MARCH 15, 2014 MirTHErARoMENr IAN -Spe ctator Volume LXXXIV, NO. 34, Issue 4328 $ 2.00 NEWS IN BRIEF The First English Language Armenian Weekly in the United States Since 1932 Petition Underway to Switzerland Appeals ECHR Ruling Governor’s Nominate Writer

BERN, Switzerland — The Swiss govern - appealed to the ECHR. On December 17, Council Rejects Akram Aylisli for Nobel ment announced this week it would appeal 2013, the ECHR overturned this conviction BAKU (Armenpress) — A number of international the ruling of the European Court of Human on the grounds of freedom of speech. Superior Court public figures and university professors have signed Rights (ECHR) on December 17, 2013, The International Association of a petition nominating Azerbaijani writer Akram which had overturned the conviction of Genocide and Human Rights Studies Aylisli for the 2014 Peace Nobel Prize, in recogni - Dogu Perinçek for denying the Armenian (IIGHRS), a division of the Zoryan Institute, Pick Berman tion of his “amazing courage in overcoming the Genocide. and the Switzerland-Armenia Association hostility between the peoples of Azerbaijan and The decision was made by the Swiss (SAA) have worked together since Armenia.” Federal Office of Justice to ask the ECHR’s December, along with a team of scholars By Colleen Quinn “Only the voices of famous people can encourage Grand Chamber to review the ruling in and experts in international human rights the two nations to embolden each other and final - order to clarify the scope available to Swiss law, major Armenian organizations and BOSTON (State House News Service) ly to bring to an agreement. Mr. Aylisli was brave authorities in applying the Swiss Criminal individuals, as a strategic team to inform — Joseph Berman, Gov. Deval Patrick’s enough to do that step the first and stretch hand to Code to combat racism. The anti-racism law and educate Swiss public opinion. controversial pick for a seat on the the Armenians,” the Nobel petition read. was created in 1995 in order to comply with Le Temps (Geneva), in covering this story, Superior Court, was rejected Naibov, better known by his pen name Akram the UN Convention on the Elimination of wrote, “Armenian associations in Wednesday, March 5, in a 4-4 vote of the Aylisli, is a former member of parliament. His works All Forms of Racial Discrimination. (The Switzerland are highly mobilized in collab - Governor’s Council. have been translated into a number of languages in press release of the Swiss Federal Office of oration with The International Institute for Despite an outpouring of support the former Soviet Union and around the world. He Justice is at https://www.bj.admin.ch/con - Genocide and Human Rights Studies, from prominent attorneys including a was decorated by the president of Azerbaijan with tent/bj/en/home/dokumentation/medi - which took a full-page advertisement in former Massachusetts governor, Joseph the Istiglal (2002) and Shokhrat orders. In 2013, eninformationen/2014/2014-03-11.html) newspapers, including Le Temps. A petition Berman, Gov. Deval Patrick’s contro - after the publication of Stone Dreams , which In 2007, Perinçek was convicted under that has more than 10,000 signatures was depicted the pogroms carried out by Azerbaijanis the Swiss anti-racism law for publicly deny - also sent to the Minister of Justice and against the Armenians in Sumgait and Baku and ing the Armenian Genocide. He failed to Police, Simonetta Sommaruga, for presented Armenians in sympathetic light, win two appeals in Swiss courts, then Switzerland to appeal.” President Ilham Aliyev signed a presidential decree that stripped Aylisli of the title of People’s Writer and the presidential pension. His books were burnt and a “bounty” of some $13,000 was promised for cutting the writer’s ear off. Nancy N ajarian Eyes Armenia and Serbia Virginia House Seat Seek Closer Ties YEREVAN (Armenpress, Public Radio of Armenia) — Armenian and Serbian businessmen met this week to discuss developing bilateral cooperation at By Alin K. Gregorian the Armenian-Serbian business forum held on Mirror-Spectator Staff March 11. Representatives of nine companies in the fields of construction, food processing, woodwork - “...because the reasons expressed ing, engineering, advertising and design, as well as MCLEAN, Va. — Community previously for your opposition are, in tourism had arrived in Armenia from Serbia. The Serbian businessmen met their Armenian activist Nancy Najarian, a my view, unprecedented and I think woman with deep ties to partners in the corresponding fields. The Minister Massachusetts and its unfair, I want to express for the record of Foreign Affairs of Serbia Ivan Mrkic stated that Armenian community, has set my disappointment with today’s vote” notwithstanding the close historical and cultural her sights on the US House relations, the Armenian-Serbian economic relations seat which will soon be vacant –Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick are far from implementing their entire potential. when its current occupant, “Serbia is interested in the increasing of the vol - veteran US Rep. Jim Moran Jr. umes of the trade turnover with Armenia and (D-Va), retires in the fall. versial pick for a seat on the Superior expanding the products in it,” said Mrkic . Najarian is the daughter Court, was rejected Wednesday in a 4-4 President Serge Sargisian met with Mrkic. He and stepdaughter, respective - vote of the Governor’s Council. stressed the importance of his visit in terms of con - ly, of K. George and Dr. Councilors Robert Jubinville, Marilyn tinuing the Armenian-Serbian high-level political Carolann Najarian, formerly Devaney, Jennie Caissie and Oliver dialogue and promoting the cooperation agenda. of Massachusetts and cur - Cipollini voted against Berman. According to the president, the Armenian people rently of Washington, DC, Councilors Terrence Kennedy, Eileen gratefully remember the seven Serbian pilots who and resides in northern Duff, Christopher Iannella and Michael died when approaching Yerevan while they were Virginia with her family. Albano voted for him. Patrick presided delivering aid of Armenia during the days after the During an interview this at the meeting. Without a lieutenant 1988 earthquake. Every year, at the anniversary of week, Najarian said that she has been a longtime cam - governor - Tim Murray stepped down the earthquake, a tribute is paid at the memorial paigner for and supporter of Democratic candidates, both locally and nationally. last year to run the Worcester Chamber dedicated to their memory. With Moran’s decision not to see another term, Najarian said, it seemed like the of Commerce - Patrick was unable to time was right to take a chance. break the tie in Berman’s favor. “As I am getting older, I am thinking of ways that I could make an impact in A Weston resident, Berman is a part - see NAJARIAN, page 6 ner at the Boston law firm Looney & Grossman. He graduated from INSI DE see BERMAN, page 7

Members of Congress Commemorate 1988 Pogroms in Azerbaijan Sounds WASHINGTON — In the last few weeks, es along the border,” stated House Azerbaijan security services stood by. As a Delicious a dozen Members of Congress released Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ed result, thousands of Armenians were statements and made speeches on the Royce (R-CA). “It is critical that injured and countless more fled their Page 11 House floor in commemoration of the Azerbaijan’s leaders refrain from provoca - homes, effectively cleansing Azerbaijan of 26th anniversary of the anti-Armenian tive statements and commit to fruitful its Christian Armenian minority. pogroms in Sumgait, Kirovabad and negotiations for a lasting peace in As a wave of pro-Azerbaijan lawmakers Baku, Azerbaijan. Nagorno Karabagh,” he added. has tried to bolster the autocratic regime INDEX “On this tragic anniversary, when we Beginning in Sumgait in 1988, and in recent years, the Armenian Assembly Arts and Living ...... 10 mourn the loss of those innocent lives, spreading to the cities of Kirovabad in of America has been working to educate Armenia ...... 2 we are mindful of the ongoing conflict in 1989 and Baku and 1990, armed mobs of Members of Congress and the public Community News...... 4 Nagorno Karabagh and recurrent inci - Azerbaijani citizens took to the streets tar - about the Armenian pogroms that took Editorial ...... 14 dents of inciting rhetoric by Azeri politi - geting Armenian residences and destroy - place. International ...... 3 cal leaders and continued military clash - ing Armenian-owned businesses while see SUMGAIT, page 16 2 S ATURDAY , M ARCH 15, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARMENIA News From Armenia Armenian Scientists: Web Based Armenian Parliament Hosts Pupils Cooperation YEREVAN (Armenpress) — Within the framework of Open Doors Program, the National Assembly Transcends hosted the pupils of the Elite Experimental Secondary School on March 11. The Department Borders for Mass Media and Public Relations of the National Assembly informed Armenpress that the YEREVAN — The Yerevan Physics Chairman of the National Assembly Standing Institute (YerPhI), together with its Committee on Science, Education, Youth and Sport Cosmic Ray Division (CRD), is estab - Artak Davtyan conducted the open lesson. Davtyan lishing an international partnership for presented the legislative and representation activi- analysis of scientific data stored at some ties of the National Assembly and the formation of of the world’s largest scientific installa - the Standing Committees. tions. The CRD’s part of this project, During the question-and-answer session they entitled “Web-Based Data Analysis Japan Tsunami Remembered asked questions related to reforms in the educa- Platform for Space Weather tional system, the international system, the inter- Observations,” will develop a sophisti - YEREVAN — The victims of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan national schools, emigration and unemployment. cated web based application for collab - were remembered here on March 11, on the third anniversary of the orative analysis and research of com - tragedy, which claimed more than 15,000 lives. Youth Orchestra plex data. The data will originate from multiple research laboratories both at Performs with Noted CRD’s facilities in Armenia and from distant sources. The system is currently form the analysis on huge quantities of will participate in YerPhI’s project. Also Violinist operational at CRD’s site and its fur - collected data. In many instances the in Germany, Dr. Gevorg Poghosian, YEREVAN (Armenpress) — The State Youth ther development is supported within amount of data collected is so large that head of the simulation laboratory for Orchestra of Armenia, led by Sergey Smbatyan, per- the framework of the Vaporciyan it is estimated that only 30-40% of the astro-particle physics at Karlsruhe formed jointly with world-renowned violinist Multivariate Analysis and Visualization data actually gets analyzed. Institute of Technology’s Steinbuch Dmitry Sitkovetsky on March 13 at the (VMAV) project. International scientific collaborators Center will join this effort. Working on Spendiaryan National Academic Opera and Ballet Data in a wide range of formats will often access remote data via the the Large Scale Data Management and Theatre. The official website of the State Youth be analyzed. When completed, the sys - Internet from thousands of miles away. Analysis Project, former YerPhI staffer Orchestra of Armenia reported that during the con- tem will allow space weather and geo - Astrophysical observations similarly Arsen Hairepetyan, and data processing cert the pieces they played were the Violin physical data from around the world to gather huge amounts of data that need expert at the Institute of Data Concerto by Johannes Brahms and Symphony No. be analyzed by CRD’s scientists as well analysis. Processing and Electronics, Dr. Suren 6, by Beethoven. Sitkovetsky has performed as a as placing data collected at CRD’s facil - To enlist expertise in networking and Chilingaryan, all expressed their eager - soloist with many of the world’s leading orchestras. ities at the disposal of the international knowledge management, CRD’s direc - ness to work collaboratively with their He has performed at a number of high-profile festi- scientific community. tor and the head of its Cosmic Ray colleagues in Armenia over high speed vals. In 2003, Sitkovetsky was appointed music YerPhI is in the process of upgrading Division, Prof. Ashot Chilingarian, Internet links. This project will allow director of the Greensboro Symphony Orchestra. its networking servers to facilitate the recently visited several European Armenia’s scientists to collaborate with analysis of the vast amounts of data col - research centers to discuss the estab - their international colleagues on some lected worldwide from some of the lishment of this Armenian-European of the most challenging projects of the Catholicos Receives world’s largest particle accelerators. On project. At DESY, the German physics 21st century. many of the world’s most complex and center, Dr. Zaven Akopov, head of The VMAV project was established in Chess Championship expensive scientific instruments, large DESY’s Knowledge Management pro - memory of the late Kirakos Vaporciyan Participants teams of international researchers per - ject at the X-Ray Laser Project Center, by the Vaporciyan family of Michigan. ECHMIADZIN — On March 9, in the Mother See of Holy Echmiadzin, Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, welcomed players participating in the 15th European Individual Francophonie Season Kicks off in Armenia Chess Championship. Present at the meeting were to the Francophone family values. customary language. Armenia, which Bishop Hovnan Hakobyan, Grant Sacristan of the And Kaas herself stated that she has a large Diaspora in France, acquired Mother See and Bishop Bagrat Galstanyan, director By Gohar Abrahamyan would like to come to Armenia again in an observer status at the organization of the Office on Ecclesiastical Liturgical Issues of the future. in 2004. Four years later it was already the Mother See. YEREVAN (ArmeniaNow) — As “Every time I get emotional on stage an associate member, while in 2012 Smbat Lputyan, president and founder of the French singer Patricia Kaas performed despite being on stage for a long time, Armenia became Francophonie’s 54th Chess Academy of Armenia and an international French legend Edith Piaf’s songs on artists will understand me. And yester - full member. At present, the organiza - grandmaster, introduced the championship partici- Yerevan stage last Sunday, a two-month day, too, I was so excited, I felt anxious tion has 57 states as members. pants to Karekin II and presented the final results Francophonie season kicked off in because I was performing here for the “The two-month Francophonie sea - of the tournament. Armenia. The period from March 9 to first time. I had long wanted to give a son is another opportunity to reaffirm The catholicos welcomed the visit of the chess May 12 in Armenia will see more than concert in Armenia. Yesterday the hall our commitment to the Francophone players to Holy Echmiadzin, expressing joy that var- values. It is testimony to the importance ious international cultural, educational and also that Armenia attaches to its belonging sports events are being held in Armenia. Noting to the Francophone area that is an effi - that chess is favored by the Armenian people, he cient environment for dialogue and remarked that chess is a noble game with an impor- cooperation and provides an opportuni - tant mission in people’s lives, contributing to mutu- ty to act more systematically in the al understanding between nations and cultures international arena,” said Armenia’s with its spirit. Foreign Minister Eduard Nalbandian. Many politicians, as well as ambas - 780 Students Get sadors of France to Armenia have repeatedly stated that the Armenian- Tuition Refund French relations are at the highest level both in the political and economic YEREVAN (Armenian Public Radio) — Prime spheres. Diplomatic relations between Minister Tigran Sargisian attended an Armenia the Republic of Armenia and the Youth Foundation-hosted scholarship awards cere- Republic of France were established in mony at Yerevan State Medical University this 1992, soon after Armenia became inde - week. There he said that 780 students in public uni- pendent. Various sources put the num - versities have received tuition refunds based on ber of Armenians living in France to their grades. French singer Patricia Kaas, fresh off her concert the previous night, at a press con - between 450,000 to 700,000. Congratulating the winners, Sargisian stated in ference in Yerevan French language specialist Diana part, “I get a little bit excited every time I meet you Aghbalyan, 24, says that even though she for I remember my college years. Of course, such an 400 cultural, artistic, educational and was crowded, and judging by the audi - graduated from a higher educational insti - atmosphere is a unique opportunity to get an extra university events related to ence reaction, I think their expectations tution with honors, she is having prob - charge of energy. Whatever we do for you is not Francophonie. were met, and my expectations have lems with finding a job today, as French is enough as you are worth getting much more from French Ambassador to Armenia also been met,” she said. not as required in Armenia as English. the State. One of my government’s most important Henri Reynaud on Monday described The Organisation internationale de la “French is needed when you work at tasks is to make you feel happy in Motherland so the opening of the Season with Kaas’ Francophonie, known informally and a translation center, and even then not that you would associate your future plans with the concert as a magnificent start, saying more commonly as Francophonie, was so much as English. Some formal steps homeland.” that Armenia, as a member of the orga - set up in 1970. It is an international are being taken to introduce French in nization of French-speaking nations, organization representing countries everyday life, but I don’t think they has once again proved its commitment and regions where French is the first or have any significance,” Aghbalyan says. S ATURDAY , M ARCH 15, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 3 INTERNATIONAL

