In Our 80th Year FEBRUARY 4, 2012 MirTHE rARoMENr IAN -Spe ctator Volume LXXXII, NO. 30, Issue 4224 $ 2.00 NEWS IN BRIEF The First English Language Armenian Weekly in the United States Since 1932 Yerevan-Moscow Train France’s Planned for 2015 YEREVAN (arminfo) — The South Caucasus Railway is planning to enlarge its lines into Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States Genocide (CIS), the head of the company’s Passenger Traffic Department, Gagim Movsisyan, said in an inter - view. “By 2015 we are planning to launch a Yerevan- Law Put Moscow train. We are planning to have as many as 150 wagons,” Movsisyan said. On Hold Turkey Tops List of Human Right Violators By Suzette Bloch STRASBOURG (PanARMENIAN.Net) — In an annual report released on Thursday, January 26, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), the PARIS (AFP) — France’s new law pun - top judicial body to rule on human rights violations ishing denial of the Armenian Genocide Ahmet Altan at the Armenian Library and Museum of America in Europe, once again found that Turkey is by far was put on hold Tuesday after politicians the worst violator of human rights among the 47 opposed to the legislation demanded signatory states of the European Convention on that its constitutionality be examined. Human Rights. Turkey reacted furiously last week Altan Captivates Large Audience In statistical data for the last year, Turkey once when the Senate approved the law, more topped the chart with 18.55 percent of all vio - which threatens with jail anyone in With Message of Hope at ALMA lation judgments, practically the same as last year’s France who denies that the 1915 mas - figure of 18.81, followed by Russia with 14.48 per - sacre of Armenians by Ottoman Turk WATERTOWN, Mass. — Turkish journalist Ahmet Altan was not sure what cent and Romania 9.54 percent. forces amounted to genocide. reception he would receive at the Armenian Library and Museum of America In 2010, a total of 278 judgments were entered President Nicolas Sarkozy’s office (ALMA), where he spoke on for Turkey and only in nine cases did the court find brushed off angry threats of retaliation Saturday at a program organized no violations. The most common human rights vio - by Turkey and vowed to enforce the law by the Friends of Hrant Dink. He lation committed by Turkey was against Article 6 of within a fortnight. By Alin K. Gregorian need not have worried, as the the European Convention on Human Rights, which But on Tuesday two separate groups Mirror-Spectator Staff exchange was one that was mellow concerns the right to a fair trial (42 cases) and of French politicians who oppose the leg - and positive. lengthy proceedings (83 cases). islation — from both the Senate and the Altan, the founding editor of Taraf , a leading left-wing publication in Turkey, lower house of parliament — said they has picked up the mantle of getting recognition for the Armenian Genocide with - had formally requested the constitution - Genocide Testimonies in Turkey, one of many reasons that he and the staff of Taraf are routinely hauled al council to examine the law. into court. The groups said they each had gath - To Be Added to In fact, during most of his time at the podium, a picture of a Taraf front page ered more than the minimum 60 signa - with the headline “1915 is a Genocide” was projected on a large screen. Holocaust Archive tures required to ask the council to test see ALTAN, page 8 the law’s constitutionality. LONDON (PanARMENIAN.Net) — The arrival in “This is an atomic bomb for the Elysee Britain of an archive of Holocaust testimonies will [presidential residence] which didn’t see give historical weight to the experiences of sur - it coming,” said deputy Lionel Tardy, vivors, according to a leading scholar. who said that most of the 65 signatories David Cesarani, of the Holocaust Research from the lower house were, like him, Armenian Army Modernization ‘on Track’ Centre at the University of London, believes that from Sarkozy’s UMP party. the US video archive, set up 18 years ago by Steven The council is obliged to deliver its new weapons that will be long-range and Spielberg, will help to rebalance a picture that has judgment within a month, but this can By Sargis Harutyunyan very precise. They will enable us to achieve been dominated by the study of the perpetrators of be reduced to eight days if the govern - the objectives set for the army,” he told the atrocities of World War II. ment deems the matter urgent. journalists. The catalogue, collected by the Shoah Turkey’s President Abdullah Gul and YEREVAN (RFE/RL) — Armenia is suc - The still unpublicized program was Foundation Institute since 1993, is housed at the Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan cessfully implementing a five-year govern - approved by President Serge Sargisian’s University of Southern California (USC), but on immediately welcomed the development. ment plan to modernize its armed forces National Security Council in December Friday, January 27, it was formally shared with aca - “I hope the constitutional council will with long-range weapons and other hard - 2010. Officials said at the time that it envis - demics and students at the research center at Royal do what is necessary,” said Erdogan, ware, the country’s two top military offi - ages, among other things, the acquisition Holloway to mark Holocaust Memorial Day. while Gul said he was “not expecting the cials insisted over the weekend. of long-range precision-guided weapons. The institute is broadening its archive to incor - French from the very beginning to let “We have been enhancing our military The types, quantity and source of those porate testimony from survivors of other geno - their country be overshadowed” by the capacity with arms acquisitions in recent weapons remain unknown. cides. It is collecting testimony Rwandan and Genocide law. years,” said Defense Minister Seyran Col.-Gen. Yuri Khachaturov, chief of the Armenian testimony should be added to the visual France has already officially recog - Ohanian. “One of the main directions of Armenian army’s General Staff, also spoke history archive. nized the killings as a genocide, but the our reforms is a switch to strategic defense of an ongoing military build-up in separate new law would go further by punishing planning, which includes a program of comments to journalists at the Yerablur anyone who denies this with up to a year developing weapons and military equip - military cemetery in Yerevan. He said the in jail and a fine of 45,000 euros ment.” military is planning more arms acquisitions INSI DE ($57,000). “According to that development program, for the coming years but did not elaborate. see FRANCE, page 20 every year until 2015 we will be acquiring see ARMY, page 3 Coach Aronian Wins Tata Steel Bardakian Chess Championship Story on page 6

WIJK aan ZEE, Netherlands (ArmeniaNow) — Armenian grand - master Levon Aronian has won the top prize at an international competition that ended on Sunday, January 29. In the 13th and final round of the annual Tata Steel tournament here, INDEX Aronian earned a draw against Azeri grandmaster Teimour Radjabov to Arts and Living ...... 13 score nine points overall and finish on top among 14 competitors. Armenia ...... 2,3 Norway’s Magnus Carlsen, Italy’s Fabiano Caruana and Community News...... 6 Radjabov shared second-fourth places, each scoring eight points. Editorial ...... 17 This year Tata Steel stood out for Aronian in terms of the impres - International ...... 4, 5 Levon Aronian with his Azeri opponent Teymour Radjabov sive record of victories that he had. The Armenian grandmaster see CHESS, page 20 2 S ATURDAY , F EBRUARY 4, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARMENIA News From Armenia Former FM Vartan Oskanian Signals

New Hospital under Political Comeback, Urges Clean Vote

Construction in Gumri YEREVAN (RFEF/RL) —Vartan developments, phenomena,” Oskanian Oskanian. Oskanian, Armenia’s former longtime said in a 2009 interview. In that regard, the former minister GUMRI (news.am) — The construction of the new foreign minister, on Monday hinted at The Syrian-born former US national backed opposition calls for the elections hospital in Gumri is approaching its end, Health the possibility of running for parliament has been far more critical of the to be held only on the party-list basis. Minister Harutyun Kushkyan said last Friday, while on the Prosperous Armenia Party’s tick - Sargisian administration. In particular, The ruling HHK has rejected those calls, touring the construction site, within the frame- et and called for a broad-based “civic he has strongly disapproved of saying that the Armenian authorities are work of his working visit to Gumri. movement” for the freedom and fairness Sargisian’s Western-backed policy of rap - committed to making the contest the The hospital is planned to start operations this of the May elections. prochement with Turkey. most democratic in the country’s history April, but the weather conditions are hampering “Talk about my involvement with the construction to a great extent. Prosperous Armenia Party (BHK) is not The 200-bed capacity hospital will incorporate without basis,” Oskanian said in a writ - Gumri’s three other hospitals, and it is being con- ten statement circulated by his Civilitas structed through a credit program signed between Foundation. “I have had such discus - the government of Armenia and the World Bank. sions with the Prosperous Armenia party as well as with other political Fund for Protection of forces.” “At this time, I have still not made a Diaspora Investors’ decision, and believe there is still time to do so. Political processes, however, may Rights to Be Created accelerate my decision,” he added. YEREVAN (Arminfo) — A fund for the protection of The BHK is a junior partner in diaspora investors’ rights will be created in Armenia’s governing coalition. It is led Armenia, the head of the initiative group for cre- by Gagik Tsarukian, a millionaire busi - ation of the fund, Nikolay Bagdasaryan said. nessman believed to be close to former He said that such an idea arose when his and his President Robert Kocharian. friends’ lawyer’s offices started receiving cases Relations between the BHK and Vartan Oskanian from investors of the Armenian Diaspora, which President Serzh Sargisian appear to were stiffed in Armenia. “We are aware of several have deteriorated since Kocharian gave dozens of cases when investors from diaspora were last September the strongest indication Oskanian spoke on Monday of “politi - under the existing electoral system. stiffed in Armenia. There are cases when their yet that he would like to return to active cally motivated pressures” exerted on Oskanian said that Armenia’s three funds were misappropriated,” Bagdasaryan said. He politics. Political commentators have Tsarukian’s party and, in a clear refer - main opposition forces as well as the also added that he knows investors, which are speculated that Kocharian might rely not ence to Sargisian’s Republican Party of BHK should step up the pressure on the ready to invest big funds in Armenia for fulfillment only on the BHK but also former gov - Armenia (HHK), “the utilization of authorities by launching a “civic move - of interesting programs, but they have no guaran- ernment figures such as Oskanian, who administrative resources this early in the ment” that would strive to prevent elec - tee they will not be deceived. served as foreign minister throughout pre-electoral period.” He also said the toral fraud. They should also “think Bagdasaryan thinks that several noisy cases in his 1998-2008 presidency. proper conduct of the upcoming vote about the possibility of deeper coopera - favor of investors may give hope to investors to Oskanian has made no public state - will be of “utmost importance” to tion during the May parliamentary elec - have guarantees. The legal field of Armenia is ments in support of a Kocharian come - Armenia. tion,” he said. enough to protect investors, but the latter do not back, however. He has also distanced “Reforms and change can only happen The opposition has already pledged to have all the needed information and functionaries himself from some controversial when there is a new political configura - close ranks on the voting reform openly make use of it and break the law sometimes. “If we episodes of the ex-president’s decade- tion in the National Assembly. And such backed by some senior BHK figures. But manage to win several cases, I think investors will long rule. “As foreign minister, I often political balance can only be assured Tsarukian’s party has not yet formulated trust in the situation that they may be protected disagreed with many internal political through free and fair elections,” said an official position on the issue. from in this country,” Bagdasaryan said. Armenian Baby Named After French President US Official Discusses Elections, Karabagh in Yerevan YEREVAN (RFE/RL) — A senior US GUMRI (RFE/RL) — A couple in Armenia named State Department official met with their firstborn child after France’s president, President Serge Sargisian on Friday at Nicolas Sarkozy, last Wednesday, in recognition of the end of a two-day visit to Armenia that his role in the passage of a French law criminaliz- reportedly focused on bilateral relations, ing the denial of the Armenian Genocide. regional security and the upcoming The baby, named Sarkozy, was born here. The Armenian parliamentary elections. father of the baby, Karapet Avetisian, said he fol- Deputy Assistant Secretary of State lowed the debate in the French Senate last week Eric Rubin arrived in Yerevan Thursday and decided to change the original choice of his on the final leg of a regional tour that newborn son’s name, Gevorg. also took him to neighboring Azerbaijan “On behalf of all Armenian people and myself, I and Turkey. The US Embassy in Armenia thank Sarkozy for this step. And the name of my said earlier this week that the May elec - child is in his honor,” Avetisian said. tions would be among the issues on the The director of a maternity hospital in Gumri, agenda of his talks. Armen Isahakian, said the little Sarkozy was born “In Armenia, Deputy Assistant Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Eric Rubin, left, and President Serge Sargisian at 2:30 p.m. and is a healthy child: the newborn Secretary Rubin will discuss US- weighs three kilograms (about 106 ounces) and is Armenian bilateral relations, the upcom - 50 centimeters tall. ing parliamentary elections, as well as In a similar situation in 2001, another Armenian The Armenian presidential press ser - transparency of the elections,” according our shared interests underlying coopera - couple named their newborn twin sons, Jacques vice did not mention the elections in a to the statement. It also said the HAK tion in economic development and demo - and Chirac, shortly after France officially recog- statement on Sargisian’s meeting with leader called for the deployment of a cratic reform,” the embassy said in a nized the 1915 mass killings of Armenians in the visiting US official. It said the two dis - large number of international vote moni - statement. Ottoman Turkey as genocide. Jacques Chirac was cussed US-Armenian ties and “regional tors. Rubin made no public statements in the French president at the time. problems.” Rubin sounded very positive about the the Armenian capital, and the US mission Sargisian was quoted as reaffirming Armenian government’s pledges to make issued no further press releases on his his desire to deepen those ties “in all the vote free and fair when he spoke at a Justice Minister of visit. areas.” Rubin, for his part, spoke of conference on the South Caucasus held Washington’s unwavering commitment in Washington in late November. “Going Armenia in Germany for to “Armenia’s independence, prosperity into this election, we’re encouraged by Working Visit and success,” according to the statement. what we see,” he said. “We think the gov - Making his first trip to Armenia in his ernment is not just saying all the right YEREVAN (RFE/RL) — The delegation led by Correction current capacity, Rubin met late on things, but we believe is committed to an Thursday with Levon Ter-Petrosian, the open, free and fair process and to a real Minister of Justice of Armenia Hrayr Tovmasyan The editorial in last week’s leader of the main opposition Armenian contest in the elections.” was in Germany from January 29 to February 2, for Mirror-Spectator incorrectly sug - National Congress (HAK). A short HAK Rubin also suggested during the a working visit. gested that Friton Dovtan was statement issued after the meeting said Washington forum, organized by the The press office of the ministry reported that the the deputy speaker of the they discussed Turkish-Armenian rela - Carnegie Endowment for International minister and members of his entourage met with Azerbaijani Parliament. In fact, tions and the Nagorno-Karabagh conflict Peace, that “things are much better [in high-ranking officials of the German justice system he is the Georgian Parliament’s “in the context of current geopolitical Armenia] than they were a year ago.” and got acquainted with the German bar chamber, deputy speaker, but he was in developments.” The HAK and other Armenian opposi - courts and criminal-executive service. Azerbaijan for a visit. “They then addressed the internal tion groups dismiss the government We regret the error. political situation in Armenia, notably assurances, alleging that vote rigging will ways of ensuring the legitimacy and take place. S ATURDAY , F EBRUARY 4, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 3 ARMENIA ATP Joins Effort to Rebuild Spitak by Planting Trees

Armenian population. In Spitak, 220 private homes have been By Jordan Takvorian built including both one and two bedroom homes. Each home is surrounded by 400 square meters of property that is pri - vate, and each family can use it as they like. Much of the SPITAK — Just 100 kilometers northeast of Yerevan is one money for the new development was provided by the Lincy of Armenia’s best-known cities. Spitak is the southern gate - Foundation. way to Lori, a sparsely-populated but ruggedly-beautiful Although there is still a lot of work to do, much has already region of Armenia. As early as 1800, migrants from Iran began been accomplished. The city has largely been rebuilt. City to settle on the hills of Spitak but it has only officially been a administrator Vartan Sahakian points out that every new city for the past 75 years. home and office has drinking water, heating, gas and elec - In Soviet times, Spitak was a large industrial city. The city and tricity. Just outside the city, irrigation water is pumped from nearby villages were home to up to 20 factories producing a the Chichkhan River into storage ponds. The ponds serve as variety of products from sugar and flour to clothes, cheese and swimming pools for the children during the hot summers even elevators. Over 21,000 inhabitants lived in the city. The before the water is eventually used for irrigation. government enticed many people to move to Spitak to work in Armenia Tree Project (ATP) has also joined the effort to the industrial plants or on collective farms by offering free rebuild the city of Spitak. In 2011, ATP specialists toured the apartments to individuals who moved to the city. city and selected several appropriate tree-planting sites. It was The history of Spitak, however, will forever revolve around decided that the city urgently needed new trees and the com - one day. On December 7, 1988, an earthquake with a magni - munity expressed an interest in collaborating with ATP. After tude of 6.9 struck the city. The epicenter of the earthquake several meetings with the city administrators, the urban was a mere 2.5 kilometers away. Various factors contributed greening plan was put into action. to the widespread destruction and loss of life. These include In spring 2011, a total 465 decorative trees including the time of day, freezing winter temperatures and poorly-con - Armenia Tree Project has joined the effort to rebuild the city arborvitae were planted throughout Spitak including in structed high-rise buildings. Some estimates put the death toll of Spitak including Glendale City by planting new trees along Glendale City. Trees were planted along city streets, in front of at 4,085 in Spitak, where every building was destroyed. city streets, in front of homes and on a playground in the cen - homes, and on a playground in the center of town. In autumn, Initially it was illegal to rebuild homes on the same site as the ter of town. an additional 1,000 trees were provided to the city. ATP plans broken buildings so the whole town shifted and new homes to expand its planting activities in Spitak in 2012. were built on farmland. “ATP is excited to work in Spitak and Glendale City,” stated Reconstruction of Spitak has been a long and painfully slow although the city continues to grow. Currently, there are ATP Community Tree Planting Program Monitor Navasard process that continues to this day, some 23 years after the 15,500 people living in the city. After the government put Dadyan. “After we evaluate the success of these initial planti - earthquake. The collapse of the Soviet Union led to the reconstruction out to bid, the Glendale Hills construction ngs, we will provide fruit trees to families in Spitak in the com - demise of the initial reconstruction efforts and the young company won the right to develop new residences for the city. ing months.” republic was too cash strapped to oversee construction on its The new housing has been dubbed “Little Glendale” as a For more information about ATP, visit own. The population of Spitak has not fully recovered tribute to Glendale, Calif., home to America’s largest www.armeniatree.org. Refuge: Women in Trouble Look to Lighthouse

