss as an amateur. mines in Armenia at present, 26 of which are for Two promising professional boxers of becoming the international champion His professional record before the mining metal. The Minister of Energy and Natural Armenian descent, Erik Bazinyan and of Georgia in 2011. match stood at 2-0 with two KO’s. Resources of the Republic of Armenia Armen Arsen Goulamirian, were among the Since moving to Canada at the age of Goulamirian, also born in Armenia, is Movsisyan told about it at the two-day internation- combatants. 16, he has earned two Golden Gloves, 26, with an impressive record. As an al forum “Establishment of responsible mining Born in the Republic of Armenia, the Canadian National Golden Glove amateur he won 52 of 65 fights and industry in Armenia: Possibilities and challenges” earned titles that include “Champion de on March 25. Movsisyan stated that more than 850 France” in 2005 and winner of the mines of solid fossil are registered in our Republic, 2009 Francophone Games in Lebanon. including 37 metal mines. “From the mentioned Since turning pro, he built a flawless 6 mines and their sites 474 organizations exploit Ukraine Recalls Amb. to Armenia – 0 record while fighting in France, about 400 of them, 26 of which metal ones,” said including a unanimous win against a Movsisyan. Over Crimea Recognition fighter who had been previously unbeaten in nine professional bouts. UKRAINE, from page 1 to effectively recognize Russia’s Seeking a more active career in a rep - protest against Sargisian’s decision annexation of Crimea strongly con - Armenian Soldier Killed utable boxing city, Goulamirian relocat - to accept the outcome of the refer - demned by the West. ed to Montreal and trains under the By Azeri Sniper endum that was followed by the Heffern described Sargisian’s tutelage of Grant Brothers Boxing. region’s annexation by Russia. statement to that effect as “very STEPANAKERT (News.am) — Another soldier from The boxing event started with five “I would like to kindly ask you to unfortunate.” Artsakh (Nagorno Karabagh) Defense Army has amateur matches after which started convey my part of the remuneration The envoy reiterated the official US been shot by Azerbaijani sniper on Monday. the pro matches, the first being in the of the State Prize of Armenia to the line that the weekend referendum in According to preliminary information, 22-year-old 178 lbs category, a six rounder, Armenian orphans,” she said in an which residents of Crimea voted for Garnic Torosyan became a victim of an Azeri sniper between Bazinyan and Alexandre open letter to Sargisian. “I am sure becoming part of Russia was illegal. on Monday at around 9:50 a.m. local time. Torosyan Bouvier of Victoriaville, Qc. that Sergey Paradjanov would do “There are many things [the was shot at the base of a military unit on the east There was a capacity crowd of around the same.” Russians] could have done short of line of contact with Azerbaijani Armed Forces. The 550 spectators, among them a strong “I simply could not have come to what they did,” he said at an interna - gunshot was fatal and Torosian died immediately. contingent of 60 to 70 Armenians with Yerevan and thereby welcomed a sit - tional conference on regional security The Defense Ministry of Nagorno Karabagh their noisy supporting presence and vis - uation in which my homeland is in held in Yerevan. expressed its condolences to the family of ible tricolors. danger and Armenia’s leadership Heffern did not say whether Torosyan. A criminal case has been initiated. The first round started with a short unfortunately does not stand by my Sargisian’s move will seriously harm period of boxers testing each other, but country,” said the Ukrainian film - US-Armenian relations. The Obama soon the pace picked-up and the taller maker in a phone interview. administration has imposed asset Armenia to Sign and heavier Bouvier was at the receiv - “I will pass the state award on to freezes and visa bans on some ing end of a string of hard punches. The Agreement in May her through her colleagues and, in Russian officials involved in the referee stopped the fight after three accordance with her wish, we will seizure of Crimea and is considering YEREVAN (ArmeniaNow) — Armenia has imple- rounds, giving Bazinyan the win. use its financial component for adding more serious sanctions on mented the greater part of measures envisaged by The bout between Goulamirian and benevolent purposes,” Sargisian Russia. the roadmap for joining the Customs Union, Prime Alvaro Enriquez of Mexico lasted even said at the ceremony. “I under - Sargisian has enjoyed US support Minister Tigran Sargisian said on Monday. less time, when at the 50th second a stand Ms. Fetisova’s motives but throughout his six-year presidency Speaking in the resort town of Tsaghkadzor series of rapid punches by the want to appeal to the distinguished not least because of his foreign poli - while attending an international symposium on Armenian pugilist, culminated by a lady and the Ukrainian people by cy initiatives, notably an attempted education, Sargisian also announced that the powerful left uppercut to the right ribs saying that we are brotherly peo - rapprochement with Turkey. He agreement on accession to the Russian-led trade of his opponent, ended the match. ples.” faced no public criticism from U.S. bloc will be signed as early as May. Alvaro was on his knees with a broken officials even after unexpectedly In June, the parliaments of Russia, Kazakhstan, right rib. The game was over only after US Disappointed deciding last year to make Armenia Belarus and Armenia are expected to ratify the 50 seconds of the 1st round, with the John Heffern, the US ambassador part of a Russian-led union of ex- agreement, while formally Armenia will become a second Armenian knockout. to Armenia, on Thursday voiced Soviet states at the expense of an Customs Union member on January 1, 2015. The Armenians in the crowd were elated Washington’s disappointment with Association Agreement with the by both of the bouts, carrying the the Armenian government’s decision European Union. Armenian flag and cheering their athletes. — Arto Manoukian S ATURDAY , M ARCH 29, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 3 INTERNATIONAL International News

Turkey, Israel Near Compensation Deal ANKARA (AP) — Turkey’s deputy prime minister says Turkey and Israel could soon reach a deal over compensation payments for the victims of a 2010 Israeli raid — a key condition for restoring ties between the countries. Relations between the two former allies soured after Israeli commandos stormed an aid ship trying to breach a blockade of the Gaza Strip in May 2010, killing eight Turks and one Turkish- American. Israel apologized to Turkey for the deaths last year under a US-brokered agreement and agreed to pay compensation, but the sides could not agree on Armenian Church in Aleppo Attacked; Four Wounded terms. ALEPPO (Public Radio of Armenia) — Four people Press Service of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation Toronto to Present were wounded as a result of shelling on the Armenian reported. According to the report, the Armaenian Church Church in Nor Gyugh (New Village) district of Aleppo, the and nearby houses were the target of the attack. Performance Dedicated To Aznavour TORONTO (Armenpress) — On the occasion of the 90th birthday of Charles Aznavour, the Necessary Tensions High after Turkey Shoots Angel Theatre Company will present a performance in October, devoted to the life and activities of the great singer. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Down Syrian Military Jet Republic of Armenia reported that a special event was being organized in Toronto with the assistance of the Armenian Embassy in Canada, attended by ANKARA (Today’s Zaman) — Monday. The president, who is attend - demands from ISIL to Turkey to lower the Armenian Ambassador Armen Yeganyan, as Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu ing a nuclear security summit in its flag and withdraw troops protecting well as cultural and public figures. has said Turkey will not hesitate to Holland, said: “We all need to own up the tomb within three days. Aznavour (Shahan Vaghinak Aznavouryan) was retaliate over any violation of its air - to these national issues. These issues Syria’s Foreign Ministry issued a born in Paris in 1924 to a family of Armenian space from Syria and that a “crisis are not about politics.” statement condemning Turkey’s migrants Mikayel and Knar Aznavouryans. He has desk” has been set up in the event of Gül called Chief of General Staff actions late on Monday. “The Turkish appeared in more than 60 movies, composed about an attack on the tomb of Süleyman Gen. Necdet Özel on Sunday to con - government should end its aggres - 1,000 songs (including at least 150 in English, 100 Shah, which is considered Turkish ter - gratulate him and his staff after taking sion,” it said, adding that Turkey’s lead - in Italian, 70 in Spanish and 50 in German), and ritory within Syria, following the mili - down the Syrian military aircraft. The ers “should not drag the Turkish army sold well over 100 million records.In 1974, tary having shot down a Syrian mili - incident took place on the border into an adventure.” Aznavour became a major success in the United tary aircraft that violated Turkish air - between Turkey and Syria, near According to Agence France-Presse Kingdom where his song She went to Number One space on Sunday. Yayladagi, a district in Hatay province. (AFP), a source from the Syrian mili - in the charts. His other well-known song in the UK Speaking to journalists on Monday, According to a TSK statement, two tary said Turkey shot down the war - was Dance in the Old Fashioned Way. Davutoglu, who is campaigning in Syrian MIG-23 warplanes were warned plane “in a flagrant act of aggression There is a square named after him in central Konya ahead of the March 30 local four times when they began flying that is evidence of [ Prime Minister Yerevan on Abovian Street, and a statue erected in elections, criticized press reports say - close to Turkish airspace. After the Recep Tayyip] Erdogan’s support for Gumri.In 2004 Aznavour received the title of ing that the government’s act is proba - warnings, one of the aircrafts in ques - terrorist groups.” National Hero of Armenia for his humanitarian bly an attempt to divert attention from tion started to leave the area, but the The aircraft “was chasing terrorist work, Armenia’s highest award. corruption and bribery allegations other warplane began flying over groups inside Syrian territory at against members of the ruling Justice Turkish airspace near the border out - Kasab,” said the source, referring to and Development Party (AK Party). post at Yayladagi; two F-16 fighter jets the disputed border crossing. The pilot Turkey May Act as Davutoglu said the Syrian fighter jet then fired a missile and shot down the was able to eject himself. violated Turkish airspace by about one Syrian jet in line with Turkey’s rules of The Syrian Arab News Agency Mediator between kilometer and accused Turkish media engagement. (SANA) reported that the Syrian pilot Russia, Crimean Tatars outlets of “treason” due to their TSK made a statement on Monday said his aircraft was seven kilometers reports suggesting that taking down saying that a Syrian missile system away from the border when it was shot ANKARA (Today’s Zaman) — After Russia signed a the plane was a possible attempt to locked radar onto a Turkish fighter jet down by the TSK. The pilot, whose treaty on Tuesday annexing Crimea despite threats divert public attention from the allega - for more than four minutes on Sunday, name was not disclosed in SANA’s of sanctions from the US and Europe, Turkey may tions targeting the AK Party. the same day that TSK warplanes shot report, claimed that he was targeting be able to mediate between Russia and Crimean “Some in the [Turkish] press act as if down the Syrian jet for violating terrorists in Kessab and that he was Tatars though it remains a question to what extent they are the spokespeople of the Turkish airspace. about the return to his base when he Turkey is prepared to oppose Russia. Syrian regime,” said Davutoglu, adding It was not immediately clear if the was shot down. “Turkey’s foreign policy allows it to act as a medi- that any kind of violation of Turkey’s radar incident happened before or after The Turkish Foreign Ministry said ator. Turkish officials expended great effort to pro- airspace from Syria would be retaliat - the plane was shot down. Turkish mili - Syria has been warned about airspace tect Crimean Tatars during the crisis in the penin- ed. tary said the Turkish F-16 jet was on violations several times, and that sula,” Namik Kemal Bayar, the deputy head of Turkey has notified the United routine patrol of the Turkish-Syrian Turkey will take measures if Syrian jets Crimean Turks Culture and Solidarity Association, Nations Security Council (UNSC) and border when it was hassled by the SA- come within five kilometers of the bor - told Sunday’s Zaman. NATO, and has provided relevant docu - 5 missile system. der. Bayar also said Crimean Tatars in Turkey expect ments regarding the violation of ‘Crisis desk’ Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Ankara to raise its voice on the crisis. Turkey’s airspace, said Davutoglu, “We have taken all necessary mea - Arab and African Affairs Hossein Amir- Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu has heeded adding that he talked to NATO sures to [address] security problems Abdollahian said on Sunday that “a the calls of Crimean Tatars and has pledged to Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, who that have emerged surrounding the military approach” would only escalate extend protection. Turkey also declared on Monday has offered his open support to Turkey. tomb of Süleyman ah, the burial place the tensions in the region. that it does not recognize the Crimean referendum, “We [Turkey] hope that Syria will of the grandfather of Osman I, the Amir-Abdollahian said that Iran is calling the poll “illegitimate” a day after the not dare to do the same thing again. founder of the Ottoman Empire,” said calling for restraint as tensions run Crimean people voted overwhelmingly to secede Turkey is always for peace. Peace Davutoglu. high between Turkey and Syria. He from Ukraine and join Russia. requires determination. No one should Stressing that this latest incident of stressed that Ankara and Tehran are According to Mensur Akgün, director of the doubt our determination for peace,” Syria violating Turkish airspace shows determined to continue to fight against Global Political Trends Center (GPoT), Turkish Davutoglu said. that Turkey might encounter risky sit - terrorism and support a political solu - Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s diplomatic Davutoglu has categorically rejected uations as such, Davutoglu said Turkey tion to the Syrian conflict. efforts in calling Russian President Vladimir Putin press reports questioning the timing of has calculated the risk of such scenar - This is not the first time the Turkish on March 4 can also be considered part of Ankara’s the incident, as it took place only days ios and has prepared itself accordingly. military has downed a Syrian aircraft attempt to reduce tension and act as a mediator. before the local elections. Saying that He said Turkey has set up a “crisis near the border. Turkish warplanes “It seems as though Turkey will manage to play Turkey does not invite anyone to vio - desk” to protect the Turkish territory first shot down a Syrian helicopter last that role since Putin has pledged to preserve the late its airspace, Davutoglu added that in Syria surrounding the tomb of September when it, too, crossed into rights of Crimean Tatars,” Akgün added. if Syria violates Turkish airspace again, Süleyman ah. Turkish airspace. Following Syria’s Since the beginning of the unrest in Ukraine, it will face the same reaction. Davutoglu stressed that the situation shooting of a Turkish jet in 2012, the Ankara has underlined the importance of preserv- Turkish military on alert, Gül says around the tomb is stable and that military’s rules of engagement ing Ukraine’s political unity, sovereignty and terri- “In the light of what’s happening in there has not been much movement. changed, and Erdogan said any Syrian torial integrity. Syria, all units of the Turkish Armed There were recent reports about the element approaching the border would Forces [TSK] have been put on alert — Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant be deemed a threat and treated as a land, air and naval,” Gül said on (ISIL) moving closer to the tomb and military target. 4 S ATURDAY , M ARCH 29, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Community Ne ws

