SEPTEMBER 29, 2012

THE ARMENIAN

Mirror -Spe ctaItn Ouor Mirror -Spe ctatror 80th Year Volume LXXXIII, NO. 11, Issue 4256 $ 2.00 NEWS IN BRIEF The First English Language Armenian Weekly in the United States Since 1932 Azerbaijan Spreads Anti-Armenian Armenia Celebrates Propaganda in Tokyo TOKYO, Japan (PanARMENIAN.Net) — During the 21st on the 21st Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA) International Tourism Forum, which took place YEREVAN (Combined Sources) — The Republic of from September 20 to 23, the Azerbaijani delega - Armenia celebrated its 21st anniversary on tion attempted to distribute a large amount of September 21. materials of anti-Armenian propaganda amongst Many world leaders sent congratulatory messages the participants and visitors, according to the to President Serge Sargisian, including US President National Competitiveness Foundation of Armenia Barack Obama. (NCFA). Obama in his letter, said, “I extend my warmest The NCFA delegation requested that exhibition wishes to you and the people of Armenia as you cele - organizers address the provocative actions and brate national day on September 21. As Armenia withdraw the offensive materials, which was imme - enters its 22nd year of independence, the relationship Raising the tricolor on September 21 to mark Armenia’s independence diately done. between our two countries and our peoples is strong anniversary Just a few days ago, the Armenia and Artsakh see ANNIVERSARY, page 16 booth at the Top Resa 2012 International Travel Market suffered damage, which was especially tar - geted at Artsakh posters. The Azerbaijani side had complained about the participation of Artsakh at the exhibition. However, Azeri Axe-Killer to Return to Military the booth was restored to its original condition and all information on NKR was put back. BAKU (RFE/RL) — Ramil Safarov, the Citing “threats” from Armenia, the gener - The release of the convicted killer has pro - Azerbaijani army officer who had hacked to al also said that Azerbaijani authorities are voked a furious reaction from Armenia and Turkish, Azeri, death an Armenian colleague in Hungary, taking “necessary measures” to protect him strong international criticism. The United will return to active duty military service against possible assassination attempts. States, the European Union and Russia con - Georgian Troops Hold soon, a senior Azerbaijani military official “Relevant structures are taking security sider it a serious blow to their long-running measures with regard to efforts to broker a peaceful solution to the Pipe Protection Drills Safarov,” he said. Nagorno-Karabagh conflict. Safarov received a “We continue to express our dismay and In Ankara hero’s welcome in Baku disappointment,” US Assistant Secretary of ANKARA (PanARMENIAN.Net) — The Infinity- on August 31 following State Philip Gordon said in Washington on 2012 military exercises with Turkish, Azerbaijani his extradition from Thursday. and Georgian troops participating, took place in Hungary and immediate “In our view, this is someone who should Turkey last week. pardoning by President have continued to serve out his sentence, and The drills, which lasted through September 28, Ilham Aliyev more than certainly we were appalled by the glorification were organized by Land Forces Training and eight years after he axe- that we heard in some quarters of somebody Doctrine Command (EDOK). murdered Armenian Lt. who was convicted of murder,” Gordon said. The drills hosted annually by one of the partici - Gurgen Markarian dur - see SAFAROV, page 3 pating countries through which the Baku-Ceyhan ing a NATO training oil pipeline passes, are designed to secure the safe - US Assistant Secretary of State Philip Gordon course in Budapest. He ty of the pipes. was promoted from the In addition to the armed forces of the participat - rank of lieutenant to ing countries, representatives of the organizations said over the weekend. major, granted a free ALMA Appoints engaged in protection and management of pipes “Right now Ramil Safarov is on vacation apartment and paid eight years’ worth of also attended. and having a rest. He will return to service back pay the following day. Dr. Susan Pattie after the vacation,” Maj.-Gen. Ramiz Azerbaijani Defense Minister Safar Abiyev Najafov, head of the external relations personally met with the 35-year-old and Armenian Soldier Dies department at the Azerbaijani Ministry of wished him future success in his military As New Director Defense, told the SalamNews agency. career. Safarov, who was sentenced to life In Azeri Attack Najafov did not specify whether Safarov imprisonment by a Hungarian court in 2006, WATERTOWN — The Armenian Library YEREVAN (PanARMENIAN.Net) — On Tuesday, will serve and in what capacity. has not been seen in public since then. and Museum of America (ALMA) September 25, at 11:30 a.m., Armenian soldier announced this week the appointment of Vaghinak Baghdasaryan, 19, was shot dead at a Dr. Susan Pattie as its new director, effec - milita y post north of the Armenian armed forces. tive September 24. According to preliminary data, the shot was fired Australia Primate Aghan Baliozian Dies Pattie comes to ALMA after a long resi - from Azeri positions. dence in London, UK where she was co- An investigation was initiated based on article founder and director of the Armenian 104 of Armenia’s Criminal Code (murder while on By Arthur Hagopian Institute. She is also service as a result of racial or religious hatred), the a senior research fel - Armenian Defense Ministry reported. low at University SYDNEY, Australia — The Primate of the College London and Diocese of the Armenian Church of has taught courses in Australia and New Zealand Archbishop anthropology there Aghan Baliozian died on September 22. He and at other universi - was an eminent leader of the Armenian ties, most recently INSI DE Church. Aga Khan University Baliozian had been in poor health over and Syracuse the past few years and had recently entered University London Dr. Susan Pattie Sydney’s leading the Royal North Shore Program. DC Photo Hospital, for treatment. His loss is particu - Born and raised in larly acute, coming at a time when the dias - Washington, DC, Pattie left for Michigan to pora church is facing crucial challenges on attend Hope College where she received Maven so many fronts. her bachelor’s degree. After working as an Ever since the incapacitation of the Archbishop Aghan Baliozian artist/craftsperson, Pattie began a PhD in Page 10 Armenian Patriarch of Jerusalem, cultural anthropology at the University of Archbishop Torkom Manoogian, Baliozian Michigan, Ann Arbor, doing her fieldwork has been touted as a possible contender to succeed him at the Jerusalem See, con - with the Armenian community of Cyprus sidered the second most important spiritual center for Armenians all over the world, and later research in Armenia, Syria and INDEX after the mother church at Echmiadzin. North America. She is the author of Faith Arts and Living ...... 10 He was born in Aleppo, Syria, where Armenian Genocide survivors had found a in History: Armenians Rebuilding Armenia ...... 2 safe haven. Around the time he was born, World War II had just ended and the city Community (Smithsonian Institution Community News...... 4 was still wallowing in the misery of deprivation and starvation, a calamity that is now Press), various academic articles and con - Editorial ...... 14 International ...... 3 again being visited on its inhabitants. tributions to edited volumes, as well as two see BALIOZIAN, page 6 recent books aimed at a wider audience. see ALMA, page 16 2 S ATURDAY , S EPTEMBER 29, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARMENIA News From Armenia AMAA Partners with United Nations in Armenia YEREVAN — Unemployment is one of Bridging the Gap between are exploring other areas of coopera - the key socioeconomic problems in tion,” noted Nercessian. Armenia and the youth unemployment Formal Education and Entry “The main outcome of our partner - Piano Legend Evgeny is the most important issue in this con - ship is the provision of targeted Kissin Performs in text. The situation with the educated Into Labor Market response to employment challenges the youth is a special issue. youth is facing in Armenia. Our experi - Armenia On one hand, youth state that finding fabric of the Armenian society. The ence in this field makes us a partner of decent employment is a major challenge AMAA is a non-profit organization choice to support the long-term nature YEREVAN (Armenpress) — The International especially as they lack work experience. that supports underprivileged people of youth capacity development,” said Festival Yerevan Prospects launched its autumn On the other hand, companies and in 24 countries. The AMAA was estab - Gercheva in her opening remarks. concert season, on September 27, with one of the organizations state that fresh graduates lished in 1918 in the US. During 2007-2009, UNDP Armenia most popular and in-demand musicians in the are not ready for direct employment “The AMAA and UNDP have devel - implemented three rounds of the YCT world, Evgeny Kissin, performing at the Aram right after their formal graduation as oped a working relationship over the initiative, which were in high demand Khachaturyan Concert Hall. they lack work experience, competitive On September 25, during a press conference, the skills and practical knowledge in their manager of the Yerevan Prospects Festival, Sona fields. Hovhannisyan, said that the idea to invite Kissin to This week, Dafina Gercheva, United Armenia had emerged about seven years ago, and at Nations resident coordinator/United that time the festival contacted Kissin’s managers Nations Development Programme and did not get any response. Over the years, the (UNDP) resident representative in number of authority figures of the festival has Armenia, and Harout Nercessian, grown, and in 2008, Kissin contacted the adminis- Armenia representative of the tration of the festival in person and said that he Armenian Missionary Association of would come to Armenia in four years. He chose a America (AMAA), signed a cost-sharing solo concert and performed works by Haydn, agreement to kick-off the fourth round Schubert, Beethoven and Liszt. of the Youth Carrier Trail (YCT) project. The president of the festival, Stepan Rostomyan, The main objective of the project is to stated, “He is a great musician and it is a vast facilitate the transition of unemployed honor for everybody to perform with him.” youth into the workforce by providing Dafina Gercheva, UN resident coordinator/UNDP resident representative in Kissin said he was very happy to be in Armenia direct employment opportunities Armenia, and Harout Nercessian, Armenia representative of the Armenian again and partake in the festival. “I prefer partici- through internships. The duration of Missionary Association of America (AMAA), sign an agreement. pating in those festivals, which are ‘safe’ and well- the paid internship is six months, and organized,” he said. UNDP Armenia, in cooperation with The International Festival Yerevan Prospects was the host organizations, will be responsi - last two years as they share common among both the university graduates organized under the auspices of President Serge ble for recruiting and placing 60 interns concerns regarding the economic con - and employers. In total, 118 fresh grad - Sargisian. on a competitive basis. ditions in Armenia. Both organiza - uates passed the YCT internship in The AMAA is a cosponsor of this tions are concerned about youth Yerevan and six regions of Armenia, Armenian Stone Pictures round of the YCT because it believes unemployment which has resulted in and around 50 percent of the interns that youth employment in Armenia is the exodus of youth from Armenia. were offered permanent employment by To Be in UNESCO World a major step in preserving and This YCT program will help keep the host organizations at the end of Heritage List expanding the economy and social youth in Armenia. AMAA and UNDP their internships. YEREVAN (Armenpress) — Armenia’s Minister of Culture Hasmik Poghosyan received a delegation headed by Stephan Dorgerloh, minister of cultural affairs of Saxony-Anhalt, Germany. Poghosyan dis- ATP and Acopian Center Join Cleanup cussed the cooperation between the two states. Dorgerloh, in his turn, invited his Armenian coun- terpart to Saxony-Anhalt. Campaign in Margahovit Village Poghosyan stated that the joint statement signed in 2005, between Armenian and Saxony-Anhalt had MARGAHOVIT, Armenia — A series of Environmental Studies, and Hrant Dink Sustainability (SEEDS) Program a positive result. cleanups have swept over the globe this Memorial Forest. Manager Vardan Melikyan. “We will use The cooperation between the two countries was year as part of the “Let’s do it!” world More than 300 local residents includ - trees from ATP’s local nursery and orga - highlighted in examining the Armenian-German joint movement. The effort was inspired by ing schoolchildren and their teachers nize plantings with the community.” project launched in Jermuk and Sisian, led by the grassroots campaign in Estonia in joined the initiative. Twenty groups The teachers in Margahovit’s school Saxony-Anhalt state Prof. Harald Meller and Director 2008, and the goal is to use volunteers were led by American University of have been trained to use ATP’s “Plant of Archeology and Ethnography Institute, Armenian to pick up 100,000,000 tons of waste all Armenia graduate students from the an Idea, Plant a Tree” environmental National Academy of Sciences Pavel Avetisyan, around the planet. Acopian Center. By the end of the day, education manual in their classroom. which is aimed at recording and attaching impor- more than 30 Some of the core topics are water, for - tance to that heritage. Armenian stone pictures are cubic meters of est protection, waste management and scheduled to have their Internet database, which will waste (500 organic agriculture. The Acopian contribute to the development of tourism. bags) was col - Center has also organized bir identifi - An aerial photo session was conducted in 2012. lected in cation trainings at the Ohanian Center Meller presented those photos to Poghosyan noting Margahovit and for the eco-club. they are dealing with ancient stone pictures which the surrounding “Birds are one of the easy objects for will later on be included in the United Nations forests. observation because they are not secre - Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s “We had sev - tive, can be identified by visual charac - (UNESCO) World heritage list. Poghosyan awarded eral trainings on teristics, and live in close vicinity of peo - Meller with the Gold Medal of the Ministry of Culture. waste manage - ple,” notes Acopian Center Director ment and I have Karen Aghababyan. “The classes on already noticed bird identification might create a new One Soldier Killed, Eight positive shifts in type of interest among children and the attitude and name the objects for the children, who Injured in Crash More than 300 volunteers joined the “Let’s do it! Armenia” thinking of just referred to them as ‘birds’ before.” cleanup in Margahovit Village, where more than 30 cubic schoolchildren,” “This has been a great collaboration YEREVAN (ArmeniaNow) — At least one person was meters of waste (500 bags) was collected. killed and eight were injured after a vehicle trans- Environmental with the Acopian Center and other part - porting military personnel veered off a highway Education ners. It’s important that people from and crashed in northern Armenia, in Aragatsotn Armenia is among the countries that Manager Alla Sahakyan said. “After the the community are actively involved in province, Monday afternoon. joined the global initiative. “Let’s do it! cleanup, one of the girls from our eco- the process because they come up with The press service of the Armenian Defense Armenia” aims at uniting everyone to club confessed that she never thought ideas on what should be done. For Ministry said the soldiers were taken first to the clean up urban and rural areas and his - about nature in the past, but that she instance, they asked for help setting up Armenia Medical Center in Yerevan and then to the torical sites in one day. Armenia Tree now thinks differently and realizes the a recycling program so we approached Central Military Hospital. Project (ATP) was one of the first orga - importance of a clean environment and [United Nations Development Private Gor Galstyan died in the hospital that nizations to join the pan-Armenian vol - the benefits of recycling.” Programme] UNDP to provide bins for night, while the condition of seven of the men unteer cleanup movement along with ATP and the Acopian Center partici - collection of plastic waste,” adds including Privates Vahe Khacheryan, Argishti World Wildlife Fund, Acopian Center pated in “Let’s do it! Armenia” as part Melikyan. Shahvelyan, Gegham Sahakyan, Hayk Bertizlyan, for the Environment, Young Biologists of the ReGardening of Eden partner - “We tried to make the cleanup fun Sgt. Narek Ghevondyan, Jr. Sgt. Narek NGO and others. ship. The project is being implemented for participants. Since it was a team Hovhakimyan and Sr. Lt. Arsen Yeritsyan is said to On September 15, ATP and the in Margahovit with tree plantings and effort, it also motivated groups to com - be satisfactory. Doctors said Private Harutyun Acopian Center joined the people of education about trees, birds, recycling pete with each other in collecting the Kirakosyan’s condition is critical. Margahovit Village to clean up the and other topics. most waste. At the end of the day we According to the Defense Ministry press release, beautiful landscape that had been lit - “Margahovit does not have a park or a were tired, but everyone enjoyed seeing military police have launched an inquiry in con- tered. This village in Lori is the location green zone where people can gather and the beautiful village of Margahovit free nection with the crash. for ATP’s Mirak Family Reforestation relax, so ATP will establish a new park,” of waste. This may have been the largest Nursery, the newly-inaugurated Michael explains ATP Social, Economic, and public program ever organized in this and Virginia Ohanian Center for Environmental Development for community,” concludes Melikyan. S ATURDAY , S EPTEMBER 29, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 3 INTERNATIONAL Turkish Court Convicts 330 From Military in Coup Case International News Defense lawyers and family ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By Sebnem Arsu members of the accused have long denounced the evidence in the Turkey ‘Carefully case as flimsy, and all of the ver - ISTANBUL (New York Times) — A dicts were expected to be Following’ Genocide Bill Turkish court convicted 330 military appealed. “With this verdict, the officers, including three former top com - court appeared in collaboration Reintroduced in France manders, and sentenced them to prison with the gangs that produced PARIS (PanARMENIAN.Net) — Turkey is carefully terms of as long as 20 years on Friday, these fake documents, as judges following the situation with a possible reconsidera- September 21, after a trial in which they refused to assign experts to dis - tion of the law on the criminalization of Armenian were accused of a wide-ranging plot to cover all of these fabrications,” Genocide denial in France, Anadolu agency quoted overthrow the government nearly a Pinar Dogan, the daughter of Gen. Accused Turkish officers, awaiting verdicts, waved to family members. Turkish Minister for EU Affairs as saying. With the decade ago. Thirty-four were acquitted. Cetin Dogan, said after the verdict. Turkish embassy following the development of “Reductions in jail terms mean events around the Genocide law, Turkey has not nothing when those who are left in jail mosques and set off a military conflict received any information on a new discussion of Australian TV Covers should not be spending even a minute with Greece in an effort to stir unrest the issue, Egemen Bagis said. in there given the falsity of this trial.” and overthrow the government of Prime On January 23, the French Senate passed a bill Armenian Protest at The convictions and sentences, Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, whose making it a crime to deny the Armenian Genocide. reported by the Turkish news media, Justice and Development Party has The bill would have imposed a 45,000-euro fine and Hungarian Embassy signaled completion of the first trial in a roots in an Islamist movement. The mil - a year in prison for anyone in France who denies civilian court of defendants in a coup itary has historically regarded itself as this crime against humanity committed by the In Canberra plot known as Sledgehammer, said to the guardian of the secular political sys - Ottoman Empire. have been masterminded as part of a tem in Turkey, which has a Muslim CANBERRA, Australia (Armradio.am) Subsequently, the French Constitutional Council 2003 military exercise. The prosecution majority. ruled that the bill is un-constitutional. In a state- — Busloads of Armenian-Australians of the case was widely regarded as a test The trial, which began in December joined in the international condemnation ment, the council said the document represented of the democratically elected govern - 2010, polarized public opinion in an “unconstitutional breach of the practice of free- over the extradition and pardon of Azeri ment’s power over the formerly domi - Turkey. Hundreds of other suspects, Lt. Ramil Safarov by protesting in front of dom of expression and communication.” nant Turkish military, which has been including military members, politicians After election, President Francois Hollande the Hungarian Embassy last week. responsible for four coups since 1960. and journalists face prosecution in a SBS Television and several radio stations pledged to introduce a similar bill that would go in Prosecutors have said the separate trial. line with the country’s constitution. covered the demonstration of the 250 Sledgehammer coup plotters had con - (Rick Gladstone contributed report - members of the community, who stood in spired in a master plan to bomb ing from New York.) solidarity with slain Armenian solider Aram I Urges Respect for Gurgen Markarian, who was axed to death by Safarov during a 2004 NATO All Religions Partnership for Peace program in Hungary. Pianist Gives Concert at Newly-Restored Safarov was expected to serve a life sen - BEIRUT (PanARMENIAN.Net) — Following the tence in Hungary, however, was extradited Surp Giragos Armenian Church recent protests against the anti-Islam film deni- to Azerbaijan where he was immediately grating the Prophet Mohammed, Aram I, the pardoned by the Azeri government. Upon DIYARBAKIR, Turkey — Istanbul- and interaction among peoples.” He Catholicos of the See of Cilicia, stated that “no returning to Azerbaijan, Safarov has been born Canadian-Armenian pianist Raffi reminded the audience that the Turkish group or individual has the right to undermine treated as a national hero, causing fury in Bedrosyan gave a concert at the newly- word “chalmak” has two meanings — to what is regarded as sacred by any religion, and we the international Armenian community. restored Surp Giragos Armenian rob or steal, as well as to play a musical strongly condemn such approaches.” The protest, a joint effort by the commu - Church on September 10. The concert, instrument. The first meaning of the “The traditions, teachings and values of all reli- nity’s Armenian churches, political, youth the first one in the church since before word took place in 1915, when the gions should be respected,” he said. and relief organizations, strongly conveyed 1915, received wide coverage in Turkish Diyarbakir governor of the time, after Aram I also said, “The monotheistic religions the feelings of Armenian-Australians, call - and Kurdish media, both nationally and deporting and massacring the Armenian believe in peace and not violence, and dialogue is ing upon the Hungarian authorities to con - locally. It was attended by more than population in the region, had all their the key to building respect.” demn the actions of Azerbaijan. 400 people, including Diyarbakir valuable belongings, including several He concluded: “Christians and Muslims have been This message was conveyed with loud Member of Turkish Parliament Ahmet pianos, brought and stored in this living together as neighbors for many centuries and chants and signs reading “Punish not Tan, Diyarbakir Municipality Mayor church. Bedrosyan commented that he are working constantly towards building a culture of Pardon,” “Shame Hungary Shame,” “We Osman Baydemir, Sur Municipality now wishes to implement the second coexistence based on respect for our differences.” Want Justice,” “A crime punished is a Mayor Abdullah Demirbas, Istanbul meaning of the word by playing the crime encouraged” and others. Armenian Patriarchate Acting Patriarch piano in this concert. He then presented US Envoy to Azerbaijan During the two-hour demonstration, Archbishop Aram Ateshian, US Eastern a musical journey from Europe with Armenian National Committee of Diocese Primate Archbishop Khajag Western Classical composers, Beethoven, Says Karabagh Issue Australia (ANC Australia) Executive Barsamian, a group of 70 Armenian pil - Chopin, Rachmaninoff and De Falla, to Director Vache Kahramanian and Fr. grims from the US touring historic Anatolia and Caucasus with Armenian Priority Avedis Hambardzumyan of the Armenian Armenia, 40 graduates of the Armenian music from historic and present Armenia BAKU (PanARMENIAN.Net) — The US government Apostolic Church met with the language course in Diyarbakir, several and Karabagh, through the works of advocates a peaceful resolution of the Nagorno Hungarian Ambassador to Australia Armenians from Armenia, Austria and Komitas, Hovhaness, Godoyan and Karabagh conflict, American Ambassador to Anna Siko. During the meeting, which Istanbul, as well as a large contingent Khatchaturian. A surprise addition to the Azerbaijan Richard Morningstar said. occurred to a backdrop of strong chants from the local Diyarbakir people. concert program was an 11-year-old “Following conversations with Secretary of State from the crowd outside, Siko was pre - After greeting the audience in Kurdish girl, one of the Armenian lan - Hillary Clinton, I can confidently say that the solu- sented with a letter on behalf of the com - Armenian, English, Turkish and guage course graduates in Diyarbakir, tion to this conflict is a priority issue for the US,” munity calling upon the following: The Kurdish, Bedrosyan commented that who sang two Armenian songs. News.Az quoted Morningstar as saying. condemnation by Hungarian Prime the newly-restored church, the largest in Although the restoration of the main “I’ll feel like the happiest man in the world, if the Minister Viktor Orban of his Azeri coun - the Middle East, is evidence of a large church building was completed last Karabagh problem gets settled during my diplo- terpart Ilham Aliyev for pardoning a con - Armenian presence in these lands year, the bell tower construction is con - matic mission in Azerbaijan,” he told a press con- victed murderer despite assurances pro - before 1915 and has now become a pil - tinuing and expected to be completed ference, pledging to take every effort aimed at the vided by Azerbaijan; The condemnation grimage point for all Armenians. by November 2012, when a 100-kilo - conflict resolution in the framework of the of Azerbaijan’s continued aggression and He also added: “But having a silent gram large brass bell, manufactured and Organization for Security and Cooperation in threats of war against the Republic of stone monument to the past is not suffi - donated by Russian Armenians, will be Europe (OSCE) Minsk Group. Armenia and the Republic of Nagorno- cient, and events like this concert are ini - installed at top of the tower. Donations Karabagh; and Recognition of the tiatives to make the church a live, active are welcome through the Eastern Republic of Nagorno-Karabagh as an center for continuing peaceful dialogue Diocese offices. Romanian Museum Hosts independent state to ensure the safety and security of its people. Armenian Celebration At the conclusion of the meeting, BUCHAREST, Romania (Armradio.am) — Armenian Kahramanian addressed the gathered, stat - Azeri Axe-Killer to Return to Military culture is being celebrated at the Village Museum ing: “Our issue is not with the peaceful peo - here, on September 21 through 23, with music and ple of Hungary but with those officials in SAFAROV, from page 1 September 2. Mammadyarov reportedly traditional dance, a photo exhibition, a display of tra- Budapest who allowed the extradition of a The US administration already told Burns that Baku is “bewildered” by ditional Armenian goods, as well as film screenings. convicted cold-blooded murderer.” expressed “deep concern” immediate - the US criticism. The Armenian community in Romania dates back “We will continue to pursue the ly after Safarov’s release from a Najafov insisted, however, that a millennium and is spread all across the country. Hungarian authorities through the Hungarian prison. President Barack Aliyev’s decision to pardon Safarov was With only around 5,000 Armenians left in the coun- Embassy in Canberra until we receive a Obama said through a spokesman an “exceptionally humane step.” try, the community celebrates its history, culture response which is not a response that the that it was “contrary to ongoing Armenpress reported that the and traditions. This year, it also celebrates 500 Hungarian government wants to hear, efforts to reduce regional tensions.” Armenian National Assembly deputies years of existence for the Hagigadar church and but a response which is just and correct.” The State Department was likewise will raise the issue during the autumn monastery in Suceava, the most important centers “Today we not only fight for the mem - “extremely troubled” by the develop - session of the Parliamentary Assembly for pilgrimage for Armenians across Europe. ory of an Armenian solider but as human ment, demanding an explanation from of the Council of Europe (PACE) held in Some 3,000 pilgrims from Europe and other beings of this world we fight for the dig - the Hungarian government. Strasbourg on October 1. According to parts of the diaspora are expected to take part in nity of all mankind.” US Deputy Secretary of State William member of Armenian delegation at the celebration, romania-insider.com reports. The protest received coverage through Burns conveyed these concerns to PACE, Naira Zohrabyan, said that all the SBS TV World News, ABC Radio and Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister Elmar Armenian delegates are expected to SBS Radio. Mammadyarov in a phone call on raise the issue. 4 S ATURDAY , S EPTEMBER 29, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Community Ne ws

