JULY 30, 2016 Mirror-SpeTHE ARMENIAN ctator Volume LXXXVII, NO. 2, Issue 4446 $ 2.00 NEWS The First English Language Armenian Weekly in the United States Since 1932 INBRIEF Egypt Parliament May Standoff with Police Continues in Recognize Genocide CAIRO (Armenpress) — More than 300 Egyptian All Hostages Released lawmakers have signed a survey on putting up to vote a bill recognizing the Armenian Genocide, RIA YEREVAN (Combined Sources) — Novosti reported, citing Youm7. Thousands of demonstrators were marching in The initiator of the measure is noted Egyptian Yerevan late on July 25 in support of a group reporter and Member of Parliament Mustafa Bakri. of gunmen who have occupied an Armenian According to his colleague, Faiza Barakyatay, in police station for more than a week. case the bill passes, it will be “a response to The demonstrators chanted “unity” and ’s hostile actions against Egypt and official called for bystanders to join them, swelling Ankara’s attempts to interfere in Egypt’s internal their numbers as the march progressed affairs.” along the streets of the Armenian capital and the demonstrators arrived at Yerevan’s central Republic Square. Iran Proposes to Triple It was the largest gathering of support Gas Exports to for the gunmen since the crisis began on July 17. YEREVAN (Armenpress) — After discussions with The march began on July 25 after mili- Armenian Energy and Natural Resources Minister tary helicopters were seen flying over the L. Yolyan in Tehran, Minister of Petroleum of Iran occupied police building. Bijan Zangeneh announced that Iran will triple the The presence of the helicopters prompt- volumes of exported gas to Armenia, Iranian state ed speculation that a military raid against A spokesman for the insurgents media reported. the gunmen was imminent. According to the Iranian Minister, the main topic The gunmen set a police van on fire near of discussion with Yolyan was the issue of transit the building earlier that day. known group called Sasna Tsrer, dubbed by Tsrer are veterans of the Nagorno- for Iranian gas through Armenia. Meanwhile, Armenian law enforcement some the Daredevils of Sassoun, which is Karabagh conflict in the late 1980s and The Armenian side has proposed to create a new agencies called on the gunmen not to take loyal to Founding Parliament Party leader, early 1990s. organization for the export of Iranian gas to any steps that would “risk the lives of citi- Zhirayr Sefilian. The Founding Parliament is sharply crit- , IRNA reported. zens or that stir up tensions.” They say they have no intention of laying ical of the way Armenia’s government has One police was killed on July 17 down their arms until their demands are dealt with the long-running conflict over when the gunmen, linked to the radical met. Those demands include the resigna- Nagorno-Karabagh, a territory that both Armenian Soldier Founding Parliament opposition move- tion of President and the Armenia and claim. Killed by Azeri Sniper ment, stormed into the Erebuni police sta- release of Sefilian, who was arrested along tion. with six of his supporters on June 20 on Two Wounded On Karabagh Line The gunmen took seven police officers as illegal weapons charges. Two of the opposition gunmen locked in hostages but released the last of them on Police initially accused Sefilian of prepar- a standoff with the Armenian authorities (Mediamax) — Arsen Arakelyan, July 23 after negotiations with a senior offi- ing a plot to seize government buildings and were wounded by security forces early on. a soldier serving with the Artsakh Defense Army, cer in Armenia’s armed forces. telecommunication facilities in Yerevan. Both men surrendered to the Armenian received a fatal gun wound on the Southeastern The gunmen are members of a little- Most of Sefilian’s supporters in Sasna see STANDOFF, page 2 direction on Saturday, July 23 as a result of shots fired across from the border. NKR Defense Army expressed its condolences to Boston Innovation the family of the killed soldier. On 23 July President signed a Summit Encourages decree according to which the medal “For Service in Battle” was posthumously awarded to Arakelyan US-Turkish Commerce for courage shown during the defense of the NKR state border. By Aram Arkun Mirror-Spectator Staff Explosions in Azeri Munitions Plant CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — Usually the Mirror reports on Armenian efforts to rally (Armenpress) — According to eyewitness American political and economic support accounts, blasts took place on July 26 at a muni- for Armenia. This time, I thought it would tions plant in Shirvan, Azerbaijan, RIA Novosti be interesting to see how one of Armenia’s reported. neighbors, the Republic of Turkey, does it, “Blasts are heard from time to time. There is especially in light of the dramatic events of smoke at the scene,” eyewitnesses said. Earlier the the recent failed coup and its aftermath. Azerbaijani Defense Ministry said a fire broke out On July 21, the Washington DC-based iwhich resulted in explosions. American-Turkish Council (ATC) sponsored Twenty people have been hospitalized, with no the US-Turkey Innovation Summit at fatalities reported so far. State Rep. Katherine S. Kazarian with some students in her district. Harvard University’s Knafel Center. Its stat- ed goal was “connect private companies, universities, and government institutions Idealism and Love for Rhode to facilitate partnerships in research and INSIDE Island Drive Young Politician see ECONOMICS, page 16

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — State Rep. Katherine S. Kazarian (D-East Providence) is Modern just right for these tense, polarized times. She is young, driven and ambitious — not necessarily for herself, but for her constituents. Music By Alin K. Gregorian In language that seems increasingly rare, the Mirror-Spectator Staff young Kazarian, 26, during a recent interview Page 14 rattled off ways in which she wants to improve life for the people in her district. Her passion is to try to do best for her constituents by trying to return “vibrant store fronts.” INDEX “I felt I needed to do something to help,” she said, after graduating from college. Arts and Living ...... 13 Kazarian graduated from Columbia University’s Barnard College in 2012 with Armenia ...... 2,3 a degree in urban studies, with a concentration in economics. She won her first Community News...... 6 political race later that year. Editorial ...... 18 International ...... 4,5 see KAZARIAN, page 11 Dr. Nicholas Negroponte 2 S ATURDAY, J ULY 3 0 , 2 0 1 6 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARMENIA News From Armenia

Armenia Welcomes Closer Ties with YEREVA (Armenpress) — On July 14, President Serzh Sargsyan received outgoing Ambassador of Bulgaria to Armenia Georgi Karastamatov. Sargsyan expressed his gratitude to the Bulgarian ambassador for his input in the development of the Armenian-Bulgarian relations and said in recent years the political dialogue between the two states has been intensified. Sargsyan expressed hope the next ambassador would also make efforts to deepen relations between the two friendly states and to develop mutually bene- ficial cooperation at several directions. Karastamatov expressed his gratitude to Sargsyan for the kind words as well as for the support provid- ed during his diplomatic mission in Armenia. Sargsyan Congratulates UK’s May Some of the militants in the standoff in Yerevan YEREVAN (Armenpress) — President Serzh Sargsyan sent a congratulatory message to Prime Minister of United Kingdom Theresa May on the occasion of assuming the post of prime minister. Standoff with Police Continues “I am sure that due to your many years of political experience you will guide the United Kingdom STANDOFF, from page 1 “In this regard, the militants were specify the total number of people through the path of development and prosperity, police and were hospitalized shortly handed on July 25 written clarifications detained in connection with the armed withstanding all challenges and achieving new suc- afterwards. and explanations on the sequence of attack. cesses. Armenia attaches importance to the develop- A police statement said that security actions which must be taken by them Speaking to journalists on Monday ment of cooperation with the United Kingdom in forces opened fire when a police SUV and the route for their surrender,” it morning, Yenikomshian accused the fields of mutual interest, as well as further deepening driven by one of the gunmen unexpect- added in a statement. authorities of deliberately heightening of friendship between our peoples. I hope that edly emerged from the station and The NSS note delivered to the gun- tensions. “Serious developments may through joint efforts we will be able to lift our friend- approached a police cordon about 100 men was publicized by the Armenian occur at any moment,” he warned. “We ly ties to a new qualitative level and give new impetus meters away. police. It lists articles of the Armenian hope that prudence will prevail within to the bilateral agenda for the benefit of our coun- “The vehicle almost reached the cor- Criminal Code that allow individuals the ruling regime.” tries,” the congratulatory message reads. don, after which law-enforcers fired on taking hostages or seizing government its engine and tires in order to stop the buildings to avoid prosecution. Sargsyan Offers to Meet 1,600 Houses Damaged, car and stave off a serious danger ema- “You still have time to lay down your Sefilian nating from three armed men seated arms and surrender,” says the document. President Serzh Sargsyan is ready to 7 Civilians Killed in inside it,” said the statement. Two of The NSS did not specify whether the meet the jailed opposition leader them were wounded in the leg as a authorities would also not prosecute Zhirayr Sefilian if the armed member of Tavush in Last 1.5 years result, it said. anyone in connection with the killing of his organization occupying a police sta- Video of the incident separately circu- a senior police officer carried out dur- tion in Yerevan lay down their arms, a YEREVAN (Armenpress) — Over the last 1.5 years, lated by the police shows the car’s visi- ing the July 17 attack on the police sta- politician who has negotiated with as a result of the Azerbaijani shelling and bombing bly wounded driver running back tion. A leader of the gunmen has them said on Sunday. nearly 1600 houses were damaged, 7 civilians were towards the police station. Another gun- claimed that Artur Vanoyan Vitaly Balasanian, a retired Nagorno- killed near the bordering area of Tavush province, man can be seen dragging away the sec- was shot dead “by accident.” Karabakh army general, also insisted that Tavush Governor Hovik Abovyan said at a meeting ond wounded man. The NSS said at the same time that it Sefilian no longer supports the gunmen’s with the delegation of the US Senate led by Thomas Hospital officials confirmed that the is seeking to resume negotiations with key demand — Sargsyan’s resignation — Goffus. men, identified as Ashot Petrosian and the armed members of the Founding and has set other conditions that have Abovyan also talked about the damages caused to Hovannes Harutiunian, are undergoing Parliament opposition movement which been communicated to the president. the agriculture which occur both during the organi- medical treatment there. were mediated until this weekend by “[Sargsyan] has expressed readiness zation of the agricultural works at spring, as well as Armenian police made public the Vitaly Balasanian, a Nagorno-Karabakh to invite Zhirair Sefilian and explain to during the harvest. He told the delegation members names of an armed group that seized politician. him the reality and prospects immedi- that there are numerous cases that Azerbaijanis have the police regiment in Yerevan on July The talks resulted in the release on ately after the guys lay down arms and targeted kindergartens and schools of the bordering 17. Saturday of four police officers held surrender,” Balasanian said in a state- communities. The 31 members of the group are: hostage by the attackers. The latter ment cited by the Armenpress news Although certain defensive measures were taken, Pavel Manukyan, Tigran Manukyan, refused to negotiate with Balasanian agency. however, the children’s safe movement is still in dan- Hakob Hakobyan, Armen Lambaryan, after he claimed that Founding ger. Gagik Yeghiazaryan, Areg Kyureghyan, Parliament’s arrested leader, Zhirayr Ter-Petrosian Appeals to Smbat Barseghyan, Edward Grigoryan, Sefilian, no longer demands President Gunmen Nalbandian Receives US Armen Bilyank, Varuzhan Avetisyan, Serzh Sarkisian’s resignation. Former President Levon Ter- Ashot Petrosyan, Toros Torosyan, The authorities appeared to have Petrosian appealed on Friday to Congressman Jim Costa Mkhitar Avetisyan, Tatul Tamrazyan, stepped up pressure on the gunmen fol- Sefilian for a speedy resolution of the Vardan Geravetyan, Gevorg Igityan, lowing the release of the gunmen, protests. YEREVAN — On July 21, Eduard Nalbandian, Sedrak Nazaryan, Martirosya reportedly halting food and electricity “I want to express hope that he will Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, received US Hakobyan, Arthur Soghomonyan, supplies to them and blocking access to make use of that ability this time as Rep. Jim Costa, the Foreign Ministry reported. Arayik Khandoyan, Sergey Kyureghyan, their mobile phones. As a result, the well and place the fate of Armenia and Nalbandian praised the partnership between Hovhannes Harutyunyan, Hovhannes standoff escalated on the night from Karabagh above everything else,” he Armenia and the United States, as well as the added Vardanyan, Ruben Grigoryan, Arayik Sunday to Monday, with the gunmen said. steps being undertaken in that direction. He stressed Hakobyan, Gevorg Melkonyan, Garnik setting fire to a police van comman- Ter-Petrosian thus seemed to imply the importance of cooperation stablished between Hovakimyan, Arthur Melkonyan, Edgar deered by them. A military helicopter that Sefilian should tell the two dozen the legislative bodies of the two countries. Soghomonyan, Aram Manukyan and briefly hovered over the seized police Founding Parliament gunmen who Nalbandian thanked Jim Costa for his efforts towards Tigran Sargsyan. premises early in the morning. seized a Yerevan police station on July the recognition of the Armenian Genocide. Alek Yenikomshian, a Founding 17 to lay down their arms. He argued Costa mentioned that for years he has been pursu- Clemency Offered Parliament figure, said the vehicle was that the unprecedented hostage crisis is ing issues of importance for Armenia and the The armed members of the opposi- burned down in protest against the only aggravating Armenia’s grave Armenian people in the US Congress, and he is glad tion group holed up in a police station blockade imposed by the authorities. national security challenges emanating to visit Armenia to get first-hand information and Yerevan may well avoid imprisonment if He said that the authorities have also from the recent escalation of the exchange views on the regional problems. they surrender to law-enforcement stopped providing medical assistance to Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. During the meeting a range of issues on the expan- authorities, Armenia’s National one of the gunmen wounded during The 71-year-old ex-president, who sion of cooperation was discussed. Security Service (NSS) said on Monday. the July 17 assault. leads the opposition Armenian National Nalbandian informed Costa on the efforts being “In case of the existence of condi- The NSS statement insisted, however, Congress (HAK) party, had been a bit- undertaken towards the settlement of the Nagorno- tions defined by Armenian legislation, that the authorities offered to hospital- ter critic of the government ever since Karabagh issue and overcoming of consequences of individuals voluntarily backing away ize the man but were rebuffed by the returning to active politics in 2007. the military attack by Azerbaijan against Artsakh from a crime can be exempted from armed group. The security agency also (Nagorno-Karabagh) this April. criminal liability,” the NSS said as its said it has arrested several more indi- (Public Radio of Armenia and Radio standoff with the gunmen entered into viduals suspected of aiding the gun- Free Europe reports contributed to a second week. men. It did not name any of them or this story.) S A T U R D A Y , J U L Y 3 0 , 2 0 1 6 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 3 ARMENIA

Ruben Vardanyan Is Thinking FAST For Armenia

YEREVAN — Ruben Vardanyan, social entrepreneur and philanthropist and co-founder of Initiatives for the Development of Armenia (IDeA), is working on launching the Foundation for Armenian Science and Technology or FAST. As he said, “FAST must become the platform for a tech- nological breakthrough.” The IDeA Foundation, along with its partners, is final- izing requirements for the launch of IDeA’s new project, aimed at developing the means for technological innova- tion in Armenia and the mobilization of scientific, tech- nological and financial resources of the Armenian and international communities. FAST has to become a platform for bringing about the technological breakthrough in Armenia in the areas of IT and computer science, artificial intelligence, high-tech materials, robotics, biotechnology, advanced engineering Ruben Vardanyan and manufacturing technologies. He explained, “The main lesson of the April war is obvious — we must strengthen Armenia, and no one gistic effect, developing all areas of the economy.” We have to try our utmost to make FAST interesting will do it apart from us. Only a strong Armenia can IDeA is looking at the possibility of providing $10 mil- for an elite international talent, first and foremost from avoid another war and be able to defend our interests lion towards developing the fund and then launching the our own Diaspora. We have to rediscover ourselves as a through peaceful means, finding acceptable compro- fund globally with the end goal of raising $200 million nation of innovators and entrepreneurs, fulfilling our cre- mises for the sake of the country and the nation. This within three years. ative potential in our own country and not only outside is the only way we can ensure that the opposing side The established Advisory Board will undertake the of its borders. will uphold its obligations instead of waiting for the fund’s management. Within this board, besides the Vardnayan explained, “The main purpose for introduc- right moment to undertake yet another military founders, there will be prominent Armenians from ing FAST – is to unite the government and the private escapade, and international mediators will respect the Armenia and abroad with a successful track record in sci- sector, the Church, the general public and the elite, the positions of Armenia and Artsakh.” ence, technology, venture capital and industry. The fund citizens of Armenian, the Diaspora and our partners in He added, “I think that Armenia’s priorities, as a will be subject to high standards of effectiveness, trans- other countries, donors and international organizations, nation must be the rebirth of Armenian science and parency and independence. so that through our joint efforts we can create the con- the creation of a technology industry. It is vital that we Vardanyan said, “The work of the fund will only be ditions and mechanisms for turning Armenia into a become objective and truthful in the shadow of April’s effective in a public-private partnership and at the regional technology and innovation center.” events. Tangible results could be on the horizon in 5- moment we are intensely discussing these questions with He concluded, “Yes we have set ourselves a very diffi- 10 years, but it must be started today. We must give Armenia’s leadership. In our view, this partnership means cult task, but we know that we have to overcome many the opportunity to Armenian scientists, especially engaging with the government on multiple levels, from obstacles and difficulties, in order to find the solution. young ones, to undertake basic and applied research, the selection of promising scientific programs to the for- The alternative - to be a mediocre player – is not only development and discovery, use their scientific and mation of government orders for important work. There unacceptable, but also dangerous. We are rightly proud of research potential to address critical national issues. are on-going talks on the creation of a systematic support our past, but it is not enough. Only by acting together we We can see around the world that the consistent imple- for science and technology on every level within every can create a future where we reclaim our leading position, mentation of scientific development creates a syner- day activity of the government.” and break the mold in science and technology.”

