APRIL 2, 2011 MirTHE rARoMENr IAN -Spe ctator Volume LXXXI, NO. 38, Issue 4182 $ 2.00 NEWS IN BRIEF The First English Language Armenian Weekly in the United States Azeris Launch Attacks STEPANAKERT (PanARMENIAN.Net) — Between Charles Aznavour to Be March 20 and 26, Azerbaijan violated the ceasefire regime at the Karabagh conflict zone. According to updated data of the Nagorno Karabagh Honored in NYC by FAR Defense Army, Azerbaijan violated the ceasefire 250 times during the week, firing 1,800 shots. The NKR Army press service stressed that in French ambassador-at large to Armenia. addition to typical weapons, the Azerbaijani forces By Florence Avakian The gala tribute will take place at New used AGA grenade launchers against the Karabagh York’s elegant Cipriani Wall Street venue, positions in Martuni on March 24 and 25. with a reception starting at 7 p.m., and din - NEW YORK — Mark Friday, May 20 on ner with a special program at 8 p.m. your calendars. The date marks an event Introducing Aznavour will be singer Liza Davutoglu: 2015 Will sponsored by the Fund for Armenian Minnelli, and master of ceremonies will be Relief (FAR) that celebrates both the actor Eric Bogosian, both of whom are on Be Dedicated to 20th anniversary of Armenia’s indepen - the “Honorary Committee of Tribute to ‘Armenian Issue’ dence, as well as one of the world’s great - Aznavour.” Other known personalities on est singers, showmen, songwriters and the committee include Sir Elton John, LONDON (Arminfo) — The year of 2015 will be ded - philanthropists, Charles Aznavour. He is Celine Dion, Atom Egoyan and the ambas - icated to the “Armenian issue,” Turkish Foreign also Armenia’s ambassador to sadors of France and Armenia to the Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said in a speech at the Switzerland, Armenia’s permanent dele - United States and the United Nations. Charles Aznavour symposium “On the way to the Great Turkey” orga - gate to the United Nations in Geneva and see FAR, page 12 nized here by a Turkish group. The Turkish Sabah newspaper reported, Davutoglu said that the year of 2015 is the most convenient for summing up the results, and per - haps for starting a new policy. “We should enter Iran Seeks ‘Unlimited’ Cooperation with Armenia the new century with the problems resolved. Turkey cannot stay at the regional level any more. To be more successful at the world arena, we By Emil Danielyan should first of all settle the problems with our neighbors,” Davutoglu said. TEHRAN (RFE/RL) — Iranian President Mahmud Ahmadinejad reaffirmed Iran’s US Envoy Visits Raffi desire to expand political and economic links with Armenia during weekend talks Hovannisian with his visiting Armenian counterpart, YEREVAN (RFE/RL) — Marie Yovanovitch, the US Serge Sargisian. ambassador to Armenia, visited opposition leader The two men reviewed bilateral ties and, Raffi Hovannisian on Monday, on the 14th day of his in particular, the implementation of hunger strike in protest of the Armenian government. Hovannisian said that they discussed his health, the state of human rights and the overall political Michigan Armenians situation in the country. He said he reaffirmed his view that the Armenian authorities must embrace Mourn Death of “radical solutions.” The ambassador’s visit was construed by Community Leader and Hovannisian as a call for an end to his round-the- Philanthropist Edgar clock sit-in in Yerevan’s Liberty Square. “The ambas - President Serge Sargisian, right, with President Mahmud Ahmadinejad in Tehran sador urged me silently, not with words,” said the Hagopian US-born leader of Zharangutyun (Heritage) party. Hovannisian made clear that he would continue DETROIT — For the past several years, the Armenian-Iranian commercial projects on regional states were represented by more the hunger strike because the authorities have still members of the Michigan-Armenian commu - the sidelines of official celebrations of the low-level officials. not showed readiness to address his concerns. nity shared the agony of Edgar Hagopian, as ancient Persian Nowruz holiday. According to Iran’s English-language Hovannisian said he is still awaiting “substantive he battled cancer. He lost his valiant fight Sargisian attended the festivities along Press TV network, Ahmadinejad told proposals” from the authorities. against the disease on March 27. with the presidents of Afghanistan, Iraq, Sargisian last Sunday that Tehran “has Asked whether he expects President Serge The community was still rocked by the Tajikistan and Turkmenistan. Several other see VISIT, page 3 Sargisian to state that he is ready to call for snap news of the loss, despite knowing that it had elections, Hovannisian replied, “I have no such been anticipated. As he suffered from excru - expectation. But I am ready to listen to any word ciating pains, his mind lucid to the end, he Orhan Pamuk Ordered to Pay Compensation uttered in good faith and reflecting the interests of was always thinking about this community the state from any official, be it the current presi - and extending a hand to someone in need. For Armenian and Kurdish References dent or an ordinary citizen.” Hagopian had won many accolades for his generosity and leadership. The last trib - ISTANBUL (Milliyet) — Nobel ute was paid to him on February 19, at a Laureate Orhan Pamuk will pay a banquet organized in his honor by the total of 6,000 liras (about $4,000) INSI DE Tekeyan Cultural Association. in compensation to five people for see HAGOPIAN, page 6 writing in 2005, “The Turks have killed 30,000 Kurds and 1 million Armenians in this land.” Pamuk has 15 days to appeal the court Actor’s decision levying the fine, accord - ing to the legal procedures. Actor Pamuk was sued in 2005 by five people, including lawyer Kemal Kerinçsiz, the head of the Lawyers’ page 10 Association at the time and cur - Orhan Pamuk rently under arrest in the Ergenekon court case, as well as four other people who are relatives of sol - Supreme Court of Appeal, which decided to INDEX diers killed in action. They accused Pamuk reject the court decision and thus asked the Armenia ...... 2 of “having accused all Turkish people.” The Sisli court to consider the case once more. Arts and Living ...... 10 Sisli court in Istanbul initially rejected to After the latter’s resistance, the file was Calendar ...... 1 3 hear the case, arguing that “the com - sent to the Supreme Court of Appeal’s Community News...... 4 plainants are simply individuals of the General Committee. The committee decid - Editorial ...... 14 Turkish nation” and thus it was impossible ed in 2009 that the case concerned individ - International ...... 3 to accept that individual rights had been uals and had to be considered by the court, Edgar Hagopian violated. “taking into account people’s honor and Kerinçsiz then appealed the case to the see PAMUK, page 3 2 S ATURDAY , A PRIL 2, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARMENIA News From Armenia Supreme Spiritual Council Meets at President of Swiss Mother See of Holy Echmiadzin Confederation Visits ECHMIADZIN — From March 17 to Manoogian, Armenian Patriarch of parishes served as a base for the Armenia 19, the Supreme Spiritual Council con - Jerusalem, relevant details taken from Pontifical Diocese and in Switzerland, vened its regular meeting in the Mother the Patriarchate Constitution, on a where the World Council of Churches YEREVAN (Armenpress) — Swiss Foreign Minister See of Holy Echmiadzin under the pres - coadjutor patriarch. and other ecumenical institutions are Micheline Calmy-Rey paid a two-day official visit to idency of Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch Ateshian reported on the current operating, there was a need to raise the Armenia upon the invitation by President Serge and Catholicos of All Armenians. issues of the Armenian Patriarchate of level of representation from the Sargisian at the end of March. The presidential Following the opening, the pontiff Armenian Church. As a press service said that, within the framework of the welcomed the presence of Archbishop result of discussions, the visit, Calmy-Rey met the authorities of the republic, Aram Ateshian, patriarchal vicar of the Supreme Spiritual visited the Mother See of Holy Echmiadzin and met Armenian Patriarchate of Council decided to with Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II. Constantinople. appoint Rev. Mesrop She took part in the opening ceremony of the Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Parsamian, vice chancel - Swiss Embassy to Armenia. On the second day of Primate of the Eastern Diocese of the lor of the Mother See, to her official visit, Calmy-Rey went to Gumri, to visit Armenian Church of America and serve as a Locum Tenens the CASA Swiss Humanitarian Fund. Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Armenian Diocese of the Western Diocese of the Armenian of Switzerland and to con - Sargisian Pays Tribute to Church of America served as co-chair - tribute to the reorganiza - men of the meetings. tion of the Diocesan life. Late Premier Markarian The members of the council were pre - The members of the Supreme Spiritual Council at the It was also decided to sented with information on the rela - meeting invite Rev. Abel YEREVAN (Armenpress) — President Serge tionship between the hierarchal Sees Manoukian, of Geneva, to Sargisian, accompanied with the top leadership of and the Mother See. Co-chairmen of return to the Mother See the country, visited on March 25 the Yerevan the committee Barsamian and Bishop Constantinople. He also presented of Holy Echmiadzin for other service. Pantheon to pay tribute to the late former prime Arshak Khachatrian, chancellor of the upcoming events on the occasion of the Bishop Ararat Kaltakjian presented pre - minister of Armenia, Andranik Markarian, on the Mother See, reported on the recent 550th anniversary of the establishment liminary details of the visit of the Armenian occasion of the anniversary of his death, the presi- activities of the Canonical and of the Armenian Patriarchate of Pontiff to the Dioceses of South America, dent’s press office reported. Liturgical Committee of the Constantinople. scheduled for May 7 to 26. Catholicosate of All Armenians and the Archbishop Norvan Zakarian, There was also a review of the Inter- Yerevan Police Chief Catholicosate of the Great House of Pontifical Legate of Western Europe Church and Pontifical visit of the Cilicia. and Archbishop Yeznik Petrosian, Armenian Catholicos to the Georgian Questioned in Murder Barsamian and Navasard Kjoyan, reported on the current issues in the Church and to the Armenian Diocese of vicar of the Araratian Pontifical Armenian Diocese of Switzerland. The Georgia which is planned for June. Cover-Up Probe Diocese, presented a report on the out - Armenian Diocese of Switzerland was Bishop Hovakim Manoukian, director YEREVAN (RFE/RL) — Major-General Nerses come of the Brotherhood of St. James established by the late Catholicos of the Inter-Church Relations Nazarian, the chief of Yerevan’s police department, General Assembly. It was reported that Vasken I in 1992. Bishop Viken Department of the Mother See and has been questioned by law-enforcement authori- a committee elected during the meeting Aykazian was appointed to serve as the Bishop Vasken Mirzakhanian presented ties in connection with a criminal investigation would shortly present to Abp. Torkom first Primate of the Diocese. The local the agenda and outline of the visit. that has resulted in the arrest of another police general, it emerged on Friday. Hovannes Tamamian, the controversial head of the Directorate General of Criminal Investigations Iranians Flock to Armenia on Nowruz Holiday at Armenia’s national police service, was arrested last Thursday on charges of abuse of power, carry- said one Iranian woman. “It’s a new Our city does not have the capacity to ing up to six years in prison. By Hasmik Smbatian country for me and it’s nice, good. And receive that many guests.” Tamamian is accused of deliberately mishandling I think people here are very, very calm.” The businessman said many more a murder investigation conducted by the police last For the Iranian tourists, visiting Iranians would travel to Armenia if it YEREVAN (RFE/RL) — Sabeh has year. He and the police chief of Yerevan’s Arabkir Armenia is also a rare opportunity to had more inexpensive hotels. The long, bleached hair, and for once she district, Colonel Varuzhan Adamian, were dismissed see and hear exiled Iranian singers Armenian government has so far done does not have to hide it in public. The from their positions late last month. banned in the Islamic Republic. Several little to address that problem, he said. young woman is one of thousands of Nazarian refuted media claims that Adamian has such pop stars will give concerts in Even so, the influx of Iranians Iranians traveling to neighboring implicated not only Tamamian but also Nazarian Yerevan’s biggest indoor sports arena in appears to have already given a massive Armenia during two-week celebrations himself in the allegedly botched probe. “God forbid the coming days. boost to Armenia’s tourism industry. of Nowruz , the Persian New Year that such things,” he said. “The chief of the Yerevan Tereza, a young Armenian working Travel firms and economic analysts say began on Monday. police has nothing to do with such cases.” for a local travel agency, expected Iran’s 70 million-strong population “I have come here for concerts, for Tamamian’s arrest and prosecution is a major capacity crowds at the 7,000-seat holds much greater revenue potential fun and just to see the culture. I love embarrassment for the Armenian police, coming Hamalir arena as she briskly sold tick - for the sector. Armenian culture, churches and things less than a year after the mysterious death of a ets to newly arrived tourists on Monday “A total of $12 million in cash should like that,” she said shortly after arriving man in police custody in the central town of morning. “If things continue like this, come here from Iran in the next two in Yerevan by bus from Tehran. Charentsavan. Last November, a local police officer all the seats in the Hamalir will be sold weeks,” said Davudian. “Tourism could Sporting red baggy pants and a white was sentenced to eight years in prison in connec- out,” she