Koutoujian to Speak at Tufts’ AMAA Genocide Opens West Commemoration Coast Office MEDFORD, Mass. — Tufts University, the Darakjian-Jafarian Chair in Armenian History, the Department of History, the Armenian Club GLENDALE — On January 25, the at Tufts University and the National Association Armenian Missionary Association of for Armenian Studies and Research will spon - America (AMAA) officially opened a branch sor the annual Commemoration of the office at 1101 North Pacific Ave., in the Armenian Genocide at Tufts on Wednesday, heart of the Armenian Community of the April 16, at 7 p.m. The event will feature a talk Greater Los Angeles area. by Middlesex County Sheriff Peter Koutoujian. More than 80 people attended the open - The evening will be hosted by Ina Baghdiantz ing ceremony. The guests included AMAA McCabe, professor of history and Darakjian- Board members, Armenian Evangelical Jafarian Chair of Armenian History at Tufts Union of North America (AEUNA) pastors, University. Haigazian University Board members, The commemoration and lecture will take Child and Orphan Care Committee mem - place in Goddard Chapel on Tufts’ Medford, bers, representatives from the Diocese and Prelacy and members of the media and local City Council. The women in politics from Armenia stand with former Cambridge Mayor David Levon Filian, AMAA West Coast execu - Maher. tive director, welcomed the guests and thanked God for the opportunity to open an office on the West Coast. Rev. Ron Tovmassian, senior pastor of the United Armenian Congregational Church of Los Panel Discusses Women’s Angeles, offered the opening prayer. Rev. Joseph Matossian brought greetings on behalf of the Armenian Evangelical Union Leadership in Armenia of North America and introduced the cler - gy guests. Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, BELMONT, Mass. — Six women from Armenia, ranging in age from 27 to 31, Primate of the Western Diocese of the participated in a panel discussion at the National Association for Armenian Armenian Church of North America, con - Studies and Research (NAASR) headquarters March 14, on the topic “Women in veyed his congratulations and greetings. Sheriff Peter Koutoujian Politics and Government,” organized by the Cambridge-Yerevan Sister City Rev. Ardak Demirjian, representing Association (CYSCA) and co-sponsored by NAASR and the Armenian International Archbishop Moushegh Mardirosian, Women’s Association (AIWA). Primate of the Western Prelacy of the campus. A reception will follow in the Coolidge The panel also included Massachusetts state Rep. Marjorie Decker. Armenian Apostolic Church of America, Room in nearby Ballou Hall. The women were hosted by CYSCA in the Greater Boston area for an eight-day conveyed the archbishop’s greetings. Rev. Koutoujian is the current sheriff of Middlesex intensive program of meetings/dialogues with directors of women’s leadership County. First appointed by Gov. Deval Patrick programs at local universities and local organizations for women in politics and and then elected in 2012, Koutoujian has government as well as Cambridge and state officials. The program was made pos - focused his efforts on further professionalizing sible by a grant issued to CYSCA from the Open World (OW) Leadership Center the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office, while providing at the US Library of Congress. additional resources for those in his custody in The OW program aimed to give the participants first-hand exposure to America’s an effort to address their criminal behavior. democratic government and free-market system. A key goal of the program was to Prior to his tenure as sheriff, he served in the develop leadership capability of young women in government and political orga - Massachusetts House of Representatives, where nizations by engaging them with their American counterparts. Few women in he chaired the Committees on Healthcare, Armenia are in leadership positions in politics and even government. Currently, Public Health and Financial Services. Los Angeles City Councilman Paul only 11 of 131 (8 percent) of the members of Parliament are women, although in Krekorian presented a resolution to the the city council of Yerevan, 15 percent are women. AMAA from the city of Los Angeles. CYSCA designed and hosted a comprehensive program for the visitors, includ - Pictured, from left, Dr. Mihran Agbabian, ing visits/dialogues with various organizations/individuals in the Greater Boston Rev. Ron Tovmassian, Harut Sassounian, area, including Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government, UMass Boston Center Levon Filian, Krekorian, Rev. Mgrdich Temple Israel to for Women in Politics and Public Policy, Tufts University Fletcher School, Suffolk Melkonian and Rev. Joseph Matossian. University, Massachusetts League of Women Voters, Mass. Caucus of Women Commemorate Legislators, State Senate and House women leaders, Cambridge City government, the Armenian International Women’s Association, and numerous other organiza - Dr. Vahan Tootikian, executive director of Armenian Genocide tions and individuals. the Armenian Evangelical World Council, The panel discussion began by the participants describing their work experi - shared his involvement with the AMAA for At Shabbat Service ence in Armenia and reflecting on their visit to the US. They were: Anahit over 40 years and congratulated the Board Beglaryan, attorney in the Chamber of Advocates of Armenia, defending human for its vision to open an office on the West BOSTON — The rabbis and congregation of rights; Violeta Hovhannisyan, expert on the Armenian Parliament committee on Coast to better serve the Armenian Boston’s Temple Israel invite the Armenian integration of the Republic of Armenia laws with European Community laws; Sona Community. Rev. Mgrdich Melkonian, community to a commemoration of the Minasyan, head of the Free Democrats Political party in Kapan; Nune Sakanyan, AMAA’s interim executive director/CEO, Armenian Genocide during Friday evening ser - head of international investment programs of the city of Yerevan; Lilit Seyranyan, and Dr. Joseph Zeronian, AMAA president, vices on April 11. “A Shabbat of Remembrance attorney at the Chamber of Advocates and Anna Shahnazaryan, facilitator for the shared their heartfelt comments. Harut and Empowerment: Commemorating the 99th group, currently external relations coordinator for Yerevan-based Civilitas Sassounian, representing the United Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide” will fea - Foundation, a civil rights organization. Armenian Fund, welcomed the AMAA as a ture Dr. Dikran Kaligian, who will speak on the Panelists reflected on issues concerning women’s leadership in Armenia. longtime partner in serving Armenians. Genocide and the quest for recognition in face Beglaryan commented that there is no real training mechanism for women in Los Angeles City Councilman Paul of denial. Following the service, there will be an Armenia to help them learn the process of entering, leading, and advancing in the Krekorian presented a resolution to the opportunity for discussion over refreshments. political arena. Minasyan also felt that women need education and skill training for AMAA from the city of Los Angeles, honor - Rabbi Ronne Friedman, Temple Israel’s senior going into politics. She was impressed with the program at UMass Boston’s Center ing the AMAA for its extensive humanitari - rabbi, is a leader of the Coalition to Recognize for Women in Politics and Public Policy and hopes to have international coopera - an and Christian ministry around the world the Armenian Genocide, a grassroots group com - tion with them. Hovhannisyan felt that leadership training must happen in uni - and congratulated the AMAA for opening posed of members of the Boston-area Armenian versities; otherwise it would not be taken seriously. Also, she pointed out that can - an office in Glendale, CA. The closing and Jewish communities. Together with Rabbi didates in Armenia do not fund-raise personally and was surprised to learn that prayers and the Lord’s Prayer were offered Howard Jaffe of Lexington, Friedman has been candidates themselves fund-raise in the US. Seyranyan suggested that even sec - jointly by all the clergy present. active in educating the Jewish community about ondary schools should incorporate into their curriculum equality in the workplace Following the ceremonies, the guests the Armenian Genocide and in working toward and leadership training for women. She also feels that women’s organizations in were invited to a reception, toured the facil - its recognition. Armenia need to cooperate and network more with each other. Shahnazaryan ities, and congratulated each other and the Temple Israel is located at 477 Longwood pointed out that politics in Armenia is regarded as unclean and corrupt, which is community for a new chapter of AMAA’s Ave., Boston. The service will begin at 5:45 p.m. see WOMEN, page 16 ministry and service in the Greater Los For directions and parking information go to: Angeles area. http://www.tisrael.org/directions.asp S ATURDAY , M ARCH 29, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 5 COMMUNITY NEWS Lisa Apovian Earns Top Award in Education

stipend will compensate for her services during those periods. By Tom Vartabedian “I truly love going to work every day,” she said. “I was encouraged by my peers to apply and was embarrassed at first. Getting this award was the experience of a lifetime.” LAWRENCE, Mass. — Somebody once imparted words of While at Harvard, Apovian worked on team-building tasks. wisdom to Lisa Apovian during her 17 years as an elementary One personal highlight was meeting actor Tony Plana, a teacher in Lawrence: “If you love your job, you will never Cuban immigrant, who has appeared in such films as “Three work a day in your life.” Amigos” and “Ugly Betty.” It has stuck like glue with the third-grade instructor at “We sat over lunch and shared stories of our immigrant Parthum School, where she has endeared herself to her stu - families,” she said. “Combining theater with English and writ - dents inside a locality that can best be described as “chal - ing brings positive results in the classroom. He started a com - lenging.” pany in California that introduces Shakespeare to children in Apovian was presented the coveted Sontag Prize in Urban urban settings.” Education, given to the educator who best symbolizes the At St. Gregory Church, Apovian has taught Sunday School; educational welfare of a community. served as a trustee and member of the Bazaar Committee; The prize is bestowed upon a teacher who best provides chaired the Ladies Guild, and worked bingo. She planted her top-level instruction to some of the more needy students in roots as a Sunday School student here and helps with the the areas of mathematics, English, Language Arts and other newsletter. disciplines. With a wedding date in December, and three stepchildren Along with a plaque, $3,000 honorarium and an ipad came walking into her life, Apovian is enjoying quite a year. She is a scholarship for a two-day training period at Harvard also taking additional classes toward an eventual doctorate in University where she rubbed elbows with some of the best counseling. For three years, she’s been volunteering in a educators throughout the state. Most importantly, this award Trauma Intervention Program in her community. recognizes excellence in teaching and provides students with “I’d like to work inside a school setting as a counselor sur - an extra week of high-quality education. rounding children and grief counseling,” she added. One of the reasons for attending Harvard was training to “Hopefully, I will earn my doctorate and pursue a specialized Lisa Apovian teach an accelerated academy over the school vacations. The area which has long interested me.”

Armenian Bar Group Part of Panel Advocating Joining Professional Groups

LOS ANGELES — A trio of Armenian Bar dents and faculty of Glendale Law School. With fulfill their MCLE requirements. Edgar Bitterman and Christopher Chaplin spoke on Association Board and active members — Saro rapt attention, the students eagerly listened to Gutierrez of the Glendale Bar Association the topic of how bar association member - Kerkonian, Fred Mesropi and Sara Bedirian — the panel introductions on the concepts and spoke next and emphasized that the business of ship may be of assistance in mastering the stu - formed the centerpiece of a special presenta - benefits of bar association membership and the law is much about building relationships and dents’craft in the law. Both stressed the fact tion at Glendale Law School focusing on the important positions such organizations hold in the importance of getting involved to develop that bar association membership would provide ways and means for law students to maximize the legal profession and in the life of an key contact and work opportunities. exposure to attorneys in different practice areas their job placement opportunities and to hone engaged practitioner. At the core of the evening presentation were and would provide resources for exchanges and their professional skills. The event was held The first series of speakers was from the the Armenian Bar Association representatives, consultations spanning the gamut of the areas on March 10, at Glendale Law School and was Glendale Bar Association. The group’s vice Mesropi and Kerkonian, who, in motivating and of law. As bar association members, the stu - organized in cooperation with Italian American president, Michael Zuckerman, delved into the inspiring fashion, offered the audience a primer dents were told that they would be in a good Lawyers’ Association, the Glendale Bar myriad examples of the benefits of bar associa - on the fulfilling professional and personal ben - position to learn from premier practition - Association and the Pasadena Bar Association. tion membership. He informed the students efits of joining bar associations. Kerkonian, a ers either speaking at continuing legal educa - The program began in a crowded room of that their involvement would greatly assist member of the Board of Governors and the tion events or networking functions. more than 100 participants drawn from the stu - them in landing a job and would allow them to Chair of the Armenian Rights Watch Prof. Delores Yarnall of Glendale Law School Committee, spoke briefly of the history and mis - was introduced to the attendees by Dean sion of the Armenian Bar Association and its Darrin Greitzer who expressed appreciation to founder, Raffi K. Hovannisian. Mr. Kerkonian the students and speakers. Yarnall emphasized described the great success of two recent events what Kerkonian had earlier stated, namely that !"#$%$&'()'* % ' '$ #'!"#$%$& () ** % $ # that were held jointly with the Armenian law there is a vast number of different ethnic and student organizations of Loyola Law School specialized bar associations which provide  "#  "'$)'( $'$& ' *&$')'#"$# '%&)#"& '  '  "#  " $) ( $ $&  *&$ ) #"$# %&)#"&    and Southwestern Law School for purposes of value and meaning to their members. She hands-on mentorship and effective resume spoke of her personal favorite, the Cowboy #$"#'#"%&' '#$$ "# #"%&    !!"'''" #$#$ '%'% preparation. He also shared the unique oppor - Lawyers’ Association, and how they were cele - tunities which bar associations often avail their brating their 25th anniversary this year. She #$" *' ##$" * members, citing his own experience of partici - mentioned that members go on exhilarating pating on a legal panel with two California trail rides with sides of sumptuous catering and Supreme Court justices. wine tastings in a relaxed atmosphere, which !"#$%&'()*&#" # '!!"#$%& ()*&#"" # Mesropi, deputy district attorney with the Los helps promote relationships with peers and Angeles County’s District Attorney’s Office, deliv - opponents alike, all the while helping to create ered his unique perspective as a public servant and maintain professional civility. and the significance of bar association member - Damian D. Capozzola, president of the Italian ship. Without the necessity of business-generating American Lawyers’ Association concluded the possibilities as a government prosecutor, Mesropi event by talking about how bar associations can nevertheless made a compelling case for public help you land clients. Capozzola stated that bar servants’ continued involvement in professional association membership would also provide organizations and their engagement in communi - general networking meeting opportunities and ty education projects. In addition to helping cre - allow for people to interact with their peers and ate professional connections, Mesropi comment - have access to partners, general counsel of cor - ed, his experience in the Armenian Bar porations and key people in law firms, which Association has led to meaningful relationships could lead to client opportunities. For informa - and lasting friendships with other members. tion on becoming a member of the Armenian Pasadena Bar Association members Heidi Bar Association visit www.armenianbar.com !)$ ''!))$    *&$''#*&$ "')'#"$# ' *&$  ##*&$ " ) ##"$# Reporter Wanted 9 $ " #() #' %'('0':"* &(')&##" # '9 $ " #() #  % ( 0 :"* &( )&##" # The is seeking an assistant editor, Armenian Mirror-Spectator !)'>" $'!) >" $ ;--8;--8 '% "'% ") ') #() '% " % ") ) #(() working 20-25 hours a week. :"1 # ':)$) %')&"%&':"1 # :)$) % )&"%&  << ' "'  "$' <<   "   "$ The ideal candidate should have a good grasp of journalism and !"-'("#5 '$8'/')#1" * '!"- ("#5 $8 / )#1" * $ $' %) $'= $&'# '$ $'9'$ $  %) $ = $& #  $ $ 9 be willing to cover a variety of subjects. Some editing will also ' &  "'#() $'&  "'#() $ be required. )&" ( '#& " * # '+,-#.' !/)&" ( #& " * # +,-#.' !/  #' #' 0 "# "' 1 "%& # '+2!#.'-!3/-3!-'0 "# "  1 "%& # +2!#.'-!3/-3!-' Salary commensurate with experience. %"%&# '4  $'&5$6617$8%)167 *&$/)/'#"$# /#"#"#$6 "/# % '%"%&# 4  $ &5$6617$8%)167 *&$/)/'#"$# /#"#"#$6 "/# % Send resumes and writing samples to [email protected]. ' 6 S ATURDAY , M ARCH 29, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS A Parish Says Thank You to Priest