UAF Delivers $21 Armenian Pleads Million of Aid to Guilty to Armenia and Artsakh Conspiracy in GLENDALE — The United Armenian Fund (UAF) delivered more than $21 mil - Massive Medicare lion of humanitarian assistance to Armenia and Artsakh, during the period Fraud Scheme of October 2011 to September 2012. The UAF itself collected $13 million of medicines and other supplies donated by several charities, including AmeriCares By Terry Dickson ($5 million), Direct Relief International ($2.8 million), Catholic Medical Mission BRUNSWICK, Fla. (Florida Times-Union) — Board ($2.2 million), MAP International An Armenian national pleaded guilty last week ($1.6 million), Feed the Children Fund to helping set up phony clinics in Brunswick ($873,000), Health Partners International and Savannah that were used to submit nearly of Canada ($475,000) and Operation USA $400,000 in false Medicare claims. ($43,000). Speaking through an interpreter, Khoren Other organizations which contributed Gasparian, 29, acknowledged to Chief US valuable goods during this period were: District Judge Lisa Godbey Wood his role in a World Vision – US ($1.1 million), Harut fraud scheme that stretched from New York to Chantikian of Fair Lawn, NJ ($816,000), Los Angeles. Project Hope ($585,000), Ordre Saint Run from Los Angeles by Armenian immi - Lazare of France ($508,000), Garni grant Arthur Mansarian, the scheme used doc - Foundation ($491,000), Armenian tors’ and patients’ identifications that were Lighthouse Charitable Foundation stolen to submit more than $200 million in ($405,000), Juliette Serabian of France phony claims. ($279,000), Armenian EyeCare Project Mansarian, 49, pleaded guilty to submitting ($269,000), World Vision – Canada $7.4 million in false claims through nine phony ($245,000), Armenian Ministries of UK medical supply businesses and is serving a 14- ($235,000), Dr. Stephen Kashian of year prison sentence. At his sentencing, Wood Winnetka, Ill. ($230,000), St. Vartanants ordered him to repay the government $1.8 mil - Armenian Apostolic Church of Mahwah, lion. NJ ($206,000), Sacred Heart Medical Shahak Tumanyan, 44, who pleaded guilty to Center ($200,000), Project Agape A disabled teen walks upright for the first time thanks to the ALCF’s gift of a walker. money laundering, is serving five years and ($192,000), Armenia Fund USA must pay $309,000 in restitution. Tumanyan is ($192,000), Focus on Children Now in the country illegally and will be deported as ($187,000), Armenian Canadian Medical soon as he completes his sentence. Association of Ontario ($170,000), When the government began making arrests Nephrology Armenia Flanders of Belgium The Gift of Mobility in the scheme last year, Gasparian was living in ($164,000), Fund for Armenian Relief Moscow and saw international news accounts, ($162,000), Medical Outreach for FBI Special Agent Tony Alig testified Friday in Armenians ($153,000), Gabriel Ghenberji Armenian Lighthouse Charitable Foundation Gives Hope to Gasparian’s change of plea hearing. of Canada ($150,000), Birthlink of UK Gasparian went to the US legal attache’s ($145,000), Achot Special Needs Disabled Children and Adults office in Moscow and told officials there of his Schemavonian/Association de Soutien role in the scheme, Alig said. aux Patriotes Armeniens of France PTGHUNK, Armenia and SEAL BEACH, Calif. — The Armenian Lighthouse Familiar of the harsh treatment of suspects in ($137,000), Armenian Christian Mission Charitable Foundation (ALCF), the organization formerly known as Paros Eastern Europe, Gasparian was initially fearful, of Australia ($132,000), Action Sante “Lighthouse” Charitable Foundation, cares for the sick and injured who are mar - Alig said. Armenie France of Marseille, France ginalized and often forgotten. As part of its community outreach initiative, called “When he was assured he would be treated ($120,000), Armenian Missionary Husi Jerag (Light of Hope), ALCF has given the gift of mobility to dozens of dis - politely and fairly, he agreed to return,” Alig Association of America ($109,000), Lions abled children and adults throughout Armenia. This vital assistance is made pos - said. Club Draguignan St. Hermentaire of sible with donations of wheelchairs, walkers and other equipment from ALCF sup - Gasparian flew to Washington on July 7, France ($108,000) and Armenian Relief porters in the US. ALCF collects all forms of gently-used medical equipment on a 2011, and was arrested. He admitted that the Society – East ($101,000). year-round basis, and has a long waiting list of disabled children and adults in need clinics he helped set up in Savannah and Also contributing major supplies were: of immediate assistance. Brunswick were “completely a fraud,” Alig tes - Alvan Tsarik of Holland ($70,000), One recent beneficiary of ALCF’s outreach is Susanna, age 50, from Yerevan. tified. Humanitarian Outreach Foundation Susanna was paralyzed from the neck down following an automobile accident that He also confessed to similar activities in New ($70,000), Society for Orphaned claimed the life of her husband. The accident occurred when Susanna and her hus - Mexico, where he is serving a three-year sen - Armenian Relief ($70,000), Ara Project of band had just spent a weekend with their son in Tavush where he was serving in tence in federal prison. Pasadena ($66,000), Amaras Art Alliance see LIGHTHOUSE, page 5 Rather than be tried on the charges in an ($49,000), Howard Karagheusian indictment, Gasparian pleaded guilty to a crim - Commemorative Corp. ($49,000), Eastern inal complaint from the US Attorney’s Office for Prelacy of the Armenian Church the Southern District of Georgia charging him ($47,000), Foundation Semra of with a single count of conspiracy to commit Switzerland ($46,000), Bay Area Friends Medicare fraud. of Armenia ($39,000), Dr. Frieda Jordan To carry out his part of the scheme, of Armenian Bone Marrow Registry Gasparian set up three storefront clinics in ($38,000), Armenian International Savannah called SOJ, Healthy Families and Ophthalmic Association ($35,000), Dr. Savannah Medical, and one in Brunswick called Samuel Malayan of Glendale ($30,000), Brunswick Medical Supply. The later was on Armenian Studies Program of Fresno Gloucester Street a few blocks south of the fed - ($28,000), Dr. Hagop Hovaguimian of eral courthouse where he entered his plea Portland, Ore. ($25,000) and Herman Friday. Hintiryan of Oak Park, Mich. ($21,000). Gasparian used stolen Medicare providers’ Since its inception in 1989, the UAF identifications to establish the corporations, set has sent $653 million of humanitarian up bank accounts and rented post office boxes assistance to Armenia on board 158 air - where Medicare mailed claims, Alig said. lifts and 2,028 sea containers. The claims were typically for wheelchairs, The UAF is the collective effort of the walkers, canes and other equipment. It caused Armenian General Benevolent Union some legitimate Medicare beneficiaries hard - (AGBU), Armenian Missionary ship because when they tried to buy needed Association of America, Armenian Relief supplies, Medicare sometimes had already paid Society, Diocese of the Armenian Church a false claim for the same items. of America and Prelacy of the Armenian The offices in the coast-to-coast scheme typi - Apostolic Church of America. cally had only one employee who picked up the For more information, contact the UAF mail and sent the checks to Manasarian’s office Susanna operates her new paraplegic wheelchair from the ALCF. office at 1101 North Pacific Ave., Suite in Los Angeles, where they were cashed at a 204, Glendale, CA 91202. liquor store, Alig testified in an earlier hearing. see FRAUD, page 7 S ATURDAY , S EPTEMBER 29, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 5 COMMUNITY NEWS

