JUNE 3, 2017 Mirror-SpeTHE ARMENIAN ctator Volume LXXXVII, NO. 46, Issue 4490 $ 2.00 NEWS The First English Language Armenian Weekly in the United States Since 1932 INBRIEF House Resolution Turkish Divestment Bill Passes California Condemning Assembly Committee Turkish Violence SACRAMENTO — Assembly Bill 1597, the Divestment from Turkish Bonds Act, passed the Against Protesters Assembly Appropriations Committee on May 26, clearing the way for a vote to hold Turkey account- Passes Unanimously able for the denial of the Armenian Genocide. “I am humbled and grateful for my colleagues in ANCA Director Offers the Assembly for joining with me to fight for justice Eyewitness Testimony for the 1.5 million Armenian souls who perished in the Genocide,” stated Assemblymember Adrin WASHINGTON — The House Foreign Nazarian. “If Turkey continues to fund Armenian Affairs Committee on May 25 unanimous- Genocide deniers they must be financially pun- ly adopted House Resolution 354 con- ished.” demning the violence against peaceful AB 1597 prohibits the boards of the California protesters outside the Turkish Public Retirement System (CalPERS) and Ambassador’s residence on May 16, 2017, California State Teachers’ Retirement System Dr. Tom Catena and calls for measures to be taken to pre- (CalSTRS) from making additional or new invest- vent similar incidents in the future. House ments, or renewing existing investments issued, $1.1 Million Aurora Prize for Awakening Foreign Affairs Chairman Ed Royce (R- owned, controlled, or managed by the government CA) was joined by Ranking Member Eliot of Turkey. Humanity Awarded to Dr. Tom Catena Engel (D-NY), Majority Leader Kevin AB 1597 will now be debated and voted on by McCarthy (R-CA), and Democratic Whip the California Assembly. YEREVAN — The $1.1 Million Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity was Steny Hoyer (D-MD) in introducing H.Res. awarded on May 28, to Dr. Tom Catena, a Catholic missionary from Amsterdam, 354, requesting “the perpetrators to be NY, who has saved thousands of lives as the sole doctor permanently based in brought to justice.” Celebrating Republic Sudan’s war-ravaged Nuba Mountains. The Aurora Prize, granted by the Aurora On the passage of H.Res. 354, Royce Day on May 28 Humanitarian Initiative on behalf of the survivors of the Armenian Genocide and said: “Armed members of President in gratitude to their saviors, was announced at a ceremony in Yerevan. He was Erdogan’s security detail savagely beat, YEREVAN (Armenpress) — On May 28 selected as the 2017 Aurora Prize Laureate from more than 550 nominations sub- choked and kicked protesters in an unpro- Armenians worldwide celebrated the 99th anniver- mitted from 66 countries. voked assault aimed at silencing these sary of establishment of the First Republic of George Clooney, Academy Award-winning actor, co-founder of both The Sentry American citizens’ right to free speech Armenia and the historical victory in the battle of and Not On Our Watch, and co-chair of the Aurora Prize Selection Committee, and assembly. This timely resolution Sardarapat. commended Catena by stating, “As violence and war continue to threaten people’s sends a clear signal to the Turkish gov- On May 28, 1918, with the victory in the battles spirits and perseverance, it is important to recognize, empower and celebrate peo- ernment that we will not allow any foreign of Sardarapat, Bash Aparan and Gharakilisa, the ple like Dr. Catena who are selflessly helping others to not only survive, but government to stifle the rights of our cit- Armenian people’s independence was restored thrive. Dr. Catena is a role model to us all, and yet another example of people on izens.” which had been lost more than nine centuries the ground truly making a difference.” H.Res. 354 says that “any Turkish secu- before. see AURORA, page 10 rity officials who directed, oversaw, or Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan congratulated participated in efforts by Turkish security the Armenian people on the occasion. “May 28 is forces to illegally suppress peaceful the most important milestone for the foundation of protests on May 16, 2017, should be our statehood and democracy. Despite all difficul- charged and prosecuted under United ties and challenges, our people in 1918 heroical- White House Submits Slashed States law.” The Resolution continues: ly received their inalienable right to live and have “the United States should take steps to future. Today, we ought to continue that path Budget to Congress strengthen freedoms for the press and symbolizing the greatest values of our indepen- civil society in countries such as Turkey, dence and freedom.” WASHINGTON — The administration “The Assembly will continue to advance and combat efforts by foreign leaders to President Serzh Sargsyan said, “These battles released its budget recommendations for key priorities for the benefit of the suppress free and peaceful protest in their were the last efforts of people standing on the Fiscal Year 2018 (FY18) to Congress today Armenian people and the strengthening of own countries.” brink of annihilation to defend the last land pieces with substantial budget cuts, the Armenian US-Armenia relations,” stated Assembly Shocked to see Erdogan’s thugs attack- of our historical Fatherland and save the last rem- Assembly of America (Assembly) reports. Executive Director Bryan Ardouny. “As the ing peaceful protesters, Engel stated: “I nants of our people. This seemingly impossible The proposed budget for FY18, called “A current Administration reduces foreign aid had been invited, actually, to go to that heroic deed was carried out by all circles of our peo- New Foundation for American across the board, we must ensure that meeting at the Turkish Embassy. I didn’t ple. The acted with unique unity and organization, Greatness,” recommended a 29 percent cut Armenia has the resources to address the go, and I’m glad I didn’t go because I was selfless courage and persistent will. They acted overall and a 60 percent reduction in assis- compelling humanitarian needs as a result just horrified when I heard what with high level of national consciousness and his- tance to Europe and Eurasia. see BUDGET, page 20 see VIOLENCE, page 7 torical responsibility.” He added, “Every year we repeat as a loyalty oath a simple truth: if there was no May 28, 1918, there would be no Soviet Tekeyan President Azadian Meets with Catholicos Karekin II Armenia and the present day Republic of Armenia.”

ECHMIADZIN, Armenia — Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II received Edmond Y. Azadian, president of the Tekeyan Cultural Association of the United States and Canada, INSIDE last week. The two discussed a series of issues pertaining to Armenian culture as well as the forthcoming visit of the Catholicos to the US this autumn and possible solutions to Tekeyan at the crisis affecting the Istanbul Patriarchate of Armenians. The meeting deliberated on the role of the 70 in NYC Church of Armenia, and opinions were exchanged on the recent meeting of the Page 12 Supreme Spiritual Council in Moscow. Catholicos Karekin noted that a new Armenian school was going to be founded in the center of the Russian capital soon. INDEX Certain questions concerning the reuni- Arts and Living ...... 12 fication of the Armenian Democratic Armenia ...... 2,3 Liberal Party were examined. Azadian Community News...... 6 remarked that they were ready for negoti- Editorial ...... 17 ations, but the representatives of the International ...... 4,5 opposing side did not understand the nature of the political party. Catholicos Karekin II with Edmond Y. Azadian 2 S ATURDAY, J UNE 3 , 2 0 1 7 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARMENIA News From Armenia President Sargsyan Meets with Members of Madrid Club, Aurora Selection Committee Foreign Minister YEREVAN — On May 28, President Serzh Sargsyan hosted a gathering at Receives EU Reps the Presidential Palace for representa- tives of The Club de Madrid and Aurora YEREVAN (Public Radio of Armenia) — Armenian Prize selection committee. Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian received on May The Club de Madrid is an indepen- 31 the Special Envoys for Eastern Partnership from dent non-profit organization created to the Foreign Ministries of EU member states Latvia, promote democracy and change in the the Netherlands, Lithuania, Estonia and Sweden led international community. Composed of by Slovakia’s Special Envoy for the Eastern 95 regular members, 64 of which are Partnership Dusan Dacho. former presidents and 39 of which are The interlocutors held a detailed discussion on former prime ministers from 65 coun- Armenia-EU relations, cooperation within the frame- tries, the Club de Madrid is the world’s work of the Eastern Partnership Program, the prepa- largest forum of former Heads of State rations for the Brussels summit. and Government. The parties emphasized the dynamic development Among the members of the Madrid of relations between Armenia and the European Club, former President of Tanzania Union, the achievements of the past years, including Benjamin Mkapa and former President Armenia’s inclusion in Horyzon 2020 and COSME of Botswana Festus Mogae, who were programs, its participation in Creative Europe pro- invited to participate at the Award gram and the negotiations on Common Prize award ceremony in Yerevan, as Aviation Area. From left, former President of Botswana Festus Mogae, former President of well as the former President of Mexico Reference was made to the Armenia-EU Comp- Tanzania Benjamin Mkapa, former Mexican President Ernesto Zedillo and Ernesto Zedillo, who is a member of Carnegie Foundation President Vartan Gregorian meet with President Sargsyan. rehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement and the Aurora Prize selection committee. the Armenia-European Union 2017-2020 The President of Armenia welcomed Partnership Priorities document, which create a the guests to Armenia and noted that the world, President Sargsyan at the certainly encourage people who are solid basis for cooperation. their participation to the Aurora Prize same time noted with regret that today engaged in the immediate fight with The EU Special Envoys hailed Armenia’s construc- award ceremony proves that the inter- too people regularly witness mass the crimes. tive involvement in the processes taking place within national repute of the Aurora Prize killings and carnage, hatred propagan- “We are grateful to you personally, the framework of the Eastern Partnership. increases from year to year and its ide- da, discrimination based on religious, thank you that through your activities ology is truly based on all human val- racial, language difference, the intend- you help to conduct that fight,” NK Conf lict Has no President Sargsyan said and under- lined that the participants of the meet- Military Solution ing and all nominees of the Aurora Prize deserve the utmost respect. Their YEREVAN (Armenpress) — The preservation of the stories are the stories of exceptional status quo in the Nagorno Karabakh conflict zone is courage and selflessness and are very unacceptable, but at the same time the conflict has moving, but at the same time inspiring no military solution and must be settled only through and encouraging. peaceful negotiations, Chairman of Foreign Affairs At the meeting, President Sargsyan Committee of the European Parliament David and representatives of the Madrid Club McAllister told the reporters on May 25. and Aurora Prize selection committee “All the European institutions share the opinion exchanged views on the priorities of that the preservation of the status qua in Nagorno Armenia’s domestic and foreign policy, Karabakh is unacceptable, but this conflict has no the NK peace process, a number of military solution. A speedy political solution meeting pressing international issues, the cur- the international norms is necessary. The EU has not rent level of Armenia’s cooperation an active role in the settlement of this conflict, but with other countries and international we support all the efforts aimed at finding a diplo- organizations, and prospects. matic solution. Therefore, the European Union will Experienced state, public and politi- continue fully supporting the mediation efforts of cal figures hosted at the Presidential the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs, one of which is EU The former presidents, as well as Vartan Gregorian of the Carnegie Foundation, Palace also shared information on the member, France,” McAllister said. during the meeting with President Sargsyan reforms going on in different areas in He stated that the conflicting sides must respect their countries. their commitments of preserving the ceasefire and ues. Underscoring that progressive ed destruction of cultural heritage. “All President Serzh Sargsyan responded to finding a negotiated settlement of the conflict. “We humanity makes huge efforts to estab- this shows that it is necessary to invig- the questions raised by the partici- are concerned with the continuing arms race, mili- lish stability, peace, and solidarity in orate the fight against such crimes and pants of the meeting. tary rhetoric and the repeated incidents on the con- tact line claiming lives from both sides. The EU encourages the sides to start negotiations without preconditions,” McAllister said. Armenia to Submit Ancient Yereruyk Basilica to Soldier Killed by Azeri UNESCO World Heritage List Shot YEREVAN (Armenpress) — The cul- STEPANAKERT (Public Radio of Armenia) — A ture ministry of Armenia plans to pre- private in the Artsakh Defense army, Armen sent the Yereruyk Basilica for UNESCO Harutyunyan, 21, was killed as a result of shots fired for its tangible cultural heritage list, from the Azerbaijani side at about 11:45 on May 26, deputy minister of culture Arev the Artsakh Defense Ministry reported. Samuelyan said, adding they also want A probe into the details of the case is under way. to present Dvin, which is also of signif- The Defense Ministry expressed the state’s condo- icant value, for inclusion in the world lences to the soldier’s family and friends. heritage list. “We want to add the Sanahin Bridge at the Sanahin monastic complex and President Extends the Haghpat monastery – the UNESCO world heritage site. However this is a Condolences to UK PM long process and it might take years,” YEREVAN (Armenpress) — President of Armenia she said. Speaking about the Iranian Serzh Sargsyan on May 23 sent a letter of condo- Blue Mosque in Yerevan, she said the lence to Prime Minister of the United Kingdom ministry has been negotiating with the The Yereruyk Basilica Theresa May on the terrorist explosion at the Iranian side for several months for Manchester Arena which killed more than two dozen including it on UNESCO’s world her- people, including children, and left many wounded. itage list, however no clear agreement heritage. “Each country has the right to the Daredevils of Sassoun or David of “At this grave moment of loss, I express my support has been reached so far. Back in the make submissions once every two years. Sassoun, Lavash, the preparation, mean- to you, the friendly people of the United Kingdom 1990s the Armenian and Iranian sides This year, our agenda includes submit- ing and appearance of traditional bread and families of the victims, wishing fortitude and signed a commercial and scientific coop- ting ‘Kochari’ to the UNESCO list of as an expression of culture in Armenia. resolve, and a speedy recovery to the wounded. eration agreement, and later a memo- intangible heritage”, she said. The Yereruyk Basilica is located in the vil- Armenia strongly condemns such inhumane acts and randum of understanding, based on UNESCO intangible cultural heritage lage of Anipemza in the Shirak Province is determined to continue through joint efforts the which the Blue Mosque was partially list already includes four cultural values of Armenia. The fourth-fifth century fight against violence and terrorism,” he wrote. restored by 1998 and was given to the of Armenia – Duduk and its music, basilica of Yererouk, which is built on a Iranian Embassy as a cultural center of Armenian cross stones. Symbolism and rocky knoll pierced by caves, is one of Iran. The deputy minister also spoke craftsmanship of Khachkars, the earliest Christian monuments in about UNESCO’s intangible cultural Performance of the Armenian epic of Armenia. S A T U R D A Y , J U N E 3 , 2 0 1 7 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 3 ARMENIA

President Sargsyan Awards Soccer Star Henrikh Mkhitaryan Order for Services To the Motherland

YEREVAN (Armenpress) — President Serzh Sargsyan awarded Armenian National Football Team and Manchester United midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan with the first degree Order for Services to the Motherland on the occasion of the Republic Day on May 28. Mkhitaryan was awarded for his contribution to the development of Armenian sport and presenting Armenia throughout the world. After the awarding ceremony, Mkhitaryan told reporters he is very proud of being awarded by the President, and expressed hope this will contribute to the development of Armenian sport in future as well. Asked which of his goals can be compared with the President’s Order, Mkhitaryan said: “I will not compare it with any of the goals, they are incomparable.” Asked what the President told him while awarding the Order, Mkhitaryan said the President thanked for presenting Armenia at best in the world and congratulated on being awarded with the Order. Commenting on his decision to raise the Armenian flag after Europe League Final, Mkhtaryan said it is everyone’s duty to raise the Armenian flag. “It’s always an honor for me to raise the Armenian flag in dif- ferent places. I had that idea long ago and finally Henrikh Mkhitryan I managed to do it as we won the Europe receives his medal from League”, Mkhitaryan said. the president.