WASHINGTON — Parishioners at St. Mary Church of Washington, DC, recently honored their pastor, the Rev. Hovsep Karapetyan, on the 10th anniversary of his ordination into the priesthood of the Armenian Church. Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), visited the community on Sunday, February 23, where he presided over the celebration of the Divine Liturgy and deliv - ered the sermon. At the conclusion of badarak, the Primate presented Karapetyan with a pectoral cross and congratulated him on this milestone. “A decade ago a young deacon entered the ranks of the priesthood in the Armenian Church,” Archbishop Barsamian said, recalling Karapetyan’s ordination at St. James Church in Richmond, Va. “Today he continues to be a ded - icated servant of the Lord, one who is commit - Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan celebrates the Divine Liturgy at St. Mary Church. ted to helping his parish grow and is, in turn, well respected by the Armenian community of Washington.” with Karapetyan, both on Sundays and during effort to maintain close ties with the embassy and the renovation of the church floor, ceiling, A requiem service was held in memory of the week, to prepare for the sub-diaconate. He through lectures, presentations and other joint - pews and candle room. In addition, new entry deceased parishioners and victims of the 1988 said the experience was at once challenging and ly-sponsored events. Women’s Guild member doors were created and a carving of St. Mary pogroms in Azerbaijan, an event commemorat - uplifting and he looks forward to his new role. Clara Andonian, parish council member Sarine installed at the entrance. On church grounds, ed in February. “The ordination was amazing,” he said. “It’s Zenian and Deacon Garegin Vardanyan spoke a khatchkar was put up in memory of the Also that afternoon Archbishop Barsamian such a privilege to serve on the altar and I con - about Karapetyan’s warm personality and his deceased parishioners of the community. Now elevated three altar servers — Armen sider it the greatest accomplishment I have had support of various church organizations. In the parish is working on the construction of an Chubukian, Aras Mermer and Edwin Tilimian — to this day.” addition, letters of congratulation were read Armenian bell tower to adorn the exterior of to the rank of sub-deacon. Archbishop Following services, more than 200 people from those who could not attend the February the building. Barsamian presented the newly ordained with gathered in the church hall for a luncheon and 23 celebration. “Fr. Hovsep has been a very big asset to our crosses from Holy Echimiadzin. program in celebration of Karapetyan’s anniver - ACYOA members and sub-deacons presented community,” said Parish Council Vice Chair “It is an immense happiness for me on this sary. Karapetyan with a commemorative plaque and Mike Tashjian. “He has brought many people anniversary to see Aras, Edwin and Armen ele - In addition to Barsamian, guests included the parish council ordered a handmade silver together in our parish.” Archbishop Vicken Aykazian, the cross from Armenia. Karapetyan and his wife, Jennifer Diocese’s ecumenical director; Rev. The program also featured a musical perfor - Karapetyan, have injected new energy into Vertanes Kalayjian, the long-serv - mance by the talented Chamsayan Sisters and a parish organizations. The combined Sunday ing former pastor of St. Mary slide show depicting Karapetyan’s pastoral jour - and Armenian School has seen an increasing Church; Diocesan Council Chair ney. number of students, while the ACYOA has James Kalustian; Ambassador implemented an active schedule of worship and Tatoul Markarian, Armenia’s New Energy social and cultural activities. ambassador to the United States Karapetyan studied at Gevorkyan Theological Meanwhile, programs with Armenia’s and the entire embassy staff; Seminary at Holy Echmiadzin, St. James Embassy and Nagorno-Karabagh’s Mission to Robert Avetisyan, Permanent Seminary at the Armenian Patriarchate of the United States have allowed parishioners Representative of Nagorno- Jerusalem and St. Nersess Armenian Seminary to learn of developments in the homeland and Karabagh to the United States; and in New Rochelle, NY. to become involved in supporting initiatives Colonel Mesrop Nazarian, He was ordained to the diaconate by there. Armenia’s Defense Attaché in Archbishop Torkom Manoogian and went on to The Women’s Guild likewise has expanded its Washington. serve as deacon-in-charge at St. James Church programming and participation in recent years. Archbishop Khajag Barsamian ordains sub-deacons at St. Parish Council member Sintia of Richmond, Va., where he was ordained to the Earlier this winter, the organization hosted an Mary Church. He is assisted by the Rev. Hovsep Karapetyan. Pertrosian-Gusmao served as mas - priesthood by Barsamian in February 2004. evening of worship and fellowship to raise funds ter of ceremonies. Reflecting on In 2007, he was assigned to St. Mary Church, in support of the Fund for Armenian Relief’s vated to the rank of sub-deacon,” Karapetyan the Diocese’s theme “Living the where parishioners say his vision and hard work Vanadzor Old Age Home in Armenia. said. “It gives me great joy to see them grow in Gospel of Christ,” Kalustian spoke about the have helped the community take on new pro - “Looking back at the past seven years as the their faith, knowledge and commitment to our ways in which pastors set an example by fol - jects. pastor of St. Mary Church,” Karapetyan said, “I church.” lowing in Christ’s footsteps. Barsamian and During his tenure, St. Mary Church complet - give thanks to God for the many wonderful peo - Aras Mermer, who in addition to serving on Aykazian spoke about Karapetyan’s pastoral ed renovations to its hall and sanctuary. The lat - ple whose encouragement and sustenance have the altar is active in the parish’s ACYOA, said leadership. ter included the renovation of the main altar strengthened my ministry and inspired me to the young men have been meeting regularly Markarian described Karapetyan’s ongoing and two smaller altars, window enhancements continue serving God and his church.”

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Reg. 189-06 Liberty Ave., Hollis, NY 11412 Consultation Office: 217-04 Northern Blvd., (Suite 23), Bayside,NY 11361 S ATURDAY , M ARCH 29, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 7 COMMUNITY NEWS Historian Akçam Delves into Controversial Memoir by Armenian Soldier at Clark Talk WORCESTER — Clark University’s Strassler to his memoir, Torossian was a graduate of a A pre-lecture reception, hosted by the Friends Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies will military college and a decorated Ottoman offi - of the Armenian Chair at Clark University, will present a lecture by Prof. Taner Akçam on April cer who served at Gallipoli and other impor - begin at 6 p.m. in the Lurie Conference Room 17, “On Truth and Memoirs: The Case of an tant battlefronts. Learning that his parents at the Higgins University. Those planning to Armenian Soldier in the Ottoman Army,” which and sister were deported and died in the attend are asked to RSVP to will explore the subject of a vigorous debate Armenian Genocide, Torossian switched his [email protected]. over the authenticity of a memoir recently pub - allegiance. He joined the Arab rebellion in A professor of history at Clark University, lished in Turkey. Palestine and Syria and fought with a French Akçam holds the Robert Aram & Marianne Akçam will discuss the case of Sarkis battalion against Kemalist forces in Cilicia. Kaloosdian and Stephen and Marian Mugar Torossian who served as a lieutenant in the Akçam will consider the veracity of Torossian’s Chair in Armenian Genocide Studies at the Ottoman Army during World War I. According account and interpret the public debate sur - Strassler Center. An internationally recognized rounding the memoir in Turkey. Turkish schol - human rights activist, he was one of the first ars Ayhan Aktar and Edhem Eldem will com - Turkish intellectuals to recognize and openly ment and respond. discuss the Armenian Genocide. He is the US Diplomat’s Diary Torossian immigrated to the United States in author of several books, most recently, The From 1915 Subject of 1920. In 1947, he published his memoirs in Young Turks’ Crime Against Humanity: The English, From Dardanelles to Palestine: A Armenian Genocide and Ethnic Cleansing in Talk at Fresno State True Story of Five Battle Fronts of Turkey . the Ottoman Empire (2012), which earned the Following the Turkish translation published in Middle East Studies Association Albert Hourani Prof. Taner Akçam FRESNO — The Armenian Studies 2012, reactions in the Turkish press have been Book Award (2013) and was named one of the Program (ASP) at Fresno State intense. Some discredited the memoir as fabri - year’s (2012) best books on the Middle East by announces the publication of a new book, cated. Others championed its authenticity. Foreign Affairs. the public. It will begin at 7:30 p.m., in Tilton Hall Inside Constantinople: A Diplomat’s Akçam will discuss the veracity of Torossian’s This event is part of the 2013-2014 “Critical at the Higgins University Center, 950 Main St. Diary During the Dardanelles Expedition, account and interpret the public debate sur - History” lecture series at the Strassler Center. For more information, visit April-September, 1915 by Lewis Einstein, rounding the memoir in Turkey. This lecture and discussion is free and open to clarku.edu/holocaust online. published by the Gomidas Institute (London), in cooperation with the ASP. To mark the launch of the book, Ara Sarafian (Gomidas Institute, London) will present a lecture “Saving Armenians: The Hai Guin Awards Scholarships, Plans May Fundraiser United States and the Armenian Genocide Thesis, 1915” at 7:30 p.m. on BELMONT, Mass. — The Hai Guin and a counselor and worship leader for younger the Armenian Sisters’ Academy (Lexington), St. Tuesday, April 1, in the University Scholarship Association of Boston announces children at Camp Arevelk for four years. He Stephen’s Armenian Elementary School Business Center, Alice Peters Auditorium, the recipients of its annual scholarship awards., enjoys playing piano and trumpet. (Watertown) and the Soorp Tarkmanchatz Room 191. Each student has an impressive background in Shahverdian, of Belmont, is a sociology and School (Jerusalem), as well as an annual hono - The lecture is co-sponsored by the their community, is in good academic standing psychology major at Suffolk University and has rarium to a Watertown High School student Armenian Students Organization and the and is well respected by their peers and profes - served as the secretary of the Suffolk Armenian who has excelled in Armenian studies. Leon S. Peters Foundation. sors. This year’s recipients are Alexander Students Association. She was a member and Hai Guin Scholarship Association applica - This talk presents new insights into the Bacon, Amanda Tabeek, John Norayr .athlete of the Homenetmen Florida chapter, tions for the 2014-2015 academic year are now role of the United States in documenting Orchanian and Rebecca Shahverdian. attended St. David Armenian Church School available and can be obtained by contacting the the Armenian Genocide and publicizing Bacon of Peabody, is a business administra - (Boca Raton, Fla.) for eight years and was a group on its Facebook page (Hai Guin the plight of Armenians in 1915. It stress - tion major at the University of Massachusetts- member of the ACYOA Juniors (Florida) where Scholarship Association of Boston) or in writ - es that the United States had access to Lowell where he has been named to the Dean’s she held the office of chairperson for two years. ing to PO Box 509, Belmont, MA 02478. vital information about the plight of List. An acolyte at Holy Trinity Church Armenians, and that the United States (Cambridge) from grades 5-12, he served as an embassy in Constantinople was staffed by assistant Sunday School teacher and has been extraordinary individuals who took a a long-term member of the ACYOA. A student moral stand and chose not to ignore the athlete in high school, he participated in foot - plight of Armenians. The embassy staff ball, wrestling and rugby. was headed by Ambassador Henry Tabeek of Dedham, is a communications Morgenthau, but also included Special major at Curry College. A member of the Holy Agent of the State Department, Lewis Trinity Church community (Cambridge), she Einstein, who made his own incredible has been an assistant Sunday School teacher contribution to the understanding of the and an assistant at Trinity Kids Place (vacation Armenian Genocide. bible school) for a number of years. She has par - Sarafian is an archival historian spe - ticipated in the pilgrimage to Armenia in 2008 cializing on late Ottoman history. He is and has also been a counselor-in-training at St. the director of the Gomidas Institute, Vartan Camp in New York. which is a leading research and publica - Orchanian, of Lexington, is an information tion center related to modern Armenian technology major at Northeastern University history. where he has been named to the Dean’s List. A The lecture is free and open to the pub - member of the Armenian Memorial Church lic. (Watertown), he has also been a youth group Alexander Bacon Amanda Tabeek leader at the First Armenian Church (Belmont)