said. earn this country very serious rev - jacket, Sabeh could already feel the dif - tion with that incident. “It’s illegal to have such concerts in enues. There just has to be a state ference between her country’s stringent Nazarian did not deny media reports that the SIS Iran,” explained one Iranian man. approach to this.” Islamic code of conduct and appearance and prosecutors are now also looking into other “There are some restrictions due to the for women and a more liberal environ - suspicious criminal cases handled by Tamamian. regime. So they have to come to ment in Armenia. One of them led to the death of a man questioned Armenia for concerts.” “Yeah, of course I feel freer,” she said, at the Directorate General of Criminal Iranian music will also be played in New Ambassador of grinning. “In Iran, they have restric - Investigations in 2007. some of Yerevan’s night clubs. They tions on wearing clothes and we have Ghana Presents The police claimed at the time that the 30-year- have reportedly been booked by Iranian no fun. I hope to have fun here.” old Levon Gulian fell to his death while attempting DJs and entertainers. So do at least 10,000 other Iranians Credentials to Foreign to escape from a second-floor interrogation room. The influx of Iranian tourists, which of different ages and social background began in earnest two years ago, may not Minister Nalbandian that are expected to visit Armenia in the be massive by international standards Third Conference on next two weeks. Farsi speech can but it creates a logistical headache for YEREVAN — On March 28, Armenian already be heard across downtown Armenian travel agencies grappling with Foreign Minister Eduard Nalbandian Fairy Tales Takes Place Yerevan, with groups of tourists — many a lack of accommodation and other received Seth Koranteng, the new In Yerevan of them wearing Western-style clothing underdeveloped tourism infrastructure. ambassador of Ghana to Armenia — strolling in the streets, taking pic - All Yerevan hotels have already been (based in Moscow) so that Koranteng YEREVAN (Armenpress) — The third conference on tures and visiting its numerous cafes booked, practically in full, for the next could present officially his credentials. the study of fairy tales, titled “Eastern Fairy Tale: and restaurants. two weeks, forcing them to accommo - Congratulating him, Nalbandian Fairy Tales in East,” was held March 30-31 at the “It’s my first-ever trip to Armenia,” date many visitors in private apartments wished Koranteng success in carrying Hovhannes Tumanyan Museum. or small hotels outside the city. out his mission in Armenia and Alvard Divanyan, head of the museum’s fairy tale “We don’t have enough hotels,” com - expressed hope that he would con - department, reported that over 20 reports by plained Arlen Davudian, the owner of tribute to the deepening of the relations ethnographers and literary specialists from Yerevan the Tatev Tour agency. “According to between Armenia and Ghana. State University and the State Pedagogical Correction our estimates, there are only between Koranteng expressed gratitude for University (named after Kh. Abovian), branch in 3,700 and 4,000 hotel beds in Yerevan.” the wishes and underlined that his The obituary about Sister Gumri, were made during the conference. Coverage Davudian estimated the number of country is interested in the expansion Serena Menzagopian, which of the conference will be published in Voske Iranians that will visit Armenia during and development of relations with appeared in the March 19 issue, Divan. this year’s Nowruz holiday at 12,000. Armenia. The ambassador of Ghana had the wrong age for her. She “People cite illogical numbers of also assured that he would do his was 81. Iranian tourists: 40,000, 100,000,” he utmost for the further strengthening of said. “They are grossly exaggerated. bilateral relations. S ATURDAY , A PRIL 2, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 3 INTERNATIONAL AGBU YP Sofia Hosts Skylark Farm International News Turkish Government Author Antonia Arslan Proposes New Ministries SOFIA, Bulgaria — On March 2, the ISTANBUL (Bloomberg) — Turkey’s government AGBU Young Professionals of Sofia proposed legislation giving it power to rule by (YP Sofia) hosted Antonia Arslan, decree and establishing four new ministries, the author of Skylark Farm, at the newspaper Milliyet reported. Cinema Hall Lumiere. The presenta - The draft law sent to the Ankara parliament tion was followed by a screening of would give the government six months during the Italian movie “The Lark Farm,” which the Cabinet can issue decrees with the force based on Arslan’s novel. One-hundred of law, according to the newspaper. The country is people attended the event and among due to hold nationwide parliamentary elections on the distinguished guests were Arsen June 12. Sehoyan, Armenia’s newly-appointed The measure would also upgrade four state min- ambassador to Bulgaria, and Hristo istries to full executive ministries, according to Angelichin, deputy mayor of Sofia. Milliyet. The changes would be to the economy, YP Sofia’s Tamara Arutyunyan and women’s affairs, social security and sport portfo- Serzh Uzunyan welcomed Arslan on lios, it said. the stage. The author explained her motives for writing the novel, which describes her family’s experience dur - WHO Study Gives Low ing the Armenian Genocide. She also discussed the long path of turning the Marks to Healthcare in book into the 2007 film, directed by Azerbaijan, Armenia Paolo and Vittorio Taviani. Before the film’s screening, Arslan distributed Italian-Armenian author Antonia Arslan presents one of 14 AGBU scholarship awards BAKU — Azerbaijan has held the 109th place in the AGBU scholarships awards to 14 to students of Armenian descent in Sofia. list of countries with the most advanced healthcare young students, and renowned com - systems. poser and musician Haygashot The World Health Organization (WHO), having Agasyan performed Fire a Candle , a analyzed the health-care systems of 191 countries, song dedicated to the Genocide. On Prior to Opening of Airport in Karabagh, Flights named France’s health care system the best. this occasion, YP Sofia presented a When analyzing the level of medical care, the trophy, representing the world globe Safety Issue Must Be Resolved, Bryza Says WHO took into account such criteria as efficiency, with the statue of Victory, to Arslan. availability and compliance to needs of the popula- The presenters thanked the author BAKU (PanArmenian.Net) — Prior to Karabagh, according to the head of the tion. and expressed their desire that the the opening of the Stepanakert airport central information department at the The top five countries with the most advanced Armenian Genocide be recognized by in Nagorno Karabagh, Armenia and office of the Artsakh President, David health care system, in addition to Azerbaijan, more countries around the world. The Azerbaijan must resolve the flight safety Babayan. include: Italy, San Marino, Andorra and Malta. screening was followed by a dinner at issue, the US Ambassador to Azerbaijan Babayan stated, “The threats are a They are followed by Singapore and Spain. an Armenian restaurant, where guests Matthew Bryza said. proof that medieval psychology is preva - Remarkable success was achieved by Oman, which had the chance to meet and talk to “I uphold the position of the US lead - lent in Azerbaijan. Those who issue occupies the eighth place in the list. Austria and the visiting author. ership, which believes that the sides them do not simply lack in self-posses - Japan are also among the top 10. The following day, Arslan visited the should come together and discuss these sion, but openly support Nazi values. Despite solid investments in the development of city of Plovdiv and was hosted by issues before the airport is opened in The international community must ade - its health care the US was in 37th place. members of YP Plovdiv for another Stepanakert,” he told reporters on quately respond to criminal statements As for the post-Soviet countries, Kazakhstan is film screening event. During her visit Tuesday, March 29. “We think that the of the kind.” (64th), Lithuania (73rd), Belarus (74th), Ukraine to Bulgaria’s second largest city, details can be worked out,” Trend News “Azerbaijan seeks to scare Artsakh and Estonia (79th). Moldova, Armenia and Latvia Arslan visited the St. Kevork quoted him as saying. people into refusing to use airport ser - came in 101th, 104th and 105th positions respec- Armenian Church and its adjoining Azeri threats to shoot down planes vices. We are determined to open the tively. Russia has the 130th place. museum. bound for Stepanakert will not frighten airport, no matter whom it vexes in Azerbaijan. Any attempt Azerbaijan might take will be fraught with unpre - EU Official Criticizes dictable repercussions for Azerbaijan itself,” Babayan stressed. Turkey’s Chief Envoy for Iran Seeks ‘Unlimited’ Earlier, Baku had threatened to shoot Tearing down Monument down civilian planes flying to Karabagh after the planned reopening of the ISTANBUL (Tert.am) — The director general of Cooperation with Armenia Stepanakert airport. European Union (EU) Commission on expansion “According to the law on aviation, it is issues, Michael Lague, has recently voiced strong VISIT, from page 1 Islamic civilizations,” he said. even possible to physically destroy air - criticism of Turkey’s chief envoy to that body. placed no limits on the development of “Cooperation between Armenia and planes which are heading there,” Arif After a speech at the Brussels Forum, Turkey’s cooperation with Yerevan” and wants Iran is a history of friendship, tolerance, Mammadov, director of Azerbaijan’s State Minister and Chief Envoy to EU Egemen to deepen ties between the two “friend - mutual respect and cultural dialogue,” Civil Aviation Administration, said in Bagish directed several questions to Lague, who ly neighbors.” he added. comments to local media. “We asked the criticized Turkey for restrictions on freedom of The Iranian Fars news agency report - Sargisian’s press office said on Friday ICAO to notify the opposing side in speech and the Ergenekon trial. ed that the talks focused on ways of that the Armenian leader is also sched - order to prevent incidents,” he said. The EU senior official also reproached the “strengthening bilateral cooperation uled to meet with Iran’s Supreme The airport will be ready for operation Turkish envoy for a recent court decision to tear and good neighborly relations.” It said Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. in May, the head of the department of the Monument to Humanity in Kars. He said Ahmadinejad stressed the importance However, no such meeting was report - civil aviation at the Artsakh govern - Turkey’s statements on freedom do not fit well with of the multimillion-dollar energy and ed by official Armenian and Iranian ment, Dmitry Atbashyan said. the country’s policies. transport projects approved by the two sources by Monday evening. “On the one hand you speak of the zero problems governments. The Armenian and Iranian foreign with neighbors policy, but on the other hand you A statement by the Armenian presi - ministers held separate talks in Tehran demolish a statue which symbolizes the friendship dential press service said Sargisian also on Sunday. The Armenian Foreign Pamuk Ordered to with Armenia. How to understand such conflicting reaffirmed Yerevan’s strong interest in Ministry said they discussed a “wide approaches?” was Lague’s question. their implementation. It said the two range issues related to bilateral rela - Pay Compensation presidents specifically discussed ambi - tions.” tions plans to build a railway connect - The Islamic Republic’s growing ties For Armenian and Event Dedicated to ing Armenia with Iran. with its sole Christian neighbor appear The railway construction is estimated to have caused serious unease in Kurdish References Armenia Held in Madrid to cost at least $1 billion. Neither gov - Azerbaijan. In a series of public state - MADRID, Spain (Armenpress) — An event dedicated PAMUK, from page 1 ernment has so far identified concrete ments made last month, several pro- to Armenia was held March 17 at the Casa del Libro self-respect, as well as the feelings of sources of funding for the project. government members of Azerbaijan’s bookstore in the center of Madrid, the organizers belonging to a nation, in the framework Yerevan and Tehran are much closer parliament accused Iran of pursuing an of which were the Armenian Embassy in Spain and of constitutional provisions.” to starting work on two hydro-electric “anti-Azerbaijani” policy and demanded Marco Polo tour agency. The Sisli court then re-assessed the plants on the Arax river marking the that Baku scale back relations with The Armenian Foreign Affairs Ministry press ser- file and decided Pamuk should pay com - Armenian-Iranian border and a pipeline Tehran. vice said that commercial director of the agency, pensation to the complainants. that will ship Iranian fuel to Armenia. The Azerbaijani government has José Luis Angulo, who has visited Armenia recent- “The right of individuals to open com - In a speech delivered during the until now avoided endorsing such accu - ly, shared his impressions with his partners and pensation cases was finalized. This deci - Nowruz celebrations later on Sunday, sations or publicly demanding that Iran people in the hall, presenting Armenia as a small, sion is a precedent [for other cases],” Sargisian described the Armenian- join in Azerbaijan’s and Turkey’s long- but glorious nation, which has been the beacon of legal expert Ersan Sen said, adding that Iranian relationship as “truly exemplary.” running economic blockade of the European civilization and which strives for the the lapse of time for filing a complaint “Our friendship and the existence of Armenia. Still, Azerbaijani President European family. a thriving Armenian community in Iran Ilham Aliyev was conspicuously absent on this and other related cases had is a good example of cooperation and from the Nowruz celebrations in extended from one to eight years mutual enrichment of the Christian and Tehran. through this decision. 4 S ATURDAY , A PRIL 2, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Community Ne ws