UWC Dilijan Celebrates Graduation of Second Generation of Students

YEREVAN (Armenpress) — On May 27, UWC approach is about providing the most talented that could address some of the world’s most ute to him for donating four dozen books to the Dilijan celebrated the graduation of its second students, irrespective of their social and finan- pressing humanitarian issues. The winner of UWC Dilijan library. crop of students, bidding farewell to 87 stu- cial circumstances, with a high quality educa- the prize was the team from UWC Robert Veronika Zonabend announced that the dents from 50 countries who are leaving the tion capable of not only directly benefiting Bosch College for their DoGood project, which Boards of Governors and Trustees of UWC college to explore the world. them and their families, but also having a posi- focused on providing an online platform on Dilijan had decided that the college library will “You are ready to change the world,” said tive impact on the entire community. “The which refugees can sell their own upcycled, from now on be known as “The Vartan Ruben Vardanyan, cofounder of UWC Dilijan, UWC mission is to inspire young people to handmade products and helping them to gain Gregorian Learning Center. The Graduation wishing good luck to the graduates in his wel- become community leaders, to realise this education, qualifications and job training. At Day ceremony ended with some beautiful per- coming speech, UWC told ARMENPRESS. In potential and to move into action. No pressure the same time, according to the decision of the formances by UWC Dilijan students, all united parting with the Class of ‘17, all 700 guests at on any graduates today, but this what we are jury, voiced by Nubar Afeyan, co-founder of the with the idea of parting and transferring the the packed Graduation Day were united with looking for in you,” he said. The programme Aurora Humanitarian Initiative and founding legacy, for example a group of students per- the UWC spirit. The morning began with “UWC also included presentations by student teams partner of UWC Dilijan, all three teams of stu- formed the song “History” by the band One Dilijan Experiences,” a series of activities creat- from three of UWC Dilijan’s sister colleges, dents received 4,000 for the further develop- Direction. “I hope to see you back here in € ed to engage the parents, guests and donors in namely UWC Mahindra College from India, ment of their projects. President of the Dilijan as alumni, as guests and one day as par- order to demonstrate the inspirational and Waterford Kamhlaba UWC, a pan-African Carnegie Corporation of New York and co- ents, who continue the cycle,” said Veronika experiential learning process that the college school from Swaziland, and UWC Robert Bosch founder of the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative Zonabend in her address to the graduates. The employs. The students and teachers presented College from Germany. The proposals were part Vartan Gregorian handed the prizes to the stu- ceremony also included inspiring and touching activities based around English, Spanish, of the Aurora Humanitarian Project for UWC dents. With the renowned academic among the speeches from the Head of College Denise Physics, History, Economics, Science and Schools and Colleges, which called on current distinguished guests of the Graduation Day, Davidson, representatives of the staff, the first Maths, installed a Visual Arts exhibition, held a UWC students worldwide to develop initiatives UWC Dilijan took the opportunity to pay trib- and second years. theatre performance and a fashion show designed by one of the graduates, put on a mar- tial arts display and a game of football. The Graduation Day continued with the Aurora Dialogues, which is part of the Aurora First Aurora Prize Laureate Marguerite Barankitse Visits Armenia Humanitarian Initiative Events taking place in YEREVAN (Mediamax) — First Aurora Prize have great leaders, ministers and quali- Yerevan and Dilijan on May 26-28 . Under the Laureate Marguerite Barankitse has paid a visit fied doctors. They will bring our dream title “Galvanizing the World,” the entire UWC to Armenia. First she visited the of having a better world into reality,” Dilijan community and all the visitors were Tsitsernakaberd monument and laid flowers at she added. invited to attend a series of panel discussions the eternal flame. Barankitse planted a tree at the and breakout sessions during which leading “I haven’t come here as a victim, I came as Tsitsernakaberd park in the memory of international humanitarians, academics and with hope and sunlight in the darkness. I am the victims of the Armenian Genocide. philanthropists tackled the problems of ensur- convinced that love will always win. I see the She then visited the Tatev medieval ing education for all, positioning the role of the Armenians refusing to be silenced, and it gives monastery and Aksel Bakunts House- media in raising the world’s humanitarian me a lot of hope. The denial of the Armenian Museum, as well as meet with repre- issues, protecting human rights, creating role Genocide is a terrible mistake. The Armenians sentatives of NGOs in Goris, cultural models, overcoming adversity and empowering suffered the Genocide while many have denied figures and students. Then Barankitse refugees. The United World Colleges movement the fact up today,” Barankitse said. headed to Artsakh to see and the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative share She emphasized that her country is current- Ghazanchetsots Cathedral, the Upper much in common in terms of their drive to raise ly suffering genocide, while the international Mosque and the Narekatsi Art Institute public awareness of the most pressing humani- community qualifies those killings as just in Shushi. tarian problems, and at the same time seeking “events.” Marguerite Barankitse will meet the to generate practical action which can help to “The Armenian Genocide should inspire vigi- students of Artsakh State University in resolve these problems. Among the inspiring lance in communities to ‘never again’ allow Stepanakert and visit Stepanakert’s panel speakers were Marguerite Barankitse, such a crime to happen. My last visit to Armenia Museum of Fallen Soldiers. She will 2016 Aurora Prize Laureate and Founder of was a consolation for me. People tried to con- also visit Gandzasar monastery. Maison Shalom and REMA Hospital Leymah sole others, wishing to make my children’s lives, She will visit Cathedral of the Holy Gbowee, Nobel Laureate, Liberian Peace ; lives of those from Congo, Brazil and Ethiopia Martyrs and Trchunyan Tun orphan- Activist, Women’s Rights Advocate and Aurora for the better. Young people saved with the help age during her stop in Gyumri. Prize Selection Committee Member Alexander of Aurora Prize will change this world. It is a Marguerite Barankitse will meet Betts, Professor of Forced Migration and ; source of great inspiration for me. We should Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II First Aurora Prize Laureate Marguerite Barankitse International Affairs, Director of the Refugee never stop, we should keep on working hard in Mother See of Holy Echmiadzin and Studies Centre, University of Oxford Haifa Dia toward our goals,” she said. then representatives of Altitude 5165 Al-Attia, CEO, Queen Rania Foundation for ; “Education is a powerful tool, which can humanitarian organization. received the Aurora Prize for the exceptional Education and Development Narine Abgaryan, make this world a better place. The opportuni- Barankitse, along with other guests, partici- impact of her actions on preserving lives during writer and philanthropist and others. Speaking ; ty to send young people to study with the help pated in the Aurora Prize events. the years of civil war in Burundi. To date, she on the “Education for all” panel, Jens of this prize inspires hope that we will never On April 24, 2016 Marguerite Barankitse, the has saved 30 thousand children and offered Waltermann, Executive Director of UWC have to witness another genocide, since we will founder of Maison Shalom and REMA hospital, them shelter and care. International, explained that the UWC’s 4 S ATURDAY, J UNE 3 , 2 0 1 7 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR INTERNATIONAL International News Journalist Vanishes from Georgia,

Three Armenians Killed Resurfaces in Azerbaijani Jail

In Marseille Fire enforcement were involved in this,” President llham Aliyev’s government MARSEILLE, France (Public Radio of Armenia) — by Giorgi Lomsadze Asatiani commented to Netgazeti.ge. from the safety of what appeared a rela- Three Armenians were killed in a fire that burst out In comments to RFE/RL’s Georgian- tively liberal, Western-allied country. in a building in Marseille, France. language service, Mukhtarli’s Baku But now they say that Tbilisi is caving The three were members of the Kocharyan family; TBILISI (Eurasia.net) — The murky dis- lawyer, Elchin another member, Arsen Kocharyan, 51, was taken to appearance of an Azerbaijani journalist Sadigov, later stated a local hospital. from Tbilisi and his sudden reappearance that his client The fire broke out at about 3 a.m. on May 26. More in Baku have deepened concerns that claims that he was than 20 residents were evacuated from the building. Georgia, for all its reputation as a devel- forced into a car in Three firefighters suffered heat stroke. oping democracy, may, in fact, be helping Tbilisi and taken, According to Marseille Prosecutor Xavier its authoritarian neighbor, Azerbaijan, hooded, to the Tarabeux, four people were found dead at the site, chase down self-exiled Azerbaijani dissi- Azerbaijani border. one of them a 2-year-old baby. dents. Mukhtarli blames An investigation is under way to reveal the cause of On the evening of May 29, freelance Georgia’s special the fire. reporter Afgan Mukhtarli was on his way services for the ini- to meet his wife Leyla Mustafayeva, tial kidnapping, but another Azerbaijani journalist, in the Sadigov did not Germany Seeks to Block Georgian capital, Tbilisi. Mustafayeva elaborate about the Leyla Mustafayeva at a protest holding her husband, Afgan said that her husband last called her grounds for this Mukhtarli’s passport. NATO Summit in Turkey when he was just a few blocks away from accusation. After BERLIN (Die Welt) — Germany, France, the the pair’s home in Tbilisi, but he never two car changes, Netherlands and Denmark have reportedly led a showed up. She called the police and Mukhtarli’s unseen escorts spoke in in to pressure from Azerbaijan, the sup- drive to block next year’s NATO leaders’ summit raised alarm with the media. The Azeri, he said. plier of the vast majority of Georgia’s gas, from taking place in Turkey. The18 European Union Georgian police stated on May 30 that a The journalist, he continued, has been and a critical investment partner. nations and Canada agreed with the decision to pre- full-scale search was underway for charged with illegally crossing the border The Georgian government recently has vent the meeting from taking place in Istanbul. Mukhtarli, but, just a few hours later, and possession of contraband (10,000 refused entry or residence to Azerbaijani Turkey allegedly offered to host the summit slated news broke that the journalist was in euros). A hearing was scheduled for May dissidents in what appears an attempt to for 2018 during the alliance’s 2016 meeting in a Baku prison. 31 in Baku (after M-S press time). discourage them from using the country Warsaw. However, NATO nations at that time agreed Mustafayeva thinks that her husband Whatever occurred, the case raises as a refuge or meeting place. to postpone the decision to a later date. was abducted by Azerbaijan’s secret ser- troubling questions about both the secu- “We are all being politely told to leave NATO defense ministers are expected to make a vices and forcibly taken across the rity of Georgia’s borders and, potentially, the country,” said Ivadid Isgandarov, an final decision when they meet in June. According to Georgian-Azerbaijani border. “He was its own respect for international law. Azerbaijani opposition politician who the report, the favored proposal envisions the meet- investigating [Azerbaijani President The Georgian police have refused to says he was refused political asylum in ing at NATO’s new headquarters in Brussels. Ilham] Aliyev family’s business in elaborate beyond saying that an investi- Georgia. Since a failed coup to overthrow the Turkish gov- Georgia,” she said at a press-conference. gation into an alleged kidnapping is The pro-government Azerbaijani web- ernment, Ankara has launched a massive crackdown, The journalist’s passport reportedly underway. site Haqqin.az ripped into Georgia earlier targeting journalists, teachers, soldiers and judges. remained in Tbilisi. Either way, Mustafayeva blames Tbilisi this month for sheltering individuals at “We do not want to enhance Turkey’s internation- Whether the Georgian authorities for her husband’s fate. “It is the Georgian odds with the Aliyev administration. One al credentials and we want to avoid the impression cooperated with any alleged special oper- government’s responsibility to provide critic mentioned in the that NATO supports the Turkish government’s inter- ation by Azerbaijan or whether Baku safety for people residing in this coun- article, Azerbaijani surgeon Farman nal policy,” high-ranking NATO diplomats said. acted without their knowledge is unclear. try,” she said. Jeyranov, was arrested last week in Amnesty International’s South Mukhtarli moved to Tbilisi in 2015 to Tbilisi. Caucasus and Ukraine representative escape reprisals for his work by the The article also targeted Mukhtarli. Levan Asatiani sees two possibilities. Aliyev government. With space for dis- His wife and friends claim he was repeat- Azerbaijan Worried by “One is that Azerbaijani special services sent continuously shrinking in edly harassed and followed in Tbilisi by Missile Sale to Armenia kidnapped him from the center of Tbilisi Azerbaijan, many local journalists and alleged Azerbaijani agents. and managed to take him across the bor- activists have relocated to Georgia to con- The Georgian police have not com- BAKU (Public Radio of Armenia) — Azerbaijan is der. The second is that Georgian law tinue their criticism of Azerbaijani mented. worried by the sale of Russian Iskander missile sys- tems to Armenia and the provision of other arma- ments free of charge or at domestic prices. Representatives of Azerbaijan raised the issue at NATO Parliamentary Assembly session in Tbilisi, the Brothers in Case of ‘Honor Killing’ in Germany Released head of the Armenian delegation Koryun Nahapetyan told reporters on May 31. ISTANBUL (Deutsche Welle) — A Kurdish background, was shot dead on already co-defendants at the trial in “We made it clear that Armenia is just restoring Turkish court has set free two German- February 7, 2005 by her youngest Germany, were acquitted due to a lack the balance of power in the region, and this is what Turks after finding them not guilty of brother, Ayhan —19 at the time —while of evidence. However, in August 2007, the purchase of Iskander systems is aimed at,” he killing their sister in Berlin in 2005. The she was standing at a bus stop near her the German Federal Court of said. case caused public outrage in Germany apartment in the Berlin district of Justice overturned their acquittals and “Baku forgets the millions it spends on the mod- over the treatment of women in some Tempelhof. She left a 5-year-old son, intended to resume proceedings against ernization of its arsenal and the fact that Azerbaijan Muslim families. born of a forced marriage to her cousin them. retains a leading role in the world with the level of A Turkish court on Tuesday, May 30, when she was 16. She later divorced her By that time, however, the two broth- militarization,” the lawmaker stated. acquitted two brothers of involvement husband. ers had moved to Turkey, where author- ities eventually also initiated criminal proceedings. German authorities sup- Arrested Blogger’s plied their Turkish counterparts with a wealth of material and evidence. Mother Visits Him Their trial for murder commenced in BAKU (Armenpress) — The mother of the Russian- Istanbul on January 26, 2016. Ayhan, Israeli blogger Alexander Lapshin, who had been who had been deported to Turkey in arrested in Azerbaijan, met with his mother, Bella 2014, insisted at the trial that he alone Lapshina, in the detention facility, his attorney was responsible, although this time he Eduard Chernin told the Azerbaijani Trend new did not attempt to justify it with the agency. Chernin said Lapshin’s mother arrived in motive of “honor.” Instead, he claimed Baku to be informed about the investigation process to have lost his self-control. and the son’s health condition. State prosecutors had called for long Bella Lapshina met with her son and was informed prison sentences for the two brothers, that the investigation had been completed. now 36 and 38, for complicity in mur- Alexander Lapshin, the Russian Israeli blogger who der. was extradited from Belarus to Azerbaijan on A memorial to Hatun Sürücü The murder, which came after six February 7, has been placed in the isolation cell in other so-called “honor killings” in Berlin Azerbaijan’s state security service. Lapshin was since October 2004, aroused a heated flown to Baku from Minsk on a special flight, escort- in the so-called “honor killing” of Ayhan was sentenced to nine years public debate in Germany about the ed by state security agents. A group of reporters their sister, Hatun Sürücü, in Berlin 12 and three months in juvenile detention treatment of women in Muslim culture. were waiting for Lapshin in Baku’s airport, but years ago. in Germany. He told the court that he Opponents of Turkey’s admission to the Lapshin didn’t give any comment to them. Lapshin Judges in Istanbul ruled that there had killed his sister because he despised European Union used it as an example faces up to 5 8 years imprisonment in Azerbaijan, “wasn’t enough explicit and plausible her “Western” lifestyle and wanted to of that country’s alleged disregard for under charges of “public calls against the state”, and clear evidence” to find the unnamed 36- restore his family’s honor. Hatun, who human rights. “unauthorized crossing of borders.” and 38-year-olds guilty of complicity in had reported threats of violence to Demonstrations still take place on the the murder. Their younger brother has police, was training to be an electrician anniversary of Hatun’s death, with par- already served time in a juvenile facility at the time she was killed, and was ticipants campaigning to promote assis- for the crime in Germany. reportedly dating a German man. tance for girls who are faced with forced Hatun Sürücü, 23, a German of The two older brothers, who were marriage or violence from their families. S ATURDAY, J UNE 3 , 2 0 1 7 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 5 INTERNATIONAL Armenia Opens Doors to Syrian-Armenian Refugees

years will be redirected to a second cause — Residents in Burj Hammoud voiced con- culties faced by Syrian Armenians upon their By Federica Marsi that of migrant workers’ rights in Lebanon, cerns about RPR. “The idea that you can resettlement to Armenia. “Some left Armenia which Caritas also focuses on. work in Armenia is totally false,” Harout for Europe because of gaps in the [immigra- “We combined both [fields of intervention Yerewan Aighoush, a Syrian Armenian resi- tion] policy,” Stepanyan said, adding that BEIRUT (The Daily Star) — Amid the anti- into one project] because after the Syrian cri- dent of Burj Hammoud, told The Daily Star. research was being conducted to understand refugee sentiment proliferating across the sis the needs of migrant domestic workers “Most of [the Syrians I know] who went to these failures and find solutions. globe, one country is going against the grain increased while in this period we have a lack Armenia then left for Europe.” Caritas is currently setting up services and calling for more families fleeing war-torn of funding [in that area],” Sayah said. “That’s Aighoush cited multiple examples of aimed at assisting Syrian refugees with the Syria to resettle among its population. why we asked the EU if they could give us acquaintances who left Armenia for Europe integration process in Armenia — via housing Armenia will receive Syrian refugees of funds for the domestic workers in order to after struggling to find jobs and accommoda- support, vocational training, legal advice and Armenian descent who wish to leave Lebanon, continue running our shelters, alongside the tion. language classes. as part of a European Union-funded project Syrian Armenian [project].” Berj Hazarian, an acquaintance of Stepanyan noted that resettlement in that seeks to offer logistical help to those will- The EU delegation in Lebanon refused to Aighoush who was resettled from Lebanon to Armenia does pose a number of challenges, ing to build a new life in Armenia. comment on whether political considerations Germany four years ago by the United such as the widespread use of Russian in busi- But some Syrian Armenian refugees in – such as helping to decrease Lebanon’s Nations, said that part of his family chose to ness and the relatively low income. “Syrians Lebanon expressed doubt that Armenia could refugee population – had guided RPR. relocate to Germany from Armenia. have a psychological barrier [when it comes offer a better life. “Respect for human rights is a priority for the “My uncle and his wife fled Aleppo and to] salaries,” Stepanyan said, explaining that a “We are not saying that they are obliged to EU and its foreign policies,” the EU told The went to Armenia, before joining me in good wage in Armenia could amount to $500. return to Armenia,” Hessen Sayah, head of the Daily Star in a statement. Germany. There was no work, no jobs, there The cost of living is also low, but two people Migrants Program at Caritas Lebanon, which is According to Caritas estimates, the Syrian was nothing,” Hazarian said, speaking from typically work in every family. implementing the project, clarified, using the Armenian community in Lebanon numbers the German town of Bad Kreuznach. This is a reality that Syrian families may term “return” to reference the refugees’ ethnic around 9,000 individuals. As of December Since leaving for Germany, Hazarian, who have a hard time adapting to, Stepanyan said. heritage rather than their knowledge of the 2016, the total number of Syrian Armenians has no Syrian passport, has been unable to To help Syrian Armenians access the job country. “We will explain which options they registered with UNHCR was 2,802. visit his daughter in Lebanon. market, Caritas will provide assistance in job- have and [then] they will choose.” Caritas has set up a hotline to provide legal One of the main considerations for Syrians hunting as well as two months of entrepre- The Recognize, Protect, Realize project was information to assist with relocation paper- planning to relocate with the aid of interna- neurship training. Stepanyan said state-fund- launched in May by Caritas Lebanon and work. The organization will cover the costs of tional organizations is whether they will be ed education and health care will also be Caritas Armenia. Awareness sessions have settling the Lebanese residency fees for those able to enter Lebanon again to see their rela- accessible. already begun in Beirut and the Bekaa’s families who cannot afford to — a necessary tives, he said. “No Armenian should be a refugee in Anjar. step in the resettlement process. Sayah said But Lusine Stepanyan, migration and devel- Armenia,” Stepanyan said, quoting Armenia’s A portion of the 1 million euros allocated to Caritas provides this service to all Syrians in opment project manager at Caritas Armenia, president, Serzh Sargasyan. “Armenians are the project by the EU over a period of three need who approach the organization. said RPR was aimed at overcoming the diffi- compatriots, no matter where we live.” Germany Gains Access to Detained Journalist in Turkey