The Armenian Communities Department of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation is seeking a Senior Programme Officer (Western Armenian Language). John Norayr Orchanian Rebecca Shahverdian

She has been a member of the Sayat Nova Applicants must have completed one year of The closing date for this position is Dance Company for three years. study and be permanent residents of Celebrating its 79th year, the Hai Guin Massachusetts. Recipients may attend any col - 15 April 2014. Scholarship Association continues the mission lege or university in the United States. of helping Armenian students, a labor of love On May 10, the Hai Guin Scholarship that began when a handful of women joined Association will host an event to raise funds for To find out more please visit together to provide financial assistance to the its scholarship effort. This year’s Luncheon and young members of the community for their Fashion Show, will be held at the Boston www.gulbenkian.pt/ArmenianCommunities sacred and secular education. Marriott Newton and will feature red carpet Since those early years, the group has award - designs from Lorraine Roy at Bella Sera of ed more than $150,000 in scholarships to Danvers. For more information about this event Armenian students along with annual gifts to or to purchase tickets, contact Joyce Guleserian 8 S ATURDAY , M ARCH 29, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Ne w York M E T R O ‘Big Bad Armo Show’ Makes Grand East Coast Premier

Leaves Audiences Asking for more beat characters, illuminating cultural commen - tary, outlandish improv and down-right funny vignettes, “The Big Bad Armo Show” brings laughter and insight onto this community that By Talar Sesetyan Sarafian has planted its marble column roots from Fair Lawn, NJ to the “Hills of the Glendale.” From being the first nation to adopt Christianity to NEW YORK — “The Big Bad Armo Show” Kim Kardashian, the show holds up a fun house took New York City by storm for two nights, mirror to the 10,000 years of cultural idiosyn - performing to two sold-out audiences at the crasies that have made up the Armenian com - Symphony Space, on February 28 and March 1. munity. Bringing a slice of Los Angeles life with them, Written and created by National Endowment “The Big Bad Armo Show” invited and hosted for the Arts grant recipient Lory Tatoulian, in New York/New Jersey by the Tekeyan “The Big Bad Armo Show” introduced the East Cultural Association Mher Megerdchian Coast audiences to a world of new characters Theatrical Group, proved that Armenian theater and hilarious comedy. Tatoulian is originally is alive and well in its various forms. from Reedley, a small town near Fresno, where Since 2009, “The Big Bad Armo Show” has she grew up with her Kharpertzi parents. In her garnered a huge following with its witty and own words, Tatoulian “eventually made the hilarious sketches about the Armenian- inevitable migration to Los Angeles,” where she American experience. With a vast array of off- managed to conceptualize, create, write and A scene from “The Big Bad Armo Show”

produce five different installments of “The Big and Sossi Hayrabedian, the foul-mouthed and Bad Armo Show:” “The Big Armo Show,” “Big scantily-dressed mayoral candidate of Pasadena. Bad Armo X-Mas,” “Big Bad Armo: World Other skits include the courtroom drama of Domination,” “Dreaming of a Big Bad Armo what happens when Mexicans and Armenians Christmas” and “The Big Bad Armo’s Are become neighbors, what family really pays the Coming for Christmas Dinner.” check after dinner, and even a guest appearance James Martin is the director of the produc - via video by celebrity attorney Mark tion. And, as he noted in the program booklet, Geragos...and much, much more! he is, in fact, Armenian. He exclaims, “Yes, I’m On both evenings, TCA Mher Megerdchian Armenian. No, I did not learn Armenian just for Theatrical Group’s executive committee mem - this show. I grew up Armenian. I’m probably ber, Talin Sesetyan welcomed the guests at more Armenian than you are. Can you read and Symphony Space and introduced the produc - write Armenian? Hmmmm? Because I can. tion. In fact, it was Sesetyan’s initiative that Were you in Armenian Scouts for 13 years? made it possible to bring “The Big Bad Armo Because I was… Now enjoy the show.” Show” to the East Coast. And, what a success it And, what a great show, it was! It left the was. After the second show, TCA Mher audiences laughing and talking about it even Megerdchian Theatrical Group hosted a recep - The cast and crew of “The Big Bad Armo Show” with members of the Mher Mgerdchian Theatrical for weeks after. The cast consists of six to seven tion at the Symphony Space Bar Thalia adja - Group actors, plus a handful of musicians and techni - cent to theater to allow guests to meet and min - cians. “The Big Bad Armo Show” is not only for gle with the cast and crew. Armenians, but anybody who has lived, drank, Audiences are asking for more and those who friended, married, divorced, negotiated or missed this opportunity are asking if and when worked with Armenians. “The Big Bad Armo Show” will return to New The hilarious, myriad of skits included great York. The answer is a big yes, and the Mher characters like Marty and Varty, the perpetual Megerdchian Group is working on bringing it Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide entertainers of the Armenian Heritage Cruise back – this time with their Christmas show. Massachusetts State House APRIL 11 Beginning at 10:30 a.m

A joint House and Senate resolution will be presented to architect Donald Tellalian, who designed the Armenian Heritage Park in Boston.

Keynote Speaker Attorney Mark Geragos

Catered Complimentary bus service, provided by the reception in Knights of Vartan, will be available from the St. Stephens and the St. James Churches for the the Great round trip transportation. This is a free event. Hall For more information, contact Lalig Musserian at 617-319-2651 or [email protected] S ATURDAY , M ARCH 29, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 9 Ne w York M E T R O HMADS 26th Annual Science Fair Dedicated to the Late Dr. Albert Kapikian

Ms. Hripsime’s First Graders and Ms. Mayda’s By Kristen Reed Second Graders singing The Water Cycle Song. Kindergarten, First and Second grades then presented their Science Fair Projects. OAKLAND GARDENS, N.Y. — The 26th Participants went “Under the Sea” with the Annual Holy Martyrs Armenian Day School Kindergarten, traveled through the tropical (HMADS) Science Fair 2014 took place March “Rain Forest” with the First grade, and went 11 to March 13. back in time with the Second grade and walked This year’s Science Fair was dedicated to the with “Dinosaurs.” memory of Dr. Albert Kapikian, a virologist, Special guest of the day was pharmacist Ted who died on February 24, 2014 at the age of Guekjian, RPh, whose daughter, Carolina, is in 83. Kapikian was a pioneering virologist at the the third grade at HMADS. Guekjian taught the National Institutes of Health who discovered students about the chemistry of soap making, the norovirus in 1972, with his colleagues iden - and with the help of his wife, the students even tified the hepatitis-A virus in 1973, was the first got to make their own soap. scientist in the United States to detect human In the afternoon students played Science rotavirus, and led a decade long effort that Trivia and answered questions presented by the resulted in the first licensed rotavirus vaccine in teachers. 1998. In 1967 Dr. Kapikian was appointed as On March 12, the students had the chance to the former chief of the epidemiology section of dress up as their favorite scientist and discuss the Laboratory of Infectious Diseases at NIH’s the person. Special guest was Dr. Mary National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Grigoratos, orthodontist, the sister of sixth- HMADS Young Inventors from grades 4, 5 and 6 with jurors Diseases (NIAID), a position he held for 45 grade teacher Ms. Christina. years. On the last day, the third, fourth, fifth and His father, Zareh Kapikian, a survivor of the sixth graders presented their Science Fair Mardirossian, Nuclear Physicist, Vice LASER to the students. Armenian Genocide, was a staunch believer in Projects. They ranged from “Endangered President of AESA, NY-NJ branch The fourth, fifth, and sixth graders partici - Armenian education and was considered the Animals” to “Organ Systems,” “The Scientific and Chairman of Technology and Education, pated in the HMADS Invention Center and pre - grandfather of HMADS. Method” and “Cells.” and Shaunte Baboumian – HMADS class of sented their inventions. After much debate and Students also learned about another loss for In the afternoon, the special guests arrived: ‘99, a graduate student at Columbia contemplation the winners were chosen. In the world of science, Grigor Gurzatian, astro - Vahan Tanal, P.E., AESA, NY-NJ Section’s University. Also joining the Science Assembly third place was Olivia Nercessian, fourth grade, physicist, who was born in Baghdad, Iraq, to Chairman of the Mentoring Committee, and a were Robert Karapetian, a veteran photogra - with the “Liter Meter,” in second place was parents who had survived the Armenian former parent, Aram Setian, Physics / MBA, pher and Kariné Kocharyan, the president of Haig Piramzadian, fifth grade with the “Duo Genocide and moved to Armenia. He had died President of AESA, NY-NJ branch and Project the VOA, Armenian TV. Shaker,” and in first place was Margaret Sakar, at age 91 in Armenia in February. Manager Engineering and Quality Media Hovhannes Mardirossian explained with the sixth grade with the “Home Use Bottle On March 11 the Science Fair kicked off with Support, Mercedes Benz- USA, Mr. Hovhannes help of a Power Point Presentation the use of Shredder.”

Kristen Reed with her class First, second and third place winners with the jurors

Another Record Year Kicks Off AAHPO’s 20th Anniversary

planned for the tri-state area, culminating in By Lawrence V. Najarian, MD a 20th Anniversary Banquet on November 21. AAHPO plans to conduct four medical NEW YORK — Following another year of missions over the next two years to record member participation and service to Karabagh and Armenia, with the first in the community, the Armenian American August 2014. The missions will focus on Health Professionals Organization (AAHPO) medical and surgical diseases of the thyroid, begins its 20th anniversary year with a com - a common problem in Armenia. Medical mitment to improve the health of Armenians. teams from Lenox Hill Hospital and St. In 2013, AAHPO cast the widest net ever to Barnabas Medical Center will participate improve the lives of fellow Armenians both and multidisciplinary teams will include here and in Armenia. Among the highlights pathologists, oncologists, endocrinologists for 2013, AAHPO: Expanded the depth and At the 2013 Christmas Brunch, AAHPO members, spouses and families were treated to a special and surgeons. The missions will focus on range of services offered to the Armenian performance by The Hamazkayin Arekag Children’s Choir. skill transfers to local physicians and will communities in New York, New Jersey and use the HyeBridge Telehealth Program, a Connecticut, maintained and enhanced pro - medical information highway that enables jects that will help our brethren in Armenia Meyer, PhD and Kim Hekimian, PhD. The tists, nutritionists, psychologists and public physicians in Armenia and New York to and collaborated with a number of Armenian Hamazkayin Arekag Children’s Choir per - health experts. freely transmit medical data and information organizations that serve communities here, in formed. In 2013, AAHPO continued to be a vibrant in a consultative process. AAHPO hopes to the Mid-Atlantic region and in Armenia. AAHPO was founded in 1994 by health organization of volunteer healthcare expand the Telehealth program to as many AAHPO’s Annual Report for 2013 was care professionals determined to improve providers led by a hard-working, selfless as 18 locations in Armenia by year’s end. delivered to AAHPO members last December health care for their brethren. Originally a board, 100 percent of whom contributed to AAHPO initiatives are funded entirely by at the Clinton Inn, Tenafly, NJ. Following the local organization, AAHPO has expanded to the financial support of the organization. member dues, fundraising events, and contri - Annual Meeting, members and guests cele - become an important international voice. The past year was an important one for butions from the Armenian community. To brated the Holiday season with a brunch and AAHPO members represent all health care AAHPO, and 2014 is sure to escalate the donate to these initiatives, visit program co-chaired by Knarig Khatchadurian professions, including physicians, nurses, den - momentum. Many programs and events are www.aahpo.org. 10 S ATURDAY , M ARCH 29, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Arts & Living