Delighted with this new piece of equipment, he The Gift of Mobility treated the staff of ALCF to cognac and choco - late. ALCF provides the maintenance on all the LIGHTHOUSE, from page 4 equipment that it donates to needy individuals. the army. Following the accident, she spent two Husi Jerag offers desperately-needed services years in the hospital recuperating from her to the local community including vocational injuries. When her son returned from the army, training, psychological counseling and therapy, the pressure and stress of caring for an invalid sewing and cooking classes, women’s health parent become too overwhelming for him, and services, feeding the poor and elderly, support - he refused to see her. With the exception of a ing a local kindergarten, weekly Bible study, cousin who came once a day to feed her, family sponsorships and donations of essential Susanna was stranded and utterly alone. goods to the needy in Armenia and Artsakh. In A few months ago, ALCF learned about addition to Husi Jerag, ALCF operates a shelter Susanna’s plight from the doctor who is treat - for abused women and girls, with open doors to ing her. ALCF staff quickly took action and the children of these victims. brought her an electric wheelchair designed Zuhrab and Seta Ghazarian are the founders specifically for paraplegics. They also spent time of Armenian Lighthouse Charitable with Susanna training her to operate the new Foundation. They have been engaged in charity chair. Because of this wheelchair, Susanna has work and community outreach for underprivi - a renewed feeling of independence with the abil - leged and underserved Armenians since 1996. ity to ride around her home and venture out - The idea grew out of their concern for at-risk doors. Armenian women and children as well as pre - Garine, age 12, has also received the gift of Garine, 12, receives a walker, left, and an elliptical, right, for her physical therapy. serving the integrity of the Armenian family. mobility from Armenian Lighthouse Charitable Armenian Lighthouse Charitable Foundation is Foundation. Garine was a healthy, active, young a 501(c)(3) non-profit, public benefit corpora - girl with a bright future. Without warning, one ALCF’s center in Ptghunk, and Garine was cause of her disability. tion registered in the State of California and day she began to lose strength and movement given a walker. The next day, her mother Gagik, age 55, lives in the Gegharkunik Republic of Armenia. in her legs. While her doctors have not been returned asking if the foundation could also region and is a war veteran. During the war, he Donations are needed to advance this work. able to diagnose the cause, Garine’s mobility provide some type of equipment to help lost both of his legs in battle. Since sustaining The organization invites travelers to Armenia to has been compromised. She can only walk hold - strengthen Garine’s legs. ALCF gave her an his injuries, Gagik has fashioned a car for him - visit its 13,000 sq.-ft. complex in Ptghunk and ing someone’s hand and sways unsteadily from elliptical, and Garine uses it for her own physi - self to control the accelerator and brake pedals witness first-hand its work. side to side. cal therapy. In the meantime, ALCF is working with his hands. On a recent visit to ALCF’s cen - Contributions to ALCF can be mailed to: PO Recently, Garine and her mother visited with Garine and her family to determine the ter, Gagik received an electric wheelchair. Box 3595, Seal Beach, CA 90740. Prof. Richard Hovannisian To Get Cardashian Award

MAHWAH, N.J. — The Armenian National Committee of America Eastern Region will be honoring Prof. Richard Hovannisian with the Vahan Cardashian Award at the sixth annual Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) Eastern Region Banquet on December 1, at the Sheraton Crossroads. “We are proud to honor Richard Hovannisian with the Cardashian Award for his many accom - plishments, including his outstanding research and development of Armenian Studies in high - er education,” said ANCA Eastern Region Executive Director Michelle Hagopian. Hovannisian is a professor of Armenian and Near Eastern Studies at UCLA. Born and raised in Tulare, Calif., Hovannisian received his bach - elor’s and master’s degrees from the University of California-Berkeley, and he obtained his PhD from UCLA in 1966. In 1987, Hovannisian was appointed the first holder of the Armenian Educational Foundation Endowed Chair in Modern Armenian History at UCLA. He is a Guggenheim Fellow who has received many honors for his scholarship, civic activities, and advancement of Armenian Studies. Hovannisian is the author of numerous books, including Armenia on the Road to Independence and The Armenian Holocaust . He has edited and contributed to at least a dozen other works, and has published more than 50 scholarly articles. Hovanissian serves on the board of directors of nine scholarly and civic organizations, includ - ing the Facing History and Ourselves Foundation, the International Institute on the Holocaust and Genocide, International Alert, the Foundation for Research on Armenian Architecture and the Armenian National Institute. He also received the UCLA Alumni Association’s 2010-2011 “Most Inspiring Teacher” award. In the past, the ANCA Cardashian Award has been presented to notable Armenian- Americans, such as ANCA activist Stephen Dulgarian, Director of the Project Save Armenian Photograph Archives Ruth Thomasian and New England community leader Tatul Sonentz-Papazian. The Vahan Cardashian Award is given annu - ally to an ANCA supporter who demonstrates longstanding dedication and active involvement in the Armenian-American community and its issues. The award is named for Yale-educated lawyer Vahan Cardashian who set aside his suc - cessful New York practice to dedicate himself to the establishment of the American Committee for the Independence of Armenia (ACIA), pre - decessor organization to the Armenian National Committee, and to advocate for the plight of the Armenian nation. 6 S ATURDAY , S EPTEMBER 29, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR OBITUARY

member of the manager when the company closed its Hartford Stephan DerMargosian ADL District operations. He subsequently engaged in com - Committee, a del - mercial brokerage. Founding Father and Pillar of the Armenian Community egate from New He is survived by his wife, Susan; children, Britain for nation - Stephen and his partner, Matthew Clark, of NEW BRITAIN, Conn. — Stephan he volunteered for the US Navy and served on al ADL conven - Asheville, NC, Philip of Paris, France and his DerMargosian, 86, of Farmington, died on the battleship USS Iowa in the Pacific Theater. tions and commit - partner, Giovanni Fretti, of Bergamo, Italy, September 11. He was the husband of Susan After discharge, he received his bachelor’s tees including the daughter and son-in-law, Brenda and David Avedisian DerMargosian to whom he was mar - degree in industrial engineering from Hillyer April 24 com - Jermakian, of Wilbraham, Mass.; granddaugh - ried for 60 years. College of the University of Hartford. memoration, and ters, Talene and Ani; sister-in-law and brother-in- DerMargosian was born in New Britain, on DerMargosian was a pillar of the Armenian organized the law, Henrietta and Richard Kallajian of March 16, 1926, the son of the late Ghevont community. He was a life member and served as national ADL con - Wethersfield, and nephews, Michael and Greg DerMargosian and Miriam Mananian deacon of the Armenian Church of the Holy Stephan DerMargosian ventions hosted Kallajian and their families of Wethersfield; DerMargosian. His birth mother, Miriam, died Resurrection for approximately 70 years, chair - by the New cousins, Jon Simonian of New York City and when he was 2. His father remarried Jouhar man of the Parish Council and a diocesan dele - Britain chapter George Simonian of Suffield, and their families. Simonian, daughter of Peter and Yelhsa Simonian, gate and chairman of many programs. He was several times. A funeral was held September 17 at the who in every respect became his mother. chairman of the building committee and a DerMargosian was also a member of the Armenian Church of the Holy Resurrection. DerMargosian lived in New Britain for 30 founding father of the new Armenian Church of Masonic Organization for more than 56 years Burial was in Fairview Cemetery in New years and graduated from New Britain High the Holy Resurrection on Stanley Street, New and was a member of the American Legion. He Britain. School in 1943. Upon graduation, he attended Britain. served as a commissioner on the Town of In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be the Citadel, the Military College of South He was a member of the Armenian Farmington Sewer Authority. made to the Armenian Church of the Holy Carolina. Democratic League (ADL) organization and DerMargosian was with the Royal Typewriter Resurrection, 1910 Stanley St., New Britain, CT As the country was engaged in World War II, chairman several times of the local chapter, a Co. for 20 years, leaving as production control 06053.