Catherine Ashton Visits Armenian International News Crimea May Become Cathedral in New Julfa, Iran Tempting Precedent in ISFAHAN, Iran (Armenpress) — Karabagh Issue: expert The European Union (EU) High Representative for Foreign Affairs YEREVAN (PanARMENIAN.Net) — The head of Alte and Security Policy Catherine et Certe analytical center believes that the situa- Ashton visited Holy Savior tion in Crimea may be used as a precedent in the Armenian Cathedral in New Julfa on attempt to resolve the Karabagh issue. March 10. The official website of the “The whole Western legislation system is built on Prelacy of New Julfa, the dean of the rule of precedents,” Andrey Yepifantsev said. the Shahin Shahr community As he further noted, should Crimea get annexed to Archimandrite Anania Gujanian, Russia, the fact might become a strong precedent, along with the representatives of with Yerevan and Stepanakert tempted to follow parliament, diocesan, religious and the suit in resolving the Karabagh issue. other bodies, welcomed the delega - “The annexation, should it come to pass, will lead tion led by Ashton and the Prelate to serious alteration of the post-Yalta system of the of the Armenian Diocese of Isfahan international law, based on the inviolability of bor- Bishop Babgen Charian. ders. A party initiating the move would become an The members of the delegation object of serious pressure from those interested in first paid a visit to 350-year old St. preservation of the existing order. In the present Joseph of Arimathea Chapel of the case, Russia won’t be vulnerable in the face of pres- European Union (EU) High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security sure - with no military resistance expected, the sug- Holy Savior Cathedral, which is Policy Catherine Ashton and Archimandrite Anania Gujanian look at the fres - famous for its spectacular frescos. coes. gested economic sanctions more harmful to those In addition, the Komitas choir per - who imposed them and political ostracizing of no formed hymns conducted by Armen particular concern to Moscow,” the expert said. Amirkhanian. Ashton and the other cos of the church, which tell the passions of St. Gregory the As he noted, Russia has the capability of break- members of the delegation listened whole history of the Old and New Illuminator, as well as Paradise and ing the system. “What about Armenia? Does it feel to the hymns and looked at the fres - Testaments, commandments, the Hell. invulnerable enough to stand the pressure of the world powers? Are its citizens ready to suffer from the deteriorating economy brought over by sanc- tions? Are they ready for a war with Azerbaijan? Only Armenia can answer those questions,” the Russian analyst concluded. UNICEF Recognizes Syria as Most The parliament of Crimea, a majority ethnic Russian region within Ukraine, declared indepen- dence on Tuesday, March 11, ahead of a popular Dangerous Place for Children vote on secession and annexation by Russia. The declaration comes as the latest attempt to shore up the legal basis of the upcoming referen- UNITED NATIONS — As the conflict tated by the war, and highlights the The report warns that the future of dum, which is scheduled for Sunday but has been in Syria approaches another somber profound traumas many have experi - 5.5 million children inside Syria and declared unconstitutional by the country’s central milestone, more than twice as many enced. Children such as 4-year-old living as refugees in neighboring leadership in Kyiv. children are now affected compared to Adnan, who fled with his family to countries hangs in the balance as vio - 12 months ago, says a new report by Lebanon, suffered facial scarring lence, the collapse of health and edu - UNICEF published this week. when his home was bombed and still cation services, severe psychological Crimean Tatars Ask for Particularly hard hit are up to a mil - suffers from emotional distress. “He distress and the worsening economic lion children who are trapped in areas cries all night,” his mother is quoted impact on families combine to devas - Azeri Help from Aliyev of Syria that are under siege or that as saying. “He is scared of everything tate a generation. The report draws BAKU (EurasiaNet.org) — Four days after Crimean are hard to reach with humanitarian and is afraid when we leave him, even attention to the suffering experienced Tatars sent an SOS to Azerbaijani President Ilham assistance due to continued violence. for a second.”UNICEF estimates that by children and their families who Aliyev, nothing has been heard from Baku but The report details the devastating there are 2 million children like have been trapped in areas under silence. For all its grievances with Moscow, chances impact on children in the three years Adnan in need of psychological sup - siege for many months. Cut off from are slim that Azerbaijan, the Tatars’ rich South- of conflict in Syria impacting 5.5 mil - port or treatment. aid, living in rubble and struggling to Caucasus cousin, will stick its neck out over lion children and calls for an immedi - “For Syria’s children, the past three find food, many Syrian children have Crimea. ate end to the violence and increased years have been the longest of their been left without protection, medical But Crimean Tatar community leader Mustafa support for those affected. lives. Must they endure another year care or psychological support, and Dzhemilyev, a Ukrainian parliamentarian, gave it The report includes the accounts of of suffering?” said UNICEF Executive have little or no access to education. his best shot in a March 6 interview with the news children whose lives have been devas - Director Anthony Lake. In the very worst cases children and site Haqqin. “Do not leave your Crimean brothers pregnant women have been deliber - and sisters at this difficult time,” Dzhemilyev ately wounded or killed by snipers. In implored Aliyev. host countries, 1.2 million Syrian chil - Recalling repressions by Tsarist and Soviet dren are now refugees living in camps Russia, he underlined that the Tatars will never Turkey Found Guilty in and overwhelmed host communities, put up with a Russian takeover of the Crimean and have limited access to clean peninsula, and asked Aliyev to use his influence water, nutritious food or learning with Russian President Vladimir Putin to prevent Case of Two Journalists opportunities.The report says that such an event. three years on, Syrian children have The request was cc-ed to Turkish President been forced to grow up faster than Abdullah Gul and another Turkic leader, STRASBOURG (Hurriyet) — The cants themselves, but on all journal - any child should. UNICEF estimates European Court of Human Rights ists.” Kazakhstani President Nursultan Nazarbayev. that 1 in 10 refugee children is now Turkey has so far weighed in the strongest on the (ECHR) ruled Turkey breached the Dilipak and Karakaya, who were working and 1 in every 5 Syrian girls right to a fair hearing and freedom of both working at the Islamist daily issue, while Aliyev and Nazarbayev have been slow in Jordan is forced into early mar - to provide even a non-binding, thinking-of-you expression in the cases of two jour - newspaper Akit in June 2000, wrote riage. nalists, Hasan Karakaya and separate articles criticizing Admiral response. Abdurrahman Dilipak. Güven Erkaya, former Commander-in- The report calls on the global com - Azerbaijani officials routinely emphasize The case concerned a judgment Chief of the Navy and member of the munity to undertake six critical steps: Azerbaijan’s emergence as a regional power, but against Karakaya and Dilipak for writ - National Security Council, following End the cycle of violence in Syria don’t expect Aliyev to snap his fingers in Putin’s ing articles that were considered his death. now, Grant immediate access to the face over Crimea. Through its economic and politi- offensive toward a high-ranking army In September 2000, the deceased’s under-reached 1 million children cal involvement in the region and its many con- official. family brought civil proceedings to inside Syria, Create an environment flicts, Nagorno-Karabagh included, Russia could “The Court found that Dilipak and obtain damages from the two journal - where children are protected from hurt Azerbaijan. Karakaya had not been given the ists. On Jan. 21, 2003, the court deliv - exploitation and harm, Invest in chil - But not everyone in Azerbaijan is willing to sit opportunity to participate in the civil ered a judgment in the absence of the dren’s education, Help children’s back. On March 9, two senior members of proceedings against them or to defend defendants, who had never appeared inner healing through psychological Azerbaijan’s opposition Musavat Party, Arif Gadjily their interests,” the decision read. It at the hearings. They were ordered care and support andProvide support and Gulaga Aslanly, were detained in Makhachkala, observed that the articles in question jointly to pay 30,000 Turkish Liras to host communities and governments in Russia’s North Caucasus, while traveling by were part of a debate on the political plus default interest for non-pecuniary to mitigate the social and economic train to Ukraine. The party has been outspokenly role of the army and the remarks from damage. The court found that the impact of the conflict on families. critical of Russia’s Ukraine policy, and, apparently, the two journalists clearly fell within a applicants had overstepped the limits “This war has to end so that chil - somebody had an eye out for any whistle-stop tours matter of general interest. Lastly, the of criticism by personally attacking dren can return to their homes to to Kyiv. Local police on March 10 claimed that the particularly significant award of dam - the deceased on account of his public rebuild their lives in safety with their two were sent back home, APA reported. ages against the two journalists was a duties. Dilipak and Karakaya appealed family and friends. This third devas - sanction that would be likely to have the decision, but their appeals were tating year for Syrian children must a chilling effect, not only on the appli - dismissed. be the last,” said Lake. 4 S ATURDAY , M ARCH 15, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Community Ne ws

U.S. Senator Slams Waters Found Guilty Azerbaijan’s Of Embezzling from Threats against Late Boss, Cafesjian Armenia, Karabagh By David Hanners WASHINGTON — Illinois Republican Sen. Mark Kirk “strongly condemned” MINNEAPOLIS (Pioneer Press) — A savvy Azerbaijan’s ongoing threats and violence businessman doesn’t show his hand if he doesn’t against Armenia and the Republic of have to, and John Waters Jr. is nothing if not Nagorno Karabagh, in a powerfully word - savvy. ed statement marking the 26th anniver - So his face showed no emotion Wednesday in sary of Azerbaijan’s anti-Armenian mas - Minneapolis as a federal court clerk read the word sacres in Sumgait, reported the Armenian “guilty” 25 times, indicating a jury had found he’d National Committee of America (ANCA). spent years embezzling from his boss, the late phil - “We join with Armenian Americans, anthropist and art collector Gerard “Gerry” here in Illinois and across America, in Cafesjian and then lied about it on his taxes. thanking Senator Kirk for his principled But after the judge had excused the jury, and powerful stand for peace,” said ANCA Waters removed his glasses and seemed to wipe Dr. Rafi Avitsian explaining a procedure in Armenia, during one of his regular trips Chairman Ken Hachikian, of Lake Forest, at his eyes with his fingers. there. Illinois. “Senator Kirk, who is a senior Although a federal prosecutor asked US senate appropriator, began his remarks District Judge Ann Montgomery to have Waters spotlighting Azerbaijani hate-crimes jailed while he awaits sentencing, the judge said against Armenians in Sumgait from that while it wasn’t an easy decision to allow him February 26 to 28, 1988, stating, “I join Faith and Perseverance to remain free, she was going to do it. my Armenian-American constituents in “You’ve dug yourself a very deep hole,” Illinois in commemorating the memory of Montgomery told the 57-year-old Eden Prairie those who perished in anti-Armenian vio - Guide Career of man, then warned him there’d be dire conse - lence in Sumgait, Soviet Azerbaijan twen - quences if he tried to flee. ty-six years ago. Dozens of people were No sentencing date has been set. Each of the killed and hundreds injured during three fraud counts carries a maximum of 20 years in days of horrific violence. The entire Pioneering Doctor prison, while the maximum on the tax evasion Armenian population of Sumgait fled as a CLEVELAND — What strikes one most when speaking with Dr. Rafi Avitsian is counts is six years. Filing a false tax return car - result. The perpetrators of these heinous not his impressive, “American Dream” success story, but his remarkable humility ries up to three years in prison. acts have never been brought to justice.” and unshakable faith. Defense attorney Reynaldo Aligada Jr. said nei - “All of the things that have happened ther he nor his client would comment. Assistant to me are not all my doing; they’re US Attorney William Otteson called the verdicts because of God [and] my family’s sup - “a just result.” By Serena Hajjar “We’re glad that justice was done,” he said. Special to the Mirror-Spectator port...I don’t want to take any credit for any of it.” Cafesjian’s daughter, Kathleen Baradaran of Born in Tabriz, Iran, Avitsian grew North Oaks, also declined to comment. She had up in an Armenian household with both parents involved in the medical profes - sat through much of the trial and had testified sion: his father was a physician while his mother was a nurse and midwife. He for the prosecution. attended an Armenian school until the start of the 1979 Iranian Revolution, when Over the course of the five-day trial, Otteson he temporarily relocated to England for a year. Upon his return to Iran, Avitsian and colleague Sarah Hudleston presented 13 wit - was told that young men could no longer leave the country as the Iran-Iraq War nesses and introduced nearly 250 exhibits in (1980-1988) had just erupted. Avitsian returned to his Armenian school, complet - their case. Aligada and co-counsel Kirstin Kanski ing middle and high school during a period of great turmoil and uncertainty. offered about 60 exhibits but just one witness: “I remember when I was a kid, every night, we would wait for the air raids to be Waters. done, to see whether or not we were going to live to eat dinner,” Avitsian recalled. The jury of seven women and five men delib - erated nearly 12 hours over two days. As they Sen. Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) Upon graduating high school, Avitsian, like every Iranian male at the filed into the courtroom to deliver their decision, time, was given the option to either not one looked in the direction of the defense attend university or enlist in the mili - table. The senator then turned to They found Waters guilty of 15 counts of wire Azerbaijan’s ongoing aggression against tary. (Iran has for decades enforced a mandatory two-year military service for fraud, four counts of mail fraud, three counts of Armenia and Artsakh, noting, “As we income-tax evasion and three counts of filing remember the Sumgait victims, I call on men over 18 who are not enrolled at a university.)For him, the choice was false tax returns. the current Government of Azerbaijan to The prosecution’s case was that Waters embez - immediately halt its campaign of incite - easy. However, when it came time to choose his university path, he debated zled $4.2 million from Cafesjian by withdrawing ment and hatred against Armenia that large sums of cash from the philanthropist’s bank threatens to de-stabilize the region. It is between engineering and medicine. “[Growing up,] I was able to see the account and hiding it in accounts he controlled. deplorable that the President of Waters testified the money wasn’t stolen. He Azerbaijan would pardon and glorify the lifestyle of a physician and how they help the patients and people...On the said Cafesjian approved the withdrawals and that convicted murderer Ramil Safarov, who the money went either to Cafesjian to fund his killed a sleeping Armenian soldier while other hand, I really liked engineering: I liked fixing things and making things,” habit of buying art, gems and jewelry, or it was a both were on a NATO Partnership for loan Waters was taking against deferred com - Peace program. I strongly condemn Avitsian said. Although he initially chose engineer - pensation he was owed. repeated statements from Azerbaijani offi - The Brooklyn, N.Y.-born Cafesjian had been an ing, Avitsian was persuaded by his Dr. Rafi Avitsian cials that threaten violence against executive and shareholder at West Publishing in Armenia and the Republic of Nagorno father to try medicine. In the end, he stuck with the latter. After passing the St. Paul. When the company was sold in 1996, Karabagh.” he became a wealthy man. Over the past week, Kirk was joined by entrance exams, Avitsian was confronted with the second component of his col - lege admissions: evaluation of his moral character. Just how wealthy is something few people, even House Foreign Affairs Committee Cafesjian, knew. The executive’s heart was in art — Chairman Ed Royce (R-CA), fellow “It wasn’t enough at that time — and I think it still isn’t — to be a good student academically in order to be able to enter university. Your moral values and char - he amassed a world-class collection and his mistress Committee colleagues Brad Sherman (D- of 35 years was an artist — and he could be non - CA) and David Cicilline (D-RI), acter were under very careful scrutiny,” Avitsian recalled. A representative from Tehran University came to Tabriz to inquire about chalant or even uncaring about money. Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chair Asked in a 2012 deposition in a civil case how Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Representatives Avitsian, and after a glowing recommendation from his local grocer, Avitsian was admitted. much he made when West was sold, he replied: Adam Schiff (D-CA), Tony Cardenas (D- “I think it was $200-and-something million.” CA), Anna Eshoo (D-CA), Katherine Clark “I imagine I entered the university because that grocery store man put in a good word for me,” Avitsian joked. Other estimates put the figure at $250 million. (D-MA), Judy Chu (D-CA), Gary Peters (D- Cafesjian funded a variety of philanthropic MI) and Linda Sanchez (D-CA) in issuing He spent the next seven years studying to become a physician. It was during that time that he met his wife, Suzelle, at an Armenian cultural club. pursuits. Many of them were in his parents’ similar statements condemning the homeland of Armenia, but some were closer to Sumgait, Baku and Kirovabad pogroms “That was the best thing I can remember from Iran,” Avitsian said. see PIONEER, page 5 home. He led the initiative to preserve the and calling on Azerbaijan to end its Minnesota State Fair’s 1914 merry-go-round. aggression against Armenia and the Renamed the Cafesjian Carousel, it now spins in Republic of Nagorno Karabagh. a special pavilion in St. Paul’s Como Park. see EMBEZZLMENT, page 7 S ATURDAY , M ARCH 15, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 5 COMMUNITY NEWS Faith and Perseverance Guide Career of Pioneering Doctor