New Human Rights/ ‘Remembering the Social Justice Focus Armenians of Bitlis’ Of ADAA 2014 Exhibition at Fresno State FRESNO — The Armenian Studies Program at Fresno State, in cooperation with the Saroyan Prize Gomidas Institute (London) and the Leon S. Peters Foundation, presents “Remembering the LOS ANGELES — The Armenian Dramatic Armenians of Bitlis,” an exhibit which will run Arts Alliance (ADAA) announces that the March 30 to April 30, on the second floor of the William Saroyan Prize for Playwriting will Henry Madden Library. launch a Human Rights/Social Justice focus, A special opening reception to highlight the beginning with the 2014 cycle of the competi - exhibit of rare photos, documents, and maps tion. The prize will be awarded for themes from the Bitlis area will be held on Sunday, which engage an audience with social and polit - March 30, 3 to 4 p.m. The reception is free and ical issues and/or promotes peace, social jus - open to the public. tice and human rights. Immediately following the reception Ara In continuing with the work of previous years Sarafian of the Gomidas Institute will present a to support Armenian stories and artists, a spe - talk, “Down and About Bitlis: An Exhibition on cial Commendation for Armenian Excellence Bitlis Armenians on the Shores of Lake Van will be additionally awarded to a play on an (March 1-2, 2014)” at 4 p.m., in Room 2206 of Armenian theme. the Madden Library, next to the exhibit area. Deadline for full-length stage plays is June 15. On March 1-2, the Gomidas Institute with the A professional jury will select three finalists “Church of Marmeshen” Acrylic on Panel support of the Armenian Studies Program at from the submissions, and an honorary jury will Fresno State, held an extraordinary exhibition determine the grand prizewinner. in Tatvan, on the shores of Lake Van, titled The prize will be awarded Human Rights “Bitlis Ermenileri” (The Armenians of Bitlis). Day, Wednesday, December 10, at ADAA’s Tashjian Solo Show at Art This event was part of the Gomidas Institute’s annual awards event in Los Angeles. “bridge-building initiative” which was started in The 2014 Saroyan Prize Committee includes June 2013 to build contacts between the following theater professionals: Erik Ehn, Exchange Gallery in Santa Fe Armenians, Turks and Kurds. dean of playwriting, Brown University, US; The Bitlis Armenians’ exhibition was based on David Lan, Young Vic Theatre, UK; Jose Luis SANTA FE, N.M. — The Art Exchange Gallery is going to host a solo show for key ethnographic Valenzuela, Los Angeles Theater Center, US; painter Richard Tashjian in June, titled “Richard Tashjian Paintings, Old and New.” maps and pho - Catherine Filloux, playwright, US; Michael The show will be launched at a reception on Friday, June 6, 4-6 p.m. tographs depicting Peretzian, director, US; Lisa Kirazian, play - Some works feature Armenian scenes such as Mt. Ararat, the Garni mountains and the Armenian pres - wright, US; Bianca Bagatourian, Playwright, Mt. Aragats. His New Mexico imagery has a striking resemblance to some of the ence in the US. Armenian paintings. The curator and owner of Art Exchange Gallery, Jeff Tabor, Ottoman province Advisory Theaters for the 2014 Saroyan states, “We discussed this and he mentioned that the New Mexico landscape reminds of Bitlis before Prize are: The Pasadena Playhouse, US; The him of being in Armenia. It is a comfort for him to be here in the high desert of New 1915. These were Young Vic, UK; The Bush Theatre, UK; The Los Mexico. Richard is not only a talented artist, but is a good, God fearing man as well.” the result of exten - Angeles Theater Center, US; Golden Thread Tashjian has traveled back to his roots at least a dozen times and has done many sive academic Theater, US; The Fountain Theatre, US and drawings and paintings of historic and Biblical scenes. He has done paintings that research at the more. depict internationally famous artists of Armenian heritage, William Saroyan (writer), ABCFM Archives The late William Saroyan believed that the Aram Khatchadourian (composer), Arshile Gorky (abstract painter) and Komitas (Houghton Library, performing arts were a powerful tool for facili - Vartabed (musician/composer), all of whom have gained considerable prominence in Ara Sarafian Harvard tating civic engagement and advancing social their individual fields. He has painted Biblical and Historic Mt. Ararat on location University), Mt. change. ADAA, with the advice of its theater and in his studio upon returning to the states. His paintings of Armenia capture the Holyoke College and funding partners around the world, decid - spirit of the land and people of Armenian heritage. Archives (Mass.), AGBU Nubarian Archives ed to expand the scope of the competition to Born in Chelsea, Mass., in 1926, Tashjian served in the US Navy Reserve in World (Paris), and the Ottoman Prime Ministry promote intercultural understanding and be War II 1944-46 as a photographer and later graduated from the Museum School of Archives (Istanbul). The exhibition was shown at inclusive of more playwrights exploring the Fine Arts in Boston, 1950. He studied design under Prof. Gyorgy Kepes at the MIT the Tatvan Cultural Center with the support of transformative power of theater to address School of Visual Design Architectural Center in Cambridge. His talents resulted in the local mayor’s office as well as several other issues of global significance. This is certainly in a successful career in advertising art, where he worked as a commercial artist and organizations in Bitlis and surrounding areas. keeping with the spirit of William Saroyan — a art director for various distinguished ad agencies throughout the Boston area. For This exhibition was the first such event in longtime advocate of human rights. It will also several years, he owned and operated an art studio and gallery in Watertown. eastern Turkey and was attended by a whole further the aim of the Armenian arts commu - His dozen trips to Armenia resulted in rewarding relationships with well-known spectrum of people from students and workers nity as a whole, in its quest for justice and artists like Hagop Hagopian, Jean Jansem, Karnig Carzou and Minas Avetisian. His to local politicians and members of the Turkish acceptance. resume is filled with an extensive and interesting life. Parliament. The Turkish Human Right’s Scripts can tackle topics as diverse as home - The Art Exchange Gallery is located at 60 E. San Francisco St. Ste. 210, Santa Fe. Association (especially its committee against lessness, genocide, human exploitation, The show runs through June 30 and is free to the public. racism and discrimination) supported the event whether the conflicts are international, among and sent three of its members to attend the groups and individuals, or through political par - opening. ticipation. Scripts can also seek to create under - standing of how conflicts can be resolved non - violently instead of violently. Other themes can include minority issues that focus on racial, eth - nic, and gender discrimination both in the New England Poetry Club United States and abroad, with writers making real and relevant the impact of human rights Holds Monthly Reading issues on our everyday lives. ADAA hopes this CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — The New England widened scope of the competition will help Poetry Club Monthly Readings will feature shed new light on religious, spiritual, and cul - Aaron Poochigian and David Slavitt on Monday tural differences and issues and build respect April 7, 7 p.m. at Harvard University’s Yenching for cultural expression and identity in a world Library, 2 Divinity Ave., near Memorial Hall. that is experiencing rapid globalization. Poochigian, of New York, and the author of Playwrights must submit a half-page synopsis The Cosmic Purr, received his PhD from the of their play for the committee to confirm that University of Minnesota. His first book of trans - it is a play dealing with human rights/social jus - lations from Sapho was published by Penguin tice, whether Armenian or non-Armenian Classics with a preface by the British poet lau - themed. Writers will then be invited to submit reate. Penguin will publish his translation of their full-length script for consideration. the Greek epic Jason and the Argonauts this The Saroyan Playwriting Prize is supported year. with grants from the William Saroyan Slavitt, author of 107 books including the Foundation, which inaugurated the prize at recent novel, L’Heure Bleue, will be reading ADAA in 2007, and by Gagosian Galleries and from both original poems and translations. Last the Los Angeles County Arts Commission. year, Johns Hopkins University Press published For submission guidelines, visit ADAA’s web - four plays of Horace, and Louisiana State site, http://www.armeniandrama.org. “Village of Pthni” Acrylic on Panel University Press published Poems and Submissions for the prize are electronic only Renditions. and must be sent by June 15, to Another novel, Shiksa , is forthcoming. [email protected]. S ATURDAY , M ARCH 29, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 11 ARTS & LIVING Skipping Stones Children’s Literary Magazine Features Ararat-Eskijian Museum Hosts Lecture on Life of Coverage of Armenians in Spring Edition Thomas Christie

EUGENE, Ore. — Skipping Stones MISSION HILLS, Calif. — On Sunday March 30, International Multicultural Magazine , an at 4 p.m., Ararat-Eskijian Museum will host Dr. award-winning children’s periodical, is featuring Gregory Ketabgian for a talk about Thomas Armenia and Armenians in its Spring 2014 edi - Christie of Tarsus College. The program is co-spon - tion. Distributed to schools, libraries and indi - sored by the National Association of Armenian viduals/ families, Skipping Stones magazine Studies and Research. celebrates ecological and cultural diversity, Thomas Christie and his wife, Carmelite Christie, facilitates a meaningful exchange of ideas and were in Turkey as American missionaries between experiences and is suited for readers ages 8-16 1878 and 1920. They witnessed the Hamidian (grades 4-11). The non-profit, quarterly maga - Massacres, the Adana Massacres and the Armenian zine is independently produced by a group of Genocide in 1915. While doing their teaching and human rights, multicultural and diversity edu - missionary work they tried to help the Armenians cators and is in its 26th year of publication. who suffered all of these atrocities and kept diaries Among the features spotlighted in the April- as eyewitnesses of these massacres. One of the June 2014 issue will be seven pages of articles reports in the Bryce Blue Book is that of Carmelite and photos about Armenia and the Armenians. Christie. Thomas Christie was a charismatic teach - Curated by Armenian-American children’s book er and impressed on his students the value of author Lucine Kasbarian in time for April, the knowledge and pursuing lifetime learning. A large feature includes a photo essay, “A Journey percentage of his graduates went on to higher Through Armenia;” a profile of an Armenian learning. Some of these graduates and their artist, art teacher and historic preservationist, descendants will be discussed, as will Tarsus Ashot Avagyan, called “Teaching Hope in The photo by Joseph Dagdigian which became the cover of Skipping Stones’ spring 2014 issue College’s connections to Jenanyan College, Sisian” and written by Kasbarian; an essay Haigazian University and other institutions. called “A Child of Immigrants Remembers His Special recognition will be made of Dr. Pierre nature books are also recommended in every Creative Classroom, Earth Island Journal, Childhood,” written by writer-editor C.K. and Alice Haig as exemplary descendants of its issue of the magazine. Green Teacher, Learning and East-West Garabed; “Unknown,” a poem by Gayane graduates. The Haigs were devoted and active “We try our best to make reading an active Journal . Every year, it prepares an Honors List Jamgotchian, a graduate of the Holy Martyrs members of the Southern California Armenian experience, relevant to issues today’s young peo - of exceptional multicultural and nature books Armenian Day School in New York; reproduc - community and its organizations and were deeply ple confront on a local and global level,” said for children and their educators. In keeping tions of artworks created by students from the involved in its cultural and religious life. Arun Toké, executive editor of Skipping Stones . with its ecological concerns, the magazine is Sisian Art School; and an overview of Armenia. Ketabgian is a retired physician born in Aleppo, “Our readers hail from north, south, east and printed on recycled paper with soy ink. A photo, taken by Joseph Dagdigian, depicting Syria, to Genocide survivors. He received his initial west. From villages to inner cities, youth of Young readers from all over the world are a shepherd and his flock with Mt. Ararat in the education in Aleppo College and later a bachelor’s diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds encouraged to submit stories, artwork and pho - background, adorns the front cover of this at UCLA and medical education and specialty train - have something to say — about their culture, tographs to the magazine. issue. ing at the University of Southern California. He school, religion, environment or neighborhoods. School librarians or principals in a low- Skipping Stones ’ mission is to encourage had a private practice in Pasadena for 35 years Skipping Stones provides a place for writers and income countries or regions of the world are cooperation, creativity and to celebrate cultural where he had the occasion to care for waves of artists of all ages and backgrounds to communi - encouraged to request a free, one-year sub - and linguistic diversity. The magazine explores Armenian immigrants escaping the catastrophes in cate openly and creatively.” scription to Skipping Stones , a set of 100 back stewardship of the ecological and social webs that Soviet Armenia, Lebanon, Iran, and Turkey. The magazine has been honored with a num - issues of the magazine, or a box of children’s inform and nurture the world, and offers a Currently he is completing a family memoir, ber of recognitions, including the Name Award books (mostly in English). unique forum for communication among chil - Leaving Kayseri: A Journey of One Hundred of the National Association for Multicultural To order the Skipping Stones’ Spring 2014 dren from different lands and backgrounds — Years , and has lectured on “The Adana Massacres: Educators, two EdPress Awards, a Parent’s issue about the Armenians, or an annual sub - expanding horizons in a playful, imaginative way A Psychosocial Study” and “Armenian Survivors Choice Award and a 2003 Writer Award. Over scription (four issues), contact the Skipping and without commercialization. Each issue of on the Titanic.” the years, Skipping Stones has been reviewed Stones’ subscription department at: subscrip - Skipping Stones contains essays, stories, poems, The program will include a musical interlude by in publications such as Utne Reader, School [email protected] or by mail at: an advice column, letters to the editor, photos, the Ani Quartet. Library Journal, Multicultural Education, Subscriptions, Skipping Stones magazine, P. O. recipes and folktales written by both children and For more information contact the Ararat-Eskijian Multicultural Review, Rethinking Schools, Box 3939, Eugene, OR 97403. adults from around the world. Multicultural and Museum at [email protected]

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Rev. Dr. Vahan H. Tootikian’s Latest Book Sheds Light on the Man and His Times book but the previous 35. love of education. Attaining various degrees The book is an examination of a life that is By Dr. Robert Kachadourian A portion of the book is almost like reading which culminated in receiving a doctorate, he not only on a journey but on a mission to the current events of that particular period. began his service to the Armenian Memorial serve others in the name of God. It can be For example, the era of the Egyptian leader Church in Watertown. Tootikian not only said that this is manifested in every ministeri - In January, the Armenian Heritage Gamal Abdul Nasser is referenced with inter - served his church but the Armenian commu - al position Tootikian has had in this nation. Committee published Rev. Dr. Vahan H. esting anecdotes. Tootikian was there during nity at large. We must not stop with the pastorates of Tootikian’s 36th book, titled My life Journey . this tense time when Egypt and Syria became Upon arriving in the Armenian Watertown and Southfield. It extends coast The book is a compilation of the life of a cler - the United Arab Republic. This caused politi - Congregational Church of Greater Detroit to coast. He has served as moderator of the gyman, author, educator, lecturer and family cal and personal repercussions for many. (Southfield, Mich.), Tootikian again not only Armenian Evangelical Union of North man. These are only a few of the roles Tootikian’s experiences are enlightening and immersed himself in church activities but America four times; has served the Armenian Tootikian has had. give the reader the actual history of what hap - served the community in general again. Evangelical World Council as secretary and Tootikian’s birthplace, Kessab, has not only pened. There’s a theme here. Tootikian has served president and since 2003, has been serving a strategic historical location but is described Other aspects of My life Journey encapsu - the Armenian community in any area possible AEWC as its executive director. as a wonderful place to grow up. late Tootikian’s experiences in his pastorates wherever he has gone. My Life Journey is a history of a journey Education was always important even from from Damascus to Detroit. Since most of It may also be said that Tootikian is a life - with all he encountered along the way. It is a the earliest days of Tootikian’s journey. His joy Tootikian’s pastoral journey has been in the long learner: In My Life Journey one isn’t journey he now shares. for learning literally “jumps” out at the reader. United States, one would be remiss to not ref - merely taken through the various pastorates This book may be obtained from the It is almost a “joie de vivre.” This lifelong erence his story on these shores. Upon his in which he served. It’s a study in service ded - Armenian Heritage Committee, 3922 Yorba learning quest not only resulted in writing this arrival he immediately pursued his lifelong icated to the betterment of mankind. Linda Blvd, Royal Oak, MI 48073.