LA City Councilmember Tibrevank Paul Krekorian Endorses Alumni, Inc. Nayiri Nahabedian for Announces New Re-Election to Glendale’s School Board

Scholarship Fund GLENDALE — Los Angeles City PALISADES PARK, N.J. — The Councilmember Paul Krekorian has formally Tibrevank Alumni, Inc. announces the endorsed Nayiri Nahabedian for re-election to new Vahan Ajemian Scholarship Fund, the Glendale School Board of Education. for students of Armenian descent who Krekorian, former president of the Burbank have completed one year of college by Board of Education, is a strong supporter of June. Board member Nahabedian and understands The scholarship is named for Vahan the challenges the district faces during Ajemian, a teacher who taught at Sourp California’s worst budget crisis in history. Khatch Tibrevank in Istanbul, Turkey for “I have known and worked closely with Nayiri many years and holds a very dear place Nahabedian for 15 years,” Krekorian said. “I in the hearts of all Tibrevanktsees. He is know first hand Nayiri’s dedication, integrity ArmenBar members present a plaque to United States Attorney André Birotte Jr. and courage, and I am constantly impressed fondly and respectfully known to them as From left: Vice-Chairman Garo Ghazarian, Chairman Edvin Minassian, United simply, “Baron.” anew at her ability to think outside of the box States Attorney André Birotte Jr. and Assistant United States Attorney John J. and find creative solutions. Nayiri’s leadership Ajemian was born in 1922 in Uskudar, Lulejian Istanbul. His father was from the historic and her willingness to tackle complex problems Armenian city of Sepastia, and his moth - have led to measurable progress for Glendale er was from Bulgaria. They married in students and their families. As a former presi - Bulgaria during World War I, became Armenian Bar Association dent of the Burbank Board of Education, I Bulgarian citizens and moved to Istanbul know that Nayiri Nahabedian has the experi - after the war ended. Ajemian’s Bulgarian ence, the vision and the character that we need nationality would later become an obsta - Welcomes US Attorney on the Board of Education, especially during cle for him throughout his life. these difficult times. Nayiri has my unequivocal Ajemian attended several Armenian support and I hope she has yours too.” schools in Istanbul and graduated from André Birotte Jr. Krekorian’s endorsement is a key addition to Getronagan Armenian High School. He Nahabedian’s growing list of endorsements majored in physics and chemistry at GLENDALE — Appointed by President Barack Obama and confirmed unani - from community leaders and organizations, Istanbul University and received a mas - mously by the United States Senate to one of the most elite federal positions, including Glendale City Councilmember Laura ter’s degree in nuclear physics from the United States Attorney André Birotte Jr. was the featured speaker at a standing Friedman and the Democratic Party of the San Technical University of Istanbul. room-only gathering organized by the Armenian Bar Association on February 24. Fernando Valley. He began his teaching career in 1956 With more than 200 judges, lawyers and law students in attendance at the “I’m honored to have the support of Los at the Sourp Khatch Tibrevank, on the Phoenicia restaurant in Glendale, the Armenian Bar Association recognized Angeles City Councilmember Paul Krekorian,” encouragement and invitation of the Birotte for his dedication to public service and for his sustained commitment and Nahabedian said. “Both the respected coun - Very Rev. Karekin Kazanjian, who served contributions to law enforcement, victims’ and civil rights, public integrity and the cilmember and myself have experienced the as principal at the time, and later as patri - legal profession. challenges associated with trying to improve In the words of Armenian Bar Association Chairman Edvin Minassian, “The our schools during a financial crisis. We both enthusiastic response of the capacity crowd reflects the Association’s deep devo - agree that the GUSD is facing an uphill battle “Ajemian is a giver. He tion to professional excellence and, just as importantly, to our firm commitment to and requires an experienced and strong board never asks for anything nor is the Armenian community and to the rule of law.” member to lead our schools down a path of he willing to accept anything Minassian expressed his organization’s resolve and successful results in acting improvement, not devastation, during the as the community’s gatekeeper for the protection of its rights and the education tough road ahead.” from his students.” about its responsibilities. Glendale’s Municipal Election will be held Garo Ghazarian, Armenian Bar Association vice chairman, and dean of the Tuesday, April 5, and Nahabedian is a candidate arch of the Armenian See of Istanbul. People’s College of Law, served as master of ceremonies with a smooth blend of for re-election on the Glendale Unified School Later, Ajemian went on to work at the humor and respectfulness. The gathering was addressed by Minassian, Board District’s Governing Board. Sahakyan and Esayan Armenian High members Hovanes Margarian and Assistant United States Attorney John J. She was elected to the Glendale Board of Schools. He taught mathematics, physics Lulejian, who delivered an inspiring introduction of Birotte. Education in 2007 and has been a forceful and chemistry until his retirement. He Rising to the podium to a rousing ovation, Birotte singled out the Armenian Bar now lives in Paris, France. Association for its unique and valuable leadership position in legal and local insti - Ajemian is loved and remembered by tutions and causes. “It is important to work with our community,” said Birotte and all of his past students but he holds a continuing with “coming from Haiti, I would always remember the emblem asso - very special place in the hearts of all ciated with their flag, ‘With unity we build strength,’ and this is a statement that Tibrevanktsees. Besides being an excel - lives with me today, and will continue to. That saying has been a major guideline lent teacher, he was a role model, big in my life, and a major guideline we work by.” brother and best friend to all his stu - Birotte looked to Armenian Bar Association for helping bring unity and strength dents. The special relationship with his to the Armenian community. On a personal note, he expressed great praise and Tibrevanktsee students is due to respect for former Armenian Bar Association Board member United States Tibrevank being a boarding school, Magistrate Judge Jacqueline Chooljian who guided and mentored the rising star where deeper relationships were formed when both were assistant United States attorneys. within the school community. He kept in In attendance was a full roster of judicial leaders and law enforcement brass on touch with his students after their grad - both the federal and state levels, elected officials, as well as a wide spectrum of uation and still continues the relation - leaders and representatives from the Armenian community, including Los Angeles ship today, even though some of them City Attorney Carmen Trutanich, Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the are now grandparents. He has come to Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America, former Los Angeles know his students’ children and then County District Attorney Robert Philibosian, Magistrate Judge Chooljian and even their grandchildren. He believes in retired United States District Judge Dickran Tevrizian. maintaining strong family bonds and Los Angeles County Superior Court Judges in attendance included site super - friendships. vising judges of Los Angeles County Superior Courts in the cities of Burbank and Ajemian is a giver. He never asks for Glendale, Patrick Hegarty and Fred Rotenberg, respectively; Kevin Brazile, anything nor is he willing to accept any - Soussan Bruguera, Ruth Kwan, Mark Mooney and Armenian Bar Association past Nayiri Nahabedian thing from his students. He has always Chairman Zaven Sinanian. Both Brazile and Sinanian are on the Board of the been the one to give. California Judges Association. advocate for making schools safer, keeping class In this spirit of giving, the Tibrevank Also in attendance at the Armenian Bar Association program were Michael sizes small, ensuring excellence in teaching and alumni find it very fitting to offer schol - Garcia, the chief assistant city attorney of Glendale; Gary Schram, chief of the Los protecting each child’s opportunity to learn and arships in his name to Armenian stu - Angeles City Attorney’s Bureau of Investigation; Wayne Williams, special agent in succeed. dents. It is what he would do. charge, United States Secret Service, Briane Grey, assistant special agent in Nahabedian, a graduate of Glendale High Application and other information may charge, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); Jon Goldberg, DEA assistant School, is a committed child advocate and edu - be obtained from: Tibrevank Alumni, Inc., special agent in charge; Sgt. Thomas Lorenz, adjutant to the Glendale Chief of cation reformer. She graduated from UCLA Vahan Adjemian Scholarship Fund, P.O. Police, Sergeants John Gilkerson and Tigran Topadzhikyan of the Glendale Police with a bachelor’s in psychology and an MSW Box 14, Palisades Park, NJ 07650 or Department; Assistant United States Attorney Lawrence Middleton, chief of Public from UCLA’s School of Public Policy and Social www.vahanadjemianscholarship.org. Corruption and Civil Rights Section of the United States Attorney’s Office; Felipe Research. Deadline for returning completed see ARMENBAR, page 5 applications is June 30. She has been a teaching faculty member at California State University, Los Angeles, for more than 10 years. S ATURDAY , A PRIL 2, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 5 COMMUNITY NEWS Late Priest’s Vestments Serve As Memorial to Life Cut Short

in the church and seldom misses a Sunday on By Tom Vartabedian the altar. “It’s a privilege and an honor to wear my father’s robe,” he said. “There’s a lot of history NORTH ANDOVER, Mass. — It’s been two behind this and I feel his presence with me years since Rev. Vartan Kassabian died at his every time I’ve worn it. It’s what he would have Methuen home, ending a brilliant career as wanted.” beloved pastor, family patriarch and community “While I was going through the steps toward activist. ordination, Der Vartan helped me along,” said His death in March 2009 at the premature Rev. Stephan Baljian. “He helped train me for age of 51 drew the curtain on a 17-year tenure my upcoming parish — the one he also served inside two churches and marked the first time in his inaugural year. Succeeding him in in the 50-year history of the Armenian Prelacy Granite City was very special for me.” that one of its own had died so young. “He left behind a rich legacy in the church,” said San Diego Ararat Guild and special guests On March 13, during Sunday Badarak, six Rev. Antranig Baljian. “He may be gone but his priests from around the country wore the vest - memory will always persevere. Wearing his vest - ments Kassabian left behind as a memorial trib - ment kept the pieces of my heart and soul together ute to the beloved cleric. Each was delivered during a very emotional moment for me.” Ararat Guild Hosts Fundraiser at Home of personally by his wife, Pauline. “My husband established a very close broth - Kathy and Khoren Kassardjian erhood with members of the clergy across the land,” Yeretskin Pauline said. “His life was full Armenian Bar Association SAN DIEGO, Calif. — The San Diego Ararat Guild (SDAG) held a special luncheon event of love and friendship for his family as well as at the home of hosts Kathy and Khoren Kassardjian on March 8. his peers and he has been sadly missed. By Welcomes US Attorney The guest speakers were financial planners Ryan Belmer and Mike Shea, who spoke on wearing these vestments on the second anniver - taxation and investments. The gathering included guests from San Diego, Orange County sary of his death, a part of him remains on André Birotte Jr. and Los Angeles, to raise funds for the Ararat Home. At the event, $1,000 was raised for the God’s altar to be used by his brothers in Christ.” ARMENBAR, from page 4 Ararat Home. Each vestment was carefully boxed by Plascencia, president of the Mexican American Kathy and Khoren Kassardjian hosted the event, in memory of Kathy’s mother, Sara Yeretskin and off she went, visiting each church Bar Association’s Political Action Committee; Keledjian, who was a resident at the Ararat Home and recently passed away. Keledjian’s por - and making her special delivery like a widow on Ara Najarian, current mayor of Glendale; trait was placed prominently among the gathering as a memorial tribute. a mission. Consul General Grigor Hovhannissian and “The Ararat Home is very special to us and close to our hearts,” says Kathy Kassardjian, Participating pastors included: Rev. Deputy Consul General Mesrop Shaboyan from “and we were honored to host this special event for the San Diego Ararat Guild.” Archpriest Antranig Baljian, St. Stephen’s the Republic of Armenia in Los Angeles; Rafi The attendees also enjoyed an Armenian lunch, catered by Ani Lanuza of Ani’s Best Church, Watertown; Rev. Stephan Baljian, St. Manoukian, past two-term mayor of Glendale, Gourmet (www.anisbest.com). Gregory the Illuminator Church, Granite City, and a current commissioner of the Burbank- Belmer is a senior investment management specialist and portfolio manager at Morgan Ill.; Rev. Krikor Sabounjian, Metro West Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority and Stanley-Smith Barney, San Diego. He is a two-time Five Star Wealth Manager named by San Church, Framingham; Rev. Archpriest Gomidas Nayiri Nahabedian, board member of the Diego Magazine . He is also the son-in-law of Kathy and Khoren Kassardjian, who is married Baghsarian, pastor, St. Vartanantz Church, Glendale Unified School District. to their daughter, Nora. Belmer spoke about various investment approaches and insurance Providence, RI; Rev. Douglas Papulis, St. In September 2009, Obama appointed instruments that older Americans should consider. Nicholos Church, St. Louis, Ill. and Rev. Birotte to the top federal prosecutor post in all Shea is a regional vice president with Eaton Vance Investment Management in Southern Leonard Faris, Antiochian Orthodox Church, of Southern California, whose district includes California. Shea spoke about how the coming tax law changes will affect the investment land - Lowell. seven counties, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, scape and open up opportunities for investment capital. He addressed the audience with On that day, Kassabian’s son, Mgo, a col - San Bernardino, San Luis Obispo, Santa great insight and sparkling Irish humor. lege student, also wore the vestment in which Barbara and Ventura, and a population that is SDAG is one of the auxiliary guilds of the Ararat Home of Los Angeles. his dad was ordained as a deacon. The the largest of any district in the country. For younger Kassabian is presently a stole bearer much of the past decade, Birotte has served in capacities of increasing responsibility in the Los Angeles Police Commission’s Office of Inspector General. Before assuming his admin - istrative duties as Inspector General, Birotte You are all cordially invited to the served as assistant United States attorney and as a deputy public defender in Los Angeles. He is a graduate of Tufts University and the Pepperdine University School of Law. Gala Banquet The 22nd Annual National Meeting of the Armenian Bar Association is being held from of the April 29 to May 1, at the Marriott Union Square, in San Francisco. Among the attrac - tions will be the attendance and participation of 109th Diocesan Assembly members of the California Supreme Court, including Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye and Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern) Justice Marvin Baxter. This year’s other guest will be Hrair Tovmasyan, the justice minister of the Republic of Armenia. Last year’s annual His Eminence Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate national meeting, which was held in Chicago, drew an audience of lawyers and jurists and the Presiding 22nd Annual National Meeting in San Francisco will continue that high standard. Members and non-members may register online Friday Evening, April 29, 2011 (www.ArmenianBar.org). Grand Ballroom of the Boston Park Plaza Hotel For further information, contact Dinner 7:30 p.m. [email protected].

Tribute to the 2011 Friend of the Armenians ŠœœŠŒ‘žœŽĴœ ˜ŸŽ›—˜› ŽŸŠ• Š›’Œ” Armenian of the Year Award Presentation to Sarkis Bedevian

Tribute to the Armenian Heritage Foundation Executive Board Sponsors of Armenian Heritage Park

Armenian Library and Museum of America Exhibit “Who Are the Armenians?” RSVP by April 6 Donation $125 Seating by Advance Paid Reservation Only Hosted by the Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church of Greater Boston ˜› ›ŽœŽ›ŸŠ’˜—œǰ ™•ŽŠœŽ ŒŠ•• ‘Ž Œ‘ž›Œ‘ ˜ĜŒŽǰ ŜŗŝǯřśŚǯŖŜřŘ 6 S ATURDAY , A PRIL 2, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS

UCLA Conference on Armenian Genocide Oral History Collections

LOS ANGELES — A unique conference on continue in the UCLA Oral History Research (Armenian Film Foundation); Donald and four conferences on the Armenian Genocide the Armenian Oral History Collections in Center to consider critical issues relating to Lorna Touryan Miller (USC); Ara Oshagan just in the past 15 years at UCLA, I am grati - North America, their uses for research and the maintenance, archiving and possible shar - (Photography, Los Angeles) and Bianca fied that this gathering will highlight the evidence, the media, the visual arts and the ing of the Armenian Genocide Oral History col - Bagatourian (Armenian Dramatic Arts importance of Armenian oral history for the performing arts, will take place on the UCLA lections around the world. Alliance). fields of anthropology, sociology, history, campus, Humanities Building 51A, on The afternoon sessions begin with a panel political science, economics, linguistics, music Saturday, April 2, from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The Public Conference on “Preserving, Indexing, Archiving, and and arts, humanities, immigration and dias - The conference, titled “Armenian Oral For the public conference, on Saturday, Accessing.” Participants include Steven pora studies, women’s studies and compara - History Collections: Development, Uses, April 2, on the UCLA campus, four thematic Smith (director, Shoah Foundation); Teresa tive genocide studies. It is critical that we con - Potential,” has been organized by the UCLA panels have been organized. The first morn - Barnett (head, UCLA Oral History Research sider how best to preserve and utilize these AEF Chair in Modern Armenian History and ing panel is titled “The Collections: Their Center); Hayk Demoyan (director, Armenian precious first-person audio, video and film tes - the Oral History Research Center (John B. Origins, Scope, and Evidence.” Participants Genocide Museum-Institute, Yerevan) and timonies of the last generation of Armenians Jackson Faculty Curator Grant), with support include Marc Mamigonian (NAASR); Varoujan Mark Greenberg (director, Oral History, to have been born in their native lands of from the Near Eastern Center, Bob and Nora Froundjian (Parsegian Collection, Columbia University of South Florida, Tampa). The final Western Armenia, Cilicia, and Asia Minor and Movel Fund and the Souren and Verkin University); Bethel Bilezikian Charkoudian session considers “Potentials for Upcoming even in the European areas of the former Papazian Fund. and Haig Der Manuelian (ALMA Collection, Scholars, Writers, and Creative Artists” and Ottoman Empire.” Holders of Armenian Oral History Massachusetts); Greg Sarkissian and George includes Armen Marsoobian (South The April 2 public conference is open to the Collections in Canada, Mexico and the US will Shirinian (Zoryan Institute Collection, Connecticut State); Ara Sanjian (Armenian public and free of charge. Registration is gather to consider the potential of the collec - Toronto); Richard Hovannisian (UCLA Research Center, University of Michigan- required. tions, their preservation and means of access. Collection) and Taner Akçam (Kaloosdian- Dearborn); Carlos Antaramian (Mexican- The full program, map and parking infor - The public conference on April 2 will be pre - Mugar Chair, Clark University — Dersim Armenian Oral History Project); Arda and mation and registration form may be ceded a day earlier with the participants being Project). Doris Melkonian (UCLA) and Reuben accessed on the web at: oralhisto - given a private tour of the extensive Holocaust The second morning panel, “Publications, Zaramian (University of Toronto). ry.library.ucla.edu/conference.html. oral history archive maintained by the Shoah Performance, and the Visual Arts,” includes Prof. Richard Hovannisian said: “After orga - For more information, contact Prof. Institute Foundation at the University of demonstrations and visual presentations by nizing 17 conferences in the series ‘Historic Richard Hovannisian at hovan - Southern California. Deliberations will then Carla Garapedian and Jerry Papazian Armenian Cities and Provinces,’ as well as [email protected].