PIONEER, from page 4 gious hospital. After several more interviews Avitsian also joined the Center for in my childhood gave me the Bible to read...I After graduating from university — and get - with other institutions, Avitsian decided to International Medical Education in Cleveland believe you cannot just close your eyes and ting married — Avitsian was required to partake accept the position at Cleveland Clinic. Clinic, which attracts physicians from other believe the faith. You have to read and compare, in two years of mandatory military service like A few months later, in November 1999, countries for observation. He has arranged for and I was in a country which was religious, even his fellow male graduates. However, his father’s Avitsian moved to the US, along with his family. many physicians from the Yerevan State Medical though I wasn’t of the same religion. But I actu - illness made him the primary breadwinner of his He began as an intern in internal medicine. A University to come and train in Cleveland for a ally was brought up in a faith-filled environment, family and thus excused him from military duty. year later, his second daughter, Taleen, was few months. and that helped me to read more and more and Instead, Avitsian was sent to serve as a doctor in born. “It’s not only the practice of anesthesia or any then decide for myself,” he said. rural regions of Iran for the next two years. As After graduating from the residency program, kind of medical specialty. It’s also about how a Although Avitsian has served on the parish chief of healthcare at a clinic north of Tehran, he Avitsian chose to study neurosurgical anesthesi - hospital is run. In the US, the day starts very council, his role in the church now revolves more would return home to visit his family every now ology for a year. He was soon hired as an asso - early and we work a lot. In Armenia, the system around keeping the Armenian spirit and identity and then. Soon, his first daughter, Anna, was ciate, and eventually a member of the full staff, is different. They start much later in the day, so alive in the community. born. at Cleveland Clinic. He is now an associate pro - there was a lot that the Armenian physicians “If you compare the US to other countries, the Meanwhile, his wife was pursuing her degree fessor of anesthesiology at the Cleveland Clinic could learn from the US,” Avitsian said. environment is more conducive to losing your in translation while working as a secretary. She Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western For some physicians, Avitsian noted, the allure cultural identity. We’re always thankful to the learned about immigration to Canada, and they Reserve University. He is also the section head of the US — with its comparatively bountiful US for accepting us, but we still think that keep - decided to apply. In 1996, the family immigrated for the Neurosurgical Anesthesiology Section, opportunities — is overpowering. ing your identity is an important thing,” he said. to Canada. where he oversees all procedures related to neu - “Nothing is perfect, and one of the problems Despite his achievements, Avitsian remains “In Canada, the healthcare system is all gov - rosurgery and the anesthesiology involved. As that we have faced is that those physicians who incredibly humble. When asked about his great - ernment-based and it’s very difficult if you’re an program director of the Neurosurgical come here, they’re coming out from a country est pride, he shies away. international graduate. I tried finding some jobs Anesthesiology Fellowship Program, he trains which doesn’t promise as great a future as the “Honestly, I don’t want to be proud. until I could pass the entrance exams to get into two fellows every year to become neurosurgical US does to its medical graduates — and this does Everything that I have done, I don’t see as my a residency for a specialty in Canada. It wasn’t anesthesiologists. He is also a member of the not only apply to Armenia. So some of the visit - own accomplishment: I see it as doing a duty easy,” Avitsian said. Board of Director of the Society for ing physicians try to go into residency and stay from God and walking in the path that I was sup - Despite the initial difficulty of finding a tem - Neuroanesthesia and Critical Care and currently here and not return, which is natural. For every - posed to walk,” he said. porary job to support his family while studying, a candidate for the chair of the Department of thing that you do, there are some sacrifices that He recalls one night, when he was mopping Avitsian eventually met fellow Armenians, one of General Anesthesiology. you have to endure. But again some of them do floors at Subway, his brother-in-law came in to whom offered him a job at his Subway sandwich Avitsian has traveled extensively to give lec - go back, and they become very successful physi - see him. store. Avitsian worked the night shifts while tures and edits a variety of scientific journals. He cians, and I’m still in contact with them,” “I could see tears in his eyes. He said, ‘Rafi, studying for his exams and took care of his is also involved in the innovation of medical Avitsian explained. what were you doing back home? You were a daughter during the day as his wife took college devices. One of his first patents was the Central His latest project is to implement a stroke pro - doctor. And what are you doing now? What are courses and worked at the same time. Line Catheter, which is inserted into the vascu - gram in Armenia. you doing, washing floors?’ It was humbling, and Numerous friends encouraged Avitsian to take lar system of a patient to direct fluid flow. “Stroke is a disease that not only kills, but also now I don’t look down on anyone because of the American exams as well. After passing these, “When I was a kid, I liked to mend and fix disables people, and those people become a bur - their work, because I’ve been there,” he recalled. Avitsian applied for an internship and residency things and make things and design things, and den on the whole economy of the country. So Avitsian credits this experience with keeping in the United States. now I’m doing it in medicine. Cleveland Clinic we’re trying to see whether we can decrease everything in perspective. “I was with some other foreign and interna - has a whole building just for inventors and stroke or treat it fast enough that they won’t “When you are faced with obstacles and you tional graduates, and we were looking at the res - inventions, so it is a very helpful resource,” he become disabled. I cannot say enough about conquer them and you don’t lose your hope and idency programs and the hospitals in the US. added. how much Dr. Gevorg Yaghjian has been influ - your faith and then you achieve [your goals], When we came down to Cleveland Clinic on the Avitsian strives to keep the Armenian spirit encing this: he is one of the most active people that is when you become humble. That is when list, someone said, ‘Oh, Cleveland Clinic, that’s a alive with his family, speaking Armenian to his I’ve seen in my life. He has the best networking: you look at other people, whatever their job or reputable place. They’re not going to take us. It’s children and teaching them to read and write in every opportunity he gets, he talks to Armenian calling, and you think, ‘Maybe that’s another probably a waste of time to apply.’ I agreed, but the language. In the medical field, he has seized doctors. Many times he could have lived in the doctor, maybe that’s another angel.’ Out of the when I came back home, I saw that I still had many opportunities to give back. He got involved US — he had the opportunity — but he is patri - difficulties that someone goes through, they can some extra applications, so I thought, ‘Well, I’ve in the Armenian Medical Society in Armenia and otic enough to go back and continue his work either become aggressive and lose hope and just been sending them so many places, why not just quickly established a rapport with Dr. Gohar there while collaborating with us here,” Avitsian let go, or they can keep their hope and be hum - send one more to Cleveland Clinic?’” Kyalyan, dean of the Yerevan State Medical said. ble and continue knowing it’s going to get bet - As it turned out, Cleveland Clinic was the first University, whose strategy was to build a rela - Along with his extensive work in the medical ter,” he said. hospital to ask him for an interview. Avitsian tionship with Armenian physicians in the dias - field, Avitsian remains an active member of his hopped on the next Greyhound bus and made pora. Avitsian now regularly attends medical local Armenian community, specifically St. his first entry into the United States, in 1998. conferences in Armenia and Karabagh. Gregory of Narek Church in Cleveland. He sings The following day, Avitsian interviewed with “When I lecture, I lecture in Armenian, as it’s in the choir and occasionally acts as sub-deacon. Prof. James Russell to one of the physicians at Cleveland Clinic. By the easier for the physicians to understand. And Avitsian says that his faith remains a central Speak on ‘Armenian end of the day, the program director had already when I return to the US, I sometimes do lectures piece of his identity. offered Avitsian a head position at the presti - online, using Skype,” Avitsian said. “I cannot thank my mother enough, who early Eccentric Kara Darvish’

FRESNO — Dr. James Russell, Mashtots Professor of Armenian Studies at Harvard University, will speak on “An Armenian Eccentric: The Life and Times of Kara Darvish” Committed to Changing Lives at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 20, in the University Business Center, Alice Peters Auditorium, Room 191, on the Fresno State PROVIDENCE, R.I. — On December 12, at the Rhodes on the Pawtuxet, Thomas “Terry” Pitts and Sondra Ahlijian Pitts were awarded the campus. distinction as Community Champions by the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) Foundation at the Gala Changing Lives. Sondra The lecture is part of the Armenian Studies Pitts, who was part of the first graduating class at CCRI in 1966, and Thomas Pitts’ support and involvement at CCRT has continued Program Spring Lecture Series and is co-spon - throughout these years. She is a member and past president of the CCRI Alumni Association, and he assists CCRI as an adviser to the pres - sored by the Armenian Students Organization ident and serves on the Board of at Fresno State and the National Association Trustees of the Community for Armenian Studies and Research. The Spring Preparatory School in Lecture Series is funded through the Leon S. Providence, which educates Peters Foundation. third- through eighth-graders of Kara Darvish (Hakob Genjian) was an diverse ethnic and socioeconom - Armenian Futurist poet who lived and worked ic backgrounds. mainly in Tiflis (Tbilisi), Georgia, before and The couple has served their after World War I. He wrote several novels and church, Sts. Sahag and Mesrob manifestoes, but is best known for the “post - Armenian Church, and card” poems he distributed at cafés and outside Armenian community in Rhode cinemas which proclaim his cosmopolitan and Island throughout their married revolutionary credo and experiment with odd life. Thomas Pitts has been typefaces and experiment with incantatory non - a Parish Council member and sense words in Armenian, dipping also into the his wife served on various com - Armenian mythological past. (His Russian mittees and dedicated many Futurist colleagues named this technique years to the Armenian school as zaum‘, i.e., transrational language.) Among his a teacher and as principal from friends and associates were the poets Osip 1999-2004 as well as chairing Mandelstam and Yeghishe Charents; and the Armenian School committee Kostan Zarian evokes the poet and his turbu - from 1981-84. lent surroundings in the novel Nave leran vra In attendance at the gala (“The Ship upon the Mountain”). affair were the pastor of Russell has written more than 100 scholarly Saints Sahag and Mesrob articles, many of which have been collected in Church, Fr. Shnork Souin, his his Armenian and Iranian Studies (2004). He wife Yn. Julie and many friends Thomas and Sondra Pitts with Community College of Rhode Island President Ray Di Pasquale, left is most recently the author of a study on and and family members. translation of the collected poems of Bedros Tourian, titled Bosphorus Nights (2006). The lecture is free and open to the public. 6 S ATURDAY , M ARCH 15, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS Nancy Najarian Eyes Virginia House Seat

NAJARIAN, from page 1 finance. significant ways,” she said, by way of explaining She was also a board why she would seek the House seat. member of the Armenian “This is a very, very safe Democratic seat. Assembly of America’s There is a good chance that there won’t be ARAMAC (Armenian another chance like this,” she explained. American Action “I did some due diligence and talked” to var - Committee), working to ious members of congress and friends in poli - raise awareness in the US tics as well as her friends and family to make up about newly-independent her mind. “I decided to go for it,” she said. Armenia’s plight as a result She is kicking off her campaign this week, of the energy blockade. meeting with locals and making phone calls in There are several issues this very short and intense campaign. The pri - that are close to her heart. mary will take place on June 10, with the elec - “I have both advocated for, tion in November. and helped educate others “I need to become a very well supported can - about, renewable energy didate in an extremely short amount of time and its significance in rela - because it is a crowded race,” she said. The first tion to insuring a healthy, goal, she said, is to raise a lot of cash for the and livable world now and campaign to pay for ads “in the very expensive in the future,” she said. “I DC media market.” care very much about leav - Najarian is a veteran when it comes for work - ing a world for our children ing for Democratic candidates nationally. “I where not only do they have worked on canvassing, phone banking, etc. have a voice in their gov - for the presidential elections in the last 12 ernment and the ability to years,” she said. In addition, she has helped in support themselves and other races, including Massachusetts’ Sen. their families, but also Nancy Najarian and her family, husband Michael Stimson and children George and Serine Elizabeth Warren (D-Ma) and Middlesex County where they can live and Sheriff Peter Koutoujian’s bid to become a have the natural resources member of the House last year. that allow for a long and healthy existence. That family and work life. Her manufacturing firm, ticipated in many events hosted both by the Nancy Najarian was born in Boston, baptized translates into awareness of how our climate is Clip-It Systems, sells a patented means of secur - Armenian Assembly of America and the in St. Stephen’s Armenian Church in changing, and what each of us as individuals ing grape vines in vineyards of optimal growth. Armenian National Committee of America. Watertown and raised in Belmont. and collectively as countries can do to mitigate Najarian lives in northern Virginia with her She noted, “It would be pretty exciting to Being a part of the Armenian community the negative climate changes we are experienc - husband, Michael Stimson, and children have someone with an Armenian last name in comes naturally to Najarian. “I come from a ing presently.” George, 13, and Serine, 7. She has been a Congress in 2015.” family that has done quite a bit of work in the There are many areas around the world Sunday school teacher at St. Mary’s Armenian For more information on Najarian, visit Armenian-American community and Armenia engulfed in conflict on in a post-conflict state, Apostolic Church in Washington and has par - http://www.najarianforcongress.com/ itself,” she said. “I am sharing my candidacy which need the help of the US, she said. “I will with the Armenian-American community.” strive to support and … give people a chance to She was a charter member of the Cambridge get back on their feet,” she said. “People should Telephone (617) 924-7400 Yerevan Sister City Association (CYSCA) in the have a right to a voice.” 1980s and traveled with her family and the Other issues she wants to focus on if elected group to Moscow and Yerevan in 1988 prior to to the House include women’s rights and repro - Aram Bedrosian the break up of the Soviet Union and the inde - ductive rights. pendence of Armenia. After receiving her mas - She added, “Human trafficking is becoming Funeral Home, Inc. ter’s degree from Georgetown University’s more and more of an issue. It’s horrible.” School of Foreign Service, she volunteered at In addition, she said she is “very, very inter - Continuous Service By The Bedrosian Family Since 1945 the new Armenian Embassy in Washington ested in issues that affect Armenia as well as MARION BEDROSIAN before heading to Armenia in 1993 to live there. Armenian-Americans.” 558 MOUNT AUBURN STREET PAUL BEDROSIAN In Yerevan, Najarian taught English to stu - In addition, she said she would try to increase WATERTOWN, MA 02472 dents who wanted to attend MBA programs. US trade with Armenia. LARRY BEDROSIAN She also founded a non-profit there, Technical The current plight of Syrian-Armenians, she Assistance for the Republic of Armenia (TARA, noted, needs to be addressed and their suffer - Inc.), which aimed to help nascent Armenian ing alleviated. entrepreneurs start new businesses in Armenia Najarian said that as a small business owner, and bring diasporan Armenians to teach she knows how to handle money, meet a pay - Western approaches to management and roll, handle insurance needs and balance her GF UiNrEaRgAoL sHiaOMn E James “Jack” Giragosian, CPC OBITUARY Mark J. Giragosian Funeral Counselors 576 Mt. Auburn Street, Watertown, MA 02472, TEL: 617-924—0606 Mary Ann Tatoian www.giragosianfuneralhome.com