one of the top five programs in the country. It organist, vocal accompanist and as a mentor to Marie Ann ‘Maro’ Donabedian has produced some of the country’s finest Armenian musicians studying piano, voice and opera singers. accompaniment. Some of her protégés VAN NUYS, Calif. — Marie Ann “Maro” panist the high school had ever produced. Her close friendship and professional part - remained close friends with her until her death. Donabedian was born on July 15, 1928, to Young Marie Manoogian graduated from high nership with Scott lasted almost 50 years. Scott She was preceded in death by her parents Lazar and Arshalous Manoogian in New school in 1945, and was accepted by and attend - passed away in July, but Maro Donabedian was Lazar and Arshalous Manoogian and her older Britain, Conn. ed the Juilliard School of Music in New York City. spared that sad news because of her declining brother Harold Manoogian. She leaves her hus - She was a precocious child with natural musi - After her graduation four years later, she spent health. band, Martin; daughter, Laura, and son-in-law cal talent and unbridled drive. As early as 5 the following three years as an accompanist for She officially retired from CSUN in 1992. Michael, son, Randy Hrant, and daughter-in-law, years old, she quickly built a reputation as “that virtually all of the leading Armenian opera and However, her retirement did not mean that she Patricia, son, Noel; grandchildren, Danielle and girl who plays beyond her years.” She became a classical singers of the day. When an accompanist stopped tutoring students from CSUN. In fact, Rachel Dale, and Jacqueline and Patrick fixture on Sunday mornings, playing the church was needed, she was the “go-to” pianist. she continued to act as accompanist and vocal Donabedian, as well as extended family and life - organ at the local Armenian Church in New While living in New York, she became close coach for vocal students and was often seen on long friends. Britain. While she was in high school, she won friends and shared her passion for music with a campus at recitals for her students, until as In lieu of flowers, the family asks that dona - the Musical Directors Hall of Fame Award, young priest who later became known as recently as June. tions be made payable to the CSUN which was given to her by Dr. Fred Mirliani, Archbishop Torkom Manoogian, patriarch of She also contributed her musical talents to Foundation, Memo: Maro Donabedian musical director of New Britain High School. the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem. the Armenian community and to her church, St. Memorial Fund; Mail Drop 8236, MCCAMC, She earned the reputation as the finest accom - Together, they shared their love for Armenian Peter Armenian Apostolic Church, both as an 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge, CA 91330. folk and liturgical music, and she would often play as the young priest sang the beautiful and haunting songs written by Armenian com - posers and priests. In 1953, at the age of 25, she married a hand - some ex-marine and Ivy Leaguer, Martin Donabedian. From that time until her death she GF UiNrEaRgAoL sHiaOMn E became known as Maro Donabedian. Over the following decade, the couple had James “Jack” Giragosian, CPC three children, Laura, Randy Hrant and Noel Mark J. Giragosian Martin. In 1963, the couple moved their young Funeral Counselors family from New Britain to Van Nuys, where 576 Mt. Auburn Street, Watertown, MA 02472, TEL: 617-924—0606 they each began a new chapter in their careers www.giragosianfuneralhome.com and where they became part of an extended family that resulted in lifelong friendships. Martin Donabedian went to work for the Los Angeles County Health Department as director Telephone (617) 924-7400 of records and statistics. Maro Donabedian joined the Music Department at California State University of Northridge (CSUN, original - Aram Bedrosian ly San Fernando Valley State College) in 1964 where she became a full-time accompanist. She Funeral Home, Inc. began working and collaborating with the late Dr. David Scott, and together they founded the Continuous Service By The Bedrosian Family Since 1945 Maro Donabedian Opera Department at CSUN. Today the CSUN opera department enjoys national distinction as MARION BEDROSIAN 558 MOUNT AUBURN STREET PAUL BEDROSIAN WATERTOWN, MA 02472 LARRY BEDROSIAN Australia Primate Archbishop Aghan Baliozian Dies BALIOZIAN, from page 1 where he was appointed dean in 1974. Nardolillo Funeral Home Early in his youth, Baliozian had felt stirrings A year later, he was picked by the Catholicos of a deep spiritual yearning and this led him to of All Armenians Vasken I to become vicar gen - Est. 1906 Jerusalem, where he enrolled as a student of eral of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of theology at the Armenian Patriarchate’s semi - Australia and New Zealand. John K. Najarian, Jr. nary. At the age of 22, he was ordained a celi - Baliozian was always active in ecumenical Rhode Island’s Only Licensed Armenian Funeral Director bate priest. affairs and earned the distinction of being the 1278 Park Ave. Cranston, RI 02910 In 1982, he was elected Primate of Australia first president of the National Ecclesiastic (401) 942-1220 and New Zealand. A brilliant orator who never Council of Australia. He also represented the 1111 Boston Neck Rd. Narragansett, RI 02882 (401) 789-6300 used notes, he could move crowds and congre - Armenian Church within the World Council of www.nardolillo.com gations with his eloquent sermons. Churches. In 2001, he was elected vice presi - Always approachable and gregarious, dent of the New South Wales Ecumenical Baliozian had a loyal following. But ill health Council, a post to which he was elected three remained a pernicious shadow. times. Edward D. Jamakordzian, Jr. d/b/a During his tenure in Sydney where he was In 1995 and again in 2003, the Australian stationed, his astute native savvy helped the government awarded him the Order of Australia church bolster its finances and extend its land - for his “devout service and contribution to the holdings. country and society, especially to the Armenian Edward D. Jamie, Jr. Contemporary Jerusalemite Armenians remem - community.” ber his spirited leanings towards sports, particu - Inevitably, as with every other leader, he had larly soccer. They recall he could kick a football to contend with his share of controversies. But LicensedFinuNneweYrorak landCNhewaJperseey l right across the field and straight into the oppos - he had the courage and determination to deal 217-04 Northern Blvd., (Suite 23), Bayside, NY 11361 ing team’s goal, with the greatest of ease. with them all as best he could. (718) 224-2390 or toll Among the duties he undertook in Among the most prominent members of Service any hour, Jerusalem, was teaching and administering the Baliozian’s local congregation, is the NSW min - any distance free (888) 224-6088 affairs of the Armenian Patriarchate Seminary, ister for transport, Gladys Berekijlian. S ATURDAY , S EPTEMBER 29, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 7 COMMUNITY NEWS Kirk Kerkorian 500th Anniversary of Armenian Printing Announces Marked on October 7 in New Jersey Engagement

TENAFLY, N.J. — Armenian typography Armenia; from 2,243 books in Venice to By Norm Clark began its journey in Venice, in the year 1512, 18,000 books were published in Armenia and traveled to Madras, eventually Rome in between 1920 and 1940. 1623, Milan in 1624, Paris in 1633, Nor Julfa The magnitude of the love of books and LAS VEGAS (Las Vegas Review-Journal) — Kirk in 1641, Amsterdam in 1655, then St printing by Armenians is self-evident. It is this Kerkorian’s engagement announcement earlier this Petersburg, Constantinople, Tbilisi, Shushi love of printing that has lead a handful of month is raising eyebrows among friends of the 95- and finally rested in Yerevan. Armenians, such as Krikor Markarian, who year-old billionaire, and his age has nothing to do The majority of the 11,000 well-known has a discerning eye, to locate, collect and pre - with it. Armenian books were printed outside of serve Armenian artifacts and historical mem - What baffled insiders was that Kerkorian took orabilia, for more than 30 years. His collec - the highly unusual step of going public with the tions consist of a variety of Armenian items announcement, which was made by a representa - such as, illuminated manuscripts and a large tive from Tracinda, Kerkorian’s Beverly Hills-based collection of early printed books, daily news - investment corporation. papers dating from the 19th century, church The brief emailed statement sent from vestments and silver and gold religious icons spokesman Tom Johnson to Review-Journal busi - Krikor Markarian as well as paintings. ness writer Howard Stutz read: “At a dinner with On the occasion of this anniversary, the friends this weekend, MGM Resorts founder Kirk Tekeyan Cultural Association (TCA) will host Kerkorian and longtime friend Lu Beard a program on Sunday, October 7 at 2 p.m. at Museum and prepared a confidential report announced their engagement.” St Thomas Church Hall, with Markarian, to on the Armenian Genocide, which later Beard is a well-respected Oklahoma City woman present his artifacts and early printed books. became part of the museum. This led him to who was married for 31 years to Bill Beard, a wealthy Another Armenian historian, Prof. Kevork write his book, Hitler and The Armenian oil and gas executive, before his death last year. Bardakjian, will participate in the program. Genocide (1986), which provides documenta - One source said it was completely out of charac - Bardakjian has taught at Harvard University tion of the well-known quote by Hitler per - ter for Kerkorian to make an engagement from 1974 to 1987 and then he transferred to taining to the Armenians. He has also pub - announcement unless it was to send a message that the University of Michigan, where he contin - lished the Reference Guide to Modern he was no longer engaged to Joan Dangerfield, the ues to teach the Armenian language and lit - Armenian Literature, 1500-1920 (2000). widow of comedy legend Rodney Dangerfield. Dr. Kevork Bardakjian erature. Bardakjian has expended his exper - The event is free and open to the public. “The Joan thing was over a long time ago,” the tise, on a committee of the Holocaust — Shoghig Chalian source said. “That was not a serious relationship. He was with a couple people after her.” What caught the attention of Kerkorian’s friends was the claim by Joan Dangerfield in a June video that she was still his fiancée. That’s how she described herself in the elaborate video she apparently had shot when she surprised him on June 6, his 95th birthday, with a flash mob dance performance on the grounds of the Beverly Hills Hotel. In the video, Dangerfield, 60, is standing in front of a large birthday cake topped with a crown, with a K above it. “What do you give the father of Las Vegas” who was “a daredevil pilot,” she asked. She is then shown walking Kerkorian to a bun - galow. As they are standing outside the door, dancers suddenly come out from behind palm trees and perform to the 1950s song To Know Him is to Love Him . The video was posted a day later on YouTube. “Anyone who knows Kirk knows he wouldn’t have ... allowed that and he would let you know it,” one of the sources said. “He’s so private he’s almost reclusive.” Dangerfield, who formerly ran a flower delivery business when she lived with the comedian at Regency Towers in the Las Vegas Country Club Estates, could not be reached for comment.

Armenian Pleads Guilty to Medicare Fraud Scheme

FRAUD, from page 4 The identities of two physicians were stolen to establish the Savannah clinics, Alig said. Neither doctor knew their Medicare provider numbers were being used, Alig said. Alig said that although Gasparian used the stolen identities, he did not personally steal them nor did he submit any false claims. In fact, Medicare was warned of the scheme and did not pay any of the $393,000 in false claims submitted through the shell corpora - tions Gasparian established, Alig said. Medicare kept accepting the claims, Alig said, while he, Special Agent David Graupner of Health and Human Services and other investi - gators continued building their case. Wood told Gasparian he could be sentenced up to three years in prison, fined $250,000 and placed on three years probation. The government agreed, however, for him to get a lighter sentence for admit - ting his guilt and helping in the investigation, Assistant US Attorney Brian Rafferty said. The gov - ernment also agrees that he may serve any sentence concurrently with the one he already is serving in New Mexico, Rafferty said. Wood told Gasparian she would schedule his sentencing after federal probation officers com - plete a pre-sentencing investigation. 8 S ATURDAY , S EPTEMBER 29, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS Another Summer Ends at Camp Nubar but Festivities Just Beginning for 50th-Anniversary Year

NEW YORK — Another summer has flown by strong over the past five decades, Director at Camp Nubar in upstate New York, and while New Anniversary Features on Camp Nubar Website Jennifer Omartian commented, “Year after year campers were sad to board the buses home, we create a unique family comprised of talent - they know that there will be plenty to celebrate Will Keep Supporters Engaged Year-Round ed campers and counselors from near and far. in the coming year as the camp commemorates its 50th anniversary. of lifelong friends that I have made here is too Summer at Camp Nubar kicked off on many to count.” Saturday, July 7. When the season officially In 2012, Yerevan-based ballet master Arman ended on Sunday, August 18, it saw some of the Julhakyan and art instructor Ella Pepanyan highest number of enrollees in years — more helped reinforce the camp’s long-standing com - than 240, from Armenia, Canada, France, mitment to promoting the Armenian cultural Germany and Turkey, as well as 14 states across heritage. This was the second summer

Camp Nubar’s private, spring fed lake gives campers the chance to participate in various water sports.

youth. Camp Nubar Committee Chair Sarah Every summer we add new layers to the tradi - Partin Setrakian praised Pepanyan and tions we’ve maintained for so many decades. Julhakyan for their many great contributions to This element keeps campers both excited for Campers create arts and crafts projects at classes. Camp Nubar stating, “When they arrived from what’s to come and reassured that their favorite Armenia, Arman and Ella were welcomed activities will be repeated. There is nothing bet - enthusiastically by the entire camp and ter than watching Armenian youth join togeth - the US. Many were returning campers who Pepanyan and Julhakyan joined Camp Nubar, throughout the summer everyone looked for - er, create lifelong memories and forge friend - were excited to return, reconnect with old bringing with them the expertise they have ward to their classes. Arman got every camper ships they will carry with them through adult - friends and take part in all the traditions they developed over the years as teachers at the and counselor involved in a fantastic dance he hood. Campers have the unique opportunity of know and love. Many more were experiencing AGBU Nork Children’s Center in Armenia, choreographed, which was performed during making camp a part of them and leaving their camp for the very first time and quickly found which provides enriching arts, culture and per - the Open House. Ella helped the campers cre - mark on Camp Nubar’s history. This attach - a place in the Armenian General Benevolent forming arts programs for over hundreds of ate beautiful arts and crafts projects, such as ment to the camp is what sets us apart, making Union (AGBU) family. As in years past, daily schedules filled with arts and crafts, fishing, hiking, horseback riding and music, as well as swimming in the private lake, kept everyone active and engaged. This year, in addition to those activities, a number of special classes and events were organized that were well-received by all: a new basketball class that focused on skills and drills, and a new hockey league helped young athletes enhance their game under the encouragement of camp’s experi - enced coaches. An evening dance on the lake was made even more memorable with a guest DJ from New York and the revival of Carnival Day during both the first and second sessions ensured that, no matter how many weeks he or she chose to attend, every camper had the chance to enjoy fun games and cotton candy. Isabelle Akian, a 13-year-old camper from New Jersey, remarked on her summer, stating, “There is nowhere I would rather be than Camp Staff and campers representing six countries gather together in front of Camp Nubar’s state-of-the-art facilities. Nubar... it is like a home to me, and the amount

ceramics and painting on silk. They are both a our program stronger and the experience rich - great addition to Camp Nubar, and we hope to er.” welcome them back for years to come.” Though the facilities have officially closed In addition to Armenian art and dance, both for the season, camp supporters can still the staff and the youth were treated to tradi - express their spirit through the new online tional Armenian meals that were donated by a store, which will be open 24 hours a day, number of friends and alumni, a special treat seven days a week, through next summer. that gave everyone a taste of home. The website now features a one-stop shop for Halfway through the summer, campers, coun - all Camp Nubar gear, including limited-addi - selors and AGBU families officially kicked off tion clothing and accessories, designed espe - Camp Nubar’s 50th anniversary celebrations at cially for the 50th anniversary. And, while the Open House, which was held on Sunday, campers have put this summer’s Color War July 29. Throughout the day, alumni, parents behind them, the Blue and Gold teams are and friends could be found in the barn, on the still recruiting supporters online and dona - tennis courts and down by the waterfront tions to Camp Nubar will help decide which where campers and counselors showcased their side is the champion. To visit the canteen and talents with special performances. Another pop - support a team, visit Camp Nubar’s 50th ular destination was the canteen, where new anniversary website: items, including Camp Nubar apparel, were www.campnubar.org/50. introduced to commemorate the camp’s mile - Tickets are also available on this site for stone anniversary. The day offered an exciting Camp Nubar’s 50th anniversary celebration, preview for the July 28, 2013, Open House, and which will take place on Friday, July 26, 2013, all the festivities that are planned between now at Guastavino’s in New York City. More details and then, which will allow campers and alumni on the weekend of events are coming soon. Horesback riding on the trails becomes one of campers’ favorite activities. to relive their favorite summers. Praising the For more information about AGBU and its unique spirit that has helped Camp Nubar grow worldwide programs, visit www.agbu.org. S ATURDAY , S EPTEMBER 29, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 9 COMMUNITY NEWS Genocide Monument to Be Erected in Troy