Head of the foundation, Naira Muradian, says however, he has not been sentenced. The pros - ing, Petrosyan died in a hospital. By Gayane Mkrtchyan that their foundation is the only center where ecution was followed by an amnesty. The After this incident the Coalition to Stop women are sheltered with their children. The mother-in-law (Haykanush Mikaelyan) was Violence Against Women in Armenia, consisting foundation has made an exception for Sargisian detained in Saint Petersburg and brought to of seven non-governmental organizations, was YEREVAN (ArmeniaNow) — Life became hell allowing her to bring two of her children to the Armenia. The case is in the process of prelimi - founded, aiming to make the public aware of for 25-year-old Armine Sargisian the day when shelter with her. One of her children is 3, the nary investigation. family violence and its consequences, trying to her mother made her marry her own (the moth - other is 2 years old. Her eldest son lives in A 24-hour national hotline is set up at the prevent new cases of violence in the future. er’s) lover, who was 18 years older than Armine. Stepanavan’s orphanage. Women’s Rights Center. Hotlines are in Gavar, Muradian said that they also teach their “He [her husband] used to throw me on the Her story is not unique. The violence, beating Vanadzor, Ijevan and Kapan, too. women to be good mothers, to be responsible sofa and beat me with a metal pipe, and to kick and humiliation run all through the life stories There were 2,302 calls to the National Hotline for their own children. me wearing rubber boots. He used to pull his 80- of the shelter’s women. Six women and eight in 2011. In January-September of last year, “Most of our beneficiaries are orphanage year-old mother by her hair, hitting her head on children reside in the center (which has been 1,325 visits were registered in the Sexual alumnae. Their mothers were also from orphan - the walls and shouting, ‘Go and bring my running since last June), some 15 kilometers Assault Crisis Center of Yerevan. ages. And now their children are about to end vodka,’” recalls Sargisian, mother of three sons from Yerevan. Lighthouse Foundation was Police Col. Nelly Duryan, deputy head of the up in an orphanage. There is an open chain, from Stepanavan, Lori province. established in 2006, by American-Armenian Police’s third Investigation Department (of which must be solved,” Muradian added. After a recurrent beating Sargisian was not benefactors Zuhrab and Seta Ghazarian, who Juvenile Affairs) in Armenia, says that statistical The Lighthouse Foundation improves these taken back into her parent’s house. The young before the establishment of the foundation had data cannot present the whole picture of vio - women’s lives and enables them a more secure woman eventually turned to the orphanage in realized a number of charitable programs in lence properly. Violence committed in families future after they leave the shelter. Stepanavan with her children. One of the Armenia. usually is not reported. “Very often we rent an apartment for them, employees of the orphanage advised her to call The building of the shelter is provided with a In 2010, Zaruhi Petrosyan’s criminal case got or we give them money for each month, start - the hotline of Paros “Lighthouse” Armenian security system. Women here are taught com - attention. The young woman was subjected to ing with $50. By the time, they find a job, they Charitable Foundation’s Abused Women Shelter puter skills, knitting and English language violence by her husband and mother-in-law. On stand on their own feet and try to start a new in Armenia and tell her story. (The hotline num - courses are held for them. Sessions with a psy - October 1, 2010, after a particularly severe beat - life,” she said. ber 20-80 of the foundation is registered in all chologist is mandatory. The women are allowed departments of the Republic of Armenia Police, to go out, however only after they are registered as well as in women resource centers in in the special records book. provinces). Another shelter for women is offered by Armenian Army Modernization ‘on Track’ The shelter receives women who are either Women’s Rights Center non-governmental orga - pregnant or have children under two-years old nization (NGO) in Armenia. There is no govern - ARMY, from page 1 Armenia is seeking to stay in the race with with them. The women live here up to two years. ment-funded shelter in Armenia, nor is there is Armenia demonstrated at least some of its close military ties with Russia that entitle it to not a law on family violence either. Such cases long-range weapons for the first time during a receiving Russian weapons at discount prices or are examined under the Republic of Armenia military parade in Yerevan last September. even free of charge. A new Russian-Armenian Criminal Code. Those included Russian-made 9K72 surface-to- defense agreement signed in August 2010 com - Armenia to Have First Tae Susanna Vardanyan, head of Women’s Rights surface ballistic missiles, known in the West as mits Moscow to helping Yerevan obtain “mod - Center NGO, says that in 2007-2009 corre - Scud-B, and S-300 surface-to-air missiles. ern and compatible weaponry and (special) mil - Kwon Do at Olympics sponding experts and their center drafted a law Designed for the Soviet army in the 1960s, itary hardware.” on family violence, which was submitted to the Scud-Bs have a firing range of up to 300 kilo - In February 2011, Ohanian said that his YEREVAN (ArmeniaNow) — Arman Yeremyan Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs of Armenia, meters, putting virtually all strategic facilities in forces received “unprecedented” quantities of has become the first Armenian tae kwon do ath - however, it is not adopted by now. Armenia’s arch-foe Azerbaijan within their modern weaponry in 2010 and will continue lete to qualify for the London Olympic Games. Last month, a big clamor was raised over reach. The Armenian military was thought to the build-up in 2011. According to the Armenian National Olympic Davit Ziroyan (who severely beat his two wives — have possessed them since the late 1990s. Ohanian and Khachaturov, who both played Committee, he secured his participation in the the first from whom he was divorced, and his The parade also confirmed its possession of major roles in the 1991-1994 war with 2012 London Olympics after winning a gold second) and his mother Haykanush Mikaelyan. more short-range but precise Tochka-U ballistic Azerbaijan, laid flowers at Yerablur on Saturday medal at the European Qualification The mother and son were constantly severely missiles with a NATO reporting name of SS-21 as part of official ceremonies marking the 20th Tournament (under 80-kilogram weight class) beating, torturing and threatening Ziroyan’s Scarab-B. Azerbaijan also demonstrated Scarab- anniversary of the official establishment of the in Kazan, Russia. first and second wives in Saint Petersburg, Bs during its own military parade held in June. Armenian Armed Forces. Yeremyan, 26, was also the first tae kwon do Russia. The shows of force highlighted an intensify - “I’m very happy that we have held on to what representing Armenia to become a European “I want them to be punished, but as of now ing arms race between the two nations. Over we gained 20 years ago and we keep doing that champion in 2008. our law does nothing [in this respect]. I even do the past decade Azerbaijan has spent billions of well,” said Khachaturov. “We have changed. We So far, 12 athletes from Armenia have not know what to expect from our law,” says dollars in oil revenues on a massive military have become a tough army. We have gained a secured their participation in the Olympics to Ziroyan’s second wife, Mariam Gevorgyan. build-up, which it hopes will eventually help it lot of new weaponry. But our main wealth is be held from July 27 to August 12. A lawsuit has been filed against Ziroyan, to win back Nagorno-Karabagh. our young officers.” 4 S ATURDAY , F EBRUARY 4, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR INTERNATIONAL International News Haigazian University Launches Man Injured at Church Construction Site Diaspora Research Center MOSCOW (PanARMENIAN.Net) — A man was BEIRUT, Lebanon — On Wednesday, injured when a wall collapsed during the construc- January 25, Haigazian University held tion of the Armenian Church in Moscow’s Trifonov the inaugural ceremony of its Armenian Street, on January 28. Diaspora Research Center with the The man, who suffered severe injuries, was taken unveiling of a plaque in the new to the hospital. An investigation is under way. Heritage Building by University President Rev. Dr. Paul Haidostian and Yercho Samuelian, whose donation Norway Apologizes for made the launching of the center possi - Deporting Jews ble. Established to study the diverse YEREVAN (Armenpress) — The Norwegian prime min- aspects of the Armenian Diaspora in the ister has apologized for the role his country played in Middle East and throughout the world, deporting its own Jews as Europe marks Holocaust using the most advanced research tech - Remembrance Day, according to the BBC. niques, the center aims to conduct and “Norwegians carried out the arrests, Norwegians publish primary research — while hold - Haigazian University President Rev. Dr. Paul Haidostian delivering remarks during the drove the trucks and it happened in Norway,” Jens ing annual academic conferences, public inaugural ceremony Stoltenberg said in a speech. lectures, and internship programs — It is believed to be the first time a Norwegian that will further the understanding of leader has been so explicit about collusion under Armenian culture. lined the significance of the Armenian Lebanese University, and related their Nazi occupation. Announced on September 5, 2011, Diaspora Research Center and the upcoming projects. More than a third of Norway’s 2,100 Jews were the center officially opened at results that its research will undoubted - Dakessian then elaborated on the deported to death camps. Haigazian’s Conte Hall in the presence ly produce. extended contact between Lebanon and Others fled to neighboring Sweden, which of the president of the Lebanese Characterizing the diaspora as a “vast Armenia, which can be traced back sev - remained neutral during World War II. University, Former Minister Dr. Adnan world of people, symbols, dynamics and eral hundred years, but has been partic - Norway acknowledged its role in the Holocaust in El Sayed Hussein, the center’s bene - relationships,” Haidostian emphasized ularly prominent within the last century, 1998 and paid some $60 million to Norwegian Jews factor, Yercho Samuelian, Archbishop the importance of researching these he said. “It is the story of the intermin - and Jewish organizations in compensation for prop- Keghan Khatcherian; Armenian communities, which will take us “deeper gling of the Armenians and the local erty seized. Ambassador Ashod Kotcharian, into revisiting what we thought we populations, and it is of immense cul - Members of Parliament (MP) Jean knew.” tural value.” Dakessian emphasized the Oghasabian, Hagop Pakradouni, “We present our research to the acad - planned collaboration of the research Poltava Hosts Armenian Bassem Shabb and Shant Chinchinian, emic community so that future genera - center “with local and international rel - Youth Meeting former MP Dr. Yeghia Jerejian, Vice tions may be reconciled with their past,” evant centers,” and expressed his appre - Governor of the Central Bank he said. ciation for all those who contributed to POLTOVA, Ukraine (PanARMENIAN.Net) — On Haroutioun Samuelian, Head of the Haidostian then expressed his appre - its realization. January 5, the Ukrainian city hosted a meeting of Bourj Hammoud Municipality Antranig ciation for Samuelian’s generous finan - Ambassador of Armenia to Lebanon Armenian young representatives, followed by a con- Messerlian, political party and cultural cial support and announced the Ashod Kocharian read a letter from the cert with talented community members participat- association leaders, media representa - appointment of Dr. Antranik Dakessian Armenian Minister of Diaspora, ing, according to analitika.at.ua. tives, intellectuals, and Haigazian as center’s director. Hranoush Hagopian, who offered her The event aimed to promote Armenian community Board of Trustees, staff and faculty Hussein spoke next, and praised congratulations to Haigazian University values, fostering unity among the young members. members. Haigazian’s role as a leading university and its dedicated staff and faculty. She Ladik Kostandyan was elected a new chairman of After welcome remarks by Dean of in the country, and particularly its said she hopes the center tackles the the youth organization, with a mission to make Arts and Sciences Arda Ekmekji, who importance as a center for the challenges and issues facing Armenian improvements to the Urartu Sunday school. expressed her gratitude for this long- Armenian Diaspora. He also empha - communities worldwide and greatly con - The head of the Armenian community of Poltava, awaited project, the president of sized the memorandum of understand - tributes to the cooperation between Arthur Hovakimyan, thanked the Union of Haigazian University, Haidostian, out - ing between Haigazian and the Armenians and the diaspora. Armenians of Ukraine for their contribution to the event. Armenian Ambassador Armenian Soldier Serving in Turkish Army Meets Ottawa Mayor OTTAWA, Canada (armradio.am) — Armenian Killed Intentionally, Testimony Shows Ambassador to Canada Armen Yeganyan met with the mayor of Ottawa, Jim Watson. ISTANBUL (armradio) — A young province, and other officer, testified that his favor,” indicating that Agaoglu’s The ambassador discussed Armenian-Canadian man of Armenian descent who was Balikçi was shot accidentally when he family pressured him into not describing cooperation in the political, trade-economic and killed while serving in the Turkish was “joking around” with a close friend, what really happened. cultural fields, as well as the development of ties. Armed Forces (TSK) as a conscripted Kivanç Agaoglu. However, according to In his latest account, Eksi told the The mayor, in turn, briefed Yeganyan on the private, in what was initially believed to a report published in the Sabah daily on judge hearing his testimony: “I was told activities of City Hall, particularly in the cultural be an accident, however it was likely a Friday, one of the soldiers who wit - by suspect Kivanç and his family, espe - field regarding programs promoting young artists. hate crime because of the victim’s eth - nessed the incident changed his testi - cially his uncle, to testify in his favor. On The two stressed the importance of deepening mony, which will likely change the the day of the incident, we were and expanding relations in the fields of trade, econ- course of the trial of Agaoglu. installing chain-link fencing around the omy and culture. The revised testimony was given in station under orders from our comman - late December, according to Sabah ’s ders. As we did our work, at some point, report. Halil Eksi, who served in the mil - Kivanç Agaoglu unlocked his rifle’s safe - Armenian Ambassador itary during the same period as Balikçi, ty and directed it at our other friend Visits Malta in his new testimony said, “Kivanç point - Sevag Sahin. And he fired the rifle. This ed his rifle at Sevag and pulled the trig - way, Sevag Sahin was wounded. I do not VALETTA, Malta (News.am) — Armenian ger. His family had asked me to testify in know why Kivanç fired at Sevag.” Ambassador to Italy Ruben Karapetyan visited Malta January 25-28 to present his credentials to President George Abela. During the first day of the visit Karapetyan pre- US Author Refuses to Visit Turkey sented his credentials to Malta’s Ambassador to Germany John Paul Grech and discussed Armenian- ANKARA (PanARMENIAN.Net) — US author Paul Auster said he refuses to Maltese cooperation, Armenia’s Foreign Ministry visit Turkey due to the number of journalists and writers that have been jailed announced. there, Hurriyet Daily News reported. On January 26, Karapetian met with Abela and “I refuse to come to Turkey because of imprisoned journalists and writers. presented his credentials during an official cere- Private Sevag Sahin Balikçi How many are jailed now? Over 100?” Auster said, adding that Turkey was the mony at the president’s official residence. country he was most worried about. Abela welcomed the Armenian ambassador’s “US democrats got rid of the Bushes. We got rid of [former Vice President appointment to Malta, expressing hope that it will nic background, new testimony from Dick] Cheney who should have been put on trial for war crimes,” the author contribute to further cooperation between the two another private indicates, Today’s said. “What is going on in Turkey?” countries. Zaman reports. Auster said he refused to travel to countries such as Turkey and China that Karapeyan invited Abela to visit Armenia. Private Sevag Sahin Balikçi was shot lacked democratic laws even if he was invited. During his visit, Karapetyan also met with mem- dead on April 24, 2011 — the date of Auster’s latest book, Winter Journal, was first published in Turkey. The rea - bers of the local Armenian community. commemoration of the Armenian son for this, Auster said, was because the publishing house acted quickly and Genocide victims. The other soldiers in added that the book was to be published in the US in August. his unit, stationed in the Batman S ATURDAY , F EBRUARY 4, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 5 INTERNATIONAL Christians Fear Losing Freedoms in Arab Spring

most vividly seen in Egypt and the Copts,” says version is illegal, Moeller says. By Oren Dorell and Sarah Lynch California Rep. Howard Berman, ranking But Christians in Tunisia, where the Arab Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Spring movement began, have faced a growing Committee. “It’s on our agenda as we figure out number of restrictions since the dictatorship fell, CAIRO (USA Today) — From her home in a in decades held in the past two months handed how to help these countries,” and their treatment he says. labyrinth of stonewalled alleyways, Samia Ramsis power not to moderates but to members of the of Christians and other minorities is a “red line” “Foreign Christians have been called into the holds a key chain bearing the face of the Virgin Muslim Brotherhood and radical Salafi candi - that will affect future aid. police in Tunisia, (and) they’ve had their phones Mary as she sits in her yellow pajamas on the dates, who combined took nearly 70 percent of President Barack Obama has said Christians tapped,” he says. “There’s definitely growing morning of Orthodox Christmas. seats. must have the right to worship freely, and he has restrictions on Christians in Tunisia.” Sunlight pours in through a window. Outside, “If people try to rule the country with the spoken on behalf of persecuted individuals such In Syria, where Christians have lived since the visitors come to look upon the spot where Egypt’s Koran, with sharia law, that means they look to as pastor Youcef Nadarkhani, who was sentenced Apostle Peter established the first church in the Christians — most known as Copts — believe the us as second-class people,” Bouls says. to death in Iran for converting himself and others now-Turkish city of Antioch 2,000 years ago, Holy Family found refuge after fleeing Bethlehem to Christianity, says Joshua Dubois, director of cities that are strongholds of the Muslim and assassins were sent by King Herod to kill the Small Share of Population the White House Office for Faith-Based and Brotherhood have risen up against Bashar Assad. baby Jesus. Christianity has existed in Egypt since the sec - Neighborhood Partnerships. Christians make up more than 2 million of the Once crowded with Christians, Cairo’s Coptic ond century. The Muslim Brotherhood, a political Some say stronger action is needed. Eibner country’s 22 million people, and they fear that quarter where Samia lives with her husband, movement that seeks a nation run according to wants Obama to urge the United Nations secre - the uprising will bring Islamists to power, rights Mounir, and two children is home to fewer than Koranic law, has said Egypt would respect the tary-general to declare a genocide warning for groups say. 50 Christian families. rights of religious minorities to worship and dress Christians across the Middle East and a policy for In Afghanistan, Western nations that are spend - “We know many Christians have left,” says as they please. Muslim Brotherhood executive preserving religious pluralism in the region. ing billions of dollars on reconstruction and main - Mounir Ramsis, speaking not only about this member Abd Al-Rahman Al-Barr says Israel is to Rep. Chris Smith of New Jersey, Republican taining security have failed to get the government quarter but about all of Egypt. “But we love this blame for clashes between Coptic protestors and chairman of the human rights subcommittee of to protect Christians. country and will stay until death.” security forces. the House Foreign Affairs Committee, says the One of Jesus’s own apostles, St. Thomas, The Arab Spring uprisings that have toppled The Salafis, Muslim fundamentalists who want Obama administration “has been AWOL” on the brought Christianity to Afghanistan in the first secular dictatorships in the Middle East and a complete application of sharia law that general - issue. Smith says Obama should designate Egypt century, and today there are 8,000 Christians North Africa have unleashed long-suppressed ly denies equal rights to women and religious “a country of particular concern,” which allows there. But the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan freedoms that have allowed Islamic parties to gain minorities, also say Copts are safe in Egypt. the State Department to impose sanctions. He does not recognize Afghan citizens as being a share of political power they have been denied “Even if there are Salafi leaders who proclaim could also make $1.3 billion in annual US aid to Christians, and converting to Christianity is ille - for decades. Their rise is creating near-panic Copts to be heretics, this does not mean that [the the Egyptian military conditional on fair treat - gal. among ancient Christian communities that dot Copts[ must be subjected to any religious [or ment of minorities, Smith says. Not a single public church remains. The last the Muslim world and predate Islam by centuries. legal] sanctions,” says Imad Abd Al-Ghafour, head Rep. Gary Ackerman, D-NY, warns that threat - Christian church was destroyed by its landowner •In Tunisia, where the regime of President of the al-Nour party that won 25 percent so far in ening to withhold US aid could prompt a “back - in March after the Afghan courts refused to Zine El Abidine Ben Ali was ousted last year after parliamentary elections. lash” in the region. “These situations are delicate uphold the legality of the congregation’s lease. 32 years in power, the dominant political party, Abanob Magdi lives near Egypt’s largest pyra - but the case has to be made and the president has In Iraq, after the United States ousted military Ennahda, has worried some of Tunis’ 22,000 mid and says he is not optimistic about what lies to make it,” he says. dictator Saddam Hussein in 2003, the Christian Catholics by vowing to tilt the country’s yet-to-be- ahead. “I saw on TV the other day a Salafi saying Historian Habib Malik of American University population has gone from 1.5 million to a half mil - written constitution toward sharia, or the detailed that if they get in power, beaches will be divided of Beirut in Byblos, Lebanon, says Western lion today. and often harsh system of Muslim theocratic laws. for men and women and women will have to be nations can improve the situation by shifting The exodus came amid 60 church bombings •In Libya, Christians are uneasy as the power - veiled,” Magdi says as he walks through Coptic from promoting democratic rule to emphasizing and the deaths of 900 Christians, says William ful head of the Tripoli Military Council, Abdul Cairo with friends. “minority rights, checks and balances, freedoms Warda, chairman of the Hammurabi Human Hakim Belhaj, who once led an Islamic militia Christians account for 4 percent of the people and the substance side of democracy.” Rights Organization in Baghdad. with links to al-Qaeda, has said he plans to run for of the Middle East and North Africa. Despite “We consider that genocide,” he says. office in elections scheduled for April. being the birthplace of Christianity, the region Growing wave of restrictions Malik says Western nations must stand up for •In Afghanistan, no new building permits have now has the fewest number of Christians (13 mil - Some Middle Eastern countries remain rela - the rights of Christians, who he says may be been issued for churches, and the last church lion) and the smallest share of its population that tively safe for Christians, says Carl Moeller, presi - cleansed from lands where democratic elections open to the public was demolished over the sum - is Christian of any other major geographic region, dent of Open Doors. Jordan accepted thousands are used to oppress minorities rather than mer. In Iraq, the Christian community has according to the Pew Center on Religion and of Iraqi refugees, including Christians, who are empower them. decreased by two-thirds since 2003 amid bomb - Public Life. allowed to practice their faith. Armenian Malik says it must be done “in a way that is not ings of churches and assassinations of priests. The future of minorities in the emerging Christians in Iran, while monitored by the gov - misperceived on the other end.” However, “the •And Christians in Syria, where Muslims have democracies of the Middle East “is a huge issue ernment, can worship unhindered, though con - West should not be cowed.” risen up against President Bashar Assad, have been subjected to murder, rape and kidnappings in Damascus and rebellious towns, according to Christian rights groups, including Open Doors, which helps Christians facing persecution. Many had hoped for better in an Arab move - ment that proponents said was about replacing tyrannies with democracies. “The outlook is grim,” says John Eibner, CEO of the California-based human rights group Christian Solidarity International. “If the current trajectory continues, it’s reason - able to think that within a generation these (Christian) communities will not look like func - tioning communities,” Eibner says. “They’ll look more like the once-flourishing Jewish communi - ties” across the Arab world that are all but gone. Nowhere is the irony more profound than in Egypt, where an estimated 8 million Christians live with more than 70 million Muslims. Christians demonstrated alongside Muslims early last year to oust Hosni Mubarak. Before Mubarak’s overthrow, Christians had suffered from years of church burnings and murders at the hands of radical Muslims who want an Islamic state free of religious minorities. And after the ouster, the military regime that has been running the country has refused to make any arrests in attacks on Christians. The Armenian mountaineering team Mina Bouls, 25, a Copt who fled to Philadelphia, recalls cowering with his mother in 1997 as a mob stoned the family home and chanted anti-Christian slogans. But the difference then was that Mubarak Mountaineering Team Aims to Conquer Iran’s Highest Peak ordered the military to protect Christian communi - ties and jail extremists, Bouls says. TEHRAN (ArmenianNow) — The Armenian mountaineering team took part in the International Mountaineering Championship held here In October, Copts organized a protest in down - from January 25-28. The team visited Iran’s Mountain Tourism Federation to get acquainted with the winter conditions of the highest peak – town Cairo over the authorities’ failure to investi - Mount Demavend (5,671 meters) prior to the actual competition, Armenian Mountaineering and Mountain Tourism Federation Deputy gate attacks, including the bombing of a church in Chairman Suren Danielyan told Panorama.am. Alexandria on New Year’s Day 2011 that killed 20 Two hundred alpinists from 25 countries took part in the tournament. Thursday the Armenian team climbed to the camp at an altitude of people. The military attacked the demonstrators 4,100 meters and on Friday and Saturday they tried to reach the peak. The temperature in the mountain ranges from -30 celsius to -40 celsius and 17 Christians were run down and killed by mil - (-22 fahrenheit to -40 fahrenheit), making the climb much more challenging. itary vehicles, according to Human Rights Watch. The Armenian alpinists qualified for the championship after conquering several mountains in 2011, among them Mount Ararat (5,165 meters) Bouls wants to bring his family to the United and Mount Kazbek (5,033 meters). The seven-member team climbed Demavend in the summer, after which it was invited to take part in the States because he says he is petrified by the new winter championship. society forming in Egypt. The first free elections 6 S ATURDAY , F EBRUARY 4, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Community Ne ws