ENFIELD, Conn. — Mary Ann (Mugar) She was employed by the Daggett Chocolate Tatoian, 101, died at home on Monday, March Company as a bookkeeper. 3, surrounded by her family. In 1932 she married Dr. James A. Tatoian and She was born June 3, 1912 in Boston, daughter the couple resided in Enfield. She was a mem - ber of Calvary Presbyterian Church of Enfield, ENNIS M. EVENEY & ONS a 50-year member of the Enfield Women’s Club D D S and was also a 50-year member of The Order of Eastern Star, Ionic Chapter. Cemetery Monuments She was a wonderful cook and enjoyed mak - Specializing in ing many Armenian recipes for her family. She leaves behind a son, Dr. James A. Armenian Designs and Lettering Tatoian, Jr. and his wife, Dianne, of Haverford, 701 Moody St. Waltham, MA 02543 Penn.; a grandson, Dr. Frederick S. Jones III and his wife, Michelle, of Cardiff-by-the-Sea, (781) 891-9876 www.NEMonuments.com Calif.; four great-grandchildren, Calder, Chloe, Lucia and Zaiden Jones; and a sister Beatrice Fye and her husband David of Wayland, Mass. She also leaves several nieces and nephews, and Edward D. Jamakordzian, Jr. d/b/a sister-in-law Evelyn H. Tatoian of Enfield. She was predeceased by her husband and a daughter, Sona Tatoian Jones, a brother, John Mugar, and a sister, Irene Pike. Edward D. Jamie, Jr. Funeral services were held on Friday, March 7, with burial at Enfield St. Cemetery. Funeral Chapel Mary Ann Tatoian Serving the entire Armenian Community In Lieu of flowers, donations in Mary’s mem - Any Hour • Any Distance • Any Location ory may be made to Calvary Presbyterian of the late Martin and Anna (Chooljian) Mugar. Church, 1518 King St., Enfield, CT 06082 and Call (718) 224-2390 Toll Free (888) 224-6088 She was raised in Cambridge, Mass., and graduat - to Home and Community Health Services Bus. Reg. 189-06 Liberty Ave., Hollis, NY 11412 ed from Cambridge High and Latin in 1929. Hospice, 101 Phoenix Ave., Enfield, CT 06082 . Consultation Office: 217-04 Northern Blvd., (Suite 23), Bayside,NY 11361 S ATURDAY , M ARCH 15, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 7 COMMUNITY NEWS Governor’s Council Rejects Superior Court Pick Berman

BERMAN, from page 1 engaged citizen.” charged with the duty to uphold the constitu - lied, and nothing else counts,” she said. Dartmouth College and received his law degree The governor said Berman’s charitable con - tion should not disqualify a candidate because Devaney told the News Service all other fac - from the University of Michigan Law School. tributions averaged three times more than the one of his clients was unpopular,” Patrick said. tors in considering the nominee were sec - His practice focuses on commercial litigation - amount he gave to politicians. Patrick said he has no personal relationship ondary to her concerns about his truthfulness. another sticking point for council members In respect to the ADL, Patrick said the with Berman, and did not know him before he Devaney specifically questioned Berman’s state - who expressed concerns about his lack of crim - Armenian Genocide is a matter of historical was nominated, but has since been impressed ments about whether he called any elected offi - inal experience. fact. “Mr. Berman acknowledges that fact now with his level of experience in both criminal and cials to speak on behalf of his nomination. After his nominee was rejected, Patrick read and in the past. That needs to be clear to every - civil work. During the second hearing, Berman apolo - a lengthy statement he had written, saying he one on the council, as well as in the Armenian “It is no surprise he has been named by his gized for some impressions he may have left felt compelled to address some of the concerns and larger community,” he said. peers as one of the top 100 lawyers in New with council members during his initial vetting. raised about Berman. The council usually Patrick said the Armenian Genocide must England,” Patrick said. “He has extensive civil “I am grateful for today’s second chance to approves Patrick’s judicial nominees, but has never be forgotten, nor denied. “But the region - and criminal litigation experience in the show you who I am, what drives me, and how I rejected a few lately. al ADL has done too much good work for Massachusetts trial courts.” have taken your concerns to heart,” Berman Berman was criticized by council members human rights in our community and beyond to Patrick said Berman has no less experience, said last week. for his hefty campaign contributions, for repre - cast every supporter aside,” he said. “We can be and in many cases greater experience, than After the vote, Albano called it a sad day for senting a prisoner at Guantanamo Bay deten - rigorous about evaluating prospective judges many Superior Court judges the council has the council. Albano said if Berman was not a tion camp, and for his leadership role in the without attributing to them personally every voted to confirm. member of the ADL, or did not contribute to Anti-Defamation League – an organization that view of a group to which they belong.” Berman was first interviewed in November, campaigns, he would be a Superior Court refused to recognize the Armenian genocide. Caissie said she voted against Berman and when it appeared the council was poised to judge. “Joseph Berman is well qualified in learning, because she had “serious reservations about his reject him, Patrick pulled back his nomination “Mr. Berman in my view would have been an experience and temperament to sit on the truthfulness,” citing his comments that he led and mounted an effort to build support for the outstanding justice,” Albano said. “If he didn’t Superior Court,” Patrick said. “What is done is an “insurrection” to change the stance of the nominee. The governor resubmitted the nomi - have these issues, he would have been con - done. But because the reasons expressed previ - ADL on the Armenian genocide, and his com - nation in February to give Berman another firmed.” ously for your opposition are, in my view, ments that representing a prisoner at shot at convincing council members he would Iannella said he was troubled by council unprecedented and I think unfair, I want to Guantanamo was one of the things he was most make a good judge. He had a second, more cor - members weighing Berman’s campaign contri - express for the record my disappointment with proud of in his career. dial hearing last week. butions in their decision. Iannella argued that today’s vote, no disrespect to any member, “In my opinion, it was simply done to pad his Devaney said Wednesday she has received people have a right to contribute to the politi - please.” resume,” she said. “With respect to the ADL numerous “hate mail” letters, and threats that cal process, without it being a strike against In January, more than 100 attorneys wrote to that is relevant to his truthfulness as well.” she will be defeated in her bid for re-election in them. the council urging them to approve Berman’s Caissie said. Berman could not produce any let - November because of Berman’s nomination. “That fact that he gave $100,000, you know nomination. Among them were former Gov. ters or documents to back up his claim that he Along with the New England ADL’s stance on he is a really, really, wealthy man, that should William Weld, former Attorney General Scott worked to change ADL positions. the Armenian Genocide, Devaney said she not bar him from being on the Superior Court.” Harshbarger and attorney general candidate Some council members questioned Berman’s voted against Berman because of his political Iannella said. “I hope all types of people apply Warren Tolman. pro bono work for a prisoner at Guantanamo contributions. for judgeships, poor people, rich people, every - Patrick said council members’ criticism about Bay, a client who refused to meet with him and “I cannot dismiss the contributions that he one should be able to apply. And just because Berman’s ADL leadership role was “misplaced,” was eventually released after not being charged gave,” she said. “... I don’t want to condone he contributed a lot of money, that should not and said it was wrong to hold the campaign with a crime. someone who is trying to buy his way in. In be a reason why we voted against, or we should contributions against Berman when consider - The law includes the right of access to competent addition to all his contributions, he gave almost have voted against, Mr. Berman.” ing his qualifications to become a judge. counsel, “even for the outcast,” Patrick said. $17,000 to the Democratic State Committee. Kennedy said the suggestion that Berman “Political contributions have never had any “The Supreme Court has repeatedly affirmed Anyone who’s political knows what that tried to buy a judgeship was offensive. bearing on my nominations and I have never this principle. The commonwealth’s own John means.” “There’s no question, every single person in given you a basis to think otherwise,” Patrick Adams, in the famous case of the Boston Devaney later said she wanted to make clear this room would say based on his legal back - said. “Readiness is readiness. It doesn’t turn Massacre, is a shining example of that principle that she voted against Berman because she ground, he is qualified to be on the Superior into something else because the nominee exer - in action,” Patrick said. does not believe he answered certain questions Court,” he said. “I respect other reasons people cised his or her First Amendment right to be an “With due respect to all of you, a council truthfully during his confirmation hearing. are voting against him, but to attack his integri - Devaney, who previously expressed concerns ty I think is inappropriate. He is a very honest about the nominee’s membership in the Anti- person. Defamation League, did not cite it as the reason “There is no question in my mind that when why she voted against Berman on Wednesday. he sat in that chair he answered every question TEKEYANTEKEYAN CULCULTURALTURAL ASSOCIAASSOCIATIONTION OF GREATERGREATER NY “I am voting against Mr. Berman because he honestly,” Kennedy added.

Similarly, the defense maintained that a Waters Found Guilty shrewd businessman like Cafesjian would quick - ly spot millions of missing dollars from his bank Of Embezzlment account and that he wouldn’t wait two years to find out where the money went. EMBEZZLMENT, from page 4 In fact, Cafesjian had been on the record and Cafesjian hired Waters to run his businesses under oath about both matters, but jurors never and charitable foundations. The two had worked heard his words. Waters sued his former boss in together at West, and there was a time when 2012, claiming he was owed $5 million in back each expressed great admiration for the other. pay, and he took Cafesjian’s sworn deposition. In a 2012 deposition in another civil case, The former exec had said that although he Cafesjian said Waters had “tremendous hori - wasn’t keen on accounting (he wasn’t into the zons” and “was up for forming a bank or an “green eyeshade thing,” he said), he considered insurance company or a sculpture garden. You the money “stolen.” name it, he didn’t think it was very difficult to He called Waters’ claim of a modified compen - do.” sation agreement “the craziest thing I ever heard Asked if Waters was creative, Cafesjian replied in my life.” that “he has creativity with some things, yeah. “A string of total lies,” he said of Waters’ Some legal, some not.” claims. When Aligada asked Waters on the stand if Otteson had wanted jurors to hear that. But he’d been Cafesjian’s right-hand man, Waters before the trial, Montgomery ruled the civil depo - replied: “I was his right hand, and at times his sition was inadmissible. She said allowing it as left, his eyes, his ears.” He had even negotiated testimony would deprive Waters of his right to many of Cafesjian’s business deals. confront his accuser. By March 2009, the two men had a falling out, After the verdict, Otteson said Cafesjian’s tes - and Waters quit. timony “would’ve made it a different case, but we Waters told jurors that he and Cafesjian nego - were still able to present a pretty powerful cir - tiated a written compensation agreement in cumstantial case.” 1996. He said they modified it in 2000 so some Testimony showed the stolen funds wound up Reporter Wanted of Waters’ compensation would be deferred, a in a variety of bank accounts Waters controlled. tactic carrying certain tax advantages. Some went into accounts for his two daughters, The is seeking an assistant editor, He said that in 2005 they modified it again to and nearly $750,000 went into an account for his Armenian Mirror-Spectator allow Waters to borrow money from the deferred then-mistress. The two later married. working 20-25 hours a week. compensation he had accrued. Waters told jurors Aside from a possible prison sentence, Waters the 2000 and 2005 modifications were oral and faces a civil lawsuit filed by Cafesjian. When he The ideal candidate should have a good grasp of journalism and had not been put in writing. sued his former boss in 2012, Cafesjian respond - be willing to cover a variety of subjects. Some editing will also Cafesjian died in September at the age of 88, ed by filing a counter-claim. In it, he accused be required. five months after his wife of 65 years, Cleo Waters of theft. Cafesjian, 87. Last year, US District Judge Richard Kyle Salary commensurate with experience. Prosecutors contended it was ludicrous to threw out Waters’ claim, leaving only Cafesjian’s think a shrewd businessman like Cafesjian would countersuit. Proceedings in that case were Send resumes and writing samples to [email protected]. renegotiate his top aide’s compensation — twice placed on hold until Waters’ criminal case was — without putting it in writing. finished. 8 S ATURDAY , M ARCH 15, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS DEPOP Research Group Concludes International Speaking Tour AGBU-Organized Events Reveal New Trends in Armenia’s Emigration

NEW YORK — The DEPOP Research Group, in partnership with AGBU and the Kololian Foundation, has just concluded a worldwide tour to present its report, “The Depopulation Crisis in Armenia.” Drawing hundreds of attendees in Beirut, Paris, Toronto, New York and Los Angeles, the events sparked a new dialogue about emigra - tion, demographic and socioeconomic chal - lenges in Armenia today and possibilities for building a stronger future for the republic. The report, which was first introduced at a United Nations Population Fund conference in Yerevan in October 2013, is based on extensive fieldwork conducted across Armenia. For more than a year, four indepen - dent research teams, selected by the International Center for Human Development in Yerevan on behalf of the Kololian Foundation, gathered data on the ground. The researchers include Dr. Khatchik Der Ghougassian of the Hrayr Maroukhian Foundation; Veronica Aghajanyan, Ani Avetisyan, Tatevik Hovhannisyan, Elena Kozhemyakina, Elena Muradyan and Elina Sahakyan of the Russian-Armenian (Slavonic) Ani Avetisian discusses the fieldwork conducted across Armenia for the DEPOP research project in New York. University; Kristine Antonyan, Karlen Khachatryan and Haik Sargsyan of Yerevan State University; and independent revealed startling statistics: a near 20-percent years, families with higher earnings are even that lead to greater citizen involvement.” The researchers Arshak Balayan, Armen Gakavian drop in Armenia’s population over the past more likely to leave the country. first step to bringing about meaningful change, and Avetik Mejlumyan. two decades. Their research shows that In light of these findings, the DEPOP group he continued, is to organize robust public The DEPOP teams’ focus groups, inter - although those numbers were initially tied to proposed recommendations, which they shared debates and discussions. views, media monitoring and surveys a lack of economic opportunities, in recent at each stop on their global tour. Vahan The DEPOP group also stressed the impor - Kololian, co-founder of tance of strengthening civic institutions across the Toronto-based think tank, the Mosaic Institute, and the spon - sor of the DEPOP pro - ject, pointed to the need for the Armenian “[Armenia ’s] readily- diaspora to help reverse these demographic declining population is yet trends. In his address to guests at the AGBU another crisis that we must Central Office in New York, Kololian resolve together...” remarked that “the Armenian people have Armenia. Kamo Mailyan, the editor of a history of uniting in www.depop.am, shared, “We believe that the the face of crisis. The development of economic, education and judi - country’s readily-declin - cial systems, as well as civil society, will bring ing population is yet positive change in Armenia. By building the another crisis that we capacity of those institutions, we can strength - must resolve together, en the democratic process and create a pros - whether it is by invest - perous future for our country and our people.” ing in local businesses With its first international tour complete, the and micro-lending or by DEPOP Research Group is now seeking to part - engaging with the ner with local civic groups to encourage trans - Vahan Kololian, sponsor of the DEPOP research initiative, takes questions from the audience at the AGBU Central Office in Ministry of Diaspora to parency and participatory decision-making and New York. support civic projects to empower Armenian youth countrywide.