TROY, N.Y. — A monument dedicated to the Armenian ty in the region. mayor at the time, Tutunjian — who is an Armenian-American Genocide victims of 1915 will be erected in one of the parks The memorial will reflect the positive contributions their himself — sent a letter in August giving the city administra - here. Mayor Lou Rosamilia confirmed that the Armenian community has made to Troy and the capital region and tion’s word that the memorial would find a place in the north - Heritage Memorial would be placed on the previously-conse - would serve to honor victims of the Armenian Genocide, as ern end of the park. crated place. The memorial will reflect the positive contribu - well as those of all genocides. That extermination, resulting In the community’s eyes, the letter guaranteed the monu - tions that the Armenian community has made to Troy and in 1 to 1.5 million Armenian deaths, caused the growth of the ment would be placed in Riverfront and thus would be locat - the capital region, the Troy Record reports. present-day Armenian community in America, including that ed in the heart of downtown and seen by the thousands that Pastors Bedros Shetilian and Stepanos Doudoukjian had now residing in and around Troy. pass through the park during the various concerts and major consecrated the place last December, where the memorial will Shortly after the committee undertook the memorial pro - city events held there. With this understanding, last be erected after the park is renovated. ject seven years ago, the Troy City Council passed a resolu - December the Genocide Memorial Committee organized a While there had been previous reservations, at the end of tion authorizing the monument, but did not specify an ground ceremony that consecrated the ground where the last week, Armenian Genocide Memorial Monument intended site. Yet the committee has hoped the $15,000 mon - monument will be placed. Committee Co-chair Ralph Enokian was contacted by ument would find a home in Riverfront Park, and was pre - In July, however, the new city administration under Rosamilia and informed that the Armenian Heritage pared to place the memorial on the northernmost end of the Rosamilia, who attended the consecration ceremony, met with Memorial would be placed on the previously-consecrated park several years ago. However, then-Mayor Tutunjian urged Armenian community leaders and put forth the possibility of ground north of the Vietnam Memorial. The memorial will be them to wait, so as to more fully incorporate the memorial as moving the monument to Frear Park near the Oakwood neigh - created and installed by Grethen-Cahringer Memorials of part of a $1.75-million state grant redevelopment project tar - borhood. The Armenian community was not pleased. Lansingburgh. geting the park. This delay caused tension between the group “We didn’t take that too well,” Topalian said, explaining The decision comes after years of tension between the city and the city, and the committee began contemplating other that the ground had already been consecrated and that the and the committee. local parks. committee considered the agreement with the previous “There have been years of work to make this memorial a “We looked at Frear Park, Beman Park” and others, said administration “a contract” with the city. reality,” said County Legislator Harry Tutunjian, who repre - Rafi Topalian, a committee member. Those parks, due to a Since the early 20th century, there has been a substantial sents the city of Troy on the legislature. variety of reasons, were found unfitting by the committee. Armenian community in Troy and the surrounding commu - The memorial effort was conceived and has been spear - In 2010, the committee’s hopes for the memorial by the nities, a result of Armenians refugees fleeing organized headed by the Knights and Daughters of Vartan. They river grew with the inclusion of the monument in the pre - killings during the Armenian Genocide. The Armenians that formed the Armenian Genocide Memorial Monument liminary plans for Riverfront Park, compiled in September of came to Troy in that diaspora founded the second Armenian Committee in 2005, which has been working to place a that year. Further strengthening those hopes was the monu - Church in America, became very active in the community and memorial in the city’s vicinity, stating that Troy and its envi - ment’s inclusion in the master plan and first phase, compiled so inundated a length of road across the river in Watervliet rons have been the locale of the largest Armenian communi - in March of last year, which was then cemented when the that it became known as Little Armenia for a time.

September 11 Victim, Firefighter Carl Bedigian, Is Remembered

NEW YORK — Robert Odabashian of lost his life. A former New York Transit Bellmore, NY, decided it was time to commem - Authority worker, he had changed careers orate the memory of his cousin, Carl Bedigian, and served as a New York firefighter for eight a Fire Department City of New York (FDNY) years at that point, according to his brother, first responder who heroically lost his life on Joseph Bedigian. September 11, 2001, helping others at the site “Carl was a member of Company 214, sta - of the Twin Towers, now known as Ground tioned out of Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn,” he said. “He Zero. responded to the Twin Towers disaster and we Odabashian decided to dedicate the red never heard from him again.” maple tree, which he planted in front of his Eventually his body was found along with five house to Bedigian, a tree he had first planted other members of his company in the World 11 years ago. Trade Center lobby. Bedigian 32, was a Queens resident, and had A small ceremony was held on Monday, only been married for nine months when he September 10, in front of Odabashian’s Williams

John and Vivian Bedigian, Angie Cullen, Robert Odabashian, Delores Bedigian and Dave Dennenberg

Court home. Family and local politicians, includ - Amidst tears, Delores Bedigian, Carl ing Legislator David Denenberg (D-Merrick) and Bedigian’s mother and a Brooklyn resident, Town Councilwoman Angie Cullin, gathered recalled her son’s memory. She was deeply around the red maple tree, decorated with touched by the ceremony. American flags and a plaque. “It was beautiful today, it really was,” she Fr. Valentine Rebello, of Saint Barnabas said. “It was so touching and very, very nice.” the Apostle Roman Catholic Church of Robert Odabashian said, “Carl was a brave Bellmore, recited a prayer in the name of Bedigian person for what he did. All firefighters, law and all those who lost their lives on September 11, enforcement ...each day they put their lives at and anointed the tree with holy water. risk for us.”

A poster honors Carl Bedigian 10 S ATURDAY , S EPTEMBER 29, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Arts & Living

AIWA Will Present ‘A Documentary ‘Orphans WHITE HOUSE PHOTO Of the Genocide’ Will Literary Afternoon’ with Be Presented at Three Armenian-American Woodbury University, Women Writers ARLINGTON, Mass. — Three Armenian- With Introductory American women writers will discuss their work Remarks by Dadrian at “A Literary Afternoon” sponsored by the Armenian International Women’s Association BURBANK, Calif. — On September on Sunday afternoon, October 14, at the 30, at 4 p.m., the documentary film, Armenian Cultural Foundation (ACF). “Orphans of the Genocide,” will be Sylva Boyadjian-Haddad, founder and editor- screened at Woodbury University, in-chief of Entelechy International/A Journal Fletcher Jones Foundation of Contemporary Ideas ; Lola Koundakjian, Auditorium, at 7500 Glenoaks Blvd. curator of the Armenian Poetry Project; and Four-time regional Emmy Award-win - Seta Terzian, ning filmmaker Bared Maronian will author of Two present the broadcast version of the Girls from film to the public Heliopolis, will (www.armenoidteam.com). The event present their is organized by Ararat-Eskijian recent publica - Museum in Mission Hills. tions and dis - The stories of these orphans are cuss the evolv - told by the orphans themselves, ing process of backed by expert opinion from such Boghosian in the Oval Office in 2005 with President George W. Bush to her side. creative writing scholars as Deborah Dwork and Keith and publication Watenpaugh. from their differ - “Orphans of the Genocide” tells the ing perspec - story of hundreds of thousands of tives. Armenian Genocide orphans. It is a The White House through a A writer and Sylva Boyadjian-Haddad posthumous tribute to the memory of poet, Boyadjian- those Armenian children victimized Lens: Photographer Joyce Haddad is pro - by the horrors of a systematic, con - fessor of English and comparative literature certed process of annihilation and a at New England College in Henniker, NH. celebration of their survival against Naltchayan Boghosian Her work has appeared in numerous literary all odds. journals and magazines and her collection of Maronian has made use of archival WASHINGTON — Joyce Naltchayan Boghosian has not only seen people and places poems titled Salt (published by Finishing photos and documents from the most people only see on television or the news, but has captured them for posterity Line Press) was released in 2011. A native of Rockefeller Archive Center, Das through her work over several decades as a Beirut, Lebanon, she currently resides in Bundesarchiv (German National photographer. Some of her photographs are Concord, NH. Archives), Statens Arkiver (Danish By Aram Arkun used as illustrations in history books, while Koundakjian published her first collection of National Archives), the Library of Mirror-Spectator Staff others may be found in the George Bush poetry, The Accidental Observer , in 2011, and Congress, US National Archives, the Presidential Library and the institution dedi - Armenian Genocide Museum- cated to the work of his son, the George W. Institute, Armenian General Bush Presidential Library and Museum, which will open in spring 2013. Benevolent Union (AGBU) Archives, She is from a well-known family of photographers, with her brothers Haik and Noubarian Library, Houshamadyan Neshan H. Naltchayan also working in the field. Archives, ARS Archives and other pri - It was their father, Harry (Harout) Naltchayan, who initiated the siblings into the vate archival collections. In an exclu - world of photography. Born in Beirut, he and his brother had a photography studio sive on-camera interview, 105-year-old and photographed prominent people, including the Lebanese president. According to Almas Boghossian of Whitensville, his daughter, he began working with the American embassy and after marrying came Mass., tells how she became a to the US in 1958 for a safer life. He had already made some contacts with magazines Genocide orphan, walked from such as National Geographic and Life , but when the Washington Post had a tem - Husseinig to Der Zor on foot and how porary opening for a photographer he started working there. His knowledge of five languages, combined with an outgoing personality, led him to end up working for the she was adopted by an Arab family, Lola Koundakjian admitted to an Armenian orphanage Post for 35 years. He covered national news in Washington, including important in Aleppo and eventually claimed by a episodes of the Civil Rights movement, relative in the United States. Watergate and presidential events, her second manuscript Advise to a Poet is ready Almas Boghossian’s grandson, though he also traveled occasionally to for publication. She is the poetry editor of Bruce Boghossian, is the current places like the Middle East. He covered Ararat and has read her work in various venues president of the American University presidents from Dwight Eisenhower to in New York, Los Angeles and Rhode Island, as of Armenia. Bill Clinton and took an award-winning well as in Medellin, Colombia, at the 20th inter - Besides personal accounts, the doc - photograph of four American presidents national poetry festival. Born and raised in umentary also examines one of the called the modern day Mt. Rushmore. Beirut, she has lived in New York since 1979. largest orphan relief efforts of Several decades later his daughter took Terzian has just mankind that was spearheaded by the a similar historic photograph of five liv - published her first American Near East Relief Sociey ing presidents. novel, Two Girls from (NER). Harry Naltchayan was the photogra - Heliopolis, a book Robert Wirt, a US Special Forces White House Photography staff assistant pher of the 1978 National Geographic based on her life Joyce Naltchayan with her father, Harry, Green Beret, based on his great article, “The Proud Armenians.” He growing up in and President George H.W. Bush, circa won many prizes, including four first grandfather Loyal Lincoln Wirt’s 1989 Heliopolis, a suburb memoirs, tells us how Loyal Wirt wit - place awards from the White House of Cairo, Egypt. It nessed NER’s herculean task of estab - News Photographers Association. tells the story of the lishing 212 orphanages for 200,000 Naltchayan lent his American-born daughter, Joyce a Leica, a high-end German Armenian community orphans scattered from camera often used by professionals, when she went on a field trip in fifth grade. Joyce there, changes Constantinople to Aleppo,” A special Boghosian commented, “I remember my dad taking me to art galleries and saying, brought about during segment is dedicated to look at how the artist drew his pictures. This can inspire you and give you ideas.” Seta Terzian the North African Alexandrapole (current Gumri, Boghosian continued taking pictures in high school, where she became the year - Campaign of World Armenia), where an orphanage once book photographer and had an experience decisive for her future. She said, “What War II, and her subsequent immigration to the stood that housed 22,000 Genocide really inspired me to take this route was that during my senior year of high school, United States. An active participant in the orphans. Another segment of the doc - after the Challenger space shuttle disaster [in 1986] with Christa McAuliffe, President Armenian community, particularly as a leader umentary deals with the Antoura [Ronald] Reagan came to our school to address the students. As the yearbook pho - in the Armenian Relief Society and the Orphanage in Lebanon, where 1,000 tographer I was able to work next to photo journalists and the press corps and pho - Armenian Renaissance Association, she resides Armenian orphans were stripped of tographed President Reagan…It really gave me the bug.” in Dedham, Mass. their identity and Turkified. Boghosian would accompany her father on assignments to photograph celebrities, The public is invited to attend the program, Independent researcher Missak such as Tom Cruise or Wayne Newton. She said, “I thought my dad’s job was like a which will begin at 2:30 p.m. at the ACF, 441 Kelechian and journalist Robert Fisk front row seat. It was really exciting to see TV personalities in person and work with Mystic St., Arlington, Mass. A reception and delve into the details of this operation them.” book signing will follow the program. masterminded by Jemal Pasha. see PHOTOGRAPHER, page 11 Further information contact AIWA at 65 Main St., Watertown, at www.aiwainternational.org. S ATURDAY , S EPTEMBER 29, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 11 ARTS & LIVING