South Florida Armenians CYSCA Adopts Celebrate Very Rev. Dr. Nareg Berberian’s 20th Shengavit Anniversary of Ordination Preserve Project BOCA RATON, Fla. — On Saturday, January 21, around 250 members of the south Florida CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — The Cambridge Armenian-American community gathered in Yerevan Sister City Association (CYSCA) at a Mardigian Hall at St. David Armenian Church to recent meeting of its Board of Directors voted celebrate the 20th anniversary of Very Rev. Dr. unanimously to adopt a program to help pre - Nareg Berberian’s ordination to the Holy priest - serve and renovate the Shengavit Historical and hood. The celebratory banquet was widely attend - Archaeological Culture Preserve here. ed by hundreds of Florida Armenians from across The Shengavit Preserve includes an archae - the state and many religious dignitaries from ological site dating to the fourth millennium around the United States. BC, which was continually occupied between Presiding over the banquet was Archbishop 1,000 to 2,000 years; archaeologists differ on Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Eastern the duration of occupancy. There is a small Diocese of the Armenian Church of America. museum next to the archaeological excava - Joining him was Archbishop Vicken Aykazian, tion site containing some of the artifacts diocesan legate of the Armenian Church of recovered from the site. Other Shengavit arti - America in Washington, DC, Rev. Mardiros facts are on display at other museums within Chevian, dean of St. Vartan Cathedral in New Armenia. York City, Rev. Mempre Kouzouian from Boston, The Shengavit settlement was part of the so- Rev. Vartan Joulfyan of St. Mary Armenian called Kura-Arax culture, which had trade rela - Church in Cooper City, Fla., Rev. Nerses Jebejian, tions with cultures far beyond Armenia’s bor - Rabbi Robert Silvers of B’nai Israel Synagogue in ders. This culture is believed to have played an Boca Raton and local clergy. Taniel Koushakjian, important role in the formation of the founder of Florida Armenians, served as master Armenian people. of ceremonies. The director of the Shengavit Preserve is Kicking off the program was Carol Norigian, Vladimir Tshagharyan, an architect and Banquet Commemorative Committee chair, who archaeologist with extensive experience man - expressed her deep appreciation to Berberian and aging archaeological sites in Armenia. He noted his hard work and many achievements over Carl Bardakian in Michigan was also a participant in a US State his decade-long tenure in the south Florida parish. Department-funded Community Connections Norigian presented Berberian with a replica of training project sponsored by CYSCA for Noah’s Ark, sent by Armenian artist and designer Cultural and Historical Preservation special - Michael Aram, for his many accomplishments at St. Bardakian Named Head ists from Armenia in the greater Boston area David Armenian Church. in May/June 2003. Several local talents performed for the packed Shengavit was initially excavated in 1936 by hall to celebrate Berberian’s 20 years of service in Coach of Armenian Men’s Joseph Orbeli (1887-1961) and Eugeni the Holy priesthood. St. David ACYOA talents Bayburtyan (1898-1938). Orbeli was the direc - Alique Mazmanian and Ani Manvelyan each sang tor of the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Armenian songs and Mazmanian joined Alex National Basketball Team Russia. Bayburtyan, an Armenian archaeolo - Crossley for a duet. Arman Avedyan, also from St. LOS ANGELES — The Basketball Federation of Armenia announced Carl gist, was arrested by the Soviet secret police in David ACYOA, inspired the crowd with his pow - Bardakian as the new head coach of the soon-to-be established men’s Armenian 1938 for being too nationalistic. Most recently, erful performance of the classic Italian aria national basketball team. Armenia will apply to compete in the International in 2011, a team of Armenians and archaeolo - Nessun Dorma . Later in the evening, St. Mary Basketball Federation (FIBA) Europe Division C Men’s Basketball Championship, gists from the US led by Dr. Mitchell Rothman, ACYOA violinist Sage McBride performed Aram July 2-7. Upon acceptance by FIBA Europe, Armenia will compete against professor of anthropology and archaeology at Khachadourian’s Groong . Following that was Scotland, Wales, Malta, Moldova, Andorra, Gibraltar and host country San Marino. Widener University in Pennsylvania, examined local award-winning pianist Hratch Boghossian, “We will open our first training camp this spring. A strong foundation must be the site. The following is a partial quote by who brought the crowd to its feet. set in order for Armenia to compete internationally in men’s basketball. Carl Rothman: Highlighting the banquet was Berberian, who Bardakian has the coaching background and recruiting experience to assemble “The site of Shengavit in the hills above the stated, “Today, I feel elated to have such a won - the best team to represent Armenia this July,” said Hrachya Rostomyan, president Ararat Plain is one set of remains of an ancient derful community, all of whom I value as my of the Basketball Federation of Armenia. culture called variously Kura Araxes, Early friends. It is unbelievable that 20 years have Bardakian is head coach of the champion Los Angeles men’s basketball team, Transcaucasian, Karaz, Pulur, Shengavitian, passed since my ordination into the Holy Order of gold medalists of the fifth Pan Armenian Games in Armenia in 2011. He was twice etc. Its full time period is still much under Priesthood and 10 years since you embraced me a gold medal winner with Valley AGBU as a player. Bardakian is the United States debate, but probably it starts somewhere as your spiritual leader, your pastor, here at St. representative to the Basketball Federation of Armenia. He has served as an inter - around 3500 BC and ends 2500-2200 BC. The David Armenian Church.” He continued, “You are national scout for both the 2010 FIBA Europe Div. C silver medal Armenian homeland of this culture is in the Southern the church, you are the mission, you are the min - women’s national basketball team and the Hatis Yerevan women’s professional Caucasus, the current countries of Georgia, istry. Without you there would be no priesthood, see BASKETBALL, page 9 Armenia and Azerbaijan, along with a section without you there would be no vision. Thank you of current northeastern Turkey from Erzurum for making a positive difference in my life. God is through Kars provinces. To fully understand working through each and every one of us. Let’s the importance of this culture, its place in its glorify His name and thank Him for bringing us contemporary world is essential to compre - closer to Him through the ministry of His hend. Its beginning is co-terminus with the Church.” establishment of the first states in southern Berberian was also joined by his family who Mesopotamia and the founding of the first flew all the way from California. His niece, Joelle international trading system, which covered an Awad, spoke eloquently about Berberian on area from the Persian Gulf to the North behalf of his family. In addition, a special video Caucasus from modern western Iran to the message and film, showcasing photos of his early Mediterranean Sea...” life, was featured. The Shengavit site has three employees, Concluding the banquet’s program was including its director, all of whom receive remarks from Barsamian, Primate of the Eastern token salaries. There is, however, no budget Diocese of the Armenian Church. He spoke for the preservation, maintenance and warmly about his friendly and professional rela - enhancement of the site. Immediate needs tionship with Berberian and reflected on his include visitor amenities such as bathrooms, many years of service, having himself ordained running water and a pavilion to provide Berberian 20 years ago. On behalf of the shade from the glare of the hot summer sun. Armenian Church, Barsamian presented him with Next are required fencing and security for the an award for his service to God and the site and repair, and ultimately replacement, Armenian-American community. Barsamian’s of the museum building which dates to 1920. remarks and uplifting spirit was a wonderful con - The site also needs landscaping appropriate clusion to the evening’s celebration. for an archaeological site and most impor - Then, on Sunday, January 22, Barsamian led tantly preservation of the site’s archaeologi - the visiting clergy and Berberian in celebrating cal structures and artifacts. Divine Liturgy. During the mass, Barsamian Carl Bardakian coaching in Armenia For more information about CYSCA, visit ordained two young St. David altar servers, Arlen www.cysca.org or contact Cheryl Shushan, Avedyan as a deacon, and Gregory Merjian as sub- president, [email protected], or Jack deacon, in the Armenian Church. Medzorian, [email protected]. S ATURDAY , F EBRUARY 4, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 7 COMMUNITY NEWS Armenian Sisters’ Academy Celebrates 30th Anniversary

tion,” she said. For Menzigian, whose two sons are By Alin K. Gregorian The ASA is operated by the Armenian Sisters enrolled at the school, the ASA Mirror-Spectator Staff of the Immaculate Conception, an order found - offered something more than an ed in Constantinople (Istanbul) in 1847. The Armenian school. “It was a new thing school’s founder, Sister Alphonsa Bedrosian, for me, how much the congregation, LEXINGTON, Mass. — The Armenian Sisters’ moved to the US in 1978 from Iran, where she the order, and Sister Cecile are part Academy (ASA) is gearing up to celebrate its was the principal of Institut Mariam K-12 of an international network,” she 30th anniversary with a gala at the Fairmont School in Tehran. said. “They consider themselves sis - Copley Plaza in Boston on February 11. “Sister Alphonsa came and the Iranian- ters [with the nuns who run the During a recent interview, Sister Cecile Armenians here encouraged her to start a other schools] and regularly visit Los Keghiayan, the ASA’s principal, spoke about her school here,” Keghiayan said. “There was no Angeles and Philadelphia.” dedication to the education of children. “My other Armenian school.” The sisters’ order is based in Rome, goal is to raise Armenian and Christian chil - In fact, Keghiayan said that she came to the where it is headed by Mother dren, whether they are Catholic or not,” she founding of the school in 1982. Superior Edoxia. said. Keghiayan credited Bedrosian for laying the “That is where our center is and Keghiayan, who hails from Athens, was in foundation of the school. “To Sister Alphonsa where they decide where the sisters Beirut for 40 years as principal of the we give all credit. She bought a house in go,” Keghiayan said. Hripsimiantz Varjaran, a Catholic-Armenian K- Watertown and started a nursery school. Then Michelle Minasian, another parent 12 school, with 1,200 students, before moving she found this property and heard that the sis - with three children in the school and to the US. ters here wanted to sell the house.” the chair of the Parents’ Committee for “We want to prepare an Armenian genera - According to parent and ASA Board of the past five years, said that even Advisors Chair Katrina Menzigian, the property though she herself is not Armenian, belonged to the Grey Nuns who wanted to sell the school dovetails what she and her the property and leave. “She first bought the husband want for their children. “I Sister Cecile Keghiayan and Mayda Melkonian convent and then heard that they were selling grew up going to a Catholic school. the school too.” The school gives me values that I want “She was a businesswoman and a capable to instill in my children. The Catholic religion is Armenian. Melkonian spoke about the school’s person,” Keghiayan said about Bedrosian. important to me. My husband was born in science program in collaboration with the MIT The school currently has 90 students in nurs - Armenia but here we lose the notion of where we Media Lab, with the lab’s Jacqueline ery though fifth grade. The ASA is planning to are from. We want [our children] to understand Karaaslanian, for the fifth graders. The ASA stu - relaunch its middle school. their country and where they are from. This is a dents, along with students from a school in the “Children should not be sent to public school nice compromise.” village of Gargar in Lori, Armenia, compose at a very early age,” Keghiayan said, noting that Menzigian said that Minasian’s situation is music. When completed, the music will be per - a small school such as this one would instill not an unique one; there are many families with formed by professional musicians. more discipline in them. She added that if she one non-Armenian parent who choose the In addition, there are parents at the school could, she would add grades through high school. “There are even parents who are not who were once students themselves. Many of school. Armenian who want a small Catholic school for the students have gone on to become profes - When she was in Beirut, she said, it was eas - their children,” she added. sionals, including physicians, attorneys, phar - ier to get students to attend Armenian schools, as few parents considered sending their chil - dren to public schools. The ASA in Lexington has sister schools in Philadelphia (Armenian Sisters’ Academy of Founder Sister Alphonsa Bedrosian Radnor) and Los Angeles (Armenian Sisters’ Academy of Montrose). The Armenian Sisters’ Academy, Lexington, MA

30th Anniversary Gala Event

From left, Katrina Menzigian, Sister Cecile Keghiayan and Michelle Minasian

Minasian stressed that in terms of religion, macists and engineers. the Catholic and Armenian Apostolic churches The ASA has been elected to institutional are very close. “They are both a more tradi - membership and granted accreditation by the tional service,” she said. She noted, however, New England Association of Schools and that the school does not push Catholicism on Colleges, Inc. (NEASC) and the Association of students or parents, rather Christianity. Independent Schools of New England (AISNE). Vice Principal Mayda Melkonian said that the The school will have an open house on March school instills in the students a desire to excel. 18. The banquet on February 11 will have as “We tell them that ‘one day, you are going to be keynote speaker former Armenian ambassador a leader in the community.’ They use their expe - to the US, Rouben Shugarian. For tickets to the riences, for example performing on stage, to be gala or information on the open house, call the speakers at events,” she said. school or visit its website, The school stresses science as well as www.asalexington.org. Saturday, February 11, 2012, 6:30 pm Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel, Boston

Keynote Speaker, His Excellency, Rouben Shugarian, former Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia

Musical Entertainment by: Elie Berberian

For tickets and table reservations, please contact the school office at (781) 861-8303 8 S ATURDAY , F EBRUARY 4, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR OBITUARY Altan Captivates Large Audience with Message of Hope at ALMA