New Academic Year Sees 33 Young Fellows From Teach For Armenia Begin Teaching

DILIJAN, Armenia — On July 4, Teach For successfully complete your mission. Remember sive international network Teach For All, brings who possess the characteristics that will make Armenia (TFA) together with Scholae Mundi that you have a unique opportunity to con- to Armenia advanced ideas in the field of edu- them successful in the Fellowship, and ulti- Armenia Foundation (SMA) and Initiatives for tribute towards the development of Armenia’s cation, relevant in the modern world”, said mately, as teachers in classrooms across Development of Armenia future generations. It is your responsibility not Veronika Zonabend. Armenia. Foundation (IDeA) held Teach For Armenia’s only to lead your students to greater academic She also underlined that the Teach For Before leaving for their designated regions, 2016 Fellowship Fellow Inauguration heights, but to also unlock every child’s full Armenia programs could not be realized with- the Fellows will participate in Teach For Ceremony at the campus of UWC Dilijan potential,” said Larisa Hovannisian after the out private donors’ support. “Grants and the Armenia’s intensive training program called College. Armenian Minister of Education and official inauguration of the Teach For Armenia TFA summer school 2016 were organized with Summer Institute, which thoroughly prepares Science, Levon Mkrtchyan, representatives of 2016 Fellowship. financial assistance,” Veronika added. them for their two-year teaching commitment. Teach For Armenia’s partner schools, regional In 2016, Teach For Armenia and Scholae Armenia’s Minister of Education and Science In addition to sharing their knowledge, skills governors, and educational experts took part in Mundi Armenia joined forces to ensure acces- Levon Mkrtchyan congratulated the partici- and values with their students and colleagues, the event. sible and equitable education for every child pants and organizers with the launch of the Fellows will also become active members of Thirty-three highly-qualified young specialists in Armenia. Scholae Mundi Armenia’s mis- 2016 TFA grant program. their respective communities. – Fellows – selected by Teach For Armenia, will sion is to promote the most advanced educa- “I am proud that we have young people who Teach For Armenia’s mission is to improve begin their teaching assignments at schools tional practices, which in the long run will see their duty in educating children in regional educational outcomes for all children in across Armenia’s regions during the upcoming become catalysts for social change in schools of Armenia. Through dedicating your Armenia by recruiting and training exceptional academic year. Teach For Armenia currently Armenia. Scholae Mundi Armenia time and effort to help schools who are experi- individuals to teach in underserved schools for cooperates with 40 schools in five regions Foundation currently sponsors other educa- encing an acute shortage of teachers, you show a minimum of two years. The organization is across Armenia. tional projects in Armenia, the largest of your commitment to serving the people for officially partnered with Teach For All, a net- The thirty-three Fellows will join the 2015 which is UWC Dilijan, which welcomed Teach whom education has always been a priority, “ work of independent, locally led partner orga- cohort who began teaching last year at schools For Armenia’s 2016 Fellows. added the Minister. nizations in over 40 countries worldwide, who in Lori, Tavush, Armavir and Gegharkunik “Education is built on trust, and today we see Teach For Armenia’s recruitment efforts are share common approaches and values in regions across Armenia. This year’s Fellows will an example of this trust: the trust of the min- made both locally (from Yerevan and regions) improving educational opportunities for chil- also teach at schools in the Aragatsotn region. istry in this new initiative which has come to and the Armenian diaspora. Teach For Armenia dren in their respective countries. Co-founder of the Scholae Mundi Armenia Armenia, the trust of young people who have seeks versatile and passionate individuals with Scholae Mundi Armenia (SMA) is a charity Charity Foundation, IDeA Foundation, UWC agreed to devote two years of their lives to chil- the academic, leadership, and interpersonal foundation established by entrepreneurs and Dilijan College and Chair of the TFA Board of dren, working in schools, in places where it is expertise necessary to be philanthropists Ruben Vardanyan and Veronika Trustees Veronika Zonabend, and CEO and not easy to live and work, and the trust of the transformational teachers in Armenia’s most Zonabend. Scholae Mundi Armenia together Founder of Teach For Armenia Larisa regional governors and school principals who underserved schools. Teach For Armenia’s with Scholae Mundi and Scholae Mundi Hovannisian, shared their words of encourage- agreed to take in a completely new set of peo- Recruitment and Selection team, with the UK comprise an international platform aimed ment with the Fellows. ple, which is unusual for schools. And I hope ongoing expert support of its global partner at promoting the most advanced educational “Each of you has assumed a great responsi- that in 2-3 years we will see that this trust is jus- Teach For All, has uniquely designed a rigorous practices, which in the long run will become bility, and we are more than sure that you will tified. Teach For Armenia, as part of the exten- admissions process that can identify applicants catalysts for social change in the world. 4 S ATURDAY, J ULY 3 0 , 2 0 1 6 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR INTERNATIONAL International News Report: Erdogan Warned of Incoming Armenian Team Won’t Coup by Russian Alert Participate in Baku- TEHRAN (FNA) — Arab media outlets provoke and promise support for the The whole establishment was too con- Hosted Olympiad quoted diplomats in Ankara as disclosing army to stage the coup, and the same cerned. Turkey is a neighboring state. that Turkey’s President Erdogan was shift also saved him” as it was not clear if President Erdogan and his government YEREVAN (PanARMENIAN.Net) — alerted by Russia against an imminent the Russians would provide Ankara with are strong partners of Iran. Our nations The Armenian men’s chess team won’t be leaving army coup hours before it was initiated their intel, otherwise. enjoy strong brotherly ties, so it’s the for Baku to participate in the 42nd Chess on Friday, while a western media outlet Officials of neither country have made least we can do to show solidarity and try Olympiad in the Azerbaijani capital, Aravot cited said Erdogan asked his supporters to any comment on the report yet. In to offer any help they might need in such deputy chairman of the Chess Federation of remain in the streets after receiving Ankara, official sources, including the critical times.” Armenia, grandmaster Smbat Lputian as saying. advice from Tehran. Army itself, confirmed that the Turkish “Another Iranian official saw parallels According to some sources, the Greek team has no Several Arab media outlets, including army’s top generals had been informed of between the successful coup against intention of going to Baku either, although FIDE’s Rai Alyoum, quoted diplomatic sources last week’s coup by the MIT hours before Iranian Prime Minister Mohammad deputy president Georgios Makropoulous is Greek. in Ankara as saying that Turkey’s the plot came into action. Mosaddegh in 1953 and this year’s coup The international conference Theoretical and National Intelligence Organization, A statement issued by the army on July attempt in Turkey,” Al-Monitor said. Practical Issues of Chess Education in Schools will known locally as the MIT, received intel- 19 described the events that took place The official told Al-Monitor on condi- be held in Armenia’s Tsaghkadzor from September ligence from its Russian counterpart that on July 15, saying a majority within the tion of anonymity, “What we know is 30 to October 3. warned of an impending coup in the military managed to suppress the coup that this move was triggered by foreign Muslim state. attempt due to information provided by hands. We went through the same in the Armenia Ready for The unnamed diplomats said the the MIT some five hours before the coup past, and because Mr. Erdogan is today Russian army in the region had inter- plot became public, national newspaper looking forward to playing a better role Bigger Trade with Iran cepted highly sensitive army exchanges Hurriyet reported. in the region, they want him down.” The and encoded radio messages showing “The information given by the Iranian official said, “There was a mes- TEHRAN (Public Radio of Armenia) — Armenian that the Turkish army was readying to National Intelligence Organization on sage that was conveyed to Turkish secu- ambassador to Iran said this week that his country is stage a coup against the administration July 15, 2016, at around 4:00 p.m. was rity officials: Don’t leave the streets. This willing to make investments in the Iranian jewelry in Ankara. evaluated at the General Staff headquar- coup might be made up of several waves; industry, Mehr News Agency reports. The exchanges included dispatch of ters with the attendance of Chief of Staff it happened in Iran in 1953. When the Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia to the several army choppers to President General Hulusi Akar, Chief of the Army first coup failed, they had another one Islamic Republic of Iran Artashes Tumanyan made Erdogan’s resort hotel to arrest or kill General Salih Zeki Colak and Deputy ready — and they succeeded.” the remarks during a meeting held in the Iranian the president. Chief of Staff General Yasar Guler.” In Ankara, the government claims the capital with the head of Tehran Chamber of The diplomats were not sure of the In order to counter the coup, high coup and the generals behind it are loyal Commerce, Industries and Agriculture Masoud Russian station that had intercepted the ranking officials within the Turkish army followers of US-based Islamic cleric Khansari. exchanges, but said the Russian army gave orders for all air and ground forces Fethullah Gulen, who was once The Armenian official said Yerevan is a pioneer in intelligence unit deployed in Khmeimim around the country to immediately cease Erdogan’s key ally before a fallout area of jewelry, adding “Armenian traders are also (also called Hmeimim) in Syria’s north- operations including military vehicles in 2012. Many believe that Gulen is the eager to participate in Iran’s IT industries.” ern province of Lattakia is reportedly such as tanks, planes and helicopters. main cause of why Ankara officials have He also noted that Armenia’s Central Bank has equipped with state-of-the-art electronic A report by Al-Jazeera Arabic suggests repeatedly accused the US of master- offered proposals for monetary and banking ties and eavesdropping systems to gather the coup plotters initiated the operation minding the plot. between the two countries. highly sensitive information for the six hours ahead of time as they had pre- Gulen is running a multi-billion dollar Khansari, for his part, referred to great economic Russian squadrons that are on an anti- viously planned to launch the coup at enterprise in Saudi Arabia and has and industrial potentials held by the two parties not- terrorism mission in Syria. 3:00 a.m. local time on July 16. grown into a serious bone of contention ing “identifying venues for cooperation can play and Khmeimim in Northwestern Syria is While the report does not indicate the in Ankara-Riyadh ties. Saudi Arabia important role in expanding bilateral relation the only Russian air force base in the reason for the coup being initiated ahead reserved condemnation of the coup in a between Tehran and Yerevan.” war-ravaged country that provides cover of time, the revelation by the military suspicious move. Later, reports surfaced for Syrian army and popular forces in suggests the coup plotters understood the media that the top brass in Riyadh Putin, Erdogan to Meet multiple fronts across the country, in their plans had been compromised and and Abu Dhabi — two strong allies of the addition to bombing missions against ter- decided to act. US with unbreakably intimate ties with In Russia August 9 rorist targets. The Russian naval fleet, Reports also suggest the coup plotters each other in the Persian Gulf — were including its only aircraft carrier, are had orders to kidnap or kill President involved in the coup. MOSCOW (PanARMENIAN.Net) — Turkey’s deployed along the coasts of Lattakia Recep Tayyip Erdogan as helicopters Saudi whistle-blower Mujtahid, who is deputy prime minister says President Recep Tayyip border province to provide logistical aid headed toward the hotel he was staying believed to be a member of or have a well- Erdogan is to travel to Russia next month to meet to the air base in a short time. Meantime, in at the holiday resort of Marmaris. But connected source in the royal family, dis- with Russian President — the first Russia has deployed its highly sophisti- Erdogan had left 44 minutes before they closed that senior government officials in meeting between the two leaders as relations cated S-400 air defense shield at arrived, according to Al-Jazeera’s report. Riyadh and Abu Dhabi had been between the two countries mend following Turkey’s Khmeimim and announced that it covers The official statements coming out informed of the coup in Turkey long apology for the downing of a Russian fighter jet last the entire Syrian skies with the same air from Ankara are in full compliance with before it took place. year, the Associated Press reports. defense system. the Arab media reports quoting the Mujtahid wrote on his twitter page on Turkey’s state-run Anadolu news agency reported Last year, Turkey shot down a Russian diplomatic sources on the Russian intel. Monday that the UAE leaders had played that Deputy Prime Minister Mehmet Simsek said Sukhoi bomber over Syrian skies and Only four days after the coup, Erdogan a role in the coup and the Turkish spy Tuesday, July 26 that Erdogan and Putin would meet President Erdogan who was then a appeared on the media saying that he agencies have come to decode this in St. Petersburg on August 9. staunch enemy of Syrian President plans to declare a crucial turn in foreign involvement, adding that the UAE lead- Erdogan sent a letter of apology to Putin in late Bashar Al-Assad rejected extending an policy that would “end differences with ers had also alerted the Saudis about the June. Since then, the two countries have moved to apology to Moscow for about a year, Turkey’s neighboring states.” impending coup. normalize relations, restoring anti-terror coopera- although economic sanctions by Russia Less than a day later, Kremlin “Saudi Deputy Crown Prince and tion and military contacts and lifting Russian restric- as well as growing victories by the Syrian Spokesman Dmitry Peskov announced Defense Minister Mohammad bin Salman tions on tourism to Turkey. army, popular forces, Hezbollah fighters, that President Erdogan would visit had been informed of the military coup Iranian advisors and Russian air force Russia early in August to meet with his in Turkey,” Mujtahid wrote on his twitter ECHR Verdict against that cornered the terrorists in Syria and Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. page on Monday. similar victories against ISIL in Iraq con- Meantime, Iran rushed to condemn “There are reasons to prove that given France Concerns vinced the Turkish president to not just the Turkish army coup only two hours his intimate relations with Mohammad apologize for the Sukhoi incident, but after it started. Several top security and bin Zayed bin Sultan Al-Nahyan (the Armenian Child also show signs of a U-turn in foreign pol- foreign policy officials in Tehran were in Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy icy, saying that he is dropping his oppo- constant contact with President Erdogan Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed YEREVAN (Armenpress) — The European Court of sition to President Assad. and his cabinet ministers all throughout Forces), Mohammad bin Salman had Human Rights has made a decision against France Four days after the coup, officials in Friday. been filled with information about this regarding the procedure of separating minors from Ankara announced that the two Turkish As July 15 was coming to an end in coup,” he added. their parents during the study of asylum applica- pilots who played a role in the downing Tehran, Iranian Foreign Minister According to Mujtahid, Turkish intelli- tions. The Court viewed the procedure as inhumane of the Russian plane in November were Mohammad Javad Zarif was on the gence agencies had received information and humiliating treatment contrary to the European in custody over the recent failed coup. phone with his Turkish counterpart about some negative collaboration between Convention of Human Rights and Fundamental “Two pilots who were part of the opera- Mevlut Cavusoglu, whose government bin Salman and bin Zayed, but the Saudis Freedoms, Nouvelles d’Armenie reports. The Court tion to down the Russian Su-24 in was under the threat of being over- managed to convince the Justice and has studied five similar cases, one of which concerns November 2015 are in custody,” a thrown by a military coup. Meanwhile, Development party to rest assured and be a 4-year-old Armenian child, who had been kept sep- Turkish official told journalists on Ali Shamkhani, the secretary of Iran’s optimistic about Riyadh’s actions. arated from his parents for 18 days in a administra- Tuesday, adding that they were detained Supreme National Security Council He revealed that bin Salman has been tive protection center in 2012. During the same peri- over links to the coup bid. (SNSC), was on another line with securi- trying to convince the Turks to conceal od two Chechen girls were treated similarly. Another Russian President Vladimir Putin ty officials in Ankara. All the while, the UAE’s role in the coup and has case was documented with a Romanian child. French called his Turkish counterpart Recep Qassem Soleimani, the commander of promised a large amount of cash in retri- authorities will have to pay 1,500-9,000 Euros moral Tayyip Erdogan on Sunday, describing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ bution. compensation to the affected families. the attempted coup as unacceptable and Quds Force, Iran’s regional military arm, The last week coup in Turkey is now of France Jacques Toubon also announced that the voicing hope for a speedy return to sta- was busy pursuing and reviewing various growing into a major regional confronta- practice of separating minors from their parents is bility. scenarios that might emerge. tion over Turkey’s shift in its Syria policy contrary to the European Convention of Human The diplomatic sources said the shift in “It’s not a secret anymore,” an Iranian now. If confirmed, the Russian and Rights, and the law in this regard must be changed. Erdogan’s foreign policy stated only a official told Al-Monitor on condition of Iranian aid to Erdogan would mean the week before the coup has been “a major anonymity. ”Zarif, Shamkhani and power balance and equations in the cause pushing several foreign states to Soleimani were executing higher orders. region ought to be redefined. S ATURDAY, J ULY 3 0 , 2 0 1 6 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 5 INTERNATIONAL World’s Largest Yazidi Temple under Construction in Armenia

YEREVAN (Guardian) — A huge Yazidi temple organisation. they were besieged. The Yazidi faith is derived from Zoroastrianism, is under construction in a small Armenian vil- The complex in Aknalich is not intended to In June, the UN Independent International Christianity and Islam. They have been lage, intended as a symbol of resilience for a overshadow Lalish, the most holy Yazidi temple, Commission of Inquiry on Syria said Islamic denounced as infidels by Islamic extremists, and persecuted religious tradition. about 36 miles north of Mosul in northern Iraq. State was committing genocide against the unfairly accused of being devil-worshippers. The temple is being built in Aknalich, about Followers of the Yazidi faith are expected to Yazidis of northern Iraq. They do not accept converts, and Yazidis are 35km from Yerevan, the Armenian capital. make a pilgrimage to Lalesh once in their life- Thousands of Yazidis now live in squalid not permitted to marry non-Yazidis or even Seven domes will surround a central arched time. refugee camps in northern Iraq and Turkey, or Yazidis from a different caste. roof, crowned with a gold-plated sun. At 25m “There will only ever be one Lalish,” Khdr have scattered across Europe. As well as being persecuted for their religious high, it will be built from Armenian granite and Hajoian, vice-president of the Yazidi National “People are suffering from psychological and beliefs, Yazidi communities are dispersing medical problems in the camps, with no work because of economic pressures. and no future,” said Burjus. “Even in Europe, “Yazidis are not well placed to handle the no country has recognised Yazidis as a distinc- challenges they face,” said Christine Allison, tive group. Our fate is not in our hands.” professor of Kurdish studies at Exeter universi- Germany is home to western Europe’s largest ty. “They are fragmented, vulnerable and face diaspora community. According to Burjus, big socio-economic difficulties. there are fewer than 700 Yazidis in the UK. “There is a risk of Yazidis not surviving – or European governments classify Yazidis as at least being a much smaller community with- , he said. in a generation.” Can Syria’s Kurds Realize Territorial Ambitions?

who say they witnessed abuses in Tal Abyad, a By Lina Sinjab predominantly Arab town on the outskirts of Raqqa. BBC News “When the PYD entered Tal Abyad in Site of new Yazidi Temple in Armenia 2015, they pushed all the Arabs out of their When the Syrian protest movement started homes,” said Ahmad Haj Saleh, who has been Iranian marble and house a 200-square-metre Union, told EurasiaNet. in 2011, it was young Kurds in Amouda, in the documenting the activities of the PYD since prayer hall. Yazidis are the largest minority group north of the country, who took to the streets, 2015. The complex will also include a conference in Armenia, with a population of about 35,000, calling for freedom and democracy. “They looted and tortured and imprisoned hall, seminary and museum. although many have left or are leaving to find President Bashar al-Assad soon announced people. They used a hole to bury people alive in Named Quba Mere Diwane, this will be the work elsewhere, particularly in Russia. he would recognize some of the rights demand- the same place that Islamic State fighters used largest Yazidi temple in the world, although They originated in eastern Turkey and north- ed by the Kurds and allowed them to register as to have mass graves. there are relatively few contenders. The project ern Iraq, but many were killed or driven out of citizens and hold an identify card, a right they “Most of the Arabs who were pushed out is being funded by Mirza Sloian, a Yazidi busi- Turkey during the bloody rule of the Ottoman have been deprived of since 1962. were not allowed into certain parts of Tal Abyad nessman based in Moscow, according to Empire. Yazidis describe themselves as “a peo- But the Kurds rejected the concessions, say- and families of the Kurdish fighters now inhab- EurasiaNet, and is scheduled to be completed ple of 72 genocides”. ing they would wait to get their rights once all it their houses,” he said. next year. The most recent onslaught was in northern Syrians achieved freedom and democracy. However, a PYD spokesman, Dr. Juan “This temple is important for us because our Iraq – until recently, home to 90 percent of Five years on the scene is different. As the Mustafa, told the BBC that Kurdish forces had community is facing extinction. Our communi- Yazidis – in 2014. Islamic State killed thou- war has dragged on in Syria, Kurdish groups not carried out any abuses. ty is displaced around the world, and we need sands of Yazidis in and around Sinjar, abducted have taken the opportunity to gain more power. “There are no violations at all in Tal Abyad. temples in each place for our children to keep young girls and women to be used as sex slaves, The PYD (the Democratic Union Party) All the families who left came back,” he said. their culture and identity,” said Ahmed Burjus forced people to convert to Islam, and drove an declared self-administration in the Kurdish “When Syrian Democratic Forces enter a of the UK branch of Yazda, a global Yazidi estimated 50,000 into the mountains where region of Syria in November 2013. town or an area it is due to calls from the fami- Other Kurdish parties formed the Kurdish lies to come and liberate them from the atroci- National Council, which is part of the main anti- ties of IS.” Assad opposition group, the Syrian National A picture of alleged abuses has not emerged . in the current battle for Manbij — a predomi- Turkey’s President Orders Closure of The PYD is close to the Kurdistan Workers’ nantly Arab city held by Islamic State fighters Party — the PKK — which is banned in Turkey near their stronghold of Raqqa. 1,000 Private Schools Linked to Gülen and regarded by many Western governments as This offensive is being carried out by forces a terrorist organization. including the US-backed SDF and SDF-allied ISTANBUL (Guardian) — Recep Tayyip Erdogan also uses state of emergency powers “The PYD had popularity on the ground as Manbij Military Council (MMC). granted after coup attempt to extend detention period of criminal suspects they were addressing the Kurdish population’s The PYD has made calculations in its own Turkey’s president has signed a decree that allows for the extension of the pre-charge concerns. They are pragmatic and organized, long-term interest. It seized control over most detention period and the closure of institutions linked to Fethullah Gülen, the exiled cler- unlike other Kurdish parties who failed to deliv- territories with a Kurdish population in Syria ic blamed for masterminding last weekend’s failed military coup. er,” says Farooq Haji Mustafa, a Syrian Kurd and now considers them as a federal region. According to Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s office, the decree will close 1,043 private schools, journalist and founder of the Barchav Centre It has presented itself as a partner for the 1,229 foundations and associations, 35 medical institutions, 19 unions, and 15 universities. for Media and Freedom in Turkey. international community in fighting terrorism Their assets will be seized by the treasury. The presidency said that parliament will be able “The Kurds were attacked by some Islamist and just recently announced a constitution that to vote on the measure. groups like Jabhat al-Nusra, therefore they felt would govern what it calls Rojava — the Kurdish This is the biggest witch-hunt in Turkey’s history they were not part of the Syrian revolution. areas of Syria — as well as other parts of north- It is the first presidential decree since the announcement of a three-month state of emer- They thought they should seize the opportuni- ern Syria in partnership with some Arab tribes gency on Wednesday. This enables Erdogan’s cabinet to bypass parliament and suspend ty and protect Kurdish interests. there. rights as they deem necessary. Decrees passed during the state of emergency have the force “The PYD delivered and were supported by But it alarms Damascus and the Turkish gov- of law and cannot be appealed. regional and international agreements since ernment, a foe of President Assad. The government says the measure is necessary to prevent further unrest and insists it they were the only force that is reliable in the Recent reports say that Algeria is brokering will only target those immediately associated with the coup attempt. However, there are fight against Islamic State,” he added. talks between Damascus and Ankara over a concerns that the crackdown has been widened to root out all potential sympathizers of But Haji Mustafa says the PYD is a totalitari- common Kurdish threat. Gülen’s movement, turning the investigation of coup plotters into an all-out witch hunt. an party, doesn’t like opposition to its rule and Although some believe that the Syrian gov- The decree also extends the current maximum pre-charge detention from four to 30 days, has acted violently against some in their com- ernment helped facilitate the PYD’s role in the a move that was criticized by human rights groups who have recently flagged up an munity. north at the start of the conflict, the fact that increase of cases of severe ill-treatment of soldiers currently in detention. The PYD later came to form the Syrian the group has become more powerful now “The decision to extend the detention period to 30 days is disproportionate,” said Democratic Forces, along with some Arab makes Damascus wary. Andrew Gardner, Turkey researcher for Amnesty International. “It is too long and given the tribes, and it’s the SDF which has become one Turkey does not want a Kurdish state on its reports we have received so far it will facilitate torture and undermine the right to a fair of the main powers inside Syria fighting so- own border and the PYD is linked to the PKK trial.” called Islamic State (IS) — with support from — which Ankara blames for many attacks in He added that the extension was a worrying sign of measures to come. “This decree is a Western coalition forces. Turkey. telling indication of what the authorities have in store and might hint at more mass deten- But there is criticism of the SDF over how While the Kurds have proven to be reliable in tions.” they have allegedly acted towards Kurdish the fight against IS in the north of the country, Since the bloody coup attempt last Friday, which killed at least 265 people and injured opponents and civilians. there is some unease about their ambition to more than 1,000, tens of thousands of soldiers, security officers, judges, prosecutors, civil Shero Alo is an opposition activist from separate entirely from the rest of Syria. servants and academics suspected of ties to the movement founded by Gülen, who lives in Aleppo province. He was part of the Kurdish Ismail Sharif is a Kurdish journalist from the US, have been detained or suspended from their jobs. opposition but had to leave his town due to, he Amouda. He wants a democratic and united Erdogan has vowed to “cleanse” all Gülen supporters from the state apparatus and civil said, threats from the PYD. Syria and left his town due to fears of reprisal services, drawing concern from Turkey’s western allies over his increasingly authoritarian “They threatened, arrested and beat us up attacks from the PYD. stance. during our protests. Anyone who opposes them “Unfortunately now there is a proxy war and is sent to prison,” Alo said. there are many dictators in Syria. I don’t think This view is shared by some Arab activists there will be a division of Syria,” he said. 6 S ATURDAY, J ULY 3 0 , 2 0 1 6 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Community News