AGBU Lebanon presents an award to DEPOP editor Kamo Mailyan (second from right). Mailyan is joined by Hampig Mardiorssian, chief editor of Khosnag Monthly (far left); Vartan Atamian, First Secretary of the Armenia Embassy in Lebanon; and Anita Lebiar, executive director of AGBU DEPOP Group research coordinator Elena Muradyan reviews findings from the report “The Lebanon. Depopulation Crisis in Armenia” in New York. S ATURDAY , M ARCH 15, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 9 COMMUNITY NEWS Orphans Giving Back in Armenia

By Christine Parseghian

Empathy, charity and generosity. They’re virtues we all admire but don’t expect from those who are needy themselves. That’s why Tigranoohi Karapetyan, who oversees Mer Doon, a home for girls in Armenia who age out of their orphanages, was so surprised when the orphans in the home wanted to donate whatever they could to help a woman whose needs were even greater than theirs. The girls saw on Armenian TV a very poor woman named Karine whose life is hard beyond comprehension. Karine digs wells and holes for toilets in the village of Gavar for 500 dram to support her four children, her sister’s two orphaned children and her elderly mother. Living in a crumbling house with no gas, water or light, Karine is deter - mined to keep her sister’s orphaned chil - dren with her rather than send them to an orphanage. She wants them to grow up knowing a family’s love, regardless of how meager a life she is able to offer. The Mer Doon girls saw Karine saying through tears on TV, “I’ll work hard and keep them next to me, but I would never Some of the Mer Doon girls, staff and supporters, with Karine, in center give them to the orphanage.” Knowing the hardships of being orphans themselves, the Mer Doon girls were as much as it is possible. We were sad how the orphan’s gifts and Karine cried, saying a family environment, instilling leadership inspired to help this woman who, against all many Karines there are in our country. She she couldn’t take money from an orphan. skills and teaching self-sufficiency. Mer Doon odds, was determined to raise the children is fighting. She doesn’t expect anything She thanked Mer Doon and eventually provides a modest residence with 24 hour in her care so they would have a family, from anyone. She holds the hardness of her accepted the gifts. adult supervision for 14 young women living something the Mer Doon girls never had. family on her shoulders and she carries her “Karine with her sad eyes said goodbye to in a family atmosphere where the girls study, They got to work gathering clothes and cross because she believes in God.” us and her look stays in my heart,” says play music, learn computer skills. The young toys to give. One of them, Hasmik Gurjinyan wrote to Karine to accompany Karapetyan. “At the end, we went to the women who have lived at Mer Doon have pur - Gurjinyan, gave money she earns from sell - the monetary donation. In it she said, ““I church and we lit candles for Karine and her sued professional careers, they have married ing her needlework saying she wanted want to hug and kiss you that you didn’t family.” and have started families of their own. Karine’s family to afford to buy bread. When give your sister’s two children to the Mer Doon opened its doors in Echmiadzin Mer Doon was co-founded by founded by Hasmik offered this, the caregivers at Mer orphanage. I lived in the orphanage, didn’t in 2006 to girls who have outgrown their Julie Ashekian of Connecticut, who was the Doon were touched by this act of generosi - feel the warmth of my mother and sweet orphanages. Since orphans are turned out national coordinator for Children of ty. family relations. I would like to live with my of the orphanages at age 18, many are at Armenia Sponsorship Program (CASP) and “We cried. We were happy and sad,” said mother to feel my mother’s love and hugs. I risk of falling prey to the evils of the streets, by Tigranuhi Karapetian. For many of the Karapetyan. “We were happy because at last would like that she kept me next to her as including human trafficking and forced pros - orphans, Mer Doon is the first family they we can see the results of our work,” she you keep your children not giving them to titution. The girls who come to Mer Doon have ever known. added. “Many children from orphanages the orphanage. I know that my little dona - are given a chance to prepare for a life of dig - For more information about Mer Doon think that everybody must help them. We tion is nothing but my prayers will be always nity and promise. and the girls who live there, visit www.mer- are trying to pull out this wrong opinion with you. Let God bless you. You are a The mission of Mer Doon is to break the doon.com on the web or find Mer Doon on that they have. We are trying to teach them Mother, a Woman and a Creator.” cycle of dependency for impoverished young Facebook. Information on how to support that they must help poor and needy people Karapetyan met with Karine to give her women by providing education, job training, Mer Doon can be found on the webpage.

Armenian Women’s Sponsor a Teacher in Armenia and Karabagh 2014 Educational Club Announces Since its inception in 2001, TCA’s ‘Sponsor Scholarships

a Teacher’ program has raised over $563,000 BOSTON — The Armenian Women’s Educational Club is announcing four $1,000 and reached out to 4,464 teachers and scholarships and is now accepting applications from high school senior boys and girls entering school workers in Armenia and Karabagh. a four-year college in fall 2014. Applicants may be male or female, must be £ of Armenian descent and be accepted at a four-year college or university for the current year. They must be seniors at a greater Boston K Yes, I want to sponsor teachers in Armenia and Karabagh to continue high school who are United States citizens or helping them to educate the children, our future leaders. I would like to have hold a resident alien card. Winners of the the teacher’s name and address. $1,000 scholarships will be selected on the basis of their academic record and financial K $160 K $ 320 K $ 480 K other $ ————————— need. Name Students may request scholarship applica - Address tion forms by calling Araxie Manjikian at 781- City State Zip code 937-0515. Applications are due by April 30 and Tel: the scholarships will be awarded in June. The Armenian Women’s Educational Club Make check payable to: Tekeyan Cultural Association – Memo: Sponsor a Teacher 2014 was founded some 75 years ago for the pur - Mail your check with this form to: pose of providing scholarships to college stu - TCA Sponsor a Teacher dents, first in the Middle East and for the past 5326 Valverde, Houston, TX 77056 30 years in the United States. Started by a group of Armenian immigrant women, who Your donation is Tax Deductible. wanted to support education, the club has awarded over $100,000 in scholarships. 10 S ATURDAY , M ARCH 15, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Arts & Living The Knights of Vartan Ani Lodge Performs Unexpected Second Annual Play In Celebration of Darling Vartanatz Day

WASHINGTON — Last month, the Knights of Vartan Ani Lodge #21 and Daughters of Vartan By Aileen Agopian Dikranouhi Otyag held two special events to mark the annual Vartanantz Day celebration. MIAMI (Forbes Middle East) — Each On Sunday, February 9, the Hamasdegh School December art patrons, collectors, curators, at Soorp Khatch Armenian Church hosted the artists and visitors are compelled to descend Knights and Daughters of Vartan for the first upon Miami, a meeting point where the realms performance of a play on the historic Battle of of art, fashion and design collide for Art Basel Avarayr. The following Sunday, February 16, Miami Beach, coined the art world’s party capi - the Shnorhali School at St. Mary Armenian tal. Yet, despite the glitz and the glamour, the Church hosted the second performance of the fair remains grounded by its creation of a series play. The Dikranouhi Otyag hosted the recep - of superb educational forums and talks on mod - tions at both churches and provided gifts for ern art. the school children. Focusing on a plethora of topics from the col - The play featured Richard Vann as Persian lection and exhibition of art, to the under - King Hazgert II, Ani Lodge Commander Jake standing of contemporary art from a geograph - Bournazian as Prince Vassag of Syunik, Taniel ical and historical perspective, the impressive The Yessayan family, with Zabel (2nd from right), husband Hrant (back row, 2nd from Koushakjian as Armenian Army General program attracted artists, gallerists, curators, left), and children Sophie and Hrant Vartan Mamigonian, Ara Avedisian as Ghevont museum directors and major collectors from Yeretz and Seda Gelenian as Shushanik around the world. Partaking in panel discus - Mamigonian the Narrator. Around 200 people sions, book signings and interviews, this year, attended the performances, including the the talks were open to all to those who attend - school children, which were excited to see one ed. These events are absolutely essential to pro - Newly Translated Books by of their Armenian history book stories come viding an overall understanding of the contem - to life. porary art world, giving art lovers a true vision Zabel Yessayan to Be Armenians frequently come to the public eye of the commercial and philosophical signifi - as victims: of genocide, an earthquake, and cance and to not only think in terms of the mar - most recently, as refugees from Syria. Making a ket, but to grasp the contemporary world as a Presented at AIWA Program character like Vartan Mamigonian come alive whole. on stage teaches people, especially the youth, This year, top collectors thronged to Art ARLINGTON, Mass. — Zabel Yessayan is one of the most talented and prolific that Armenians are not passive victims and that Basel Miami Beach, including Eli Broad, who Western-Armenian writers of the modern era. Yet few of her works have been trans - they have an enduring faith and culture. As recently unveiled plans for his new Los Angeles lated into Western languages, and even fewer into English. Vartan says in the play: “Our religion is not like museum, as well as artists Jeff Koons, Damien In order to introduce the English-language reader to the diverse output of this out - a garment that we might change according to Hirst and Tracey Emin to name just a few. standing author, the Armenian International Women’s Association (AIWA) has the circumstances; it is part and parcel of our Celebrities were also in abundance, from music arranged the translation of select works and will release two books of Yessayan’s bones, our blood and personality.” mogul Sean P. Diddy Combs to actor Leonardo writings at a publication party on Sunday, March 23, at 2 p.m. at the Armenian “The Knights of Vartan have a special role in DiCaprio, supermodel Elle Macpherson and Cultural Foundation. educating each generation of Armenians about baseball star Alex Rodriguez. Each were seen The first book by Yessayan, The Gardens of Silihdar , offers a charming account the courage and sacrifice of Christian of the author’s childhood in Istanbul as well as insights into Armenian life in the Armenians who fought and died against over - Ottoman capital in the late 19th century. Jennifer Manoukian, of Columbia whelming odds in the Battle of Avarayr so that University, translated the book and added copious notes to explain the people, today Armenians can worship and live as a free places and events chronicled there. and independent people,” said Ani Lodge com - The second book, My Soul in Exile, is a novel depicting the dilemma of the artist mander Jake Bournazian. in society and also analyzes the psychological effects of the rootlessness experienced The performances were so successful that the by diasporan Armenians. The setting is the critical period in Turkey following the Ani Lodge continues to enhance the production Adana massacres of 1909 and preceding the outbreak of World War I. The novel is and dialogue and present it every year in cele - translated by G. M. Goshgarian, and the book includes essays and other short works bration of Vartanantz Day, this being the sec - by Yessayan. ond annual performance. The team of AIWA members who conceived the project, arranged for the transla - The Knights and Daughters were especially tions and edited the selections — Judith A. Saryan, Barbara Merguerian, Danila pleased by the hospitable receptions displayed One of the works of art at Art Basel Miami Terpanjian and Joy Renjilian-Burgy — will present the books and read brief passages. by the leadership and parishioners at both Translator Manoukian will also participate in the program. Soorp Khatch and St. Mary Armenian carefully scanning the galleries for the most Yessayan (1878-1943) was one of the most prominent Armenian intellectuals of her Churches. appealing works by both new and established lifetime. Her works in a variety of genres (short stories, essays, novels, travelogs) reflect artists to add to their personal art collections. the cataclysmic events experienced by the Armenians during those years and enjoyed Established 12 years ago Art Basel Miami great popularity when they were published. Today they are almost forgotten. Beach has managed to significantly elevate the A native of Istanbul, Yessayan graduated from the Holy Cross Armenian School art fair experience with its progressive cultural and became one of the first Ottoman Armenian women to study abroad when she programming, informative panels and intrigu - went to Paris and enrolled in the Sorbonne. She married the painter Dickran ing lectures by luminaries from the museum, Yessayan and had two children, Sophie and Hrant. Her first novel, The Waiting gallery and collecting worlds. This year’s fair yet Room, published in 1903, takes place in Paris and explores themes that were to again lived up to expectations. Over 75,000 art become central to her work — exile and alienation. lovers descended to see premier artwork from In 1909 she was appointed member of an Armenian fact-finding delegation to over 250 of the world’s leading galleries from Adana, where she witnessed the aftermath of the bloody massacres of the Armenian 31 countries worldwide. Ranging from the population there. Her account of this experience, published as Among the Ruins, is great Post-War masters to the latest generation regarded as one of her best works. of emerging starts, Art Basel Miami presented a The only woman on the “black list” of the Armenian intellectuals arrested on the selection of the most influential artists from night of April 24, 1915, Yessayan managed to elude the police and escape to across the globe, with a particular focus on Bulgaria. The end of the war found her working in the Near East, organizing the painting this year. relocation of refugees and orphans. In the 1920s, Yessayan visited Soviet Armenia Given the geographic location of the fair, and decided to move there in 1933, becoming a teacher of literature at Yerevan State there was a strong contingent of galleries, University and continuing her writing. A victim of Stalin’s purges, she was exiled in artists and collectors from Latin America. 1937 and died, in unknown circumstances, probably in 1943. While there were sadly no galleries from the Yessayan’s voice speaks to a diverse audience — young and old, Armenian and non- Middle East participating, there were a number Armenian, male and female. AIWA notes that these publications will be of great inter - The Cast of the 2014 Vartanantz Day Play: Top of phenomenal artists from the region taking est to Armenians both in the homeland and diaspora, and also to a broader audience Row, from left, Richard Vann, Ara Avedisian, Jake part, their works proving quite popular during see YESSAYAN, page 11 Bournazian; Bottom Row, from left, David the VIP opening of the art fair. Aggressively Bournazian, Seda Gelenian and Taniel sought after and very much in demand, Koushakjian see MIAMI, page 13 S ATURDAY , M ARCH 15, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 11 ARTS & LIVING Chefs Party for Our Park! Benefit to Raise Funds for Park Upkeep

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — Boston’s Brian Andrew Heritage Park to meet, mingle, top chefs will participate in the Dandro Yeo and enjoy delicious tastings and Chefs Party for Our Park! A wine to the music of the John Benefit for Armenian Heritage Baboian Trio. Park’s Ongoing Care, on Boston celebrity Bob Lobel will Wednesday, May 21, at the Royal be master of ceremonies. Sonesta Hotel. The benefit is made possible The star-studded culinary line- with thanks to the generosity and up includes Chefs Ana Sortun commitment of the Royal Sonesta (Oleana, Sofra and Sarma), Hotel, each chef and the Benefit Andrew Hebert (Trade), Andrew Committee dedicated to the park. Yeo and Nathan Kibarian (The One of the desserts will be in Jeffrey Dante de Ritz-Carlton), Brian Dandro Fournier Magistris tribute to M. Sanzian, the (ArtBar and Royal Sonesta Hotel), Armenian-French chef who, in Brian Poe (Poe’s Kitchen at the 1856, on the occasion of the Rattlesnake, Tip Tap Room and opening of the Parker House, cre - Estelle’s), Dante de Magistris (il ated the Boston Crème Pie, now Casale and Dante), Gerard Tice recognized as Massachusetts’ offi - (Parkers, Omni Parker House), cial dessert. Jeffrey P. Fournier (51 Lincoln and In late March, the Abstract Waban Kitchen), Jody Adams Sculpture, the split dodecahe - (Rialto and Trade), Julia Brant dron, will reconfigure at (North 26, Millennium Bostonian Armenian Heritage Park on the Hotel), Seta Dakessian (Seta’s) Greenway in celebration of the and Vicki Lee Boyajian and Jason immigrant experience and in com - Reed (Vicki Lee’s). memoration of all who were In keeping with a key theme of pulled away from their country of the park to celebrate the immi - origin and came to these shores, grant experience, the evening establishing themselves in new showcases our collective culinary and different ways and making heritage. Each chef will prepare contributions to American life and present a signature dish and culture. This evening is in inspired by a parent, grandparent tribute to that. or mentor. Seta Nathan Ana Andrew To receive an invitation to the Kibarian Hebert The benefit brings together sup - Dakessian Sortun Chefs Party for Our Park, email porters and friends of Armenian [email protected] Ararat-Eskijian Museum Presents Robert Fisk Lecture

MISSION HILLS, Calif. — On Friday, March these ghastly killing fields have become the Afghanistan, for more than 30 years. Since 21, renowned journalist Robert Fisk will give a killing fields of a new war. Upon the bones of 1976, he has been reporting on the Middle East lecture at Ararat-Eskijian Museum-Sheen the dead Armenians, the Syrian conflict is from his home in Beirut. Fisk speaks Arabic Chapel at 8 p.m. being fought. And the descendants of the and is one of the few western journalists to He writes in the Independent , the newspaper Armenian Christian survivors who found sanc - have interviewed Osama bin Laden. He has won for which he is the Middle East correspondent, tuary in the old Syrian lands have been forced several journalism prizes for his work. He has “Nearly a century after the Armenian Genocide, to flee again.” published a number of books and reported on these people are still being slaughtered in Syria. Fisk, 66, has reported from the world’s crisis several wars and armed conflicts. … And now, almost unmentioned in the media, regions, including Northern Ireland, Portugal For more information contact the Ararat- their holy places are also being desecrated… during the Carnation Revolution and Eskijian Museum or Maggie Mangassarian-

Robert Fisk

Goschin, e-mail ararat-eskijian-muse - [email protected] The program is free and open to the public.