ALTAN, from page 1 “He was so gentle, so courageous. When he between Armenians and Turks is Altan, in a humorous yet authoritative man - spoke about his childhood on television, mil - through emotions.” ner, said that Armenians can indeed teach lions of people cried. Turks have hearts and Armenian and Turkish pasts, he Turks to do the right thing and recognize the consciences, believe me. We need to proceed to noted, including culture, are inter - Armenian Genocide, but that they have to overcome the bloody line of 1915,” he said. twined. “As far as I am concerned, appeal to the Turks’ hearts, rather than minds, “Now there is a lot of debate on TV about Armenian culture was a huge part of in order to succeed. the Genocide,” Altan said, referring to the post- Ottoman culture. I don’t believe there Speaking English fluently, Altan was also Dink period. “It was unthinkable 10 years ago was a Turkish architect in the intent on making it clear to the Armenians in to write this,” he added, referring to the head - Ottoman Empire.” attendance that the views of Turks are changing, line “1915 is a genocide” on the front page of He said he realized that many though perhaps not as fast as Armenians would Taraf . Armenians hated Turks but stressed like. “I hope and wish that Turkey would accept often that many Turks simply do not “If you want Turkey to accept it, doing it by and apologize for what happened. Once we know their country’s past. The cur - force is very hard. Only one man [the late Hrant start to talk, they will accept it. You must rent generation of Turks, he said, Dink] managed to touch millions of Turks. change your perception of Turkey. Maybe you “think they should protect their Forget the state; go to the people. When they can help Turkey change,” he said. One way for butcher ancestors. I am ready to help understand, they will force the state to change,” Armenians to enable that change is to visit you let them learn.” he said. Turkey often and tell the ordinary Turks about He continued, “Turks must under - The late Agos editor’s assassination changed their family histories, he said. stand what [Armenian] families suf - Turkish people, he explained. “They couldn’t Altan stressed that Turks and Turkey should fered. I offer every Armenian I meet understand what had happened. Two hundred accept and admit committing the Armenian the chance to tell their stories. Our thousand shouted, ‘we are Armenian, we are Genocide not only to help the Armenians, but newspaper is willing to publish their Hrant.’ They showed Hrant’s funeral live on themselves. “If we confess our great sin, we stories.” television. Millions of Turks watched that funer - could become a better race, a better people. We Altan said that he did not necessar - al and they started to talk and discuss the must suffer [as a result of the recognition of the ily favor the resolution passed in Harry Parsekian of Friends of Hrant Dink Armenian issue.” past] the way that you suffered. If you tell them France making the denial of the He also spoke at length about Dink, both in the stories of your families, the killed babies, Armenian Genocide punishable by life and in death, and what both have meant — women and old people, they will understand law. “These kinds of resolutions help only the opinion maker,” he said, noting that the current and mean and will mean. with their hearts,” Altan said. “The way Turkish military and the Turkish government. Ergenekon [deep state] trials that have sent They believe the world hates them and then [as hundreds of military officials to jail have been a result of the adoption of such laws] they come mostly due to the efforts of Altan and Taraf . OBITUARY together.” “Taraf revealed a lot of secret journals and Prof. Taner Akçam, who holds the Robert information from the military, Ergenekon,” he Aram, Marianne Kaloosdian and Stephen and added. Fr. Artoon Sempadian Marion Mugar Chair in Armenian Genocide Altan has been a strong defender of Akçam Studies at Clark University, introduced Altan at himself, the scholar said, when the later faced Pastor of San Francisco Church the ALMA program. The two are not simply threats because of his tireless work to get recog - friends who are ideologically similar, but both nition for the Armenian Genocide. were close friends of Dink. Altan was born 1950 in Ankara, Turkey to SAN FRANCISCO — Fr. Artoon Sempatdian, the journalist and writer Çetin Altan. In addi - the former priest of St. John Armenian Church, Said Akçam in his introduction, “My friend Ahmet is one of the really best literary minds in tion to having written columns in several died on January 15. He was 83. Turkish newspapers, including Hürriyet, He was born on February 22, 1928 in Beirut, Turkey. However, it is his journalistic activity that is important for us.” He added that Altan Milliyet and Radikal , Altan has produced news Lebanon. His parents, Arsen and Paylik programming for television. He was fired from Sempadian, gave him the name Manoug, at bap - is “one of the leading journalists in Turkey. There have been more than 100 cases against Milliyet after writing a column on April 17, tism. 1995, titled “Atakurd,” which presented an After a long illness, he died on January 15 at him [in the courts].” In fact, on Saturday, there was another case alternate history of Turkey in which he imag - home with his family by his side. ined what would have happened had Ataturk At age 12, he was admitted to the St. James filed against him by Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan because of an article in Taraf . been a Kurd. Seminary of the Armenian Patriarchate in In September 2008, when Altan published an Jerusalem. Upon graduation he entered the Akçam said that Taraf is more than a news - paper; “it is a movement in itself.” Since Turkey article titled “Oh, My Brother,” dedicated to the Theological School and was ordained deacon victims of the Armenian Genocide, he was by Patriarch Cyril I. lacks a serious political opposition, Taraf is able to fill that role, he explained. “It is the leading charged under Article 301 of the Turkish Penal He was invited to the United States in Code for “denigrating Turkishness.” 1950 by Bishop Tiran Nersoyan to study at Seabury Western Episcopal Seminary in Evanston, Ill. He also served as deacon at that time in Racine, Wis., where he met and married Betty Fr. Artoon Sempadian Borian, and where he was ordained into the priesthood of the Armenian Church and served Hairabedian, regional vicar of the San Joaquin GF UiNrEaRgAoL sHiaOMn E at St. Mesrob Church for five years. In 1955, he was called by Bishop Shnork Valley of the Western Diocese and pastor of St. James “Jack” Giragosian, CPC Kaloustian to assume the pastorate of St. John Gregory Armenian Church of Fowler, presided Armenian Church in San Francisco. There he over the funeral services. He was assisted by Fr. Funeral Counselor undertook the planning and supervision of the Kevork Arakelian, visiting priest to the Mission 576 Mt. Auburn Street, Watertown, MA 02472, TEL: 617-924—0606 construction of a new church complex and Parish of Ventura County and Sts. Sahag www.giragosianfuneralhome.com served for 14 years as pastor. Mesrob Armenian Church of Reedley. He then accepted the position of first execu - Participating were Deacon Matthew Ash, pastor tive director of the newly-established Armenian of St. John; Deacon Allan Y. Jendian of Fresno; Church Endowment Fund based in New York Deacon Martin Kildarian of Clovis; Deacon Telephone (617) 924-7400 City, traveling extensively throughout the Sarkis Kestekyan, Deacon Anthony United States. Catchatoorian and Sub-deacon Arthur He returned to California in 1977. He contin - Bedikian, all of San Francisco. The church Aram Bedrosian ued his service as visiting priest at St. James choir, accompanied on the organ by Naiyry parish in Sacramento. Later he assumed the Sarkiss, sang the requiem hymns. Funeral Home, Inc. position of executive director of the newly- Services for him were also held in Fresno established Western Diocese Endowment Fund. with Hairabedian presiding, assisted by Continuous Service By The Bedrosian Family Since 1945 He retired in 1993 after three years as Arakelian and Deacons Jendian and Barlow Der parish priest of St. Mary in Yettem. He was a Mugrdechian, in the chapel of Whitehurst MARION BEDROSIAN contributor to several publications, writing Funeral Home on Thursday, January 19. 558 MOUNT AUBURN STREET PAUL BEDROSIAN especially about the Armenian Church. Preceding the graveside service at Cypress WATERTOWN, MA 02472 LARRY BEDROSIAN He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Betty; Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Colman, a his son, John, as well as grandchildren, Kimo, memorial meal was served in the Parish Hall Tarani and Sara, three great-grand children and where family and friends shared memories of many cousins; nephews, Yeznig Palayan, Sempadian. While viewing the on-going slide Edward D. Jamakordzian, Jr. d/b/a Zohrab Palayan and George Chalekian; nieces, photos and video of Sempadian’s vitality, espe - Ani Telloian, Ankine Gulian and Hally cially during the building phase of the new com - Warburton, and his sister-in-law, Ellie, whom he plex of St. John on Olympia Way, future parish united in marriage to Suran Chalekian, a dea - priest Deacon Ash’s remarks reflected the love Edward D. Jamie, Jr. con at his first parish. He was predeceased by and admiration of Sempadian’s parishioners. sons Michael and Tiran; his sisters, Nevere Remembrances may be made to The Fr. LicensedFinuNneweYrorak landCNhewaJperseey l and Knar; and brother Joseph. Artoon Sempadian Library Memorial Fund of 208-17 Northern Blvd., Bayside, NY 11361 On Saturday, January 21, parishioners and St. John Armenian Church, 275 Olympia Way, Service any hour, friends gathered to capacity in the Sanctuary of San Francisco, CA 94131 or the St. Agnes any distance (718) 224-2390 or toll St. John to pay their final respects to their faith - Hospice team, 6729 Willow, Suite 103, Fresno, free (888) 224-6088 ful and caring former pastor. Fr. Yeghia CA 93710. S ATURDAY , F EBRUARY 4, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 9 COMMUNITY NEWS AGBU’s Chicago Chapter Celebrates its Centennial

CHICAGO — Serving Chicago’s Armenian Central Board of AGBU as we celebrate the Boghosian Diorio, who has worked to main - the AGBU Chicago Chapter has been a core community for more than a century, the Chicago AGBU Chapter’s Centennial. The tain the Chicago Center and is a passionate focus of the organization in the community. AGBU Chicago Chapter held its Centennial Chapter’s 100 years of service and dedication advocate for AGBU’s presence in the commu - The Chapter’s center was established nearly Celebration on Saturday, December 10, 2011, to the Armenian community in greater nity, delivered closing remarks. The chapter’s 20 years ago through funds raised from the at the Onnig Norehad Center, the chapter’s Chicago have been exceptional. The Chapter anniversary celebration followed for all in Armenian community in and around Chicago, headquarters. A private reception welcomed has sponsored countless cultural, humanitari - attendance. and is named after the late Onnig Norehad, a members and lead donors prior to the festive an and educational projects and programs As part of the Chicago Chapter’s centennial former chairman of AGBU Chicago. The cen - program, which was attended by 200 people. over the years and has been instrumental in celebration, the Kooyumjian-AGBU/Chicago ter takes great pride in the growing number Armand Norehad, whose father, Onnig, is sharing its ideas with other chapters through - Armenian Humanities Festival had a series of of activities that are a part its operations, as the namesake of the Chicago Center, opened out the world. For that, we are greatly indebt - cultural events lined up during fall 2010, well as the ongoing services that it offers. the evening. “My connection to AGBU ed to the thousands of volunteers who have which included a lecture, titled “Resistance through my family goes back to 1920 when come to honor their heritage and culture,” and Rescue During the Armenian Genocide: my dad joined AGBU after a year here as a said Aslanian. She continued, “We all need to The Story Behind a Photograph: Marsovan, refugee. It’s remarkable that this organization remain connected and share what we as indi - 1915-1918,” a violin and piano concert and a Armenian Council of was conceived long before the Genocide, but viduals and as members of groups can offer so presentation, titled “Memories of a Lost then what did we live through? World War I, as to tie our communities together and to Armenian home: Photography, Anatolia America Urges the Depression, World War II. And this chap - inspire ourselves as well as the communities College and the Story of an Armenian Family ter continued to grow through more refugees. of which we are contributing members.” in Anatolia.” One more event took place on Lawmakers to Reaffirm They were the gift given to Chicago, people The Zulal Trio of New York, a female a cap - January 14 — a production of the renowned who came from Turkey, Syria and all sorts of pella group who perform Armenian folk Michael Fosberg play, “Incognito.” Genocide Recognition countries where they’d been abused and dec - music, took the stage next for a nearly two- The festival debuted in May 2010 with the LOS ANGELES — In light of the his - imated as families. This evening represents hour concert. Introducing the singers, AGBU premiere of Chicago composer Eric toric legislation recently championed by 100 years of successes, and I hope and pray Chicago Board member and program director Hachikian’s film, “Voyage to Amasia,” which the French Senate, the Armenian Council that we will be able to continue the success, of the Kooyumjian-AGBU Chicago Armenian won Best Documentary at the 2011 of America is urging Congressional lead - and feel we have carried the torch forward Humanities Festival, Gary Rejebian, said, “It Pomegranate Film Festival in Toronto. ers in the United States to honor their from all of those people over the decades,” would be selling tonight’s concert far short to Festival events have been made possible by pledge in supporting the Armenian- said Norehad. regard this performance as merely faded post - the joint efforts of AGBU’s Chicago Chapter American citizenry by reaffirming recog - The chapter’s former chairman, Haig cards of a bygone era. While the melodies hail and the support of the Kooyumjian nition of the Armenian Genocide, includ - Pedian, also gave heartfelt remarks, followed from another time and place, the music of Foundation. ing support for H.R. 304. by AGBU Central Board member Carol Zulal is very much a vibrant example of the AGBU Chicago, established just five years The French bill, drafted by Valerie Aslanian, who talked about the current rele - mosaic, which is Armenian culture today. after the founding of AGBU in Egypt, has Boyer, a legislator from President Nicolas vance and role of AGBU both in the United Listen carefully and you will recognize that played an important role in the philanthropic, Sarkozy’s party, has criminalized denial States and abroad. Aslanian went on to dis - the emotions and experiences related in their educational, cultural and social life of the of the Armenian Genocide with a punish - cuss the organization’s recent successes and lyrics are both timeless and universal. Such is Chicago-Armenian community over the last able fine of 45,000 euros and one year of accomplishments and stressed the importance the gift of Zulal — and the Armenians — to 100 years. Generating strong support for var - incarceration. It was passed on January of staying connected to one another as a com - humankind.” ious causes through years of fundraisers, and 23, by the French Senate with an over - munity. “I am so very pleased to represent the Chicago Chapter Chairwoman Sona local subchapters for men, women and youth, whelming majority support of 127 votes. “As we celebrate this momentous mile - stone as a nation, as a people, as propo - nents of human rights, we call upon our legislators in the House of Andreas Borgeas Seeks Armenian Consul for Valley Representatives to reaffirm their support for recognition of the Armenian The position, albeit ceremonial compared to a munity in the Valley, it’s worth exploring the Genocide,” said Sevak Khatchadorian, chairman of the Armenian Council of By Alex Tavlian consul general, could provide important admin - possibility of having an honorary consul serve istrative services, such as processing visas, for the community,” Borgeas said. America. Valley Armenians. Borgeas placed one stipulation: the position “The French government has taken a FRESNO (Freson Bee) — Fresno City Council Armenians currently get visas and other would be nonpartisan and apolitical, and the stand against Turkish leaders, who for Member Andreas Borgeas wants the Armenian diplomatic services through the Armenian honorary consul could not advance specific cul - years, have succeeded at dictating their government to appoint an honorary consul as a Consulate in Los Angeles. “With [the honorary tural affiliation or political and religious parti - personal interests at the expense of vio - link between the Central Valley’s large consul] we wouldn’t need to go to Los Angeles,” sanship. lating human rights and advocating Armenian-American community and the Middle Borgeas said. “That would be really neat to have It’s important to choose someone who would denial of genocide. This time around, Eastern country. here.” avoid serving special interests in the local Turkey’s geopolitics and economic Borgeas sent a letter Tuesday to Los Angeles- Fresno currently has one honorary consul, Armenian community, he said. threats has not been able to jeopardize based Armenian Consul General Grigor Ed Fanucchi, who was appointed by Italy, and The honorary consul request received full doing the right thing,” said Hovhannissian requesting that the Republic of one official consul, Reyna Torres Mendivil of support from Borgeas’ colleagues on the City Khatchadorian. Armenia appoint a Fresnan to the ceremonial Mexico. Council and Mayor Ashley Swearengin, along “We also call upon President Obama to position. “Given the rich history of our Armenian com - with Armenian community leaders. honor his pledge to support recognition The idea for an honorary consul, Borgeas of the Armenian Genocide. With more said, came up when he was spearheading the nations supporting legislation officially Fresno-Armenia Sister City exploratory com - recognizing the Armenian Genocide and mittee in 2009. Since then, the city of Fresno the courageous step taken by the French Scholarships Available for has increased relations with the Republic of government, it is about time that the Armenia and its US-based officials, he said. leader of the free world and the members Students of Armenian Descent Representatives from the Armenian of Congress fight for justice and represent Consulate in Los Angeles said the process of the United States as a shining example of appointing an honorary consul would need to democracy and good will,” added Having Completed One Year of College be instigated by Hovhannissian, who was Khatchadorian. by June 2012 unavailable for comment. Application and other information may be Bardakian Named Head Coach of Armenian obtained from Men’s National Basketball Team BASKETBALL, from page 6 for the opportunity the Basketball Federation Tibrevank Alumni, Inc. basketball team of EuroCup. Bardakian was a of Armenia has granted me. President Hrachya student manager at the University of Michigan Rostomyan and Vice President Souren Vahan Adjemian Scholarship Fund under Coach Steve Fisher for five years. During Zohrabyan have been tremendously supportive. P.O. Box 14 that period, Michigan appeared in the NCAA Together, we have entered new groundbreaking Final Four championship game in 1992 and territory. Our goal of uniting the best players Palisades Park, NJ 07650 1993. Bardakian was also an assistant coach at from Armenia and the diaspora to compete in Cleveland State University and Chaffey College. FIBA Europe is on the verge of becoming a real - Or His numerous coaching responsibilities includ - ity. There is no turning back.” ed recruiting, scouting, game preparation, play - Assistant Coach Zorik Isajani of Glendale er workouts and strength and condition. College and Assistant Coach Vardan www.vahanadjemianscholarship.org “A men’s national team will further the Khatchatrian of Hatis Yerevan and the Deadline for returning completed applications: growth of basketball in Armenia. This is a key Armenian women’s national team will serve as part of our long-term strategic goal of develop - assistant coaches. April 30, 2012 ing basketball throughout the country,” said Born in New York, Bardakian holds a bache - Souren Zohrabyan, vice president of the lor’s degree in communication (1993) and a Basketball Federation of Armenia. master’s degree in kinesiology (1994), both Bardakian stated “I am honored and grateful from the University of Michigan. 10 S ATURDAY , F EBRUARY 4, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS Kevork Atinizian Celebrates His 70th Birthday

BELMONT, Mass. — “Supporting my commu - childhood, he has also been dedicated to the nity to succeed is the main motivation of my Armenian Church, contributing his time, tal - life,” stated entrepreneur Kevork Atinizian, who ents and financial resources. celebrated his 70th birthday among family Kevork and Jacqueline Atinizian are active members and friends here on Sunday, January members and supporters of Holy Trinity 29. Armenian Church in Cambridge, having estab - Born and raised in Dikranagerd, Atinizian lished a Holy Trinity Trust Fund in their name. came to the United States in 1980 from They have also supported causes both locally, Istanbul, where he and his brother, Nishan, nationally and internationally, including the owned and operated a metal and enamel facto - Fund For Armenian Relief (FAR), the ry employing more than 200 people. Two years Patriarchate of Constantinople, Our Savior later, in 1982, the brothers purchased the Fresh Armenian Hospital of Istanbul, Habitat for Pond Mall Shopping Center in Cambridge and Humanity in Armenia, the Armenian Nursing delved into real estate. Since then, they have and Rehabilitation Center in Jamaica Plain, developed businesses in the United States and Armenian day schools in the Greater Boston Armenia. Among businesses in Armenia in area, the Armenian Mirror-Spectator and the which they are partners, is the Armenia United Nations’ Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and Marriott Hotel in Yerevan, which opened in many other organizations. They are also mem - 2004. bers of the Armenian Assembly of America. In 1988, Atinizian married Jacqueline In 1998, the late Catholicos of All Armenians, Kerimian. The Atinizians have three children: Karekin I, bestowed the highest order of the Nigoghos, Ari and Lori and three grandchil - Armenian Church, the St. Gregory the dren, Kevork, Antranik and Haig. Illuminator Medal and the Pontifical Encyclical, Atinizian is devoted to supporting Armenian upon the couple. education because he believes in perpetuating Atinizian visited Jerusalem in January 2000 the Armenian culture and language. Since and contributed funds to renovate the Grand

Kevork Atinizian surrounded by his family Prayers for the Health of Sacrist’s residence at the Armenian patriar - fore understanding the difficulties of those who chate. In November 2000, he was invited to be move to a new country, Kevork Atinizian and Patriarch Torkom Manoogian part of the entourage of Catholicos of All his wife have supported and assisted others Armenians Karekin II during the catholicos’ newly arrived from Armenia, the Middle East NEW YORK — Staff members and clergy gathered in St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral on visit to the Vatican to meet with the late Pope and other countries to the United States. Wednesday, January 25, for a brief service, to pray for the health and recovery of Archbishop John Paul II. “Providing financial assistance, housing and Torkom Manoogian, the Armenian The 106th Diocesan Assembly of the employment, or assisting them to find jobs is Patriarch of Jerusalem. Armenian Church of America gave Kevork my way of expressing my gratitude to this coun - Manoogian, the former Primate of the Atinizian and Nishan Atinizian in 2008 the try and giving back to my people,” said Eastern Diocese, was admitted on Armenian of the Year Award for their long-time Atinizian. January 19 to a hospital in Jerusalem, assistance to the Armenian Church and to many Last October, Atinizian in participated in the where he is resting comfortably but has Armenian organizations in the US, Turkey and official opening of the reconstructed St. been drifting in and out of conscious - Armenia. Giragos Armenian Church in Diyarbekir, ness. Having been an immigrant himself, and there - Turkey. Manoogian will turn 93 next month. In a quiet reflection at the service, Diocesan Primate Archbishop Khajag Barsamian spoke of the patriarch as a great spiritual leader of the Armenian Church, and a figure of enduring stature in the worldwide community of Christian churches. He said that the well-being of the Archbishop Khajag Barsamian offered prayers patriarch has a special importance to at St. Vartan Cathedral for the health of Armenians in America, where he is Jerusalem Patriarch Torkom Manoogian. respected and loved as the Primate who led the Eastern Diocese for 24 years. Many current members of the Diocesan staff worked with him during that time, and hold Manoogian especially close to their hearts. Barsamian led the noontime prayer service, alongside other participating clergy: Fr. Sooren Chinchian, Fr. Simeon Odabashian, Fr. Mardiros Chevian and Fr. Tateos Abdalian. Diocesan staff members and several friends of the Diocese from the surrounding neigh - borhood in midtown Manhattan offered prayers for the patriarch. Manoogian was originally admitted to Jerusalem’s Hadassah Medical Center two weeks ago, but was released after two days. He became critically ill and was re-admitted on January 19 and has been under observation by the medical staff for pneumonia. Members of the Jerusalem brotherhood, as well as family members, have been by the patriarch’s side throughout his hospitalization. Barsamian is asking all pastors and parishioners to keep Manoogian in their thoughts and to pray for his health and recovery.