ISTANBUL (Deutsche Welle) — Germany’s down on Turkey’s independent media and Reporters Without Borders (RSF) ranked were accused of having links to the organiza- Foreign Ministry has confirmed that Turkey civil society. Since last year’s coup attempt, Turkey’s press freedom 155th of 180 coun- tion of Fethullah Gulen, the US-based Muslim has agreed to grant consular access to authorities have detained thousands of jour- tries in 2017. The Committee to Protect cleric authorities blame for last year’s failed detained German journalist Mesale Tolu. Tolu nalists, rights activists, lawyers, teachers and Journalists (CPJ) deemed Turkey to be the military coup against President Recep Tayyip has been in detention under allegations of writers, accusing them of being involved in “worst country for media freedom.” Erdogan. terrorism since April 30. anti-state activities. The crackdown has On Saturday, Turkish authorities formally Earlier this month, Turkey arrested Oguz Martin Schäfer, a spokesman for the alarmed Turkey’s Western allies, who see the arrested two journalists from the opposition Guven, the editor of the online edition Foreign Ministry, said Monday that German move as a political action by Erdogan to con- Sozcu newspaper. Online editor Mediha of Cumhuriyet, for allegedly spreading “ter- officials had received a verbal confirmation of solidate his power. Olgun and correspondent Bekir Gokmen Ulu rorist propaganda.” permission to visit to Mesale Tolu, a 33-year- old German-Turkish journalist under arrest in Turkey. “We have received this information by phone, but are still waiting for written Corruption Inquiry at Council of Europe over Azerbaijan approval,” Schäfer said, adding that diplo- mats would likely visit Tolu on June 2. STRASBOURG (BBC) — Europe’s top from the UK, a former president of the The German Foreign Ministry had been human rights watchdog, the Council of European Court of Human Rights (ECHR); demanding consular access to Tolu since it Europe, has launched an investigation into Jean-Louis Bruguière, a top anti-terrorism learned of the arrest - only by way of media alleged corruption at the council involving judge from France and Elisabet Fura, a reports - last month. The German govern- Azerbaijan. Swedish former judge at the ECHR. ment called the arrest “regrettable.” The criticisms concern some members of PACE elects the judges at the ECHR, According to Germany’s ARD public broad- the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of whose human rights rulings are binding on caster, Tolu was being held in a women’s Europe (PACE), accused of doing favors for Council of Europe states. prison in Istanbul. She has been accused of Azerbaijan. As part of the inquiry, PACE plans to revise spreading “terrorist propaganda,” as well as The oil-rich ex-Soviet state has cracked its code of conduct. “membership in a terrorist group.” down on political dissidents. An investigation published in December by It remains unclear whether Tolu was work- There are suspicions that Azerbaijan influ- the European Stability Initiative (ESI), a ing in Turkey in a journalistic capacity, how- enced PACE’s rejection of a report on Azeri human rights think-tank, alleged that some ever. Her most recent employment contract political prisoners in 2013. parliamentarians in PACE had engaged in was reportedly as a translator with the Azerbaijan is among the 47 member extreme-left ETHA news agency. nations of the Strasbourg-based Council of Tolu has also reportedly written in the past Europe. for the Netherlands-based Firat News Agency The council — not part of the EU — moni- Jean-Louis Bruguière (ANF), which the Turkish government accus- tors compliance with the European es of having links to the outlawed terror Convention on Human Rights, and judges in group PKK (Kurdistan Workers’ Party). Strasbourg enforce it. political lobbying for Azerbaijan. There were The journalist’s arrest has contributed In January 2013 PACE rejected a report by claims that some received Azeri payments. to increasingly sour relations between German Social Democrat MP Christoph Council of Europe profile Germany and Turkey. Strässer, which deplored human rights abus- Azerbaijan bans online insults to leader After months of protest, German officials es in Azerbaijan and urged the authorities In March a top Council of Europe official, were given access to a second German- there to release political prisoners. Secretary General Thorbjorn Jagland, wrote Turkish journalist, Deniz Yucel, who has The Azeri government denies that charges to PACE President Pedro Agramunt, urging been in custody on similar charges since against opposition activists are politically him “to establish an independent external February. motivated. investigation body without any further Mesale Tolu’s Twitter account has been Opponents of President Ilham Aliyev have delay”. inactive since her arrest been jailed on various charges, including tax A large group of European MPs in PACE evasion, spying and weapons possession. made a similar plea in January. They said Three top international human rights PACE’s integrity was threatened by “recent, Systematic Clampdown lawyers will investigate the PACE corruption serious and credible allegations of grave mis- Terrorism charges have been brought allegations and will report their findings by conduct” by some fellow MPs. against dozens of reporters and journalists in the end of 2017. They can recommend action Civil society groups in Europe sent an open detention in Turkey since the July 15, 2016 against any PACE members implicated in cor- letter to PACE in April, saying an indepen- botched coup. ruption. Elisabet Fura dent investigation must “shed light on hid- The arrests are part of Erdogan’s clamp- The investigators are: Sir Nicholas Bratza den practices that favor corruption”. 6 S ATURDAY, J UNE 3 , 2 0 1 7 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Community News

NAASR Receives Paros Foundation $225,000 Grant Completes Renovation From Mass. Cultural Of School on Armenia- Facilities Fund Azerbaijan Border BERKELEY, Calif. — The Paros Foundation is BELMONT, Mass. — The National Association pleased to announce the completion of the for Armenian Studies and Research (NAASR) third and final phase of school renovations in received on May 18, a grant of $225,000 from the village of Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur. Work at the Massachusetts Cultural Facilities Fund of the school began two years ago and included the Massachusetts Cultural Council to go the complete renovation of the wings of the toward construction of an elevator and other school housing grades 1 – 12. The final phase accessibility features as part of NAASR’s $4.5- of renovation included the kitchen, dining hall, million project for its headquarters. hallways and adjacent rooms. The work was With this grant, NAASR has commitments completed with generous donations from Mike for 70 percent of the total budget. and Patricia Starzer and Jean-Marie & Lori NAASR’s aim is to transform its building, which Atamian as part of the Paros Foundation’s has remained virtually unchanged since its pur- Prosperity on the Border strategic initiative. chase in 1989, and to welcome the public with a The Prosperity on the Border initiative identi- redesigned bookstore, lounge café, scholars’ con- fies and implements humanitarian, educational ference room, and garden atrium and solarium, and development projects in vital communities encouraging research, study, lectures, informal along the Armenia-Azeri border. gatherings, and professional activities centered “The Paros Foundation has worked in this around Armenian Studies. The building transfor- important border village for almost five years to mation is being designed by the architectural, improve conditions for the village residents,” design, and engineering firm of Symmes Maini & said Peter Abajian, Executive Director of the McKee Associates in Cambridge. Paros Foundation. “The Starzer and Atamian Renovations to the building, funded in part Scenes from the polling station families have taken leadership roles in the vital with this grant, will bring the building into com- support of these villagers through their dona- pliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act tions to these projects. I would like to extend (ADA) by adding an elevator serving all levels, my sincere appreciation and admiration for an entry ramp, and accessible rest rooms. The Monitoring the Armenian their support.” renovation will also add a fourth level (third Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur is located in story) to the building, with a 150-person event Parliamentary Elections Through Armenia’s Tavush region, more than three hours hall and state-of-the-art audio-visual technology from Yerevan. The people in this isolated border to allow live streaming and remote participants The Prism of a Diasporan village live with the constant threat of cross bor- and presenters from throughout the world. der sniper fire. Many of the village’s men serve as “This grant is essential in helping to preserve YEREVAN and BOSTON — Twenty-five years after Armenia became indepen- our rare holdings for future generations and dent from the former Soviet Union, the country still struggles with economic stag- make them accessible to all,” said Yervant nation, political corruption, and high levels of poverty. I wanted to learn firsthand Chekijian, NAASR’s chairman of the board. why the political system in Armenia does not work. I didn’t know if, as a member “With the latest technologies incorporated into of the Armenian diaspora, I would be the building, we will be able to connect people welcome. The local Armenians might from around the world and truly become a glob- well see me as an interloper, someone al center for Armenian Studies.” By Judith Saryan who didn’t understand the realities of The initial reason for NAASR’s capital project Special to the Mirror-Spectator life in Armenia. Even though my family was to preserve NAASR’s rare books, periodi- came from Western Armenia, now cals and archives in NAASR’s Edward and Turkey, I felt a strong connection with this surviving piece of the homeland. Helen Mardigian Library, one of the top five Several of my friends in Boston tried to dissuade me from my decision. It would publicly accessible Armenian Studies libraries not be safe, they argued, and it would not make a difference. Safety was a concern in the world, soon to reach 40,000 volumes in for me, but it would be much safer for me, to monitor the elections than for some- diverse languages and alphabets, with holdings one from Armenia. The Armenian government did not have leverage over me or dating to the 1600s. my family. If something happened to me, the news media might report on it. The The library has grown to become world class locals, on the other hand, took risks to vote their conscience. I had heard stories and is a living legacy of culture and history after about intimidation in the workplace and from family members. Social networks the Armenian Genocide. NAASR’s holdings are are crucial in Armenia. mostly in Armenian, but many are in Turkish, I arrived in Yerevan on March 29, four days ahead of the elections, with little Persian, Russian, French, English, Arabic, idea what to expect other than a training session offered by Citizen Observer, an German, and other languages, and NAASR wel- organization created in 2013 by local NGOs that encourage democracy building Children enjoying their hot lunch in the newly comes anyone to browse and study in the library. in Armenia. I was surprised to find out that I would need to arrive at least an hour renovated Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur School’s din- “We are thrilled and honored to be selected ing hall. before polls opened at 8 am and stay until the polls closed and ballots were count- for a Massachusetts Cultural Facilities Fund ed. The whole process could last 25 hours. grant,” said NAASR Executive Director Sarah I attended the training session, which condensed a lot of technical information Ignatius. “It comes at the exact right moment to contract soldiers guarding their section of in a short period of time. The trainer clearly understood the rules, but had a motivate people to make our vision a reality. Armenia’s eastern border with Azerbaijan. The see ELECTIONS, page 11 And we are grateful that Massachusetts recog- village school has more than 110 children in nizes the critical importance of supporting cap- attendance. In total, $110,000 was spent reno- ital investments to cultural non-profits.” vating the school in three phases. Founded in 1955, NAASR is the only nation- The Paros Foundation underwrote all admin- al, non-profit organization serving as a bridge istrative expenses allowing 100% of the contri- between Armenian Studies scholars and the butions to go directly to the project. Local mate- public, to preserve and enrich Armenian cul- rials and labor were utilized whenever possible ture, history, and identity for future genera- to benefit the local economy. tions. Each year, NAASR hosts more than 40 The renovation of the school adds to the list lectures on a wide range of topics from 5th cen- of other completed projects in Nerkin Karmir tury art to contemporary realities in the Aghbyur. In 2013, the village’s medical center Republic of Armenia and the Near East. was renovated. Next, the Kindergarten was NAASR lectures reach a multi-generational reconstructed including the installation of audience, which includes students, profession- Armenia’s first security wall to protect the chil- als, and the general public, and encompasses dren as they enter the kindergarten and play on NAASR’s contemporary topics series, support- the playground. In addition, family based ed by Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, with agribusinesses have been established for six programs on Syrian Armenians, Nagorno- families with more families being added this Karabakh, Armenian identity, and diasporan year. The Paros Foundation provides these vil- involvement in Armenia’s development. lage families with the materials, expertise and Each year, NAASR awards grants to scholar. animals that they want and need to significant- NAASR also operates one of the largest Counting the vote. ly improve their economic conditions. Finally, English-language bookstores on Armenian top- the Foundation has launched a housing repair ics, available onsite and online through program to implement needed home repairs NAASR’s website at www.naasr.org. and additions for village families. S ATURDAY, J UNE 3 , 2 0 1 7 T H E A R M E N I A N M I R R O R - S P E C TAT O R 7 COMMUNITY NEWS House Resolution Condemning Turkish Violence Against Protesters Passes Unanimously

VIOLENCE, from page 1 support of House Majority Leader Kevin Ruth Wedgwood called the attacks “a dread- also scheduled a hearing on this matter enti- happened...This Resolution calls for those McCarthy (R-CA) and Democratic Whip Steny ful episode of violence in which protesters tled: “Violence Outside the Turkish responsible to face justice. This is a much big- Hoyer (D-MD), condemning the attacks and “call- assembled at Sheridan Circle, in front of the res- Ambassador’s Residence: The Right to Peaceful ger issue. We’ve seen a troubling pattern from ing for the perpetrators to be brought to justice idence of the Turkish ambassador, were sub- Protest.” Turkey in recent years, but if Turkish govern- and measures to be taken to prevent similar inci- jected to gratuitous and outrageous beatings by “Turkey has been on a downward spiral ment officials come to our country and try to dents in the future.” persons who were apparently part of the secu- under the aspiring dictator[ship] of Erdogan. stifle American democracy and freedom of He also encouraged the adoption of rity detail of President Erdogan. There is no Erdogan has spared no effort to undermine speech, there must be consequences.” H.Res.220 — a bipartisan measure seeking to excuse for this.” Turkey’s democratic institutions, and he Armenian National Committee of America apply the lessons of Turkey’s genocide against Wedgwood, who has survived a terrorist attacks civil liberties in Turkey. Now Erdogan (ANCA) Executive Director Aram Hamparian Armenians, Greeks, Assyrians, and other attack in the past, sympathized with the victims thinks he can bring his crackdown on basic offered powerful testimony before the House Christians in order to prevent future atrocities. of the Erdogan ordered beatings, stated that “to rights to the United States to Washington D.C., Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Europe, call- Also testifying at the hearing were Lusik send a message now to Turkey, there needs to the seat of democracy in the world,” Rep. Ted ing for a clear and decisive US response to the Usoyan, founder and president of the Ezidi be fairly demonstrative, dramatic measures Poe (R-TX) said. “This kind of vicious behavior May 16th brutal beatings of peaceful American Relief Fund; Murat Yusa, a local businessman taken.” Describing President Erdogan as a is unacceptable anywhere in the world, but protesters. and protest organizer; and Ruth Wedgwood, “thug” and a “bully,” Wedgwood explained that especially here in America, in Washington, D.C. Hamparian, whose live videotape footage Edward B. Burling Professor of International “One can surmise that if he bullies individual That’s why I strongly support this resolution from the attack was shown during the hearing, Law and Diplomacy, at Johns Hopkins people, he will bully the region. Would he be a that condemns this violence and calls on our explained “What [Erdogan] ordered on the University School of Advanced International reliable ally? No.” government to raise the issue with Turkey. streets of our capital provides a small insight — Studies. Usoyan and Yusa were victims of the During the markup, Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen Freedom of expression is essential to the foun- a chilling insight — into the types of violence vis- brutal assault on May 16th by President (R-FL) announced that she will send a biparti- dation of America, and it’s clear that Erdogan ited every day upon the citizens of Turkey, far Erdogan’s bodyguards. san letter with Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) to the does not honor this most basic right.” from our city, away from our cameras. Those “I believe that the individuals like Mr. Department of Justice and Department of Poe concluded: “This attack by a foreign dic- are the facts. That’s where we are.” Erdogan who systematically abuse his authori- State, asking for “immediate accountability tator on our constitutional basic right of speech Hamparian continued asking, “This hearing, ty, by violating human right, pressing press, from the Turkish government for these dis- is most disturbing. So while Erdogan continues Mr. Chairman, is about foreign policy, to be imprisoning second largest party’s [HDP] co- graceful attacks.” Rep. Ros-Lehtinen added: his path of dictatorship in Turkey by violently sure, but — at a more fundamental level — it’s chairs and its members, committing war crimes, “This behavior is intolerable. The letter asks quashing all opposition, this resolution sends — about our shared American commitment to our and strongly supporting a terrorist group like those involved to be brought to justice immedi- I hope — a message we will have no foreign First Amendment and our freedoms. The ques- ISIS has no space in the White House of the ately with the participating Turkish personnel tyrant violate our sacred rights on American tion before us is: How will we respond to United States of America,” explained Usoyan, in the US expelled and those abroad barred for soil. Justice demands that something occur and Ankara exporting its intolerance and violence who went on to outline the beating she received future entry.” that he be held accountable and Turkey be held to our shores, his unapologetic attempts to at the hands of pro-Erdogan henchmen. A Ezidi Subcommittee on Europe, Eurasia and accountable because justice is what we do in bully Americans, as he has his own citizens? Kurd who grew up in Armenia, Usoyan cited Emerging Threats Chairman Dana this country.” How will we answer his arrogance?” Erdogan’s collusion with Azerbaijani dictator Rohrabacher (R-CA) commented on Turkish Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-NY) added that Among the remedies suggested by Ilham Aliyev as among reasons for the April, President Erdogan watching his security detail “whether you agree or disagree, you’re sup- Hamparian included: 2016, Azerbaijani attack against Armenia. A while they brutally beat Americans and “blood- posed to have the freedom, especially here in — President Trump should break his silence tearful Usoyan explained, “In the aftermath of ied these people who have every right to be the United States...What took place was horrif- and condemn this attack on peaceful protesters the 4-day attack around 80 Armenian soldiers there protesting as US citizens.” He continued: ic and we all need to speak out against that.” in our nation’s capital. were killed and one Ezidi origin soldier was “I hope he gets the message through this legis- Along with other Members’ statements, Rep. — The US government — including our beheaded by Azeri solders. That soldier hap- lation. He is not welcome in the United States Chris Smith (D-NJ) stated that the Turkish Department of Justice – should fully investigate pens to be my cousin.” if he is going to think he can attack Americans bodyguards’ violence was “especially egregious” and criminally prosecute the attackers, demand- “As somebody that takes pride in the funda- who are expressing their opinion and are in and Rep. David Cicilline (D-RI) said those ing that Turkey issue a blanket waiver of diplo- mental American values, it was hard for me to opposition to his policies.” actions were “absolutely appalling and will not matic immunity for all involved in this assault. explain to my children why I was attacked, and Rohrabacher also said President Erdogan is be tolerated.” — The Administration should, as Senator why Erdogan’s goons were able to escape the turning Turkey into “the worst type Islamic ter- “The Armenian Assembly applauds the McCain has recommended, exercise our right to US without any justice,” Murat Musa told rorist dictatorship that exists in the world...This House Committee on Foreign Affairs, under the immediately expel Turkey’s Ambassador from Members of Congress in his moving testimony. is not the person we should be kissing up to. He leadership of Chairman Ed Royce along with the United States – as both an expression of our “To ensure justice is served is not for my bene- made the situation even worse when he called Ranking Member Eliot Engel, for its swift con- outrage and a reaffirmation of our American fit. It is for our children and the unpredictable the American Ambassador a few days ago, and sideration and passage of this bipartisan reso- devotion to freedom of expression. Hamparian future that lays ahead. To hold the perpetrators in an arrogant insult to the American people lution in response to Turkey’s assault against welcomed the full Committee’s unanimous adop- accountable for their unjustifiable and brutal suggested that we should in some way apolo- our most cherished and fundamental values. tion of H.Res.354, introduced by Foreign Affairs attacks is not for my benefit. It is to reflect the gize for the brutal attack of American citizens We urge the Senate to follow suit as well,” stat- Committee Chairman Ed Royce (R-CA) and values that is engraved in the hearts of all by his own bodyguards. If he thinks this way, he ed Assembly Executive Director Bryan Ranking Democrat Eliot Engel (D-NY), with the Americans.” is not welcome in our country.” Rohrabacher Ardouny.