WHITE HOUSE PHOTO BY JOYCE N. BOGHOSIAN “It was great to watch the transition up close The White House and get to know the first lady and president.” However, she felt that her schedule was too tir - Through a Lens ing considering her family obligations and decided to work part-time as a private photog - PHOTOGRAPHER, from page 4 rapher. Boghosian has a wide base of clients After high school she started working as an now and does portraits for law firms and even intern and freelance photographer with the photographs the occasional wedding. However, Alexandria Gazette Packet and Fairfax she also still works with some of her old con - Connection newspapers and began studying tacts, including the Bush family through the journalism at Northern Virginia Community Bush Institute and various Washington organi - College. She then got an internship at the zations. She recently worked with the White House for three months, during the very Corporation for Public Broadcasting at a end of Reagan’s presidency in 1988, working launch of a documentary about oppressed for David Valdez, the photographer for the vice women and with the Meridian International president. Center in Washington. With a small staff, Valdez relied heavily on his Boghosian has had the occasional encounter interns for filing, preparing contact sheets, with Armenians while on the job. One impor - ordering photos and responding to requests for tant occasion was a delegation of Armenians photographs. Beyond that, Boghosian was coming to thank Reagan for America’s help dur - given a special pass and allowed to take pic - ing the earthquake. Valdez, knowing Boghosian tures of the vice president and even the presi - President-elect Barack Obama, President George W. Bush and former Presidents George H.W. Bush, was Armenian, asked her to photograph the dent when possible. The president’s staff pho - Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter stand together in the Oval Office at the White House, January 7, event. Reagan was not available, thus President- tographers would take her on their events, let - 2009. This is the fifth time in history that five presidents have gathered. elect George H. W. Bush took his place. Prior to ting her shoot from a wider angle. Boghosian’s the meeting Boghosian mentioned that it was father already knew many of these people, but Armenian Christmas and Bush asked her for an although he opened the door for his daughter work. Not only did she continue to work with papers want to run (unlike working in the appropriate Armenian greeting. When through his contacts, Boghosian still had to contact sheets and files for Valdez, and handled White House). Every day was a contest with AP Boghosian said, “Shnorhavor Dznunt,” he work hard to succeed. She said, “You could some of his press requests, but she also occa - and Reuters to see who would be picked for asked for something easier to say, and she sub - work 12-hour days without blinking an eye in sionally filled in for Quayle’s photographer. covers and newspapers. I had a great time being stituted, “Parev,” which the president used. the White House because it was so exciting and During the last two years of Bush’s presidency, a news photographer. It was competitive. You Boghosian also photographed Frederic (Frid) interesting.” Boghosian got to photograph him often want to transmit your photo first on the wire Sogoyan, who presented Bush in 1990 with a Boghosian had just been accepted to start because one of his photographers quit and that while the president was still speaking. You are replica of the bronze sculpture “Armenian Marymount College in the winter of 1989, but position was never filled. Boghosian said, “In competitors but you are also good friends. Earthquake” expressing Armenian gratitude for was given a difficult choice to make. Valdez had his second term I traveled a lot with him on Air When you are in Spain at a summit with 30 aid (the original is located on the north lawn of become director of the White House Photo Force One. I was 23, 24 years old, and thought other countries all with press corps, the the American Red Cross National Office and personal photographer to the new it was so cool.” Americans then help each other out. But we Headquarters). She had to escort him in from president, George H. W. Bush, and asked She got to photograph many historic each have a job to do, with mutual respect.” the White House gate as he only spoke Boghosian to stay on for the next four years as moments, such as when Soviet President Among her favorite memories of working at Armenian. a photo staff assistant. She took night classes, Mikhail Gorbachev met with Bush. AFP was traveling to King Hussein’s funeral in Boghosian’s dream is to prepare a book from but had scheduling conflicts when she had to When Clinton was elected as president, the Jordan with President Clinton. Boghosian said, her father’s photographs of Armenians around travel on work to places like Oslo with Vice staff of the White House Photo Office largely “I was probably the only woman photographer the world. He used to do a slide show with President Dan Quayle. changed and Boghosian traveled in Europe for there. I think women were not per - She said, “I couldn’t do both and chose my six months. Upon returning to the US, she mitted at the funeral so I had to try job. I don’t regret it. I think though that if I did began freelancing for the Agence France-Presse not to attract attention to my being a go back to school I would study history, or, I (AFP) wire service, covering news events in woman there. My handlers were would love to work in the National Archives.” Washington. AFP was known for seeking aware but did not make a big deal Valdez had three staff photographers under unique perspectives in its photos. A year later, about it.” She covered celebrities like his direction. The president could meet any - they hired her as a staff photographer, with the Elton John and Stevie Wonder play - where from 200 to 1,000 people a day, and they White House, Capitol Hill and the Pentagon as ing together at a dinner for Great all had to be photographed, because the White her beat. She worked for eight years, traveling Britain’s Prime Minister Tony Blair House photography office had to document all to cover Clinton in places such as Ireland, and photographed the historic official business and meetings of the presiden - Macedonia, Kosovo and Russia. moment when President Clinton cy, as well as occasional personal moments. Boghosian described what this entailed: “You denied having relations with Monica Boghosian thus had great opportunities for look to tell a story in your pictures that news - Lewinsky. However one of her favorite pictures from this period is a scene of the Vietnam Memorial in Washington in snow. Boghosian quit AFP in February :ekeyan M,agov;a3in Miov;ivn 2004 to spend more time with her children. However, before President Mhyr Mgrd[yan :adyraqovmp George W. Bush’s reelection cam - Tekeyan Cultural Association ~ Mher Megerdchian Theatrical Group paign, Eric Draper, the president’s photog rapher, asked her to join his staff, and Boghosian could not turn Join us at the down such an opportunity. She cov - ered Laura Bush more and more, and TCA Mher Megerdchian tried to avoid traveling unless abso - lutely necessary. She left again in Theatrical Group 2005 to have her son Armen, but Cast Party when he was 1 ½ years old, she went To celebrate back to work for the last two years of the Bush presidency as an official ³LOVE & LAUGHTER´ White House photographer — one of Michelle Obama photographed by Boghosian the three photographers covering the president. She worked from 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., covering anything taking place in some of those photographs, and Boghosian has the Oval Office. permission from the Washington Post to Special Honoree Boghosian recalls that “the highlights were choose from 10,000 photographs. getting to know the president better and feeling She thinks that it is important to document more comfortable around our leader. It was a the Armenians in Washington photographically. Karnig Nercessian privilege for me to be there every day, and there She said, “A lot of the older ones who built our One of the founding actors of the were a lot of candid moments I had with Armenian community are passing on. I think it TCA Mher Megerdchian Theatrical Group President Bush.” Of course, she was able to con - is important to have this photographed. I do tinue to photograph various world figures like occasionally take pictures at events in our Queen Elizabeth or the pope. Bush would church of various individuals, and keep them sometimes chide her when he saw her working on file.” Sunday, November 18, 2012 at 8:00 pm late at night, reminding her of her children. Boghosian said she feels that she has grown St. Thomas Armenian Apostolic Church Once he said, “let’s take this picture with Tony more mature as a photographer, and this makes East Clinton Ave. & Rt. 9W Blair so that Joyce can go home.” On another it easier to get shots in situations where time is Tenafly, NJ 07670 occasion, he signed a baseball for her son critical. She said, “Now I feel that there is so Nareg’s birthday. Despite these exchanges, much more time, whereas before a minute

Boghosian noted, “The nature of photography would seem too short.” $30 Donation at the White House is not being noticeable. You She concluded, “I just want it to be known BYOB have to decide when you want to be noticed and that I felt very fortunate to have witnessed the when you do not.” history I did from 1988 to the present. I started For information/tickets please call Marie Zokian 201-745-8850, The Obama administration asked Boghosian photographing these events of a movement for Maro Hajakian 201-934-3427, Noushig Atamian 718-344-7489 to continue. Among other things, she did an women, and also just for the younger genera - official portrait of Michelle Obama, and she was tion. I feel fortunate to be invited into an event once invited to lunch with her. Boghosian said, or the White House and document it.” 12 S ATURDAY , S EPTEMBER 29, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARTS & LIVING

and create a new support community for fami - lies of special needs children. Talin Dolls: Crocheting for Change In addition to giving a fuller life for the chil - dren and families of disabled individuals in the Talin region, TWRC also strives to bridge the TALIN, Armenia — It is not uncommon in with an estimated 5,700 people, has always its goals — the Talin Women’s Resource Center information gap among women on issues like Armenia that on a warm early autumn day, been at a crossroad. Here, six women come Development Foundation (TWRC). health, nutrition and rights to state services for adults are gathered together, chatting happily together to create collectable dolls uniting the TWRC’s work with Talin Dolls is two-fold. themselves, their families and children. TWRC while the children sit on the floor playing with past, present and future of Armenia. Talin, like They strive to create jobs for women through and Talin Dolls represents the combined efforts assorted toys smiling and laughing. Two chil - the rest of Armenia, is no exception to the exist - DARON TITIZIAN PHOTO dren are making car noises; others toss a ball ing economic and social difficulties. For families back and forth, while one sits quietly creating in Talin, the lure of employment for both men imaginary lives for her inanimate friends. But, and women was once strong. But now, with the look closely and you will notice something dif - collapse of the Soviet Union and the closure of ferent. Unlike most social gatherings where the many factories, these opportunities are limited women are busy preparing coffee and tasty to the most skilled laborers. foods, these women are busy making crocheted Women in Armenia work mostly at home; dolls wearing ancient Armenian dress. For now, serving as the glue in a strong family tradition a lone prototype doll and I sit, marveling at the as a mother, wife and homemaker, but as the courageous ambitions of these women. Their global economy continues to struggle, so, too, energy makes the dolls feel just as alive as the do the families of Armenia. Here, the need for bustling town five-stories below. multiple income families has grown without an Talin, a town located in Aragatsotn province increase in job availability. Said one Talin native who has moved away, “I want to move back but there is no work avail - Kach Nazar Quarterly able for my family and me.” However, for those working with Talin Dolls, Publication’s 40th this reality is changing. Talin Dolls, like the work of so many other Anniversary Celebration great endeavors, is the result of international friendship. When Brian Bokhart, current United States Peace Corps Volunteer, connect - Working on the Talin Dolls By Hovik Gabikian ed Gayane Khachatryan, a local Armenian woman, with Sir Timothy Straight, the hon - orary consul for Norway and Finland in the sale of hand-crocheted dolls wearing tradi - of different organizations and people coming GLENDALE — On September 30, at 6 Armenia and founder of Homeland Handicrafts, tional Armenian clothing and with the use of together to pool resources and experience to p.m., a celebration of Glendale-based Kach no one expected a mere six months later that profits generated create a disabled children’s create something new to positively affect the Nazar quarterly’s 40th anniversary will be Talin Dolls would be a product highly demand - resource center in the region. This new center future of women and children in Talin. held at the Glendale High School ed in the market. Just as each stitch brings the seeks to identify disabled children and address Being one of the new volunteers in the Auditorium,. Admission to the event is free collectable doll to life, the sum of these individ - their needs by providing information for par - region, I have lost track of how many people to the public. uals created a vessel for Talin Dolls to achieve ents, training to medical staff, physiotherapy have told me about their hopes for Armenia, This comical/satirical publication’s their dreams for their family and themselves. All longevity reflects its significance and DARON TITIZIAN PHOTO of this is said with the great passion and hospi - virtues. The dedication of Hovanes tality that comes with what it means to be Balayan, the editor and publisher of the Armenian. It is hard not to get swept up in the magazine, combined with contributions passion of these exceptional people’s desire to from a range of writers, journalists, car - help their families, communities and country. toonists and caricaturists throughout the But the reality in regions far from Yerevan often last 40 years have turned the magazine means limited resources and a lack of informa - into one of the most admired and success - tion among various networks, especially those ful humor/satire publications in the for children with special needs. Unfortunately, Armenian Diaspora and played an impor - this often means many families are left alone to tant role in the protection and preserva - face the challenges of everyday living. Still, tion of Armenian identity and its rich cul - despite obstacles generated by complex busi - tural heritage. ness and societal inter-workings, Bokhart, Having maintained a distinctive and Khachatryan and Straight remain steadfast in independent style, the magazine has their commitment and make this project suc - served as a key instrument for uncensored ceed. recognition of a vast range of social and Currently, collectable dolls have been cultural taboos, tackling political concerns designed for 10 ancient communities: Moush, and uncertainties, and at the same time Some of the dolls Sasoun, Trabizon, Vaspourakan, Karin providing an open stage for critical discus - see TALIN, page 13 sion of vices, flaws, problems and short - comings that exist in Armenia and throughout the local communities of the widespread Armenian Diaspora. Humor and parody have been used to draw necessary attention to various critical and controversial topics with the ultimate Sponsor a Teacher in Armenia and Karabagh 2012 motive to bring about positive improve - ments. Indeed, the intention of this publication has not been entertaining its readers by making fun of society but to provide a Since its inception in 2001, TCA’s Sponsor clear and loud voice to express Armenian’s concerns about pressing economic and a Teacher’ program has raised over $518,000 sociopolitical issues through the usage of and reached out to 4,064 teachers and serious, open and thought-provoking dis - cussions. school workers in Armenia and Karabagh. In addition to his role as editor, Balayan has been hosting the “Kach Nazar Live” TV program broadcasted weekly on £ Glendale’s AMGA local cable channel for several decades. This show exposes some K Yes, I want to sponsor teachers in Armenia and Karabagh to continue of the same important topics and issues helping them to educate the children, our future leaders. I would like to have that appear in the magazine and involves the teacher’s name and address. its thousands of loyal viewers through K $160 K $ 320 K $ 480 K other $ open discussions on live TV. ————————— Throughout some of his programs, for Name example, Balayan has been criticizing the Address indifferent attitude of a privileged few to City State Zip code the plight of disadvantaged masses and Tel: those that are desperately poor in the Republic of Armenia. Make check payable to: Tekeyan Cultural Association – Memo: Sponsor a Teacher 2010 At age 80, Balayan is determined to con - Mail your check with this form to: tinue his mission for yet another 40 years. TCA Sponsor a Teacher The Armenian community owes this figure 5326 Valverde, Houston, TX 77056 a great debt of gratitude and a grand cele - bration. Your donation is Tax Deductible. S ATURDAY , S EPTEMBER 29, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 13 ARTS & LIVING

DARON TITIZIAN PHOTO not yet represented among the original ten. The Crocheting for Change possibilities are endless for this budding pro - TALIN, from page 12 ject. No sooner had Straight left Talin with the (Erzroum), Zeytoun, Sebastia, Khotorjour, first 10 collectables, than someone approached Artsakh and Van. While the dolls themselves him in a Yerevan cafe to purchase a doll before are collectors’ items for people of Armenian official photographs, let alone sales, had start - decent to reconnect to the lost regions of ed. The women working with the Talin Dolls Armenia, for the artisans, the dolls provide project embody the true spirit of Armenia — much more. They offer skilled women the where, despite a difficult past and an uncertain opportunity to provide a steady income for their future, the permeating message is one of hope, families. By selling only 10 dolls, a woman can family and positivity about the direction of both afford the monthly utility payments for her their project and country. home. By selling upwards of 20 dolls, a woman Bokhart, Khachatryan and Straight have can afford to feed a family of four for a month. done something special for Talin. Not only have With the income from Talin Dolls, TWRC will they created a community for women, but they be able to help disabled children and their fam - have also tapped into the pride of the Armenian ilies who often struggle in private to provide people — allowing women to renew their hopes better care for their loved ones. With the suc - and aspirations to merge traditional values with cess of the Talin Doll project, TWRC hopes to the reality of a never ending list of family needs. also hire a regular driver to connect more chil - The women of TWRC are working to com - dren from the surrounding communities with plete all orders for mailing by December 1, with the resource center. the plans for all dolls to arrive to their new Today, the women of Talin work to transfer homes by Christmas. love of country, community and family into For more information regarding the project, each of the finished Armenian dolls. Through women, how to purchase a doll, visit talin - the Indiegogo campaign (hyperlink) for Talin dolls.com. Dolls, the women hope to expand their collec - (Published with permission from the Some of the dolls tion through requests for Armenian districts Armenian Weekly .) CC AA LLEENNDDAARR