Armenian App to launch by April 24

LOS ANGELES — “Partam: All Things bookmarks, and leave comments. Armenian,” an app providing a wealth of “It’s all about instilling in our youth an information about modern Armenian identi - awareness of their cultural heritage,” said ty, will be released by April 24, on the occa - Stepan Partamian, the creator of the app, sion of the 99th anniversary of the Genocide. which is being offered to the public free of The Partam app features high-quality pho - charge. tos and descriptions of Armenian landmarks “I’m launching the Partam app as a major and institutions throughout the United project connected with the commemoration States, profiles of hundreds of eminent of the 100th anniversary of the 1915 Armenian-Americans and information about Genocide,” Partamian continued. “I am gift - numerous Armenian commercial establish - ing this app, which is the culmination of ten ments. years of my work, to the Armenian nation, as The geographical material is searchable by a tool for Armenians throughout the world to US city and categories including Armenian research and rejoice in their cultural identity, Centers, Schools, Churches, Khatchkars and and also, ultimately, to help bring the world - Genocide Memorials. Users can click on any wide Armenian community closer together.” entry to see maps and driving directions. In During the past decade, Partamian has addition, they can directly connect with their traveled throughout the US, Europe, the Ani Dardarian Sona Bardakjian destinations of choice through the provided Middle East, and elsewhere to research and phone, Web, and email links. photograph Armenian landmarks and institu - The Partam app’s geographical destina - tions. Concurrently, he has compiled a vast tions are complemented by a treasure trove amount of material on Armenian-Americans Correction of information about outstanding Armenian- who have contributed their talents and inven - Americans, including inventors, scientists, tions to American civilization. His documen - The photos of Ani Dardarian and Sona Bardakjian were transposed in artists, writers, political and military leaders, tary work has been published in several a story about paying tribute to Vartan Mamigonian at the Armenian athletes, entrepreneurs, and others. The books (all available at TheArmenian.com), Sisters’ Academy in Philadelphia, in last week’s edition of the Mirror- information includes biographical profiles, and is now being made accessible through Spectator . Here are the correct names and photos. photos, and reproductions of US patents. the Partam app as well. Partam app users can get registered, create Partamian said the app will be a “work in progress,” in the sense that material will be added to it in the months leading up to April 24, 2015, and enhancements will continue to be made afterwards. “By the centenary of the Genocide in 2015, the Partam app will include photos and descriptions of Armenian landmarks and institutions in not only the US, but also Lebanon, Cyprus, Italy, Portugal, Spain, France, Switzerland and the UK,” Partamian explained. Initially the Partam app will be available for the iPhone, through the App Store. Eventually, and with additional funding, Partamian said, the app will be available for the iPad and Android devices as well.

Entertainment Fridays and Saturdays S ATURDAY , M ARCH 29, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 13 ARTS & LIVING

! CC AA LLEENNDDAARR ChefsChefs PartyParty forfor OurOur Park!Park! BenefitBenefit fforor thethe OnOngoinggoing CCareare ooff ththee CALIFORNIA ArmenianArmenian HHeritageeritage Park,Park, GrGreenwayeenway MAY 4 – Sunday, Armenia Tree Project 20th Anniversary Boston Chefs presentpresent ssignatureignature Celebration at the historic Huntington Library and Botanical didishesshes inspiredinspired bbyy pparents,arents, mentorsmentors Gardens, 1151 Oxford Rd., San Marino. Reception 6 p.m.; Dinner 7 p.m. For information contact: Maral Habeshian, grgrandparentsandparents foforr yyouou to eenjoy!njoy! [email protected], 818 913-2563, visit www.ArmeniaTree.org. Ana Sortun, Oleana,Oleana, Sofra,Sofra, SaSarmarma Andrew Hebert, TTraderade MASSACHUSETTS Andrew Yeo, Nathan Kibarian APRIL 5 — Daughters of Vartan, Santoukht Otyag, TheThe RRitz-Carltonitz-Carlton Worcester, present “First Ladies of the White House: Ida Brian Dandro, ArtBar,RoyalArtBar,Royal SSonestaonesta McKinley to Michelle Obama.” Elegant Afternoon Tea and Brian Poe, Poe'sPoe's KiKitchen,tchen, TiTipp TaTapp Light refreshments to follow. 2 p.m., First Baptist Church, RRoom,oom, Estelle'sEstelle's Gordon Hall 111 Park Ave., Worcester. Tickets $20. Checks payable to: Daughters of Vartan. Mail checks to: Janet Monroy, Dante de Magistris, DanteDante 57 Cedar Road, Holden MA 01520 or email janet - il CCasaleasale [email protected]. Reservation deadline is March 29. Gerard Tice, PParker’s,arker’s, OmniOmni PParkerarker APRIL 7 — St. James Men’s Club, Monday, Speaker Jacqueline Jeffrey P. Fournier, 51 LiLincolnncoln Karaaslanian, executive director of Luys Educational WabanWaban KitchenKitchen Foundation, speaking on “Luys Empowers Transformation in Armenia.” Vosbov Kheyma & Imam Bayeldi Dinner. Social Hour Jody Adams, RRialto,ialto, TTraderade (mezza) 6:15 p.m. Dinner 7 p.m. $14 per person, St. James Julia Brant, NNorthorth 226,6, MillenniumMillennium Armenian Church, Charles Mosesian Cultural & Youth Center - BostonianBostonian Keljik Hall, 465 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown. Ladies welcome. On March 31, AGBU Ararat and Seta Dakessian, Seta'sSeta's APRIL 10 — A Place Far Away – Book Talk with Author Vahan Armenian Network of America, Inc.- Zanoyan, 7:30 p.m., Charles and Nevart Talanian Cultural Hall, Vicki Lee Boyajian, Jason Reed Greater New York Region & Hamazkayin Holy Trinity Armenian Church, 145 Brattle Street, Cambridge. ViVickicki Lee'sLee's Armenian Educational and Cultural The Greater Boston area community is invited to a compelling Society of NY will present a screening of WITHITH Mark E. Mooradian book talk with Vahan Zanoyan on his new novel, A Place Far “Bolis” and Conversation with it director, MEMMEM TeaTea Imports,Imports, KKarnakarnak FFarmsarms Away, a powerful portrayal of the heart-breaking realities of Eric Nazarian, at 7 p.m., AGBU Central Bob Lobel, MasterMaster ooff CCeremonieseremonies human trafficking in Armenia. Reception to follow talk. Signed books will be available for purchase that evening. All proceeds Office, 55 E 59th Street, 7th Floor, New

from the sale of the book are being donated to organizations York. Admission is free and a reception Wednesday, May 21, 2014 devoted to protecting children and fighting human trafficking. will follow. To RSVP, email your full name For further info, contact the church office, 617.354.0632, or to [email protected] or call AGBU 212-319- Royal Sonesta Hotel Boston email [email protected]. 6383 x140 MichaelMichael Medeiros,Medeiros, GeneralGeneral MManageranager APRIL 11 — The Armenian community is cordially invited to “A Shabbat of Remembrance and Empowerment: JJimim AAnello,nello, DirectorDirector ofof CCateringatering Commemorating the 99th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide,” starting at 5:45 p.m. Speaker: Dr. Dikran Kaligian, RSVP Temple Israel, 477 Longwood Ave., Boston. Following the ser - AdvanceAdvance ReservationsReservations required.required. vice, there will be an opportunity for discussion over refresh - benefit dance, 7 p.m. to midnight, Armenian Church of Our ments. Saviour Cultural Center, 34 Boynton St., Worcester. Live music Online:Online: ArmenianHeritagePark.orgArmenianHeritagePark.org h APRIL 11 — Beginning at 10:30 a.m., for the annual com- featuring Der Mugrditchian Ensemble with special guest appear - By mmail:ail: ForFor SponsorSponsor FForm,orm, ememailail memoration of the Armenian Genocide, which will take ance by Miss Massachusetts Outstanding Teen Kristina Ayanian. [email protected]@armenianheritagepark.org place at the Massachusetts State House, at the House Music, Mezza, cash bar, raffle. Donation $30, students $25. All Chamber. proceeds to Mrgashen Village Schoool, Akhourian Mother and or cacallll 617617 8803.878503.8785 Keynote speaker will be attorney Mark Geragos. A joint House and Senate resolution will be presented to architect Child Clinic and Armenians in Syria. For tickets contact Dr.

Donald Tellalian, who designed the Armenian Heritage Park in Robert Babigian (508) 842-7231. Boston. In addition, Anahis Kechejian will help lead young peo - MAY 10 — Unveiling of a new genocide memorial by Lowell GrGratefulateful aappreciationppreciation ttoo tthehe RoRoyalyal SSonestaonesta ple remembering their ancestors who are genocide victims, as City Hall, sponsored by the Armenian Genocide Monument HoHoteltel andand tthehe ChChefsefs fforor hhostingosting thethe BenefitBenefit part of Stand up for Your Survivor. Also, children from St. Committee of Merrimack Valley; 10 a.m., downtown proces - Stephen’s Armenian Elementary School and the Armenian sion, followed by program at City Hall and reception in St. Ann’s Sisters’ Academy will sing America the Beautiful and the Church Hall at noon. Musical interlude by soloist Sevan Armenian National Anthem. The program will end by noon, fol - Dulgarian; Sheriff Peter Koutoujian, MC. lowed by a catered reception in the Great Hall. Complimentary MAY 21 — Chefs Party for Our Park! Benefit for the Armenian bus service, provided by the Knights of Vartan, will be available Heritage Park’s Ongoing Care., Wednesday, 6:30 p.m., Royal from the St. Stephen’s and the St. James Churches for the round Sonesta Hotel Boston, Cambridge. Celebrate with Boston’s Top trip transportation. This is a free event and open to everyone. Chefs presenting signature dishes inspired by parents, grand - For more information, contact Lalig Musserian at 617-319-2651 parents or mentors for you to taste while you mix, mingle and or [email protected] enjoy. and mingle. Advanced Reservations required. To receive APRIL 27 — Armenian Genocide Commemorative Committee the einvite, email [email protected] of Merrimack Valley observance, 3 pm, North Andover High School, 430 Osgood St., Arev Armenian Folk Ensemble per - MICHIGAN ArmenianArmenian HeritageHeritage ParkPark on thethe GreenwayGreenway forming; joint requiem service by MV Armenian churches; recep - BoBoston.ston. MaMassachusettsssachusetts tion to follow; complimentary admission. MARCH 29 — Young Turkish-Armenian pianist Artun APRIL 27 — “Make it Count” Luncheon, book talk and sign- Miskciyan will per form at 7 p.m., Steinway Piano Gallery, i n g with Celtics’ great JoJo White, Holy Trinity Armenian 2700 E. Maple Road, Commerce Township. The program will Church of Greater Boston, noon, Charles and Nevart Talanian include pieces by Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, Bartok and Cultural Hall, 145 Brattle St., Cambridge. Luncheon donation: Khachaturian. The concert is sponsored by the Metro Detroit $12 for adults and $8 for children under 12. RSVP required by Tekeyan Cultural Association and dedicated to Margaret Benian. April 23 to Church office, 617-354-0632 or email RSVP Diana Alexanian 248-334-3636 Leslie Balian 248-303-4690 [email protected]/ Nora Azadian 248-303-7171. Tickets are $15 per person.A MAY 1 — Avak luncheon, noon, St. Gregory Armenian reception will follow the concert. The Armenian Mirror- Apostolic Church, 158 Main St., North Andover, MA. Speaker, Spectator is now Tom Vartabedian, A 50-year Retrospect into Armenian-American NEW YORK accepting all calendar Journalism, with stories and photos. items for free. All MAY 8 — Cocktails and Conversation, sponsored by Project MARCH 31 — AGBU Ararat and Armenian Network of SAVE Armenian Photograph Archives, 6:30 p.m., Karoun America, Inc.-Greater New York Region & Hamazkayin items should be sent to Restaurant, 839 Washington St., Newton, complimentary mezza Armenian Educational and Cultural Society of NY pre- [email protected]. & cash bar; free and open to the public; prelude to 40th anniver - sent “Bolis” Screening and Conversation with Eric Calendar items may sary next year. Nazarian, 7 p.m., AGBU Central Office, 55 E 59th Street, 7th be edited to fit the MAY 10 — The Armenian Churches of Worcester County Floor, New York. Free admission and reception to follow. To (Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic, Armenian Church of Our RSVP, please email your full name to [email protected] or call space. Saviour and Soorp Asdvadzadin) present the Third annual AGBU 212-319-6383 x140 14 S ATURDAY , M ARCH 29, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMENTARY

THE ARMENIAN COMMENTARY Mirror Clash of Imperial Ambitions

Ottoman influence to the Balkans, with the help of NATO. Spectator By Edmond Y. Azadian All the nations in the Balkans had suffered for four centuries under the bloody rule of the sultans, until they revolted and liber - ated their countries from under Turkish tyranny. But today, the The 20th century witnessed the process of decolonization; many West is using Turkey as a watchdog in solving any problems in the colonial powers gradually allowed their subject nations to deter - Balkans. mine their own ways of development and sovereignty, which were One casualty of Turkish presence in that region is the recogni - EstabElsisthabedlis1h9e3d2 1932 often achieved through the shedding of tremendous amounts of tion of the Armenian Genocide by Bulgaria, which suffered under An AADnL APDuLb liPcuatbiloicn ation blood and tears, from the Indian subcontinent to Africa. the Turkish yoke, like the Armenians. But a powerful Turkish pres - But the 21st century came to witness the reversal of that ence in Bulgaria and its parliament thus far has hampered process; it looks like colonialism is returning with a vengeance, Genocide recognition.