Holy Virgin Mary And Shoghagat Elie Wiesel Church Marks Remembered 60 Years By ANI WASHINGTON — The Armenian BELLEVILLE, Ill. — In June, parishioners at National Institute (ANI) mourns the Holy Virgin Mary and Shoghagat Church passing of human rights activist Elie observed the 60th anniversary of the consecra- Wiesel (1928-2016), and recalls one of tion of the area’s original church in nearby East the most vocal opponents of the crime of St. Louis. Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, genocide. Holocaust survivor, author, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian and Nobel Peace Prize winner, Wiesel Church of America (Eastern), celebrated the evoked the compelling authority of a vic- Divine Liturgy, ordained altar servers, and tim who triumphed over his oppressors joined the community for a banquet. by writing and speaking about the The weekend’s events began on the after- importance of remembrance and preven- noon of Saturday, June 11, when the Primate tion. His works became the voice of the met with the parish council and the Very Rev. millions of Jewish victims of Nazism and Mesrop Parsamyan, parish pastor, to discuss racism that raged across Europe when current programming and plans for the future. Wiesel was a young man and which des- The parish council has been working on a five- tined him to a concentration camp. year strategic plan called “Vision 20/20,” Wiesel’s powerful denunciation of which they shared with Archbishop Barsamian, denial as a form of double killing of the who commended them for their hard work and victim introduced a critical concept in gave his blessing for the successful implemen- understanding the problem and legacy tation of the plan. of genocide and played a major role in On Saturday evening, a special reception was appreciating the dilemma of Armenian held in the church’s Jamjamian Cultural Hall. From left, Bennett Tellalian, Kate Weisel and Anna Tellalian in front of Roche Genocide survivors and their descen- Parishioners had an opportunity to meet with Brothers in Wellesley dants who were confronted with the Archbishop Barsamian in an informal setting, implacable policy of the Turkish govern- to hear about the work of the Diocese, and to ment. By challenging denial and uphold- ask questions and share ideas about strength- ing the importance of memory, Wiesel ening the Belleville parish. A Lesson and an Inspiration: created new bridges between the Jewish On Sunday, June 12, Barsamian celebrated and Armenian communities in the the Divine Liturgy, with Parsamyan assisting United States, France, and elsewhere. on the altar. Also taking part in the service was FAR’s Children’s Center the Rev. Yeprem Kelegian, who was deacon-in- BOSTON and YEREVAN — “Lively, warm, colorful – a happy place,” that’s how charge when the community made the move Anna Tellalian described her visit to the Children’s Center in Yerevan, Armenia. from East St. Louis to Belleville. The Children’s Center is a program of the Fund for Armenian Relief (FAR). The Primate ordained three altar servers — Inspired to raise funds to support the work of the center, Anna Tellalian set out Ron Leap and brothers Mark and Gregory to develop a plan. But first, she arranged a second visit to learn more about the Marifian — to the sub-diaconate. The three have center. Her mom and dad, Leslie and Haig Tellalian, joined her. been working closely with Parsamyan in the Anna, with her parents and brothers, Owen, Evan and Bennett, and grandpar- past year to prepare for this new role in the ents, Don and Barbara Tellalian, were visiting Armenia with parishioners and Armenian Church. friends of Holy Trinity Armenian Church of Greater Boston, Cambridge led by the In his sermon, Archbishop Barsamian spoke pastor, Rev. Vasken Kouzouian. The trip, about the endurance of the Armenian people in planned by Sima Tours, included visits to the face of setbacks, and noted how an abiding pre-Christian Roman Temples, and early faith in Christ has helped Armenians persevere Christian churches and monasteries, some and emerge to build anew. Turning to the dating back to the 5th century. Diocese’s theme for the year, “Legacy of Our Interspersed were visits to centers of Martyrs: A Gift to Carry Forward,” he encour- Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Elie Wiesel innovation including the much-celebrated aged parishioners to consider how they might and UCLA Professor Emeritus of History Tumo Center for Creative Technologies, continue to pass down the Armenian Christian Richard Hovannisian at Chapman the Cascade with the Cafesjian Center for heritage to new generations. University in 2013 the Arts as well as social service programs. “Here, at the Holy Shoghagat parish, the Of course, evenings in Yerevan were filled spirit of our martyrs—the divine spirit of ‘over- with good food, music and interesting coming’—has been exemplified by the people of Wiesel, who served as the first chair- walks. this parish, through your service on the altar, man of the United States Holocaust During the second visit to the center, your efforts in parish organizations, your out- Council appointed by President Jimmy Anna’s resolve deepened. Much to her reach to the community and your ministry to Carter, approved the recommendation to delight, she met several of the children. each other,” Archbishop Barsamian said. include reference to the Armenian The children showed Anna how to make “Now we must look to the future, and share Genocide in the U.S. Holocaust the bracelets that she would offer to sell to our rich Armenian Christian identity with our Memorial Museum. He was among the Anna Tellalian in Armenia raise funds. They were all smiles. One young people.” 126 prominent signatories, all Holocaust child pointed to Anna’s freckles and her Later that day, some 200 guests gathered at scholars, holders of academic chairs, and own, delighted with the discovery. see ANNIVERSARY, page 8 directors of Holocaust research and stud- Another child was so excited that they shared the same name, Anna. The warmth ies centers, who in 2000 “signed a state- was palpable. With the opportunity to speak with the center’s Programs Manager ment affirming that the World War I Manane Petrosyan about the center, and armed with brochures and bracelets Armenian Genocide is an incontestable made by the children, Anna was almost ready. historical fact and accordingly urge the The day after her return home, Anna prepared paklava with her grandmother. Now, governments of Western democracies to with a poster prepared, she was ready. With the bracelets and hand-painted scarves likewise recognize it as such. The peti- created by the children, the paklava and the poster, Anna with her friend, Kate Weisel tioners, among whom is Nobel Laureate and brother, Bennett, set up a table outside Roche Brothers in Wellesley. Each item for Peace Elie Wiesel, who was the was offered with a suggested donation to the center. The response was enthusiastic. keynote speaker at the conference, also Much to her delight, they raised just over $300. Anna is so pleased that that the funds asked the Western Democracies to urge raised will help to make a difference in the lives of the center’s children. the Government and Parliament of FAR Children’s Center in Yerevan provides a safe haven for at-risk children, Turkey to finally come to terms with a many of whom have suffered from physical and sexual abuse, abandonment, poor dark chapter of Ottoman-Turkish history nutrition and homelessness are being cared for by a dedicated staff of committed and to recognize the Armenian professionals. In addition to helping children, the center also helps families by Genocide.” offering them medical and economic assistance. In 2000, Wiesel voiced his strong sup- Headquartered in New York, Fund for Armenian Relief (FAR) gives hope, guid- port for the Armenian Genocide resolu- ance and opportunity to those in need, empowering them to create a better pre- tion during the 106th Congress. In a let- sent and helping them pave the way to a stronger future. For further information ter to then International Relations Archbishop Khajag Barsamian celebrates mass about the Children’s Center and FAR other programs, visit farusa.org. see WIESEL, page 7 at the Holy Virgin Mary and Shoghagat Church. S A T U R D A Y , J U L Y 3 0 , 2 0 1 6 T H E A R M E N I A N M I R R O R - S P E C TAT O R 7 COMMUNITY NEWS ACYO Central Council Holds Seminar

ARMONK, N.Y. — Thirteen current and for- Diocese. Prime Healthcare Donates $777,000 mer Central Council members from across the On the following day, Dn. Diran Jebejian Armenian Church Youth Organization (ACYO) spoke about the history of the ACYO. The par- Of Medical Equipment to Artsakh of the Eastern and Western Dioceses came ticipants engaged in an open discussion about together in late June at St. Nersess Seminary what they would like to see in the ACYO and Through AAF for the 2016 ACYO North American opened the floor to suggestions on ways the Conference. Central Councils can improve their respective GLENDALE — Prime Healthcare Management, Inc, a division of Prime The weekend began with a quotation-and- organizations. The second session was led by Healthcare Services, one of the largest hospital management companies in the answer session led by former ACYOA Central Dn. Saro Kalayjian who discussed the responsi- U.S., has teamed up with Armenia Artsakh Fund (AAF) to donate and deliver Council chairs, Ani Grigorian and Jonathan bility of the youth as Armenian Christians liv- $777,000 of medical equipment and supplies to all hospitals in Artsakh. The dona- Pelaez. Adrienne Ashbahian led the group in a ing in the Diaspora. The afternoon continued tion includes hundreds of valuable medical items, including Defibrillators, Bible study that focused on cultivating leader- with a team building exercise. Electrosurgical units, Infant warmers, Infusion pumps, Sterilizers, and Temporary ship. The group read several verses from the In the evening, Grigorian and Pelaez led a Pacemakers. four gospels and engaged in discussion about discussion about building the future of the “In the last three years, our company has provided to Armenia and Artsakh ACYO. Newly graduated seminar- close to $5 million of medical equipment in eight 40 ft. containers,” said Michael ian Dn. Narek Garabedian pro- Sarian, President of Hospital Operations at Prime Healthcare Management, Inc., vided the group with a guided an award-winning Hospital Management company that operates 34 hospitals across reflection which focused on the the United States. “In 2014 and 2015, we provided $3.8 million of equipment for question, “Who are we?” When hospitals throughout Armenia, and this year, $777,000 of medical equipment to asked why our roots are impor- Artsakh, including $50,000 of various medical supplies donated by Medline tant, Sofia Dilsizian, ACYO Industries, Inc.” Central Council chair, shared a Since December 1, 2015, AAF delivered to Armenia and Artsakh a total of powerful response: “Trees can- $16 million worth of humanitarian aid on board 15 air shipments and 30 sea con- not grow without roots.” The tainers. night ended with evening service “The Armenia Artsakh Fund is regularly offered free of charge millions of dol- and a community service project lars worth of medicines and medical supplies. We would welcome your generous organized by Lauren Piligian, contributions to be able to transport these life-saving medical items to Armenia which involved assembling care and Artsakh,” stated Harut Sassounian, President of Armenia Artsakh Fund. packages for New York City’s For more information, contact the AAF office at 117 South Louise Street, #315, homeless. The packages were dis- Glendale, CA 91205. tributed by the young people on the following day. On Sunday morning, partici- pants travelled to St. Vartan ACYO participants stand with Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Armenian Cathedral in New York Primate of the Eastern Diocese, and the Very Rev. Emmanuel Atajanyan. City for the Divine Liturgy. Later that day, they met with Archbishop Elie Wiesel Remembered by ANI Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the what it means to be a leader. Friday night con- Eastern Diocese, and the Very Rev. Fr. WIESEL, from page 6 beginning in 1915 was genocide. The genocide cluded with evening worship led by the Very Emmanuel Atajanyan, a visiting priest from Subcommittee on Human Rights and began with the ruling government arresting Rev. Simeon Odabashian, Vicar of the Eastern Jerusalem. International Operations Chair Chris Smith (R- and executing several hundred Armenian intel- NJ), Wiesel stated: “It is my hope that the lectuals. After that, Armenian families were House will go on record calling upon the removed from their homes and sent on death President to make sure that all U.S. officials marches. The Armenian people were subjected dealing with human rights are educated about to deportation, expropriation, abduction, tor- the memory of the Armenian Genocide.” Wiesel ture, massacre and starvation. explained that the hate which drove the What happened to the Armenian people was Ottoman Empire to kill Armenians and the unequivocally genocide.” Nazis to murder Jews is still present in today’s The Romanian-born Wiesel who wrote in world. “Violence is the language of those who French contributed a preface to the 1986 can no longer express themselves with words,” French edition of Franz Werfel’s Forty Days of Wiesel added. Musa Dagh that had served as a source of inspi- In 2007, the Elie Wiesel Foundation for ration to Jewish fighters to resist certain death Humanity issued a statement signed by 53 during the 1943 Warsaw Ghetto Uprising. Nobel Prize laureates that called for the open- Wiesel said: “This novel is a masterpiece...This ing of the Turkish-Armenian border, civil soci- Armenian community became very close to me. ety cooperation, increased official contacts, and Written before the coming of Hitler, this novel an improvement in basic freedoms, noting that seems to foretell the future. How did Franz “Turkey should end discrimination against eth- Werfel know the vocabulary and the mecha- nic and religious minorities...Turks and nism of the Holocaust before the Holocaust - Armenians have a huge gap in perceptions over artistic intuition or historic memory?” the Armenian Genocide.” To address this gap, In 2013 Wiesel, who had been Professor of we refer to the 2003 “Legal Analysis on the Humanities at Boston University since 1976, sat Applicability of the United Nations Convention with Richard Hovannisian, Professor Emeritus on the Prevention and Punishment of the of History at UCLA, for an encounter at Crime of Genocide to Events which Occurred Chapman University in California that was During the Early Twentieth Century,” corrobo- billed as a “Conversation” between the two emi- rating findings of the International Association nent educators to discuss the moral obligation of Genocide Scholars. of mankind to honor and preserve the memory More recently Wiesel joined as co-chair with of the victims of the Armenian Genocide and Administrative Director actor George Clooney for the Aurora Prize for the Jewish Holocaust. With the unresolved case Awakening Humanity Selection Committee. The of the Armenian survivors in mind, Position new award annually bestowed in Yerevan, Hovannisian, who also served as founding Armenia, “on behalf of the survivors of the chairman of ANI, posed the question whether Manoogian Manor, Livonia, MI Armenian Genocide and in gratitude to their sav- there can ever be real justice for Holocaust vic- iors is granted to individuals whose actions have tims, to which Wiesel responded with a single had an exceptional impact on preserving human word: No. The Manoogian Manor is currently taking resumes for life and advancing humanitarian causes.” In his acceptance speech of the Nobel Peace the position of Administrative Director to head up our Perhaps Elie Wiesel’s most important legacy Prize in 1986, Elie Wiesel, reflecting upon his premier assisted care program. Founded by Alex and in Armenian-Jewish relations is located in the own commitment to standing witness to him- Marie Manoogian, we are a fully licensed non-profit 90 vital leadership role he played in persuading self, a young man who was sent to die in major Jewish organizations to step forward in Auschwitz and Buchenwald, said: bed facility, providing assisted living and personal care support of Armenian Genocide recognition. “And then I explain to him how naïve we services to seniors. With our recent multi-million dollar After consulting with Wiesel, who had long were, that the world did know and remained renovation we are an industry leader known for our bewailed governments remaining silent in the silent. And that is why I swore never to be silent face of genocide, the Anti-Defamation League whenever wherever human beings endure suf- outstanding resident care programs. Potential candi- (ADL) dropped its hesitation in 2007. In 2016, fering and humiliation. We must take sides. dates should have extensive experience in the industry. ADL’s CEO spoke forcefully, stating: Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the vic- An Assisted Living Administrator’s License will be “We have a similar responsibility to talk more tim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never required. Knowledge of the is a broadly and recall that in our own lifetime the the tormented. Sometimes we must interfere. world did not stand up against the horrors hap- When human lives are endangered, when plus. Interested candidates should email resumé with pening in Cambodia, Bosnia and Rwanda. Too human dignity is in jeopardy, national borders cover letter to: Manoogian Manor, Attn: Gregory often, the response to genocide has been glob- and sensitivities become irrelevant. Wherever Jamian at [email protected] al silence. men and women are persecuted because of So, let me be crystal clear: the first genocide their race, religion, or political views, that place of the 20th century is no different. What hap- must - at that moment - become the center of pened in the Ottoman Empire to the Armenians the universe.” 8 S ATURDAY, J ULY 3 0 , 2 0 1 6 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS Realtor Nahigian Lectures Across Country