CALIFORNIA NOVEMBER 17 — Haigazian University Trustees Banquet in An Ode to Honor of Joyce Philibosian Stein, Ellis Island honoree, Sheraton Universal Ballroom, Los Angeles. Social hour, 6 p.m., dinner, 7 p.m. For more information, call (323) 456-8031 or joyceabdu - Eastern Lamejun [email protected]. from Logan I am visiting MASSACHUSETTS my brother George in New Mexico and they call me out of the line OCTOBER 4 — Dr. Taner Akçam lecture at Harvard Kennedy near the airport gate School, 4 p.m., Star Auditorium, Belfer Building, second floor. stern-faced security people bring me Akçam is the Robert Aram, Marianne Kaloosdian and Stephen Marion Mugar Chair in Armenian Genocide Studies, Department of to a room where my suitcase waits History, Clark University. in a monotone one says OCTOBER 12-13 — St. James Armenian Church Annual Bazaar. our drug detection dog Friday and Saturday,10 a.m. to 9 p.m. St. James Charles Mosesian pulled your bag Cultural and Youth Center, 465 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown. Delicious we have never seen it so excited Armenian food, delicacies and pastries. Vendor booths, attic trea - sures, silent auction and more. Raffles, including the $100 raffle, and this dog has never been wrong apple raffle and $2 raffle. Kidzone including pumpkin decorating, the monotone continues Fred, bring on games, clown/balloon animals. For information, call (617) 923-8860 Bobo or e-mail [email protected]. and I expect OCTOBER 13 — Sayat Nova Dance Company, North America’s On Thursday, October 4, at 4 p.m., Dr. Taner a huge German shepherd leading Armenian dance company, per forms “Journey Through Akçam, the Robert Aram, Marianne or a Weirmaraner or a Doberman Time” presented by Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church of Kaloosdian and Stephen Marion Mugar Chair and in comes in a portly sort of Beagle Worcester, 3 p.m. at North High School, 140 Harrington Way, in Armenian Genocide Studies, Department of that’s absolutely thrilled to see my suit - Worcester. Tickets are $35 and $15 for children, 12 and under. For History, at Clark University, Worcester, Mass., tickets or more info, call (508) 770-1124 or (508) 754-1039. case will deliver a lecture at Harvard Kennedy OCTOBER 16-25 — Muriel Mirak-Weissbach book presentation of Madmen at the Helm: Pathology and Politics in the Arab Spring , on School, Star Auditorium, in the Belfer Building, –Michael Casey four dates: second floor, in Cambridge, Mass. Andover, MA • OCTOBER 16 — with panel discussion with Prof. Roger Owen, author of The Rise and Fall of Arab Presidents for Life . This program is presented as part of the Partners in Public Dialogue program at Old South Meeting House, 310 Washington St., Boston, Tuesday, 6:30 ticipation of Akh’Tamar Dance Ensemble of the Hye Doon, Arev p.m. For more information, contact [email protected] or call (618) 482- Armenian Folk Ensemble of Hamazkayin of Boston, Sunday, 3:45 6439; p.m. Bergen County Academics, 200 Hackensack, NJ 07601. All net • OCTOBER 18 — BookEnds, 559 Main St., Winchester, Thursday, 7 proceeds to benefit the Hovnanian Armenian School. Tickets: $50, p.m. For information, (781) 721-5933 or $35 and $25. For tickets, call Sonya Bekarian, (201) 315-5916; Juliyet www.bookendswinchester.com; Tabibian, (201) 233-0326; Nivart Arslan, (201) 475-0224; Maral • OCTOBER 21 — Armenian Cultural Foundation, 441 Mystic St., Kalishian, (845) 729-1888; Maral Kaprielian, (201) 289-6486; Lina Arlington, Sunday, 3 p.m. For information, (781) 646-3090; and Bakhtiarian, (732) 299-1120; Linda Gezdir, (201) 394-6310 or the • OCTOBER 25 — Robbins Public Library, 700 Mass. Ave., Arlington, school, (201) 967-5940. Thursday, 7 p.m. NOVEMBER 17-18 — Musical theater presentation by TCA Mher OCTOBER 25 — K. George and Carolann S. Najarian Endowed Megerdchian Theatrical Group, Yervant Odian’s “Love and Lecture on Human Rights. Speaker: Ambassador Edward P. Laughter” (Ser yev Dzidzagh), directed by Krikor Satamian, with Djerejian, founding director, James A. Baker III Institute for Public more than 20 actors participating. Dwight Englewood High School, Policy, Rice University and former US ambassador to Israel (1992- Englewood Cliffs, 8 p.m., Saturday and 4 p.m., Sunday. $25, $35, 1994) and the Syrian Arab Republic (1988-1991). Faneuil Hall, $50. For tickets, call Marie Zokian or Noushig Atamian. Boston. Thursday, 7 p.m. An endowed public program of Armenian NOVEMBER 18 — Join the TCA Mher Megerdchian Theatrical Heritage Park. Free and open to the public. Group Cast Par ty to celebrate “Love and Laughter.” Special hon - oree, Karnig Nercessian, one of the founding members of the TCA NEW JERSEY Mher Megerdchian Theatrical Group. St. Thomas Armenian Church, East Clinton Ave. & 9W, Tenafly. 8 p.m. Donation: $30. BYOB. For Entertainment Fridays OCTOBER 21 — Hye Doon (Armenian American Suppor t and tickets, call Marie Zokian (201) 745-8850, Maro Hajakian (201) 934- and Saturdays Educational Center), 35th Anniversary Celebration, with the par - 3427 or Noushig Atamian (718) 344-5582. 14 S ATURDAY , S EPTEMBER 29, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMENTARY

T HE A RMENIAN COMMENTARY Mirror- Is Another French Betrayal in the Offing?

there resides the future of remembrance.” By Edmond Y. Azadian In 2005, a larger Holocaust Museum had opened in 2005 in cen - Spectator tral Paris. A new memorial is being inaugurated at the center of the Cité de la Muette. Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault inaugurat - Armenian culture has been favorably impacted by French cul - ed a similar memorial in Aix-en-Provence last month. ture, especially in the West. Armenians have recognized that fact All these memorials demonstrate that the new French president and have been appreciative of the influence, which dates back and his government are sensitive to human suffering and loss of life many centuries. through the organized actions of brutal rulers. The only thing Established 1932 There is an inherent affinity between the two nations, as far as remains to be seen if the Armenian losses are also counted as An ADL Publication culture is concerned. But when it comes to politics, that special human suffering. relationship disappears. Armenians have incorrectly assumed that Mr. Hollande went further than his predecessors in defending the cultural affinity is a substitute for political support or coopera - the dignity of human life; former President François Mitterrand

EDITOR tion, and they have been disappointed bitterly time and again. had acknowledged a general French role in the detentions and Alin K. Gregorian The Armenian-French relations go back to the Middle Ages when deportations of the Jews during World War II, whereas President French conquerors invaded the Middle East with the Crusaders to Jacques Chirac had taken a step further in a speech in 1995 ASSOCIATE EDITOR wrench the Holy Land away from Muslims and claim it in the name acknowledging “collective wrongdoing.” Mr. Hollande went all the Aram Arkun of Christianity. The Armenian principalities in Cilicia became acces - way by admitting “a crime committed by France.” ART DIRECTOR sories to those European imperialistic invasions, ultimately to their Most French attribute that crime to Marshall Petin, whose gov - Marc Mgrditchian own detriment; when the Crusades failed or faded, the Armenians ernment in Vichy collaborated with the occupying Nazi forces. were left to their own devices, unable to defend their kingdom. (Incidentally, several French-Armenians were leaders and/or fear - COPY EDITOR Dilani Yogaratnam Indeed, when the Egyptian Mamluk rulers overran Cilicia in less members of the French Underground battling the Vichy gov - 1375 and kidnapped its King Leo VI, ending a 300-year-old king - ernment and Nazis. The most famous in that group is Missak dom, neither the Crusaders nor the French came to defend their Manouchian, who led the legendary eponymous group.) SENIOR EDITORIAL COLUMNIST: Armenian allies. Granted, France belatedly obliged to pay a ransom Besides commemorating Jewish losses in France, Mr. Hollande Edmond Azadian to the Mamluks to buy the king’s freedom, hosting him in France has also demonstrated moral courage to take positive action; until his death, mainly because they considered King Leo VI indeed, last August he stripped the British fashion designer and for - CONTRIBUTORS: Lousignan to be of French lineage. mer creative director of Dior, John Galliano, of the Legion of Honor Florence Avakian, Elizabeth Aprahamian, The most blatant betrayal was in the 20th century, again in he had received in 2009. Mr. Galliano was found guilty in 2011 of Daphne Abeel, Dr. Haroutiune Cilicia. The Allies — especially the French — during World War I making anti-Semitic remarks. Arzoumanian, Taleen Babayan, Prof. recruited some 5,000 Armenian volunteers as part of the Eastern All these actions indicate that we are dealing with a statesman Vahakn N. Dadrian, Diana Der Legion, to fight the most crucial battles of Arara, in Palestine, Hovanessian, Philip Ketchian, Kevork of solid moral fiber when it comes to upholding human dignity. The Keushkerian, Sonia Kailian-Placido , promising home rule in Cilicia to the Armenians under a French question remains if those qualities are applied selectively to one Harut Sassounian, Mary Terzian, Hagop protectorate. But when the Ottoman army collapsed and Cilicia group only. Vartivarian, Naomi Zeytoonian was liberated, the Armenian volunteers were disarmed and the A recent roundtable discussion in Paris casts some doubt, French government brokered a deal with the emerging Kemalist whether those principles are impacted by political tides or consid - CORRESPONDENTS: movement behind the back of the Cilician Armenians who had erations. The discussions were held in Paris by Bosphorous Armenia - Hagop Avedikian returned to their homes after the deportations of 1915. The French University to analyze the law criminalizing the Armenian Genocide. Boston - Nancy Kalajian abandoned Cilicia and its population — literally in the middle of the Participants of the roundtable included Elizabeth Guigou, presi - Philadelphia - Lisa Manookian night in November 1921 — and retreated in a cowardly manner. dent of the Foreign Relations Committee of the French Parliament; Contributing Photographers: When former French President Nicholas Sarkozy moved through Jacques Lang, former education culture minister of France, and for - Jacob Demirdjian, Harry Koundakjian, Jirair the French Senate the law criminalizing the denial of the Armenian mer foreign minister of Turkey, Yasar Yakis. Hovsepian Genocide, almost identical to the Gaysot law criminalizing the Any symposium or roundtable discussion may be confined to the denial of the Jewish Holocaust, Armenians were tempted to believe level of academic discourse, but when the participants are current that finally the French were making amends for their monumental legislators or former statesmen, the format takes a different dimen - The Armenian Mirror-Spectator is published betrayal of the Armenians in Cilicia. But that turned out to be sion, with serious political ramifications. Ms. Guigou has stated weekly, except two weeks in July, by: another deception, since Mr. Sarkozy was slow to sign the resolu - that the Constitutional Court has considered the law criminalizing Baikar Association, Inc. tion into law, while the opposition was recruiting members of the the Genocide denial without legal foundation. She continued her parliament to take the resolution to the Constitutional Court. statement by adding: “Although President Hollande is very sensi - 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 Telephone: 617-924-4420 Having full knowledge of the gathering storm, he failed to use his tive to the issue of this draft law, it is very improbable that he may prerogative before the measure was brought to the Constitutional take a new initiative since the Constitutional Court has refuted its FAX: 617-924-2887 Court, which rendered an unfavorable decision. Mr. Sarkozy did legal premise.” Mr. Lang also endorsed the same view. The Turkish www.mir rorspectator.com not put his money where his mouth was. representative cautioned against the deterioration of French- E-Mail: editor@mirrorspectator .com Enter candidate François Hollande — the prospect seemed more Turkish relations. Then, he magnanimously added that the law not For advertising: [email protected] promising because he had pledged to use such a tight legal frame - only damages French-Turkish relations, but will also jeopardize work that the resolution would become fail proof. Armenian-Turkish relations. The pledge is still on the table but there are already ominous Turkologist Hagop Chakerian, reporting about the above round - signs that his pledge may not go beyond election rhetoric. This col - table discussion, in the daily Azg of Yerevan concluded by stating: SUBSCRIPTION RATES : umn had already made reference to an interview in the French mag - “The law may damage French-Turkish relations, but it cannot dam - azine Express by the new French Foreign Minister Laurant Fabius age Armenian-Turkish relations, because there are none.” who stated that the newly-elected Hollande was searching for a way Since his election, Mr. Hollande has yet to address his pledge on U.S.A. $80 a year to balance a policy of accommodating Turkey while keeping his the Genocide law. But all these developments and statements do Canada $125 a year pledge to the large and loud French-Armenian community. not augur well for the prospects of adopting the law. If it is a crime These days Mr. Hollande and his prime minister are busy dedi - to deny the Holocaust in France there is no easy way to reason in Other Countries $190 a year cating museums and monuments throughout France. On any other fashion, that it is a crime to deny the Armenian Genocide. September 21, he was in Drancy, a city north of Paris, which was Only political expediency, rather than any legal premise can derail the site of the major transit camp for Jews being deported to death the law against denying the Armenian Genocide. © 2011 The Armenian Mirror-Spectator camps. “Our work is no longer about establishing the truth,” said Only time will tell how extensive Mr. Hollande’s moral fortitude is. Periodical Class Postage Paid at Boston, MA Mr. Hollande at the Drancy Shoah memorial. “Today, our work is Perhaps it is not fair to jump to early conclusions, but all indica - and additional mailing offices. to transmit. That is the spirit of this memorial. Transmission — tions point to a French betrayal in the making, once again. ISSN 0004-234X POSTMASTER : Send address changes to The Armenian Mirror-Spectator, P.O. Box 302, Watertown, MA 02471-0302 Other than the editorial, views and opinions Let’s Honor Manoog Young by Continuing His Quest expressed in this newspaper do not necessarily eflect the policies of the publisher. 95th birthday, NAASR will welcome all who in 1998, for which I remain grateful. I worked By Marc Mamigonian wish to gather to remember and honor Manoog directly for him for four years: I regard that as Young’s life and work. We hope that the no small accomplishment, since he was, Armenian community will come and join with famously, not the easiest person in the world The founding chairman of the National us in looking back, remembering and honoring to work for. Some who read this will under - Association for Armenian Studies and a man who worked tirelessly towards worthy stand what this means; others can work it out Research (NAASR), Manoog S. Young, passed goals. In addition, a fund has been established for themselves. away July 3, 2012, a few months shy of his in his name — because no one understood bet - Whether or not Manoog was easy to work Copying for other than personal use or internal reference is prohibited without 95th birthday. He is mourned by his family ter than Manoog that nothing gets done with - for or with, there is no question of his express permission of the copyright and friends, recognizing that Manoog lived a out money. We hope that those who value the unswerving dedication to the ideals and the owner. Address requests for reprints or productive, long life. He was a founder and the importance of Armenian Studies will give in goals of NAASR. These ideals and goals can be back issues to: long-serving (1955-2001) board chairman of order to make possible the continuation of that summarized as: Armenian history and culture Baikar Association, Inc. the National Association for Armenian Studies work — work that is never finished. in all its forms are subjects worthy of study not 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 and Research (NAASR). As NAASR’s director of academic affairs, I only by Armenians but also by the larger schol On Thursday, October 4, at 7:30 p.m., two acknowledge that I am not necessarily an arly world; this work should be carried out at days shy of what would have been Manoog’s objective voice on Manoog. He hired me back continued on next page S ATURDAY , S EPTEMBER 29, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 15 COMMENTARY