OBITUARY Michigan Armenians Mourn Death of Community Leader and Philanthropist Edgar Hagopian

HAGOPIAN, from page 1 and currently employs more than 150 people. In 2002 he spearheaded the passing of the Oakland County Employer” by The Oakland Edmond Azadian was the keynote speaker, Hagopian was affectionately known company - Michigan Public Act 558 recognizing the County Business Finance Corp. He was also who presented Michigan-Armenians’ gratitude wide as “Mr. H.” He was regarded as a mentor. Armenian Genocide. inducted Into the Detroit International to the ailing patriarch, who was too weak to His children — two daughters, a son and a son- In 2006, through the Hagopian Family Institute Hall of Fame in 2002 honoring his attend the banquet. in-law — work in this dynamic family business. Foundation, he initiated the Facing History and commitment to community and ethnicity. Said Azadian, in part, “Our annual functions Hagopian companies donate in excess of Ourselves project promoting awareness of the In 2005 Hagopian received the Ellis Island ordinarily do not focus on any single individual. $70,000 in goods and services to local charities Armenian Genocide, the first genocide of the Medal of Honor. But this year we have made an exception, because annually. Dedicated to community involvement, 20th century, through education. Educator He served on the boards of numerous orga - we believe the time has come for us to pay tribute his companies have been a major benefactor to workshops are held annually to provide a basis nizations, including Armenian Assembly of to a person who has given so much of himself to the Detroit Institute of Art (DIA) where he was for more in-depth study of the Armenian America, Michigan Design Center; AGBU the Detroit-Armenian community and he ahs named an honorary board member for his Genocide, offering instructional materials for (Armenian General Benevolent Union), Detroit raised this community’s profile nationally. That unwavering support. He was also a supporter of classroom course work, teaching resources and Chapter, Seeds of Peace, Michigan Chapter; St. person is Edgar Hagopian, a man of foresight and Detroit Public TV. He hosted in his continuing education credits for participants. John’s Armenian Church Christian Ministry distinction and a legend in his own day.” Birmingham Showroom (for the last 20 sea - That same year he began planning “Armenia Board and Oak Park Chamber of Commerce, as He continued, “Edgar has been a political sons) the Detroit Chamber Winds “Nightnotes” Fest,” an event designed to showcase Armenian well as held leadership posts in Providence activist, benefactor, humanitarian and cultural series, bringing fine musicians and performers culture and heritage. The first outing in Health Foundation, Founders Society, Detroit icon, accessible to anyone. His greatness is in to the city at an affordable venue. In addition, Birmingham in 2007 was a huge success, Institute of Arts (Associate), Armenian Library his humility. He knows how to be on a level for the past 22 years Hagopian has sponsored a attended by more than 2,000 people. The tradi - and Museum of America, Wayne State with everyone. His generosity is not confined to design contest in collaboration with Detroit’s tion will continue in 2011 in his memory with University and junior council Fash Bash event. a particular segment of the community; all seg - College for Creative Studies (CCS) to promote the fourth Annual metro Detroit Armenia Fest. He founded the Detroit Chapter of the ments belong to Edgar and Edgar belongs to interest in textile design for students. Winners Proceeds are designated for Armenia Fund USA Armenian American Business Council (AABC). the entire community.” are awarded scholarships and the first-place and to date more than $25,000 has been raised Hagopian leaves his wife of 54 years, Sarah, Hagopian was born in Detroit in 1930 and design is produced as a rug and displayed at the to help humanitarian projects in Armenia. his sisters Mary and Ilene, his brother Steve, began working in his father’s laboratory while Annual Student Exhibition. In 1995 Hagopian won Franklin Bank’s “Best and his children Suzanne, Edmond and Angela a teen. He attended Cass Tech High School. Hagopian was recognized by the Oak Park Family-Owned Business” Award in their catego - and three grandsons, Alexander, Adam and After graduating in 1948, he attended the Business & Education Alliance for his contri - ry (150 Employees or more). His retail stores Nicholas. University of Michigan, where he majored in butions to the educational community and he won the prestigious “ROY” (Retailer of the Funeral services were held on Friday, April 1, chemistry until he was drafted into the Army was named an honorary director of the Detroit Year) Award at the national Oriental Rug Show at St. John’s Armenian Church, Southfield. In during the Korean War. Institute of Arts and served as a member of the in July 1998. Hagopian was also awarded the lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Under his leadership, Hagopian World of Providence Health Foundation as well as Seeds 1999-2000 Michigan Retailer of The Year Hagopian Family Foundation, at Rugs and Cleaning Services quadrupled in size of Peace, metropolitan Detroit Chapter. Award. In 2002 he was honored as “Best www.hagopianfamilyfoundation.org. Veronica Roseline Bagatourian

LOS ANGELES — Veronica Roseline Bagatourian died on March 16. She was born 72 years ago in Tehran, Iran. Her mother, GF UiNrEaRgAoL sHiaOMn E Michelle Maleskai, was Russian and her father, James Bagdassarian, was Armenian. James “Jack” Giragosian, CPC Bagatourian was well known for her kindness Funeral Counselor and gentleness of spirit. She was also renowned for her extraordinary talents as a singer of clas - 576 Mt. Auburn Street, Watertown, MA 02472, TEL: 617-924—0606 sical songs, recognized in many circles for hav - www.giragosianfuneralhome.com ing the voice of an angel. Throughout her life, Bagatourian worked as a teacher, first in Iran and later in America. A founding member of the University of Southern California’s esteemed Friends of Telephone (617) 924-7400 Armenian Music, Bagatourian succeeded in always being a tireless advocate for the arts in Aram Bedrosian every medium. She was a gifted writer who wrote stories and poems in her spare time and would share them with her family to their Veronica Roseline Bagatourian Funeral Home, Inc. delight. Living in America for 34 years, she spent Continuous Service By The Bedrosian Family Since 1945 the majority of that time in Orange County, Bianca and Steven, as well as her sister, Liana. MARION BEDROSIAN Calif. Her husband, George Bagatourian, died The funeral was held on Thursday, March 24, 558 MOUNT AUBURN STREET PAUL BEDROSIAN last year. at Forest Lawn Cemetery. Services were con - WATERTOWN, MA 02472 LARRY BEDROSIAN Veronica Bagatourian is survived by her children, ducted by Archbishop Hovnan Derderian. S ATURDAY , A PRIL 2, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 7 8 S ATURDAY , A PRIL 2, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS University of Michigan Post-Doctoral Fellow Highlights What Novels Say about Author’s Time

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — On March 14, Dr. Vahram Danielyan presented a public lecture titled “History, Novel, Historical Novel: The Contemporary Historical Novel in Armenia,” at the University of Michigan, under the auspices of the university’s Armenian Studies Program. Danielyan is currently a Manoogian Simone Foundation post-doctoral fellow at the universi - ty (2010-2011 academic year) and is teaching a course on the subject. Danielyan completed his PhD in 2009 at Yerevan State University, con - tinuing his association with that university as a lecturer. As a literary critic he contributes arti - cles in Armenia and abroad. In his lecture, Danielyan argued that the his - torical novel, in addition to telling the main story, offered the opportunity for writers to comment on or critique the historical period of the novel or of the political, social, economic reality of the writers’ own times transposed to the period covered by the novel. However, he argued, this transposition is done through different methods by different writers. Focusing on Levon Khechoyan, Zorayr Khalapyan and Perch Zeytuntsyan, three promi - nent authors of the historical novel, Danielyan illustrated how each author contributed to the genre. Khechoyan used a structure of multi voice debate common in the historical novel. Khalapyan created a sub-genre with a story of WATERTOWN, Mass. — The new billboard paying tribute to the Armenian Genocide victims went up on an apocryphal novel parallel to the historical Tuesday, March 29 on Mount Auburn Street. Artist Daniel Varujan Hejinian has designed the billboards and novel. For Zeytuntsyan, modernity becomes the funded their placement in various locations across the state. dramatic farce of historical absurdity. A recording of this lecture is available on the Armenian Studies website at www.umich.edu/~iinet/asp/. Armenian Assembly Provides Florida Briefing on Armenian-American Issues

BOCA RATON, Fla. — Under the auspices cific issues geared toward greater grassroots of the Armenian Assembly’s South Florida activism in Florida. Regional Council (SFRC), members and sup - A lively question-and-answer session also porters came together earlier this month took place with many constructive recom - here for the Assembly’s annual briefing and mendations for the Assembly’s ongoing work reception. in Washington, DC and Armenia. Executive Director Bryan Ardouny, along with Grassroots Director Taniel Koushakjian, “With over 90 new members of Congress, provided a recap of last year’s activities and a we must redouble our state-wide grassroots detailed overview of the legislative challenges outreach efforts,” stated Koushakjian. “In ahead in 2011, from US assistance to Florida, for example, we have a unique oppor - Armenia and Nagorno Karabagh, the ongo - tunity to make inroads with several new ing Turkey and Azeri blockades against members. Our goal is to further strengthen Armenia, to US affirmation of the Armenian our advocacy efforts from coast to coast,” Genocide, among other issues. added Koushakjian. Ardouny also highlighted the upcoming “On behalf of the Assembly’s board, I 40th anniversary of the Armenian Assembly, would like to thank the Members of the which coincides with the 2012 presidential South Florida Regional Council, in particular election year. In addition, Ardouny empha - Carol Norigian, as well as our hosts Harry From left, Taniel Koushakjian, Carol Norigian, Edna and Harry Keleshian (who were presented with sized the Armenian Assembly’s successful and Edna Keleshian, for the fantastic turn- a signed copy of Michael Bobelian’s book, Children of Armenia: A Forgotten Genocide and the out and for making this event possible,” stat - ), Lu Ann Ohanian and Bryan Ardouny internship programs in Washington, DC and Century-long Struggle for Justice in Armenia while Koushakjian discussed spe - ed Assembly Board member Lu Ann Ohanian. TCA-ADS Dickranian Lions Impress Athletic Community LOS ANGELES — The Tekeyan Cultural Redlands Adventist Academy for the CIF Association (TCA) Arshag Dickranian School’s Southern California Championship. Though basketball team, known as the Dickranian the Dickranian Lions lost the championship, Lions, impressed the athletic community with they were very proud to end up being the run - its series of triumphant games and high scores ners-up of the championship and for being con - in the California Interscholastic Federation gratulated for their effort and success. (CIF) Tournament this season. Throughout the games, 11th-grader Jack The Dickranian Lions played in the Karapetian became the Most Valuable Player Mulholland League, a division of the CIF, win - (MVP) of the team by averaging 32 points and ning 17 and losing only five games in their 18 rebounds per game. Two senior players, series of league and non-league games. Their John Gukasyan and Alex Garibyan, were select - games were marked with the cheers and dedi - ed by the CIF as Allstars, whereas Jack The Dickranian Lions with Principal Vartkes cated support of their fellow students, parents Kourouyan (left) and Coach Rudolph Rameh Karapetian and Artur Karapetian were picked and fans who followed them from court to (center) as All American Players First Team. court. “I am very proud of our team for having a In order to reach the State Championship successful season,” said Coach Rudy Rameh, “I level, the Dickranian Lions had to beat the 25. Winning all these three games qualified the wish we had more players in the team. Entertainment Fridays Mulholland League teams and be qualified for Dickranian Lions to enter the state champi - Hopefully next year we can win the champi - and Saturdays the CIF playoffs for the Southern Division of onship and be challenged by the Redlands onship. I would also like to thank board the championship. Then, the Dickranian Lions Adventist Academy. Chairman Mr. George Mandossian, Principal won the first round against Westmark School On Friday, March 4, a bus load of cheerful Vartkes Kourouyan and the Athletic Committee on February 18, the second round against ADS students, parents and fans drove to the for their support.” Calvary Baptist School on February 22 and the Mater Dei High School basketball court in For more information visit semifinal game against Padre Pio on February Santa Ana to watch their team challenge the www.dickranianschool.org. S ATURDAY , A PRIL 2, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 9 Ne w York M E T R O Genocide Survivors Remember their Tragic Stories of Survival

to have a common thread of suffering and sur - By Taleen Babayan vival, each lived different lives, hailing from dif - ferent parts of Anatolia before the onset of the genocide. FLUSHING, N.Y. — While almost 100 years The last memory 99-year-old Charlotte have passed since the Armenian Genocide, the Kechejian has of her father is of him trying to memories of the horrific massacres remain hug her before being taken away by the Turkish vivid in the minds of three genocide survivors soldiers during the Armenian Genocide. Forced who told their stories at the New York to walk through the Der Zor desert during the Armenian Home in Flushing, Queens on death marches, she remembers how hungry and thirsty she was, gaining strength from her mother, whom she credits for their survival. “I was hungry and not well-treated,” said Kechejian, born in Nikhda. “I didn’t know where we were going.” Making their way to the US via Beirut, Kechejian and her mother moved to New York where her mother made a living by working as a seamstress. Her mother, who insisted that her daughter earn her high school diploma, even - tually opened her own grocery store on 33rd Street in Manhattan, and with her daughter’s permission, remarried.

Perouz Kalousdian speaks to a group of reporters about her escape from the Armenian Genocide.