Joe Zeronian to Lead the Armenian Missionary Association of America PARAMUS, N.J. — In accordance with its poli - Sunday, October 16, during the AMAA Annual cies and procedures, the Armenian Missionary Meeting Worship Service, which was held at the Association of America (AMAA) has elected its United Armenian Congregational Church of new Board members, president and officers. Los Angeles. On October 15, 2011, at the Annual Meeting On December 3, the Board of Directors elect - of the association, held in Los Angeles, Calif., ed its officers and approved the Executive the names of the following nine individuals Committee as follows: Joseph Zeronian, EdD, were announced, who were elected by the gen - president; Nazareth Darakjian, MD and Peter eral membership to serve on the Board of Kougasian, Esq., vice presidents; Thomas Directors as the Class of 2014: Bryan Momjian Esq., and Arsine Phillips, Esq., secre - Bedrosian, Anita Buchakjian, Nazareth taries; Nurhan Helvacian, PhD, treasurer; Anita Darakjian, MD, Robert Hekemian Sr., Louis Buchakjian, assistant treasurer; Berjouhy Kurkjian, Kenneth Kevorkian, Lori Gulesserian, advisor; Levon Filian, executive Muncherian, Harold Nahigian and Arsine director; Albert Momjian, Esq., solicitor, and Bedrosian Phillips, Esq. Joyce Stein, representative of the Stephen The new Board members were installed on Philibosian Foundation. S ATURDAY , F EBRUARY 4, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 11 Ne w York M E T R O 500 Years of Armenian Printing Celebrated

NEW YORK — On Tuesday, January 24, a in Turkish but with Armenian orthography. special presentation honoring the 500th He noted that of the 250 Armenian newspa - anniversary of Armenian printing was held at pers once active in Turkey, only five survive the Diocesan Center in New York City. today. Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Diocesan Krikor Markarian, an antiques collector, Primate, presided. exhibited five books printed in Armenia and The program opened with remarks by Arto Cilicia. Khrimian, who introduced the master of cer - Barsamian, a classmate of Miltanoghlun at emonies Hagop Vartivarian, chair of the Istanbul’s Sourp Khach Tibrevank, spoke Tekeyan Cultural Association of New York about the Armenian literary heritage and the and New Jersey. role of the Armenian press in unifying the Vartivarian gave an overview of the history Armenian people across the diaspora. of Armenian printing, which dates to 1512 “Through events like this we honor our cul - when Hakob Meghapart printed the first ture and heritage,” Barsamian said. “It is our Armenian book in Venice. Vartivarian went responsibility to pass on our rich heritage to on to discuss how printing came to Istanbul new generations so that it can flourish for in 1567, and later to Armenia, India and centuries to come.” other parts of the diaspora. The Primate also expressed his apprecia - The evening’s guest speaker was Zakaria tion to all the organization involved in Miltanoghlun, a columnist for Istanbul’s Agos Tuesday’s event, and to Miltanoghlun for his newspaper. An architect by training, presentation. Miltanoghlun has spent years studying the A reception followed the presentations. history of the Armenian press and is com - The evening was hosted in collaboration

Archbishop Khajag Barsamian

Tekeyan Cultural Association of New York and New Jersey Chair Hagop Vartivarian

pleting a book on the subject. with the following organizations: the Eastern Miltanoghlun focused his remarks on the Diocese’s Krikor and Clara Zohrab Armenian printing press in the Ottoman Information Center; the Armenian-American Empire. He highlighted Ottoman Armenian Support and Educational Center; the publications in the fields of literature, politics, Constantinople Armenian Relief Society Inc.; medicine, education and journalism, among Esayan Getronagan Alumni, Inc.; the others. Miltanoghlun also pointed out the Gomidas Choir of the Diocese; Hamazkayin of accomplishments of Armenian publishers New York; Tekeyan Cultural Association of From left, special guest Zakaria Miltanoghlun of newspaper, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian Agos who issued publications printed in Turkish, New York and New Jersey and Tibrevank and Tekeyan Cultural Association of New York and New Jersey Chair Hagop Vartivarian as well as newspapers and pamphlets printed Alumni, Inc.

wanted to create a program to equip talented Fidelity as partners, the first internships began The Power of and motivated youth with support, training and in January 2002. Later that year, our program job opportunities. I remain close to this day received its first big grant, $1 million, and in with David, who now has a career in animation. May 2005, we expanded to Providence, RI. The I decided to get an MBA, and in my applica - next year, we opened an office in the Mentoring tion to Harvard Business School, I outlined my Washington area, then in New York and, over vision for a youth program. That same year, I time, seven more cities. met my future wife, Kate, who is English, at a Despite our expansion, we have had our ups By Gerald Chertavian party. and downs. When the financial crisis hit, Wall We married in October 1992, after I graduat - Street firms were among our largest clients, so ed, and we moved to London. My first job was we had to scramble to help our interns find new NEW YORK (New York Times) — I was born with an affinity credit card company. Then, a jobs. in Lowell, Mass., where my father, a child of year later, I was a co-founder of a technology And sometimes our students “fire them - Armenian immigrants, was a dentist. He went to and software company, Conduit selves.” They sign a contract with us and expect dental school on the G.I. Bill and later met my Communications. In 1999, we sold the compa - consequences if they don’t fulfill their end of mother when she was working as a dental ny and the next year, we moved to the United the deal. We help them work on their confi - hygienist. States with our two children — a third was born dence, voice and identity, but we are not in the Starting at around age 13, I had a series of in 2003 — so I could pursue my idea of helping business of accepting excuses. They are capable weekend and summer jobs — everything from low-income, at-risk youth. of owning their futures. We provide them a year scooping ice cream, making doughnuts and In 2000, we started Year Up in Boston. It’s to move up in their lives, and so far, about 5,000 pumping gas to working at the local golf been a family project. Kate, who has returned to have taken advantage of it. course, where I had to line up carts for the play - her profession as an art dealer, volunteered in For me, this is a matter of social justice. I ers by 5 a.m. Gerald Chertavian the office in the early years and she continues believe that young adults deserve opportunity One of my high school teachers recruited my to mentor students. Many nights, we have — and that the country needs to better utilize older brother, then me, to attend his alma young adults around our dinner table. its human capital. This has been my dream for mater, Bowdoin College, in Maine. I volun - Brother, and was matched with David Heredia, By July 2001, we had enrolled 22 young peo - decades, and I feel lucky to be able to help it teered for the Big Brothers Big Sisters program a 10-year-old Dominican who lived with his ple for our yearlong program, which includes come true. and was matched with a local student. The expe - mother and brothers on the Lower East Side. six months of training and six months in an (Gerald Chertavian is the chief executive of rience opened my eyes to the joys of mentoring. I spent every Saturday with David, who had a internship. Our students, who are from 18 to 24 Year Up, a training program for young adults. After I graduated with an economics degree gift for drawing, and I saw how hard it was for years old, learn middle-skill jobs like desktop This first-person account, as told to Elizabeth in 1987, I moved to New York as a trainee at him to realize his dreams without outside sup - and help-desk support. Olson, appeared in the New York Times on Chemical Bank. I signed up again as a Big port. That experience planted the idea that I With companies like Bain & Company and January 21.). 12 S ATURDAY , F EBRUARY 4, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR

Fresno Businessman’s Widow Told to Pay $114.5m in Ponzi Scheme

es they have suffered,” he said. a year plus bonuses as chief financial officer, he that, Jabagchourian predicted then that any By Pablo Lopez But Kathleen Otto’s attorney, Marc Miles, said. payout to victims would be “pennies on the said Tuesday that he plans to appeal Black’s rul - On August 5, a jury found Ramirez and dollar.” ing, partly because the jury in August found she Fernandez had aided and abetted the fraud and But Jabagchourian also appealed to the trial FRESNO (Fresno Bee) — The widow of a had done nothing wrong. found them liable for $47.22 million in dam - judge, arguing that as a key shareholder of her Fresno businessman who committed suicide The victims also are legally barred from col - ages, Jabagchourian said. husband’s three companies, Kathleen Otto was after authorities began investigating his alleged lecting any judgment because they did not file But the jury found Kathleen Otto not liable liable for damages. Ponzi scheme must pay $114.5 million in dam - a claim in Probate Court within a year of John for damages because her actions didn’t cause Black agreed in a written ruling issued last ages to hundreds of victims throughout Otto’s death in May 2009, Miles said. financial harm to the victims. Because of week but not made public until this week. California, a judge has ruled. John Otto founded HL Leasing at Shaw and Fresno County Superior Court Judge Donald Valentine avenues in northwest Fresno in 2001. S. Black reasoned that since Kathleen Otto ben - Jabagchourian said that Otto and his employees efited from her dead husband’s fraud, “she for years had been fraudulently enticing stood in the shoes of John Otto for the purpose investors to loan HL Leasing money by telling St. James Armenian Church Men’s Club of the lawsuit,” said Ara Jabagchourian, one of them that he was buying American Express WATERTOWN — On Monday, February 6, Dr. the attorneys who represented an estimated lease agreements at a discount. In return, the Setrag Khoshafian, vice president of BPM 800 California victims, including 250 to 350 in investors would get monthly profits on their Technology, Pegasystems Inc., will be the speak - Fresno. loans, Jabagchourian said. er at the dinner meeting of the St. James Before Black’s ruling, Jabagchourian said, But there were no legitimate lease agree - Armenian Church Men’s Club. The topic will be there was little chance for the victims to recov - ments between HL Leasing and American “2012: The Year of Doing More with Less.” er their losses, even though a jury last summer Express, and therefore no collateral protection, For the past 25 years, Khoshafian invented, found two of John Otto’s senior officers liable he said. marketed, designed and led the development of for $47.22 million in damages. The two men The HL Leasing office closed and the alleged several BPM products, solutions, as well as said then they had little or no money left. Ponzi scheme ended when Otto, 67, shot him - advanced DBMS projects. Areas of expertise With Black’s ruling, the victims now have self in the head on May 11, 2009, near his Palm span BPM, case management and decision man - high hopes of seizing 70-year-old Kathleen Desert home. agement. Previously at Savvion, as senior tech - Otto’s assets, which include a collection of During the trial, Black ruled that John Otto’s nologist, he invented and led the implementa - expensive cars, a corporate jet, more than $1.2 HL Leasing Inc., Heritage Pacific Leasing and tion of the world’s first Web Centric BPM prod - million in jewelry, a $2-million home in Palm Air Fred LLC defrauded the victims. uct. He is the presenter, writer and lead author Desert and a membership to an exclusive coun - In the trial, Jabagchourian contended that of 10 books. His latest book is titled, BPM: The try club, Jabagchourian said. Dan Ramirez, president of HL Leasing Inc., Next Wave for Business Applications . He is “This Ponzi scheme has destroyed the lives of Andy Fernandez, the company’s chief finan - also the author of Service Oriented many individuals in California including hun - cial officer, and Kathleen Otto knew about Enterprises. dreds in Fresno, many of whom lost their entire the scheme and also committed fraud, but Khoshafian holds a PhD a computer science life savings,” Jabagchourian said. kept it quiet to finance their lavish lifestyles. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He “The victims can rest assured that justice has Ramirez, for example, made nearly $5 million also holds an MSin mathematics from the Dr. Setrag Khoshafian been done and they can begin the process of between 2004 and 2008, Jabagchourian told American University of Beirut. being made as whole as possible from the loss - the jury. Fernandez made as much as $126,000 His blog can be found at http://www.pega.com/community/pega- p.m. followed by a complete Armenian dinner at blog/33684. He is a BPM professor. For more 7 p.m. Tickets are $12 per person. The dinner information, visit meeting will be at St. James Armenian Church, Carnegie Corporation Awards $5 Million Grant http://www.pega.com/products/bpm/bpm- Charles Mosesian Cultural & Youth Center, professor. His Twitter account is @setrag. Keljik Hall 465 Mt. Auburn St. Ladies are wel - To New York City’s Public Library Systems The social hour starts with mezza at 6:15 come.

NEW YORK — Vartan Gregorian, president of and learning to change the world.” Carnegie Corporation of New York, this week Further, said Gregorian, “It is essential that announced a grant of $5 million to the three New York City strive for excellence in its pub - New York City public library systems: the New lic education and in its library systems. The Armenian York Public Library, Queens Library and Democracy and excellence are not mutually Brooklyn Public Library. The grant will exclusive; public institutions like our libraries enhance the libraries’ ability to serve the public can have both high visibility and high stan - in general and the city’s 1.1 million public dards. The library’s cause is and must be school children in particular. everybody’s cause.” The grant will help to enrich and expand the “This grant is yet another dramatic step to library systems’ resources for all New Yorkers, keep alive the legacy of Andrew Carnegie and Mirror -Spe ctator including hundreds of thousands of immigrants one of his greatest gifts, as well as the leader - to the city, who depend on the library for free ship legacy of Carnegie’s current president, access to information and knowledge. It will Vartan Gregorian,” said NYPL President also strengthen the long-standing collaboration Anthony Marx. “This critical funding brings all between New York City’s public libraries and its of New York together behind a great goal — to E-SUBSCRIPTION public schools. The more than 200 branch ensure and project learning in our communi - libraries throughout the city’s five boroughs ties, a fundamental purpose of the library is as provide invaluable learning resources — not to a bedrock of democracy.” mention access to computers and other tech - Commenting on the Corporation’s grant, AVAILABLE nology — that offer educational opportunities to Thomas W. Galante, president and CEO, a diverse and ever-growing student population Queens Library said, “Queens Library is an beyond what may be available to them in the anchor of lifelong learning for children and The Armenian Mirror-Spectator will be available every classroom. adults, supporting schools and education in Thursday, in COLOR and PDF format to all who subscribe “Our city’s libraries are vital to learning and and out of the classroom. Future generations literacy, and they serve as anchors of our com - will be grateful for the Carnegie Corporation’s specifically to this electronic delivery. munities,” said Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg. vision and support, as they have been since “This generous gift is an investment in New Andrew Carnegie created the Queens Library The annual rate is $50. York City’s intellectual capital, and it will allow more than a century ago.” our libraries to further their important work Linda E. Johnson, president and CEO of To subscribe to this service, please fill out the following and continue serving as an invaluable resource Brooklyn Public Library, said, “Carnegie is syn - for all New Yorkers.” onymous with public libraries; the gift and mail it along with your check of $50 made out to the: Today’s grant brings to approximately $15 announced today will enable Brooklyn Public million the amount of funding provided by Library to enhance its educational and literacy Armenian Mirror-Spectator, Carnegie Corporation to the city’s public programs to help all New Yorkers unlock the library systems over the past 14 years. mystery and wonders of the worlds around 755 Mt. Auburn Street, Commenting on the special grant made them. It will help them build a foundation to Watertown, MA 02472 during the Corporation’s Centennial year, succeed in school and in their careers and to Vartan Gregorian, who led the New York contribute to society as citizens and leaders in Public Library from 1981-1989, said, “New every conceivable way.” H Yes, Please e-mail me the Armenian Mirror-Spectator York City is truly the crossroads of the world. Carnegie Corporation of New York is a phil - At this intersection of education, experience anthropic foundation created by Andrew every Thursday. and learning stands the city’s great libraries, Carnegie in 1911 to do “real and permanent which provide equal and free access to knowl - good in this world.” My E-mail address is ______edge for all. There is no greater expression of The New York Public Library was created in democracy than a library and no stronger sig - 1895 with the consolidation of the private Name and Last name ______nifier of the potential of our nation to suc - libraries of John Jacob Astor and James Lenox ceed in today’s challenging times. Carnegie with the Samuel Jones Tilden Trust. The Corporation is proud to support New York Library provides free and open access to its You can also e-mail your request to [email protected] for faster service City’s libraries, which embody Andrew physical and electronic collections and informa - Carnegie’s deep belief in the power of books tion, as well as to its services. S ATURDAY , F EBRUARY 4, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 13 Arts & Living

A Man Sixth Annual Hudson Jazz Called Workshop NEW YORK — Hudson Jazzworks (HJW), Inc. presents the sixth Annual Hudson Jazz Workshop Thursday to Sunday, August 9-12, and “Meet the Hrayr: Artists” Symposium and Concert at the Hudson Opera House on Sunday, August 12 at 3 p.m. The workshop is The Artist behind limited to 10 participants. They offer a weekend immersion in jazz improvisa - tion and composition in a supportive The Camera atmosphere conducive to intensive study and mutual encouragement. The special guest artist/clinician this By Betty Apigian-Kessel year is the renowned vibraphonist Joe “King and Queen Ashtarimus,” acrylic and mixed media on canvas Locke. Past guests have included saxo - phonist David Liebman, pianist Jim DETROIT — His name is Hrayr (Peter) McNeely and guitarist Vic Juris. Toukhanian, and he is the producer, director The guest clinic, symposium and con - and editor of Muse Pictures, Inc., producers of cert are all open to the public. film, digital video, HD video and DVD’s. To A Pastiche of Styles in This year HJW has two new academic locals he is the man behind the camera taping partnerships with the Manhattan any number of events taking place in the School of Music and the Conservatory Armenian community. of Amsterdam, as well as their continu - You may know Toukhanian as the person Heritage, Human Rights ing partner, The Rhythmic Music responsible for the making of “Assignment Conservatory (Denmark). Each school Berlin,” an historical courtroom drama taking BEIRUT (Daily Star) — Arthur K. is a contemporary Lebanese-Armenian self- will send one musician to HJW on schol - place in Berlin in 1921, when Soghomon made painter. Born in 1945, he is a doctor by profession, as well as a poet and an arship. In addition, there is the new Tehlirian, part of “Operation Nemesis,” located essayist. In addition to working in multiple fields, in the last 20 years of his artistic Borgani-HJW Scholarship, courtesy of a the whereabouts of Talaat Pasha, one of the career Arthur K. has gone by many names: Arthur, Nicolian, Nakoul and more new sponsor, Borgani Saxophones architects of the Armenian Genocide and recently Arthur K., which stands for Harout Kapriel Nicolian. In his latest exhibition (Italy), to a talented saxophonist. gunned him down in the streets of Berlin in at the Hamazkayin Gallery, “Heritage and Human Rights,” the artist employs Another priority is to strengthen the retaliation. Tehlirian was tried by an all-German acrylic and print on canvas to form a series of collages that the introductory mate - HJW Scholarship Fund. For the second jury and declared “not guilty.” Toukhanian’s rial states “express the artist’s position and struggle against the greed and difficul - consecutive year, Hudson Jazzworks, late wife, Sona, was the film’s scriptwriter. ties that produce human injustice and give commentary to his political views.” Each Inc. has been awarded a 2012 grant “Assignment Berlin” was one of 20 films canvas has the words “human rights” embossed across it, and each carries a dif - from the Decentralization Program of showcased at the Florence Film Festival. In ferent assemblage of script, old photos, newspaper and magazine cutouts. the New York State Council on the 1982, then-Michigan Gov. William Milliken “I employ [the] letterism of the Armenian alphabet to express my message,” Arts, administered in Columbia County issued an executive declaration recognizing Arthur K. says. “Due to the Armenian massacre there is something of human rights by the Columbia County Council on the in our alphabet, [that is] if there are human rights.” Arts through the Twin Cities Cultural The dominant colors are black, red, blue and gold. Classical images stand juxta - Fund. They also enjoy the support of posed with modern icons of famous and familiar faces such as such as Leonardo da The Bank of Greene County Charitable Vinci, Giorgio de Chirico, Lucien Freud, Sergei Paradjanov and Bertolt Brecht. Foundation, Ton Kooiman Woodwind Violent and romantic images harmonize into an ascetically pleasing bricolage, Ergonomics and corporate and private whose intertextuality is obscure. This disturbs the observer trying to weave the dis - sponsors. parate parts into a cohesive narrative that seems hauntingly absent. Jazz is “America’s National Treasure” One canvas has the late Italian tenor Luciano Pavarotti placed centrally, arms (as declared by US Congress) and a outstretched. “Pavarotti is a pillar of human rights because he is happy,” he locally-underserved art form in the explained with a total sincerity that rendered all irony and sarcasm obsolete. Hudson Valley region. Through their Intermingled with and interrupting these series of collages are a couple of can - work, they hope to raise jazz awareness vases titled “Golden Houses,” painted with mixed media on canvas, as well as a num - in each neighborhood and, as the mes - ber of naive paintings of Phoenician icons. sage reverberates, throughout the “Golden Houses” depict old, red roofed Lebanese houses, checkered with brown world. deterioration and golden wisps that rise like smoke or thin branches into blossom - Hudson Jazzworks, Inc. is a 501(c)3 ing flames of golds, reds and blues. The windows are black and hollowed and the not-for-profit organization. houses stand crowded together. “The houses are about memory. This exhibition is On the board of Hudson Jazzworks, about lost heritage too.” Inc. are Armen Donelian, Marc A painting titled “King and Queen Ashtarimus” depicts simplistic icons of a male Mommaas and Rose Caldwell. and female, and the use of acrylic and mixed media on canvas gives it an appear - For more information, visit ance of being on painted wood. Their naive faces emerge from a tapestry of colored http://www.hudsonjazzworks.org. squares and swirls. Soft blues are scarred by red paint that drips from mouth and skull. Arthur K. has exhibited his works internationally through Noah’s Ark Art Gallery Hrayr (Peter) Toukhanian in Beirut, New York, Sao Paulo, Las Vegas and Los Angeles and recently in the 12th International Art Exhibition in Beijing, China. Toukhanian for the film and in honor of his sta - He says his greatest influence is the philosophy of the author Zekharia Sitchin, tus as Goodwill Emissary of the Michigan Film who wrote about the birth of civilization in the areas where the people of Sumer, and Television Services Council. Mari, Urartu and Phoenicia lived, and about a missing 12th planet in the sky. “We were lucky to have the full cooperation Sitchin was an Azerbaijani-born American author (1920-2010), whose books pro - from the Office of Michigan State Film pose an explanation for human origins involving ancient astronauts. Commission and the City of Detroit,” Sitchin attributes the creation of ancient Sumerian culture to the Anunnaki, Toukhanian says. “All the production steps were which he postulates was a race of extraterrestrials from a planet beyond Neptune accomplished right here in the City of Detroit, called Nibiru. He believed this hypothetical planet of Nibiru to be in an elongated, including replicating the City of Berlin.” elliptical orbit in the Earth’s own solar system, asserting that Sumerian mythology The Beirut-born filmmaker got the cinema reflects this view. bug by observing his photographer father in Arthur K.’s early works depict rocket-like structures with the concept of the studio; as a teenager he always dreamed of Mesopotamian, Phoenician and Egyptian figurines. “If you look at Baalbek, the someday making movies. He graduated from Pyramids and other ancient temples you can see how much more evolved they were. the College Armenian N. Palandjian and later Even ... in England today you don’t know how Stonehenge was built.” attended Syracuse University. He has been in A dark image of Picasso with black hollow eyes stares out from one canvas. Detroit since 1960, labeling his hometown as Beneath it the word “Dolly” is inscribed across an image of a semi-naked Indian “probably the most friendly and warm.” man at work. The artist has embossed the word “pollution” into Picasso’s brain “to Armen Donelian He got an early start photographing the see HERITAGE, page 15 famous in the Middle East. He is seen with the see HRAYR, page 15 14 S ATURDAY , F EBRUARY 4, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARTS & LIVING Atom Egoyan Returns to Theater with ‘Cruel and Tender’