EDITOR albeit under a different guise. France is back in Mali and the Emboldened by NATO support, Ankara has been extending its Alin K. Gregorian Central African Republic. The US, during the Bush-Cheney admin - imperial ambitions all the way to Central Asia. The last time there istration, boasted of imperial aspirations, destroying sovereign were clashes in the Uyghur region of China between the Muslim ASSISTANT EDITOR nations and bringing forth “regime change,” a priority in their Uyghurs with ethnic Chinese, Erdogan blamed Beijing for perpe - Gabriella Gage political agenda. When a neocon from the Bush-Cheney cabal was trating a genocide against the Uyghur minority. However, later, to asked why the US should destroy Iraq and target Iran, his cynical spite his NATO partners, Erdogan did not hesitate to strike an ASSOCIATE EDITOR answer was: “Because we can.” arms deal with “genocidal” China. Aram Arkun President Obama rose to tame that arrogance, advocating that Turkey does not miss any opportunity to remind the world of its ART DIRECTOR the US is not the world’s policeman, to the chagrin of Cold War past glory days as an empire and is trying to revive that notion Marc Mgrditchian relics like Sen. John McCain. The latter has been visiting all the whenever there is a whiff of hope. hotspots of the world and dispensing his simplistic solutions to the During the virtual partitioning of Iraq into three identifiable complex problems of the world — that the US has to solve all those administrative regions, Ankara tried to capture the oil-rich Kurdish SENIOR EDITORIAL COLUMNIST: problems at the butt of a gun. Fortunately, there aren’t too many Kirkuk region, capitalizing on the presence of the Turkomans Edmond Azadian takers in the war-weary public that respond to that kind of rhetoric. there and even threatened to intervene militarily to “protect” the Even the most hawkish presidential candidates are treading cau - Turkomans who were not in any danger. But the Kurds pre-empt - CONTRIBUTORS: tiously, though they may blame President Obama for being too ed and they prevailed, establishing their own administration. Florence Avakian, Dr. Haroutiune soft. For any demagogue, it is easy to blur the line between soft - Today, the safest region for Armenians is the Kurdish region, where Arzoumanian, Taleen Babayan, Prof. ness and diplomacy. they even have two representatives in the local parliament. Vahakn N. Dadrian, Diana Der Today, the focus is on President Putin and Russia. The annexa - Ankara tried to extend the same kind of “protection” to the Hovanessian, Philip Ketchian, Kevork Keushkerian, Sonia Kailian-Placido , tion of Crimea to Russia is being portrayed as imperial arrogance; Tatars during the recent Crimean crisis. Russia and Turkey have Harut Sassounian, Mary Terzian, Hagop Putin is being blamed for trying to rebuild the collapsed Soviet waged two wars over Crimea and the Tatar population is left over Vartivarian, Naomi Zeytoonian Union, neglecting to mention that Crimea was part of Russia until from those wars. 1954 and is populated by majority Russians. Ankara resents the Crimea takeover by Russia for two reasons: CORRESPONDENTS: During their long phone conversation, when President Obama Ukraine is more friendly with Turkey than Russia. During the Armenia - Hagop Avedikian accused President Putin of violating international law, the latter Karabagh War, Ukraine helped Azerbaijan militarily and the cur - Boston - Nancy Kalajian pointed to the case of Kosovo. Indeed, the US and the European rent unelected government is cut from the same Turkophile cloth. Philadelphia - Lisa Manookian Union bombed the former Yugoslavia into submission and its con - The other reason is that the Black Sea was becoming an unchal - Berlin - Muriel Mirak-Weissbach stituent republics were forcibly “liberated” and Kosovo, a country lenged waterway for the Turkish fleet, which will be overshadowed Contributing Photographers: on lands usurped from Serbia, had installed as its leaders former by the Russian fleet after the recent events. Jacob Demirdjian, Harry Koundakjian, Jirair thugs and gun-runners overnight who became statesmen, standing Ankara and Baku claim to be one nation with two governments Hovsepian with the help of NATO forces to this day. and Turkey effectively supports Azerbaijan’s territorial ambitions The blame game will continue between the major powers for by trying to debilitate Armenia under their joint blockade. some time to come. Ankara’s Ottomanist designs fuel Azerbaijan’s war rhetoric. The Armenian Mirror-Spectator is published Another rising imperial power is China with a population of 1.5 During the recent celebration of Nowruz, President Aliyev once weekly, except two weeks in July, by: billion. Beijing has been flexing its muscles in Southeast Asia to again unleashed an angry tirade against Armenia stating, “Armenia Baikar Association, Inc. intimidate Japan, India and Vietnam. Incidentally, there is no love is a fascist state created on historic Azerbaijani lands, which will 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 lost between the two communist nations of China and Vietnam, eventually be won back by Azerbaijan — not only Nagorno- Telephone: 617-924-4420 who at one time resorted to war and the ironic outcome of that Karabagh but also substantial parts of modern Armenia is ancient FAX: 617-924-2887 conflict was that Communist Vietnam offered its deep sea ports to Azerbaijani territory.” the US navy. www.mir ror spectator.com This hallucinatory statement is tantamount to a declaration of The most dangerous imperial ambition is the one harbored by war and yet, every time there is a flare up on the border, the E-Mail: editor@mirrorspectator .com Turkey. At one point, Prime Minister Erdogan’s posturing was Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe representa - For advertising: [email protected] believed to be perennial megalomania, until Foreign Minister tives, who seem to have traded diplomacy with hypocrisy, call on Ahmet Davutoglu’s emergence as an advocate of Ottomanism. both sides to restrain themselves. This is a case where it seems sim - Davutoglu is a scholar diplomat, who knows his history well. He plistic even-handedness covers up blatant war-mongering. SUBSCRIPTION RATES : came to add an ideological veneer to Erdogan’s grandiose dreams The globe is plagued with many conflicts that result from the to regain his nation’s former imperial glory. clash of the ambitions of imperial powers that act in the same man - Davutoglu is not embarrassed to state in sophisticated circles ner as their colonial predecessors, only under more modern images that in the Ottoman period, all subject nations lived in “brotherly U.S.A. $80 a year and slogans. love” and that he longed to bring those idyllic times back. Armenia is trapped in the Russian zone of influence. That is its Canada $125 a year Davutoglu was successful to a certain extent in bringing back curse as well as its blessing.

Other Countries $190 a year

© 2014 The Armenian Mirror-Spectator Periodical Class Postage Paid at Boston, MA A Letter to a Late Priest and Friend, Vartan Kassabian and additional mailing offices. ISSN 0004-234X for seconds. Nobody was counting calories, you left it in North Andover with lots of By Tom Vartabedian least of all Mgo. I saw him with two heaping good changes. We’ve had one priest come POSTMASTER : Send address changes to The portions. Like you, he just couldn’t get and go in your absence. Der Karekin Armenian Mirror-Spectator, 755 Mount Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472 enough of mom’s cooking. Bedourian, went off to serve another parish Dear Der Vartan: Anyway, it was an evening of recollection in California. Other than the editorial, views and opinions expressed in this newspaper do not necessarily Can’t believe it’s been five years since you and initiation. The recognition part saw Here to take his place was Der Stephan reflect the policies of the publisher. took your leave from our community and members get up one by one and tell their Baljian, the priest who replaced you at joined a better world. You always said heav - favorite Der Vartan story. It was all very flat - Granite City. Sounds like some spiritual en would be a better place and no doubt, tering and sentimental. boomerang. you found that out for yourself. Commander Harry Alexanian laid out the You know me, always looking for a story. Just last night, you were affectionately foundation for a delightful evening, followed Well, I found one last evening at the lodge. remembered by a small but intimate group by some nice words by Walter Ohanian. There were two ladies in attendance and one at the Merrimack Valley Lodge, Knights of You’d be impressed to hear that your best was my wife. The other happened to be Vartan, where you once served as comman - friend, Very Rev. Antranig Baljian, drove up Sylvia Tavitian who, together with her late Copying for other than personal use or der. from Watertown to speak. husband Paul, was active with the Knights internal reference is prohibited without express permission of the copyright I recall you saying how you had the best He was there to see his son, Der Stephan, and Daughters of Vartan. owner. Address requests for reprints or of both worlds, serving your church and installed as a third-generation member of Come to find out, this represents her 65th back issues to: your community with equal regard. You the Knights. You may recall how he served year behind the organ at St. Gregory Church would have been proud sitting there watch - as commander of the Boston Lodge, much in Haverhill, starting there when she was Baikar Association, Inc. ing your Yeretskin Pauline and son Mgo like his dad who was also a “sparabed.” just 14. Now that’s what you call dedication. 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 mingle with the members. Nothing like keeping the Masonic tradition You’d be pleased to know that the recon - Pauline outdid herself with a meatless in the family, eh? struction is nearly complete at our church casserole and a lasagna that made you go The church at St. Gregory is still where continued on next page S ATURDAY , M ARCH 29, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 15 COMMENTARY

US officials reacted by paying mere lip service to Washington is hell-bent on toppling Bashar al-Assad’s Erdogan’s Internet crackdown. Samantha Power, US regime, ignoring the loss of innocent lives. Ambassador to the United Nations, tweeted the following Armenians should not be content by merely shaking message: “Deeply troubling that Turkey blocked Twitter. their heads and complaining to each other about the trag - Shutting down free access to info inconsistent with democ - ic news emanating from Syria. They must wake up from My Turn racy; support citizens’ call to unblock.” Douglas Frantz, their collective coma and take bold action. Daily demon - Assistant Secretary of State for Public Affairs and former strations must be held in major US cities and in front of By Harut Sassounian managing editor of the Los Angeles Times, who was forced American, British, French, Saudi, and Turkish embassies to resign after blocking publication of an article on the and consulates around the world to protest their arming of Armenian Genocide, described Erdogan’s anti-Twitter action so-called rebels who are kidnapping and murdering Syrian What Should Armenians Learn as: “21st century book burning.” Similar benign criticisms Armenians, among many others. From Prime Minister Erdogan? were voiced by State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki, Urgent meetings should be held with top US, British and White House Press Secretary Jay Carney, and European French officials, demanding that they immediately halt The purpose of this column is to draw lessons from the Union Digital Agenda Commissioner Neelie Kroes. deliveries of all weapons and financial assistance to “rebels” recent attacks on the Armenian town of Kessab in Syria. Did Erdogan care about these verbal lashings? in Syria, until they cease attacks on civilians! Last week, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Absolutely not! He didn’t give a damn! He had already I wrote a column back in 2002 with the following head - Erdogan took two bold actions: 1) he blocked Twitter, a blocked YouTube for two years, because the website car - line: “The Armenian ‘Mouse’ Needs to Roar More Often.” social media site with 12 million users in Turkey, to cover ried videos deemed insulting to Kemal Ataturk. The Basically, it was a call for bolder action. I had referred to up revelations of corruption about himself and his inner cir - Turkish Prime Minister now threatens to ban both face - the short story written by William Saroyan, titled: “The cle; and 2) he aided and abetted the Jihadist fighters’ inva - book and YouTube after the March 30 elections. Armenian Mouse,” in which a brave mouse, by its aggres - sion of Kessab, located in the Northwest corner of Syria, Why don’t Armenian leaders — in Armenia and Diaspora sive behavior, manages to defend itself from more ferocious bordering Turkey. — act more boldly, similar to Erdogan, especially when the beasts. What do these two seemingly unrelated events have in survival of Armenians is at stake? It is most appropriate to Remaining silent and inactive are no longer viable common? raise such a question after the invasion of Kessab options, while our compatriots are getting slaughtered in Erdogan himself indirectly answered this question, dur - by Jihadists, taking Armenian hostages, pillaging their Syria. Sheepish behavior only serves to embolden the ene - ing a campaign rally on March 20: “we will wipe out homes, and desecrating their churches. mies of the Armenian nation. Twitter. I don’t care at all what the international commu - Regrettably, repeated pleas by Armenian-American orga - Armenians need to be proactive rather than reactive. On nity says. Everyone will see the power of the Turkish nizations to US officials, to help protect Armenians and the eve of the Genocide Centennial, they cannot be silent Republic.” other Syrian Christians, have fallen on deaf ears. On March bystanders while the Turkish government and its allies are Clearly, the Prime Minister does not care that he would 24, the ANCA sent another strongly-worded letter to directly or indirectly embarking on a new campaign of be criticized for violating the democratic principle of free - President Obama, demanding immediate White House and exterminating Armenians in Syria. dom of expression and acting as an autocratic thug. He congressional intervention to stop the attacks on Kessab. Armenians must speak up, protest, and take effective says and does whatever he thinks is in Turkey’s or his own The US government does not seem interested in the tragic action to defend their countrymen in all corners of the best interest. fate of Syrian-Armenians and other minorities, since world. They need to become the “mouse” that roars!