Arsaloys Dadir’s father was also killed during The oldest survivor of the group, 101-year-old the Genocide. “They tied my father’s hands Perouz Kalousdian, was born in Palu, and wit - together, took him in the backyard and shot nessed her father being taken away by Turkish him,” recalled 98-year-old Dadir, who was born soldiers when she was just 6. in Shabin Karahisar. “We had nothing to eat,” said Kalousdian. Arshaloys Dadir telling her story, with Aggie Dadir, her mother and siblings survived with “They kicked us out of our home.” Her mother Ellian (left), executive director of the Armenian the help of their Turkish neighbors who hid put her in an American orphanage in Kharpert Home and Armenian Home Board Member them in chicken coops. where she learned to sew, a skill that would Dzaghig Callian (right) “We walked and we walked and saw dead serve her well later in her life. Eventually reunit - bodies on the roadside,” said Dadir. Born into a ing with her mother, they moved to the US Sunday, March 27. wealthy family, their money and land was taken when Kalousdian was 14. Arsaloys Dadir, Perouz Kalousdian and Charlotte Kechejian, with Aggie Ellian (left) from them during the Genocide. The surviving All three survivors will be present for the Charlotte Kechejian, residents of the Armenian executive director of the Armenian Home and members of the family moved to 96th Armenian Genocide Commemoration in Home, recounted their escape from the geno - Armenian Home Board Member Dzaghig Constantinople, where Dadir married and Times Square, which will take place on Sunday, cide to reporters representing local New York Callian (right) raised two children, and eventually moved to May 1, 2-4 p.m. For more information, visit media organizations. While their stories seemed the United States. www.april24nyc.com. 10 S ATURDAY , A PRIL 2, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Arts & Living

Lara Setrakian Pianist Sahan Joins Bloomberg Arzuni Celebrates TV as Dubai- Centenary of Based Reporter Alan Hovhaness NEW YORK — Bloomberg announced Concert Series to Be Broadcast recently that Lara Setrakian has officially joined Bloomberg Television as a reporter Nationwide based in Dubai. Setrakian, who joins Bloomberg from ABC News in Dubai, has NEW YORK — Pianist Sahan Arzruni has extensive expertise covering the Gulf. launched a series of concerts to mark the Most recently, she reported on the unrest centenary year of Armenian-American com - in the Middle East from Saudi Arabia and poser Alan Hovhaness. Cairo’s Tahrir Square. While at ABC, The concerts will be broadcast by some 300 Setrakian covered the 2009 Iranian presi - radio stations across the nation; the first one dential election, energy prices in Saudi aired on Monday, March 28. The programs — Arabia, Dubai’s financial crisis and other part of the prestigious “Performance Today” key economic and political stories. program produced by American Public Media Bloomberg’s news operations in Dubai — can also be heard online at is currently the company’s largest bureau www.performancetoday.org. in the Middle East, with more than 15 Born on March 8, 1911, Hovhaness became news professionals covering markets, one of the iconic musicians of the 20th cen - energy, finance, government and other Ed Setrakian and his wife, Kathryn Grant tury, noted for his mystical strain and his cre - news. This week, Bloomberg LP officially ative use of classical Armenian musical ele - unveiled its Dubai office, the company’s ments. 10th global hub, to house Bloomberg’s His ability to fuse Eastern musical aesthet - expanding news operations and provide Ed Setrakian Reflects ics with Western compositional technique customer support for a growing client made him one of the fathers of the genre base in the region. Bloomberg Television, known as “World Music.” available in more than 250 million homes On a Lifetime of Acting globally, provides 24-hour live coverage of business, economic and political news with the strength of one of the largest NEW YORK — Ed Setrakian is an actor who by now has pretty much done every - news-gathering operations in the world. thing possible in theater, film and TV. Over a long career, he has followed a natu - “Lara is a seasoned journalist with a ral progression as a young leading man, a leading man and now, a character actor. strong understanding of the important He has taught for 45 years at St. Francis College and has directed many plays. He news stories coming out of the Gulf,” said has written several plays. Even his wife writes plays and is an actress. Malcolm Fried, managing editor, EMEA Setrakian’s background provides powerful dramatic material, which he himself for Bloomberg Television. “Her on-the- mined at least once. His mother, Agnes Notalian, found herself in an orphanage in ground expertise and contacts will offer Istanbul after World War I, while his father, our global audience a unique perspective born in Mush, was married at a young age By Aram Arkun and came alone to the US one year before Mirror-Spectator Staff the war to earn some money in order to bring his family over. Instead, he lost his mother, wife and young daughter. Some years later, he married again, in a surprising variant to the usual Armenian “picture- bride” arrangement. He was gambling in a card game. As Ed Setrakian related, “An Armenian fellow in the game went broke, and told my father, ‘Look, Samuel, I have this woman com - ing over. I have her papers. We are supposed to get married, but now I’m destitute and can’t take care of her. Would you like to have her? All you need to do is give me $200.’” Setrakian’s father agreed. The young bride was surprised, but in the end accepted the arrangement and married him. Sahan Arzruni, left, joined by Alan Hovhaness, Setrakian’s father decided to move to Pocahontas, WV, where his cousin Sahag right, in July 1986, to record, Child in the Sahagian had a dry cleaning plant. As Ed Setrakian put it, “Sahagian said, ‘Come , which was featured on Arzruni’s Garden down here — this place is booming.’ It was a coal mining area, and my father start - acclaimed all-Hovhaness disc, titled “Visionary ed a business there.” The family eventually went to Anawalt, which was a more thriv - Landscapes” ing village. At one point, he opened a beer tavern there. Setrakian grew up in Anawalt. At home, everybody initially spoke Armenian, though aside from Sahagian, there were no other Armenians in the area. Setrakian Hovhaness was also one of the first musi - related, “The beer tavern was in a really rough town. My mother had passed away cians to experiment with “minimalism” in when I was about 9- or 10-years-old. My brother was 6 at the time, and my father Western music. In many of his compositions, Lara Setrakian had to raise us alone. He stopped speaking Armenian then.” the music is stripped to its most fundamental There was not much prejudice in the area because a lot of foreigners had come elements, for the purpose of achieving — through repetition and iteration — what on how the Middle East is impacting pol - to work the coal mines — Italians, Greeks and Czechs in particular. There were Hovhaness termed a direct, subjective com - itics and business worldwide.” Greek families to which the Setrakians were close. munion with ultimate reality. “I am elated to be joining Bloomberg The two brothers were sent every Sunday to a Methodist church on the hill. As a tribute to the 100th anniversary of Television and its fantastic team of jour - Though the parents did not attend, Setrakian became fairly religious. the composer’s birth, Arzruni began the cur - nalists,” said Setrakian. “It is a vital Setrakian’s father tried his hand briefly at businesses in two other places. During rent concert series in Berkeley, Calif., spon - moment for us to be ramping up coverage World War II, he took his family to Oakland, Calif., where he went into partnership sored by Other Minds, an organization devot - of geopolitics and the global economy, with another Armenian in a restaurant. That did not work out, so they went for a ed to presenting cutting-edge music. and Dubai is an ideal perch.” year to Akron, Ohio. When this business also did not go well, they returned to The performance was recorded by Setrakian joined ABC News in 2005 as a Anawalt, where the father ran another beer tavern. American Public Media. contributor to the network’s legal and Setrakian reminisced about Anawalt, “I remember some beautiful experiences As an authority on Hovhaness and his investigative coverage. She will continue to there. It was a wonderfully situated little village, just terrific with the trees and music, Arzruni was also interviewed by Fred make contributions to ABC News on tele - mountains all around. In the end, my father fell in love with West Virginia and West Child, the host of TV’s “Live from Lincoln vision, radio and digital platforms as part Virginians.” Setrakian’s brother stayed to run the tavern, and Setrakian himself vis - Center.” His comments and observations of her new role at Bloomberg Television. its once a year. from that interview will be interspersed Setrakian previously served worked as a Setrakian’s father made an effort to keep the family in touch with Armenians, as between the musical selections during the business analyst with McKinsey & much as was possible under the circumstances. In Akron and Oakland there was “Performance Today” broadcasts. Company. She graduated magna cum much more contact. Football coach Ara Parseghian was a distant relative in Akron, Hovhaness was a widely recorded and laud - laude from Harvard College with a degree while in Oakland there was a large Armenian community. His father tried to set his ed composer in the 1950s and ’60s, and in government. Setrakian speaks Arabic, son up with Armenian girls in Akron, and once even in West Virginia. Setrakian received numerous awards. Since the 1990s Armenian, French and Spanish, and has recounted, “There was another Armenian family in Williamson, about 60 to 70 he has enjoyed somewhat of a revival, as audi - studied Persian and Portuguese. miles distant. I must have been about 14 at the time, and my father took me. We see ACTING, page 11 ences have rediscovered him. All the programs will be available on the site’s online archive. S ATURDAY , A PRIL 2, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 11 ARTS & LIVING Ed Setrakian Reflects on a Lifetime of Acting

ACTING, from page 10 back.” Everything was free. Lee Strasberg was Their Formal Attire,” written for him by his wife, ex-wife. I thought no one would think that went to the restaurant where the fellow was with the chief moderator when Setrakian started, Kathryn Grant. Saroyan had written this play.” Real life tragedy his wife, and he had a daughter my age. They sat and James Dean, Marlon Brando and other Setrakian pursued his education while acting. interrupted its production. Setrakian said, “We us down together in a booth, and they went to famous older actors were there. He obtained a doctorate in performance studies were meeting with a team up in Louise’s apart - another booth and started talking. Then my Setrakian split his time between acting and in 1976 from New York University. His thesis ment. Everything was falling into place, when father said it is time to go. On the way back, he directing. He started directing in 1962 in a sum - analyzed the acting of James Earl Jones in five she got a phone call. She said, ‘Oh my God.’ It asked, ‘How do you like this young lady?’ I said, mer stock company. He liked it, but stopped and prominent productions and compared it to other was the earthquake in Armenia. It shattered her, ‘I guess she is okay.’ He asked, ‘Will you consid - instead acted at the New York Public Theater’s historical performances. Jones asked Setrakian and us all, and we had to abandon the produc - er marrying her?’ I answered, ‘How can I...I Shakespeare Festival for two or three years. not to publish it since he himself might want to tion. Everything Louise did afterwards was only don’t even know her.’ That turned out to have Then from 1966 to 1972, he directed a lot. As publish something, but he never did. for Armenia.” been the whole point of the trip.” Setrakian put it, “I was just directing all over the During much of the time that he taught at St. Setrakian did other work for the AGBU and Setrakian only appeared once before an audi - place.” He moved from one town to another, but Francis College in Brooklyn, Setrakian served as the Diocese. He directed the film “The Growth ence before college, when he graduated middle then he went back to New York and started get - chairman of the Communication Arts of Our Children for the Church.” It was about school. He said, “I remember my father looking ting good acting parts, which pay more than Department. He taught acting, directing, speech young Armenian-American children in the up at me fondly. It gave me a big thrill.” It was directing. and TV studio production there. After receiving metropolitan area, and it was shown around. in college that he found his calling. He went to Setrakian’s burst of directing included several emeritus status in 2005, he has also taught else - Aram Avakian edited the film, together with a small college near Anawalt, called Concord. years at La Mama Ensemble in New York. where, most recently at Pace University. Aside Setrakian and Archbishop Torkom Manoogian. After Concord, Setrakian went to do graduate Setrakian said, “I was very involved in the exper - from teaching and running workshops in vari - Setrakian was involved in the initial organiza - work at West Virginia University and then imental theater movement at La Mama. It was ous places periodically, Setrakian did a lot of tion of the One World Festival, led by Jack worked in a summer stock company in exciting trying new techniques...breaking the commercials and voice-overs, to keep him going Antreassian, Sam Azadian, the Diocesan arch - Plymouth, Mass., where Paul Newman had pre - fourth wall. It was one of the most exciting times financially. bishop and several others. For two days every ceded him by one year. From Plymouth, he went in my life.” He also has done a lot of classical Over the years, Setrakian has worked profes - fall, a variety of different ethnic groups partici - to New York City in 1953, and rented an apart - work, especially Shakespeare. He was in sionally on many Armenian projects in the New pated with outdoor performances and many ment with two other men. He somehow got into “Othello” with James Earl Jones. He also has York area. The first time was when he was asked politicians, including Mayor Ed Koch of New a farce in Dobbs Ferry, NY. Next he helped a appeared on a variety of television shows, includ - by the Armenian Diocese to direct William York, would drop by. It was covered on television friend audition in Actors Studio, and that led ing soap operas, “Law and Order” and “The Saroyan’s “Time of Your Life” at the Barbizon and was quite popular. Setrakian continued them to take him in as an observer. He has Sopranos.” Theater in 1964. There was only one perfor - with it for five years. remained connected to the famous institution His all-time favorite roles include Banquo in mance, and it was packed with Armenians. A sec - Thanks to the encouragement of Jack ever since. They cast Setrakian in a play called “Macbeth” and Claudius in “Hamlet,” in the ond Saroyan play he directed was “Armenians,” Antreassian, Setrakian wrote an essay in the “Bullfight,” which became a big hit. He even New York Shakespeare Festival. The latter role which saw six performances in October 1974. first issue of Ararat , the quarterly of Armenian- appeared on the “Ed Sullivan Show.” was in a special version called “The Rock Setrakian said, “We had a lot of fun doing that American culture that the AGBU published. He Setrakian explained how the Actors Studio Hamlet,” and he performed together with play and it was quite successful — a big produc - also adapted part of a novel for Ararat . worked: “The Studio was a place to go to, then Cleavon Little. Setrakian really enjoyed playing tion. Bill came to town and I got my cast togeth - Later, around 1972, Antreassian got Setrakian not go to for a long time, then to come back to. the part of Al Hyman, the newspaper editor who er. He came to the Diocese and stood up for one to start an acting class for AGBU. He did it with It would depend on how busy I was. Once you had to deal with the letters of a serial killer in hour and a half. He said I knew every one of Armenian actors, and Al Pacino (then audition - were accepted, you could work on something. It the movie “Zodiac” and the part of the Greek- these guys, and told in detail how they sat and ing for “The Godfather”), participated. They did was a place to practice or try out something American father Demo in the film “Astoria.” drank. It was remarkable. He had a photograph - readings and themes. After teaching it a while, new. Your peers, and a moderator like Al Pacino Another favorite role is that of Monsignor, ic memory of all these people.” Although Setrakian turned the class over to a friend of or Alec Baldwin or Harvey Keitel, give you feed - which he just played in “Handicapped People in Saroyan, who did not see the play himself, heard Pacino. The class lasted about a year or so. a bad recording of one of the performances later, Louise Simone in 1988 produced a play off- he admitted that the audience and critics liked it. Broadway which Setrakian wrote, called “Yellow He was asked by Louise Simone and the Dog Contract.” Unfortunately the director was Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) to not good and the play received a bad review in direct one more Saroyan play after Saroyan’s the New York Times . Set in Appalachia with an death. He went to the Saroyan archives and Armenian father who escaped the Genocide to found something never published or performed run a restaurant, it contains some autobio - before. Setrakian described it as “a kind of graphical references mixed with pure fiction. black, sardonic comedy. It was really about his Setrakian said, “Elia Kazan and Norman Mailer both saw it. They were both friends of mine at the time and they both essentially said the same thing, that I should concentrate more on the relationship of the father with the son and his Armenianism, and less about the coal mining union aspect.” Setrakian has considered reviv - ing it one day. A decade later, from 1996 to 1997, Setrakian performed as the grandfather in Leslie Ayvazian’s “Nine Armenians” at the Manhattan Theater Club. Ayvazian, like Setrakian, is a member of the Ensemble Studio Theater. Setrakian continues today to juggle many pro - jects, but his main focus is the future of “Handicapped People in their Formal Attire.” I had the good fortune of seeing it in a workshop production at the Actors Studio in early March, and can attest that Setrakian was both comic and moving. Setrakian did not just perform in this play set in Wilmington Delaware in 1968, which deals with issues of race, handicap and Entertainment Fridays character. He also directed it. Pacino saw an ear - and Saturdays lier staged reading of the play and arranged for the performance. Hopefully investors will be found to allow for more productions in the future.