Holy Trinity Hintlian Memorial Golf Tournament to Tee off on June 19

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — The Gregory ner is at 5 p.m., casual dress. The fee to play Fr. Vasken A. Kouzouian, pastor of Holy Hintlian Memorial Golf Tournament, spon- is $175, which includes hospitality (9:30-11 Trinity Church. “Both Greg Hintlian and sored by Holy Trinity Armenian Church of a.m.), lunch (at the 9th hole), dinner, green Gerry Ajemian were leaders within their per- Greater Boston, will tee off on Monday, June and cart fees, prizes and gifts. There are Men sonal careers, but also brought these skills 19, at the beautiful Marlborough Country and Women Divisions; those entering can into the life of our parish. This year, we are Club in Marlborough MA. This year, Holy make their own foursomes or have the honoring two very dear men. They were fam- Trinity Church will be remembering Gerry church assign them one. Golfers are limited ily men who loved their immediate families Ajemian, a leader and respected member of to 128 players. Dinner is $50 per person. and their church family. Both Greg and Gerry Holy Trinity Church and the Diocese of the Tournament sponsorships are available. For were instrumental in guiding our parish onto Armenian Church of America, and a great further information or to register, log onto solid ground for many years. This Golf supporter of Holy Trinity’s annual golf tour- http://www.htaac.org/calendar/event/403/ Tournament is one lasting example of their nament. , or call the Holy Trinity Church Office. vision and foresight. I look forward to honor- All are invited for a day of golf or just for Registration deadline is Monday, June 12. ing their commitment and lives on June 19 at dinner and a fun, social evening. Registration “Holy Trinity’s Golf Tournament this year the Marlborough Country Club. Holy Trinity is 9:30 a.m., “Shot Gun” is 11 a.m., and din- recognizes devotion and leadership,” states Armenian Church is blessed to have had these two parishioners among our member- ship.” Throughout his life, Ajemian was devoted to the Armenian Church. He was a member of the Building Committee (from 1960 to 1964) of the St. Gregory the Illuminator Church in Chicago, Illinois. After moving to the Boston area, Gerry was a dedicated member and Gerry Ajemian strong supporter of Holy Trinity Armenian Church for more than 40 years and served the vhurch in many capacities. He was a supporter of the Holy Trinity Armenian member of the Board of Trustees of the Holy Church and an avid golfer, was instrumental Trinity Trust Fund for 27 years (1978-2005), in establishing the Golf Tournament to raise chairing it for his last six years (1999-2005). funds for the church. He served on Holy He served as a Diocesan Delegate for 23 Trinity’s Parish Council for six years, five of years, from 1992 to 2015. He was also a ded- those years as treasurer, and was a member icated supporter of the Erevan Choral of the Stewardship Committee. He and his Society for many years. Every year, Gerry brother Aram, ran the Country Store for looked forward to putting together a four- many years at the Church’s Annual Christmas some to participate in the Gregory Hintlian Bazaar, a tradition that continues today. He Memorial Tournament. He passed away on passed away on July 22, 2002. The church October 27, 2015. subsequently renamed the Golf Tournament Greg Hintlian, a dedicated member and in his memory. 8 S ATURDAY, J UNE 3 , 2 0 1 7 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS St. Nersess Graduates Three Seminarians

ARMONK, N.Y. — On Saturday, May 20, over are part of a mosaic,” he commented. Deacon prayers have helped the graduates run this race 200 guests including friends, family and clergy Michael Sabounjian, representing the St. together, and we will pray for you every step of celebrated the graduation of Deacon Levon Nersess student body, addressed the graduates the way,” he said. The graduates were then pre- Asdourian, Deacon Eric Vozzy, and Dr. Andre saying, “you have already taken your knowledge sented with their diplomas by Khajag Srpazan, Markarian who received their diplomas from St. from St. Nersess and are proclaiming your faith after which Abp. Barsamian addressed the grad- Nersess Seminary. through action: Asadorian by creating a uates and the audience. “With the Holy Spirit, The day began with Divine Liturgy, celebrat- Facebook Prayer Group, Markarian by editing all things are possible,” he said. ed by the Rev. Garabed Kocharian, in the St. the Treasury publication, and Vozzy by narrat- Archbishop Khajag Barsamian thanked Hagop chapel. During the service, seminarian ing the Bread & Salt Ministry series at the Chevian and the faculty for their dedication to Levon Asdourian was ordained a deacon by Eastern Diocese.” the seminary and blessed the graduates in their Abp. Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Eastern Chevian then introduced the President of future roles. Diocese and President of the St. Nersess Board St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary, Other honored guests in attendance were the of Directors, the first ordination on the new the Very Rev. Chad Hatfield, who thanked St. Very Rev. John Behr and Dr. Peter Bouteneff Levon Asdourian with Abp. Khajag Barsamian at campus. The Rev. Armash Bagdasarian, a Nersess for its long standing 50-year collabo- from St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological the St. Vladimir’s Graduation recent graduate of St. Nersess, was Dn. Levon’s rative relationship. Speaking to the graduates Seminary. sponsoring priest. At the end of service, Abp. next was the Very Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan, Family and friends of the graduates enjoyed Khajag Barsamian consecrated a baptismal font Professor of Liturgical Studies. “Beyond the a dinner reception and had an opportunity to Donations are still being accepted at which was recently installed. structures, policies, rules, and talents at the personally congratulate the graduates on their www.stnersess.edu/support. The graduation was held in a festive tent, seminary is something mysterious…I am con- accomplishments, and then enjoyed an inspir- Earlier in the day, Asdourian was amongst where the Rev. Mardiros Chevian, Seminary vinced that the mystery is powerful and divine ing dance performance by the AGBU Dance the 16 graduates at St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Dean, opened the graduation ceremony by wel- and it’s the Holy Spirit that has brought the Ensemble. Laurie Onanian, a board member, Theological Seminary where he received his coming all present and describing the gradu- graduates here today,” proclaimed Fr. Daniel. encouraged all those in attendance to consider Master of Divinity degree. ates as a “beautiful mosaic”. “A mosaic has Representing the graduates, Dn. Levon making a heartfelt donation to the seminary. many pieces of different sizes and shapes and Asdourian thanked everyone who has helped colors and all those who support the ministry him to arrive at this point in his life. “St. Paul of priesthood and those serving in lay ministry tells us about the race we are to run. Your OBITUARY Levon Demerdjian Restaurateur, ADL Member

By Graydon Megan

CHICAGO (Chicago Tribune) — Levon Demerdjian came to Chicago to study engineer- ing, but soon teamed up with his brother Arsen to run authentic Armenian restaurants, serving the food of their heritage. The first of the restaurants — all called Sayat Nova — was on Sheridan Road near Loyola St. Nersess graduates Levon Asdourian, Eric Vozzy and Dr. Andre Markarian with Fr. Mardiros Chevian University’s Lake Shore Campus. The second and Abp. Khajag Barsamian still operates on Ohio Street off Michigan Avenue and is run by a nephew. The third was started by Levon Demerdjian in Des Plaines. “He and his brother had the vision to open an Armenian restaurant,” said Rouben Terzian, ENNIS M. EVENEY & ONS a friend since the two were in high school. D D S Demerdjian embraced friends, employees and customers, inviting them to be part of his family. Cemetery Monuments “He became like a second father to many of Specializing in us,” said Paul Seitz, who first met him 40 years ago when Seitz went to work as a busboy in the Armenian Designs and Lettering Des Plaines restaurant. “You could see in him 701 Moody St. Waltham, MA 02543 the things that were good and right.” Demerdjian, 80, died of lymphoma May 17 in (781) 891-9876 www.NEMonuments.com the Oak Park home where he had lived for more than 40 years, according to his son, Raffi. 1977 he began the Des Plaines operation, con- He was 80. tinuing it until retiring in 1999. He was born in Beirut, where his family set- Terzian said Demerdjian was a storyteller Telephone (617) 924-7400 tled after fleeing the Armenian Genocide. As a who sometimes drifted into telling jokes and teenager, he made his way to the US through was always smiling. “Very personable,” Terzian Aram Bedrosian Canada, intent on furthering his education by said. “If you got to know him, you would love enrolling in an engineering program at what is him.” now the University of Illinois at Chicago. John Tilkian, who knew Demerdjian from Funeral Home, Inc. But his formal schooling ended as he teamed when both were teenagers in Lebanon, said his Continuous Service By The Bedrosian Family Since 1945 up with his brother to go into the restaurant friend was proud of the Armenian cuisine his business. Arsen, who spelled his last name restaurant featured and was meticulous about MARION BEDROSIAN Demirdjian, died in 2013. ingredients and preparation. The restaurant, he 558 MOUNT AUBURN STREET PAUL BEDROSIAN Their first venture was called the Auto Grill, said, included a number of regulars, including WATERTOWN, MA 02472 LARRY BEDROSIAN a place near a row of car dealers around Irving some characters, many of whom contributed Park Road and Western Avenue that Terzian material for Demerdjian’s stories. said served shots and beers and simple sand- Seitz said the respect his customers had for wiches. They opened it in 1964 and ran it for Demerdjian was apparent. “Everybody who two years. knew him respected him because he was such a “That was a stepping stone,” Terzian said fair guy. He had an impact on many lives.” with a laugh. “They learned there what not to Seitz said Demerdjian set an example in his do.” openness to the people he met and worked F UNERAL H OME The next stepping stone was the first Sayat with. “I’ve wondered, ‘how do I become more Giragosian Nova, on North Sheridan Road. Terzian said he like that,’” Seitz said. “Just one of those rare James “Jack” Giragosian, CPC designed the restaurant, and he, Demerdjian individuals who stood out.” Mark J. Giragosian Funeral Counselors and his brother built out the space with ply- Levon Demerdjian was a leader in the wood, drywall and lighting, including raised Chicago Armenian community. He was active in 576 Mt. Auburn Street, Watertown, MA 02472, TEL: 617-924—0606 panels commemorating the poet. the Armenian Democratic Liberal Party, as well www.giragosianfuneralhome.com Lease and landlord issues eventually led the as in the Tekeyan Cultural Association. brothers to close that location and move down- In addition to his son, Demerdjian is survived town, opening their second Sayat Nova around by daughters Tania, Nadia and Tamara; a grand- 1970. The restaurant is still operated by Arsen daughter; and a brother, Dr. Armen Demerdjian Demirdjian’s son. of Massachusetts. Levon Demerdjian eventually decided to His wife, Marjorie, died in 2014. open his own Sayat Nova restaurant and in There were no services. LIKE US ON FACEBOOK S ATURDAY, J UNE 3 , 2 0 1 7 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 9 COMMUNITY NEWS Maranian Promoted Armenian National To Brigadier General A Summer’s Evening Celebrating Committee of South Carolina Leads Effort to FORT SILL, OK. — On May 15, at a ceremo- 50 Years of Excellence in Education ny at Fort Sill, Stephen Jack Maranian was pro- Memorialize Genocide of moted to the rank of brigadier general in the MANHASSET, N.Y. — The annual HMADS Gala US Army. Dinner Dance, taking place on June 3, continues Armenians, Greeks and Maranian is the son to be a staple of the social season in the Armenian of Jack and Alma community. With its gently contoured greens and Assyrians Maranian of Natick sparkling ponds, the North Hills Country Club, MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. — The City and was raised in will once again be the backdrop for an evening of Council of Myrtle Beach adopted a procla- Watertown and Natick. dining and dancing in support of a most worth- mation on May 23 signed by Mayor John T. Maranian earned while cause: the future of Armenian culture and Rhodes reaffirming the Armenian Genocide his commission in heritage. North Hills will provide the setting for of 1915-1923. The proclamation, spearhead- the army from the an elegant affair as HMADS celebrates its golden ed by Council Member Randal Wallace, was ROTC at Bucknell anniversary. timed to coincide with the remembrance day Univer-sity in 1988. While guests dine on lavish food and enjoy an of the Greek Genocide observed every year He graduated with a exciting raffle, the music of Arthur Apkarian and on May 19. bachelor’s degree in business administration. Armenia Band of Montreal promises to provide an In the months leading up to the adoption He holds a master’s degree from Webster unforgettable evening of entertainment. of the proclamation, the Armenian National University and a second mater’s degree in Born in Beirut, Lebanon, Apkarian arrived in Committee of South Carolina organized strategic studies from the Army War College. Canada at a young age. Raised by a family of well- commemoration events, actively promot- He also completed a post-graduate research fel- respected musicians, his talents were quickly dis- ing “The Promise” and holding meetings. lowshiop at the NATO Defense College in covered as he grew to be one of the most sought- “We are thankful to our city elected offi- Rome. after entertainer whose reputation goes beyond cials — especially to Councilman Randal Maranian is a combat veteran of the wars in the boundaries of the Armenian community. Wallace and Mayor John Rhodes – for their Iraq and Afghanistan and receved two Bronze Apkarian developed a unique performance style Arthur Apkarian principled stance against crimes against Stars for his service in combat. and his selections in Armenian and Continental humanity and human rights violations,” said He currently serves as the commandant of music is unmatched in the Armenian community ANC of South Carolina Chairman Aram the US Army’s Field Artillery School in Fort Sill both in Canada and the US.” Heboyan. “It is important for us to properly and is the army’s Chief of Field Artillery. The festivities will begin at 7:30 p.m. with a bountiful cocktail hour, followed by a deli- commemorate and remember all the inno- He and his wife, Cynthia, currently reside in cious multi-course dinner served at 9 p.m. cent victims of this heinous crime if there is Oklahoma. Maranian is the grandson of the late — Jennifer Chelebi any hope in stopping the vicious cycle of Stephen and Siony Khachadoorian and the late genocide.” Arma and Eliza Maranian. Myrtle Beach City Councilman Randal Wallace said, “[I am] very proud to have been a part of this proclamation recognizing the Armenian genocide.” By way of background, on March 17, 1999 South Carolina General Assembly adopted H.B. 3678 recognizing April 24, 1999, as “South Carolina day of remembrance of the Armenian genocide of 1915-1923” so as to honor the memory of the one and one-half million people of Armenian ancestry who lost their lives during that terrible time and to honor the memory of the victims of geno- cide throughout the world.

Michael Flynn’s Firm Worked on Pro-Turkey Documentary for $530K

WASHINGTON (CBS) — Former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn’s consulting firm tried to produce a documentary for a Turkish businessman that was never finished, never distributed and shelved last November, according to The Wall Street Journal. Flynn Intel Group was paid $530,000 by the businessman to produce the documen- tary to “polish the country’s image after a botched military coup” last year. This was being done as Flynn, a retired lieutenant general, traveled the US campaigning for President Trump, the report said. Flynn, who resigned as Trump’s national security adviser in February, didn’t disclose until March that his company was paid to represent Turkish interests. His firm hired a former VICE News correspondent and for- mer CNN anchor, Rudi Bakhtiar, to work on the film, but the businessman said that they didn’t want it connected with Flynn’s firm. Work on the film began last summer, the report said, after the attempted military coup in Turkey. Bakhtiar said the film attacked imam Fethullah Gullen, whom Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has accused of planning the coup. She told the Journal she thought she was working “an objective, investigatory documentary about Turkey and Fethullah Gulen.” The report said that Turkish businessman Ekim Alptekin signed a three-month contract with Flynn Intel Group a few weeks later. This comes as Flynn is being investigat- ed for any possible collusion between the Trump campaign and Russian officials to interfere in the 2016 US election. CBS News confirmed Tuesday that Flynn has agreed to provide some of the documents requested by the Senate Intelligence Committee as it continues its probe into Russian meddling. 10 S ATURDAY, J UNE 3 , 2 0 1 7 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS

Armenian Evangelical Secondary School of Anjar Celebrates 75 Years of Service

GLENDALE — The Armenian Evangelical School of Anjar, located in the Bekaa region of Lebanon, opened its doors in 1942 to serve the children of Musa Dagh heroes who were forced to leave their homeland and settle in Anjar. Soon after, under the leadership of the German Hilfsbund Missionaries, led by Sister Hedwig, the school started a boarding school and expanded into a secondary school, giv- ing the first crop of graduates in 1956. The school became a safe haven for hundreds of local Armenian children as well as from over 12 countries. To celebrate the 75 years of service of the School, the Alumni has organized a Banquet, to honor for- mer teachers and principals and to give special recognition to Sister Hanna Christien, 87 years young, who served in Anjar for almost 50 years. After retiring from her mission work in Anjar, Sister Hanna volunteered to join the Armenian Missionary Association of America and served selflessly for many years taking care of Grannies and opening soup kitchens in border villages in Armenia, includ- ing Nuyemperian, Bert and other adjoining small vil- lages. In her words, “yes dzenountov Germanatsi yem, payts serdov yev hokiyov Hye” – By birth I am German, but in my heart and soul I am Armenian. The celebratory banquet will take place on Friday, June 23, at 7 p.m. at the Impression Banquet Hall, The Armenian Evangelical Secondary School of Anjar. 212 North Orange St., Glendale.