Newly Translated Books by Zabel Yessayan to Be Presented at AIWA Program

see YESSAYAN, page 10 of readers and literary critics of Western litera - ture. Yessayan’s works are relevant to those interested in Armenian studies, in women’s his - tory, and in the multicultural society of the late Ottoman Empire. The Yessayan books are parts of AIWA’s Treasury of Armenian Women’s Literature series, which focus on the pioneering female Armenian-language writers. Many of these authors (for example Srpuhi Dussap, Sibyl, Zaruhi Kalemkiarian) are virtually unknown today, even among Armenian-educated readers, and their works — many published in small edi - tions or in rare periodicals — are difficult to locate. The public is invited to attend the publication party on March 23. A reception and book sale will follow a brief program. For further infor - mation email [email protected]. 12 S ATURDAY , M ARCH 15, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARTS & LIVING ‘I Came to Die in Turkey, My Homeland,’ Says Armenian Actor

ISTANBUL (Today’s Zaman) — Kevork be a festival at the Globe with the participation Malikyan is a humble and sincere actor. He has By Kursat Bayhan, Ayhan Hulagu of actors from 38 different countries who would an extraordinary story which started in play 38 Shakespeare plays. He asked the cre - Diyarbakir and later continued in Istanbul and ative director of the theater if they were inviting London. on a ship and first arrived in Marseilles before referred to “Midnight Express,” where he played Turkey and Armenia. The director asked Malikyan is now back in Turkey, his home - heading to London by train. He did not know an American in jail, a performance which Malikyan if there was a theater in these coun - land. Since his return two years ago, he has any English. Malikyan stayed with a British fam - Spielberg remembered. Malikyan later waited tries. Malikyan remembered Haluk Bilginer; been involved in three major film projects. His ily that Father Harding knew. He continued to for a few months. Eventually, Spielberg called they had met on the set of a play, “Half Moon filmography is fairly extensive and rich and write letters to his father, who told him that they him up and Malikyan got a part in “Indiana Street,” in the late 1970s. Malikyan later includes movies in which he worked with would meet some day. After completing his stud - Jones and the Last Crusade.” watched their play in Turkey and Bilginer asked famous directors such as Steven Spielberg and ies at a drama school, he bought a house to Malikyan also worked with Scott recently. His him to be part of the play. Malikyan decided to Ridley Scott and with popular actors such as bring his parents over. However, his father died manager sent him a script of the movie and play a brief role and as a result, he moved to Dustin Hoffman and Christian Bale. in 1974; Malikyan was unable to even attend his Malikyan made a tape in Istanbul and sent it Turkey.

Malikyan’s story is an unusual one. An arch - funeral. His brothers later moved to Germany (PHOTO: KÜR AT BAYHAN, SUNDAY’S ZAMAN) bishop decided to open a religious seminary in and 10 years later, his mother died. Malikyan Üsküdar, Istanbul, with the intention of taking took care of her funeral arrangements. in the poor children of Armenian parents from In London, auditions were arranged in three various parts of Turkey and raising them as different schools. The director at Rose Bruford priests. Malikyan was questioned by a priest College made Malikyan promise that he would who wanted to determine whether or not he attend Rosa Bruford College and not audition was a good candidate for the priesthood. His at the two other schools. He agreed but his father told him to go to the seminary because English was poor. He took English lessons he couldn’t afford to give him an education. He three days a week, all paid for by the school, was just 10. Though he was worried because he which was affiliated with the University of Kent. had no friends in Istanbul and he had to leave Malikyan later received diplomas for acting and his parents behind, Malikyan traveled to the teaching from the school. city to become a priest. Malikyan taught diction courses for a while He was sent to the Karagözyan Orphanage in but later started acting. He was lucky because Sisli where he spent two years before attending he found a job just two days after graduating, a the religious seminary in Üsküdar. In the semi - role in “Macbeth.” Then he took parts in TV nary, there was a small stage where the stu - series and acted in plays where he generally dents acted in Turkish and Armenian. When he played a foreigner (Italian or French). But he was 16, an Anglican priest was invited to the was unable to obtain lead roles in British plays. Kevork Malikyan school to teach them English. He was an Oxford Some 15 to 20 years later, he told his manager graduate who wrote history books. He was fond that he wanted to get parts in theater rather of acting and had prepared “Richard III” by than TV series. Malikyan signed a contract with back. He got the part and is now in the movie He spent many years in Britain and speaks Shakespeare in English wherein Malikyan the Royal Shakespeare Company while acting “Exodus.” English fluently. He is able to speak Kurdish played Richard. The priest must have liked in series by TV stations, like the BBC. He Malikyan decided to move back to his home due to his childhood in Diyarbakir. In the begin - Malikyan’s acting because he told the head - played different roles and then moved on to the country because he felt lonely. In addition, his ning, he was worried while working on his ear - master of the school that Malikyan should Royal National Theater. Malikyan also played in parents’ graves are in Turkey. Two of his broth - lier projects because of his strong accent. become an actor rather than a priest. The patri - Shakespeare’s theater, the Globe, for three ers died in Germany in different cities while his Directors even warned him about this problem arch asked Malikyan his opinion on this matter years where he was in plays such as “King sister is in France. He thought at least one of sometimes. Regardless of the language prob - but Malikyan was unsure because of financial Lear,” “Henry IV” and “Front Line.” them should be in Turkey. His wife moved to lems, Malikyan feels he belongs here because of concerns. Father Harding, a British priest, Malikyan met Spielberg and Scott via his Cyprus and his daughter to Tunisia. This left the cultural affinity and closeness. found him a scholarship in Britain. manager. His manager had called and told him him alone in London. He initially thought he He is also teaching at the moment. Bilginer His parents did not object to his decision to go that Spielberg had wanted to see him. Spielberg would be buried in a British cemetery when he recommended that Malikyan teach since he has to the UK. The last time Malikyan saw his father told Malikyan that even though he did some died but eventually decided to move to Turkey a diploma in teaching. He now teaches at Kadir was in 1961. After graduating, he did not have excellent work, he wanted to know more about because he wanted to die here. Has University once a week on Shakespeare time to visit his parents. Malikyan left Istanbul his work, which was known in the US. Malikyan Five years ago, he noticed there was going to and his contemporaries.

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5693 WR 'LDQD $OH[DQLDQ -- SearchSearch “OrphansOrphans ofof thethe GeGenocidenocide” oonn YouTubeYouTube forffoor tratrailerailer /HVOLH %DOLDQ -- P 1RUD $]DGLDQ -- S ATURDAY , M ARCH 15, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 13 ARTS & LIVING The Unexpected Darling MIAMI, from page 13 CC AA LLEENNDDAARR international art dealers were unanimous in exclaiming that interest for Middle Eastern artists is very deep and extends across all international collecting communities. Iraqi artist Hayv Kahraman’s ethereal painting “Distorted Octahedron of 2013” at Jack Shainman Gallery, New York, sold with - in seconds of the fair’s opening. The incredi - FLORIDA ble canvas perfectly captures Kahraman’s MARCH 14-17 — Armenian Assembly Annual Trustees obsession with the complex relationships Meeting & Banquet, Boca Raton. Friday night, guests are between gender and identity con - invited to a welcome reception and on Saturday morning, the structs. Similarly, at Galerie Eva Presenhuber annual trustees meeting will take place. During and after lunch, of Zurich, Latifa Echakhch, the Moroccan guests will hear from author Dr. H. Martin Deranian, Near East artist and the recent winner of the 2013 Foundation Board Chairman Shant Mardirossian, and South Marcel Duchamp Prize, also immediately Florida Filmmaker Bared Maronian. Saturday evening, the sold. Another major sculpture by Echakhch Assembly will honor Michael Haratunian at a special dinner ban - was also for sale at Galerie Kamel Mennour quet. A participant of the Airlie conferences that established the of Paris. Titled “Mer d’encre,” 2012, the Assembly in 1972, Haratunian served as a member of the board installation consisted of 24 bowler hats filled of directors for several years including four years as chairman. with Indian ink. All events will be held at the Marriott at Boca Center. Major Among the other standout works by MENA donor packages are available at the following levels: Benefactor region artists, were a number of powerful ($1,000); Pillar ($2,500); Torchbearer ($5,000); and Guardian sculptures by Lebanese Mona Hatoum. A ($10,000). Hotel arrangements can be made by calling 1-800- powerful and commandeering sculpture by 228-9290 to get the special Assembly room rate of only the French Algerian Kader Attia also drew $159.00. To RSVP contact Assembly FL Chair Carol Norigian at interest from the crowds, as well as Lebanese [email protected]. artist Nabil Nahas. Finally, the wonderful dis - Armenian Heritage Cruise XVIII 2015. A 7-day Caribbean Cruise covery of Lebanese Mathieu Maloufs work aboard the Luxurious MSC DIVINA from January 17-24, 2015. was a highlight of the event. Traveling to; Falmouth, Jamaica / Georgetown, Cayman Islands Jacqueline Karaaslanian, executive direc - The determining factor behind the success / Cozumel, Mexico and Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas. Cabin rates tor of Luys Educational Foundation, will be of this year’s fair lay solely with the caliber of from $849.00 double occupancy, taxes and port charges includ - works on display — it was quite simply a far ed. Armenian Entertainment, Armenian Cultural Presentations, the featured speaker of St. James Men’s superior offering than previous years. The Tavlou & Belote Tournaments and much more. Call TRAVEL - Club, Monday, April 7, St. James dealers had truly stretched themselves, chal - GROUP INTERNATIONAL 1-866-447-0750 Ext 103. Ask for Armenian Church, Charles Mosesian lenging visitors with top examples and entic - Faye. Cultural and Youth Center, Watertown. A ing the collecting crowd with the very best special Lenten Vosbov Kheyma and Imam works of art. The result was a palpable Bayeldi Dinner will be served. Social Hour dynamism and pace to the audience’s mission MASSACHUSETTS (mezza) begins at 6:15 p.m. and dinner at to move from one booth to the next, perusing March 20 — 6:30 - 8:45 p.m., Documentary “Dark Forest in the art with intent. 7 p.m. Tickets are $14 per person. Ladies the Mountains” by Roger Kupelian, shot on location in are welcome. As with all art fairs, there were particular Nagorno-Karabagh and uses a mix of digital animation, live standout booths. Of note was Gladstone footage and interviews to tell the story of war in the early 1990s Gallery of New York, which showcased — and that claimed tens of thousands of lives. Also, a presentation by immediately sold — a masterpiece painting by Dro Kanayan on the Armenian Genocide Education Committee Jim Hodges, titled then and then and and their efforts to teach about the Genocide in the public then...(for Sufjan), 2013. Created from school system. Seating is limited, admission free. Memorial Hall given to architect Donald Tellalian, who designed the abstract numerous individual pieces of cut denim, the Library, 2 N. Main St., Andover. Co-sponsored by the Arakadz sculpture at the Armenian Heritage Park. In addition, Anahis entire work is composed of found, donated Lodge of the Knights of Vartan. For information email arakad - Kechejian will help lead young people remembering their ances - and purchased swatches of the fabric in every [email protected]. tors who are genocide victims, as part of Stand up for Your shade on the spectrum, on which Hodges MARCH 23 — Publication party, Armenian International Survivor. Also, children from St. Stephen’s Armenian Elementary infused an intricate, natural pattern made Women’s Association celebrates release of two books by Zabel School and the Armenian Sisters’ Academy will sing America the entirely of 24K gold. The result was a cre - Yessayan newly translated into English: The Gardens of Silihdar Beautiful and the Armenian National Anthem. The program will ation pulsating with sheer power. The paint - and My Soul in Exile and Other Writings . 2 p.m. Armenian end at 11:30 a.m., followed by a reception in the Great Hall. For ing emanated emotion and narrative, creat - Cultural Foundation, Arlington. Open to the public, free of information, call Lalig Musserian at 617-319-2651. ing a poignant study based on Hodge’s obses - charge. For info, [email protected] or 617-926-0171. APRIL 27 — Armenian Genocide Commemorative Committee sion with ideas relating to temporality, life MARCH 29 — Saturday, 7:30 p.m., Armenian Independent of Merrimack Valley observance, 3 pm, North Andover High and love. Broadcasting of Boston presents a Musical Evening featur - School, 430 Osgood St., Arev Armenian Folk Ensemble per - The other showstopper, at Gagosian Gallery, ing Janet Khalarian, with the participation of the Hamazkayin forming; joint requiem service by MV Armenian churches; recep - was Jeff Koons’ “Baroque Egg With Bow” in Erebuni Dance Ensemble, St. James Armenian Church, Mosesian tion to follow; complimentary admission. shimmering turquoise and hot pink (1994- Cultural Hall, 465 Mount Auburn St., Watertown. Donation $20. MAY 10 — Third Annual Benefit Dance with ALL proceeds 2008). At David Zwirner Gallery Koons also fea - For tickets, call (617) 926-6268 or Meri Memirjian at (781) 273- being donated to the following Armenian Charities: Mrgashen tured prominently, with his mirror-polished 2770. Village School, Akhourian Mother and Child Clinic and stainless steel sculpture Elephant, 2003 in pride APRIL 7 — St. James Men’s Club, Monday, Speaker Jacqueline Armenians in Syria. 7 p.m. to Midnight, Armenian Church of Our of place. On the opening day Zwirner’s booth Karaaslanian, executive director of Luys Educational Saviour Cultural Center, 34 Boynton St., Worcester. Der also highlighted a stand-out and desirable Foundation, speaking on “Luys Empowers Transformation in Mugrditchian Ensemble to perform. Donation, $30 ($25 grouping of Yayoi Kusama paintings and a Armenia.” Vosbov Kheyma & Imam Bayeldi Dinner. Social Hour Students), music, mezza, cash bar, raffle, surprises. pumpkin sculpture that quickly sold within sec - (mezza) 6:15 p.m. Dinner 7 p.m. $14 per person, St. James MAY 21 — Chefs Party for Our Park! Benefit for the Armenian onds of the fair’s opening. Armenian Church, Charles Mosesian Cultural & Youth Center - Heritage Park’s Ongoing Care., Wednesday, 6:30 p.m., Royal A visit to Miami Basel is not complete with - Keljik Hall, 465 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown. Ladies welcome. Sonesta Hotel Boston, Cambridge. Celebrate with Boston’s Top out a tour of the art collections that are on APRIL 10 — A Place Far Away – Book Talk with Author Vahan Chefs presenting signature dishes inspired by parents, grand - public view which truly make Miami what it Zanoyan, 7:30 p.m., Charles and Nevart Talanian Cultural Hall, parents or mentors for you to taste while you mix, mingle and is. The Rubell Family Collection exhibi - Holy Trinity Armenian Church, 145 Brattle Street, Cambridge. enjoy. and mingle. Advanced Reservations required. To receive tion, “28 Chinese,” is the culmination of the The Greater Boston area community is invited to a compelling the einvite, email [email protected] Rubells’ six research trips to China between book talk with Vahan Zanoyan on his new novel, A Place Far 2001-2012, where they visited 100 artists’ Away, a powerful portrayal of the heart-breaking realities of MICHIGAN studios in Beijing, Chengdu, Guangzhou, human trafficking in Armenia. Reception to follow talk. Signed Hangzhou, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Xi’an books will be available for purchase that evening. All proceeds MARCH 29 — Young Turkish-Armenian pianist Artun and acquired artwork from 28 artists. At the from the sale of the book are being donated to organizations Miskciyan will per form at 7 p.m., Steinway Piano Gallery, De La Cruz Collection Contemporary Art devoted to protecting children and fighting human trafficking. 2700 E. Maple Road, Commerce Township. The program will Space, their show “Looking at Process” high - For further info, contact the church office, 617.354.0632, or include pieces by Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, Bartok and lighted artists from the collection who email [email protected]. Khachaturian. The concert is sponsored by the Metro Detroit focused on patterns and laying bare their pro - APRIL 11 — Beginning at 10:30 a.m., the annual commemo- Tekeyan Cultural Association and dedicated to Margaret Benian. cesses. ration of the Armenian Genocide will take place at the RSVP Diana Alexanian 248-334-3636 Leslie Balian 248-303-4690 MOCA North Miami unveiled Tracey Massachusetts State House, at the House Chamber. Keynote Nora Azadian 248-303-7171. Tickets are $15 per person.A Emin’s first American museum exhibition to speaker will be attorney Mark Geragos. A joint resolution will be reception will follow the concert. focus on her neons, titled “Tracey Emin: Angel Without You.” And finally, the talk of the entire week and the not-to-be-missed opening was the new (PAMM) Perez Art Museum Miami’s new Herzog and de Meuron building. The $131 million building is a pub - astounded every visitor and each and every Miami Basel, openings, collection visits and experience for all who attended. lic-private partnership, part of a $220 million one who attended gasped at the breathtaking museums. For those however, who are pas - (Aileen Agopian is Sotheby’s Senior Vice overall project funded by private donors and architecture of the building. sionate, it was certainly an inspiring time and President, Senior International Specialist of $100 million in voter-approved bonds. PAMM There is a tremendous amount to absorb at more importantly, a supremely educational Contemporary Art.) 14 S ATURDAY , M ARCH 15, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMENTARY

THE ARMENIAN COMMENTARY Mirror When Ideology Meets Reality

homeland modestly, while others with a Messianic zeal. That is By Edmond Y. Azadian where ideology met reality. Armenia, long dominated by Soviet Spectator totalitarian rule, needed a long time to be reared in the idea of self- government. Armenian political thought has always been in flux, and remains The ADL (Ramgavar) Party believed that since democracy was so even after independence and perhaps even because of it. the antithesis of the totalitarian ideology naturally emancipated cit - The Armenian political parities, which were created in the late izens of Armenia would gravitate toward the party. One of the lead - EstabElsisthabedlis1h9e3d2 1932 19th century, were fashioned after the European and Russian ide - ers, Hampartzoum Berberian, even claimed that the ADL had hit ological movements, sometimes incongruent with the situation on the jackpot and the party had to move to Yerevan to cash in. And An AADnL APDuLb liPcuatbiloicn ation the ground. Such a contrast has given birth to a masterpiece in indeed, the ADL became the largest political faction in the first par - Armenian satirical literature, Yervant Odian’s Comrade liament. Panchooni , a novel based on the clash of lofty socialistic ideals During the 70 years of Soviet rule, the government in Armenia EDITOR with the reality of a primitive life, resulting in hilarious situations. never missed an opportunity to bash the ARF, and ironically, that Alin K. Gregorian Because the majority of the Armenian masses lived under the is how the party became imbued with mythical powers of salvaging tyrannical yoke of the Ottoman sultans, emancipated Armenian lib - post-Soviet Armenia in the imagination of the people. ASSISTANT EDITOR eral youth could only express themselves freely outside the Ottoman But the traditional parties were soon demystified and they were Gabriella Gage borders. That is why by necessity, the political parties came into cut to size, as the ratio has demonstrated in the current parliament

ASSOCIATE EDITOR being in capitals far from the Armenian population centers. in Armenia. Aram Arkun The Hunchak Party was formed in Geneva, Switzerland in 1887 Armenia has yet to develop as a mature democracy. At this stage, and the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (Dashnag) Party was ideologies don’t count. Only the wealth of some patron oligarchs ART DIRECTOR formed in Tiflis (Tbilisi), Georgia in 1890. The only party which was defines the size and the power of the existing parties. Marc Mgrditchian founded in the Armenian heartland — Van — was the Armenagan During the last elections, more than 100 parties were counted, Party in 1885, the forerunner of the Armenian Democratic Liberal with the ones advocating abstract ideologies marginalized. Former Party (ADL). speaker of the parliament, Khosrov Harutunyan, is the head of the SENIOR EDITORIAL COLUMNIST: The political challenges were the same for all the parties, but Christian Democrats who were not able to gain popularity. The Edmond Azadian their ideologies differed in large measure in their approach to meet - National Self-Determination Party of Paruyr Hayrikyan similarly ing those challenges. lost miserably. Despite huge rallies, the Armenian National CONTRIBUTORS: All the parties, along with the masses, had to fight the tyranni - Congress barely made a dent. Florence Avakian, Dr. Haroutiune Arzoumanian, Taleen Babayan, Prof. cal rule of the sultan, either striving to liberate Armenia or to cre - Some parties are not treated in reference to their ideology or Vahakn N. Dadrian, Diana Der ate tolerable human conditions for survival within the empire. The bankrollers; the Heritage Party of Raffi Hovannisian and the ARF Hovanessian, Philip Ketchian, Kevork Armenagan Party did not subscribe to any foreign ideologies which are considered transplants from the diaspora and they will always Keushkerian, Sonia Kailian-Placido , were popular at the time in Europe and Russia. They were nation - be discriminated against, albeit tacitly. Harut Sassounian, Mary Terzian, Hagop alists to the core and they believed in discreet preparation for self- The recent news is that Armenia’s government is already plan - Vartivarian, Naomi Zeytoonian defense. Their policy was vindicated twice in history during the ning to reduce the number of the political parties in the country. defense of Van in 1896 and 1915. The Justice Ministry has tasked a group of lawyers to draft a new CORRESPONDENTS: The ARF adhered to the credo of international socialism. To this law for political parties. It looks like in the first phase, the number Armenia - Hagop Avedikian day, the party is a member of the International Socialist Movement. of parties may be limited to 10, which eventually will be reduced Boston - Nancy Kalajian Philadelphia - Lisa Manookian The Social Democratic Hunchak Party was modeled on the prin - further to five or six. Under the 2002 law pertaining to political Berlin - Muriel Mirak-Weissbach ciples of Russian Marxist Socialist movements. parties, any party could be legally registered if it counted 200 mem - It is ironic that these parties were denied venues to serve their bers and retained local structures on one third of the republic’s ter - Contributing Photographers: Jacob Demirdjian, Harry Koundakjian, Jirair people along the lines of their ideologies, but they served as role ritory. The new law will be more restrictive: within six months of Hovsepian models to the Ittihadist Party, which overthrew the sultan and application, the party has to prove that it has 2,000 adherents and declared the 1908 constitution, whereby all citizens of the in each district, through the country, at least 100 members. Thus, Ottoman Empire were granted equality. very few parties will be able to meet that threshold. Initially, the Ittihadists lured the Armenian political parties to After the new law goes into effect, only the following parties may The Armenian Mirror-Spectator is published their movement and actually allowed Armenians to be elected to survive: the Republican, Prosperous Armenia, Land of Laws, weekly, except two weeks in July, by: the parliament. No leader or party was able to suspect the conniv - Armenian National Congress (ANC), Heritage and the ARF. Baikar Association, Inc. ing nature of the Turkish leadership, when they laid their arms and None of the parties have defined ideologies, with the ruling 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 mobilization down, leading to the tragedy of 1915. Republican Party being most devoid of any political philosophy. Telephone: 617-924-4420 Jeffersonian democracy was far removed from the political phi - Sometimes, on official occasions, Garegin Nejdeh’s name is exhort - FAX: 617-924-2887 losophy of the Armenian leadership. He writes that in a democra - ed, whereas Nejdeh, although a national hero, advocated a race- www.mir ror spectator.com cy “the national government is a dangerous necessity to be insti - based ideology (tseghagron), too toxic in today’s world. Even the E-Mail: editor@mirrorspectator .com tuted for the common benefit, protection and security of the peo - ARF is completely divorced from its socialist ideology and practices For advertising: [email protected] ple, nation or community; it should be watched closely and cir - an issue-oriented policy. cumscribed in its powers.” The ANC thus far has demonstrated a negative policy. It is The Genocide dispersed Armenians around the world and the against anything that Sargisian’s Republican Party does or believes ideologies of the political parties became irrelevant, because the in. SUBSCRIPTION RATES : first challenge was to survive and get organized. In addition, the Unfortunately, two decades of independence has not been corresponding venue to implement these ideologies was lost. enough to eradicate the political mayhem that Soviet rule has left Licking their wounds, Armenians were engaged in reorganizing as a legacy. For the foreseeable future, oligarchs will continue dom - U.S.A. $80 a year their communities around the world. inating the political landscape, buying and selling political parties The time for truth came in 1991 when Armenia became inde - and voters. Canada $125 a year pendent once again. The parties entered the Armenian political Armenia will attain political maturity when the ideologies of its Other Countries $190 a year scene with a variety of approaches, some hoping to serve their political parties match their performances.

© 2014 The Armenian Mirror-Spectator Periodical Class Postage Paid at Boston, MA and additional mailing offices. Indispensible Papazian ‘Triumvirate’ from Gesaria ISSN 0004-234X POSTMASTER : Send address changes to The political activist and author of several English- Gaiser or “Emperor’s Palace.” This interpreta - Armenian Mirror-Spectator, 755 Mount Auburn language books relating to Armenian issues. tion has been either accepted or challenged by St., Watertown, MA 02472 By Max M. Boudakian, PhD Variants of the village name also include: several sources. Other than the editorial, views and opinions Belegasi; Balagesi; Belehesi; Balages; Balakas; Information on Belegesi history and tradi - expressed in this newspaper do not necessarily reflect the policies of the publisher. Toward the end of the 19th century, three and, Balagues. Its population was around tions can be found in Arshag Alboyadjian’s unrelated Armenians with the common sur - 1000. The village no longer exists. It was monumental two-volume treatise, Batmutiun name “Papazian” emerged from the village of destroyed during the Armenian Genocide of Hye Gesario (“History of Armenian Gesaria”). Belegesi in Caesarea (Armenian, “Gesaria,” 1915. Belegesi was located in the environs of Turkish, “Kayseri”). Their names were Caesarea. This region was known in the Bible Kerovpe, Garabed and Kapriel Papazian. as Cappadocia. (Its original name was Mazaca Kerovpe Papazian Each Papazian made notable contributions or Mayaca.) The city and region of Cappadocia (? – 1893) as Armenians struggled to emerge from many was renamed Caesarea around 10 B.C. The Copying for other than personal use or centuries of Ottoman domination. Kerovpe first Crusaders from Europe (1197 A.D.) found One is held in awe on the story of Kerovpe internal reference is prohibited without Papazian exemplified a “Profile in Courage” as express permission of the copyright so many Armenians living in this region that Papazian. Arshag Alboyadjian’s treatise owner. Address requests for reprints or he spoke eloquently before an 1893 Turkish they called it Hermoniorium terra (“Land of described the courageous Kerovpe Papazian in back issues to: tribunal in Ankara. A contemporary, Garabed the Armenians”). almost reverential terms during the latter’s tes - Papazian, was the beneficiary of a Harvard The origin of the village name, Belegesi, is timony before a 1893 Turkish tribunal in Baikar Association, Inc. education and made notable contributions in the subject of speculation. The term, Gesi or Ankara: “A person of very strong character, 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 journalism, literary translations and as a polit - Gasi could be related to the Armenian name, made of steel, whose name the Armenian ical activist. The last of the Papazian Gaiser, meaning “Emperor.” Hence, Bala-Gesi nation should not forget.” Alboyadjian’s source Triumvirate,” Kapriel, was noted as an editor, (or variant) could be a contraction of Balad continued on next page S ATURDAY , M ARCH 15, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 15 COMMENTARY

the actions of an individual, group or organization and the sions. rights and obligations of a state. At the same time, Understandably, Armenia’s leaders are not obliged to Armenia’s new leaders could not fully comprehend the take orders from anyone outside the country’s borders. patriotic sentiments, wishes and desires of Diasporan While having the final say over all matters, they neverthe - Armenians, causing a disconcerting rift between the two less have the moral duty and obligation to consider the My Turn sides. views of key Diasporan organizations, in the absence of a Complicating matters, the Diaspora is not a monolithic Diaspora-wide elected body. In any case, Armenia’s author - By Harut Sassounian group, but is composed of distinct subsets, having taken ities are responsible before the nation for their actions. shape at different times in foreign lands under various cul - They are praised when taking the right decisions and criti - tural and linguistic influences. cized when they do not. Shifting Inter-Relationships When asked by journalists in Armenia about Diaspora’s It must be stated that an elective Diaspora-wide struc - Between Armenia and Diaspora views on a particular issue, I have difficulty answering such ture, no matter how difficult to establish, would be far more a question. How can anyone encapsulate the diverse views inclusive and representative than appointed leaders — The Diaspora Ministry of the Republic of Armenia invit - of seven million Diasporans? To reflect the opinion of the despite their devoted efforts — who merely represent their ed a small group of scholars and analysts to Yerevan last majority of the Diaspora, one would need to form a pan- respective members. It is imperative to include large seg - December to discuss the Diaspora’s changing role in rela - Armenian body, either by expanding the Hayastan All- ments of our people in all activities, so that we become tion to the homeland. The participants in the “Changing Armenian Fund’s functions beyond fundraising or creating more effective in our endeavors, particularly at a time when Diaspora in an Ever-changing World” roundtable had come a brand new structure that would represent Armenians Azerbaijan and Turkey are organizing their Diasporas and from Argentina, Armenia, Germany, Lebanon, Russia, worldwide, except those in Armenia and Artsakh, based on spending tens of millions of dollars to undermine our just Ukraine and the United States. the principle of ‘one man, one vote.’ The elected represen - demands on the eve of the Genocide Centennial. The discussion centered on the formation of the tatives would have the right to speak in the name of all As we often state: “Azerbaijan has oil, Georgia has a sea, Diaspora, current challenges, Armenia-Diaspora collabora - Diaspora Armenians and meet periodically with the leader - and Armenia has a diaspora.” However, a disorganized and tion, improved links for closer cooperation between ship of Armenia and Artsakh to consult and coordinate dwindling diaspora would be of little value for our nation - Armenia and Diaspora, and the quest for new working their priorities on pan-Armenian issues. al cause. It can neither preserve itself nor be of any assis - mechanisms and perspectives. Leaders of all three wings of the Armenian nation tance to the homeland. Here are excerpts from my presentation at the meeting: (Armenia, Artsakh and the Diaspora) can then discuss their We must do everything possible to have a powerful The Diaspora encountered a completely new set of cir - respective positions, and agree on the role each would play. homeland and a strong Diaspora. The survival of each is cumstances after Armenia’s independence. The sudden Such a division of labor is preferable over unending inter - dependent on the vitality of the other. Despite the valiant realization of the long-cherished dream of free Armenia nal feuds and conflicts that sometimes take place, as was efforts of the Diaspora Ministry, we must realize that the caught many Diasporans by surprise. New words appeared the case during the signing of the Armenia-Turkey magnitude of what needs to be done is so enormous that it in their vocabulary: Artsakh (Karabagh), earthquake, Protocols. exceeds the capabilities of any one ministry. There is a clear blockade, protocol, opposition, coalition government, It is incumbent upon Armenia’s leadership to be more need for the concerted efforts of Armenia’s entire leader - regime change. sensitive on issues that are important for Diaspora ship to make Diaspora Armenians feel welcome and at Most Diasporans had a hard time distinguishing between Armenians and consult with them before taking final deci - home.