Coming in 2011 12 S ATURDAY , A PRIL 2, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARTS & LIVING Cultural Event in Pasadena Dedicated to Paruyr Sevak

PASADENA, Calif. — The Giligia Committee, a two-year-old offshoot of the AGBU Glendale- Pasadena Chapter that organizes cultural and social events, celebrated the memory of one of the greatest and most popular 20th-century Armenian poets, Paruyr Sevak, at the AGBU Pasadena Center on November 21, 2010. More than 20 Giligia Committee members volunteered their time, effort and talents to put this event together, which featured not only a reading of Sevak’s biography and some of his well-known works, but also a selection of songs and music. Born Paruyr Ghazarian in 1924, Sevak grad - uated from the Philological Faculty of Yerevan State University in 1945. After working as a member of the editorial staff of local Armenian newspapers, he attended the International Institute of Literature in Moscow, where he AGBU Glendale-Pasadena Chapter’s Giligia Committee holding its first cultural event dedicated to the memory of the great poet Paryur Sevak worked as a lecturer following graduation. From 1963 until his “accidental” death in 1971, he was a senior researcher at the Institute of spiritual/emotional level. An anti-establishment (Let There Be Light). He also wrote a highly- remarks were delivered by Dr. Rita Belderian. Literature of the Armenian Academy of writer, he wrote eight books of poetry between regarded monograph on the famous 18th-cen - The program ended with acknowledgements Sciences. In 1966, he was elected secretary of 1948 and 1971, the most highly-regarded of tury troubadour, Sayat-Nova. from event director Hampartsoum Aghbashian, the Armenian Writers Union. which are Anlreli Zankagadoon (The Ever- The hall was filled with more than 400 atten - committee head Berge Jonian and Chapter Paruyr Sevak is remembered for having ele - Ringing Belfry), devoted to Komitas Vartabed dees who supported and encouraged the per - Chairman Shahe Seuylemezian. A reception fol - vated Armenian poetry to new heights on a and the Armenian Genocide, and Yeghitsi Luys formers throughout the evening. Opening lowed at Boyajian Hall.

Charles Aznavour to Be Honored In New York by FAR

FAR, from page 1 about an ugly woman. They were all afraid. I’ve The evening’s proceeds will benefit the disad - done it. Everybody else came after me.” vantaged elderly people of Armenia, including Since those difficult days, Aznavour has rid - the Vanadzor Old Age Home in Armenia, a lov - den to the top of the performing crest. His best ing, nurturing refuge for older Armenians who has been described in eloquent terms, as “fan - have no other means of support. The Vanadzor tastic charisma” and “electric magic.” He home was started by Aznavour, who personally describes it as the “hunger of succeeding, of requested FAR to assume responsibility for its achieving something. Any entertainer who upkeep and operation. achieves something important has a monstrous This year marks the 10th anniversary of the attitude. Piaf was a monster. I’m a monster. collaboration between Aznavour Pour L’Armenie We’re frightening people.” fund and FAR. “FAR and Aznavour share the Though described as the Frank Sinatra of same mission of working to have Armenia France, he has sung in nine languages in the become a prosperous, democratic country insur - world’s most famous musical venues, including ing a comfortable life for its people,” said FAR Carnegie and Radio City Music halls. His songs, Executive Director Garnik Nanagoulian. such as She, Dance in the Old Fashioned Way Charles Aznavour in the Vanadzor Old Age Home, with the Very Rev. Raphael Andonian to the right “I have the guts to do anything,” Aznavour and Yesterday When I Was Young are regular said in one of this writer’s several exclusive staples in the international record-selling mar - interviews with him. And that has been the kets and have been performed by world famous times, will again be shown at Lincoln Center’s Legion of Honor and the National Hero of motto of his extraordinarily successful life and singers. Ils sont tombes (They Fell), his song ded - Walter Reader Theatre in the near future. Armenia, he is married to his third wife, has six career. He has sold 100 million albums, com - icated to the victims of the Armenian Genocide, In 1998, Azanvour was named Entertainer of children and currently lives in Geneva, posed about 1,000 songs and acted in 60 films. became a best-seller in many countries. the Century by CNN and international users of Switzerland. In addition, his philanthropic work has been Aznavour’s best-known film, “Shoot the Piano Time online. The recipient of numerous other More information about the FAR Cipriani prolific in helping the people of Armenia since Player,” which has been screened countless honors, including the National Order of the tribute can be obtained on www.farusa.org. the tragic 1988 earthquake. He was born Shahnour Vaghenag Aznavourian, 87 years ago in Paris, to Armenian parents who opened their own restaurant the day he was born. When World Sponsor a Teacher in Armenia and Karabagh 2011 War II came, Aznavour’s father joined the French army and his parents closed the restau - rant. Raised in an atmosphere of “music, love and poverty,” Aznavour was encouraged to Since its inception in 2001, TCA’s ‘Sponsor entertain. To help support the family, he joined a touring children’s company, and even hawked a Teacher’ program has raised over $477,750 newspapers on boulevards, acquiring the famous “frog” in his throat. and reached out to 3,700 teachers and “I learned about songs and music from my father and about theater and poetry from my school workers in Armenia and Karabagh. mother. I grew up among singers, actors, dancers who were Armenian and Russian in a Jewish ghetto. Can you imagine what a beauti - £ ful combination that is,” he says animatedly during an interview, smiling disarmingly, ges - K Yes, I want to sponsor teachers in Armenia and Karabagh to continue turing animatedly and using his expressive pen - helping them to educate the children, our future leaders. I would like to have etrating eyes, his most impressive features. the teacher’s name and address. But success was not always his constant com - panion. Making his stage debut at 9 as an actor- K $160 K $ 320 K $ 480 K other $ ————————— dancer, he spent 20 years fighting to get to the Name top of the theatrical world, seeing the songs he Address had written become famous only when sung by City State Zip code Edith Piaf, Mistinguett, Maurice Chevalier, Juliet Greco and others. Tel: “I became a successful writer very slowly. My Make check payable to: Tekeyan Cultural Association – Memo: Sponsor a Teacher 2010 songs became so popular in France that one Mail your check with this form to: day they accepted the man who wrote them. I started the kind of song that faces the reality of TCA Sponsor a Teacher life — everyday movement, everyday feelings, 5326 Valverde, Houston, TX 77056 everyday story. Nobody before wrote anything Your donation is Tax Deductible. about deaf-mute love, homosexual love, a song S ATURDAY , A PRIL 2, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 13 ARTS & LIVING Jamie Kennedy, Angela Sarafyan to Star in Gor Kirakosian’s ‘Los and Found in Armenia’

LOS ANGELES — Red Tie Films’ “Lost and who goes missing while vacationing in Meeks in “Scream,” “Scream 2” and “Scream Found in Armenia,” the first-ever, all- Turkey. He finds himself in a small village in 3,” as well as his role in “Three Kings,” wrote, Armenian-financed major motion picture, Armenia where a beautiful young woman, produced and starred in “Malibu’s Most begins filming this week in the US before played by Sarafyan, joins him in his adven - Wanted” and created and starred in the hit continuing production this summer in tures and misadventures along the way. reality show, “The Jamie Kennedy Armenia. Jamie Kennedy and Angela Filming began in Los Angeles with Experiment,” for the WB. Sarafyan star in the romantic comedy, direct - American-Armenian attorney Mark Geragos Sarafyan stars in the upcoming “The ed by Gor Kirakosian and produced by Maral making his feature film debut as himself Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn” Parts 1 and Djerejian and Valerie McCaffrey. “Lost and negotiating with Turkey on behalf of the sen - 2. Among her film credits are “A Beautiful Found in Armenia,” a bilingual feature length ator and his son. Production continues this Life,” “The Informers” and “Kabluey.” She film, is the first production by Red Tie, an week at a beautiful seaside resort in San presently stars in the Fox comedy series, independent film production company based Diego before continuing its seven-week “The Good Guys.” in Los Angeles. schedule later this summer in Armenia. For more information on the film, visit Jamie Kennedy Angela Sarafyan Kennedy stars as the son of a US senator Kennedy, known for his role as Randy www.lostandfoundinarmenia.com

Prof. La Porta to Speak on Readings Of Dante in Modern CC AA LLEENNDDAARR Armenian Literature FRESNO — Dr. Sergio La Porta, hold - er of the Haig & Isabel Berberian Chair of Armenian Studies at Fresno State, ILLINOIS will speak on “L’Inferno Armeno: Some Readings of Dante in Modern Armenian APRIL 10 — Presentation of Dr. Rita Kuyumjian’s Trilogy-April 24, Literature,” at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, 1915, Before and After-The lives of the Survivors. Sponsored by April 7, in the University Business Tekeyan Cultural Association. Sunday, 2 p.m. at St. James Armenian Center, Alice Peters Auditorium, Room Church Nishan Hall, 816 Clark St., Evanston. 191, on the Fresno State campus. The lecture is part of the Armenian MASSACHUSETTS Studies Program Spring Lecture Series and is co-sponsored by the Armenian APRIL 10 — Hoy Lari Children’s Concert presented by the Students Organization at Fresno State. Armenian Children’s Milk Fund, 2:30 p.m. at The Regent Theater, In the early decades of the 14th cen - 7 Medford St., Arlington. Adults, $20, children, $10. For tickets, call tury, Dante Alighieri composed his (781) 646-4849 or visit www.regenttheatre.com. For additional info, famous Commedia , later styled divina . call (617) 484-6233. Despite its serious and theological APRIL 16 — Traditional flag-raising ceremony and Genocide com- nature, the Divine Comedy was not memoration, sponsored by the Armenian National Committee of On May 1, the Yeraz Dance Ensemble of New written in Latin, but in a new language Merrimack Valley. Gathering at 9:30 a.m., corner, Merrimack and York, pictured above, will take part in a fashioned by Dante called Italian. His John Street, downtown Lowell. Program, 10 a.m., City Hall. Main Martyrs’ Day 96th anniversary observance, tour of hell, purgatory and heaven speaker, ANC activist Stephen Mesrobian. Luncheon to follow. sponsored by the Armenian Genocide became one of the foundation stones of MAY 1 — St. Stephen’s Armenian Elementary School Mother’s Commemorative Committee of Merrimack Italian and of world literature. Day Afternoon Tea and Fashion Show, Sunday, 2 p.m., at Oakley Valley, at 3 p.m., at Wood Hill Middle School, From the second half of the 19th cen - Country Club, 410 Belmont St., Watertown. Donation, $60. For tick - 11 Cross St., Andover, Mass. Admission is $10 ets, contact Roupina (617) 543-9951 or Salpi (617) 750-2498. tury through the 21st century, several for adults and free for students. translations of selections from and of MAY 1 — Martyr’s Day 96th anniversary observance, sponsored the entire Divine Comedy of Dante by the Armenian Genocide Commemorative Committee of were rendered both into Classical and Merrimack Valley, 3 p.m. Wood Hill Middle School, 11 Cross St., Modern Armenian. The significance and Andover, featuring Yeraz Dance Ensemble of New York. Adult admis - power of this work was not lost on mod - sion, $10; students free. Refreshments to follow. ern Armenian poets who were crafting MAY 17 — 12th Annual St. James Armenian Church Golf Los Angeles, in a one-man stand-up comedy show, at 8 p.m. at the their own new language. Both the fig - Tournament, Marlborough Country Club. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, Greek Orthodox Cathedral of St. John the Theologian, 353 E. Clinton ure and the figuration of the Italian ladies are invited. For details and reservations, call Ron Tashjian (508) Ave., Tenafly. Donation: $65. For reservations and more info, call: poet left their marks on Armenian 209-0118 or Dick Janjigian (781) 329-4398. Marie Zokian (201) 745-8850 or Noushig Atamian at (718) 344-5582. authors. MAY 21 — “Hiking in Armenia’s Mountains, Valleys and Villages,” This lecture will look at several an illustrated talk covering the Siunik area of Southern Armenia, NEW YORK instances in which modern Armenian given by Joe Dadgigian and Dik Dagavarian of Merrimack Valley, 6 poets, including Bedros Tourian, Daniel p.m., ARS Community Center, 142 Liberty St., Lowell. Presented by MAY 1 — Armenian Genocide Commemoration at Times Square. Varujan and Yeghishe Charents, share the Lowell ARF Committee; dinner and program, $20 adults, $10 Be There. Turkey is Guilty of Genocide, Denying the undeniable is a resonances with the medieval Italian students. Crime. Sunday, 2 p.m., 43rd and Broadway, New York City. poet’s Inferno . APRIL 28 – May 1 — 109th Annual Diocesan Assembly hosted by Sponsored by Knights and Daughters of Vartan, Inc. Co-sponsored La Porta is Berberian Professor of Holy Trinity Armenian Church of Greater Boston, Boston Park Plaza by AGBU, Armenian Assembly of America, Armenian National Armenian Studies at Fresno State and Hotel; log onto www.htaac.org/assembly for Assembly events, Committee of America, ADL-Ramgavars, Armenian Council of teaches a variety of Armenian Studies including those open to the community, and registration. For further America with the participation of: Diocese of the Armenian Church courses. He earned his PhD from info, contact Holy Trinity at (617) 354-0632 or [email protected]. of America (Eastern), Prelacy of the Armenian Church of America Harvard University and wrote his thesis (Eastern), Armenian Missionary Association of America, Armenian on the third volume of Grigor MICHIGAN Catholic Eparchy for US and Canada, AYF, Armenian Youth Tat’ewac’i’s Book of Questions . His Organizations, Armenian University and College Clubs. For free bus most recent publications include a APRIL 3 — Meet the Artist Reception, featuring artist Robert transportation to and from Times Square, call Diocese (212) 686- three-volume study of the earliest Barsamian and his exhibit “The Story of Luco,” a personal inter - 0710; Prelacy (212) 689-7810; NJ, Sona (201) 746-0409, (551) 427- Armenian commentaries on the pretation of the Genocide, Sunday, 5 p.m. History, art, wine and 8763; Holy Martyrs, John (781) 631-2247; St. Sarkis, Ruben, (917) Heavenly Hierarchy attributed to mezza. Sponsored by the Holocaust Memorial Center Zekelman Family 992-8501; Vartanantz, Kostan, (201) 741-9789; Paramus, Andy, Dionysius the Areopagite (Peeters, campus, and hosted by Michigan United Armenian Committee. (201) 368-2791; Holy Cross NJ, Very Rev. Vazken Karayan (201) 865- 2008); a volume co-edited with Prof. APRIL 9 — Presentation of Dr. Rita Kuyumjian’s Trilogy-April 24, 2790; Queens Armenian Center, Raffi, (646) 288-6769 and Shulman on The Poetics of Grammar 1915, Before and After-The lives of the Survivors. Sponsored by the Brooklyn, Tigran, (978) 945-9548 or visit www.knightsofvartan.org, and the Metaphysics of Sound and Tekeyan Cultural Association. Saturday, 7:30 p.m. at Hagopian Rigs click April 24, http://april24nyc.com, www.armenianradionj.com or Sign (Brill, 2007) and several articles Gallery, 850 S. Old Woodward, Birmingham. For info, call (248) 646- www.theforgotten.org. on medieval Armenian political, reli - 7847 or (248) 505-6159. gious and intellectual history. His cur - CANADA rent areas of interest include apocalyp - NEW JERSEY tic literature in the Armenian tradition; APRIL 8 — Presentation of Dr. Rita Kuyumjian’s Trilogy-April 24, the history of Greater Armenia between APRIL 13 — Presentation of Dr. Rita Kuyumjian’s Trilogy-April 24, 1915, Before and After-The lives of the Survivors. Sponsored by the Seljuk and Mongol invasions and 1915, Before and After-The lives of the Survivors. Sponsored by the Tekeyan Cultural Association. Friday, 8 p.m., Tekeyan Center, the influence of the works attributed to the Tekeyan Cultural Association, Wednesday, 8 p.m. Speaker, Dr. 2105 Midland Ave. Scarborough, ON. For info, call (905) 882-6513. Dionysius the Areopagite on Armenian Anie Kalaydjian. St. Leon Armenian Church Hall, 12-61 Saddle River APRIL 17 — Presentation of Dr. Rita Kuyumjian’s Trilogy-April 24, spirituality and theology. Road, Fair Lawn. For info, call (201) 406-9771. 1915, Before and After-The lives of the Survivors. Sponsored by The lecture is free and open to the MAY 21 — Tekeyan Cultural Association’s Mher Megerdchian the Tekeyan Cultural Association. Sunday, 7 p.m., Tekeyan Center, public. Theatrical Group presents comedy master, Krikor Satamian, from 825 Rue Manoogian St., Laurent, Quebec. 14 S ATURDAY , A PRIL 2, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMENTARY

T HE A RMENIAN COMMENTARY Mirror- Moving towards Genocide Centennial

Evren by his word, because history has so many surprises. Spectator By Edmond Y. Azadian Another symbolic action Mr. Erdogan is about to pursue, is to dismantle the goodwill monument erected in Kars extending a hand of friendship to Armenia. In four years’ time, 2015, the world Armenian community will The Genocide centennial is the most opportune occasion for mark the first centennial of the Armenian Genocide. Although Armenia to come up with its own symbolism. Armenia abounds mass preparations are not in sight yet, the landmark is in the with monuments, but this one will not prove to be superfluous. Established 1932 minds and hearts of every Armenian. The Tzitzernakaberd Monument is a magnificent memorial to the Those who had advocated the “wisdom” of the forgive-and-for - victims of the Genocide. But we do not yet have a monument An ADL Publication get policy (believing that the murder of 1.5 million souls was triv - memorializing the mass murder of Armenian writers, artists and ial) have come to realize that during the last 100 years, not only intellectuals. It seems ironic that the great assassins of history the Genocide was not forgotten, but efforts to bring universal seem also to be competent literary critics to be able to select the EDITOR acceptance to that monumental tragedy have intensified, the mis - best of the crop and mark them for execution. Talaat Pasha’s Alin K. Gregorian sion and the message having transcended from one generation ruse was to behead the Armenian population in the Ottoman ASSOCIATE EDITOR to the other. Empire, before deporting the population to the desert for anni - Aram Arkun The survivors of the Genocide, after piecing their lives togeth - hilation. Thus he selected Krikor Zohrab, Daniel Varoujan, er, organized themselves to meet the challenges of denial. After Yerukhan, Komitas, Siamanto, Indra, Ruben Sevak and others ART DIRECTOR Marc Mgrditchian murdering a nation and taking over its ancestral homeland, the and marked them for murder. Zohrab’s skull was smashed with a Turks have directed the denial campaign into many realms: acad - rock and Varujan’s fingers were severed and he was blinded PRODUCTION emia, the media, politics and culture. Fortunately, Armenians before he was killed. There has never been a collective monu - Dilani Yogaratnam have been able to meet the challenges successfully, by producing ment to these Armenian giants, whose greatness made them tar - many academic volumes, by confronting the Turks in the media gets for torture and a painful, public death to quench the blood - and politics, with relatively scarce resources. Yet much remains to lust of the Young Turk regime. be done. Meanwhile, another great assassin of history, Stalin, proved to CONTRIBUTORS: Elizabeth Aprahamian, Daphne Abeel, Dr. The Genocide centennial will mark a watershed, and efforts be an equally capable literary critic, as he chose Charents, Haroutiune Arzoumanian, Edmond and organized work need to be intensified to do justice to the Mahari, Zabel Yessayan, Bakunts and Mugurditch Armen to be Azadian, Prof. Vahakn N. Dadrian, Diana Genocide victims. exiled to Siberia or murdered outright. These greats were killed Der Hovanessian, Philip Ketchian, It took almost an entire century to make a crack in the wall of in order to silence their intellects and their brave, original voic - Kevork Keushkerian, Sonia Kailian- silence in Turkey. Today many historians, writers, journalists and es. Placido , H arut Sassounian, Mary Terzian, politicians in Turkey have taken up the cause of the Armenian One hundred years later it is neither practical nor possible to Hagop Vartivarian, Naomi Zeytoonian, Genocide, bringing the message to the Turkish masses, which trace the remains of our murdered writers within the current bor - Taleen Babayan have been fed with all kinds of distortions in history. Ironically, ders of Turkey. However, it is unbelievable that Charents’ remains the Kurds, who were active participants and accomplices in exe - cannot be traced within the borders of Armenia. Perhaps there CORRESPONDENTS: cuting the Genocide, have become the most vocal group in are still people alive with blood on their hands. Armenia - Hagop Avedikian Turkey supporting the Genocide recognition, because they also Therefore, a centennial monument dedicated to all the mur - Boston - Nancy Kalajian fell victim to the Turkish rulers’ genocidal policies. dered writers calls for two wings. In one section, the names of Philadelphia - Lisa Manookian While the house of cards is crumbling around Turkish Prime the Genocide victims could be inscribed, in a format that we see Contributing Photographers: Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, he still persistently continues to on the Vietnam War Veterans’ memorial in Washington, DC. The Jacob Demirdjian, Harry Koundakjian, Jirair ask Armenians to produce one single proof that the Turks have other wing can be dedicated to the writers and other creative Hovsepian committed a genocide against Armenians. His recent visit to forces who fell victim to Stalin’s purges. Moscow was planned to coincide with the 90th anniversary of The monument could be erected somewhere near the current The Armenian Mirror-Spectator is published the Treaties of Moscow and Kars signed between the founder of Armenian-Turkish border, with many elements of symbolism; to weekly, except two weeks in July, by: the modern Republic of Turkey Mustafa Kemal Ataturk and remind the Turks of their unspeakable crime and to mark the Baikar Association, Inc. leader of the Russian Revolution and founder of the USSR aspiration of all Armenians to recover lost historic territory 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 Vladimir Lenin to give away historic Armenian territory to across the border. Telephone: 617-924-4420 Turkey. He presented a copy of the Peace and Fraternity Treaty The Yerablur Monument is dedicated to all the heroes who FAX: 617-924-2887 to Russia’s President Dmitry Medvedev, announcing at a press have fallen in defense of Armenian lands, from General Antranik www.mir rorspectator.com conference, “The document is a turning point in our history; our to Vazgen Sargisian, and all those in between, including all the E-Mail: editor@mirrorspectator .com Eastern borders were recognized by Moscow agreement.” The victims of the war in Karabagh. symbolism was directed at Armenia, since Armenia refused to This monument will also give an opportunity to the intelli - For advertising: [email protected] bite the bait and accept the Moscow and Kars treaties by signing gentsia in Armenia to revise their value system and express their New York/New Jersey Office the Protocols. The Turks are now carrying the ball to Moscow. recognition of Western Armenian writers and values. 560 Sylvan Ave. , Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632 Many historians and legal experts have raised questions about When Armenia became part of the Soviet empire, values were (201) 800-1164 the legality of that treaty. The Moscow Treaty was signed by the codified and frozen in time. All the artists, writers and intellec - Soviet government in Moscow on March 16, 1921, without tuals who had been living within the borders were accepted as SUBSCRIPTION RATES : Armenia’s participation. On October 13, 1921 the Kars Treaty part of our national treasury. Western Armenian values and writ - was imposed on the Armenians by Moscow. ers, therefore, did not enjoy equal opportunity. U.S.A. 2nd Class $75 a year In addition, Ataturk’s Turkey was not even recognized at that Armenia’s currency and streets are dedicated to all Eastern 1st Class $120 a year time as a functioning government in order to be able to sign an Armenian writers and intellectuals and, save for some individual Canada internationally-binding treaty with any country. That treaty is espe - exceptions, Western Armenian writers continue their exile from Air Mail $125 a year cially without validity now because Moscow does not sit across the our Homeland. All Other Countries border from Turkey to give away Armenian territory to any party. Especially today, when the diaspora is bound to lose its identi - Air Mail $190 a year Thus Erdogan’s theatrics are part and parcel of the Turkish ty, the Western Armenian intellectual treasury deserves more Display advertising r at e: $7 per column inch denial machinery to prevent any future territorial claims by than just lip service. Armenia. Turkey’s former dictator, Kenan Evren, once warned Our challenges are great in our march towards the centennial. Armenians by saying: “Territories are gained by blood. Come and This monument will correct many old mistakes and herald a more © 2010 The Armenian Mirror-Spectator take any piece of Turkey’s land if you can.” We have to take hopeful, healthy and stronger future. Periodical Class Postage Paid at Boston, MA and additional mailing offices. ISSN 0004-234X POSTMASTER : Send address changes to The Armenian Mirror-Spectator, P.O. Box 302, Watertown, MA 02471-0302 Notice to Contributors The welcomes articles, commen - — Deadline for submission of all articles and advertising is Armenian Mirror-Spectator taries and community news from our readers. In order to assure 12 noon on Monday of the week of publication. Copying for other than personal use or the accurate and timely publication of articles submitted, — Photos will be published without charge at the discretion of internal reference is prohibited without express permission of the copyright please note the following policies: the editors and art director. Photos will be returned only if a self- owner. Address requests for reprints or — All articles submitted should be typed, double (or triple) addressed and stamped envelope is included. back issues to: spaced and printed in a type size large enough to be clearly — The will publish only one article about an upcoming Baikar Association, Inc. M-S 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 legible (10 point or larger). Submissions that do not conform to organizational event. For major special events, exceptions may these specifications will be assigned lowest priority. be made only by special arrangement with the editors. — Articles sent by fax are acceptable, and e-mail submissions — Telephone numbers, ticket prices and other details (at the are encouraged. discretion of the editors) will not be included in press releases, Check us out at — All submissions should include the name of a contact person but should be reserved for calendar listings and advertise - mirrorspectator.com and a daytime telephone number. ments. S ATURDAY , A PRIL , 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 15 COMMENTARY