(BRUCE ZINGER/CANADIAN STAGE) TORONTO (CBC News) — For his latest and recalled that Toronto’s strong theatre project, the stars aligned for Atom Egoyan, scene of the late 1970s and early 1980s was who is directing a new production of one of the key things that drew him to the Martin Crimp’ s drama, “Cruel and Tender” city. Though best known as the Oscar-nom - in Toronto. inated filmmaker behind “Exotica,” “The Thanks to a generous pocket of time Sweet Hereafter,” “Ararat” and “Chloe,” he between films, the Toronto director got the has occasionally found time to dabble in chance to mount the “brilliant” British play - other forms, from the TV movie “Gross wright’s work for the Canadian Stage Misconduct” to a production of Samuel Company. It gave him the opportunity to Beckett’s “Eh Joe” to the opera “Salome” return to his theatre roots and, though he (which he will revive with the Canadian has previously collaborated with his wife — Opera Company next season). actress Arsinée Khanjian — on film, it is the The time preparing “Cruel and Tender” first time the couple has teamed up on a has provided a welcome reminder of the stage production. communal nature of theatre — a stark dif - “This is a perfect play. When I read it, I ference from the disjointed, sometimes just thought ‘This is something we can do lonely nature of directing films, he said. together and this is an incredible opportu - “What you’ re seeing on the stage is that Atom Egoyan, left, in rehearsal for Cruel and Tender with Arsinée Khanjian and Jeff Lillico nity,’”Egoyan said. incredible alchemy that exists between the “Cruel and Tender,” a taut family drama performer and the audience. I’m there to set against war and genocide — is “a really facilitate it,” he said. amazing reinvention” of the Greek tragedy “It is provocative. It’s really engaging. It’s thing that has a much broader internation - “Honestly, it’ s not as fun, it’ s just not as The Women of Trachis by Sophocles, he emotional. It’s dealing with family dynam - al perspective.” pleasurable to shoot a film as it is to create said. ics, but it’s also setting that against some - Egoyan started his career as a playwright a play.” Review: Tigran Hamasyan Has Something Urgent to Say

ness where the piano rings like a bell. might have doubted (as some of the disgruntled By Ivan Hewett This evocation of a distance from something jazz fans here clearly did). In his efforts to catch longed-for is sharpened by his subtle harmonic something wild he sometimes pushes those cir - sense, which often gestures towards Chopin’s cling folkish patterns too far, and the awkward LONDON — Being a virtuoso art, jazz pro - mazurka-melancholy and Bartok’s folk arrange - join between the two halves of his musical per - duces prodigies just as miraculous as those in ments. He loves to suck the marrow from a par - sona sometimes shows. classical music. The Armenian pianist Tigran ticular interval, placing it in different contexts But the occasional discomforts are a price Hamasyan is one of them. At the age of 3, he to reveal its many implications. The sense of fix - well worth paying. There are many brilliant and was picking out his father’s favorite rock songs ity this brings is hard to escape. perfectly finished young jazz pianists around, at the piano and at 9 had moved on to his Hamasyan was some minutes into My Prince but Hamasyan stands out because he has some - uncle’s passion for Miles Davis and Duke Will Come before he found a jazz-like flexibili - thing important and urgent to say. Ellington. By the age of 19, he had moved with ty. “ A Fable” is out now on Verve. He appears his family to California, won the Thelonious At moments like this it becomes clear that at St. George’s, Bristol, on March 1. Monk competition and inspired awe in senior Hamasyan does have a real jazz sensibility after (This review appeared in the January 30 pianists such as Chick Corea. all, something, which until that point, you issue of The Telegraph .) As is often the way, this musical emigre has found that distance lends an unexpected enchantment to his native roots. You could feel them pulling right from the start of this gig, which drew on material from his recent album, “A Fable.” Hamasyan has become fascinated by the folk music of Armenia, which in his hands sounds more Balkan than Near Eastern, turn - ing round and round a plangent modal note Tigran Hamasyan with folk-like obsessiveness. Hamasyan is a slight, narrow-shouldered, darkly intense figure, who often sings as he instruments. Then he remembers he is actually bends low over the keyboard. Much of the time playing the piano and the hands shoot away he focuses on the mid-range of the piano, as if into Bud-Powell like flares of virtuosity or unconsciously echoing the limitations of folk freeze on sudden moments of luminous still -

Photographer Hrair ‘Hawk’ Khatcherian to Speak at ALMA WATERTOWN, Mass. — On Sunday, February 12, at 2 p.m., Canadian-Armenian photographer Hrair “Hawk” Khatcherian will give an illustrat - ed presentation at the Armenian Library and Museum of America (ALMA) on his latest book, Yergir 2 Yergir (2011), a journey through Western Armenia, today considered part of Turkey. A globetrotter and a pilgrim, Khatcherian dedicated himself to photograph - ing the Armenian heritage after surviving lung cancer in 1993. He has been to 44 countries in the last 17 years, documenting Armenian churches around the world. A renowned photographer, he has published several books of photography, includ - ing Artsakh: a Photographic Journey (1997), Karabagh: 100 Photos (2002), Yergir: Pilgrimage Through Western Armenia 1997-2002 (2004) and Armenian Ornamental Art (2010, in collaboration with Armen Kyurkchyan). All attendants are invited to the closing recep - tion of Martin Barooshian’s paintings exhibit that will take place after Khatcherian’s talk. Admission to the lecture, which will take place at the third floor gallery, is free and open to the public. A reception will follow. For directions and more information about Photographer Hrair “Hawk” Khatcherian the program and current exhibits on display, visit www.almainc.org. S ATURDAY , F EBRUARY 4, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 15 ARTS & LIVING Tekeyan Sponsors Michigan Premiere Screening of ‘Gariné’

was filmed and completed with English sub - By Lucy Ardash titles. Papasian, already well-known to Michigan theater goers, was on hand to outline the new BLOOMFIELD, Mich. — Wonderful music, story line. Also present was Dr. David DiChiera, comedy and satire delighted the audience at general director of the Michigan Opera Theatre, Michigan’s premiere screening of Dikran with whom Papasian collaborated during the Tchouhadjian’s “Gariné” opera buffo at the North American premiere of “Anoush” opera in capacity-filled auditorium of the Bloomfield 1981 and again in 2001. Township Library on January 24. Sponsored Following the film, a gala afterglow reception by the Tekeyan Cultural Association, the at Hogan’s Restaurant enabled guests to toast highly-anticipated event was received with Papasian on his accomplishments. Karen enthusiasm. Originally called “Leblebiji Hor DiChiera, director of community programs of Hor Agha,” the opera was created in 1875 in the Michigan Opera Theatre, congratulated Turkish and later translated into Armenian Papasian on the modern version of the opera and finally into Greek, French, Russian and because of its international flavor and universal German. The new adaptation was the massive appeal. Papasian was visibly moved by the acco - From left, Pam Coultis, Karen DiChiera, Gerald Papasian and Gayene Khachadourian at the after - undertaking of artistic director and actor, lades accorded him and spoke briefly of the dif - glow Gerald Papasian, who rewrote the entire ficulties encountered since Tchouhadjian’s orig - libretto in Western Armenian and translated inal score had been lost. He recently discovered it into French and English for modern audi - orchestrated scores in Paris, which he pieced ences. The stage production of “Gariné” pre - together and after researching various versions miered in Paris last year to great critical of the opera, Papasian was able to make revi - acclaim, the final dress rehearsal of which sions for a new script. A Man Called Hrayr: The Artist Behind the Camera

HRAYR, from page 13 He expresses a great deal of respect for his early president of Lebanon, Camille Chamoun, Beirut teachers Levon Shant, the first principal discussing the president’s new Bell and Howell of the Jemaran; Moushegh Ishkhan, the great camera. He is being congratulated by Prime writer; Simon Vratzian and his English teacher Minister Sami Solh for his documentary on Antoine Keheyan. Lebanon. Another photo shows Toukhanian at For more information about Toukhanian, the first meeting of King Saud of Saudi Arabia visit www.vasbouragan.com. He is the webmas - and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan’s King ter. Or e-mail him at [email protected]. Hussein. He has traveled the world extensively, It will be well worth your time. “In the diaspo - camera in hand. ra, we Armenians have to work very hard to The American Cinematographer magazine keep our nationality and culture,” he told me. called him a “highly original filmmaker.” Vue “The only way an Armenian can remain as such Magazine called him a “maestro.” Detroiters is in his own country, Armenia.” call him indispensable. A proud Vanetzi , Toukhanian has served as the compatriotic association’s national presi - dent and currently serves on its executive board as corresponding secretary. A Pastiche of Styles in He has over 1,000 productions to his credit and 34 awards, including the coveted Gold Heritage, Human Rights Medal award of New York International Film HERITAGE, from page 13 Festival for his “Heart of a Nation” documen - show that the consciousnesses of geniuses are tary. deformed today.” His Muse Pictures produces industrial train - “Human Rights and Heritage” is an interest - ing, promotional, marketing, advertising, public ing commentary on the devolution of our relations, educational and documentary films. species from ancient times to the present. The Toukhanian has been a member of the artist’s work is a pastiche of styles from three Adcraft Club of Detroit — a marketing and different epochs: naive icons, expressionism and advertising club, the oldest in the nation — for postmodernist bricolage. The bricolage col - Gerald Papasian explains how he discovered the Tcoudhadjian work. over 30 years and is currently their official lages, by their very nature, present a blank par - videographer. ody of their own self-reflexivity and textual ref - erences and render the political message of human rights null and void. Rather than undermine the artist’s political views, however, this serves to emphasize his view of our current degradation, juxtaposed Sponsor a Teacher in Armenia and Karabagh 2012 with the more idealized epochs of our lost her - itage. “Heritage and Human Rights” is at the Since its inception in 2001, TCA’s ‘Sponsor Hamazkayin Gallery in Bourj Hammoud’s Shaghzoyan Genter until February. 6. a Teacher’ program has raised over $477,750 and reached out to 3,700 teachers and school workers in Armenia and Karabagh.

£

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

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

Your donation is Tax Deductible. 16 S ATURDAY , F EBRUARY 4, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARTS & LIVING In Focus: Jim Kazanjian

LOS ANGELES (Archinect) — In Focus is JK: My technique could be considered Archinect ’s series of features dedicated to “hyper-collage.” I cobble together pieces from profiling the photographers who help make photographs found online and feed them into the work of architects look that much better. Photoshop. Through a palimpsest-like layer - What has attracted them to architecture? ing process of adding and subtracting, I even - How do they work? What type of equipment tually merge these various parts together. I do they use? What do they think about see - am basically manipulating and assembling a disparate array of multiple pho - tographs to produce a single homoge - nized image. Right now, I am using around 50 photos to create one of my pieces. In the past, I have done commercial work (as a CGI artist) on projects for Nike, Adidas, Hewlett-Packard, NASA, HBO, NBC, CBS and Intel. My current body of images, which you see here, is strictly “non-client.” Archinect: Do you untitled (low tide), 2009 (c) Jim Kazanjian mostly work in a spe - cific region? What is your travel schedule JK: My focus is on the space inside the photograph. It is all about the ambiance and untitled, (c) Jim Kazanjian like? JK: Everything is getting it to resonate. I think once you intro - done in the comput - duce people, they have the potential to ing their work in blogs? er. I never have to become “characters.” The ambiance then In this feature, Portland-based photo artist leave the studio. becomes secondary, as it gives way to the Jim Kazanjian is interviewed. Archinect: What is your goal when captur - characters’ narrative. Archinect: What is your relationship with ing buildings in photographs? Archinect: What are your favorite pieces of architecture? What drew you to architecture, JK: With my work, I am using architecture equipment? as a photographer? as a phenomenological device to reinforce JK: Photoshop. It is the best. I give Adobe Jim Kazanjian: I would have to say my and distort the viewer’s perception of time credit for not screwing it up after all these relationship with it borders on obsession. I and space. This results in a visual tension years. am fascinated with architecture’s inherent which I feel is key to creating a successful Archinect: Do you work alone? properties that allow it to generate narrative image. JK: Always. constructs, specifically within the medium of Archinect: What are your thoughts about Archinect: How do you feel about seeing photography. including people in your photos? Is it impor - your photographs on blogs and websites? Archinect: Describe how you work. Who tant to photograph a building in use, or by JK: I think it’s great. Most people will actu - are your clients? itself? ally credit my work and even link back to my CC AA LLEENNDDAARR

Jim Kazanjian

site. The majority of my print sales are the MASSACHUSETTS result of someone finding the work on a blog and tracing it back to my gallery. MARCH 31 — AGBU New England District Presents: Per forming Artists in Concert, 8 p.m. Under the artistic direction of mezzo- Jim Kazanjian received his MFA from the soprano Solange Merdinian and conductor Aram Demirjian, the inau - Art Center College of Design in 1992. His gural program will feature young Armenian artists who are recipients BFA was completed at the Kansas City Art of scholarships from AGBU in the performing arts. They will perform Institute in 1990. He has worked profes - the works of both Armenian and non-Armenian classical composers. sionally as a commercial CGI artist for the Details to follow. past 18 years in television and game pro - duction. He currently lives in Portland, Ore. NEW JERSEY FEBRUARY 11 — St. Leon Armenian School Valentine Dinner Dance at St. Leon Abajian Hall at 7 p.m. Entertainment by DJ Shant. BYOB. Reservations a must by February 4: Barbara Hovsepian (973) 839-1417. Tickets, $35 per person; $15, for children 16 and under. Table of 10, $300. MARCH 8 — Hovnanian School Open houses The doors of your child’s future are open, come see for yourself from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. On February 11, St. Leon Armenian School will at Hovnanian School, 817 River Road, New Milford. For information: have their Valentine Dinner Dance at Abajian Hall (201) 967-5940. at 7 p.m., at the church, pictured here, in Fair Lawn, MARCH 31 — CARS presents Armenian singer Sibil from Istanbul NJ. Entertainment will be provided by DJ Shant. at 7 p.m. Special guest performance by Shushi Armenian Dance Reservations must be made by February 4. For Ensemble. Bergen County Academics, 200 Hackensack Ave., reservations, contact Barbara Hovsepian (973) Hackensack. For information, call Hilda (516) 496-0248, Margit (914) 839-1417. Tickets are $35 per person; $15, for chil - 686-0840, Adi (973) 761-1544. Tickets, depending on seats: $50, dren 16 and under. $30 and $25. MAY 19, 2012 — HMADS Gala Dinner Dance. Details to follow, June 25. HMADS 30th Commencement Exercise at 8 p.m., Kalustyan Hall. S ATURDAY , F EBRUARY 4, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 17 COMMENTARY

T HE A RMENIAN COMMENTARY Mirror- Profiling ‘Righteous Turks’

Turkey and the Turks would like to join the civilized family of Spectator By Edmond Y. Azadian nations, and in order to achieve that goal they have to face their history. And in this process Armenians become the unintended beneficiary, because the major concern of the patriotic Turks is The Jews have come up with the definition of the “Righteous to cleanse their history from its bloody past. Gentile” to honor those non-Jews who have saved Jews during Armenian-Turkish relations have been very complex and con - the Holocaust. One such towering person was Raoul tinue to be so. There have been many cycles, when relations Established 1932 Wallenberg, a Swedish humanitarian, stationed at the Swedish seemed to be improving but they have also deteriorated precipi - embassy in Hungary, who extended protection to hundreds of tously, with devastating results. To begin with, the Ottoman con - An ADL Publication thousands of Jews marked to be dispatched to the concentra - stitution of 1876, engineered by Mithad Pasha, was intended to tion camps in Auschwitz, and thus he saved tens of thousands limit Sultan Abdulhamid II’s absolute rule. But it lasted only two among them. years, and Mithad Pasha became its sacrificial lamb, being exe - EDITOR He became the pre-eminent “Righteous Gentile,” who ended cuted by the Sultan. Alin K. Gregorian his life in a Soviet concentration camp, after being captured by For many years the Armenian National Constitution was in the