NEWTON, Mass. — During the Spring of ered in Auburn, MA at the Board’s office and Holy Virgin Mary and Shoghagat 2016, Rob Nahigian of Auburndale Realty Co., covered all phases of commercial real estate was invited and spoke at a number of regional from marketing, to investment trends, industri- Church Marks 60 Years commercial real estate events throughout the al real estate and leasing nuances. This course U.S. as an industry subject matter expert and was presented to new commercial brokers and ANNIVERSARY, from page 6 Gregory Marifian thanked Pasamyan for commercial industry leader. was a good refresher for the seasoned atten- the Bellecourt Manor banquet hall in working closely with the altar servers to Nahigian delivered the program “Commercial dees. Belleville for a celebratory program. help them become better acquainted Lease Negotiations: When Know to Hold and Nahigian taught his Boston University Master of ceremonies Garen Vartanian with the Divine Liturgy. He also recalled Know When to Fold” to the Greenville (SC) Executive Semester Course “Commercial Lease gave welcoming remarks and introduced the late Very Rev. Shnork Kasparian, a Association of Realtors Commercial Division on Analysis” from April 29 to May1, to industry the guests seated at the dais: Archbishop longtime pastor of Holy Virgin Mary and March 11. More than 60 of the top commercial real estate practitioners. The course was deliv- Barsamian, Fr. Parsamyan, Diocesan Shoghagat Church, who he said first brokers, SIOR and CCIM members attended ered at Boston University in a 28-hour format to Council member Richard Norsigian, inspired him to serve on the altar. this full morning event in Greenville, SC. The a sold out class and included industry experts Parish Council Chair Paul Nersesian, Dn. “We take pride every week in seeing course dissected the top 5 commercial lease from both Brookline Bank, Stonewood Co., and George Marifian, and Anniversary you in the pews, worshipping, praying, clause issues for a landlord and for a tenant in former directors from SunMicro and Fidelity. Committee Chair Maggie Colliflower. and participating in the Eucharist as our today’s turbulent world of commercial lease The course dives into 55 commercial lease Nersesian recalled the original church ancestors have taught us, and it is a negotiations. The lender’s perspective was clauses from the perspective of the landlord, in East St. Louis and the sacrifices made blessing and a privilege that we get to incorporated into the subject issues as well and tenant and lender as well as the leasing process by the immigrant generation of serve you every week,” he said on behalf the pros and cons were debated. and financing/investment implications. The Armenians who were determined to build of the altar servers. On April 26, the Central Massachusetts class attendees included real estate lenders, real an Armenian Church in the greater St. A short film highlighting the history of Association of Realtors Commercial Alliance estate directors of end-users, New England Louis area. Holy Virgin Mary and Shoghagat Church engaged him to present the new NAR developers and brokers. “Our church was founded by the sur- and its present-day community was Commercial course “Discovering Commercial He then was invited to deliver “From vivors of the Armenian Genocide. The screened. Armenian musical selections were Real Estate.” This four hour program was deliv- Shanghai to Your Shelf” on May 4, for the formation of this church was part of the performed by parishioners Susan Norsigian, Seattle Commercial Broker’s Association and healing process for the survivors, and Ani Kramer and Giselle Krikorian. the SIOR Washington Chapter. More than 60 they took pride in it,” he said. “Today we Parsamyan expressed his gratitude to attendees were present from economic develop- are not without our challenges, but we the community for their warm welcome ers to the premier industrial brokers and devel- are moving forward, and I feel like we are over the past year. opers. He also toured the Seattle Port on a pri- gaining momentum in our efforts.” “Our ancestors built, sustained, and vate presentation made to him in preparation He went on to speak about the com- grew this parish with vision, determina- for this presentation. His four-hour program munity’s dedication in taking up the pro- tion, and love,” he said. “Let us carry this was delivered to its members in downtown ject of building a new sanctuary in legacy into the future with their bless- Seattle. The presentation reveals how corpora- Belleville, and noted the contributions of ings.” tions use mathematical formulas in the site individuals and church organizations in Archbishop Barsamian said he was selection decision-making in the world of logis- realizing this dream in the 1970s. Today, heartened to see the energy in the local tics/supply chain when importing from he said, the community is looking for- community, from the enthusiasm of the Shanghai to U.S. distribution centers and retail ward to passing the torch to a new gen- three altar servers to the dedicated locations. Over 280 slides include presentations eration of Armenians. preparation of the anniversary commit- of a dozen U.S ports, inland ports, intermodal Reflections were also offered by tee and all the parish organizations. pros and cons, 3PL, logistic hubs and internal Kelegian, who was instrumental in the “I pray that God will continue to bless building technology that has revolutionized early efforts to secure land and begin this community,” the Primate said. “May industrial real estate. construction of the current sanctuary in He continue to strengthen you and He again delivered “From Shanghai to Your Belleville, and Norsigian, who is original- inspire you as you embark to write a new Shelf” on June 8, for the Houston Association ly from the Holy Shoghagat community. chapter in the history of this wonderful of Realtors and the SIOR Houston/Gulf Coast The newly ordained sub-deacon parish.” Chapter. The Port of Houston sponsored this Realtor Rob Nahigian speaks in Seattle. event and more than 55 attendees were pre- sents. OBITUARY Nardolillo Funeral Home Est. 1906 Barrett G. Haik John K. Najarian, Jr. NEW ORLEANS (The Advocate) — Dr. cancer. Rhode Island’s Only Licensed Armenian Funeral Director Barrett G. Haik, a key figure in establishing the The New Orleans native also had deep ties to well-known Hamilton Eye Institute in Memphis, his hometown. His sister, Suzanne Haik Terrell, 1278 Park Ave. Cranston, RI 02910 (401) 942-1220 Tennessee, died Friday at his boathouse in New formerly served on the City Council and 1111 Boston Neck Rd. Narragansett, RI 02882 (401) 789-6300 Orleans. He was 64. became the first and only Republican woman www.nardolillo.com Haik worked to find treatments for various elected to statewide office in Louisiana. From types of eye cancers and partnered with institu- 2000 to 2004. she was the state’s commission- tions such as St. Jude Children’s Research er of elections. Hospital and Baptist Memorial Healthcare to Haik graduated from Metairie Park Country advance a mission of preventing blindness. Day High School, Centenary College and LSU He once helped treat former Louisiana Gov. Medical School. In 1986, he joined Tulane Kathleen Blanco after she was diagnosed with University as a professor of ophthalmology and choroidal melanoma, a rare and dangerous eye became medical director of the Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital. F UNERAL H OME In 1995, he was named chairman of the Giragosian University of Tennessee Health Science Center James “Jack” Giragosian, CPC Anahid M. department of ophthalmology, which he helped Mark J. Giragosian transform from a small department into the Funeral Counselors Zerdelian world-known Hamilton Eye Institute. 576 Mt. Auburn Street, Watertown, MA 02472, TEL: 617-924—0606 In an interview with the Memphis www.giragosianfuneralhome.com WATERTOWN — Anahid (Partamian) Commercial Appeal, Dr. Ralph S. Hamilton com- Zerdelian, 89, of Watertown, died on July 11, mended Haik for raising $100 million for the 2016. institute. She was born in Boston and was the former He also credited Haik for vastly improving the Telephone (617) 924-7400 manager of a retail photo shop. survival rate of children with retinoblastoma, a She was the wife of the late Ohaness Atam specific eye cancer. The diagnosis used to be a Zerdelian and daughter of the late Dickran and death sentence, Hamilton said, but now 90 per- Aram Bedrosian Yeranig (Aghayan) Partamian. cent of those children live. She leaves her son, Stephen Zerdelian of “That really is his legacy, I’d say,” Hamilton Funeral Home, Inc. Watertown; brother Harold Partamian and his told the Memphis newspaper. wife Gladys of Arlington; nephew Mark He also traveled twice a year to Panama to Continuous Service By The Bedrosian Family Since 1945 Partamian of Arlington and niece Donna operate field clinics to help poor people with Partamian Kutzer and her husband Ken of eye problems and diseases such as retinoblas- MARION BEDROSIAN Westwood. toma. 558 MOUNT AUBURN STREET PAUL BEDROSIAN Services were held at St. James Armenian Besides his sister, survivors include his chil- WATERTOWN, MA 02472 LARRY BEDROSIAN Church, 465 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown on dren, Christopher Barrett Haik and Claire Marie Saturday, July 16. Interment was in Ridgelawn Haik; two brothers, George M. Haik Jr. and Cemetery, Watertown. Kenneth Haik; and his companion Blanca Arrangements were made by the Giragosian Phillips. Funeral Home. A funeral was held Wednesday, July 27 at Expressions of sympathy may be made in her Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 memory to St. James Armenian Church. Pontchartrain Blvd., New Orleans. LIKE US ON FACEBOOK S ATURDAY, J ULY 3 0 , 2 0 1 6 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 9 COMMUNITY NEWS California State Board of Education Adopts Expanded Armenian Genocide Curriculum

SACRAMENTO — During its July 14 meeting, riculum framework and ensure that the Achadjian (R – San Luis Obispo) and Scott Wilk and work with text book publishers to effect the the California State Board of Education (CSBE) Armenian Genocide is taught in every class- (R – Santa Clarita). necessary changes. We are proud of the ANCA- adopted a new History-Social Studies curricu- room throughout the Golden State and Beginning in September of 2015, the ANCA- WR staff, elected officials and individuals who lum framework which will serve as a guideline beyond,” added Asatryan. WR, Genocide Education Project, gave days and hours of their time to reach this for public school teachers. This framework pro- “I want to thank all the groups and individ- Assemblymember Nazarian and the Armenian critical goal. This is a milestone for California vides improvements and expanded language uals from the Armenian community who took Legislative Caucus submitted proposed lan- Genocide Education and one that should be cel- and scope of information regarding the the time to get involved in this process, make guage changes and additions to the current cur- ebrated. The work now begins, not only to Armenian Genocide, according to the Armenian so many great comments and attend numerous riculum framework and attended the IQC hear- change the text books to match the frameworks National Committee of America – Western meetings,” said State Superintendent of Public ings to advocate for those but to also make certain that teachers teach the Region (ANCA-WR). Instruction Tom proposals. Submitted proposed language addi- Genocide content and teach it thoroughly,” The additions regarding the Armenian Torlakson. “This was tions and changes may be found online at noted ANCA-WR Education Committee Chair Genocide were a result of collaborative work an inclusive public www.ancawr.org/CAGenocideEducation. Just Alice Petrossian. between the ANCA-WR, the Genocide effort to broaden days before the July 14 meeting, the ANCA-WR Roxanne Makasdjian, a GenEd board mem- Education Project (GenEd), the Instructional knowledge of this ter- also launched a letter campaign, which resulted ber, played an integral role in the process and Quality Commission (IQC), Superintendent rible period in histo- in over 2,000 support letters being submitted to particularly in recommending language, and Tom Torlakson and a culmination of the initia- ry, learn more about the SBE on the subject from elected offi- was instrumental in obtaining assistance from tive taken by Assemblymember Adrin Nazarian world events, and cials, organizations, educators, officials, and res- an authority on Armenian History, Professor (D – San Fernando Valley) and the Armenian deepen our students’ idents throughout California. Stephan Astourian who is Director of the Legislative Caucus beginning with the understanding of the “This is a watershed moment; education and Armenian Studies Program at UC Berkeley, in Armenian Genocide Education Act (AB 1915), Armenian experience. vigilance are the keys to banishing the act of order to make sure that the language in the initiated by principal author Nazarian, which California students genocide to exist solely in the pages of history framework will be accurate. Professor Keith was signed into law in 2014. Superintendent Tom will be better pre- books,” stated Assemblymember Adrin Watenpaugh, an Armenian Genocide scholar Torlakson “Genocide education has been a top priority pared to succeed in Nazarian. “I am proud to have lead the legisla- at UC Davis who specializes in Modern Islam, for the ANCA-WR and the adoption of the new 21stcentury careers tive charge to pass the Armenian Genocide Human Rights and Peace, offered his expertise curriculum framework, with the additional lan- and college because of the contributions made Education Act (AB 1915). The decision by the to the California History Social Studies guage regarding the Armenian Genocide, will in our updated History/Social Science State of California Board of Education will Project, which is the organization within the further students’ understanding of crimes Frameworks,” he added. allow students across California to understand UC Davis History Department which has been against humanity and provide them with Representatives of the Armenian American and learn from the Armenian Genocide.” tasked with revising the Curriculum greater context regarding the interconnection community and the ANCA – WR, including The revised and newly adopted curriculum Framework. of such historical events, beginning with the Asatryan and Chief Legislative Consultant Haig framework include: “The Armenian Genocide is a significant and Armenian Genocide. We extend our heartfelt Baghdassarian were in Sacramento to testify The addition of key facts regarding the instructive moment in modern world history, appreciation to the State Board of Education, when the Board of Education deliberated adop- Armenian Genocide and its causes; said Makasdjian. “We’re gratified that our work the IQC, Superintendent of Public Schools Tom tion of the History-Social Studies Curriculum Reference regarding the clear link between to insure California’s History-Social Studies Torlakson, our Education Committee, GenEd, Framework. Assemblyman Nazarian traveled the Armenian Genocide and the Holocaust; and teachers are given more appropriate guidelines Assemblymember Nazarian, and the Armenian especially to Sacramento, in the midst of the Information regarding the unprecedented for teaching about it have been successful.” Legislative Caucus for their commitment and legislature’s summer recess, to have his voice American humanitarian response to the Asatryan expressed appreciation for the leadership as well as UTLA, SEIU, LAUSD, and those of his constituents heard by the Armenian Genocide—during which time, many voices who have lent their support in an President Zimmer and the thousands of organi- Board. through the first US Congressionally sanc- effort to enhance Armenian Genocide educa- zations, officials, leaders, and community mem- The ANCA – WR, the Genocide Education tioned humanitarian organization, the Near tion in California’s public schools. She stated bers who submitted letters of support, making Project, and the Armenian Legislative Caucus, East Relief, the United States and the American that “it was heartening to have the full support the language additions possible,” stated ANCA- in coordination with GenEd, led the way in people from every state, raised over 117 million of exemplary leaders like Superintendent WR Executive Director Elen Asatryan. “We ensuring that the IQC proposed, and that the dollars, saved over 1 million refugees, and over Torlakson and Steve Zimmer, President of the look forward to continuing our work with the Board of Education adopted an accurate and 132,000 orphans. Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Department of Education, Superintendent comprehensive treatment of the Armenian “The Social Studies Framework is critical to Education, among many other prominent edu- Torlakson and GenEd through our Education Genocide. Nazarian led the efforts of the the teaching of all content related to Social cation leaders and organizations lend their sup- Committee to make the necessary changes in Armenian Legislative Caucus, and his efforts Sciences, and most important for all Armenians port to our efforts.” In his letter to the IQC the textbooks that are reflective of the new cur- were supported by Assemblymen Katcho is the factual teaching of the Armenian committee, Zimmer noted that “Our curriculum Genocide and the support role provided by the quite literally shapes our students’ understand- USA Near East Relief. To effect change on any ing of the past and even more significantly pre- framework takes years. The ANCA-WR pares them to be the change agents who can Education Committee started this work 2 years build a better future.” ago, and has teamed up with leaders in Administrators and educators may obtain les- Genocide Education and elected officials to son plans and teaching materials on the make certain that students learn the true facts Armenian Genocide by contacting about Genocide. Committee members have GenEd [email protected] or visiting taken responsibility to write letters and meet teachgenocide.org. Donations to TCA Artsakh Fund PGA Club Professional Qualifies for 2016 PGA The Tekeyan Cultural Association of the US and Canada thanks the fol- Championship lowing individuals for their generous donations to the TCA Fundraising Drive for the Families of Wounded and Martyred Soldiers: WINDHAM, N.H. (Open Post) — Local PGA Golf Professional, Nazar and Artemis Nazarian, Englewood Cliffs, $10,000 Rich Berberian of Windham Country Club will be fulfilling a Albert Der Tatevasian, Fort Worth, TX, $1,000 lifelong dream when he tees it up in the 2016 PGA Championship, Harutun Vaporciyan, Beverly Hills, MI, $1,000 July 28-31 at Baltusrol Golf Club in Dr. Heratch O. Doumanian, Naperville, IL $250 Springfield, NJ. Berberian is one of 20 PGA club Arsavir Arat, El Paso, TX $200 professionals to qualify for the PGA Championship where he will Sonia Hagopian, Glen Mills, PA, $100 compete alongside defending Papken and Anahid Megerian, Newtown Square, PA $100 champion Jason Day, Rory McIlroy, Phil Mickelson, Jordan Spieth and Anonymous, $71 some of the greatest golfers in the world, in a major championship. TOTAL RECEIVED through July 25: $12,821.00 Competing on tour each week is the primary job of professional golfers, however, Berberian is a To participate in this campaign, please make your checks out to: PGA club professional and his day job responsibilities are vastly differ- Tekeyan Cultural Association, Inc. ent than a PGA tour player. His responsibilities consist of teaching Memo: Artsakh Fund lessons, overseeing member pro- grams, executing player develop- 755 Mount Auburn Street ment programs and growing the Watertown, MA 02472 game at the grassroots level, among other professional duties. This will be Berberian’s first appearance in a PGA Rich Berberian For more information, contact: 617 924-4455 or [email protected]. Championship. 10 S ATURDAY, J ULY 3 0 , 2 0 1 6 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS Rep. Jim Costa Visits, Speaks at American University of Armenia

YEREVAN and FRESNO — Congressman for being one of the Central Valley’s top real Jim Costa from California’s 16th estate development and asset/property man- Congressional District toured the American agement leaders. Kashian’s developments are University of Armenia (AUA) on July 20, as renowned throughout the Central Valley for part of a four-day visit to Armenia, which their beauty as well as their operational effi- included meetings with Armenian lawmakers. ciency. With a focus on developing his com- Over 150 people joined US Ambassador to munity, Kashian has become an iconic figure Armenia Richard Mills and Honorary Consul in the social, political and developmental fab- of Armenia to Fresno Berj Apkarian in hear- ric of Fresno. Long active in civic affairs, ing Rep. Costa speak about US-Armenia rela- Kashian has applied vision along with his fis- tions and the role of AUA. cal and financial management expertise to In his remarks, Costa announced the estab- many groups including Community Hospital lishment of an endowment at AUA by Fresno Medical System, University of California, resident Edward Kashian, reflecting the close Fresno Madera Agency on Aging, San existing relationship between California Joaquin River Trust and has served as the State University, Fresno (CSU Fresno) and environmental appointee to the San Joaquin AUA. He also touched upon his efforts in River Conservancy. Congress, the worldwide political climate, the Securing scholarships for promising stu- 2016 US presidential election, the realities of dents is a priority for AUA and will be a focus today’s Armenian-American community in of the 25th Anniversary Gala being held at Fresno, as well as the current situation in the Beverly Wilshire Hotel on November 19. Nagorno Karabagh (Artsakh). Longtime AUA benefactors Dr. Mihran and “You should just call me Jim Costigian” stat- Elizabeth Agbabian will be among those ed Rep. Costa, noting that while he may not be being honored for their ongoing generosity and commitment to the University. The evening’s keynote speaker will be entrepre- neur/philanthropist Ruben Vardanayn. Los Angeles community leaders Zaven Akian and Sinan Sinanian will serve as co-chairs. An exclusive clip previewing the upcoming film “The Promise” (directed by Terry George and starring Christian Bale, Oscar Isaac and Rep. Jim Costa with students at AUA Charlotte Le Bon) will also be shown.