groups that spread antagonisms against Turkey and Clearly, the faulty statements and silly accusations of these Azerbaijan may be in violation of the Conflicts of Interest Turkic groups are intended to intimidate Hoplamazian and clause of Hyatt’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics.” force him to disengage from any involvement in Armenian or However, a review of the hotel chain’s code, posted on its genocide-related issues. More ominously, by targeting and website, does not provide the slightest hint that the Hyatt making an example of the Hyatt CEO, Azeri and Turkish My Turn executive violated any of its provisions. groups hope to discourage other Armenian-American execu - In their letter, the Azeri and Turkish groups made a tives from pursuing similar activities. By Harut Sassounian series of malicious statements by referring to the Armenian In their joint letter, the Azeri and Turkish groups have Genocide as an “allegation” and “World War I-era inter- indirectly threatened Hyatt’s corporate interests by indicat - communal atrocities.” They falsely alleged that these ing that the company “currently runs a total of four suc - Azeri and Turkish-American “atrocities” were “never tried in any tribunal and no intent cessful hotels in Istanbul, Turkey and Baku, Azerbaijan.” Groups Denigrate US-Armenian to exterminate Armenians was ever established. No sen - One wonders if the governments of Azerbaijan and Turkey tences or court verdicts were issued in terms of the 1948 have authorized these two-bit groups to speak on their Executive United Nations Convention on Prevention and Punishment behalf. Moreover, do these organizations realize that they are of Genocide.” undermining the business interests of their native countries Four Azeri and Turkish-American organizations By making such ridiculous claims, the leaders of these by foolishly threatening a global corporation like Hyatt? launched a coordinated anti-Armenian campaign last week, Turkic organizations simply exposed their ignorance of the It would be highly regrettable if the unwise Azeri and attacking the integrity of Mark Hoplamazian, chief execu - basic facts of the Armenian Genocide. They conveniently Turkish campaign against prominent Armenian-American tive officer of Hyatt Hotels Corporation, in order to intimi - forgot about the Turkish Military Tribunals of 1919 that executives would start an undesirable chain of events that date him and other Armenian-American executives. sentenced the Turkish ringleaders of the Armenian could lead the Armenian community to take counter- In a letter to Thomas Pritzker, executive chairman of Genocide to death. US, Swiss and Argentinean Federal actions against successful Turkish-American businessmen, Hyatt Board of Directors, leaders of the Assembly of Courts have also reaffirmed the veracity of the Armenian such as Muhtar Kent, chairman and CEO of Coca Cola Turkish-American Associations (ATAA), Azerbaijani- Genocide. Furthermore, the UN Sub-Commission on Company. American Council (AAC), Federation of Turkish-American Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities The Azeri-Turkish letter is highly unlikely to bring any Associations (FTAA) and Azerbaijan Society of America adopted in 1985 a report classifying the Armenian tangible benefits to these groups, as Hyatt’s Board of (ASA) accused Hoplamazian of involvement in “ethnic pro - Genocide as an example of genocide. Directors would most probably dismiss their baseless alle - paganda campaigns.” The Azeri and Turkish groups also claimed that they rep - gations. More importantly, such a racist assault on the The Azeri and Turkish groups attacked Hoplamazian for resent “over half million Americans of Turkic descent.” This integrity of an exemplary Armenian-American executive speaking at the September 22 banquet of “the Armenian cannot be true simply because there aren’t that many would energize Armenians on the eve of the 100th anniver - Assembly of America (AAA), an Armenian-American lobby - Turkic people living in the United States, according to the sary of the Genocide to pursue more vigorously their just ing group, as a Hyatt executive.” They also expressed their latest US census. Even if there were half a million Turkic demands from both Turkey and Azerbaijan! unhappiness that he “serves on the Advisory Board of Americans, it is highly doubtful if all of them would have Lastly, it is outrageous that these Azeri and Turkish ‘Facing History and Ourselves,’ a non-profit group that given their consent to be represented by these organiza - groupings kept totally silent when an Azeri officer axed to ‘teaches about the Armenian genocide.’” tions for such absurd misadventures. Most probably, these death a sleeping Armenian in Budapest, but are now The four Turkic organizations claimed that “Mr. four groups altogether have a tiny fraction of the con - alarmed when an Armenian-American CEO exercises his Hoplamazian’s engagement with ethnic special interest stituencies they claim! right to free speech in Beverly Hills!

Let’s Honor Young by Missed Opportunity Continuing Quest of the Sargisian’s government. from previous page The Syrian Armenians eventually will settle somewhere leading universities and colleges by top-level scholars; and that By Nubar Dorian else and join the Diaspora Armenians. Just like us, they there is a need to support and disseminate to the wider pub - will forget the Armenian language and literature, become lic scholarship in Armenian Studies. Poor Homeland! She missed another opportunity. The citizens of another country, send their children to learn, Manoog Young was not the first person to recognize these leadership is so involved in intrigue, partisanship and speak, talk the language of their adopted country and will ideals or pursue these goals, nor was he alone in creating an infighting that it failed to consider a proclamation to invite be forced to live just like their neighbors and become just entity, NAASR, that would lead to their institutionalization. all Syrian Armenians to their ancestral home to settle and like us — Diaspora Armenians, the majority of whom will The names of Richard N. Frye, who more than anyone else pro - invite the world Armenians to help finance this important say farewell to the Armenian language, literature, newspa - vided the catalyst to the creation of NAASR in the first place, undertaking. The diaspora world have gladly not only wel - pers, books, traditions. Tragically, they will reduce our and those of Thomas T. Amirian and Arra S. Avakian, who comed it, but would have played an important role in mak - numbers still more. joined with Manoog as the first three founders of NAASR, espe - ing this endeavor a success. Based on what has happened since Armenia’s indepen - cially must be remembered, as well as the other men and Unfortunately, Armenia slept through it all. Granted that dence, Diaspora Armenians do not expect miracles any women who became founding members in 1955, not to men - such an undertaking would have required good planning, time soon, but are extremely disappointed. From experi - tion all who served as volunteers, Board members and staff leadership and unified action, it would have brought admi - ence, they have learned that dreams about making new through the decades. But I think it was Manoog’s tenacity that ration, gratitude not only to the more than 60,000 plans are unimportant, an illusion. Only results count. It led to NAASR’s success, the creation of the Harvard chair in Armenians, but pride and praise to all Armenians across seems the governing body of Armenia have cloaked them - Armenian studies and the establishment of other Armenian the world, as well as closer ties and unity. Armenia’s car - selves in a blanket of words and promises. The agony of Studies chairs and programs in the US. Prof. Robert W. ing love would have given Syrian Armenians not just a dream making and promising better times here has Thomson, who in 1969 became the first occupant of Harvard’s place, but a homeland that invites them, needs them, cares become their permanent trademark. Mashtots chair, wrote recently: “Programs of Armenian Studies for them. With the exception of a few billionaires and a consider - are expanding like ripples in a pool, but the stone that caused If nothing else, this invitation would have helped mini - able number of millionaires — where money making is sus - those ripples was cast by Manoog Young. And these ever-widen - mize the pain that caused the tragedy of hundreds of thou - pect — the majority of Homeland Armenians dream of the ing ripples are now reaching successive generations.” sands of Homeland Armenians leaving the homeland to Soviet Era which in itself reveals conditions under which Unfortunately, but inevitably, time passes and people forget seek better lives elsewhere. This exodus was the most Armenian precisely live. Impressing tourists by directing things. (One might say it is precisely for that reason that there shameful, AND most tragic event in the history of inde - them to a few blocks of Yerevan with opulence, lights, five- was a need for NAASR in the first place.) Manoog has passed pendent Armenia since it has been deprived of a huge star hotels or bars or high- class shops and boutiques can - on now. NAASR has existed for nearly 60 years. Numerous number of brains, muscles, love and caring. Instead of not and will never hide the abject poverty, suffering and other Armenian chairs and programs have been established by action, the Syrian-Armenians heard some speeches, empty desire to find ways to get out of Armenia. various entities and philanthropic individuals. There are no declarations and some talk about helping educate small It seems like paganism to fall on our knees and ask prov - longer so many people who remember that things have not children. idence, all our saints and martyrs to keep our cause alive, always been as they are — that not so long ago there were no The Syrian Armenians are well educated, but citizens of demand our lands and homes from Turkey and keep more than a handful of worthwhile books on Armenian sub - their adopted Syria after the Genocide. Syria has benefit - Armenia safe and strong when Armenia is no longer mak - jects in English, that there were no Armenian chairs, there ed from their ability, creativity and intelligence. They held ing us dreamers. Instead, we are witnesses to internal were not regular lectures by scholars and writers, there were important positions as educators, professionals and espe - power struggles, disunity and desire to leave the home - not places to carry out research. cially their good citizenship. With Syria in great turmoil, land. The answer lies in Armenia coming to her senses. Manoog lived a long life: long enough to see NAASR make confusion of an uncertain future leaves Armenians no President Sargisian must sound an alarm, invite all presi - the transition to new leadership and the institution as well as choice but to seek security, happiness and comfort in dents of our political parties to an urgent conference to the field of Armenian studies develop and mature in ways that other lands. With no warm, sincere inhibition from home - hopefully and carefully review the situation with unified could not have been foreseen; and long enough to see the land they will be forced to leave hearth and home and if efforts, spirit and will to decide to unite and work togeth - almost unimaginable achievements hoped for in NAASR’s lucky become Diaspora Armenians. er and publish a proclamation to world Armenians that on early days become facts of life and, indeed, taken for granted. In spite of all the problems and difficulty, Armenians the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, Armenia It may be that all that came to pass would have happened should have had a “Welcome Home” drive and asked will have no more than two political parties and democra - without Manoog Young. Maybe, but I doubt it. We are all ben - Diaspora Armenians to help in this honorable and nec - tically govern Armenia. This is doable and reasonable and eficiaries of his hard work and dedication, and we all owe him essary plan. Armenians worldwide would have gladly just. The universe will then realize that Armenians in and the other farsighted men and women who worked with taken the opportunity to help. True, His Holiness homeland has come to maturity, govern democratically him, an enormous debt. The debt cannot be repaid but by one Supreme Patriarch of All Armenians ask all churches to and well, and there will be warm welcome to any Armenian way: by remembering and by carrying on the work. pass a plate collection for financial help to Syrian anywhere who wishes to return to the homeland. (Marc A. Mamigonian is director of academic Armenians. The appeal’s few dollars was a pittance and affairs at NAASR and vice president of the pitiful. Armenia missed another opportunity to act (Nubar Dorian is a resident of Cliffside, NJ. He is active Society for Armenian Studies.) maturely, lovingly, wisely and well. This was the shame in the community, including as a Diocesan Delegate.) 16 S ATURDAY , S EPTEMBER 29, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Armenia Celebrates 21st on the 21st

ANNIVERSARY, from page 1 cratic institutions, deepen its economic reforms, “Armenia Independence Day today. part. He said, in part, “I am delighted to send and enduring. The United States is firmly com - and foster a future of peace and prosperity.” Congratulations on 21 years of independence. best wishes to you and Armenian people on the mitted to supporting Armenia’s continued eco - “As you celebrate 21 years of independence, fireworks tonite?” he wrote on Twitter. occasion of the national holiday. Armenia may nomic development and democratization, and know that the United States stands with Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA), a member of the be proud of the road it passed after it gained looks forward to enhancing our close partner - Armenia as a partner and friend,” added Armenian Caucus, in a statement said, “I rejoice independence, of the democratic progress and ship even further in the years to come. … We Clinton. with the dynamic Armenian community that I prosperity, whilst strengthening its positions in deeply appreciate Armenia’s contributions to During the June trip, Clinton praised the represent and proudly say Oorakh international arena. I stand ready to continue international security efforts in Afghanistan Armenian authorities’ handling of parliamen - Angakhootyan Or. Congratulations to the peo - the mission started 20 years ago, aimed at and Kosovo, where brave Armenian soldiers tary elections held in May and their efforts to ple of Armenia, to Armenians in America and establishment of French-Armenian relations in serve with American forces in NATO missions.” improve the domestic business environment. In around the world on this joyous day. The road all the fields.” US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton issued a further boost to Sargisian, she again endorsed to independence has not always been easy for Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko a similar statement on the occasion. “This is a official Yerevan’s view that Turkey should stop this nation, but time has proven that Armenians congratulated Sargisian, saying, “Belarus gives special occasion to honor the achievements of linking parliamentary ratification of US-bro - are survivors — survivors of foreign domination a high assessment to its relations with Armenia, Armenians and those of Armenian descent,” kered normalization agreements, signed with and survivors of the first genocide of the 20th which are anchored in mutual respect and she said. “In the United States, Armenian- Armenia in 2009, to a resolution of the century. And to this day, Armenian-Americans strategic cooperation. I am confident that the Americans have enriched the fabric of our soci - (Artsakh) Nagorno-Karabagh conflict. continue to illustrate what a valuable asset they Armenian-Belarusian cooperation will develop ety, further strengthening the longstanding Sargisian, for his part, reaffirmed his com - are to our society, breaking new ground eco - in the future as well.” bonds of friendship between our two coun - mitment to expanding relations with the United nomically, socially and politically in California Separately, Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said of tries.” States “in all areas.” He told Clinton that US- and across the nation.” Oman sent a congratulatory message to “I had the opportunity to once again experi - Armenian ties have already have “reached the He continued, “Over the years, I have been Sargisian. The Sultan congratulated and ence the warm hospitality of the Armenian peo - highest point in history.” privileged to work with many individuals in the extended his sincere wishes to the president ple when I visited Yerevan this past June,” read Sargisian referred to America as his country’s Armenian community to end our government’s and people of Armenia, the Oman Observer the statement. “As I said then, America is com - “traditional and sincere friend” when he met tragic failure to recognize the Armenian geno - reports. mitted to helping Armenia strengthen its demo - with a visiting U.S. congressman in Yerevan ear - cide, ensure the victims receive just compensa - Emir Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah of lier this month. tion, and secure aid for Armenia and Nagorno Kuwait likewise sent a congratulatory letter to US Ambassador to Armenia John Heffern Karabagh. Sargisian. congratulated Armenians on Independence French President François Hollande issued a (PanArmenian.net and news.am contributed ALMA Appoints Day. congratulatory note to his Armenian counter - to this report.) Dr. Susan Pattie As New Director

ALMA, from page 1 Who Are the Armenians? (with Gagik Stepan Sarkissian and Maral Kerovpyan), written for 6–12-year-olds, coincidentally bears the same title as a major exhibition designed and showcased at ALMA. Both serve to present Armenian heritage and cul - ture to a broad public, Armenian and non- Armenian alike. Pattie’s most recent book, Treasured Objects: Armenians in the Ottoman Empire 100 Years Ago (with Vazken Davidian and Gagik Stepan Sarkissian) is also a serendipitous match with ALMA and its rich collections. ALMA holds the most extensive collection of Armenian artifacts in the diaspora as well as a large library of many valuable books. ALMA has numerous outreach programs, from curator-led tours of its galleries to trav - eling exhibitions. Pattie’s work with the Armenian Institute has also focused on rais - ing awareness of Armenian heritage and cul - ture as well as encouraging the exploration of what it means to be Armenian in the 21st century diaspora in all its diverse dimensions. Pattie is married to Levon Chilingirian, vio - linist and leader of the Chilingirian Quartet, and has one son, Stepan.

Armenian Becomes Champion in Moscow Blitz Championship

MOSCOW (Armenpress) — An Armenian chess player living in Russia, Grand Master Karine Hambardzumova, earned 14 out of 19 possible points and won the title of the Moscow champion in blitz chess tournament, according to the Armenian Chess Federation. Hambardzumova is one of the most promising chess players in Russia and this was not the first time she achieved success in an international chess tour - nament. Armenian Grand Master Sergey Kasparov, representing Belarus, T scored 4.5 out of 6 possible points and shared the third through 10th places at U the international chess tournament, O which took place in Roosendaal, the Netherlands. Kasparov surrendered to D the winner of the tournament, the grand master representing the L Netherlands, Sergey Tivyakov, with half O a point. S