ASSOCIATE EDITOR the Soviet troops occupying Hungary at the end of World War II. works through the efforts of Krikor Odian. It was adopted in Aram Arkun By the way, 2012 marks the centennial of Wallenberg’s birth, 1860 and was ratified by the Sultan in 1863. The Armenian com - which is being celebrated worldwide. munity (millet) was governed by that constitution until 1914, but ART DIRECTOR Has the time arrived for Armenians to profile “Righteous Marc Mgrditchian the rights conceded by the Superior Port did not prevent Sultan Turks” who have helped some Armenians to survive during the Abdulhamid from organizing the massacres of 1894-96, claiming PRODUCTION Genocide? Is it time to honor Turkish scholars, journalists and 300,000 Armenian lives. Dilani Yogaratnam political activists who have been struggling courageously for the The period from 1908 to 1914 seemed an idyllic period in recognition of the Armenian Genocide by Turkey? Armenian-Turkish relations, marred only be the Adana massacres Many apologists and some credulous Armenians rush to the of 1909. Armenian culture flourished and the Ittihadist govern - SENIOR EDITORIAL COLUMNIST: conclusion that Armenians have to recognize these acts of ment encouraged Armenian representatives to be elected to the Edmond Azadian courage by individual Turks. parliament, deceiving them into surrendering their arms. The The Genocide was planned to devastate the Armenian nation, CONTRIBUTORS: motto of the day was, “We are all Ottomans.” The only political Florence Avakian, Elizabeth Aprahamian, to scatter the survivors around the world and desecrate its his - realist was General Antranik, who insisted that “Turks cannot be Daphne Abeel, Dr. Haroutiune toric homeland. After almost a century, Armenia’s survival trusted” and he had a fall-out with the Dashnak party. And, Arzoumanian, Taleen Babayan, Prof. remains a big question mark and Turkey’s continual blockade is indeed, Talaat Pasha, after spending an intimate evening dinner Vahakn N. Dadrian, Diana Der nothing but its age-old genocidal policy implemented by succes - with the parliamentarian Krikor Zohrab, the next day had sent Hovanessian, Philip Ketchian, Kevork sive regimes in Turkey. him on his death march with 250 prominent Armenian intellec - Keushkerian, Sonia Kailian-Placido , Humanitarian acts were rather the exception than the rule, as tuals. Harut Sassounian, Mary Terzian, Hagop the entire Turkish nation participated in the perpetration of the Mustafa Kemal began his Milli movement, enlisting many Vartivarian, Naomi Zeytoonian Genocide motivated by greed. Ittihadist criminals in his government and became the father of CORRESPONDENTS: Therefore, only a careful analysis of history, of Armenian- modern Turkish Republic. Since the founding of the Republic in Turkish relations may provide the answer whether it is time to 1923, when Ataturk was hailed as a reformer both by the West Armenia - Hagop Avedikian Boston - Nancy Kalajian profile the “Righteous Turk” while we are still licking our and the East, many instances of mass killing have occurred. In Philadelphia - Lisa Manookian wounds as a nation. 1937 the Kurds in the city of Dersim were massacred, the Turkish society is undergoing a tremendous transformation for Armenian community in the country was decimated and the Contributing Photographers: Jacob Demirdjian, Harry Koundakjian, Jirair its own good. The Armenian Genocide has become a topic of minorities that were not out-and-out killed, saw their communi - Hovsepian national discourse and many publications are promoting the ties crushed under the wealth tax. The 1960s enjoyed some lib - awareness of bloody Turkish history. The emergence of scholars eralization, but the price was paid by its architect Adnan and journalists — seeking the objective truth in Armenian- Menderes on the gallows, while his friend and only Armenian Turkish relations — have become a compelling reason for member of the Turkish parliament, Mugurdich Shellefian, ended The Armenian Mirror-Spectator is published Armenians to revise their views of Turks and Turkey. weekly, except two weeks in July, by: his life in exile. Taner Akçam was the first Turkish historian to challenge the Gen. Kenan Evren staged a coup in 1980 executing all the Baikar Association, Inc. government-sanctioned official view of the Armenian Genocide in politicians who pretended to introduce democracy and liberalism 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 many of his books, especially, A Shameful Act, and recently com - in Turkey. Telephone: 617-924-4420 piling and translating with Vahakn Dadrian, a seminal legal doc - Today, Erdogan’s rise to power has brought prominence to FAX: 617-924-2887 umentation titled Judgment at Istanbul, on the major indict - Turkey, but its policies are contradictory, complex and full of www.mir rorspectator.com ments and verdicts of the Turkish military tribunals on the duplicity. While shedding tears for Gaza victims, Erdogan’s gov - E-Mail: editor@mirrorspectator .com crimes perpetrated against the Armenians during World War I. ernment continues murdering Kurds. While blaming France for For advertising: [email protected] Kemal Yalcin published two volumes interviewing the survivors muzzling freedom of speech for making denial of the Armenian and their families. Muge Goçek co-authored with Prof. Ronald Genocide a punishable offense, he maintains Article 301 of the Grigor Suny, A Question of Genocide. penal code, keeping more than 100 journalists in jail. Journalist Hassan Jemal, grandson of Jemal Pasha made a visit These are certainly tremendous changes in Turkey. SUBSCRIPTION RATES : to the Genocide Memorial in Armenia. Halil Berktay, Murat Belge That is what Hrant Dink wanted the world to believe but his U.S.A. and many scholars have published authoritative volumes, under - mission was cut short by an assassin’s bullet. 2nd Class $75 a year mining Yusuf Halacoglu’s official view (i.e. distortion) of the In response to Mr. Altan’s insistence that the Turks also have 1st Class $120 a year Genocide. Publisher Recep Zarakolu is still in jail for having pub - Canada a heart, I have to offer my mother’s eyewitness story: there was Air Mail $125 a year lished incriminating books on the Genocide, including Turkish a blind Turkish beggar at the entrance of the Adana Armenian translations by Dadrian and Akçam. Church. The parishioners always gave food and money in return All Other Countries Scholars aside, Kemal Yalçin and Hassan Jemal were reaching for the blessings of the blind beggar. But during the 1909 Adana Air Mail $190 a year Display advertising r at e: $7 per column inch out to the Armenians on a human level to build bridges of under - Massacres, this blind beggar was pleading the murderers to bring standing between the two nations at odds. one gavour to him, so that he could slit his throat and gain entry Most recently, Ahmet Altan has joined the chorus. Altan, the to heaven. My mother was not a statesman, but her story cor - editor of the liberal paper, Taraf, made an emotional plea during roborates General Antranik’s policy. an appearance in Boston: “Something has changed in Turkey Turkey has certainly undergone a transformation. The jour - © 2011 The Armenian Mirror-Spectator and I hope and wish that Turkey would accept and apologize for nalists, scholars, activists are sincere in their struggle to have the Periodical Class Postage Paid at Boston, MA what happened” he appealed to his mostly Armenian audience, Armenian Genocide recognized, but this time, that drive remains and additional mailing offices. and he continued: “Turks have hearts and consciences, believe still self serving. me… If we confess our great sin, we could become a better race, As to the question of whether we should begin honoring ISSN 0004-234X a better people.” “Righteous Turks,” the answer is: only time will tell. As they say, POSTMASTER : Send address changes to The The thrust of this entire movement is in the last sentence. the proof of the pudding is in its eating. Armenian Mirror-Spectator, P.O. Box 302, Watertown, MA 02471-0302 Other than the editorial, views and opinions expressed in this newspaper do not necessarily eflect the policies of the publisher. point or larger). Submissions that do not con - tor. Photos will be returned only if a self- Notice to Contributors form to these specifications will be assigned addressed and stamped envelope is lowest priority. included. — Articles sent by fax are acceptable, and e- — The will publish only one article The wel - mail submissions are encouraged. about Ma-nS upcoming organizational Armenian Mirror-Spectator Copying for other than personal use or comes articles, commentaries and commu - — All submissions should include the event. For major special events, excep - internal reference is prohibited without nity news from our readers. In order to name of a contact person and a daytime tions may be made only by special express permission of the copyright assure the accurate and timely publication telephone number. arrangement with the editors. owner. Address requests for reprints or of articles submitted, please note the fol - — Deadline for submission of all articles — Telephone numbers, ticket prices and other back issues to: lowing policies: and advertising is noon on the Monday of details (at the discretion of the editors) will not Baikar Association, Inc. — All articles submitted should be typed, dou - the week of publication. be included in press releases, but should be ble (or triple) spaced and printed in a type — Photos will be published without charge reserved for calendar listings and advertise - 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 size large enough to be clearly legible (10 at the discretion of the editors and art direc - ments. 18 S ATURDAY , F EBRUARY 4, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMENTARY The Minority Report of the Republic

stating “Countryman, Speak Turkish.” In the *August 1938. The Government decreed that *December 15, 1941 The ship Struma, with By Ayse Hur newspapers of the period there were complaints “Jews who had been subjected to living and 769 Romanian Jews aboard left Costanta about “So-called countrymen” who could not travel restrictions in the countries where they Harbor in Romania for Palestine to escape Nazi tolerate the “Speak Turkish” call. From this were citizens, were prohibited from entering persecution. Not permitted by the authorities The verdict reached in the trial of Hrant date on, many non-Muslims were taken to court and living in Turkey no matter what their reli - to disembark in Istanbul, the ship laid in anchor Dink’s murder did not surprise me. Because I for insulting Turkishness by not complying with gion was at present.” Twenty-six Jews working at Sarayburnu for two-and-a-half months, with know the depth of the roots and the breadth of the requirements of the campaign. in the Anatolia Agency, the only official news the passengers struggling with death and dis - the branches of the enmity towards the non- * April 11, 1928. The practice of medicine agency in the country, were fired. In the news - ease. The ship was forced back to the Black Muslims in this country, I also can imagine the was given exclusively to the “Turks” by a law papers and magazines, articles and cartoons Sea, 23 miles off the coast. With no power, fuel, outcome of the appeal process undertaken by passed on this date. Therefore, non-Muslims began to appear, ascribing the difficulties facing food, water or medicine, left to its fate, Struma the party in power to calm the reaction to the could no longer be doctors. the nation to the minorities and in particular to was sunk on February 24, 1942 by an uniden - verdict. Because I am aware of how The Justice *September 1929. The Treasury decided to the Jews. tified submarine. Only one person survived the and Progress Party (AKP) is gradually adopting tax Jewish schools, the Ahayim Hospital and *1938-39. With the approaching threat of tragedy. The attitude shown to the refugee an Ergenekon mentality and I know how the the Ortakoy Orphanage as commercial institu - war, fearing that they would threaten national ships like,Parita, Salvador and Struma was also Appeals Court decided the cases of Pinar Selek, tions for the grants and donations they security, non-Muslims living in the rural areas a message to the Turkish Jewry. Ugur Kaymaz, Baskin Oran and many others. received. The enforcement was retroactive to of Anatolia were moved to the cities. Those who *November 11, 1942. The government of This week, I will summarize the crimes com - the beginning of 1925. The Chief Rabbinate could not adapt to city living were obliged to Sukru Saracoglu, to overcome the financial dif - mitted by the state throughout the Republican was foreclosed for inability to pay the high emigrate from the country. ficulties that had arisen because of the war, period so that we can realize how difficult the taxes. The government continued its oppression *July 1939. During the annexation of Hatay instituted the Wealth Tax. Eighty-seven percent situation is and be prepared. and monetary contributions were closely to Turkey, the Armenians were subjected to of the taxpayers were non-Muslims. The *March 16,1923. In his speech to the busi - watched. oppression and they emigrated to Syria. Armenian merchants were taxed for 232 per - nessmen in Adana, Mustapha Kemal said “The *1929-1930. In this period 6,737 Armenians *August 8, 1939. In transporting 860 Jews cent of their total capital, the Jews for 179 per - country at the end remained in the hands of its were forced to emigrate to Syria. from various places in Europe to Palestine, the cent, Greeks for 156 percent and Muslim Turks true owners. The Armenians and the others * September 18, 1930. The Minister of ship “Parita” ran into trouble and took refuge for less than 5 percent. Those unable to pay have no rights here. These fertile lands are Justice, Mahmut Esat Bozkurt, voiced his in Smyrna. Despite the cries of the passengers were sent to camps in Askale, Sivrihisar and wholly Turkish.” Thus, the policy of the famous aphorism in the Highlands of Odemis: “kill us but don’t send us back,” the ship was Karanlikdere. During the “Wealth Tax Republic towards the minorities was framed. “My thought and my belief is that this land escorted by two police crafts out from the har - Tragedy,” which lasted until March 1944, some *June 1923. The Jewish, Armenian and Greek itself is Turkish. Those that are not real Turks bor. As the ship was being led away, Ulus news - lost their possessions, some their lives, some officials were fired and replaced by Muslims. have only one right in the Turkish homeland, to paper, which was friendly with CHP, ran a head - their honor and some their faith in Turkey. The free travel of non-Muslims in Anatolia was be servants, to be slaves.” line, “The crazy Jews left Smyrna” *1946. For the first time, it was permitted to curtailed. This decision was such that because * October 1930. During the municipal elec - *December 28, 1939. On hearing about a allow non-Muslim university graduates to serve of the curtailment many people could not tions, when the Free Republican Party (SCF) major earthquake in Erzincan, which had killed in the military as reserve officers. Before this return to their homes and had to remain where placed the names of six Greeks, four Armenians tens of thousands of people, the Jews of Tel time venue had been closed to them. However, they were at the time. If this wasn’t enough the and three Jews on the ballot, the ruling Aviv, Haifa, Buenos Aires, New York, Geneva, ever since there has been no non-Muslim high return of Jews to Palestine was prohibited. Republican People’s Party (CHF) reacted and Cairo and Alexandria sent money and clothing rank officer in the Turkish Armed Forces. *January 1924. A law was enacted concern - began a powerful anti-non-Muslim campaign, to Turkey. However, articles and cartoons *1946. From the “Minority Report” of the ing pharmacists and provided that only a Turk forcing SCF to abolish itself 99 days after its for - appeared in Turkish newspapers mocking the 9th Bureau of the Republican Peoples Party could start a pharmacy business. mation. However, anger towards non-Muslims humanitarian initiative of the Jews and sought (CHP): “We must take serious measures espe - *March 3 1924. A law was enacted concern - did not diminish. hidden evil intentions behind their act. cially against Greeks. On this matter only one ing unification of education and about 40 *June 11, 1932. On this date a law came into *December 12, 1940. The ship, Salvador, thing can be said: ‘On the 500th year anniver - French and Italian schools were closed. force that restricted some professions and ser - nicknamed the “floating coffin,” with a total sary of the conquest of Istanbul, not one Greek Restrictions were placed on the repair, enlarge - vices to Turkish citizens only, forbidding the capacity of 40 passengers, took 342 Jewish should remain in this city.’” According to the ment or construction of new minority schools. participation of foreigners in these occupations. immigrants from the Costanta Harbor in report, before solving this problem, the remain - The school curricula became subject to the con - The law was directed against Greeks with for - Romania to Istanbul. Unable to sail even a mile, ing areas of Anatolia must be purged of non- trol of the National Education Ministry. eign citizenship engaged in free enterprise, it was forced by Turkish authorities to continue Muslims. *April 3, 1924. In accordance with the law small businesses and street vendors. sailing to its destination. The end was tragic. *1948.When Jews wanted to emigrate to the concerning the legal profession, 960 lawyers * November 1932. All Jews in Smyrna were On January 13, 219 dead were recovered from newly-founded State of Israel and Armenians were evaluated for their morality, and the work made to sign a declaration that promised that the wreck of the Salvador which was caught in wanted to emigrate to the Armenian Soviet permits of 460 lawyers were revoked. As a they would speak Turkish and adopt Turkish a fierce storm in the open sea near Silivri. Socialist Republic. The state which had for result 57 percent of the Jewish lawyers and culture. The Jews of Bursa, Kirklareli, Edirne, *April 22, 1941. Gendarmes appeared on that years done everything in its power to make three-fourths of the Greek and Armenian Adana, Diyarbekir and Adana followed suit. date to escort 12,000 non-Muslims to camps in them leave, had now the state-controlled press lawyers lost their jobs. *1933. The Assyrian Patriarchate in Mardin, swamps infected with mosquitoes and malaria, publish articles calling those wanting to leave *Night of January 29,1925. Constantinos unable to suffer the open and secret oppres - to face lack of drinking water, full of humidity, “traitors.” Araboghlu, who had been elected the Greek sions the Assyrians were subjected to and in mud and oppressive heat. The voice of *September 6-7, 1955. “To strengthen the Patriarch at Fener, was put on a train and sent accordance with the “wishes of the communi - sergeants and officers crying “Forget Istanbul” hand” of Turkey in the upcoming tripartite con - to Salonica in Greece. His crime was being a ty,” because of the “necessity recognized” and was engraved in the memory of the minority ference in London concerning Cyprus, a looting person disliked by the government. Greece con - “temporarily” moved to Humus in Syria. population who lived through this period. action was organized directed primarily to the sidered this action a violation of the Lausanne However, its return never became possible. These “soldiers” named the “20 anniversaries Greeks of Istanbul. However, the event spread Treaty and appealed to The Hague Court of * June 14, 1934. The Law of Resettlement group” were put to hard labor to dig tunnels in also to Smyrna, Adana, Trabzon and other pop - Justice and the League of the Nations. However divided the nation to three classes. Those hav - Zonguldak, to build the “Youth Park” in Ankara ulation centers and not only the Greeks but it withdrew its suit when Turkey threatened to ing “Turkish culture and speaking Turkish,” and to break stones for building roads in Afion, also the Armenians and the Jews got their share “expel the Patriarchate from Turkey” and the those having “Turkish culture but not speak - Karabuk, Konya and Kutahya. They were final - of the attacks. According to some sources, three dispute was covered up by pretending that “the ing” (The Kurds) and those “Not of Turkish cul - ly discharged on July 27,1942. see MINORITIES, page 20 Patriarch had resigned on his own volition.” ture and not speaking Turkish” (non-Muslims *April 22, 1926. As a result of the law order - and others). Accordingly, the Greeks and ing the exclusive use of the Turkish language in Armenians of Anatolia were exiled to regions LETTERS commercial correspondence, non-Muslims who that were deemed suitable for them. had not mastered the written Turkish language * June 21 to July 4, 1934. Mobs incited by the began to be discharged. Five thousand Greeks racist writings of anti-Semitic authors like Cevat Following Threads of Grammar in Artsakh lost their jobs because of it. Rifat Atilhan and Nihal Atsiz, attacked Jews in *February 17, 1926. After the passage of the Canakkale, Gelibolu, Edirne, Kirklareli, To the Editor: Civil Law, the Armenian, Jewish and Greek com - Luleburgaz and Babaeski. The homes and busi - There was an article in last week’s Mirror-Spectator that, among other things, discussed munities, one after the other, were forced to nesses of the Jews were looted, the women were George Bournoutian’s recent detailing of the Armenians’ claim to pre-Soviet Karabagh. relinquish the rights recognized for them by the raped and a rabbi was killed. The events, which Bournoutian, now certainly the most productive and original scholar working on the histo - Lausanne Treaty. were understood to be orchestrated by the ry of Armenia from the 17th through the 19th centuries, rediscovered the Russian bureau - *August 1, 1926. It was declared that the Thracian branch of CHF, resulted in the hasty cratic records detailing the Armenian habitation of the Karabagh region through those cen - State has the right to confiscate all properties emigration of 15,000 Jews to other cities and turies. Clearly, and as a surprise to no one, the Armenians were the principal population of acquired by non-Muslims prior to August 23, countries to save their lives, leaving behind the region. But we also have, from a source not mentioned by the Russians, solid evidence 1924, the date the Lausanne Peace Treaty took their goods and properties. When calm for Armenian suzerainty from before the 13th century. Then the Armenian grammarian effect. returned, the results became evident. According Hovhannes Yerznkatsi discussed the dialect of that region known at that time as Artsakh. * August 17, 1927. A 22-year-old Jewish girl to a report prepared by CHF, of the 15,000 Jews In ancient and medieval Armenia, grammar was central to Armenian scholarship. The named Elza Niyego, was murdered by Osman living in Thrace and Canakkale, 3,000 had Armenians, following the Greek model, studied a quadrivium, which included arithmetic, Ratip Bey, a married man and a grandfather, moved to Istanbul, many had lost their posses - astrology, geometry and music; this was followed by a trivium of grammar, rhetoric and logic. who had fallen in love with her and had sions because of looting or selling for next to In the Grammar of Yerznkatsi (ca. 1250), the dialect of Artsakh is specifically mentioned; harassed her for many years. When the Jewish nothing. this is certainly before the arrival of the Seljuk Turks, much less the Azeris, who did not yet community, seeing that the State was trying to * July 24, 1937. According to a notice pub - exist by any name. In the Grammar of Yerznkatsi we learn that even in the 13th century, cover up the incident, dared for once to raise its lished in Cumhuriyet newspaper, one of the the people of Artsakh spoke a noticeably distinct dialect, as they still do. Such a unique voice, an intensive campaign started in the requirements for the students applying to the dialect does not come rapidly into bloom. It is likely that the people of Artsakh had spoken newspapers against the Jews. Some Jews were Military Veterinary School was to be from the a distinct dialect for centuries, easily by 800 AD. This gives further support to Professor taken to court on excuse of “insulting “Turkish Race.” Bournoutian’s thesis, pushing back the date of the Armenian inhabitation by a full millen - Turkishness.” * September 6, 1938. Again in Cumhuriyet nium. We have this in writing by the 13th century. * January 13, 1928. A group of law students newspaper, teachers applying to the flight — John A.C. Greppin in Istanbul University, to curry favor with the school in the Turkish Bird Institution, in the Cleveland, Ohio government, made a decision to hang posters in refined wording of the notice, had to be of ferries, street cars and other public transports “Turkish Ancestry.” S ATURDAY , F EBRUARY 4, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 19 COMMENTARY