Rep. Jim Costa

Armenian, he has grown up with Armenians. He continued his remarks by talking about his close relationship with Armenians in the Central Valley of California. “When I think of my first visit to Armenia, stepping foot on Armenian soil yesterday, I think in some ways I have come home,” stated Costa. He continued, “I have a special concern or relation because I grew up in Fresno, California, and I affection- ately refer to the land I grew up as the Land of William Saroyan.” Costa reasserted the fact that the Armenian Genocide was in fact genocide and remains hopeful the House of Representatives will recognize it as such. The congressman emphasized a stronger Armenia will develop as a result of close partnerships with American institutions such as AUA and CSU Fresno. He stated in his closing remarks, “It is why we educate young people at this fine University, as well as others around the world, about facts mattering and how you can make a difference. And that you are the future. Each and everyone one of you are the future. You do well, Armenia does well.” Throughout his talk, Rep. Costa stressed hoe facts matter when it comes to politics and that democracy isn’t easy, it’s a work in progress. Costa represents California’s 16th Congressional District which includes all of Merced County and parts of both Fresno and Madera Counties. Costa’s grandparents immi- grated to the United States from the Azores, and he is very proud of his Portuguese roots. Raised on a dairy farm in Fresno’s Kearney Park area, Congressman Costa is a third-gen- eration family farmer. Costa is a member of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues, and during his time in Congress, he has continually urged the Administration and Congress to appropriately recognize the Armenian Genocide. Costa has a close work- ing relationship with Armenians throughout the US. Philanthropist Edward Kashian is known S ATURDAY, J ULY 3 0 , 2 0 1 6 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 11 COMMUNITY NEWS Idealism and Love for Rhode Island Drive Young Politician

KAZARIAN, from page 1 ence,” she said. Two people have helped shape the young Education is important for her and she legislator: her mother, Michele Kazarian, and tries to volunteer at schools whenever she President Barack Obama. can. “Reading Week at the local elementary Kazarian recalled the effect of the words of school is one of my favorite things,” she said. Obama, her graduation’s surprise speaker. She also interacts with the students through “He was calling on everybody to take part mock legislative sessions at the school. “It in public service, especially young people. It makes me proud that more and more young really sat well with me,” she recalled in a girls raise their hands” and show interest in recent interview. She noted that Obama him- politics, she said. self had taken part in community activism One bill that has meant much to her has after graduation and thus, his words inspired been the bill about mandating the teaching her. of the Armenian Genocide at schools in She said she decided to return back to East Rhode Island. Gov. Gina Raimondo signed a Providence and take part in a political cam- bill in June, which mandates that beginning in fall 2017, school districts will have to edu- cate middle or high school students about the subject at least once before they graduate from high school. An earlier bill made cur- riculum materials available on the subject. Now, teaching the subject is mandatory. The passage of the bill, Kazarian said, “was one of my proudest moments. It mandates the teaching of all genocides and the Holocaust.” State Rep. Katherine S. Kazarian with some of her constituents “I am glad that Rhode Island is such a won- derful state and recognizes the Armenian Genocide,” Kazarian said. she said. “We were even able to pass it on much and were able to come together and “My hope is that this increases awareness. Yom Hashoah,” Holocaust Memorial Day. “All introduce this bill on the House floor.” I was really so happy to work on that bill,” of our common ties had gone through so The entire House, she said, supported the measure. She explained that when she initially ran, she wanted to plow through legislation and enact change quickly. Now, she said, she has realized that the long process for a bill, from start to finish, actually serves a purpose. “When we quickly pass things and they are not vetted, it is not the best solution,” she said. It is better to thoroughly go through a State Rep. Katherine S. Kazarian bill and make sure that it can stand. Kazarian said that she was especially proud that last year, during the Genocide paign as a volunteer. However, she soon saw centennial, that so many Armenians came that the seat for her district was open and together around the world to mark the his- decided to seek the office herself. She won toric anniversary. the four-way Democratic primary, being the “I love our home country, but I cannot for- only woman and the youngest aspirant. get the Armenian Genocide,” she said. “It was a long journey,” she said. According to her office, she received a leg- Her mom, Michele, she said, always islative award from the National Association inspired her and her sister, Jackie, to do bet- of Social Workers for her bill which would ter and to give back to the community. require all public schools to have at least one “My mom raised us as a single mother. full-time certified school social worked for Education was always so important,” she every 400 students. She also sponsored a bill said. “It was also important to be involved, to that prohibits insurance companies from read. The big thing in our household was to varying the premium rates charged for health be a good member of the community. Really coverage based on the gender of the policy- it is a big reason as to why I am in what I am holder. in.” She currently serves as a member of the Kazarian said that it is important for her to House Corporations Committee and the interact with her constituents. State Rep. Katherine S. Kazarian with some students in her district. House Rules Committee. In addition, she is “Facebook and Twitter make all the differ- the chair of a legislative commission tasked with examining care administered to individ- uals with rare diseases, a committee created as a result of her efforts. In Rhode Island, the job of a state repre- sentative is part time, from January through June. Her “day job,” so to speak, is at Upserve, a tech start up in Providence. She also hopes to set a positive example for many millennials to stay in Rhode Island. “More young people are involved in poli- tics,” she said. “It changes the game.” She also encouraged more Armenian Americans to participate in politics, as they can make issues important to them so much more visible. Kazarian, now a two-term veteran, is up for reelection on November 8. She has one oppo- nent in the general election, but she hopes to win and represent her beloved community. She explained, “The reason I ran initially was that I know my district. As far as running for other office, I’ll never count it out, but I am happy to serve my community.” The humble Kazarian also notes on her re- election website that yes, she attended Columbia and was a member of the universi- ty’s PEACE volunteer organization, traveling to homeless shelters and public schools in Harlem to teach conflict resolution skills and conduct community workshops, but she has also worked as a waitress to pay the bills. To learn more about Kazarian, visit her page on Facebook at https://www.face- book.com/katherine.kazarian63/ or visit http://www.votekazarian63.com/ 12 S ATURDAY, J ULY 3 0 , 2 0 1 6 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS

The gala is a first for the Atlantic White Shark ply respond to submit a higher bid. This, ideally, Auction Bids Get Conservancy, which has now merged with the creates competition leading to bidding wars and Chatham Shark Center. Kazarian’s mother, thus driving the proceeds up. Ronna, who lives in East Orleans, is a supporter of Accelevents also streamline the payment process Technology Boost the Conservancy’s president, Cynthia Wigren, and so people can pay on their own device which mini- she told her son to reach out and see if they want- mizes the checkout line, Kazarian explained. ed to use Accelevents. Although it’s a computer- or phone-based expe- By Doreen Leggett They did. rience, Hagopian and Kazarian will be on hand “The fact that they created this software, are the night of the gala helping people if they need helping non-profits, and have a local connection, it. It’s another reason to get to the Cape. (They BOSTON (Wicked Local Chatham) — When it’s a perfect fit,” Jennifer Allard, who is organizing also did another event on the Cape recently – the Jonathan Kazarian’s little cousin got cancer sever- the gala, said. Figawi Ball.) al years ago Kazarian put on a fund-raiser for She said the gala is sold out but Accelevents “I’ve spent summers in the Harwich/Chatham Dana Farber Cancer Institute and naturally, his allows them to put the auction items — which area since I was about 8 years old. One place that childhood pal Zach Hagopian was there helping include everything from artwork from local arti- is extremely special to me in North Beach Island. Accelevents co-founders Jonathan Kazarian and him out. sans to Red Sox tickets to shark trips — online so While the beach changes each year, I have been Zach Hagopian at the Figawi Charity Ball. The event was held at New England Aquarium they can reach more people. And that means a bet- going there with my family and friends since I was and raised $67,000, Kazarian remembers, and he ter chance to raise more funds for the white shark a child. Jon and I actually met on that beach when said it went very well. Except for one detail. research the Conservancy is doing in Cape waters. we were kids (15 years ago). Since then, we’ve From the age of 7 on he wanted to get his “The paper ticket raffle was a nightmare,” Plus, the price is right. shared tons of great memories on the island Scuba license and was thrilled that when he Kazarian said. “Two of our biggest goals were to create an including pig roasts and clambakes,” said turned 14 he could finally get it. But Kazarian said Afterwards Kazarian and Hagopian were talk- experience that was both easy to use and afford- Hagopian, whose dad still lives in Harwich. it was only two years later that sharks began to ing and thought wouldn’t it be great if folks could able. Luckily, most of the feedback we’ve received Kazarian said he has fond memories of working make more and more frequent appearances off the bid online or by text message — even if they has revolved around these two qualities,” said at Sundae School and also teaching sailing at the shores of the Cape. As a “Shark Week” buff with weren’t at the event. Hagopian. Orleans Yacht Club and he and Hagopian hold his brother he is very impressed with the animal “We ended up building a company around it,” The co-founders also said another problem with fund-raisers, albeit without silent auctions, regu- but knows he is sharing the ocean with them so he said. paper bids is people have to constantly check the larly on the beach. This July 3 they held one for he may be diving a bit less. That company is Accelevents and is handling bidding station to see if they have been outbid. the Wounded Warriers Project on Nauset Spit. “I am a little scared of sharks,” he said with a the silent auction for the Great Shark Gala on July With Accelevents, people receive an instant text “I’ve always been obsessed with the water,” he small laugh, saying he was willing to give then 24 at Chatham Bars Inn. message when they are outbid and they can sim- said. their space.

Armenian Society of Los Angeles Celebrates 60th Anniversary with Various Events GLENDALE — The Board of Trustees of the Armenian Society of Los Angeles (ASLA), on behalf of its 1,500 members, will celebrate the Society’s 60th anniversary with four spectacular events. is occasion, the head- quarters of ASLA will be named after Ludovica and Agop Aintablian. In addition On August 27, a Gala Dinner is planned to celebrate the 60th anniversary of ASLA and the 50th wedding anniversary of grand bene- factors Ludovica and Agop Aintablian. On th, the library and conference room will be named after Audrey and Vaughn Gregor; the VIP and Reading Room, after Galust Babakhanian and family and the main lobby, after Sinan and Angela Sinanian. Next, on September 24, ASLA will cele- brate the 25th anniversary of the indepen- dence of the Republic of Armenia. On October 2, a Grand Concert is planned featuring internationally-known violinist Sergey Khachaturian accompanied by the Los Angeles Symphony Orchestra. The con- cert, dedicated to the 25th anniversary of Armenia’s independence and the 60th anniversary of ASLA, will be held at the Ambassador Auditorium in Pasadena. And finally, on November 19, ASLA will honor its past and present presidents during its Annual Dinner Dance. ASLA, a non-profit organization, was estab- lished in 1956. It aims to preserve and devel- op American and Armenian cultural tradi- tions and promote good citizenship and respect for government.

Ludovica and Agop Aintablian S ATURDAY, J ULY 3 0 , 2 0 1 6 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 13 Arts & Living

Authors Bohjalian, (ALEX GOLDEN / L.A. TIMES) ALEX GOLDEN INTERVIEW Zanoyan Join Mer Doon Advisory Board Geoffrey ECHMIADZIN, Armenia — Internationally acclaimed and bestselling author Chris Bohjalian and global energy expert and author Vahan Zakarian Zanoyan have joined Mer Doon’s new Advisory Board. Their role will be to impart strategic advice and non-financial support to the organi- Broadway Jazz Fest at zation. Lambs Club in Manhattan Bohjalian has penned 18 novels, most of which were New York Times bestsellers. His work has NEW YORK (Total Food Service) — Geoffrey been translated into over 30 languages and have Zakarian could never be accused of having idle been turned into movies three times. His books hands or resting on his laurels. have been chosen as Best Books of the Year by He trained at the Culinary Institute of the Washington Post, the St. Louis Post- America (CIA) in New York before working Dispatch, the Hartford Courant, the Milwaukee under Daniel Boulud at Le Cirque in the Journal-Sentinel, Publishers Weekly, Library 1980s. Fast forward 30 years and Zakarian is a Journal, Kirkus Reviews, Bookpage, and Salon. published author, owner of six restaurants and His awards include the ANCA Freedom Award a hospitality company in addition to his TV for his work educating Americans about the appearance as a judge on “Chopped” and “Iron Armenian Genocide; the ANCA Arts and Letters Charlie Boghosian, owner of Chicken Charlie’s, holds an order of his creation, steak and lobster nachos, on July 16 at the Orange County Fair. Chef America.” Award for The Sandcastle Girls, as well as the The Massachusetts native’s latest endeavor Saint Mesrob Mashdots Medal. His novel, is the Broadway Jazz Fest, a brunch series Midwives, was a number one New York Times where attendees can enjoy a great meal at the bestseller, a selection of Oprah’s Book Club, and What You Should be Eating at the Lambs Club in Manhattan while watching a New England Booksellers Association some of Broadway’s brightest stars perform Discovery pick. He is a Fellow of the Vermont show tunes and jazz standards. The series con- Academy of Arts and Sciences. Orange County Fair: Nutella, ‘Game sists of six Sunday performances that kicked He lives in Vermont with his wife, the photog- off with Tony Yazbeck from the Broadway rapher Victoria Blewer. Their daughter, Grace Of Thrones’-Inspired Hot Dogs show “Neverland.” Experience, is a young actor in New York City. Where did this idea come from? What was Among the audiobooks she has narrated are COSTA MESA, Calif. (LA Times) — The Orange County fair opened this week in the inspiration behind it? Close Your Eyes, Hold Hands and The Guest Costa Mesa, and its new food additions have already taught us several lessons: Since opening The Room. You can fry anything if you set your mind to it, fusion knows no bounds and bacon Lambs Club has belongs on everything. Here are several of the newest additions to the fair’s food been a supporter of scene: the Broadway com- If you’re with the fair’s early crowd and want to try some breakfast, you may want munity in part to check out Bacon A-Fair’s new French toast bacon bombs. These balls of sweet because of our loca- dough are filled with cream cheese, wrapped with bacon, deep-fried and topped tion but also because with whipped cream, syrup and cinnamon sugar. And each one comes on a stick, in of the history of the case you want to share. building. We have Biggy’s owner Dominic Palmieri said last year’s bacon-wrapped pork belly went worked with many over well with the fair crowd. And that’s why this year he decided to step it up a Geoffrey Zakarian shows throughout notch by debuting a bacon-wrapped pork belly corndog. It’s pork belly on a stick the years and wrapped in two feet of bacon, breaded and fried with your choice of dipping sauce. because of our existing live music program- Chris Bohjalian, Vahan Zanoyan If hearing “fried butter” makes you want to eat a salad and run around the block, ming we felt that combing the two was a per- you aren’t alone. But in reality, eating a fried butter ball is like eating a mini rolled- fect fit. up pancake, unless you actually eat the glob of butter in the middle, by itself. To Why is a series like this important to you? Bohjalian shared, “I was so impressed by the make fried butter or “butter balls,” butter is frozen, slathered in batter, fried and It is always important to me to be a part of young women I met at Mer Doon last year and then topped with syrup and powdered sugar. the communities that my restaurants are in, so moved by their stories. These are smart, For $8, you get four butter balls or one fried Nutella. To make fried Nutella, the and as a New Yorker the arts have always courageous, remarkable young people. And I was chocolate hazelnut spread is frozen, dipped in batter, fried and served on a stick. played an important role in my life. so honored to glimpse the incredible work of Mer Staying true to its Hollywood theme, both of Pink’s Hot Dogs’ new items are pop How did you come to decide on a charity to Doon. It is a home, with all that word connotes, culture-inspired. The Daenerys Mother of Doggies is a not-so-subtle nod to “Game donate funds to? and it is changing lives in meaningful and impor- of Thrones” character Daenerys Targaryen. The owners Dale and Celia Smith are Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS does tant ways.” fans of the show who said they wanted to create something inspired by the fireproof such great work. It has always been a charity Vahan Zanoyan is an author, traveler and glob- character. So they took their spicy Polish dog and made it hotter with Sriracha, The Lambs Club supports and is a near and al energy expert. With more than 35 years of sauerkraut, onions and red radish. They top it with some sour cream to cool it dear charity to the entire Broadway communi- experience, he served as the Chief Executive down, but you still need water with this one. ty. It was a natural fit. Officer of First Energy Bank, and President of The Lord of the Rings Dog consists of a beef hot dog, onion rings and barbecue Did you decide on who you wanted for PFC Energy International, a part of PFC Energy, sauce. Because the super spicy dog isn’t for everyone, the Smiths said they’ve sold Broadway musicians or did you have some- Inc. Zanoyan serves as a consultant to numerous more Lord of the Rings Dogs. one finding top talent? international and national oil companies, banks, If fried food isn’t on your diet, Dara and Dane Baldwin’s smoothie booth has a We collaborated with the advertising, mar- and other private and public organizations new pineapple drink on the menu. It’s a blend of pineapple juice and cream of keting and branding agency Spotco, who rep- throughout the United States, the Middle East, coconut topped with coconut shavings (there’s no added sugar). And you drink it resent many of the leading Broadway shows. the Far East and Latin America. He has travelled right out of an open pineapple, complete with an umbrella. Next to the smoothie What makes the Lambs Club an ideal place extensively throughout the world in both his pro- booth is the couple’s cinnamon roll booth, where they are sticking to the traditional for this sort of event series? fessional and personal life. Zanoyan has pub- cinnamon rolls. Since its inception six years ago The Lambs lished two volumes of poetry. “We don’t mess with that,” Dara said. Club has supported up and coming New York Most notably, he published a debut novel in There’s nothing wrong with classic fried chicken either, so why doesn’t Chicken City artists through events, hosting them post- 2013, called A Place Far Away and its sequel, Charlie’s just serve that? show and weekly music nights. The arts com- The Doves of Ohanavank in 2014, both of which “I wanted to have fun with it,” said owner Charlie Boghosian, also known as munity feels endeared to the restaurant and tackle the horrifying activities of trans-national Chicken Charlie. bar as it is a place that they often call “home” criminal organizations engaged in human and New to Chicken Charlie’s this year are bacon-wrapped fried chicken legs; chicken when they are away from their own home. sex trafficking in Armenia and the Middle East. in a waffle on a stick; and steak and lobster nachos. Yes, you can eat steak and lob- When you say you are curating, to what point Zanoyan is widely regarded as one of few writers ster at the fair — grilled steak and fried lobster are tossed with Doritos and nacho are you involved in things like menus and with extensive knowledge and understanding of cheese. drinks? trafficking. He currently divides his time Fair food is a family business for the Boghosians. Chicken Charlie’s brother, Tony As chef partner, I oversee every aspect of the between Southern California, Armenia and the Boghosian, runs the Pineapple Express booth, which has a new creation of its own. food and beverage, as well as guest experience. Middle East. The brothers decided to put their own spin on their favorite restaurant dish I have a great team in the kitchen and front Zanoyan stated, “Mer Doon is a formidable — shrimp fried rice. Rice balls are breaded and fried and placed on a stick with fried that makes it all come to life. It is just like a organization which performs a critical function shrimp. You can dip them in soy, cocktail or teriyaki sauce. Broadway show every day. We all work togeth- in Armenia, by providing a nurturing home to Texas Donuts has a new doughnut, and just like all its other doughnuts, it’s def- er to get ready for “curtain!” young girls as they get dismissed from orphan- initely meant to be shared. The “s’moreo” has everything a s’more has — marsh- Is this the first year of the event? If so, what ages upon turning 18. My wife and I have visited mallow creme, chocolate and graham cracker — but this booth added crushed Oreos are the plans for the future? Mer Doon in Echmiadzin on several occasions, to the mix. This is the inaugural year of what we hope and love seeing the wonderful and talented resi- see FOOD, page 14 will be an annual series for the Broadway com- dents there as often as we can.” munity and enthusiasts to enjoy. see MER DOON, page 14 14 S ATURDAY, J ULY 3 0 , 2 0 1 6 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARTS & LIVING

‘Music for Moderns: The Partnership of George Avakian and Anahid Ajemian’

LIONEL GALSTAUN PHOTO By Will Friedwald

NEW YORK (Wall Street Journal) — The central image of the exhibition “Music for Moderns: The Partnership of George Avakian and Anahid Ajemian” shows the young couple traveling somewhere in Europe in 1949, standing next to both a train and an automobile. Somehow that seems like a perfect metaphor for the Avakians: He is one of the greatest record producers in the history of jazz, while she was a concert violinist and a leading figure in the world of contemporary classical music. A locomotive and a car are inherently different kinds of vehicles, but they both can transport you from one place to another and, ultimately, get you to where you’re going. “Music for Moderns,” at the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts through September 24, is an exhibit of personal photographs, album covers, con- tracts, vintage news releases, concert programs and other items from the couple’s papers. The exhibition is dedicated to Ajemian, who died on June 13, a few weeks before it was scheduled to open. The most striking feature of the show is an impressive Anahid Ajemian and George Avakian in Europe in 1949. sequence of larger-than-life reproductions of classic albums produced by Avakian that line the upper walls of the Astor Gallery — from his pioneering 78 rpm collec- tions (he is generally credited as having produced the devoted to his work with Goodman, Armstrong (includ- introduced Avakian — then head of world music at very first jazz albums), starting in 1940, to his heyday as ing Satchmo’s original lyric sheet to Mack the Knife, a Columbia — to the Hindustani virtuoso Ravi the head of multiple divisions at Columbia Records in hit single produced by Avakian), Duke Ellington, Miles Shankar, whom Avakian summarily recorded for the 1950s and later work with such notable jazz post- Davis, Dave Brubeck, Sonny Rollins and others. Columbia (and whom the label photographed posing on modernists as Charles Lloyd and Keith Jarrett. There are also photographs and materials relating to a rug borrowed from Avakian’s father, a carpet mer- Avakian has an impressive track record in producing his personal life, from his early days in Armavir (then chant). what are widely regarded, in many cases, as the greatest part of Armenia, now part of Russia), where he was born Possibly the most rewarding section of the show is a works by the major names in jazz, such as “Ellington at in 1919, to his World War II service and his marriage to series of concert programs and photos devoted to the Newport,” “Louis Armstrong Plays W.C. Handy” Ajemian in 1948. She had been born in Manhattan to Avakians’ most successful work together professionally, and Miles Davis’s “Miles Ahead,” as well as two of the Armenian immigrant parents in 1924 and was already a 1957 concert series at Town Hall that combined jazz most celebrated live albums ever, Benny Goodman’s clas- famous as part of a duo with her sister, Maro, a concert and classical music — Duke Ellington (premiering his sic 1938 Carnegie Hall Concert (which gave us the essen- pianist. Such Sweet Thunder) alongside Dimitri tial version of Sing, Sing, Sing) and Erroll Garner’s Anahid was an indefatigable supporter of new com- Mitropoulos and the Ajemian sisters. Like the primary “Concert by the Sea.” posers, such as the avant-gardists John Cage and Henry photo, which is also on the cover of the brochure devot- The exhibition is organized largely around Avakian’s Cowell, and, most successfully, the Armenian-Scottish- ed to the exhibit, those concerts are symbolic of a relationships with these jazz giants, starting with a 1936 American composer Alan Hovhaness, whose work was remarkable couple who, though they may have dwelled interview he did with Goodman for his high-school news- more straightfowardly melodic but no less strikingly in different areas of music, traveled together to reach paper, the Horace Mann Record. Then there are sections original. It was Hovhaness, the exhibition reveals, who the same destination.