$1.1 Million Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity Awarded to Dr. Tom Catena AURORA, from page 1 (AMHF), USA Catholic Medical Mission Board war between the Government of Sudan and the Noor Educational and Capacity Development Catena received a $100,000 grant and the (CMMB), and Aktion Canchanabury, Germany. Sudanese People’s Liberation Movement. Organization in Afghanistan; Muhammad opportunity to continue the cycle of giving by For the last nine years, Catena — known by the Patients have been known to walk for up to Darwish, a medical doctor at the Madaya Field donating the accompanying $1,000,000 award locals as “Dr. Tom” — has been on-call 24 hours seven days to receive treatment for injuries from Hospital in Syria; and Dr. Denis Mukwege, a to organizations of his choice. Catena will a day, seven days a week at the Mother of Mercy bombing attacks, and ailments ranging from lep- gynecological surgeon and founder of the Panzi donate the award to three organizations: Catholic Hospital to care for the more than rosy and tuberculosis, to bone fractures to mal- Hospital in the Democratic Republic of Congo. African Mission Healthcare Foundation 750,000 citizens of Nuba amidst ongoing civil nourishment and malaria. It is estimated that “Dr. Catena embodies the spirit of the Aurora Catena treats 500 patients per day and performs Prize, and we extend our deepest gratitude to more than 1,000 operations each year. him and the people and organizations around On being named the 2017 Aurora Prize the world that support and inspire him to con- Call for Nominations for 2018 Aurora Laureate, Catena said, “We all have an obliga- tinue his noble work despite immensely chal- tion to look after our brothers and sisters. It is lenging conditions,” said Ruben Vardanyan, co- Prize for Awakening Humanity possible that every single person can make a founder of AHI and United World College at contribution, and to recognize that shared Dilijan. “We are honored to share his story with YEREVAN — Nominations are open for the 2018 Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity, a humanity can lead to a brighter future. I draw the world to shed light on the goodwill that global humanitarian award granted by the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative on behalf of the my inspiration from the Nuba people. And with exists in the world so that helping others survivors of the Armenian Genocide and in gratitude to their saviors. The Aurora Prize is my faith as my guide, I am honored to continue becomes part of our global culture.” seeking the stories of selfless individuals who demonstrate exceptional courage, commitment to serve the world and make it a better place.” The naming of the 2017 Aurora Prize and impact at personal risk for the sake of others. “Dr. Catena is an inspiration to anyone who Laureate follows the release of the Aurora Anyone can nominate a candidate who they believe has risked their life, health, freedom, has ever doubted humanity. Despite tremen- Humanitarian Index, the second annual global reputation or livelihood to make an exceptional impact on preserving human life and advanc- dous injustice and sacrifice, he has dedicated public opinion survey that gauges attitudes ing humanitarian causes. A description of the Prize criteria and selection process can be his life to ensuring that the next generation has towards humanitarian responsibility, the effec- found athttps://auroraprize.com/en/prize/detail/nominatenow. Nominations for the 2018 a brighter future,” said Vartan Gregorian, presi- tiveness of humanitarian intervention and indi- Aurora Prize will close on September 8. dent of the Carnegie Corporation of New York, viduals’ motivations to intervene on behalf of The call-to-nominate comes after the 2017 Aurora Prize was presented to Dr. Tom Catena co-founder of the Aurora Humanitarian others. The Index found that support for at a ceremony on Sunday, May 28. Initiative (AHI), and Aurora Prize Selection humanitarian action is on a steep decline, and President of Carnegie Corporation of New York Vartan Gregorian, a co-founder of the Committee member. “His service to others is an that a rise in populism around the world is Aurora Humanitarian Initiative and member of the Aurora Prize Selection Committee said: inspiration, and it is our hope that the individ- affecting the public’s perception of efforts made “When we founded the Aurora Prize, it was our intention to build a movement that recog- uals he has saved will continue the cycle of grat- to aid refugees around the world. nizes the work of those selfless people around the world who are offering live and hope to itude by becoming saviors themselves.” “We hope the findings from this year’s those in urgent need, and to inspire a cycle of giving that transforms the saved into saviors. Leading international humanitarian figures Aurora Humanitarian Index serve as motivation Over the last two years we have received more than 700 nominations recognizing humani- and Aurora Prize Selection Committee mem- for individuals around the world to not only tarian actions taking place in communities all around the world. As we begin the search for bers, including Shirin Ebadi, Gareth Evans, understand their capacity for meaningful the 2018 Aurora Prize Laureate, we look forward to uncovering and recognizing the other Leymah Gbowee, Gregorian, Hina Jilani, and impact, but be inspired to act upon it,” said extraordinary stories of resilience and courage, of thoughtful individuals transforming grati- Ernesto Zedillo, were in attendance to celebrate Noubar Afeyan, co-founder of the Aurora tude to action.” the 2017 Aurora Prize Laureate. Humanitarian Initiative. “Through the Aurora Each year the Aurora Prize will honor a Laureate who will received a $100,000 grant, as Catena was congratulated by Marguerite Humanitarian Initiative, we encourage those well as the unique opportunity to continue the cycle of giving by nominating organizations Barankitse, who was awarded the inaugural touched by Dr. Catena’s selfless work to make that inspired their work to receive a $1,000,000 award. Aurora Prize in 2016 for her tireless commit- their own mark on the world by expanding the Speaking about the impact of the Aurora Prize on her work, the inaugural Aurora Prize ment to restoring children’s dignity and hope as circle of saviors, and most importantly sur- Laureate, Marguerite Barankitse, who recieved the Prize in 2016 said, “The Aurora Prize has the founder of Maison Shalom and the REMA vivors. It is possible for us all to play a role in restored the lives of so many, and given the people of Burundi dignity and hope. It has shown Hospital in Burundi. She said, “The Aurora renewing hope in humanity.” how we can come together as one humanity to build a better future. Through the award fund- Prize is so important to keeping hope alive for The Aurora Prize Selection Committee ing, the Prize has given children and young people the only weapons they’ll ever need to people around the world, and I am proud to be includes Nobel Laureates Oscar Arias, Shirin change the world: education and love and is teaching people around the world that togeth- joined by such a humble and true role model as Ebadi and Leymah Gbowee; former president of er we can turn the page and build a new vision for humanity.” Dr. Catena. I applaud his selfless efforts in deliv- Ireland Mary Robinson; human rights activist The Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity was established in 2015 by the Aurora ering love to all and congratulate him on this Hina Jilani; former foreign minister of Australia Humanitarian Initiative on behalf of the survivors of the Armenian Genocide and in grati- esteemed award.” and President Emeritus of the International tude to their saviors, the Aurora Prize will honor an Aurora Laureate each year until 2023, Guests of the Aurora Prize Ceremony also Crisis Group Gareth Evans; former president of in remembrance of the eight years of the Armenian Genocide (1915 – 1923). honored the exceptional contributions of the Mexico Ernesto Zedillo; President of the The Aurora Humanitarian Initiative is represented by three organizations – Aurora other four 2017 Aurora Prize finalists: Fartuun Carnegie Corporation of New York Vartan Humanitarian Initiative Foundation, Inc. (New York, USA), the 100 Lives Foundation Adan and Ilwad Elman, the founders of the Gregorian; and Academy Award-winning actor (Geneva, Switzerland) and the IDeA Foundation (Yerevan, Armenia). Elman Peace and Human Rights Centre in and humanitarian George Clooney. Somalia; Jamila Afghani, the chairperson of the S ATURDAY, J UNE 3 , 2 0 1 7 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 11

Monitoring the Armenian Parliamentary Elections Through the Prism of a Diasporan

ELECTIONS, from page 6 front doors of the school so that no one could challenging time explaining the details because walk in or out without special approval. The of all of the permutations. Fortunately, I met a precinct president prepared for the vote count. young woman from Fresno, California, who The participants became more attentive, and lived in Armenia and had participated as an the Yelq proxy more challenging. election observer in the past five elections. She After the unused ballots were tossed away, filled me in on the most important things to the president opened the hamper with the watch for: ballot stuffing and dishonest officials. votes. According to the electronic tally, 967 She suggested bringing at least three bananas votes were cast. Everyone sat around the presi- for quick energy. We were told not to eat any dent as he pulled out the ballots on top and food offered to us. started to read them. He displayed each ballot Early on Sunday morning April 2, I caught after he read it. The proxies made tallies. a taxi to my polling station at the Hagop In the first group of votes read out loud by Oshagan School in a relatively nice neigh- the president, many of the ballots were cast for borhood of Yerevan. I introduced myself to the Republican and the Tsaroukian parties, but the various members of the local election I was surprised at the number of ballots cast for committee. I was greeted enthusiastically by the Yelq Bloc. After a couple hundred ballots a woman who had been an observer in prior were read, Yelq was in second place, slightly elections. Most of the other committee mem- trailing the Republican Party. The Tsaroukian bers eyed me with curiosity and suspicion. party was third. The Yelq proxy smiled for the My local counterpart citizen observer, a first time and became less combative, and the young man originally from the US, had lived Republican proxies who initially had insolent in Armenia for about nine years. One unusu- swaggers, looked nervous. al feature of the process was the inclusion of About halfway through the ballot box, the individuals from the various political parties voting results shifted dramatically. Yelq who participated as proxy observers. Each received fewer votes in this batch. The early party was allowed to have two proxies per morning voters, many of whom were elderly, precinct, and they were supposed to observe had cast their ballots for the Republican and and not interfere with the voters. Even before Some members of the commission Tsaroukian parties. I later heard from several the voters arrived, the room was crowded. sources that these two parties had handed I was the outsider in the group, the one who out most of the bribes, reportedly $20 per looked American. My shoes gave me away. I ple times and stuffing the ballot box. The voters more of a challenge than a question. This man vote, twice the going rate in prior elections. wore my very comfortable neon running shoes. were given nine ballots for the nine different frequently answered his mobile phone and then At the end of the count, the Republican Party The women in Armenia did not wear casual parties. They had to choose one party and dis- left the room. My local counterpart grew suspi- came in first with 359 votes, Tsaroukian gar- sneakers or running shoes to the polls. They card the other eight. They also had the right to cious. nered 260 votes, and Yelq came in third with dressed up for the occasion, some of them in vote for a specific parliamentarian on the ballot. I complained to the president of the elec- 169 votes. The other six parties received about their best outfits. I marveled at the heels worn I could see that many of the elderly voters were tion committee that the proxy for the 170 votes total. Some of the ballots were dis- by a few of the committee members. confused. Tsaroukian Party stood too close to the three qualified because of stray marks on them. The Voters walked in right after the polls opened While most of the proxies kept a low profile voting booths, which were little more than Yelq proxy seemed pleased with the results at 8 a.m. There was a steady stream of people, including the proxy for the incumbent tall boxes providing a modicum of privacy. because Yelq would get enough votes to have many of whom were elderly, for the first four Republican Party, the proxy for the Tsaroukian The president told me that he was a local, an representation in Parliament. hours. I did not need to worry that they would party, who was about thirty-five years old with “Akhper” - literally meaning a brother, and It was past 11 p.m., and the president still had view me askance. Most of the people were too a big paunch, greeted many of the elderly with everyone knew him, and that there was no to count the votes for the Parliamentarians. I’d preoccupied by the complicated new voting a hug and chatted with them as they deci- harm in it. Could he help it if everyone want- lost steam by then, and I struggled to stay process to notice me or my running shoes. phered their ballots. I tried to listen to what he ed to talk with him? I waited patiently and awake. My feet were fine because of my trusty Voters had to show their ids and provide their said. Early in the day he looked at me and then took a photo of the proxy crowding one neon running shoes, but my sore back almost fingerprints. This was the first election that had asked, “Normal-eh?” which is a common expres- of the elderly voters in the booth. I told the did me in. Luckily during the count, I managed electronic voter identification, which was sion in Armeno-English which means what it president that I would report the infraction to snag a chair with a bit of cushion which designed to prevent people from voting multi- sounds like. “Is everything normal?” It was to Transparency International. saved me. Most of the votes for the Republican At one point, the Tsaroukian proxy sidled up and the Tsaroukian Parliamentarians went to to me and called me beautiful. I moved away only two people. They seemed to be the from him as fast as I could. favorites in the precinct, by choice or, perhaps, The proxies for the incumbent Republican by bribe. Party and for the Dashnakstutiun [Armenian Everyone looked haggard towards the end. Revolutionary Federation], allied with the The president couldn’t finish the count. He Republicans, were surprisingly low key. They stood up from the table, and the secretary observed the activi- ties in the polling place without inter- acting much with the voters or the committee. The two main opposition proxies represented the Yelq Bloc, which was recently formed from three other parties, and the Congress Party. The only party proxy who chal- lenged the proceed- ings was the young man from Yelq, a new party with lead- ers who appealed to the younger, more The Tsarukian proxy on his cell phone urban voters. The Yelq proxy demand- ed that the electoral rules be assiduously fol- took over. The secretary counted very slowly. lowed. He got into heated arguments with the He willingly gave up the right to count to two president of the precinct whom he addressed of the women on the committee. The women politely, and repeatedly, by first name. were much better at counting than the men. The Yelq proxy later told me that he couldn’t At 1:30 a.m., the count was almost finished. I write about his election experience because he had survived the 19-hour marathon. I called for could lose his job, and only the outside my taxi cab. observers could write without personal risk. I expected the driver to be crabby at this Many younger voters arrived in the after- early hour. On the contrary, he was quite talka- noon. They seemed more animated and aware tive and friendly. He seemed to know why I was of the voting process. The Tsaroukian proxy at the polling station. Maybe he noticed my run- was much less interested in these voters. ning shoes. The voting slowed down after 6 p.m. At 7 p.m., several new proxies came in, including two (Judith Saryan is a project manager at the men wearing sunglasses, and replaced some of Armenian International Women’s Association the original proxies. At exactly 8 pm, the polls with extensive experience in the world of closed. The police officers who had stayed in finance. She is a graduate of Wellesley the background during the voting locked the College.) 12 S ATURDAY, J UNE 3 , 2 0 1 7 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Arts & Living Jaimie Branch’s Good intentions: Fearless Jazz Alumnus’s Debut Features Documentary Jason Ajemian Features Professor By Meredith Dowling By Michael J. Agovino HAMILTON, N.Y. (Colgate News) — When filmmaker Joe Berlinger, Colgate Class of ’83 NEW YORK (Village Voice) — Jaimie appeared at the Tribeca Film Festival on April Branch, the 33-year-old trumpet player out of 25 for the premiere of his latest documen- Chicago, isn’t new on the jazz scene here — tary, “Intent to Destroy,” he had another mem- she’s called Red Hook home since 2015 — but ber of the Colgate community by his side: with her debut album just out, she has made English and humanities professor Peter her arrival official, and belatedly triumphant. Balakian, whose class Berlinger had taken years Even before the music hits you, there’s that ago. title: “Fly or Die.” Words, in short, that many “Intent to Destroy” takes a close look at the Americans, jazz musicians in particular, have Armenian Genocide and the Turkish govern- had to live by in an indifferent country where ment’s continued denial of it. Balakian appears the safety net is increasingly in tatters. frequently in the film to provide commentary Branch’s ten eerily beautiful compositions Violinist Ani Kavafian, pianist Orion Weiss and cellist Ani Kalayjian perform. on the genocide’s historical context and the on “Fly or Die” bleed into one another like a way stories about it have evolved over time. suite, though three are drawn from a live gig The film marks a departure from Berlinger’s last year at Le Poisson Rouge. This is free jazz, usual style of documentary filmmaking, where in that it’s free of constraints. But there are he chronicles events as they unfold in real time, elements of post-bop (Branch calls Booker Tekeyan Celebrates such as in “Brother’s Keeper,” about an alleged Little “by far my favorite trumpet player”), murder in rural New York, and the “Paradise third stream, chamber jazz, the avant-garde Lost” trilogy, about three men wrongfully con- lyricism of Ornette Coleman and Don Cherry, 70th Anniversary with victed of murder. However, “Intent to even noise (Branch claims the German exper- Destroy” still adheres to Berlinger’s core pur- imental trumpet player Axel Dörner, whom pose. she came across while studying at the New Brilliant Concert “My intention as a filmmaker has always England Conservatory, as an influence). been to seek the truth, especially in circum- The music is brazenly executed by a quartet stances that risk distorting or silencing it,” made up of a few of Chicago’s finest: Jason NEW YORK — It was a concert with gifted artists who ranked with some of the said Berlinger. “Throughout my career, I have Ajemian on bass; cellist Tomeka Reid; and best in the world. And it celebrated an organization that has championed Armenian used my camera to give a voice to the voice- drummer Chad Taylor, known for his work culture throughout its 70 years. less, whether it be those caught in an unfor- alongside cornetist Rob Mazurek in the high- On Sunday afternoon, May 21, the Tekeyan Cultural Association (TCA) cele- giving judicial system or fighting to be heard ly-regarded Chicago Underground Duo, a brated its 70th anniversary, presenting a piano trio concert at New York’s Alliance from deep within the US penal system, and I group Branch says she was “in awe of” in her Francaise titled “The Armenian hope to bring this same force to Armenians late teens. The interplay between the strings Spirit.” The performance featured worldwide.” creates a riveting drama, with Reid and By Florence Avakian internationally famed artists violinist Berlinger developed the idea for Intent to Ajemian using both arco and pizzicato; Reid Ani Kavafian, cellist Ani Kalayjian Destroy when he heard about director Terry (who can be heard on another exhilarating Special to the Mirror-Spectator and pianist Orion Weiss. George’s latest film, “The Promise,” which was new release, Not Living in Fear, with the trio Warmly welcoming the large in production at the time. “The Promise” — star- Hear In Now) also shifts between rhythm sec- crowd, TCA Greater Committee ring Oscar Isaac, Christian Bale, and Charlotte tion and soloist, often becoming, in effect, a Chair Hilda Hartounian noted that the event “brings to light the importance of Le Bon — is an epic love story that unfolds in second horn. The group is enhanced in spots upholding the Armenian culture in our community and beyond. Since its estab- the midst of the Armenian Genocide. by guitarist Matt Schneider, cornet players lishment 70 years ago in Beirut, Lebanon, the Tekeyan Cultural Association has Berlinger realized that “The Promise” was Ben Lamar Gay and Josh Berman, and some been a leader in Armenian cultural programming around the globe.” the perfect way to connect the Armenian inventive postproduction that makes tracks Coming on stage to enthusiastic applause, the performers opened with Joseph Genocide to the present. He received permis- like “The Storm” sound like the work of a Haydn’s tour de-force Piano Trio Hob XV: 27 in C Major. The festive three-move- sion to embed himself and his crew into the set large ensemble. It’s a beguiling and challeng- ment piece combined turbulent dynamics with soft delicacy, changes of mood, and of George’s film so that he could make a docu- ing set that washes over you in a tidy thirty- a spirited conclusion. The musicians demonstrated their virtuosic talents, playing mentary that not only examined the historical five minutes. with great confidence and perfect harmonic balance. and political aspects of the Armenian Genocide, Branch’s melodic lines are concise and to Thirty-four-year-old contemporary composer Mary Kouyoumdjian’s work Moerae, but also considered the challenges faced by peo- the point, without bluster. Even “Jump Off,” a portraying the Fates, the Greek mythological trio, was a work that is basically unfa- ple trying to tell these stories today. kind of prologue where she shows off a miliar to concert audiences. The three-movement modern composition musically “I finally felt there was an interesting way to breathing technique and makes use of the tells the tale of three mythological women, Clotho, a spinner who spins the thread create a documentary about the subject that plunger to create a sound like a distorted gui- of life, Lachesis, the measurer who chooses the lot of life, and Atropos, the cutter would add something new to the existing films tar, is just fifteen seconds. who cannot be turned, and who at death cuts the thread of life with her shears already out there,” said Berlinger. “There was something about her playing,” see ANNIVERSARY, page 13 He sought to feature a diverse mix of schol- Taylor says, “that was very familiar to me and ars, historians, and filmmakers in the docu- at the same time totally original.” As a leader, mentary. Serendipitously, Berlinger’s former he says, she’s “not shy about letting us know professor — Balakian — wrote one of the most when she has a new idea or new direction she seminal books on the Armenian Genocide. wants to take the music.” Mazurek calls her “a What’s more, Balakian’s books provided some complete player that takes chances and is not of the inspiration for The Promise’s script, afraid,” adding that “the noise she projects is although the professor didn’t know it at the as powerful as her lyrical sensibility.” time. There is a fearlessness to her approach — fly “To be able to collaborate with Peter — with or die, right? So why did it take her until her his vast knowledge and personal connection to thirties to release her first album? “I attempt- this subject matter — was an exceptional oppor- ed to put out a couple of records myself and tunity,” Berlinger said. they didn’t really come out, so I had that ear- Balakian has previously appeared in a num- lier failure,” Branch says. She felt she needed ber of other documentaries, including PBS’s to “live life,” soak up more experience. “So I 2006 film Armenian Genocide, but working waited, and I played music, and I got caught with Berlinger was especially exciting. up in drugs, and dealt with that but just kept “It’s always great to see former students go playing.” on to be wonderful, successful, creative artists,” Prior to her move to Brooklyn, Branch was Balakian said. “Joe is a superb artist, and this is immersed in the rich free-jazz scene that has a very important film. He did an extremely fine been rooted in Chicago since the Association From left, Ani Kavafian (violinist), Archbishop Khajag Barsamian (Primate of the job creating a complex narrative.” for the Advancement of Creative Musicians Eastern Diocese), Orion Weiss (pianist) and Ani Kalayjian (cellist) (MaryLynda “Intent to Destroy” is playing on the film was founded there in 1965. She misses it, Bozian Cruickshank photo) festival circuit throughout the summer and especially the camaraderie and lower rents, will have a limited release in theaters in the see JAZZ, page 15 fall. S ATURDAY, J UNE 3 , 2 0 1 7 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 13 ARTS & LIVING Tekeyan Celebrates 70th Anniversary with Concert