adopting a law recognizing the Armenian Genocide, the attempt to secure the necessary 60 signatures. Turkish government used its usual bag of tricks in a failed The Turkish government may be making a serious mis - attempt to undermine that effort. After the Parliament and take by assuming that the court will necessarily find the Senate recognized the Genocide, President Jacques Chirac new law to be unconstitutional. Turkish officials could be and Prime Minister Lionel Jospin on January 29, 2001, undermining their own interests should the court decide My Turn signed the following law: “France publicly recognizes the that the law is constitutional, thereby precluding any future Armenian Genocide of 1915.” legal challenges from Turkish denialists who would be By Harut Sassounian Even though the French law had made no mention of arrested for denying the Armenian Genocide, once the law Turkey or the Ottoman Empire as perpetrator of the goes into effect. Genocide, Turkish officials exhibited a guilty conscience by In recent days, Turkey’s leaders have made utterly ridicu - France Shouldn’t Allow Turkey their exaggerated claims of innocence; hence identifying lous statements about the new law. Prime Minister To Meddle in its Domestic themselves as the culprits in this heinous crime, while no Erdogan accused France of following “the footsteps of fas - one was pointing a finger at them. cism.” How can the leader of a country that is one of the Affairs The long arm of the Turkish state interfered in French biggest violators of human rights dare to blame France for domestic affairs once again in 2006, when lawmakers in fascism? President Abdullah Gul jumped into the fray by For nearly a century, Turkey’s leaders have tried to hide Paris attempted to establish a penalty for those violating accusing France of “limiting freedom of expression.” Has the monstrous crime of the Armenian Genocide by cover - the law passed in 2001, applying the same sanctions to the Turkish president checked his own country’s jails ing up what really took place in the killing fields of the those denying the Holocaust. Regrettably, the French gov - where dozens of journalists are languishing for months Syrian desert, then part of the Ottoman Empire. The pow - ernment succumbed to Turkish threats and hysterics and without trial for simply writing articles critical of the gov - erful Turkish state has committed its considerable financial blocked the measure, until the Senate finally approved it ernment? Has he read Article 301 of the Turkish Penal and diplomatic resources to the nefarious cause of on January 23, 2012. Code — “insulting Turkishness” — which bans all public ref - Genocide denial. The French public is now facing yet another egregious erences to the Armenian Genocide? Foreign Minister Turkish leaders do not seem to realize that as they deny attempt of foreign interference in their domestic issues. The Davutoglu may have gotten it right when he complained and lie, and vainly proclaim their innocence, they actually Turkish Union of Chambers of Commerce and Commodity that the French law is an attempt to “Nazify Turkey,” help publicize their dastardly act to an incredulous world - Exchanges hired a French lobbying firm last week to pres - except that this is being done not by France but by his own wide audience. sure legislators into filing a legal challenge to the law ban - government, which continues to associate itself with the Furthermore, even though today’s Turkish officials were ning denial of genocides recognized by French law — the crimes of a now defunct Ottoman Empire. not the ones who committed the Genocide of 1915, they Holocaust and the Armenian Genocide. So much for The most laughable statement, however, was made by foolishly associate themselves with their criminal predeces - Turkish threats to boycott French companies. Turkey’s brash Minister of European Affairs Egemen Bagis sors, thus making themselves accessories-after-the-fact by President Nicolas Sarkozy has 15 days from January 23 during his recent visit to Switzerland. He dared Swiss lying about it and concealing the evidence. to sign the new law, unless 60 members of the French authorities to arrest him for denying the Armenian With each passing day, the Turkish leadership is further Parliament and Senate act first by petitioning the Genocide, since Switzerland, similar to France, has a law submerging itself in a mire of its own making. Let us take Constitutional Court to rule on its legality. The Turkish banning genocide denial. Minister Bagis is fortunate that a closer look at its sordid behavior in the French govern - ambassador, contravening a foreign diplomat’s mandate he cannot be arrested or prosecuted because of his diplo - ment’s decision-making process. not to meddle in French domestic matters, has used all pos - matic immunity. Nevertheless, he could and should be Over 10 years ago, when the French legislature was sible means of pressure and “inducement” in a desperate expelled from Switzerland as persona non grata! Is the ‘Deep State’ Still in Business?

a barely floating wreck as inflation touched 80 human rights organization in Istanbul, says Europe no longer has the energy to absorb The Turkish Riddle per cent a year and the Turkish lira halved in there is “still no clear distinction between Turkey is a blow to hopes of creating a liberal value. Banks closed and tens of thousands of expression of an opinion and membership of a democratic society”. enterprises went bankrupt. All these disasters terrorist organization.” Rejection by Europe has been compensated became a distant memory as Turkey acquired Liberals fear that the so-called “deep state”, for, at least psychologically, by Turkey’s By Patrick Cockburn a “tiger” economy. In a decade Turkey’s GDP a secret cabal of soldiers, police and bureau - expanded role in the Middle East but this and exports both doubled in value. Small and crats dealing in assassination and disappear - intervention is beginning to sour. A couple of In the teahouses of Istanbul the mood is medium-sized manufacturers became ener - ances, is still in business, stalking its enemies years ago, Turkey had developed good rela - generally optimistic as customers listen to the getic exporters. Foreign investment, the key to and protecting its hitmen. Government critics tions with most of its neighbors, particularly news of the European economic crisis. growth in Turkey, poured in and the economy suspect the AKP is no longer interested in governments in Tehran, Baghdad and “Turkey doesn’t need Europe,” says one tea became the 15th largest in the world. It is rooting out these sinister agents. Damascus. Turkish trade to the Middle East drinker. these gains that are now under threat. In 2007 the murder of the Armenian- expanded fast. Come the Arab Spring, Turkey “Look at Greece — it was inside the Political reforms stalled two years ago. One Turkish journalist Hrant Dink was widely adeptly changed horses, abandoned old allies European Union and they’re going bankrupt.” foreign observer says, “Erdogan decided not to believed to be their work and became a cause and backed protesters and insurgents in Libya Osman, a middle-aged estate agent, adds that use his political capital to resolve the conflict célèbre. Shot in the back by a 17-year-old stu - and Syria. “when you compare Turkey today with Turkey with the Kurds, the dispute over Cyprus and dent, his murder had all the marks of a well- A foreign observer said: “The European 20 years ago, everything has got better.” relations with Armenia.” Overconfidence in organized plot. But, in January, a court in leaders might behave to Erdogan as if he was Not everybody in the teahouse is quite so Turkey’s newfound strength diverted atten - Istanbul appalled a broad swathe of Turkish something the cat dragged in, but in Egypt he positive. Its manager says: “I think the econo - tion from crucial questions, the most impor - opinion by finding the gunman had largely was treated like a demi-god.” But the advan - my is going well for those with money. But tant of which is bringing an end to the acted alone. Convinced of state connivance in tages of this popularity can be exaggerated. talk to somebody on the minimum wage and Kurdish insurgency. Dink’s death thousands of marchers com - Egyptians may like Erdogan, but they are not see how they feel.” There is some schaden - Some Turkish liberals suspect that, after memorated it by shouting the slogan, “The asking him to rule them. At the start of this freude over the problems facing the EU, given being in power for almost a decade, the AKP killer state will pay”. year Turkey is having to pay a price for an that it has so far rejected Turkey as a member. has found it convenient to adopt the mecha - The AKP government could argue that its overconfidence that has provoked hostility on But one customer, looking up from his card nisms of repression used by its predecessors. most important struggle has been to end the the part of the Syrian and Iraqi governments. game, says, “I have just been to Germany and “The AKP had been on the periphery of polit - military’s grip on the state. “I was amazed last Will the Turkish boom turn out to be a bub - it is still better abroad.” ical life and is now at the centre,” says Cengiz year to see the ex-Chief of General Staff in ble? Previous recessions have all seen out - Turkey has been one of the world’s great Aktar, professor of political science at prison,” says Murat Belge, professor of com - flows of foreign capital. The European banks political and economic success stories of the Bahcesehir University in Istanbul. “They parative literature at Bilgi University. “This is investing here are themselves fragile. But last decade. Over 70 million people under decided to stop the reformist process and a miracle for Turkey.” Suggesting that civilian Turks still make things like ships and cars. The quasi-military rule of great brutality for 80 enjoy life.” control is not as deeply rooted as many Turks outskirts of Istanbul are filled with workshops years appeared at last to be coming under civil - The clamp down has been severe. This assume, he believes the reason why the army producing furniture, textiles and shoes along - ian control. Torture stopped in the prisons. month Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has not overthrown the AKP government has side more technical products. Elections not army coups d’état — four in demoted Turkey to 148th place out of 178 been that the US does not want it to. Mehmet Tuysuz employs 33 people making Turkey since 1960 — determined who held countries in its annual World Press Freedom Erdogan, a pious, populist nationalist of valves for medical equipment. He speaks well power in Ankara. The Justice and Development Index. Its report said: “The judicial system great political skill, is sounding and acting of the government, saying that it “helps small Party (AKP) led by the prime minister, Recep launched a wave of arrests on journalists with - more and more like an autocrat. His belliger - and medium-sized plants like us. They got rid Tayyip Erdogan, first elected in 2002, was just out precedent since the military dictatorship.” ent personality may make him averse to seek - of the mafia in the municipality, fire and tax the sort of moderate, democratic pro-capitalist Some 99 journalists are in jail, about 60 per - ing a compromise with the Kurds, but his departments.” He says in the 1990s he was Islamic party that the West wanted to encour - cent of whom are Kurdish. “It is a sort of polit - intransigence is attractive to Turks who like frustrated by officials extracting bribes as the age. The foreign media boosted Turkey uncrit - ical cleansing by the judiciary and the police,” the idea of a powerful state. “The Turks are price for removing bureaucratic obstacles. ically last year as a model for the Arab world as says Erol Onderoglu, the RSF representative childish about being powerful,” Belge says. The next year should tell if Turkey is going police states started tumbling. for Turkey. “Power is a magic word for them.” to join the sick men of Europe. The year may There is more substance to the Turkish Often journalists are held for more than a A further cause of the faltering impetus of also tell if Turkey has at last escaped the lega - “miracle” than there was to most of the over- year without knowing the charges against reform in Turkey is its failure to enter the EU. cy of an autocratic state. hyped booms in Europe, from Ireland to them, and an editor can be jailed for any arti - Expectations of EU membership in 2004-9 Greece. Political and economic changes here cle appearing in his paper critical of govern - played a central role in promoting liberal (Patrick Cockburn is the author of were real. The AKP outmaneuvered the mili - ment policy. In one case a Kurdish editor was democracy. Realization that accession is Muqtada: Muqtada Al-Sadr, the Shia tary leadership and its powerful allies in the sentenced to 166 years in prison, later reduced unlikely to happen soon is having a reverse Revival, and the Struggle for Iraq . This com - state bureaucracy and appeared to break their to 20 years by the High Court, for such a effect. Atilla Yesilada, an economic consultant mentary originally appeared in the January long tutelage. In 2001 the economy had been piece. Osman Kovala of Anadolu Kultur, a at Istanbul Analytics, says “the fact that 30 issue of Counterpunch .) 20 S ATURDAY , F EBRUARY 4, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Pilot Flame Flickers on Gas Pipeline Project

Turkmenistan and Iraq. If the Shah Deniz con - production in the future. By Guy Chazan and Gerrit Wiesmann sortium opts for a small-scale pipeline, that BP has also put forward its own solution — could close off the more ambitious option. the South-East Europe Pipeline — which Günther Oettinger, the EU’s energy com - would start in western Turkey and cross LONDON (Financial Times) — The consor - they will ever have enough gas to fill the missioner, has stressed that whichever pipeline Bulgaria and Romania to reach Hungary’s tium behind one of Europe’s most ambitious pipeline. is chosen, there must be mechanisms to allow eastern frontier. infrastructure projects — the Nabucco gas Nabucco’s fate is wrapped up in a big gas gas from Turkmenistan to enter Europe. A person close to the Nabucco consortium pipeline — is considering ways of scaling back field in Azerbaijan’s sector of the Caspian Sea Nabucco’s rivals – ITGI and TAP – insist they says the partners could pitch a slimmed-down the venture after recent moves by Turkey and called Shah Deniz. A consortium of oil pro - can be “scaled up” to take in extra volumes version of the pipeline, provisionally called Azerbaijan raised questions about its viability. ducers that includes BP, Statoil, Total and the from Turkmenistan and elsewhere. “Nabucco West,” which would form an exten - The reassessment of the project comes as a Azeri state energy company SOCAR is spend - But some analysts say only Nabucco is large sion to Tanap and would cost 60 percent less BP-led consortium prepares to choose a trans - ing up to $22 billion to develop the second enough to handle the vast quantities of than the full project. port route to bring gas from Azerbaijan to phase of the field, which will produce 16 bil - Caspian and Middle Eastern gas. That would suit RWE, which is burdened by European markets, with Nabucco as one of the lion cubic meters of gas a year from 2017. There are also concerns that choosing an the cost of Germany’s exit from nuclear power candidates. Some 6 billion cubic meters a year of that option other than Nabucco or the BP South- and has been divesting assets to reduce its Named after the Verdi opera, Nabucco was will go to Turkey and the rest will go to East Europe Pipeline could undermine the debt and protect its credit ratings. first mooted 10 years ago as a means of reduc - Europe. EU’s priority of finding new sources of gas for The company has hinted as much. Judisch ing the European Union’s dependence on If the Nabucco project is rejected, it could the Balkans and eastern Europe. has said that RWE appreciates the opportuni - Russian energy imports by bringing gas from deal a hefty blow to the European Union’s Last year, the Shah Deniz partners launched ty that Tanap creates to “substantially lower the Caspian Basin into the heart of Europe via energy plans according to analysts, writes Guy a tendering process to select a transport our capital commitment”. a new southern corridor. Chazan. option for moving their gas to Europe. Three However, many analysts think the Shah But its 8-billion-euro price tag is high, and The EU originally backed Nabucco because pipeline projects submitted their final tariff Deniz partners could ultimately eschew its investors, which include Austria’s OMV and it proposed a “superhighway” to deliver large offers — Nabucco, ITGI, and the Trans-Adriatic Nabucco altogether and instead choose a com - German utility RWE, have so far failed to sign volumes of gas from Azerbaijan, the wider Pipeline (TAP). BP and its partners were sup - bination of Tanap and ITGI, TAP or the BP any supply contracts. Some critics wonder if Caspian region and the Middle East, including posed to choose a winner by the end of 2011, South-East Europe Pipeline. but the decision was put off until the first TAP, backed by Norway’s Statoil, Germany’s quarter of this year. Eon Ruhrgas and Switzerland’s EGL says its In recent months, the outcome of the tender advantage is that its capacity can be expanded The Minority Report of the Republic has become more unpredictable. Late last to take in more gas from other sources as and year, Turkey and Azerbaijan injected a new when it becomes available. MINORITIES, from page 18 then had done everything in its power to close variable into the equation by launching the ITGI, backed by Edison of Italy and the and according to others 11 people died. Nearly the seminary, denied the request citing the Trans-Anatolian gas pipeline project (Tanap), Greek gas company DESFA, also thinks its 300 were wounded and hundreds of women Lausanne Peace Treaty, other bilateral agree - which would run from Turkey’s eastern border smaller scale is a selling point. “Between now were raped. According to the official numbers ments and the “reciprocity principle.” Today, with Azerbaijan to its western border with and 2020, Europe doesn’t need that much 5,300 and according to non-official numbers even though it has no students, the Turkish Bulgaria — effectively copying the Turkish sec - additional gas, so a medium-sized project that 7,000 buildings were attacked. The cost of the administrator appointed by the Ministry of tion of Nabucco. serves southern Europe and the Balkans is a damage was at least 150 million lira on that Education goes to the school to his office and Tanap, which is backed by the US, will be good pitch,” says Ruggeri. date, and the highest estimate was 1 billion lira. the Patriarchate continues to spend money to able to take volumes from Shah Deniz 2 and *1964. When events in Cyprus strained the keep the school open. could be expanded to take additional Azeri (Additional reporting by Joshua Chaffin) Turkish-Greek relationship and Johnson’s *1985-1990. Because they refused to become famous letter drove Turkey into a corner, the guards against PKK, the Yezidis who worship “Friendship Accord,” signed by Ataturk and Angel Taus lost their lands and were forced to Venizelos, was unilaterally canceled by the immigrate to western countries. Turkish government. Tens of thousands of *2000s. “Struggle against missionaries” was Greeks, who although Greek citizens were born the most discussed subject in the meetings of and raised in Turkey, and had worked there as the National Security Council. shop owners and small businessmen, were *November 15, 2003. In a suicide attack two deported. They were allowed to carry only one Muslim Turkish terrorists killed 25 people suitcase and 200 lira. With the departure of (including themselves) and wounded more than their Greek spouses who were Turkish citizens, 300 in the Beth Israel Synagogue of Sisli and the Greek community all but disappeared from Neve Shalom Synagogue of Galata. the country. *February 5, 2006. Andrea Santoro, the priest *1974. In a court case between the trustees of Santa Maria Catholic Church in Trabzon, was of the Greek Hospital in Balikli and the Turkish stabbed to death by a 16-year-old boy. Treasury, the Appeals Legal Council reached a *January 19, 2007. The editor of the Agos decision that non-Muslim citizens in Turkey newspaper, Hrant Dink, is killed. could be called non-Turks. *April 18, 2007. In Malatya, seven “national - *1984. The Greek Patriarchate in Fener ist” youths invaded Zirve Publishing, a publish - requested permission to close the Seminary in er of Christian literature, and killed three office Heybeliada because it could not meet its workers. expenses. However, the government who until Having seen this history, is the verdict in the Hrant Dink trial surprising? I don’t know about you, but as I said in the beginning it was no sur - prise to me. France’s Genocide (Ayse Hur is a Turkish historian living in Istanbul, who writes a weekly history column Law Put On Hold for Taraf newspaper. Translated by A. FRANCE, from page 1 Erdogan last week denounced the law as “tantamount to discrimination and racism” and warned that his Islamist-root - Aronian Wins Tata Steel ed government would punish Paris with Chess Championship unspecified retaliatory measures if Sarkozy signed it into law. CHESS, from page 1 Ankara has already halted political and scored seven wins in 13 games, tying four and military cooperation with France and was losing two. One of those two defeats for threatening to cut off economic and cul - Aronian came early on from Carslen, the leader tural ties. of FIDE’s current classification and the other Trade between the two states was favorite to win the tournament. But Aronian worth 12 billion euros ($15.5 billion) in recovered quickly and managed to reach the fin - 2010, with several hundred French busi - ish line first despite an unfortunate Round 11 nesses operating in Turkey. defeat to less experienced Czech grandmaster Armenia hailed the passage of the bill David Navara. through the French Senate, with Among Aronian’s victories were those against President Serge Sargisian writing in a let - players such as Israel’s Boris Gelfand, who is ter to Sarkozy: “France has reaffirmed its the challenger at the next FIDE World greatness and power, its devotion to uni - Championship later this year, Russian Sergey versal human values.” Karjakin, Hikaru Nakamura from the United Around 20 countries have officially rec - States and others. Aronian’s win over American ognized the killings as genocide. Gata Kamsky was recognized as the best win of Amnesty International has criticized the tournament’s round four. the French law, saying it would violate The other Armenian player, Elina Danielian, freedom of expression. who took part in the tournament’s grandmaster Group C, finished ninth.

Maranci.)