What You Should be Eating at the Orange County Fair

FOOD, from page 13 baked potato (Bacon A-Fair), All American Recipe Tasti Burger added two new burgers to its Reuben burger (Grant’s Tasti Burger), pickle menu this season, including the bacon cheddar fries and pickled Cheese on a stick (Pickle O’ brat burger. It has your burger basics: meat, Pete’s), Som-Mor-Bacon (Fruit Caboose), cheese, lettuce and tomato. But this burger is bison burger (Juicy’s), lasagna sandwich Corner topped with a bratwurst, bacon and barbecue (Pignotti’s Pasta), Oreo churro (Dutchmen’s sauce as well. Funnel Cake). Also new this year: Bacon Nutella pickle The Orange County Fair is open noon to mid- by Christine Vartanian Datian (Pickle O’ Pete’s), deep-fried pizza log (Apple night Wednesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to Fries), Diabilito sundae (Fruit Caboose), midnight Saturday and Sunday. The fair will Kool-Aid hot wings (Chicken Charlie’s), Dole continue until August 14 at 100 Fair Drive in Grilled Caprese Sandwiches whip (Crutchee’s Ice Cream), bacon-wrapped Costa Mesa. Here's a gourmet marriage of grilled cheese sandwiches and Caprese salad, best made in summer, when tomatoes and basil are at their peak. INGREDIENTS Authors Bohjalian, Zanoyan Join Mer 8 slices (about 11 oz.) rustic sourdough or Italian country bread 2 large garlic cloves, halved Doon Advisory Board 1 tablespoon olive oil 8 slices (6 oz.) mozzarella cheese MER DOON, from page 13 2 ripe heirloom tomatoes, thinly sliced Stephen Ashekian, Chairman of Mer Doon, stated, “We are truly honored that Chris 1/2 cup thinly sliced roasted red peppers and Vahan have agreed to become Advisory Board members. I believe when great people 16 large basil leaves support a great cause, it’s a win-win for everyone.” About 1/2 tsp. kosher salt Many corporate, organizational, and individual supporters help advance Mer Doon’s About 1/2 tsp. pepper mission. Mer Doon’s corporate and organizational partners include U.S. Embassy Women’s Mentoring Program, Embassy of Lithuania, Microsoft Armenia, Megerian PREPARATION Carpet, Fund for Armenian Relief (FAR), Society for Orphaned Armenian Relief (SOAR), 1. Rub a side of each slice of bread with a cut side of garlic and brush with oil. Layer the Echmiadzin Municipality, Gavar Orphanage, Vanadzor Orphanage, Armenia Tree Project, plain side of half the bread with cheese, tomatoes, and peppers, dividing evenly. Top with Armenian Eyecare Project (AECP), SOS Children’s Village, and St. John Armenian remaining bread, garlic side up. Church – Detroit Women’s Guild. 2. Cook 2 sandwiches at a time in a large frying pan over medium-low heat, covered, turn- Mer Doon provides orphaned and disadvantaged young women (ages 18-24) a loving ing sandwiches once, until golden brown and cheese is melted, 6 minutes. and nurturing place to call “home.” Our mission is to educate and empower them with 3. Tuck 4 slices basil into each sandwich. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. skills to live independently in mainstream society. The organization’s Co-Founder and --Originally published in Sunset Magazine, August 2010. Executive Director, Tigranuhi Karapetyan, manages the daily operations of the program. Go to: http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/grilled-caprese-sandwiches Mer Doon is located in Echmiadzin, Armenia. It is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit orga- nization in the State of Connecticut and a nongovernmental organization registered in Christine's recipes have been published in the Fresno Bee, Sunset and Cooking Light the Republic of Armenia. It has no political or religious affiliations. Tax-deductible dona- Magazines, and athttp://www.thearmeniankitchen.com/ tions can be made by going to www.mer-doon.com and clicking on “Donate”. For infor- For Christine's recipes that have been published in Sunset and Cooking Light Magazines, mation, please email www.mer-doon.com. Visitors are always welcome! go to: http://www.myrecipes.com/search/site/Datian S ATURDAY, J ULY 3 0 , 2 0 1 6 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 15 ARTS & LIVING

tinues. I have addressed the wounds inflicted upon our collective Perhaps it was written by the gods that my great-grandfather No Reconciliation consciousness from a safe distance, occupying myself with the was never supposed to live a long life; he contracted gastro- big picture. However, when I consider the details of my own fam- enteritis and died at the age of 42. Abraham’s body succumbed ily’s survival of the genocide, the unrelenting weight of history to illness during the months preceding my father’s birth. becomes too much to bear. It is when I pause and reflect on their Armenag would never be held by the man to whom he ultimately Without suffering that I feel the blade of the Ottoman gendarme’s bayo- owes his existence. net wedged between my own shoulder blades. I find it painfully humbling that I too am here because of My father, Armenag, first son of Vahe and Rebecca Kazandjian, Abraham’s bravery, because he didn’t cry out in terror when he Recognition: was born in Cairo in 1951. He carries the middle name of witnessed his siblings’ throats being cut. I am here because of Abraham, in honor of his maternal grandfather, Abraham the selflessness of three teenage boys, who spent their final Tudjarian. The holy city of Urfa was the birthplace of the prophet moments directing their little brother away from the suffering A Personal History of the Abraham/Ibrahim. In the 5th century, Mesrop Mashtots created that awaited them. I am here because of the kindness of a name- the Armenian alphabet there, signaling less Turkish family. I exist Armenian Genocide the dawn of Armenian literature and because Ovssana defied soci- ensuring the survival of our ancestors as etal expectation and refused a distinct people. On the eve of the to persist with loveless matri- Genocide, Urfa was home to the mony; my great-grandmother By Robert Kazandjian Tudjarian family and 45,000 other would not allow true happi- Armenians. In the scorching summer of ness to escape her. I exist On April 24, 2015 Armenians worldwide commemorated the 1915, Ottoman soldiers arrived at the because of the love that grew centenary of the Armenian Genocide. In 1915, Ottoman author- Tudjarians’ property. Abraham was 6 and blossomed in the dark- ities arrested approximately 250 prominent Armenian communi- years old and the youngest of four broth- ness. ty figures and intellectuals in Constantinople, the majority of ers. His parents were taken away. He The story of my family’s whom were executed. The great poet Daniel Varoujan was dis- would never again play backgammon survival is not unique. The emboweled before his eyes were gouged out. The carnage spread with his mother. He would never again Armenian diaspora in its near like a malignancy across the land; cultural leaders were rounded feel his father’s kiss on his forehead. The entirety is directly descended up and murdered, silencing voices of resistance and leaving com- soldiers returned. Abraham’s brothers from genocide survivors. munities vulnerable to attack. Tens of thousands of able-bodied suggested that as he was so small and Families are bound as one by Armenian men serving in the Ottoman Army were forced to dis- slight, he hide in the barn. The older separate tragedies that form arm, transferred to labor battalions and then butchered by bay- boys insisted that no matter what he the arching narrative of our onet or gunshot while performing work duties. Wholesale depor- heard or saw, Abraham must remain hid- suffering, rubbishing the tation of all Armenians from Eastern Anatolia to concentration den amongst the straw. Cowering in his denialist arguments proposed camps in the scorching Syrian Desert was ordered. Deportation hiding place, Abraham looked on as his by successive Turkish govern- was code for massacre. Men, women and children were slaugh- brothers’ young lives ended beneath the ments. tered. The barbaric methodology varied. Those who survived the shade of olive trees. I have been researching my death marches were left to starve in the camps. One and a half Abraham conquered the terror that family’s experiences with my million lives were lost. gripped him, emerging from the barn a cousin, Michelle Magarian. Fuelled by a pan-Turkic ideology, the chauvinist nationalist day or two after his brothers were mur- Her great-grandparents on wing of the Young Turk Movement, under the banner of the dered. He stumbled through the broken, Abraham and Ovssana Tudjarian her mother’s side of the fami- Committee of Union and Progress, planned and conducted the bloody ruins of his community. On the ly, Flora and Minas Armenian Genocide. The First World War created ideal condi- brink of exhaustion, Abraham was offered Kuyumijian, lived in the town tions for systematic annihilation to take place, allowing the shelter and warmth by a Turkish family of Albãstan. They had three Armenian minority to be cast as a threat to national security. who were repulsed by the Ottoman government’s brutal cam- children together; two boys and an infant girl. The Kuyumijians Mustafa Kemal Ataturk’s modern Turkish republic, soaring from paign. From there he was sent to one of many orphanages for were forced from their home and ordered in to separate depor- the ashes of the Ottoman Empire, was built on the myth of resis- Armenian children in Greece. One imagines this decision was tation marches towards the concentration camps surrounding tance against the imperial powers. The truth was that his imme- made with his safety in mind, given the fervor and fanaticism Deir-ez-Zor, in the Syrian Desert. Deportation marches became diate predecessors had expunged minority peoples from their with which the genocide was undertaken. In total, orphanages in death marches. Ottoman gendarmes escorting caravans of homeland, creating the monolithic state Ataturk desired. Greece became sanctuaries for around 15,000 Armenian chil- Armenians were ferocious in their violence, bayoneting and Kemalists initiated the vehement denial of the genocide, refusing dren. It was in this safe space that Abraham would meet Ovssana, shooting whomever they pleased. The gendarmes also allowed to acknowledge that large Armenian communities ever existed in a fellow orphan from Urfa. We know nothing of the trauma she members of the Special Organization, a special forces unit under Turkey. Propaganda depicted the Armenian minority as a rebel- endured, of the horrors her childish eyes witnessed. Armenian the War Department, to massacre and rape deportees. lious, violent insurgency and attributed deaths to internal con- women often carried the burden of their suffering in silence. Minas was able to escape; hiding amongst the corpses that lit- flict. This has been the Turkish governmental line of argument Patriarchy created the space for misplaced shame, meaning the tered the Anatolian countryside, he survived the passage to Syria from Ataturk to Erdogan. sexual abuse that took place during the genocide was seldom dis- alone. Flora was made to undress by her tormentors. It is likely Coupled with the ideological reasons behind the Turkish cussed openly. United in grief, the two would eventually fall in that she was raped, though she would not talk about that aspect state’s perpetual denial of the Armenian Genocide are the prac- love, only to be separated when Ovssana joined relatives in Cairo of her ordeal. Then, on the lush banks of the Euphrates, Flora’s tical reasons. Recognition of the Genocide would strengthen the who had escaped the killing. hands and feet were bound with rope. She watched as the gen- darmes drowned her children. Begging to die, she too was hurled into the water. However, Flora’s instinctive desire to preserve her own life was strong and she was able to cling to the vegetation that fringed the river. A Turkish peasant rescued her, offered her clothes and then concealed her amongst the produce in the back of his cart. He personally facilitated Flora’s transit to Syria. Fate then intervened; Flora and Minas were miraculously reunited in Deir-ez-Zor. They survived together, finally emigrating to Brazil. In Sao Paulo they had five children and lived long lives. It is a sad fact that the Armenian Genocide and the ongoing battle against the forces of denial have been decisive in shaping my identity. I can only look to the past with profound grief. The extreme violence my family endured is the foundation of our nar- rative. What existed before 1915 was stolen from us. If I were to return to my ancestral homeland, it would be near impossible to trace our roots; our history has been erased. I am frozen in time. I cannot move forward until our suffering is recognizd. The denialist arguments proposed by successive Turkish govern- ments are a continuation of the crime itself. Governmental denial reshapes history and demonizes the victims, successfully repli- cating the anti-Armenian sentiment that was rife when the geno- cide occurred. It is a fallacy to believe that the Armenian Genocide has two legitimate histories, one for the perpetrators and one for the victims. The genocide is not an allegation, it is a fact. Malcolm X said, “If you stick a knife in my back nine inches and pull it out six inches, that’s not progress … The progress comes from healing the wound that the blow made. They haven’t even begun to pull the knife out. They won’t even admit the knife is there.” Forced march of Armenians There will be no progress without recognition. (Robert Kazandjian is an educator and writer. He works with vulnerable children in North London. His writing seeks to chal- lenge inequality, in all its guises. He has previously written for argument for reparations to be paid to the families of Armenians At the age of 18, Abraham embarked on the pursuit of happi- Ceasefire Magazine on racism in Israel, gender politics and hip who had property expropriated and redistributed by the ness and followed his soul-mate to Egypt, only to discover that hop music, and the necessity of Armenian Genocide recognition. Ottoman government. If Turkey were deemed to bear legal she had been coerced into marrying an older man. Armenian cul- He blogs poetry at makemymark.tumblr.com. He cites Douglas responsibility for the meticulously calculated theft that took ture was, and still is, steeped in patriarchal attitudes, and this Dunn, Pablo Neruda, James Baldwin and Nas as major influ- place, the financial implications would be monumental. hideous practice was not uncommon. The star-crossed pair ences. He tweets from @RKazandjianThis article was edited The politics in this context have a deeply personal foundation would not be denied, lobbying Ovssana’s family until the forced by Sunili Govinnage. This article originally appeared in Media for all Armenians. This is not just about history. This is about our union was annulled. My great-grandparents, orphaned by the Diversified.) lives, our identities, and our very existence. I have previously Genocide, were finally joined in marriage. Together they had written of how our battle for recognition and against denial con- eight children, one of whom was my grandmother, Rebecca. 16 S ATURDAY, J ULY 3 0 , 2 0 1 6 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARTS & LIVING Magnum Photos Announces Two New Nominee Members Following Its 69th Annual General Meeting

had the chance to say goodbye to him. Her says. “I can’t hide behind lights and technology, as a book in 2011. Her second book, I Am By Simon Bainbridge mother cut her father’s image out of all the fam- I am reliant on a small camera, patience and About To Call It A Day, shot in the US, was pub- ily photos and in time Markosian forgot what he lots of optimism. But what I get in return is the lished two years later. looked like. chance to make an honest picture which people More recently she has been working on a pro- LONDON (British Journal of Photography) “I stopped thinking about him and instead know immediately is a genuine moment and ject Egyptian families, titled In Between. Of her — British photographer Matt Stuart and invented my own father,” she told BJP in an which hopefully burrows deep into their mem- practice, she says: “Photography guides me into Armenian photographer Diana Markosian join interview. “I had a cast of characters; the black ories.” the routes where I can stay amazed.” the world’s most prestigious photography agen- man on TV who wore bright sweaters. He lived He recently published a book of his work in The Annual General Meeting takes place in cy. in New York or Chicago. Then there was Jason London shot between 2002 and 2015, titled All June each year, alternating between its main London-based street photographer Matt Seaver from the TV show ‘Growing Pains,’” says That Life Can Afford. Solo exhibitions of his offices in London, paris and New York. The Stuart and 26-year-old Armenian-American Markosian. At 22, she eventually travelled to work have been staged in London, Helsinki, 69th AGM took place over four days last week, Diana Markosian have been named as the latest Armenia, where her father had settled, in San Francisco and Washington, and he was fea- led by Parr and London-based executive direc- members of the legendary Magnum search of the man whose face had been all but tured in the 2010 book and travelling show, tor David Kogan, with much to discuss regards Photos agency. wiped from her memory. And so begins Street Photography Now. the agency’s recent change in direction, soft- The pair, both supported by Magnum’s cur- Inventing My Father, a project she doubts will Sessini just his teeth during the Kosovo con- launching a consumer-facing website aimed at rent president, Martin Parr, were announced as ever be finished.” flict in the late 1990s, and over the next decade engaging directly with a wider public. nominee members today following the agency’s More recently she has been exploring the spent five years in Iraq as well as covering It’s ‘Pro’ website remains, with a focus on Annual General Meeting, which took place in consequences of the Armenian genocide of events in Palestine, President Aristide’s fall in image sales. The AGM meetings were comple- east London last week. Nominees are invited to 2015, photographing some of the few remain- Haiti, the conquest of Mogadishu by Islamic mented by program of public events, including apply for full membership having proved them- ing survivors who fled as children, but who militias and the war in . a book fair, quiz (led by Parr, and reportedly selves after a period of usually one or four through her photographs of landscapes from In 2008, he began working on a longterm rather difficult) and an exhibition of the work of years. Jérôme Sessini and Bieke Depoorter, present day Armenia, are reunited with their project, So far from God, too close from the US, Peter Marlow, who died in February, as well as who both became nominees in 2012, have now homeland. focusing on the war among drug cartels in a lively party, all held at Protein Studios. both progressed to full member status. “My work comes from within,” Markosian Mexico, which was supported by an F-Award “It’s been another hugely exciting year for Markosian is well known to BJP readers as said of her developing photography career in an and a Getty Images Grant. More recently he has Magnum,” says Parr. “The refocus of the agen- one of the brightest new talents in the field of interview with BJP last year. “I am constantly been working in the Ukraine. cy led by our executive director, David Kogan, documentary photography, first featuring as searching for a moment of silence between “I don’t like rigid categories,” says the French has manifested in both the launch of our new one of our Ones To Watch in 2015. myself and whatever it is I am photographing. It photographer, who was named among BJP’s content-first website and over 20 self-commis- Born in Russia and growing up in California, is an emotional process that transcends any- Ones To watch in 2011. “Sometime there is art sioned stories. Another two full members and she’s since returned to her homeland to make thing else I’ve experienced. It is ultimately an in journalism and journalism in art. Conscience, two new nominees mark our commitment to work, including a series of portraits of the expression of myself: all of my feelings, revealed heart, beauty, balance and loss of balance are both supporting new talent and expanding the almost grown-up survivors of the Beslan school in a moment, in an image.” essentials for me.” agency.” massacre. Skateboarder turned photographer, Stuart After graduating seven years ago, Belgian Kogan comments: “This year’s AGM marked For Inventing My Father, she created a high- has been shooting on the streets of London for photographer Depoorter has embarked on a a significant change for Magnum as we begin to ly charged series about finding and reconnect- two decades, claiming her gets through at least series of personal projects, the first of which, plan out our 70th anniversary in 2017. Our ing with her estranged father from whom she three rolls of film per day. Ou Menya, saw her travel throughout Russia, investment in Magnum’s digital future realises was separated when she was seven. Markosian’s “I am not sure which came first, being nosey photographing the people whom she stayed our ambitions of becoming a self-publishing mother abandoned the marital home in or an interest in ‘street photography’, but a fas- with one night at a time. entity and a renewed commitment from our Moscow one day, emigrating to California with cination with people and the way they live their The work won several prizes, including a photographer members future proofs our Diana and her young brother; she never even lives is why I enjoy the business so much,” he Magnum Expression Award, and was published endeavors over the last year.”