Letter to a Late Priest and Twitter Ban Batters Turkey’s Friend, Vartan Kassabian Image, but Does Erdogan care? from previous page a fact that partly explains why they had the els of domestic savings. with the erection of new classrooms, a By Fadi Hakura technical acumen to circumvent the ban and Unwisely, Turkey’s focus on hubristic con - much polished sanctuary with bright win - actually boosted Twitter usage by 33 percent, struction projects such as the third Istanbul dows, and many other improvements. A as revealed by social media rating agency airport and its capricious use of the law to new steeple will be the coup de grace. International criticism swiftly and robustly Somera. suppress Twitter, rather than competitive - A new board of trustees has taken the censured the decision by Turkish Prime More broadly, the vast majority of the ness and innovation, will most likely further upper hand these days, with fresh leader - Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan to block Erdogan’s core supporters — religious and undermine future business plans and — criti - ship and more enthusiasm by the mem - access to social networking website Twitter. conservative Turks — are probably not avid cally — the confidence of foreign investors. bers. Our weekly Avak luncheons have European Commission Vice President Neelie Twitter fans. Their main concern is not media Turkey’s brand, which was on the rise dur - attracted a number of interesting outside Kroes called the ban “groundless, pointless, freedom or the pervasiveness of corruption ing the first decade of this century, has wit - speakers. And Sunday School is going well cowardly” and the US State Department but bread-and-butter economic issues. Ali nessed a formidable hammering in the Middle with a new influx of students eager to likened it to “21st century book burning.” Carkoglu, a political scientist at Istanbul- East and North Africa. Very few in the region learn religious education and Armenian. But Erdogan is less concerned about what based Koc University, notes that popular per - now look to Turkey as an inspiration for lib - Are you ready for this? Your old pal Greg the “international community says” and more ceptions of the state of the economy have not eral politics and open markets. Tunisia has Minisian has dedicated an annual Cigar determined to stem the seemingly unstop - deteriorated significantly implying that while primarily supplanted Turkey on the consoli - Night in your memory. It’s so much in pable leaking of illicit audio recordings post - Erdogan may lose some votes, he is likely to dation of democracy, despite the latter’s six demand, tickets are sold out and there’s a ed on Twitter and YouTube, allegedly docu - largely retain his base of support in Turkey’s decades of electoral experience. waiting list. You never turned down a good menting corruption in the highest echelons upcoming elections. Turkey is a vivid illustration that personali - corona and a snifter of brandy. of the Turkish government, ahead of next What the Twitter ban indicates is that the ty-based top-down governance and fragile The gang at Heavenly Donuts sends Sunday’s municipal elections. Turkish leadership psychology is incapable of institutions are not a recipe for political matu - their regards, along with Father Lenny Twitter is gaining popularity in Turkey as a tackling effectively the myriad serious politi - rity and lasting economic success. Faris, your Antiochian buddy from Lowell. forum for unhindered debate and information cal, economic and external challenges facing This strategically-located nation of 76 mil - He’s still very much a part of our church at the expense of traditional sources of news. the country. It does not appear inclined to lion people demonstrates the time-honored family. It played a critical role in mobilizing opposi - implement structural and liberalizing reforms principle that “absolute power corrupts Remember Charlie Jamgochian? The guy tion to Erdogan during last summer’s Gezi to prevent a “middle income trap” — in other absolutely” and reinforces Winston just turned 93 and still drives himself 60 Park protests. And no wonder — media free - words a slow growth regime — from taking Churchill’s dictum that “democracy is the miles to and from church every Sunday. dom in Turkey has plummeted from 98th to hold. As I argued in a recent Chatham House worst form of government, except for all Puts a lot of others to shame, hardly ever 154th position worldwide since 2006, accord - report, in the absence of these reforms those other forms that have been tried from missing a Badarak in his suit. Just so hap - ing to Reporters Without Borders. Turkish growth rates of 3 percent or lower time to time.” pens to be the Year of the Elderly and the Publicity surrounding the Twitter ban will become the norm rather than the excep - (Fadi Hakura is the associate fellow and Prelate gave him a nice award at our notwithstanding, one should be careful not to tion. manager of the Turkey Project at the anniversary. exaggerate the near term impacts of this pol - Turkey is addicted to continuous flows of London-based think-tank Chatham House. Like any church community, it continues icy move. Emarketer research company esti - fickle global capital and external debt to fund He has written and lectured extensively on to remain a challenge filling the empty mates that a mere 15 percent of Turkish citi - private consumption. Its economy suffers Turkey’s political, economic and foreign pol - seats each week and getting more people zens are Twitter users. This statistic suggests from persistently high current account icy. The opinions expressed in this com - involved. But we manage, thanks to a ded - that Twitter use is limited to a small segment deficits, meaning that imports vastly outpace mentary are solely his. He wrote this col - icated group. of tech-savvy and globally-connected Turks — exports and cannot be paid for by the low lev - umn for CNN International.) I never got a chance to thank you for the visits you paid my mother and other resi - dents at the nursing home. You never telephone number. skipped a beat, whether they were Notice to Contributors — Deadline for submission of all articles and advertising is 12 noon on Monday of the Armenian or not. week of publication. The welcomes articles, commentaries and community — Photos will be published without charge at the discretion of the editors and art director. I broke the news to my mother after you Armenian Mirror-Spectator passed and a tear rolled down her cheek. news from our readers. In order to assure the accurate and timely publication of articles Photos will be returned only if a self-addressed and stamped envelope is included. submitted, please note the following policies: — The will publish only one article about an upcoming organizational event. For She hung on for a couple more years M-S — All articles submitted should be typed, double (or triple) spaced and printed in a type size major special events, exceptions may be made only by special arrangement with the before joining you, just shy of her 99th large enough to be clearly legible (10 point or larger). Submissions that do not conform to editors. birthday. these specifications will be assigned lowest priority. — Telephone numbers, ticket prices and other details (at the discretion of the editors) will “Why didn’t God take me instead?” she — Articles sent by fax are acceptable, and e-mail submissions are encouraged. not be included in press releases, but should be reserved for calendar listings and adver - grieved. “He always made me laugh.” — All submissions should include the name of a contact person and a daytime tise ments. I told her that as a servant of God, you 16 S ATURDAY , M ARCH 29, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR

Armenian Population Flees as Kessab Is Attacked, Apparently by Rebels

KESSAB, from page 1 Security Summit. In a written statement, the Armenian Sargisian’s press office said the president National Committee-International (ANC-I) con - expressed his deep concern over the events demned the attacks and Turkey’s active role in around Kessab and spoke about previous aiding and abetting extremist groups in their attacks by Turkish troops on Kessab in 1909 targeted attacks against the Christian and and 1915. He said the current third attempt of minority populations in Syria. “For months, we Turkish authorities to make Armenians leave have warned the international community of the area is a serious challenge to 21st century’s the imminent threat posed by extremist foreign mechanisms to protect national minorities. fighters against the Christian minority popula - “I think that everyone should realize that the tion in Syria,” noted the ANC-I statement. parallels that come to one’s mind should be “These vicious and unprompted attacks against sobering to all the sides,” he said. the Armenian-populated town and villages of Sargisian thanked the Syrian government for Kessab are the latest examples of this violence, its steps taken in this difficult time to protect actively encouraged by neighboring Turkey.” the Armenians of Kessab. The ANC-I called on all states with any influ - “I have already instructed the diplomatic mis - SOAR-Brussels Holds Inaugural ence in the Syrian conflict to use all available sions of the Republic of Armenia to the UN in means to stop these attacks against the peace - New York and Geneva offices to ask corre - Masquerade Party ful civilian population of Kessab, to allow them sponding international agencies dealing with to return to their homes in safety and security. human rights and minority issues to address BRUSSELS, Belgium — The Society for Orphaned Armenian Relief (SOAR)-Brussels “In the last one hundred years, this is the third the issue of security of Armenians in Kessab Chapter held an inaugural event on March 8, and it was a rounding success. time that the Armenians are being forced to and guarantee their safe return to their homes Approximately 300 guests enjoyed the chapter’s first annual “Masquerade Party,” raising leave Kessab and in all three cases, Turkey is ,” said Sargisian. nearly 2,700 euros ($3,800). Thanks to the many sponsors and volunteers, the chapter the aggressor or on the side of the aggressors,” The president also discussed this issue with presented several surprises during the event, including a face painting atelier, tradition - the organization charged. the Catholicos of Cilicia Aram I. al Khachapuri cookies, flowers for the ladies to celebrate International Women Day, and According to news reports, the armed incur - Touching upon the historic events, Sargisian a Tombola offering a dinner for two in a local Armenian restaurant. All proceeds benefit sion began earlier on Friday, with rebels associ - recalled another date in history — the year the three Armenian orphanages in Syria: St. Theresa’s Little Flower Orphanage (Azzizie ated with Al-Qaeda’s al-Nusra Front, Sham al- 1915. The Armenians of Kessab were deported and Meydan) and S.O. Khach Orphanage. Above, the merry makers celebrate for a good Islam and Ansar al-Sham crossing the Turkish in two directions, to Deir ez-Zor and Jordan. cause. border and attacking the Armenian civilian pop - Thousands of them died, most of them in the ulation of Kessab. Snipers targeted the civilian deserts of Deir ez-Zor. population and launched mortar attacks on the “Today’s deportation of Kessab Armenians — town and the surrounding villages. According the third in history — is a most serious chal - to eyewitness accounts, the attackers crossed lenge to the mechanisms of the 21st century Panel Discusses Women’s Leadership in Armenia the Turkish border with Syria openly passing targeted at the protection of national minori - through Turkish military barracks. According ties. I think everyone should realize that these WOMEN, from page 4 framework to train, develop and encourage to Turkish media reports, the attackers carried parallels should be sobering for all parties,” one reason some women prefer not to be women for roles in society outside of the home their injured back to Turkey for treatment. Sarigisian said. involved. Sakanyan stated that men are stereo - and family. A few families with relations too elderly to (Reports from Public Radio of Armenia, typical and strive for power, whereas women A highlight of the evening was the presenta - move were either unable to leave or chose to ArmeniaNow, Arka and Asbarez were used to tend to be issue-oriented. Furthermore, she tion by Decker, who related her humble begin - stay in their homes in Kessab. The following compile this story.) feels that with more women in politics, govern - nings living in subsidized housing and being day, March 22, Syrian troops reportedly ment will be more transparent, responsive and the first of her siblings to graduate from high launched a counteroffensive in an attempt to Three Teens, Senior accountable. She also pointed out that the school. Through hard work and dedication she regain the border crossing point. However, on Yerevan municipality has improved protection went on to graduate from the Harvard Sunday, March 23, the extremist groups once Rescue Two Adults and a of women and children’s rights, and a new “one University’s Kennedy School of Government again entered the town of Kessab, took the Dog from Burning House window” system for handling of inquiries that and became active in Cambridge politics, even - remaining Armenian families hostage, desecrat - has resulted in more transparency, efficiency, tually being elected to the legislature, following ed the town’s three Armenian churches, pillag - SAN RAMON, Calif. (Contra Costa Times) — less bureaucracy and less corruption. She said 19 years as a Cambridge City Councilor. She ing local residences and occupying the town Three California High School students and a that she was so impressed with the many spoke passionately about her work and dedica - and surrounding villages, reported 76-year-old man rescued a 94-year-old woman women leaders she met on this visit who were tion to the improvement of the lives of her con - Asbarez.com. and her adult daughter from a burning home enthusiastic and energetic, that she also stituency and promotion of women in politics. The Armenian embassy in Syria is developing Monday morning, officials said. became inspired. In general, many of the issues The audience was impressed with the caliber a plan of swift actions to help protect the eth - Neighbors reported hearing multiple blasts of women’s rights discussed seem to evolve of the women from Armenia and their optimism nic Armenian population of the town, Armenian similar to a shotgun firing and then a loud from cultural reluctance for women to strive for for future improvement in the role of women in President Serge Sargisian said during his visit boom from the home at 112 Scarboro Place at leadership positions and lack of an institutional leadership in their country. to The Hague this week for the Nuclear about 10:05 a.m. Neighbor Bob Smith, 76, said he ran to the front door and pushed it open as the three boys entered the fiery backyard to rescue the daugh - ter. Inside, Smith said, the 94-year-old woman was covered in soot and sitting on a chair in the Sponsor a Teacher in Armenia and Karabagh 2014 dining room. Unable to carry her out himself, he hollered for the three teenagers, who rushed inside and carried the woman out, he said. They Since its inception in 2001, TCA’s ‘Sponsor also dragged out the woman’s dog. “Boy, I’ll tell you, it was bad in there,” Smith a Teacher’ program has raised over $518,000 said. “That woman would be dead. Another minute and a half — I don’t think she could have lasted. Those kids are real heroes.” and reached out to 4,064 teachers and The three were Garen Kissoyan, Peter Kravariotis and Kirill Yantikov. school workers in Armenia and Karabagh. Firefighters extinguished the second-alarm blaze within 45 minutes. £ The woman was taken to the hospital and later transferred to a burn unit in San Francisco. Her 71-year-old daughter did not K Yes, I want to sponsor teachers in Armenia and Karabagh to continue appear harmed. helping them to educate the children, our future leaders. I would like to have The three were driving in the neighborhood the teacher’s name and address. when they saw smoke and hurried to the home. K $160 K $ 320 K $ 480 K other $ ————————— Peter Kravariotis, a 17-year-old senior is a four-year starter as goalie on the school’s varsi - Name ty lacrosse team. His father, Steve Kravariotis, Address said his son “would give the shirt off his back. City State Zip code It doesn’t surprise me what he did today. It was Tel: meant to be today for them to be late.” The cause of the fire is under investigation. Make check payable to: Tekeyan Cultural Association – Memo: Sponsor a Teacher 2010 Next-door neighbor Andrea Allen said it sound - Mail your check with this form to: ed like oxygen tanks were exploding. TCA Sponsor a Teacher “The whole backyard looked like it was on 5326 Valverde, Houston, TX 77056 fire. I can’t believe for how big it looked they were able to contain it,” Allen said. Your donation is Tax Deductible.