ANNIVERSARY, from page 12 Cellist Mstislav Rostropovich has described Though the work was both volatile as well as Babajanian as “a brilliant composer, fiery melancholic, it rang with much Armenian feel- pianist, beloved neighbor and devoted friend for ing. many years. Despite his early death, he made a The detailed program booklet described the significant contribution to the music of our composer as a first-generation Armenian- time.” American who came from a family “directly The Babajanian composition, which conclud- affected by the Lebanese civil war, and the ed with a dramatic and powerful finale, brought Armenian Genocide. She uses a sonic palette on a standing ovation lasting for several min- that draws on her heritage, and interest in utes. Ani Kavafian congratulated the Tekeyan music as documentary and background in Cultural Association on its 70th anniversary, experimental composition to progressively and announced that the trio would play an blend the old with the new.” encore, the Scherzo by Eduard Abramyan, a Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Trio Elegiaque #1 in glittering dance-themed work which brought on G Minor, a profoundly beautiful and haunting another lengthy ovation, and flower bouquets masterpiece demonstrated the lyrical sounds of presented to each of the artists. the violin, the lush tones of the cello, and the Among the dignitaries attending this anniver- power of the keyboard. A romantic, nostalgic sary concert were Diocesan Primate Guests and organizers at the TCA concert (Marylynda Bozian Cruickshank Photo) work, a part of which reflected the soulful feel- Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Armenia’s ing of the composer’s Vocalise, it flowed mourn- Ambassador to the United Nations Zohrab fully and thematically, building to a pounding Mnatsakanian, and concert benefactors Sarkis pitch, and ending with a foreboding quietude. and Dr. Maral Jebejian. Lincoln Center featuring their colleagues and students. An honor Master’s graduate of the Armenian Nostalgia and Longing Outstanding Artists renowned Juilliard School where she studied Following the intermission, the Piano Trio in Violinist Ani Kavafian has been on the with the legendary Ivan Galamian, she plays the F Sharp Minor by famed Armenian composer world’s famed concert stages for decades as a 1736 Muir McKenzie Stradivarius violin, and is Arno Babajanian (1921-1983), reflecting the soloist, recitalist and chamber musician, per- a Professor of Violin at Yale University. visions of a life replete with both happiness and forming with all of America’s leading symphony Cellist Ani Kalayjian, a Grand Prize winner of turbulence. The music is poignant, lyrical and orchestras. A renowned chamber musician, she the International Chamber Music Competition rich with Armenian nostalgia and longing, and has performed with the Chamber Music Society of New England, and First Prize winner in the sweeping melodies which turn from dark emo- of Lincoln Center since 1979. Anglo-Czechoslovak Trust competition in tions to tranquility. Kavafian has often appeared with her sister, England, has performed as a soloist, recitalist, Babajanian who composed, taught, and con- violist Ida Kavafian, and together they have chamber musician and teacher in Japan, certized extensively throughout the former recorded the music of Mozart and Sarasate on Australia, Canada, the Middle East and Soviet Union, was also an ethnomusicologist the Nonesuch label. They celebrated the 25th throughout Europe, and the U.S. Having made who instilled in his students at the Yerevan anniversary of their first performance together several trips to Lebanon, she has given out- Conservatory a love for their native folk music. at Carnegie Hall in 2008 with a concert at reach performances to needy communities,

Helen Misk (Advisor TCA NY) and Diana Mkhitarian (Vice-Chair of TCA NY) (Marylynda Bozian Cruickshank Photo)

including St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Insan School for Iraqi and Syrian refugee children, Syrian refugee camps, Byblos Birds’ Nest Armenian orphanage, and the Karageusian Foundation. Pianist Orion Weiss is another Juilliard School graduate where he won the Gina Bachauer Scholarship. He has been a featured performer with major symphony orchestras throughout the US. The impressive list includes the New York, Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, Milwaukee, Baltimore, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Toronto, and New World Symphonies, and the New York Philharmonic and Los Angeles Philharmonic, winning worldwide acclaim. The TCA Greater New York Committee includes Honorary Chair Hagop Vartivarian, Chair Hilda Hartounian, Vice Chair Diana Mkhitarian, Treasurer Barkev Kalayjian, and Secretary Taleen Babayan. The advisors are From left Diana Mkhitarian, Helen Misk, Barkev Kalayjian, Hagop Vartivarian, Ani Kavafian, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Orion Weiss, Ani Kalayjian, Harout Chatmajian, Carmen Gulbenkian, Ani Hilda Hartounian, Ani Hovanessian, Harout Chatmajian, Taleen Babayan.(Marylynda Bozian Cruickshank Photo) Hovanessian Esq., Vartan Ilandjian, Helen Misk, Jerry Misk and Marie Zokian.

From left, Hilda Hartounian (chair), Saro Hartounian, Sarkis and Maral Jebejian (benefactors) From left, Helen Misk, Diana Mkhitarian (Vice Chair- TCA NY), Hilda Hartounian (Chair- TCA NY), (Marylynda Bozian Cruickshank Photo) and Barkev Kalayjian (Marylynda Bozian Cruickshank Photo) 14 S ATURDAY, J UNE 3 , 2 0 1 7 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARTS & LIVING

The cast of the “Eastern Dentist” (Raffi Harmon Araks photo) Turkish Troupe Breathes New Life into Baronian’s ‘Eastern Dentist’ in Gyumri

By Gerald Papasian

GYUMRI, Armenia — On May 14, at Gyumri’s Yeia Ekmekchyan Benjamin Hall, and on May 16 in Yerevan, at the Hrachya Ghaplanian Dramatic Theater, the Turkish Niluferi Municipal Theater company of Bursa presented Haqop Baronian’s comedy “Eastern Dentist,” translated into Turkish. The performance originally was created in Istanbul in 2012, underscoring the essential role of Armenians in the foundation of Turkish theater. I had heard about the production’s success of and seen their articles and program notes devoted to the innovating genius of Armenian theatrical figures such as Hagop Vartovian, Mardiros Mnakian, Vahram Papazian and espe- cially Hagop Baronian. I was impatient to see the Turkish translation of this work which, by the way, is the first time a work by an Armenian author was performed by a Turkish state company, especially since by a pleasant coincidence, I am preparing the same play for the opening of the autumn season in Yerevan, at the Henrik Malian Theater. I do not know how ads and publicity were carried out in Armenia for such a historical event, but it was a pity to see the almost total The cast was dressed in the style of Comedia dell’ Arte (Raffi Harmon Araks photo) absence of Armenian theatrical personalities in the house. A pity, because the production, besides being four musicians), all professionally trained and a virtuoso manner by the company’s artistic lies and atrocities of tyrants. a Baronian play, was a serious theatrical moving with brilliant physical agility, were director and the production’s stage director, In the complex relationship today of the achievement for the pleasure of all and would dressed in stylized circus-like or Comedia dell’ Engin Alkane, who was also the author of the Genocide and Artsakh issues, the Turkish have inspired and stimulated our stage direc- Arte style costumes, in tasteful white and light songs’ witty lyrics. artists thus came to break their own historic tors, actors, particularly costumes and makeup beige tones often reminiscent of beautiful It is worth mentioning the delightful, funny taboos through art. artists. As for Baronian, this performance was a Venetian carnival outfits. and naughty erotic aspect of the presentation, But this evening was not just a political mes- lesson to those, who still think that our Despite the deliberately grotesque, slapstick astonishingly daring, considering the tradition- sage; rhe victory was above all artistic. They 19th century satirist is “old-fashioned, cheap, approach, the humor was of high taste, spiced al social difficulties nowadays in Turkey. offered us a wonderful tribute to the Armenian exploited thousands of times and unworthy to with swinging songs and dances, and led with a After the show, director Alkane made a genius. be staged anymore.” boisterous pace and energy, without a minute speech saying that it was a dream for them to To our own compatriots’ skepticism about Our Western neighbors gloriously proved of respite during the more than two hour show. perform in the brilliant satirist’s homeland. He Baronian and our classical heritage in general, that Baronian’s play could not only be modern- Even those audience members who had come added that theater artists are of the same flesh one is tempted to say, “Ladies and gentlemen … ized, but was also, like works of Moliere or with some political (understandable) prejudices and blood and that in Shakespeare’s words, time to wake up!” other classics, eternal, and offers visionary could not help but enjoy themselves. Pleasure we’re all “fed with the same food, hurt with the The program was sponsored by the Anadolu stage directors the opportunity to constantly was also evident pouring out of the performers, same weapons, subject to the same diseases, Kultur Foundation and the European Union create new ideas, new interpretations. and that is indeed the secret of success. healed by the same means … “ and we all strug- thanks to efforts led by journalist Raffi Hermon The company of about 15 performers (plus The lead role of Taparnigos was performed in gle against the same forms of political violence, Araks. S ATURDAY, J UNE 3 , 2 0 1 7 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 15 ARTS & LIVING AGBU Performing Arts Introduces Armenian Music to New York City Students

NEW YORK — This spring, the AGBU Performing Arts Department collaborated with Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute (WMI) to have Armenia represented for the first time as part of WMI’s Musical Explorers program. The program is designed to connect students in grades K-2 to New York City’s rich and diverse musical community as they build fundamental music skills through lis- tening, singing and moving to songs from all over the world. For four days, hundreds of New York City students and teachers sang traditional Armenian songs together with the acapella folk trio Zulal, the oud player Ara Dinkjian, and the clarinetist Martin Haroutunian, who showed the students sev- eral traditional Armenian instruments. Zulal takes Armenia’s village folk melodies and weaves intricate arrangements that pay tribute to the rural roots of the music, while introducing a sophisticated lyricism and ener- gy. The trio’s singers — Teni Apelian, Yeraz Markarian, and Anaïs Tekerian — have been singing together since 2002 and have per- formed at the Getty Museum, Berklee College of Music, Carnegie Hall, The Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage and New York’s Symphony Space, along with performances for Cirque du Soleil and the Silk Road Project. Ara Dinkjian is an Armenian American oud player who has appeared in 22 countries and continues to compose, per- This spring, the AGBU Performing Arts Department collaborated with Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute (WMI) to have Armenia represented for the first form, record and teach. Martin Haroutunian time as part of WMI’s Musical Explorers program. is the director of the Arev Ensemble in Boston, which uses folk and modern instru- ments to recreate Armenian music. New York City students and teachers to which they eventually perform along with the “At one moment during the concert, the The Musical Explorers program introduces songs and dances from around the world, artists during the interactive concerts. As host asked Ara Dinkjian to play his oud part of the program, Zulal led workshops together with the steel pan of the calypso with New York City public school K-2 teach- musician and the beats of the hip-hop DJ, dis- ers and advised on the creation of a full cur- playing how diversity can be unified in one riculum, including an accompanying CD, fea- piece of music. This concept aligns perfectly turing lessons and creative extensions for with the mission of AGBU PAD: to present Recipe semester-long coursework. In the 2016-17 our unique culture to the diverse audiences Corner by Christine Vartanian Datian Kufta Patties with Parsley and Onions

Kufta INGREDIENTS 1 pound ground lamb 1/2 pound ground beef 1 medium onion, finely chopped or minced 1 cup bread crumbs 2 cloves garlic, minced 1/2 cup parsley, minced 1/2 cup milk 1/4 cup walnuts or pine nuts, chopped 2 large egg yolks 1 teaspoon sea or Kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon coarse black pepper 1/4 teaspoon each allspice, cayenne or Aleppo pepper, paprika and cumin Olive oil or unsalted butter Zulal takes Armenia’s village folk melodies and weaves intricate arrangements that pay tribute to the 1/2 cup bread crumbs (for dipping kufta) rural roots of the music, while introducing a sophisticated lyricism and energy. Garnish Chopped parsley and white or green onions season, along with Armenian folk music, stu- of New York. Hearing hundreds of children Armenian or Greek yogurt dents also learned about bluegrass, Chinese from the five boroughs of New York sing Fresh lemon wedges traditional music, Sudanese celebration Armenian folk songs is the most touching Armenian black olives, roasted vegetables and peppers, and cheese songs, calypso, and hip-hop, exploring a symbol of unity in this immensely multicul- Lavosh, peda or pita bread diverse range of musical genres found in tural city,” said Hayk Arsenyan, the director Fresh hummus their New York City neighborhoods. of the AGBU Performing Arts Department.

PREPARATION: 1. Combine kufta ingredients and spices together in a medium bowl and mix well. Jaimie Branch’s Jazz Debut Features Jason Ajemian 2. Shape into patties, dip both sides in bread crumbs, and cook in olive oil or butter until browned on both sides. JAZZ, from page 12 person, but thank god.” The cover of “Fly or 3. Garnish patties with parsley and onions and top with a dollop of fresh hum- and she often takes the bandstand wearing one Die” — illustrated by Branch with her tattoo mus. Serve with yogurt, lemon wedges, Armenian olives, roasted vegetables and of her many White Sox caps. But she’s happy artist, John Herndon, also known as the drum- peppers, cheese, and bread, if desired. here. “Now that the record has come out, I have mer for Tortoise — could be a depiction of a new Serves 6. this new life that I’ve started, and I’m pretty dawn: Four birds perch atop a cityscape. The col- excited,” she says. “I’m gonna hang in New ors are bright, but there’s a sense that the build- *Christine's recipes have been published in the Fresno Bee Newspaper, Sunset York for a while.” ings underneath them might be crumbling. and Cooking Light Magazines and at thearmeniankitchen.com Those drug issues — and she was dealing with Doesn’t matter if they do. That’s what the gift heroin addiction — are behind her. “I’ll just say of flight is for. And at the moment, Jaimie Go to: the storm is over,” she says. “I’m not a religious Branch is soaring. http://www.myrecipes.com/search/site/Datian or http://www.thearmeniankitchen.com/ LIKE US ON FACEBOOK 16 S ATURDAY, J UNE 3 , 2 0 1 7 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARTS & LIVING CC AA LENDARLENDAR