Boston Innovation Summit Encourages US-Turkish Commerce

ECONOMICS, from page 1 for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. He development, and address related topics includ- also is a former US National Security Adviser. ing innovation ecosystems, methodology, risk Its president and chief executive officer since and legal considerations.” February 2015 is Howard G. Beasey, an Iraq Indeed, American and Turkish government and war veteran and retired United officials and various industry specialists as well States Marine. Beasey studied Turkish and as academics spoke at the event, which worked as a Turkish Area Officer. After retiring appeared to be attended by as many as 150 peo- from the Marines in 2014, he joined Goldman ple of various professional backgrounds, includ- Sachs as a Corporate Security Associate. ing representatives of the Swiss government ATC, according to its website, “routinely and of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. hosts leading government officials for special Intriguingly, perhaps the two most famous events and private meetings with member com- speakers, including the keynote speaker, were a panies.” It sponsors seminars, workshops and Greek-American and an Armenian-American. conferences in the US and Turkey, and “educa- Sponsors included the Consulate General of tional trips” to Turkey for members of Congress the Republic of Turkey in Boston, the and their staff, as well as separate trips for US Investment Support and Promotion Agency of business leaders. the Prime Ministry of the Republic of Turkey, After an introduction from Beasey, inaugu- Turkish Airlines, dFA (a Turkish engineering rating the summit and stressing the need to and consulting company) and Uber. work to increase trade between Turkey and the MassChallenge was listed among the media US, Turkish Consul General Ömür Budak of partners, though it is primarily a nonprofit Boston spoke. He first dealt with the startling accelerator supporting entrepreneurs and star- recent violence in Turkey. He condemned the tups in various industries both in the US and abortive coup as contrary to democracy. “This “Opportunities and Challenges for Innovators Exploring Foreign Markets” panel with, from left, abroad. coup attempt was staged by a terrorist organi- social entrepreneur and investor Hakan Satiroglu, entrepreneur and author Elmira Bayrasli, former According to its website, ATC is a bilateral zation, named the Fethullah Gülen terrorist managing director of the MIT Entrepreneurship Center and chairman of Entrepreneurship Ventures, non-profit association “founded in the mid- organization. … Those who were part of this Inc. Kenneth Paul Morse, CEO of Blippar Zehra Öney, and president of Acoustic Technology, Inc. 1980s by US diplomats personally devoted to organization will be duly investigated, prose- Ray Bassiouni the US-Turkey relationship. ATC staff continue cuted and punished in accordance with the to emphasize the friendship and professional- law.” He then lumped together the PKK ism that has shaped the bilateral partnership (Kurdistan Workers’ Party) and YPG (People’s economy, some of which was repeated later by country? Do you see why we are here, why we for decades.” At present it has evolved into a Protection Units) as another type of terrorism other speakers and included in printed litera- are trying to say no to this?” However, he again business association with large multinationals – “Kurdish terrorism” – and declared that the ture. For example, since 2002, a largescale changed focus, saying “I hope today we can as well as smaller American and Turkish firms Turkish government was simultaneously fight- transformation of the Turkish economy has focus on the positive.” in 15 business sectors as members. Its website ing both, as well as the Islamic State. taken place, with an annual 5 percent growth. The majority of the one-day conference con- declares that it “exists to help member compa- He switched gears to make an optimistic pre- Exports have increased from 36 billion to 144 sisted of speakers in panels or solo providing a nies achieve their bilateral business and invest- sentation concerning the fast growth of the billion dollars. National income has grown 3.5 wide range of talks on business and innovation. ment objectives and to facilitate stronger US- Turkish economy. He said that the markets times. He said, “gigantic” infrastructure invest- Some talks were general surveys of fields such Turkey relations.” responded positively to efforts to reassure them ments are being made. Turkey wishes to as patent law (by Michael Belliveau, partner in Judging by its staff, it seems to be a part of after the coup events. The Turkish business increase its investment in research and devel- Clark and Elbing LLP), or robotics (Taskin what often is called the US military-industrial community, he continued, was strongly opment to the level of developed countries. Padir, Associate Professor of Electrical and complex. The chairman of its staff since January opposed to the coup attempt and it would not Budak said that the consulate, opened in Computer Engineering at Northeastern 2014 is a high-ranking US general, James L. have lasting effects on economic indicators. The Boston in 2010, naturally focuses on science, University). Dr. Greek-American Nicholas Jones. Jones is the former commander of the Turkish economy was resilient, he stressed, and technology and innovation. Negroponte, founder and Chairman Emeritus US European Command and Supreme Allied the government was continuing to introduce After pointing out Turkey’s economic of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Commander Europe, where, according again to reforms. progress, he said, “Do you see what damage (MIT)’s Media Lab, gave a general talk called the ATC website, he led all military operations He presented basic information about the this coup attempt is trying to make on [sic] our continued on next page S ATURDAY, J ULY 3 0 , 2 0 1 6 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 17 CC AA LENDARLENDAR

Watertown. For more information con- MASSACHUSETTS tact 617.923.8860 or [email protected] or visit www.stjameswatertown.org. JULY 31 — Sunday, St. Stephen’s Armenian Apostolic OCTOBER 15 — Banquet to mark the 100th Church, Annual Church Picnic, 12 pm to 5 p.m., Camp Anniversary Celebration of Saints Vartanantz Haiastan, 722 Summer St., Franklin. Armenian Church of Lowell-Chelmsford, AUGUST 4 — Armenians for Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian Massachusetts with Archbishop Khajag Barsamian pre- reception, 7-9 p.m., Holiday Inn, Tewksbury, off Route siding. Kazanjian Memorial Ballroom, 180 Old Westford 133. Fundraiser to re-elect candidate as sheriff of Rd., Chelmsford. Details to follow. Middlesex County. Persons can donate securely on-line OCTOBER 22 — Armenian Friends of America presents at: https://secure.actblue.com/contribute/page/mvar- Hye Kef 5, a 5-hour dance, 7 p.m. to midnight with buf- menian. fet; Andover Windham, 123 Old River Road, featuring AUGUST 7 — Annual Church Picnic, Saints Vartanantz musicians Onnik and Ara Dinkjian, Johnny Berberian, Mal Armenian Church, 180 Old Westford Road, Barsamian, Jason Naroian and Paul Mooradian, with pro- Chelmsford, 12:00p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Food, Music, Drinks. ceeds benefiting area churches. Advance tickets before For more information go to www.stsvartanantz.com Sept. 1 @ $55, call either John Arzigian, (603) 560-3826; AUGUST 28 — Armenian Church at Hye Pointe Picnic to Sharke Der Apkarian, (978) 808-0598; Lucy Sirmaian, be held at American Legion Farm, 1314 Main St., (978) 683-9121, or Peter Gulezian, (978) 375-1616. Haverhill MA (take Rte. 495 to Exit 51 B onto Rte. 125 N), OCTOBER 23 — Save the Date. YerazArt will celebrate its 12 noon to 5 pm. Music by the Jason Naroian Ensemble. 10th anniversary. Concert followed by reception, Menu includes Shish, Losh, & Chicken Kebab Dinners, The group Armenians for Sheriff Peter J. Cambridge. Kheyma, Pastries, & Beverages. Raffles for Cash Prizes & Koutoujian will host a fundraising recep- OCTOBER 23 — Opening reception marking joint pho- Gift Certificates. Air Conditioned Hall. Bring your lawn tion on Thursday, August 4, from 7 to 9 tograph exhibit titled: "East Meets West," compiled chairs. For more info visit www.hyepointearmeni- p.m., at the Holiday Inn in Tewksbury, by Tom Vartabedian and Sona (Dulgarian) Gevorkian, fea- anchurch.org or call (978) 372-9227 Mass. Koutoujian, the current sheriff of turing eclectic pictures of Armenia and Artsakh, 2-5 pm, SEPTEMBER 10 — Sayat Nova Dance Company of Middlesex County, is seeking reelection in at Armenian Museum of America (AMA), 65 Main St., Boston 30th anniversary gala. a tough race. Those interested in making Watertown, MA, co-sponsored by Project SAVE SEPTEMBER 11 — Trinity Family Festival, Sunday, 12-5 a donation can send it to Armenian Photograph Archives; exhibit will be displayed p.m., Holy Trinity Armenian Church of Greater Boston, https://secure.actblue.com/con- during the entire months of October and November. 145 Brattle St., Cambridge. Delicious Armenian food NOVEMBER 3 — K. George and Carolann S. Najarian, tribute/page/mvarmenian with take-out available. Armenian music for your listening M.D. Lecture on Human Rights at Faneuil Hall, 7:30 and dancing pleasure featuring the Greg Krikorian p.m. Doors open at 6:45 p.m., “Justice & Equality: Ensemble with Greg Krikorian, oud and vocals; George My Life as an Activist.” Speaker: Harry Belafonte, Righellis, guitar and vocals; Bob Raphalian, violin; Charlie Activist & Entertainer. Reception follows at Bostonian Dermenjian, dumbeg; and Steve Surabian, tambourine. Years of Independence: Challenges and Opportunities for Hotel. All are invited; free and open to the public. Further Fun activities for children. Blessing of the Madagh at 4 the Future.” Jaffarian Hall, 158 Main St., No. Andover, information: ArmenianHeritagePark.org p.m.; raffle drawing and more. For further information, 12:30 p.m. Adults - $20 and Students - $5. For further NOVEMBER 15 — Thank You Reception for All log onto http://www.htaac.org/calendar/event/303/, information and reservations, contact Armen Supporters of Armenian Heritage Park. Armenian contact the Holy Trinity Church office, 617.354.0632, or Jeknavorian, 978-256-2538, [email protected]. Cultural and Educational Center. Watertown. 7:30 p.m. [email protected]. Sponsored by the Lowell Aharonian Gomideh of the During the evening, supporters will receive the Armenian SEPTEMBER 11 — Picnic Festival sponsored by St. Armenian Revolutionary Federation. Heritage Park Commemorative Book, which will acknowl- Gregory Armenian Church of Merrimack SEPTEMBER 23 – St. James Hye Café, Friday, Join us for edge all supporters in the category of giving that com- Valley, noon-5:30 p.m., 158 Main St., North Andover; delicious food and fellowship! Kebab, Falafel, Imam bines all their contributions since the campaign’s incep- music by Leon Janikian, John Berberian, Jason Naroian Bayeldi, and more. Doors open at 6:15pm. For more tion. Deadline for first time supporters and for support- and John Arzigian; celebrating Feast of the Exaltation of information visitwww.stjameswatertown.org. St. James ers to increase their contribution is September 22. the Holy Cross; shish, losh, chicken kebab, vegetarian din- Armenian Church, 465 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown. Contributors are tax-deductible as allowed by law. All ners, take outs; family games and activities. For further SEPTEMBER 30 — OCTOBER 2 — 25th Anniversary supporters are invited. information, visit www.saintgregory.org or by call (978) Celebration. Armenian International Women’s NOVEMBER 19 — Armenian Women’s Welfare 685-5038. Association. Charles Hotel, Cambridge. Association will hold its 40th annual luncheon/auc- SEPTEMBER 18 — Sunday Afternoon at the Park. For OCTOBER 1 — 35th Anniversary of Armenian tion. Oakley Country Club, 410 Belmont St., Watertown. families and friends. Armenian Heritage Park on the Independent Broadcasting of Boston. Celebration at Details to follow. Greenway. Boston. 2-4 p.m. All are invited. the Armenian Cultural and Educational Center (ACED), DECEMBER 18 — Candlelit Labyrinth Peace Walk, SEPTEMBER 18 — Armenian Independence Day 47 Nichols Ave., Watertown. Details to follow. Armenian Heritage Park on the Greenway, Boston. 5-6:30 Celebration, Dinner and Program. Guest Speaker: Dr. OCTOBER 14-15 — St. James 69th Annual p.m. All are invited. Anna Ohanyan, Professor of Political Science and Bazaar - Delicious Armenian Food and Pastries. Silent DECEMBER 2 and DECEMBER 3 – Trinity Christmas International Relations and Chair of the Department of Auction, Attic Treasures, Booths and Vendors. Raffles, Bazaar, Friday, 12 noon-9 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m.-7 Political Science and International Studies at Stonehill Children’s Activities, and more. Details to follow. St. p.m.; Holy Trinity Armenian Church, 145 Brattle Street, College. Topic: "The Republic of Armenia, Twenty-five James Armenian Church – 465 Mt. Auburn St., Cambridge. Save the date; details to follow.

from previous page cultural, whether American or Turkish, to make “Maintaining Big Thinking in an you open to new ideas. Norms develop over his- Entrepreneurial Economy.” tory shaped by formal institutions. Democracy Other talks more specifically dealt with is important for openness. Acemoglu found a Turkey. For example, Zehra Öney, part of the correlation between democracy and economic panel on “Opportunities and Challenges for growth. Innovators Exploring Foreign Markets, is chief When it comes specifically to how well Turkey executive officer of Blippar Turkey, an aug- is doing with these two important factors of mented reality platform, and she provided one opportunity and openness, Acemoglu declared, example of expansion of a company into the “not great.” He said that “Turkey is a work in Turkish market. progress,” but despite advances and fast eco- The keynote speaker was Daron Acemoglu, nomic growth in the mid 2000’s, at present an Armenian born in Turkey who now is Killian “there is some significant worsening.” During Professor of Economics at MIT. Co-author of the early period, there were market reforms, the bestselling book Why Nations Fail, he increased transparency, and less corruption, part- spoke on the factors supporting innovation and ly due to World Bank reforms, and greater gov- creativity in society in general, but also ernment accountability and rule of law. addressed the contemporary economic situa- Some of these institutional foundations were tion of Turkey. “rolled back” later, he said. There have been Acemoglu stressed the importance of allow- some improvements in opportunity such as the ing people the opportunity to create. He said availability of education, but not in openness to Dr. Daron Acemoglu that most people in Turkey do not have this disruption. Part of the problem seems to be opportunity due to lack of access to the neces- that the government is too involved in the busi- sary education and other resources. Openness ness environment on all levels. august setting of Harvard University. As in entrepreneurs are introduced to Turkish busi- to disruption by entrepreneurs is a second In general, the American-Turkish Council’s many such events, the networking behind the nessmen and scientists. US and Turkish gov- important necessary factor for innovation. conference provided a smorgasbord of talks and scenes probably is the most useful product for ernment officials on the state and national level He stated that there is nothing specifically panels at various levels of specificity in the the sponsors. American venture capitalists and are present and approachable. 18 S ATURDAY, J ULY 3 0 , 2 0 1 6 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMENTARY

COMMENTARY Mirror Armenia Caught Between a Rock Spectator And a Hard Place

wounded. The militants, 31 in number, have released their four By Edmond Y. Azadian remaining hostages and they are now holed up in the police sta- tion, with a huge arsenal of arms and ammunition. EstablishedEstablished 1932 1932 Their demands vary on a daily basis. Initially they demanded An ADLAn Publication ADL Publication Armenia’s current domestic crisis could not have come at a the release of Sefilian and other political prisoners and the res- worse time, when the country is still licking its wounds after the ignation of President Sargsyan. four-day war in early April. Last Monday was the ninth day of the standoff, which did not Azerbaijan has been emboldened by its success during the lat- give any indication of resolution anytime soon. est flare-up, which was condoned by Russia and encouraged by People have been gathering around the police station to air EDITOR Alin K. Gregorian Turkey. their grievances. One thing is obvious: there is no love lost Meanwhile, Turkey is more and more acting like a superpower toward the authorities. The level of hatred and the rhetoric, ASSISTANT EDITOR rather than a regional one, flexing its political and military mus- mired in base foul language, is remarkable. Aram Arkun cles way beyond the Middle East, over the Balkans and Central Clearly there is a certain level of freedom of expression in Asia. It has already established military bases in Qatar, Somalia, Armenia, where the authorities are insulted so openly and defied ART DIRECTOR Marc Mgrditchian Georgia and most recently, in Azerbaijan, near Sumgait, despite so publically. That, however, is just a novelty. Instead of hurling official denials. This is where President ’s intransi- insults, a true platform of demands is needed which will help the gence stems from at the negotiation table. country move forward, and not just one or two people. Many plans to resolve the Karabagh conflict have been pro- People are also fed up with the political parties, which try to moted but then have crumbled. One thing is clear: time is not on take advantage of the current political climate. The mob is mov- SENIOR EDITORIAL COLUMNIST: Armenia’s side. That is why pressure is building on Yerevan from ing rudderless. An atmosphere of anarchy is reigning. People are Edmond Y. Azadian the international community to compromise at the cost of impos- calling for the overthrow of the government and giving rule back sible concessions. to the people. The demand is clearly one that cannot take place. CONTRIBUTORS: At this point, the Kazan plan has been revived, whose terms How can a mob take over the governance of a country? If, God Florence Avakian, Dr. Haroutiun postpone the referendum on Karabagh’s status to the last stage, forbid, these ruffians take over and overthrow the authorities, Arzoumanian, Taleen Babayan, Diana while requiring territorial concessions first. God save Armenia. Der Hovanessian, Philip Ketchian, After the April attack, a trial balloon was floated that Armenia Armenians have a victim’s mentality concerning all the calami- Kevork Keushkerian, Harut Sassounian, was ready to withdraw its forces from the five extra territories in ties that have befallen them. The Seljuks are blamed for over- Hagop Vartivarian, Naomi Zeytoonian Azerbaijan it had taken as insurance, in exchange for some vague running the Kingdom of Ani in the 11th century; the Mamluks CORRESPONDENTS: promises, while suggesting that the Azeri population could are blamed for destroying the Cilician Kingdom in 1375; the return to those lands. Armenia - Hagop Avedikian Bolsheviks are blamed for the loss of our First Republic, never Boston - Nancy Kalajian That scenario alarmed the Armenian public and maybe became mind that we had staged a bloodbath before that, and so on. Philadelphia - Lisa Manookian the straw that broke the camel’s back and led to a revolt. We never factor in our own self-destructive instincts and lack - Muriel Mirak-Weissbach That revolt was in the offing even without pressure from of respect for the rule of law and authority. That self-destructive external powers. The successive administrations of Presidents instinct is alive and well today. The Turks and Azeris are deter- Contributing Photographers: Jacob Demirdjian and Jirair Hovsepian Robert Kocharian and Serzh Sargsyan have failed to improve mined to wipe out Armenia. Our internal crisis can only help the economy, reverse the course of emigration, keep the their intentions. hands of the oligarchs off every enterprise that is founded In any civilized country, the government would not tolerate an and so much of the money entering the country, and create armed insurrection this long. They would have found ways to The Armenian Mirror-Spectator is published rule of law. Almost all elections have been won through coer- overcome the situation. In Armenia’s case, that would have led to weekly, except two weeks in July and the first cion and corruption, allowing the affluent superclass to more bloodshed. The government has precedents in mind. The week of the year, by: remain obscenely opulent while the standard of living for the October 1999 massacre in the parliament and the 10 lives lost Baikar Association, Inc. general public declines. before Sargsyan took power in March 2008 have remained polit- 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 Scandal after scandal was covered up. The authorities have ical liabilities for the ruling elite. Telephone: 617-924-4420 delighted in their shortsighted success in breaking up the politi- Further bloodshed would only add to that list of liabilities. FAX: 617-924-2887 cal opposition without realizing that after shutting down an orga- That is why the government is moving cautiously. The presi- www.mirrorspectator.com nized opposition, they dent has given a stern E-Mail: [email protected] force the creation of an warning that the crisis For advertising: [email protected] underground radical one. must be solved lawfully. The people have been The militants are equally pushed against the wall, adamant in their demand. where reactions may not Mediators abound, always become rational with most of them seek- ones. It is a miracle that it ing political mileage for SUBSCRIPTION RATES : has taken this long for their political careers: such a reaction. Vartan Oskanian, Jirair Sefilian, Varoujan founder of a new political U.S.A. $80 a year Avedisian and the other party; Nikol Pashinian, members of the group who quit Levon Ter- Canada $125 a year who had won hero status Petrosian’s HAK to head Other Countries $190 a year during the Karabagh war his new party; Vitali became activists and they Balassanian, one-time formed their own politi- presidential contender in cal party, the Founding Karabagh, and a war © 2014 The Armenian Mirror-Spectator Parliament, with the radi- hero. Yet the stalemate Periodical Class Postage Paid at Boston, MA cal ideology of over- continues. and additional mailing offices. throwing the government and restoring democracy. The ideology President Sargsyan is ready to meet the jailed opposition lead- ISSN 0004-234X is derived from the concept that war heroes are entitled to dic- er Sefilian, if the armed members of his organization occupying tate their will to the government or better yet, they deserve to a police station in Yerevan lay down their arms, a negotiator said replace the elected government. on Sunday. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The And this ambition is always fueled by the hero worship of the In a written statement, former President Levon Ter- Armenian Mirror-Spectator, 755 Mount Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472 public. Petrosian, who is not very fond of Sargsyan, said that Sefilian But history has demonstrated time and again that revolution- of the Founding Parliament movement, is capable of making Other than the editorial, views and opinions expressed in this newspaper do not necessarily ary heroes become the most atrocious rulers. Take, for example, “sensible decisions” despite his views being seen as “extrem- reflect the policies of the publisher. the leaders of the French, Russian, Chinese, Cuban, Zimbabwean, ist” by some Armenians. He argued that the serious hostage and Cambodian revolutions. The list goes on and on. crisis is only aggravating Armenia’s grave national security Only Nelson Mandela served as an exception in South Africa. challenge rising from the recent escalation of the Nagorno Of course, his successor, Jacob Zuma, and the ruling ANC, are Karabagh conflict. mired in corruption. Karabagh’s security “overshadows all other issues preoccupy- Copying for other than personal use or Incidentally, all revolutionaries and their admirers need to read ing the Armenian people,” Ter-Petrosian concluded on Friday. internal reference is prohibited without a book by our celebrated satirist, Yervant Odian, The Parasites of If the voice of reason prevails, bloodshed may be avoided, but express permission of the copyright the Revolution, to gauge the measure of revolutionaries’ political Armenia will emerge weaker from its self-inflicted wound. owner. Address requests for reprints or acumen. Although one of the goals of the insurrection was to prevent ter- back issues to: At the present time, Armenia is in the middle of a serious cri- ritorial concessions, ironically that may exacerbate the situation sis. An armed militant group called Sasna Tserer, which is an off- if a weakened Sargsyan has to sit down at the negotiation table. Baikar Association, Inc. shoot of the Founding Parliament, has taken over a police station This is a lose-lose proposition because Armenia is between a 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472- at Erebuni. One officer has been killed and four have been rock and a hard place. 1509 S ATURDAY, J ULY 3 0 , 2 0 1 6 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 19 COMMENTARY