dants’ claim by asserting that “there have been no negative tradictory stands on the Armenian Genocide, “there is no foreign policy repercussions from statutes and/or enact - evidence of an express federal policy banning the term ments promulgated” by more than 40 US states on the ‘Armenian Genocide’ in legislative enactments by the Armenian Genocide. The attorneys further stated that States.” while several US presidents have objected to congressional The Armenian lawyers proceeded to slam the “friend of My Turn resolutions on the Armenian Genocide, there have been the court” petition filed by the Republic of Turkey, which many other statements by the federal executive and leg - claimed that the California statute conflicted with federal By Harut Sassounian islative branches in favor of such recognition. The attor - foreign policy on the Armenian Genocide. The Armenian neys specifically mentioned the two congressional resolu - attorneys asserted that “Turkey does not create or dictate tions on the Armenian Genocide adopted by the US House United States foreign policy; only the United States gov - Armenian Attorneys Respond to of Representatives in 1975 and 1984, as well as President ernment can do that.” Turkey’s allegation that “the current Court Appeal of German Ronald Reagan’s reference to the Armenian Genocide in his Administration opposes recognition of the Armenian Presidential Proclamation of 1981. Genocide are flatly contradicted by President Barack Companies The attorneys asserted that previous US administrations Obama’s own statements. As senator and presidential can - maintained a “deafening silence” while more than 40 US didate, he spoke forcefully on the Armenian Genocide. As Attorneys for Armenian heirs of life insurance policy - states recognized the Armenian Genocide, without consti - president, he reasserted: “I have consistently stated my own holders filed a powerful response last month to the petition tuting any threat to US foreign policy. Furthermore, even view of what occurred in 1915, and my view of that histo - of German companies seeking a rehearing by a federal if past administrations were opposed to congressional res - ry has not changed.” appeals court. The majority of a three-member panel of the olutions on the Genocide issue, there would be no reason Finally, the Armenian legal team pointed out that this Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals had ruled in favor of the to object to local and state resolutions, as they would have case also safeguards the right of the State of California to Armenians’ right to pursue their demand for unpaid claims, no impact on US foreign policy. regulate insurance companies operating within its borders. reversing an earlier ruling by the majority of the same The Armenian attorneys cited previous court decisions Thus, overturning the California statute on Armenian panel of judges. asserting that state statutes could be challenged on the insurance policyholders would “impair California’s interest The response of the Armenian lawyers dealt a devastat - basis of the foreign affairs doctrine only if they conflicted in providing individuals with access to its courts to resolve ing blow not only to the German insurance companies, but with “an expressed unmistakable executive treaty, disputes concerning insurance policies held by them and also to the Republic of Turkey, which had shamelessly filed Congressional enactment or executive policy.” The attor - issued by companies doing business in the State.” a “friend of the court” petition in support of the German neys reasoned that the courts had ruled a similar California Based on these powerful arguments — and the “friend of defendants. It is ironic that instead of Germany, the Turkish statute on the Holocaust to be invalid because the federal the court” briefs filed by several major law firms and orga - government is the one objecting to the lawsuit against the government had created a Presidential Advisory nizations to be discussed in a future column — it is hoped German firms. Commission on Holocaust Assets in the United States, that the federal Court of Appeals will rule against the The Armenian claimants asked the Court of Appeals to obviating the need for separate Holocaust-related lawsuits. German insurance companies’ petition for a rehearing. deny the German petition for a rehearing. The German No federal commission has been established to regulate Should the German firms lose the appeal, they have the defendants had based their appeal on the contention that lawsuits related to the Armenian Genocide. Another key final recourse of petitioning the US Supreme Court. the California State statute extending the deadline for filing difference in the two cases is that the Armenian plaintiffs It is critical for Armenians to win these appeals in order claims against insurance companies was unconstitutional are not seeking restitution, but only the recovery of insur - to protect not only the interests of the heirs of insurance because the law’s endorsement of the Armenian Genocide ance benefits owed to them. policyholders, but also to prevent Turkish denialists from contradicts the federal government’s foreign policy. The Armenian attorneys also made the convincing argu - exploiting this lawsuit to invalidate decades of efforts in The Armenian attorneys contested the German defen - ment that even if previous Administrations have had con - support of Genocide recognition in the United States.

An Unprecedented Exhibition upon 15th Anniversary of Constitutional Court

elemental injustices. life in a meaningful way, to appreciate the our contemporary Armenian artists upon the By Hagop Vartivarian For preparation of this exhibition Shoghag professionals surrounding us.” On this occa - request of the dynamic rector Gohar Kyalyan Hovanessian had in her mind three various sion, Harutyunyan awarded Shoghag dedicated to the 90th anniversary of Yerevan phases from the current 20th and 21st cen - Hovanessian and Hakobyan with special State Medical University after tarting on February 4 to April 1, turies — works of art from immediate past, appreciative certificates. MekhitarHeratsi. Her love towards her moth - the halls of Constitutional present and future. Thus works of 10 con - Prime Minister Tigran Sargisian, mayor of erland has no boundaries. She has the Court remained open both for temporary artists have been exhibited on the Yerevan Karen Karapetyan, general procurer decades of experience promoting arts, inher - the public and staff. During this first floor: Arevik Arevshatyan, Ruben Aghvan Hovsepyan, all the justices and other ited from her parents and from her current period works of Armenian Grigoryan, Narek Avetisyan (son of eminent high officials of Armenia were present during environment in Beirut, where she was born artists have been exhibited artist Minas), Sargis Hamalbashyan, Hamlet the opening ceremony. into an intellectual family who instilled in her S there for the first time. This year Hovsepyan, Moko (daughter of great artist Indeed Shoghag Hovanessian will continue a profound fondness and respect of the arts. is the 15th anniversary celebration of the Rudolf Khachatryan ), Vahan Rumelyan, organizing similar exhibitions. Last autumn We are looking forward to Shoghag establishment of the Constitutional Court, Ararat Sargsyan, Arthur Sargsyan and Davit she organized another major exhibition of Hovanessian’s new initiatives. and on this occasion an exhibition has been Kareyan. This is a beautiful bouquet of mid- organized upon the request of the Chief career contemporary Armenian artists. Justice of the Constitutional Court, Gagik The walls of the Constitutional Court’s sec - LETTERS Harutyunyan. We can ond floor were say that this exhibi - “...this connection is the close exhibited with works tion brought a breath of the great artist at ADL Should Drop the ‘A’ from its Name of fresh air to the inner expression of the the end of the past working atmosphere Armenian persona emanating century, Hakob To the Editor: strained these days. of the court employ - Hakobyan, who is The avowed purpose of the Anti-Defamation When the ADL denies the veracity of the ees, when Dr. and Mrs. from our long history, where now already consid - League is to fight discrimination. The group has Genocide of Armenians, it is calling Armenians, Raffy and Shoghag one can find excitement, ered a classic. In no expertise in international history or affairs. historians and scholars (mostly non-Armenian) Hovanessian from spite of his advanced Thus, although it has no expert knowledge of and eyewitnesses to the Genocide liars. New Jersey, benefac - tragedy, meditation, soulful age, he continues the genocide of Armenians, the ADL claims In other words, ADL is defaming Armenians, tors, art patrons and expression and, along with creating. He is cer - Turkey did not commit genocide against historians and scholars and eyewitnesses. promoters of contem - tainly the last of the Armenians. It’s high time the ADL dropped the ‘A’ from porary Armenian these, surely justice.” Mohicans who It’s obvious that ADL’s interest in this debate its name and called itself the Defamation artists’ works from comes from the old is not to advance historic truth but to protect League. the motherland, accepted to organize it. times. the tarnished reputation of Turkey, a long-time — Jirair Tutunjian Shoghag Hovanessian was entrusted the The past, in this exhibition is presented by friend of Israel-— although that friendship is Toronto responsibility of curating this unique exhibi - the French-Armenian eminent late artist, tion within the walls of the Constitutional Carneg Zouloumian, known as Carzou, which Court. is exhibited in the hall of the Constitutional ADL’s Message Is Not Welcome in Watertown Perhaps for some people the connection Court where serious deliberations take place. between constitution and art might seem The 21 works have been loaned to the exhi - (This letter originally appeared in the March ADL had lost all credibility on human unexpected and surprising. However, it bition by the same curator — the aforemen - 27 issue of the Watertown Tab .) rights? Didn’t the ADL understand that princi - should be indicated to them that this con - tioned couple, who is very dear to us. Let us pled Jewish Americans were embarrassed by the nection is the close inner expression of the remember that Shoghag Hovanessian, who is To Editor: ADL’s actions against Armenians? Armenian persona emanating from our long known as Vicki in American circles, before Watertown gave the national Anti- And it still has not reversed its stance against history, where one can find excitement, moving to New Jersey, had been the chair - Defamation League [ADL] a strong message Armenians. No organization that claims to tragedy, meditation, soulful expression and, person of the Collectors’ Forum at the more than three years ago: you and your oppo - believe in justice and human rights would ever along with these, surely justice. Finally, who Contemporary Art Museum in Chicago. sition to the recognition of the Armenian sit down with a major human rights violator should be the most righteous person, if not Already since 1995, she has played a pivotal Genocide of 1915-23 are hypocritical and such as Turkey, as the national ADL has done, the artist, who is the disposer as well as the role in presenting works of contemporary immoral, and you are unwelcome here. to cook up a plan to target a group, in this case mirror of mankind’s complete feelings, and Armenian artists in her gallery, to the Now I walk down Mount Auburn Street, and Armenians that suffered a holocaust. throughout that way of standards and uni - American museums, art galleries and private I see a huge advertisement by the ADL about Due to its sponsor, the billboard is offensive versal values. collectors. “bullying.” Looks like the ADL is poking its fin - and not credible. Especially in our case the Armenian artist, On the day of the opening of the exhibi - ger in Watertown’s eye as revenge. The ADL should take its act to a more appro - who created during the most unjust and tur - tion, the Chief Justice of the Constitutional Didn’t the national ADL get the message priate place. I suggest Turkey. bulent period of our history, in spite of all Court, Harutyunyan mentioned that “this when more than a dozen cities tossed out the — Vany Tashjian pressures, insecurities, blockades and most exhibition is an attempt to organize our state ADL’s No Place For Hate program because the Watertown, Mass. 16 S ATURDAY , A PRIL 2, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR

A Week of Literature for Turkey’s Press Freedom Problem

Children and oppose them. But since they are fighting against Political Motivations By Matthew Brunwasser terrorism, the greatest crime you can imagine, no Turkish politicians also launch personal Teens in Armenia one dares to resist.” legal actions to silence critical journalists, Turkish legislation provides a rich arsenal of including one famous suit by the prime min - YEREVAN (Armenpress) — March 28- There are now 61 journalists in detention ammunition to silence reporters. There are laws ister against a political cartoonist, for por - April 4 has been proclaimed a week of lit - in Turkey, a country that is held up as a against spreading propaganda and laws against traying his face on a cat tangled in yarn. erature for children and teens. Chairman of model for Islamic democracies. obtaining sensitive information for example. “What message does that send out about the Armenian Writers’ Union Levon Eight Turkish journalists have been arrest - Those laws — alone — are used by the gov - your tolerance of free speech, your tolerance Ananyan said this week that Armenia had ed over the past month. They are accused of, ernment to punish reporting on Kurdish of dissent, your tolerance of shocking and dis - that tradition from the Soviet years. A num - among other things, participating in a terror - rebels and national security issues. In one turbing views, which are all permissible in a ber of events will take place within the ist organization called Ergenokon. Lawyer case, the government is accused of using tax democracy?” Sinclair Webb asked. framework of the festive week, the goal of Huseyin Ersoz represents three jailed jour - authorities to punish a critical media group. Government officials deny any political which is to convey the literary merits to nalists. He says it’s clear from their interro - Turkish Daily News editor and columnist motivations in the recent arrests. At a recent schools. A number of meetings both in the gation that they were arrested because of Barcin Yinanc said the Turkish government is meeting of the governing AK Party, Prime capital and in provinces will be held. their critical reports on the ruling AK Party. hypocritical when it criticizes others in the Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan wondered The official opening of literature for chil - “All the questions directed to our clients region for a lack of freedoms. whether journalists considered themselves dren and teens was held March 31 in were not just about the events “While at home they don’t exempt from Turkish law. Artashat. On the closing day of the festive but about the reporting implement some of the basic “A legal action has been taken against a web - week, an exhibition of children’s books will process: how they found their COMMENTARY tenets of democracy,” site,” Erdogan said. “They say, the government open in the National Library of Armenia. news and which contacts they Yinanc said. “One of them is muzzles the journalists. What it got to do with An awards ceremony was also held the used,” Ersoz said: “They were freedom of the press.” us? Certain chorus immediately weighs in. I won - same day. According to Ananyan, at the interrogated about their sources, specific Emma Sinclair-Webb, who is with Human der, are there any provisions stating media exec - moment they have introducible literature phone calls and what their point in doing the Rights Watch, said that Turkey still hasn’t got utives, journalists have legal immunity and we for children and juniors. And though the lit - story was?” a record that fits a democratic society. She said don’t know about it? Are media entities privi - erature does not become “commodity,” and Turkish press groups say silencing journal - that Turkey today is politically more open than leged? Are they exempt from laws, taxes? Can’t does not manage to cover the expenses, the ists is a big problem that’s gaining attention it was but that there is a “confusing” pattern of they be prosecuted?” interest in literature for children does not worldwide. There are now 61 journalists in state harassment of journalists. The prime minister’s strong public warn - decrease. detention and some 5,000 pending court Reporters from the left and the right, secu - ings to journalists may have a chilling effect The chairman of the Writers’ Union said cases. Senior European Union and US offi - larists and Islamists all feel the pressure. And observers say — but Turkish journalists are on the occasion of proclaiming Yerevan a cials have weighed in on the seeming dis - as the party in power, the ruling AKP is sim - still writing punchy stories. And the clash book capital 2012 there is a goal to set up crepancy between Turkey’s stated support for ply the worst offender. between the press and the state, loud and a bookstall in every community of the cap - a free press and the detention of journalists. “Until Turkey gets its own house in spirited under normal conditions, is just ital. The idea of setting up a center of cul - “We are trying to make sense of this,” US order, it will never be a fully credible lead - cranking up as Turkey enters the campaign ture and book has developed in the capital. Ambassador to Turkey Frank Ricciardone said. ing country in the region to advise others season for national elections in June. Director of Khnko Aper Library, Ruzan Lawyer Huseyin Ersoz said there’s no mys - what to do,” Sinclair-Webb said. “And get - Tonoyan, said that as a result of the book tery. ting its own house in order, on issues like (This story originally was broadcast by fair the library has had 6,000 visitors in two “It’s the beginning of an empire of fear,” Ersoz press freedom, freedom of expression, has Public Radio International’s “The World,” days. said. “If the AKP were to use the law against to be a priority for a country which does a radio news magazine offering a mix of “No law can make the child read. The offending the Turkish nation, then everyone in seek a regional role and play as a big actor news, features, interviews and music from child should learn reading from an early society and the international community would in the newly emerging Middle East.” around the globe.) childhood,” Ananyan said.

96th Anniversary Commemoration of the ARMENIAN GENOCIDE Friday, April 15, 2011 11:00 AM House of Representatives Chamber Massachusetts State House, Boston Followed by a reception in the Great Hall

Keynote Speaker Dr. Tom Samuelian Dean of Law School, American University of Armenia

Buses will be leaving at 9:00 AM from St. James and St. Stephen’s Churches For more information contact: Senator Steven Tolman (617) 722-1280 Representative Jonathan Hecht (617) 722-2140 Check us out at Tsoleen Sarian (508) 561-3697 www.mirrorspectator.com (Buses generously provided by the Knights of Vartan, Ararat Lodge No. 1)