Ajemian,” sponsored by Holy Trinity Armenian Church of ethnic studies at Touro College and world religions at the MASSACHUSETTSFLORIDA Greater Boston, Marlborough Country Club, Unification Theological Seminary in New York City. Free Marlborough. Monday, 9:30 a.m., registration; 11 a.m., to the public. The library is located at 144 W Merrick Rd, JANUARY 20-28, 2018 — Armenian Heritage Cruise “Shot Gun.” Payer’s fee: $175 (includes hospitality, lunch, Freeport, NY 11520, phone (516) 379-3274. XXI 2018 Eastern Caribbean Cruise aboard the Royal dinner, green & cart fees, prizes and gifts) – or just din- Caribbean’s Freedom Of The Seas. Travelling to: St. Kitts ner and a social evening ($50 per person). Limited to 128 RHODE ISLAND / St.John’s Antigua / San Juan / Labadee, Private Island. players. Tournament and tee sponsorships available. Cabin Rates starting from US $1044 / person based on RSVP deadline, June 12. To register or for further infor- JUNE 30 — Friday, 7 p.m. Egavian Cultural Center. Sts. Double Occupancy, including Port Charges and ACAA mation, http://www.htaac.org/calendar/event/403/ or Sahag and Mesrob Cultural Committee presents registration fee. Government taxes of $108.36 are addi- contact the Holy Trinity Church Office,617.354.0632, or “SUMMER RHAPSODY” Concert featuring Jasmin tional. Armenian Entertainment, Armenian Cultural email [email protected]. Atabekyan and the Gasparyan family quartet ( from Presentations, Armenian Festival Day, Tavlou & Belote JUNE 20 — 7 p.m. ABN-AIWA Boston Spring Soiree. Greece) Janet Khalarian, vocal NAZELI Dance Groups. Tournaments and much more. Call TRAVELGROUP INTER- Join the Armenian Business Network and Armenian American, Armenian music , and dance. Providence. NATIONAL @1- 561-447-0750 or 1-866-447-0750 Ext. International Women’s Association for an evening of Donation $15. Refreshments. 108. Ask for Janie. networking and a view of the Tall Ships at 7p.m. at the Boston College Club (100 Federal Street 36th Floor, WASHINGTON, D.C. MASSACHUSETTS Boston) $130 per person. Space is limited. Register at aiwainternational.org/ABNAI- MAY 27 — Benefit Concert and Dance for the Orphans JUNE 9 — Let’s Party! At the KITCHEN, Boston Food WA2017 of the Tavush Region of Armenia. International Market – Benefit for the Park’s Care in partnership JUNE 25 — Sunday, An Afternoon of Classical Music, Armenian Entertainer BARTEV. Saturday, 8 p.m. Delicious with the Trustees of Reservations, Boston Food Market, Armenian Cultural Foundation, Arlington, Featuring Nor appetizers, silent auction, dancing to your hearts con- with chefs presenting signature dishes we love and the trio. 3 p.m. Works by Glinka, Franck, Ghazarosian, tent, Cash Bar. Takuhi Hallajian, 301.219.4041.St. Mary’s generosity of so many, all coming together at the KITCHEN Aleksanyan, Khachaturian and Büsser The Mirak Armenian Church Cultural Hall, 4125 Fessenden St. NW, to support the Armenian Heritage Park’s Endowed Fund Chamber Music Series: Inaugural Concert. Washington, DC. Organized by Knights & Daughters of for Year Round Care. 7-10 p.m. Advance reservations NOVEMBER 2 — Thursday, Symposium with the partic- Vartan and Friends of Bartev required. Space is limited. To receive the e-invite, please ipation of the International media representatives, JUNE 13 — Tuesday, Monthly Public Discussion. email [email protected] dedicated to the Armenian Mirror-Spectator’s 85th Speaker Aram Hamparian, Executive Director, JUNE 11 — Sunday, St. James Armenian Festival! 12-6 p.m. Anniversary. Details to follow. Armenian National Committee of America ““A 360 Delicious Armenian food. Live music. Raffle. Children’s NOVEMBER 3 — Friday, 85th Anniversary Celebration Degree View of Armenian American Advocacy” 7:00- activities. Moon bounce. Balloons. Face painting and more. Banquet of the Armenian Mirror-Spectator 8:00 PM. St. Mary’s Armenian Church Cultural Hall, 4125 On Church Grounds, 465 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown. Newspaper the first English Language Armenian Fessenden Street, NW, Washington DC. Organized by [email protected], www.stjameswatertown.org Newspaper in the United States @ Newton Marriott Hotel Knights and Daughters of Vartan. JUNE 17 — Society of Istanbul Armenians of Boston Banquet Hall. 85 Years and Beyond. Details to follow JUNE 25 — Book reading, by Adrienne G. Alexanian, Inc. is hosting A Father’s Day Dinner Celebration hon- editor of Forced Into Genocide, memoirs of an oring Rev. Arakel Aljalian as Father of the Year. 7 p.m. St. NEW JERSEY Armenian Soldier in the Ottoman Turkish Army. 1:00 PM, James Armenian Church, Armene and Veronica Tarvezian 4125 Fessenden St. NW, Washington, DC. Organized by Hall, 465 Mount Auburn St., Watertown. Tickets $50. NOVEMBER 18 — Save the date. Gala banquet cele- Knights & Daughters of Vartan, St. Mary’s Armenian Call Mr. or Mrs. Shaboyan at 617-489-0346 or Garo brating the 70th anniversary of the Tekeyan Cultural Apostolic Church Parish Council, Armenian Assembly of Yavshayan at 617-620-9899. Association. At the Terrace at Biagios. Details will be America and Armenian National Committee of America. JUNE 17 — The Society of Istanbul Armenian’s of forthcoming. Boston will Honor Rev. Arakel Aljalian as the Father of the Year. Saturday at 7 p.m. Dinner at St. James NEW YORK Calendar items are free. Entries should not be longer Armenian Church Hall, Watertown. Donation $50. For than 5 lines. Listings should include contact informa- Tickets, call Krikor Shaboian at 617-489-0346. JUNE 29 — The Freeport Memorial Library will have a tion. Items will be edited to fit the space, if need be. A JUNE 19 — The Gregory Hintlian Memorial Golf lecture on the history of the Armenians, Thursday photo may be sent with the listing. Items should be Tournament, “This Year Remembering Gerry at 2 p.m. by Dr. Ronald Brown, professor of history and sent no later than Mondays at noon.

sized the importance of the book not only for Publication of Panos general readers but for historians, ethnogra- phers and musicians. The book is based on Sebouh Aslanian to Speak at Ararat-Eskijian Terlemezian Memoirs Terlemezian’s memoirs, preserved in the Armenian National Art Gallery. On Thomas Vardapet of Vanand Celebrated in Yerevan Edmond Y. Azadian, a diasporan member of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of MISSION HILLS, Calif. — Dr. Sebouh Aslanian will give a lecture titled “From Nakhijevan YEREVAN (Hay Tzayn) — The publication Armenia and president of the Central Board to the Netherlands: Thomas Vardapet of Vanand and Armenian Printing in Amsterdam, 1677- of artist, activist and Armenagan political of the TCA of the United States and Canada, 1708,” on Sunday, June 4, at 4 p.m., at the Ararat-Eskijian party founder Panos Terlemezian’s memoirs said that Terlemezian was known until today Museum — Sheen Chapel, 15105 Mission Hills Road. The was celebrated on May 23 at the Spiurk as a famous painter who emerged from Van, a lecture is co-sponsored by the Ararat-Eskijian Museum and Scientific Educational Center of the cultural cradle of Western Armenia, but now the National Association for Armenian Studies and Terlemezian also can be understood Research (NAASR). to be the talented author of artistic In 1677, an Armenian archbishop named Thomas memoirs. Vanandets‘i left his small hamlet of Vanand in Nakhijevan Literary specialist Yervant Der- with his two nephews and traveled across Asia Minor and Khachadrian, who prepared the all the major courtly centers of Europe in quest of support book for publication, in his talk and patronage for establishing Amsterdam’s fourth thanked the organizations which Armenian printing press in 1695. Relying on a Latin-lan- supported this work and revealed guage memoir Thomas published in London in 1707, an what difficulties he encountered in earlier and heretofore-unknown account of his travels pub- interpreting the worn pages of lished in Spanish in Madrid in 1691, as well as archival Terlemezian’s manuscript, which Dr. Sebouh Aslanian documents from a dozen collections in Europe, Aslanian’s often contained Turkish and presentation will examine Thomas’s role in the history of The speakers at the Terlemezian book presentatioN. Kurdish words. Armenian print culture in Amsterdam and explore his 40- Der-Khachadrian added that year peregrinations, focusing on the ignored but ubiquitous genre of the letter recommenda- Armenian State Pedagogical University Terlemezian did not focus only on his personal life tion that allowed him to traverse different networks spanning the world of early modern (ASPU) in Yerevan. It was organized by the but even when presenting his childhood years Eurasia. Tekeyan Cultural Association (TCA) and spoke also about the customs and conditions of Aslanian has held the Richard Hovannisian Chair in Modern Armenian History at UCLA ASPU. The memoirs are titled Gyankis that period. He said that Terlemezian, a talented since 2012. He is the author of From the Indian Ocean to the Mediterranean: The Global hushere [Memories of My Life]. writer, paints with words. Trade Networks of Armenian Merchants from New Julfa (2011) and The Polycentric Nation: Leaders of various TCA chapters, professors Terlemezian was one of the heroes of the Dispersion History and the role of Simeon Yerevantsi’s Girk vor Kochi Partavchar in the and teachers of ASPU, the president of the defense of Van and in his memoirs, he pro- Eighteenth Century Armenian National Revival (2004), as well as articles appearing in Writers Union of Armenia, literary critics, stu- vides interesting information about the activi- Annales. Histoire, Sciences Sociales, American Historical Review, Book History, Diaspora: A dents, and other guests were present. ties of the Armenian political parties, and crit- Journal of Transnational Studies, Études Arméniennes Contemporaines, Handes Amsorya, Hagop Avedikian, chairman of the icizes their actions when he feels it warranted, Journal of World History, Journal of the Society for Armenian Studies, and Journal of the Armenian Democratic Liberal Party (ADL) such as when they place their hopes on Social and Economic History of the Orient. and chief editor of the newspaper Azg, empha- Europe. S ATURDAY, JUNE 3 , 2 0 1 7 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 17 COMMENTARY

COMMENTARY Mirror Trump’s Trumpet Resounds Through Spectator The Middle East If Washington is depending on these kinds of strategies By Edmond Y. Azadian — shoring up unelected potentates — to bring peace to the region, it is achieving nothing but chasing an illusion. Saudi Arabia and Qatar are only two of the contenders for the EstablishedEstablished 1932 1932 President Donald Trump’s maiden foreign trip took him to one role of regional leadership; there are also Egypt and Turkey, which An ADLAn Publication ADL Publication of the most troubled and complicated regions in the world, the are quasi-democratic countries, where elections are held to elect Middle East, where political ambitions and interests cross each legislators. other, even in blocs which are supposedly bound by common inter- The Sunni-Shia divide is an artificial creation to the balance of est. powers in the Middle East.

EDITOR The trip’s endgame echoed the policies of Bush-Cheney admin- This anti-Iran coalition is being reinforced after the election Alin K. Gregorian istration, which had been put on hold by President Obama. Bush’s of President Ruhani in Tehran, defeating the extremists in the policy was to destabilize all the countries which could pose threats presidential race. It is also ironic that the West, after long ASSISTANT EDITOR to the US or Israel. Thus, Iraq, Libya, and Syria were devastated negotiations, was able to make a nuclear deal, which means Aram Arkun but the administration did not have time to hit the last target, Iran. that dealing with Iran is not like dealing with North Korea’s

ART DIRECTOR Mr. Trump seems to take up the same policy from that point. erratic leadership. Marc Mgrditchian This aim is persistent, no matter who is at the helm. Currently, the Saudis and the Iranians are waging proxy wars in The president made stops in Saudi Arabia and Israel, where he Syria and Yemen, with no end in sight. The possibility of a direct was soft-peddling the US policy in the region. He stated that the conflict between the two blocs is a remote one at this time. But US was not going to dictate its views and that the countries in the should that happen, Armenia’s only reliable outlet through Iran region were free to adopt their own policies, domestic or foreign, will be endangered and Azerbaijan will put in an awkward position SENIOR EDITORIAL COLUMNIST: which basically gave a green light to the prospective governments because it is aligned with the Sunni coalition and Israel, while Edmond Y. Azadian to continue their repressive rules. Before even the president had home to a majority Shiite population. left the region, crackdowns took place in Bahrain, Egypt and Incidentally, Israel is supposed to be a silent partner in the CONTRIBUTORS: Saudi Arabia. Sunni coalition, although its actions do not seem to be conducted Florence Avakian, Dr. Haroutiun The crowning jewel of President Trump’s visit to the region was in silence. Arzoumanian, Taleen Babayan, Diana an American-Islamic conference of 37 nations to define common The president’s visit to Israel did not shed any new light on the Der Hovanessian, Philip Ketchian, Kevork Keushkerian, Harut Sassounian, policy for the region, characterized by the Washington Post as an Arab-Israeli conflict. Even the two-state solution which had so far Hagop Vartivarian, Naomi Zeytoonian Islamic NATO, where the US role would be confined to coordina- highlighted the US policy about the conflict did not gain any tion rather than leadership. prominence. CORRESPONDENTS: It is hard to conceive of a NATO-type coalition in a region where By trying to provoke the Sunni kingdoms, whose only lifeline is Armenia - Hagop Avedikian interests are so divergent and conflicts run so deep, not to men- US support, against their archenemy is Tehran, those kingdoms Boston - Nancy Kalajian tion that such a grouping can survive only if its member countries have all but abandoned the Palestinian cause, which engaged their New York/New Jersey - Marylynda are democracies. financial and political backing in the past. Bozian-Cruickshank Berlin - Muriel Mirak-Weissbach Mr. Trump also signed a deal with Saudi Arabia to supply that The tail end of the presidential trip was in Europe where Mr.

Contributing Photographers: Jacob Demirdjian and Jirair Hovsepian

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© 2014 The Armenian Mirror-Spectator Periodical Class Postage Paid at Boston, MA and additional mailing offices. kingdom with sophisticated weaponry worth $110 billion. That Trump did not conduct himself as deftly as he had in the Middle ISSN 0004-234X should be a shot in the arm for the military-industrial complex in East, instead triggering a politician storm among the NATO mem- the US, but in no way does it contribute to regional peace. The bers. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Saudis are involved in a civil war in neighboring Yemen, commit- “Merkel saying Europe cannot rely on others and needs to take Armenian Mirror-Spectator, 755 Mount Auburn ting war crimes, with no exit policy in place. Francis Ghiles, writ- matters in its own hands is a watershed and what the US has St., Watertown, MA 02472 ing in Outlook, on May 27, states, “Militarizing the region further sought to avoid since World War II,” Richard Haas, the president Other than the editorial, views and opinions and taking sides in recently concocted sectarian conflict will like- of Council of Foreign Relations, commented. expressed in this newspaper do not necessarily ly end in tears. … Does any observer in the region believe that by A commentator in Arabia characterized the visit in the following reflect the policies of the publisher. piling up even more sophisticated killing machines, some of which manner: “[it] will redraw the future road map of the region and Saudi nationals are not capable of manning themselves, peace can divide its history into the era before and after the visit.” be brought to bloodied, often chaotic, states?” But from all indications, the visit was far short of a success; While the president was in the region and trying to craft an anti- bypassing Iraq, leaving the Syrian crisis off the agenda and reduc- Copying for other than personal use or Iranian coalition, two Sunni states — Saudi Arabia and Qatar — ing all complex problems of the region into a simple formula of internal reference is prohibited without vying for regional political leadership, exchanged a public diatribe. confrontation between the Sunni bloc and Iran indicate a naive express permission of the copyright Incidentally, these two kingdoms are most ardently engaged in perspective of world affairs. owner. Address requests for reprints or back issues to: arming and training terrorists and mercenaries in Syria, but also, Depending on a shaky anchor of a medieval monarchy and as need be in other countries. adding fuel to the fire on the problems of the Middle East mean Saudi Arabia exports an extreme brand of Sunni fundamental- only planting a ticking time bomb in the region. Should that bomb Baikar Association, Inc. ism called Wahhabism, by building mosques in Europe, the US explode, Mr. Trump must not expect any help from Europe, where 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472- and Asia. he has also ruined relations. 1509 18 S ATURDAY, JUNE 3 , 2 0 1 7 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMENTARY Promises, Promises: The Strange History of Film and The Armenian Genocide