Resolution be watered down before he voted for it; support this Resolution, let them at least note that this 2) Did not make remarks in remembrance of the Armenian American identifies with their loss, acknowledges those Genocide in the Senate; tragic events of so many years ago and offers my condo- 3) Did not participate in the Capitol Hill Commemoration lences to the families who still bear the burden of what of the Armenian Genocide; was in fact a genocide. I urge my colleagues to oppose this My Turn 4) Did not cosponsor the Haiti and Armenia Reforestation Resolution….” Act. Having reviewed the records of both candidates on this By Harut Sassounian Gov. Pence of Indiana, Donald Trump’s vice presidential issue, one should keep in mind that: nominee, also has a checkered record on Armenian 1) Vice Presidents do not decide policy; Presidents do! Genocide recognition, while serving in the U.S. House of 2) There is no need to argue over which candidate would Which VP Candidate has a Better Representatives, 2001-13. As a member of the Committee recognize the Armenian Genocide, since it has been Record On Armenian Genocide on Foreign Affairs, he voted for the Armenian Genocide repeatedly recognized by the US government as follows: Resolution in 2005, but voted against it in 2007 and 2010 a) Official document was submitted to the World Recognition? out of concern for its possible fallout on US-Turkey rela- Court in 1951; tions, while acknowledging the Armenian Genocide. In b) President Ronald Reagan issued a Presidential Now that Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump have select- 2012, his last year in Congress, Pence received a C grade Proclamation in 1981; ed their vice presidential candidates, Armenian Democrats from the Armenian National Committee of America. c) House of Representatives adopted two Resolutions are claiming that Sen. Tim Kaine has the better record on Below are excerpts from Representative Pence’s remarks in 1975 and 1984. recognition of the Armenian Genocide, while Republican in the Committee on Foreign Affairs on March 4, 2010: Consequently, Armenians should no longer seek Armenians are insisting that Gov. Mike Pence is the clear- “…I believe a genocide was committed against the Genocide recognition, but justice! The candidates’ posi- cut favorite on this issue. The more important question is: Armenian people in the early part of the last century and tion on this issue matters only if they have either denied does it really matter? it should never be forgotten…. The fact that more than 1 the Armenian Genocide in the past or promised to recog- During his years as Mayor of Richmond and million Christians were killed makes the loss even more nize it, but did not keep their word! Governor of Virginia, Kaine was supportive of various personal to me.” There are, however, several other important Armenian Armenian issues, including Armenian Genocide recogni- Representative Pence continued: “While we should issues that should be discussed with political candidates, tion. As U.S. Senator, he did not cosponsor the Armenian never forget this genocide and the lives that were lost and such as, supportin Artsakh (Karabagh), Genocide Resolution, but voted for it in the Foreign the lives that are still marred to this day, I sadly cannot pressuring Turkey to restore confiscated Armenian prop- Relations Committee in April 2014, only after demanding support this Resolution…. Now is not the time for this erties, providing larger U.S. foreign aid to Armenia and that all references to Turkey be removed from the Committee or the American Congress to take up the mea- Artsakh, hiring qualified Armenian-Americans, and Resolution. He wanted to acknowledge the Armenian sure that is before us…. Turkey is a strategic partner in improving trade and economic relations with Genocide, without offending the Turkish our ongoing efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan. They share the Republic of Armenia. government! Senator Kaine has also not cosponsored the our interest in defeating international terrorism…. I rise Unfortunately, regardless of what the issues are, one currently pending Armenian Genocide Resolution. today in respectful opposition to this Resolution, but I do can never be sure that promises made by presidential can- Senator Kaine received a C+ grade from the Armenian so with deep respect for those on this Committee and didates during the campaign will be remembered and National Committee of America in 2014 because he: those who would be looking on that would have the kept, once the President is elected and comfortably 1) Insisted that the text of the Armenian Genocide Armenian people be heard on this point. While I cannot installed in the White House! Reflections on Pope Francis’s Visit to Armenia

What follows is anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, humanity, the simplicity of his personality, must not mean “the submission of one to a reflection by which he explicitly named “the first geno- in his personal contact with the people. I the other, or assimilation, but rather the Archbishop cide of the 20th century.” Authorities and was privileged to travel to Gumri in the acceptance of all the gifts that God has Khajag people around the world took notice of company of Catholicos Karekin II and given to each.” Barsamian, the Pope’s words at that time; indeed, his Pope Francis, where the two church lead- Even after the beautiful affirmations of Primate of the forthright recognition of the Armenian ers were warmly received. In a moving the previous days, this message of unity in Eastern Diocese Genocide seemed to liberate others to do moment during the Latin Mass there, the universal church without imposing of the likewise — with results that we saw Pope Francis asked Catholicos Karekin to hierarchy, his asking for Catholicos Armenian throughout the subsequent year. join him in blessing the crowds. Karekin’s blessing — these were unexpect- Church of The Pope’s presence in Armenia last ·The Ecumenical Prayer for Peace in ed, profound assertions from the Pope. America, on the month also gained wide notice — and we Republic Square was an especially moving They had the force of spontaneous out- visit of Pope have His Holiness Karekin II, the Supreme occasion. The Pope delivered a message of bursts from the deepest part of his heart; Francis to Patriarch and Catholicos of All peace to the world. But to the Armenian and I believe they will be considered gen- Armenia in Armenians, and His Excellency Serge faithful he delivered a message reminding uine breakthroughs in the centuries-old June 2016. Sargsyan, President of the Republic of us of our roots, of who we are, of the great relationship between the Roman Catholic Armenia, to thank for the invitation they figures in our past and the role they and Armenian churches. “I have greatly desired to visit this personally extended to Pope Francis, and played, not only in the affairs of our peo- The trip ended at Khor Virab: the site of beloved land, your country: the first to for the excellent arrangements through- ple, but in the larger story of Christian civ- St. Gregory’s imprisonment, now convert- embrace the Christian faith. It is a grace out the visit. ilization. He quoted St. Gregory of Narek ed into a shrine overlooking the majestic for me to find myself here on these The Pope responded with grace and — whose Book of Lamentations he called Mount Ararat. The Catholicos Karekin II heights where, beneath the gaze of Mount enthusiasm, and in many ways his visit the “spiritual constitution of the and Pope Francis released doves towards Ararat, the very silence seems to speak. marked a watershed moment in the rela- Armenian people” — and drew from Armenia’s western frontier. It was a sym- Here the khachkars recount a singular his- tionship between the Roman Catholic and Narek’s words a challenge to all humanity bolic message of peace from a man of tory bound up with rugged faith and Armenian churches. Let me share some of to seek mercy for all, even for those we peace. immense suffering, a history replete with the images and words that left indelible regard as enemies. “Do not destroy those Gazing at Ararat, I thought back on the magnificent testimonies to the Gospel, to impressions on me: who persecute me, but reform them,” he Prayer for Peace two days earlier. A high- which you are heir. I have come as a pil- ·To begin the welcoming service at Holy said, quoting Narek; “root out the vile light of that service came when columns grim from Rome to be with you and to Echmiadzin, Pope Francis and Catholicos ways of this world, and plant the good in of children, refugees from various coun- express my heartfelt affection: the affec- Karekin II entered the cathedral together, me and them.” He closed with a bold plea tries, approached a sculpture of Noah’s tion of your brother, the fraternal embrace knelt down side-by-side before the Altar of to the Armenian people: “The whole world Ark with soil from their native lands. of the whole Catholic Church, which Descent, and both kissed the holy altar. It needs this message, it needs your pres- Together, the Pope and Catholicos planted esteems you and is close to you.” set the tone of brotherly, mutual respect ence, it needs your purest witness. a tender vine in the soil, watered it, and When Pope Francis spoke these words among peers that could be seen through- Khaghaghoutiun amenetzoun!” prayed that it would grow and bear in Yerevan’s Republic Square last month, out the visit. ·The final badarak at the outdoor altar fruit. my heart filled with a spirit of good will ·At the Dzidzernagapert Memorial, spo- of Holy Echmiadzin drew the largest Pope Francis’ visit to Armenia had this and optimism. Here was a man exemplify- ken words took a back seat to the Pope’s crowd I have ever witnessed for the Divine character. It nourished the seed of spiritu- ing genuine piety, humility before God, meaningful, lingering silence as he prayer- Liturgy. This showed the great respect the ality embedded so deeply in our home- and down-to-earth humanity. Here was a fully meditated before the eternal flame. It Armenian people hold for the Pope. land. I witnessed the effect it had on our man held in admiration by the entire was here that he venerated the holy icon Famously, it was on this occasion that faithful people, on our clergy, on all who world, expressing his personal admiration of the sainted Genocide Martyrs, planted a Pope Francis dramatically showed his watched the trip in person or at home. It for the Armenian Christian heritage. tree, and signed the Book of deep respect for our people in turn. is in our power now to make that seed Thousands of people came out to be with Remembrance with the words: “Here I During the Voghchouyn (the Kiss of grow, blossom, and bear fruit. With our the Pope and our Catholicos on that day, pray with sorrow in my heart, so that a Peace), the Pope and Catholicos Lord’s help and blessing, we will do so. and we were all blessed to witness some- tragedy like this never again occurs; so embraced, and later Pope Francis spoke And we will do so secure in the knowl- thing rare and hopeful—something that that humanity will never forget and will directly to his brother in Christ: “We have edge that we are not alone in this world; will have echoes well into the future. know how to defeat evil with good…. May met, we have embraced as brothers, we indeed, we enjoy the support and solidari- Pope Francis’s visit to Armenia (June God protect the memory of the Armenian have prayed together and shared the gifts, ty of others who share our faith, and who 24-26, 2016) was a sequel to last year’s people. Memory should never be watered- hopes and concerns of the Church of draw strength from our story. As Pope magnificent service in St. Peter’s Basilica down or forgotten. Memory is the source Christ. We have felt as one her beating Francis said in his words of gratitude to in Rome. On that earlier occasion the of peace and the future.” heart, and we believe and experience that Catholicos Karekin: “You have opened to Pope memorialized the holy martyrs of ·The visit to our homeland’s second the Church is one.” Calling for peace, me the doors of your home, and we have 1915, and spoke forthrightly about the largest city, Gumri, was memorable for the unity, and communion among our two experienced ‘how good and pleasant it is meaning of martyrdom on the centennial way it revealed the Pope’s warmth and churches, Pope Francis prayed that unity when brothers live in unity.’ [Ps 133].” 20 S ATURDAY, J ULY 3 0 , 2 0 1 6 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Erdogan Has Military Troubles of His Own, but He Still Defends The Ottoman Army over the Armenian Genocide

Some were survivors of the 1915 siege and judiciary, civil service and academic freedoms ers’ 2,000km death march northwards to By Robert Fisk surrender of Kut al-Amara in present-day of present-day Turkey – perhaps on a subse- Anatolia from Kut, two POWs discovered a Iraq, whose death march to prisons in quent, more relaxing holiday at Marmaris – well at the back of a village house filled with Anatolia matched in brutality if not in num- Erdogan should take a look at the 324- “the mutilated remains of the murdered If Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan bers the killing of the Armenian population page Armenia, Australia and the Great War. Armenian women and children”. In total, 70 wasn’t so busy right now trying to emascu- of Ottoman Turkey. Other Australian troops Here, for example, is Lieutenant Leslie per cent of the British POWs who surren- late his 600,000-strong Turkish army, he’d be were captured at . Several were sub- Luscombe of the Australian 14th Battalion at dered at Kut and 30 per cent of the Indians raging about the contents of a new book that mariners whose vessel was seized by the Gallipoli, captured by the Turks and sent to died in captivity. By September 1916, the – with judicious research and painfully ironic Turkish navy. Angora province where he saw “a sad and dead Allied POWs were themselves being timing – has just appeared in Australia with They were Allied servicemen, not propa- depressing sight” on a railway station plat- buried in the Armenian cemetery at Afion. At irrefutable proof of the 1915 Armenian geno- gandists, and their attempts to help the form: “a considerable number of Armenian Yozgat, Allied prisoners were placed in empty cide at the hands of Turkey’s (then) 500,000- doomed Armenians were as brave as they women and children were huddled together” Armenian houses whose owners had been strong army. were innocent. Turks who still deny the knif- while “Turkish soldiers armed with whips” “massacred” and their shops pillaged, accord- The Turkish army, in the 1914-18 war, was ing, beheading, mass executions and rape of drove them onto sheep trucks “to transport ing to engineer Captain Kenneth Yearsley. intimately involved in the Nazi-like persecu- the Armenians in a deliberate campaign of them to some distant concentration camp.” The Armenian massacres continued long tion and slaughter of one and a half million genocide – and Sultan Erdogan is one of Just before Luscombe’s arrival, the monks of into 1918 in the east of Turkey – where, to Armenian Christians. And it neither knew them – will find it hard to challenge these the Armenian monastery in which he was to the credit of the books’ authors, they record nor apparently cared that Australian prison- witness statements. be held “had doubtless been liquidated.” All the slaughter of Muslim villagers by ers of war were witnesses to the greatest war Though he has other worries on his mind the Australian prisoners were housed in Armenians – but in the north of crime of the conflict. But now along comes a right now, Erdogan is so strong a defender of abandoned Armenian houses. Mesopotamia, Colonel Stanley Savige, an small Australian publisher with a highly the old Ottoman army that he rearranged the One of Luscombe’s colleagues, Australian Gallipoli veteran, and his men researched volume, by Vicken Babkenian and date of last year’s 1915 Gallipoli commemo- George Kerr, was sent to work on the uncom- found themselves fighting 10-to-one against Peter Stanley, in which the reader can find rations to obscure the anniversary of the pleted German Taurus mountain railway and Turkish and Kurdish cavalry killing the strag- the testimony of Australian and other Allied start of the far bloodier destruction of the lodged on the upper floor of a house whose glers from an Armenian refugee prisoners who witnessed the dispossession Armenian people on the same day. But when occupants included “60 miserable creatures” column. They had found them – “old men, and mass murder of the Armenians. he’s eventually finished destroying the army, (as he recorded in his secret diary), both weak and wounded women, deserted infants Armenians and Greeks. and crippled children” – and, under fire, Captain Thomas White of the Australian pulled women and children onto their horses, Flying Corps, arriving under Turkish guard leaving, “with aching hearts”, cripples and in the Ottoman city of Mosul (now, of course, infants to their fate. Captain Robert Nichol, a the Isis “capital”), saw “Armenian women, New Zealander, was killed as he fought for reduced to beggary”, pleading for food. He the Armenians’ lives. was marched to the abandoned Armenian As General Allenby’s victorious army town of Tel Armen where – although a few surged through Palestine and into what is Help us to relocate Armenian women and children were still pre- now Syria in 1918, they found thousands of sent – the men were absent. After climbing a Armenians, starving and dying, most of them SyrianArmenian families low hill, he found “36 newly made graves women and children, up the long road from which spoke eloquently of what had become Damascus to Homs and Hama and Aleppo – of the Armenian men.” White described him- a melancholy highway in today’s ghastly to Armenia from the self as “horrified at the Turks’ handiwork,” Syrian conflict – and then again around the noting later that these massacres had been Turkish city of Diyabakir. Australian cavalry- “simultaneous and to order throughout the men emptied their supplies and water bottles conflict zone. entire country.” for the Armenians. At this time, the Armenians of Ras al-Ein (a Ancient Diyabakir still existed then; much village now in the hands of the American- of it has now been destroyed by the present- armed YPG anti-ISIS militia) were being pre- day Turkish army (including those who plot- Donate Now — Save a Life pared for their death march to Deir ez-Zour ted against Erdogan last week) in their battle and White wrote of seeing “a large camp of against the Kurdish PKK. Armenians herded together after the general Quite a volume for Sultan Erdogan to dip round-up from their homes, and waiting to be into, then, once he’s finished purging his bro- sent on marches that had always the same ken country. ending”. After a train ride to Afion, White But I suppose he can always claim – evi- and others were housed in a church from dence notwithstanding – that the Ottoman which Armenian survivors had been driven to government wasn’t responsible for the Great make way for them. “Their menfolk had been War Armenian genocide on the grounds that killed and furniture confiscated” and now its soldiers, like his own, simply took the law “they were being turned into the street from into their own hands. their last possible sanctuary.” He found a burial ground of Armenians, some of whose (Robert Fisk is the award-winning chief bodies were “so close to the surface that Middle East correspondent for the their bones protruded.” Independent (UK) daily. This column originally On the British-Australian-Indian prison- ran in the July 21 edition of that paper.)

Armenian Street Festival Takes Place in London

LONDON (Public Radio of Armenia) — Armenians from all over the UK gath- ered in London on July 17 Sunday for the sixth Armenian Street Festival in London. The London Armenian Street Festival is an annual celebration of Armenian culture and heritage that takes place at St. Sarkis Armenian Church in Kensington/Chelsea. The family-friendly event features Armenian cuisine, live street entertainment, special guests and vendors, and a concert at the church. Attending the events were a number of foreign guests, British officials, cler- gymen, representatives of the Armenian Embassy in the UK and guests from Armenia. The Iverna Gardens in South Kensington had turned into a small Armenian district with traditional songs and dances. “The festival aims to bring together Armenians from different parts of Great Britain at least for one day,” said Bishop Hovakim Manukyan, Primate of the Armenian Diocese of Great Britain. He attached special importance to the involvement of young people. “This year is special, as we are celebrating the 25th anniversary of Armenia’s independence,” he said. The festival featured performances by violinist Levon Chilingaryan, the Komitas choir, the Akhtamar folk ensemble and others. Duduk player Gevorg Karapetyan and singer Iveta Mukuchyan were special guests at the festival.