from previous page eat us but you will not be able to finish us. We Papazian. Prof. Peter Balakian reviewed was The Memoirs of Daniel Vartabed, Abbot of will land on this earth as locusts and you will Blackwell’s Diary for 1895 (at the Library of Derevank (near Talas, also in Gesaria), one of kill these locusts. However, the locusts” eggs Congress) and found that Armenian names Papazian’s co-defendants. will be buried in this land; they will rise from such as (Garabed) Papazian “…floated through In early 1893, Yaftas (manifestoes or sedi - the earth.” her daily register; she is meeting with them for tious placards) were posted throughout Alboyadjian stated that beatings and torture tea or dinner, or going to a play or party.” Anatolia including Caesarea, denouncing did not have any effect on Papazian, described Papazian also became involved in the Sultan Abdul Hamid II. Details of a Yafta have as a “mystical man.” Before Papazian conclud - Hunchak political party. In 1898, he went to been described by Alboyadjian. The Turkish ed his impassioned testimony, Abeddin Pasha Egypt for an International Assembly and was government’s response was to jail hundreds of inquired: “What is your name? What is your elected to the Verakazmial Hunchakian Armenians suspected as political agitators or vocation?” The defendant responded: “My name (Reformed Hunchak Central Committee). He seditious rioters. Tribunals were then held. is Kerovpe Papazian. My vocation is to read the also served as editor of the Boston-based Tsayn One hearing in May 1893 involved three Hunchak newspaper, to preach its message, to Hayrenatz (Voice of the Fatherland). Armenian defendants in Ankara before motivate revolt.” Papazian’s role during the Armenian Governor Abeddin Pasha. The group consisted At this point the interrogation was suspend - Genocide of 1915 can be gleaned from two of the aforementioned Daniel Vartabed, a ed. The examining magistrate had a conference examples. He provided strong encouragement Hunchak activist, Anton Rushduni, also a with Governor Abeddin Pasha. The latter to his wife, Bertha Sullivan Papazian, for her Hunchak leader, and, Kerovpe Papazian. ordered that Papazian not be prosecuted but timely book (1918), The Tragedy of Armenia: A Alboyadjian described the circumstances lead - sent to Bolis (Constantinople). Brief Study and Interpretation . ing to Papazian’s imprisonment: “The police On the next day, the Governor’s Greek physi - Garabed Papazian Papazian’s masterful English translation of surrounded his home in Belegesi, beat him to a cian examined Papazian and reported that the the haunting prayer-prose-poem, “A Handful of half-dead condition, and then transferred him to prisoner suffered from a mental illness. That Earth,” by the late Prof. Donabed Luejian a jail in Gesaria.” same night, the police took him from the In 1890, Garabed Papazian wrote two arti - (Euphrates College, Harput) describes the hell Papazian recovered his strength to make a prison; the other prisoners heard his screams cles for the Boston-based Unitarian publication, witnessed during the 1915 Genocide. (Ref. 8) major impact at the hearing. As described by and protests. The Christian Register . The editor, Rev. Samuel The following excerpts reflect the power of Alboyadjian: “A name surfaced during the inter - As described in Daniel Vartabed’s Memoirs: J. Barrows, and his wife, Dr. Isabel Barrows, Papazian’s frequently-reprinted translation: “At rogation… . This unknown person from the vil - “That night, they put him (Papazian) on a train became active in the Friends of Armenia move - last a handful of earth for these slain bodies, for lage of Belegesi in Gesaria, armed with a strong for Bolis and was placed in the Galata Seraye ment formed during the Hamidian Massacres. those without bones! A handful of earth at mastery of the Turkish language, was the intel - madhouse for the mentally unstable. This is In his first article, (February 1890), “The least, for these unclaimed dead ! … These are lectual, Kerovpe Papazian.”(Ref. 2b). Papazian’s what we had heard. Who knows what terrible Armenians,” Papazian “…gave a condensed our women with breasts uncovered and limbs defense was hailed as “…a masterpiece.” tortures that finally killed him? It is known that account of the history, literature and religious bear a handful of earth to cover them ! … A Abeddin Pasha inquired of the defendants: his name did not appear on the list of con - character of the Armenians to whose elevation handful of earth God! ... Sprinkle a handful of “Armenians, what do you want from our King demned prisoners from the Ankara trials.” the present writer has consecrated his humble earth … Give, God, the handful of earth request - (i.e. Sultan Abdul Hamid II)?” Papazian stepped What was the fate of Papzian’s co-defen - service.” In the second article (May 1890), ed of Thee!” forward without giving his fellow defendants a dants? Daniel Vartabed was condemned to “Foreign Missions in Armenia,” Papazian con - Garabed Papazian maintained an active chance to speak. He gave a list of grievances death but saved from the gallows due to British cluded with noble objectives for his life’s mis - Armenian community life after World War I. In and demands, backed up by dates and other intervention. Rushduni may have been given a sion: “Now it is the earnest desire of this writer 1921, he participated in the International documentation which are listed in Daniel short sentence or released since he later sur - to devote himself to the furtherance of this pro - Assembly held in Constantinople leading to the Vartabed’s Memoirs. Papazian forcefully stated: faced in Athens (1895) and London (1896). gressive movement, which he firmly believes to merger of several political parties to form “We do not want either your kingdom or be the most efficient factor of national culture Ramgavar Azadagan Gusaktsoutiun (Armenian authority; you possess these. We demand and vital piety. As a means to this end, he Democratic Liberal Party or ADL). He wrote humane treatment, fairness in the courts and Garabed H. Papazian intends to establish a monthly magazine in articles for numerous Armenian publications: the end of bribery, robbery, killing and rape. If (1860 – 1929) Constantinople as an organ of rational Azk, Azk-Bahag, Baikar and Hayastani these things continue, within 50 years the glory Christianity and liberal education.” Gotchnag . Papazian did not forget his Belegesi of this kingdom will disappear.” Kerovpe Papazian’s contemporary, Garabed Papazian’s plans for a Constantinople-based roots: he served as Secretary of the New York- Papazian concluded his stout defense: “I have H. Papazian, had a wide-ranging career. Son of cultural magazine never materialized. Perhaps based Belegesi Compatriotic Society during the said what I have to say. The bribe taker is the Rev. Hovhannes Keshishian from Belegesi, the havoc rendered by Sultan Abdul Hamid II 1920s. Turk; the violent one is the Turk; the murderer Garabed attended the prestigious Soorp during the 1894-1896 period dissuaded him is the Turk; the robber is the Turk. It is the Garabed Monastery in nearby Efkere, followed from carrying out his homeland-based literary Kapriel S. Papazian Turk who grabs his share from the poor; that by further studies at the American School in vision. Nevertheless, Garabed Papazian contin - person of unspeakable lechery, the rapist, is the Bardizag. After graduation, he taught at ued to lead a useful life. (1887 – 1949) Turk. Show me one Christian who has been Bardizag (1883 – 1885) and supplemented his Papazian’s connections with other New found guilty of these crimes. You know the rea - income by translating articles for the Armenian England intellectuals included Alice Stone The last of the “Papazian Triumvirate,” son for this. The ‘King’ in our kingdom (i.e. newspaper, Avedaper. Blackwell, co-founder of Friends of Armenia Kapriel Papazian, was recognized as “… a Turkey) rules by religion and race, not by demo - In 1886, Papazian enrolled at Harvard (with Ohannes Chatschumian). She was editor- prominent Armenian-American leader during cratic rule. I have informed you of our University to study history, philosophy and com - in-chief of the influential Women’s Journal the first half of the twentieth century.” demands. We will continue to demand and will parative religions for his master’s degree. He which gave considerable coverage to Armenian Papazian, born to Serop and Gulhatir not stop. We will talk and shout. You rulers will became acquainted with New England intellec - issues. Blackwell’s Armenian Poems: Papazian, was well-educated. He graduated arrest us, put us in jail, hang us, torture us, tuals and made them aware of the ancient her - Rendered in English Verse (1896; 1918) grate - from the American School in nearby Talas, throw us to the bottom of the sea. The fish will itage of Armenians. fully acknowledged the assistance of Garabed see PAPAZIAN, page 16 16 S ATURDAY , M ARCH 15, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR

Members of Congress Commemorate 1988 Pogroms in Azerbaijan

SUMGAIT, from page 1 Armenian Army Lieutenant Gurgen Margaryan Sherman’s statement, “Several Azerbaijan gov - community, I thank Senator Kirk and The Assembly distributed its report at a NATO training camp in Budapest, by Ramil ernment officials have hailed Safarov’s actions Representatives Royce, Schiff, Sherman, “Sumgait: The Public Record” to Congress and Safarov, a Lieutenant of the Azerbaijani Army.” as patriotism. This is unacceptable, and the Pallone, Eshoo, Clark, Cicilline, Cardenas, Chu, continues to work with the Armenian Caucus “Safarov used an axe to hack Margaryan to international community should hold Sanchez, and Peters for their principled stand on this issue. death while he was sleeping,” Sherman said, Azerbaijan accountable for this,” he said, illus - on human rights issues and for sending a Drawing parallels between events from 25 and “after being convicted of murder by trating how Azerbaijan’s leaders have pushed a strong message to Azerbaijan about its anti- years ago, Rep. Brad Sherman (D-CA) recount - Hungarian courts, he was transferred to discriminatory and intolerant agenda toward Armenian policies,” stated Assembly Executive ed that “This month also marked the Azerbaijan where he was immediately pardoned their Armenian neighbors. Director Bryan Ardouny. 10th anniversary of the heinous murder of and given a hero’s welcome.” According to “On behalf of the entire Armenian American

Death of Boy Triggers Further Unrest Indispensible Papazian

ISTANBUL/ANKARA (Reuters) — Protesters clashed with police in cities across Turkey PAPAZIAN, from page 15 on Tuesday after the death of a 15-year-old boy who was hit in the head by a tear-gas can - studied at the American Anatolia College in ister during anti-government demonstrations last summer. Marsovan (1906 – 1911) and taught there from Police fired water cannon and tear gas at thousands of demonstrators, another pre-elec - 1911 – 1914. He pursued graduate studies at tion headache for Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan, already battling a graft scandal. the University of Wisconsin. “It had been Berkin Elvan, then 14, got caught up in street battles in Istanbul between police and pro - Papazian’s wish to return to his homeland so as testers on June 16 while going to buy bread for his family. He slipped into a coma and to devote himself to the education of Armenian became a rallying point for government opponents. youth.” However, World War I and the On Tuesday evening, police fired water cannon and tear gas in Ankara’s Kizilay square to Armenian Genocide of 1915 did not permit him scatter several thousand protesters who chanted: “Government of Erdogan, government of to carry out his long-range plans. corruption, resign.” The police pursued the protesters into side streets. Instead, Papazian turned his attention to There was similar police intervention against thousands of protesters in Istanbul’s Istiklal journalism and Armenian politics. From 1918 Street. to 1920, he was editor-in-chief of the Boston- In Adana, protesters threw stones aimed fireworks at police lines as water cannon vehicles based newspaper, Azk (later known as Baikar ). advanced against them, spraying water. Large numbers also protested in the western cities He was a rising star within the Armenian- of Izmir and Eskisehir in the most extensive protests since last summer’s unrest. American community. At the age of 32, he was Residents in some Istanbul districts banged pots and pans with spoons from the windows included in M. Vartan Malcolm’s 1919 book, of their apartment blocks, reviving a form of protest popular during the summer. The Armenians in America . Istanbul and Ankara have both seen protests in recent weeks against what demonstrators Papazian was also a delegate to the afore - regard as Erdogan’s authoritarian reaction to the graft scandal, which has included new laws mentioned 1921 International Assembly in Kapriel Papazian tightening Internet controls and handing government greater influence over the appoint - Constantinople which led to the amalgamation ment of judges and prosecutors. of several Armenian political parties to form Crowds chanted “murderer Erdogan” and “the murderer state will be brought to account” the Ramgavar Azadagan Gusaktsoutiun (Armenian Democratic Liberal Party or ADL). with the common surname “Papazian,” all as mourners carried Elvan’s coffin, wrapped in red cloth and strewn with red carnations, to from a small village, “Belegesi,” made notewor - a “cemevi,” an Alevi place of worship, in central Istanbul. In 1932, he was one of the “Four Visionaries” who helped found the Armenian Mirror- thy contributions during a critical period of Alevis are a religious minority in mainly Sunni Muslim Turkey who espouse a liberal ver - Spectator . Armenian history. sion of Islam and have often been at odds with Erdogan’s Islamist-rooted government. Other accomplishments in Kapriel (Acknowledgement: The critical assistance of President Abdullah Gul, the first senior figure to publicly comment on Elvan’s death, sent Papazian’s career include two books in Very Rev. Kegham Zakarian and Vincent Lima his condolences to the family. English: Patriotism Perverted (1934), dealing in the English translation of selected sections In the Aegean city of Izmir, school children and university students staged sit-ins. The with contemporary Armenian political issues, from Arshag Alboyadjian’s “Gesaria” treatise is Confederation of Revolutionary Trade Unions (DISK) said it would join Elvan’s funeral in Merchants from Ararat (1979), a survey focus - deeply appreciated.) Istanbul on Wednesday. ing on Armenian achievements in world com - — Max M. Boudakian, PhD has published merce through the ages. several articles in Ararat Quarterly It is remarkable that this “Triumvirate,” each and Ararat Magazine .