scene — would be defended by human rights By Michelle Tusan advocates and politicians who maintained that the historical facts on which “Ravished Armenia” was based “made it above reproach.” LOS ANGELES (LA Review of Books) — The The film, supporters maintained, served a high- screening of the first film about the Armenian er purpose, bringing real atrocities to light; it Genocide was met with a mixture of praise and could not be considered mere “cheap sensa- disappointment. Critics called it a film with a tionalism.” Humanitarian organizations “noble” purpose about an “important topic,” used “Ravished Armenia” as a fundraising tool, whose romantic story had gotten in the way of and, in Britain, the League of Nations spon- meaningful engagement with a tragic historical sored screenings to support its antiwar agenda. event. Viewers who did not know the story of Though only a fragment of “Ravished the massacre of 1.5 million Armenian civilians Armenia’s” original 8,000 feet of film still exists, during World War I (1914–1918) by the the controversy surrounding its release is well Ottoman imperial government were left per- documented. The film premiered in invitation- plexed by the dramatic retelling of the event. only venues in both the United States and The mobilization of a group of celebrities, pub- Britain, hosted by philanthropists and politi- lic intellectuals, and human rights activists, cians with definite agendas. The Allies had just who spoke out in support of the film’s histori- won the war and the Ottoman War Crimes cal truths and its warning against state-spon- Trials were about to get underway in Turkey, sored terror, fueled an increasingly nasty debate under pressure from Great Britain. Supporters over the value of a film that few in the public of the film believed — wrongly, as it turned out had yet seen. — that the dramatic portrayal of the massacres This reaction was not to “The Promise, on screen would result in the prosecution of “released nationwide on April 21, 2017, but to Turkish perpetrators for what were called a film made one hundred years ago. “crimes against humanity” against Armenian, 1919’s “Ravished Armenia” — or “Auction of Greek, and Assyrian civilians during the war. Souls,” as it was known outside the United While American philanthropists, celebrities, States — was the first atrocity film ever made. I and politicians gathered at the Plaza in New was reminded of the response to “Ravished York City in 1919 for a private screening of the Armenia” as I followed the controversy sur- film, a similar crowd of British viewers met in rounding the release of “The Promise.” The lat- Soho in London. While critics widely ter is a $100 million epic that tells the story of praised “Ravished Armenia” as a “superbly pro- what happened to Armenians living in the duced” and “vivid picture” of a “great tragedy,” Ottoman Empire through the eyes of a medical the prospect of raising the topic of the mas- student named Mikael (Oscar Isaac), an AP sacres — especially with graphic depictions — reporter named Chris (Christian Bale), and a before a mass audience made some distributors The cover of Aurora Mardiganian’s biography dancer named Ana (Charlotte Le Bon), who are and legislators quite nervous. At first, the film caught in a romantic love triangle as war and was banned in Pennsylvania and taken to court. massacres swirl around them. It is a beautifully In Britain, the government allowed only a heav- Genocide and should not be advertised as such. assembling a cast of respected actors, which rendered film, with some unforgettable perfor- ily edited version to be shown for a limited This explains why perplexed friends and col- included Mardiganian herself. William Selig mances and scenes. When Mikael escapes a engagement. Some denounced the film for inde- leagues have asked me countless times over the bought the rights to produce Mardiganian’s forced labor camp by hiding on a train, he real- cency, others for exacerbating Muslim-Christian past weeks what the film is about, and whether story and employed well-known director Oscar izes that the human cargo is being taken to tensions during peace negotiations. The British they should see it. Apfel. Though detractors couldn’t pan the film as their deaths. It starts to rain as they cross a government’s answer was to cut out the cruci- But regardless of misleading and confused offi- immediately as their counterparts can now, over bridge, and a sea of ghostly hands reach out in fixion scene, as well as any mention in the sub- cial directives, the film continues to be shown in Twitter, they certainly didn’t keep silent. The the hopes of relieving their thirst. When they titles of the context of the violence — that is, any special screenings around the world by groups British Foreign Office kept a file of letters from realize that he is hanging on the outside of the reference to religion, politics, or ethnicity. The who are interested in it precisely because those who believed that the film was explicitly train, they plead with him to break the anti-Muslim, “a work of fiction” that lock, which he does with his foot constituted “an indecent exhibition.” before plunging from the train into the No doubt these letters — some from water below. The narrow escape of a prominent political figures — influenced group of orphans being smuggled out Despite positive reviews at the Toronto the decision to edit the film and limit its of the country while pursued by sol- run in British theaters. diers on horseback is similarly striking. International Film Festival, the film had to wait With all these obstacles in view, why The film was directed by Terry keep making films about the George (Hotel Rwanda) and funded by for an 11th-hour deal with Open Road for Armenian Genocide? the late billionaire Kirk Kerkorian, distribution in the States to over 2,250 theaters. Film long has been regarded as a whose family survived the 1915 potentially transformative medium, Genocide. Eric Esrailian and enabling people to learn of important Kerkorian’s production company, events and to build bonds of empathy Survival Pictures, saw “The Promise” to its controversy made distribution almost impossi- it is about the Armenian Genocide. In London, with those affected by them, whether it be completion. The film was clearly a labor of love, ble and resulted in huge financial losses. The the premiere was held in Soho — right around through documentary or fictional depictions. a story Kerkorian and the rest of the team need- edited version of the script, which is held in the the corner from where the British version But historical context matters. Without it, ed to tell. All profits will go to charity, including National Archives, is a confusing mess, and of “Ravished Armenia” was shown almost 100 images lose their power to create a lasting a $20 million donation to UCLA to start a must have left many viewers scratching their years ago. In attendance at the recent screening effect. The failure to connect image, captivating Human Rights Center. heads after leaving the theater. of “The Promise” was a group of distinguished story, and historical truth hampered the first As in the case of “Ravished Armenia,” reviews The Turkish government never acknowl- members of the Armenian community and attempt to bring the Genocide to the screen. have been mixed. Most applaud the film for edged the massacres as war crimes perpetrated celebrities, including George and Amal Clooney. The dramatization of Aurora Mardiganian’s focusing on an important and underrepresent- by the Ottomans. The failure of the 1919 trials Embracing any cause can be tricky in today’s experience did not convey to audiences the sig- ed event, yet, at the same time, many have com- has haunted Armenians, and the popular depic- world of internet trolls. The Armenian Genocide nificance of the Armenian Genocide as a “crime plained that the love story blurs the lines tions of the Armenian Genocide, ever since. has long generated anger and disparagement, against humanity.” On top of that, “Ravished between fact and fiction and diminishes the Premieres of “The Promise” have exposed this and it can put those who acknowledge it at per- Armenia” was undermined by detractors and weight of the Genocide. This echoes the tension once again. Fears of angering Turkey sonal risk. Recently, the Twitter-sphere came misrepresented by the media and public offi- response to “Ravished Armenia” to an uncanny under the rule of an increasingly authoritarian alive with pledges to “keep the promise” and cials. “The Promise” faces similar challenges. degree. Based on the true story of Aurora and unpredictable regime have shadowed the included support from celebrities including But it is a more successful film. Increased Mardiganian, who had escaped the Ottoman recent controversy. Despite positive reviews at Barbra Streisand, Andre Agassi, and Kim awareness of what happened in 1915 has Empire as a teenager, the feature-length silent the Toronto International Film Festival, the film Kardashian. Despite these endorsements, criti- allowed the filmmakers to depict, in a power- film promised audiences an “enthralling and had to wait for an 11th-hour deal with Open cally acclaimed performances, and a big bud- fully intimate way, the consequences of the fail- terrible” depiction of wartime massacres Road for distribution in the States to over get, “The Promise” was panned on movie review ure to act. Both “The Promise” itself and the against the Armenians, coupled with an invent- 2,250 theaters. Invitations to a screening at sites. Some have asserted that the number of controversy surrounding its reception throw a ed romantic love triangle, which introduced a MGM, a company that Kirk Kerkorian formerly negative reviews could not possibly come from spotlight on the Armenian Genocide and the heroic young Armenian adventurer who ulti- headed, described the film as “a romance set in people who had seen the film before its release. story of the survivors one hundred years after mately delivers Mardiganian and her beautiful Eastern Europe.” No matter that the Ottoman Instead, these reviews were part of a coordinated the event. The film is both a historical drama missionary companion to safety. Screenwriter Empire was not geographically part of Eastern campaign to discredit the film by those who deny and a cautionary tale. Harvey Gates heard Mardiganian’s story and Europe at this time, or that the film was clear- the Armenian Genocide happened. (Michelle Tusan is professor of History at thought he had a blockbuster on his hands. The ly about the Armenian massacres from almost Like the makers of “The Promise,” the team the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where film’s controversial content — rape, murder, and the first frame. The film, one memo that circu- behind “Ravished Armenia” also sought to foster she teaches and writes about human rights relentless brutality, including a mass crucifixion lated by email stated, was not about the public support by mobilizing celebrities and and humanitarianism.) S ATURDAY, JUNE 3 , 2 0 1 7 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 19 COMMENTARY

Collaboration (EIC) network, composed of 49 journalists million a year. All told, the deal amounts to a $21.2 mil- from 13 media organizations in 16 countries. “Mansimov lion cash transfer from Mansimov to Erdogan’s family.” became a Turkish citizen two years earlier and adopted a Another source, Sg.news.yahoo.com, estimated the value Turkish name, Mubariz Gurbanoglu, allegedly at Erdogan’s of the oil tanker donated to the Erdogan family as $29.64 suggestion,” Fishman reported. Not surprisingly, “after the million. This website also disclosed that the “close personal My Turn deal was struck, his business dealings in Turkey took off, friend of Erdogan” who paid $7 million for the purchase of including lucrative contracts with state firms.” the oil tanker is Sitki Ayan, a Turkish businessman. By Harut Sassounian Mansimov also befriended President Donald Trump and The newspaper, Malta Today, revealed that Erdogan’s son- was an invited guest at the presidential inauguration earlier in-law, Berat Albayrak, in 2012 set up eight companies in Azeri Billionaire Gives Erdogan this year, as a major investor in Istanbul’s Trump Towers. Malta to avoid paying millions of dollars in taxes for his com- “When the 39 floors of residential and office block of Trump pany, Calik Holdings, a massive energy, textile and construc- $25 Million Oil Tanker as a ‘Gift’ Towers opened in Istanbul in 2009, Mansimov was the first tion conglomerate that earned billions of dollars in public customer — buying eight apartments, including the pent- tenders. He also opened four companies in Sweden. When Recep Tayyip Erdogan first came to power as house,” according to the website: theblacksea.eu. Albayrak, the husband of Esra Erdogan, the president’s Turkey’s prime minister in 2003, he was welcomed by the Fishman’s article on the intriguing and convoluted eldest daughter, received from a close associate an email in majority of Turks as a devout Muslim and honest politician, details of how the 13,000-ton ship was donated to 2011, warning him that the secretive offshore companies are after being ruled by corrupt leaders for several decades. Erdogan was based on the Malta Files, an investigation “based on tricking the finance authority; it’s not a secure sys- Regrettably, as time passed, Erdogan and his fellow led by EIC, using a leaked cache of 150,000 documents tem. If the finance authority discovers this, it wouldn’t be Islamist Party leaders (AKP) became gradually corrupted. from a Malta-based provider of legal, financial and corpo- good for [Calik’s] reputation,” according to Malta Today. Greed replaced their piety, and the temptation of big money rate services, as well as a scraped version of the Malta In the end it turns out that Albayrak did not need a secret was too hard to resist. The expression “power corrupts, and Public Register of companies. In 2007, Mansimov pur- offshore network because in 2015 he was appointed by absolute power corrupts absolutely,” aptly describes the chased the oil tanker Agdash in Russia and registered it Erdogan as Minister of Energy and Resources. He helped transformation of Erdogan into a corrupt and autocratic in the name of Pal Shipping Trader One, a Maltese hold- pass the “Wealth Peace Act,” a tax amnesty which allowed leader. ing company. In 2008, Bumerz, a company registered in Calik Holdings to repatriate unlimited amounts of offshore In a lengthy article on the website theintercept.com, the tax haven Isle of Man [UK] co-owned by Erdogan’s son cash, tax-free! Andrew Fishman disclosed the unusual circumstances of (Burak Erdogan), brother (Mustafa) and brother-in-law Malta Today also reported that Erdogan is grooming his Erdogan’s family receiving a $25-million oil tanker as a gift, (Ziya Ilgen) purchased all shares for $25 million. “The son-in-law Albayrak as his successor. It is not surprising that under a secretive offshore arrangement. This sensational rev- next day, that firm took out a $18.4-million loan arranged Albyarak accompanied President Erdogan on his recent trip elation comes a few years after the exposure of Erdogan’s by Mansimov…. Documents show that Mansimov pledged to the United States. recorded telephone conversations with his son Bilal, during to pay off the entire seven-year loan plus interest in The reason many foreign companies are registered in Malta which he advised him how to hide hundreds of millions of exchange for leasing rights through 2015 (the remaining is that the country “boasts the lowest effective corporate tax dollars in cash obtained mysteriously by Erdogan. $7 million of the purchase price was paid by a close per- rate [5percent] in the European Union and has become a pre- According to Fishman, the oil tanker was donated to sonal friend of Erdogan for reasons unknown. Mansimov’s ferred destination for tax avoidance in the EU,” whereas in Erdogan by Azeri billionaire Mubariz Mansimov back in company, which controls two-thirds of Black Sea oil ship- France, for example, the corporate tax rate is 33.33percent, 2008, as revealed by the European Investigative ping, extended the leasing option through 2020 for $1.2 according to Fishman. Turkish Honor or Where Have All the Flowers Gone.…

ior. There was no bravery here except for the beaten formation of ISIS originally was based upon cooperation By P. A. Murad demonstrators. No, the behavior goes back to what the between Turkey, UAE, and Saudi Arabia to create terrorist Turks did during the 1896 massacres and, again because with an agenda to disrupt Syria. The motivations were of momentum, the Genocide events would be obvious. blessed by Obama and Clinton. Coincidently, this occurred HE EVENTS that occurred recently this past I wonder how the Turkish-Americans citizens reacted after the Syrians mentioned they had new unfounded oil week in Washington D.C. following the meet- about this cowardly action occurring to their fellow and natural gas reserves. The Syrian effort would distort ing with Erdogan and Trump is disappointing American citizens. By not doing anything, they too accept OPEC. as well as very telling regarding the current the actions that occurred. I wonder if they had any con- What could Trump have said to Erdogan? That he is the Turkish mentality. scious about any of this. Did they cheer? Did they have any ‘new’ sheriff in town! The childish strategies from Clinton When Erdogan finished his meeting, he guilt in all of this? I don’t think so because they are blind and Obama are no longer part of American’s foreign poli- went to see a demonstration outside and to the genocide. When asked about the Armenian cy. Could Trump suggest that if the Turks attack the PKK across the street from his embassy. There were Genocide, they have the option of making a choice. They in Syria, they might be armed with modern MANPAD Air- T about 50 Turkish-American citizens on the could choose that the genocide occurred or it did not. This Defense systems to shoot down Turkish fighters? Stranger sidewalk near the Embassy. Across the street is regardless of 1.5 million Armenians got killed. I wonder things have happened especially since Turkey was one of were about 20 volunteers that were jeering Erdogan. The the creators of ISIS in Syria. Ambassador and Erdogan drove up and Erdogan looked at Dare I say this, could have Trump raised the ‘Genocide the demonstrators across the street. With a signal, about question? He has demonstrated his knowledge based upon 15 to 20 bodyguards, wearing suits and with the video, you “One wonders if his recent trip to Saudi Arabia. He is not one to hide could detect weapons in the region of their back, as they Erdogan must have behind diplomacy but rather steps forwards. moved forward to damage undefended American citizens. As a sovereign nation and since American citizens had These thugs essentially violated America’s exercise of thought himself that their rights violated, what should be done? Obviously, the freedom of speech and exploded from a one-sided perspec- bodyguards should be evicted from the U.S. and not tive. These individuals raised a Spector of a historical past he was a Sultan of an allowed any further visas. This is forever. The Ambassador, as they demonstrated pain and destruction amongst con- Ottoman-like Empire because of his obvious lie probably based upon orders from fusion. Several demonstrators to include punching and Erdogan, should also be withdrawn or, as a minimum, apol- kicking several women and an old man was noticeably where he could do ogize for this egregious act. If they do not, they are build- bloody from the melee. These citizens were either sur- ing a new wall to further separate America and Turkey rounded or pushed down on the ground being kicked sev- whatever he wishes. It either as trade or an embargo for visiting citizens. eral times by these bodyguards. One woman just lied down demonstrates that Remember Erdogan shot down a Russian Su-23 bomber and did not move as the D.C. police entered the fray to sep- flying over Syria. Putin placed an embargo on trade and its arate the bodyguards from the peaceful demonstrators. Turks are very brave citizens to go to Turkey and it had some results demon- Several of these bodyguards were pushed back by police when they can injure strating that Putin would not accept any silliness. and as soon as a Policeman turned in another direction, Personally, if I was a leader like Putin, I would require an these individuals moved forward again to go kick someone the unarmed woman eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth but then I am not a on the ground. diplomat. Clearly, Americans should enjoy their freedom of speech. and old men.” The other side of the coin is that Turkey leaves NATO This action has no meaning. One wonders if Erdogan must and ambitions toward the EU. This could turn them into have thought himself that he was a Sultan of an Ottoman- the Russian’s embracing orbit. Think of the blessings other like Empire where he could do whatever he wishes. It how many of them saw these events as indeed being capa- countries have within the ring of Russia. This goes against demonstrates that Turks are very brave when they can ble of an Ottoman government of executing such horrific centuries of indifference between these nations. injure the unarmed woman and old men. events. The honor of Turkey has been demonstrated for a con- The Turkish claim is that the actions were justified since One wonders why Erdogan did this. Was it to send a mes- siderable amount of time, demonstrated at least over a cen- these individuals in a peaceful demonstration, represented sage? Maybe he thought he was home in Turkey and that tury. The Turks do not have the courage to accept their PKK forces. To complete the circle, the Turks may fear the this was commonplace to stop any plausible opposition own terrible history. The realities of their history remain PKK Kurds because they took part in the Genocide. This is from some women and old men. Look at the tens of thou- unborn. These stories about the Genocide were not invent- like removing and erasing some evidence or a partner. sands of Turkish citizens that are still in prison. Moreover, ed by Armenians but the evidence is available by Turkish Did not the Turks claim that the genocide ever occurred? the events of that revolutionary night smell as if it was all Archives itself, despite they would try to destroy their own It is known that historically, when such situations occur, a private act or a play to remove all of the opposition. One evidential records. Other evidence exists from the foreign momentum moves forward and the perpetrator can do story mentions that a ‘rebel’ pilot who was on an F-16, and “unbiased” media during the era that recorded events whatever he wants, especially if there are no consequences. approached Erdogan’s private plane. In lieu of shooting during the 1896 massacre and Genocide. Turkey is a Here, the Ottoman Empire does what it wishes. him down, he instead escorted him to the ground. That is throwback to mankind’s development. Where is Turkish honor? It is no big thing to kick a possible. The pilot read the script… I wonder if Turkey would have the courage to resolve woman or two or an old man. In Korea, the Turks were There is another possibility. Trump could not have these issues in a positive fashion. If at least anything, their very effective and acted bravely as soldiers during the budged on his position regarding supporting the PKK actions could regain their tattered honor or is honor like: Korean conflict. This Embassy scene is not the same behav- involved in killing ISIS in Syria. It is interesting that the where have all the flowers gone… 20 S ATURDAY, J UNE 3 , 2 0 1 7 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR

Turkey’s Influence Peddling White House Submits Slashed to provide integrated public relations. Work Budget to Congress By David L. Phillips includes media outreach, monitoring and analy- sis, event support, stakeholder engagement, BUDGET, from page 1 and social media counsel. of the current refugee crisis and Turkey’s blockade, as well as Azerbaijan’s ongoing and Donald J. Trump promised to drain the The deal was announced just days after deadly ceasefire violations,” Ardouny added. swamp of lobbyists and influence peddlers. Erdogan’s security attacked US citizens protest- Under the Administration’s budget, aid to Armenia would be reduced by 67 percent, Yet, Turkey’s President Tayyip Erdogan has ing Turkey’s human rights record, which the dropping from $20.4 million in FY16 to $6.8 million proposed for FY18. Compared to other spent millions to influence the US govern- D.C. Metropolitan Police called a “brutal attack post-Soviet nations in the region, Georgia and Ukraine are slated for a 58-percent decrease ment. Erdogan feels sufficiently immune that on peaceful protesters.” and a 70-percent decrease in aid, respectively. Assistance to Azerbaijan is cut by 90 percent he watched his personal security beat up Lobbyists typically represent foreign inter- with a total of $1 million envisioned. peaceful protesters in broad daylight just ests, no matter how heinous. K Street lobbying The budget request for Armenia includes $4 million in Economic Support and minutes after meeting Trump at the White firms will almost never turn down lucrative con- Development Fund, $1.5 million for International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement, House. tacts. and $700,000 for Nonproliferation, Antiterrorism, Demining and Related Programs. The The government of Turkey has bought an But think-tanks have a choice. President’s budget maintains military parity between Armenia and Azerbaijan, at $600,000 army of advocates, including high profile indi- Think-tanks may believe that the Turkish gov- for International Military Education and Training (IMET), but does not recommend viduals with ties to the Trump administration, ernment is giving them money because it values Foreign Military Financing (FMF) to either country. lobbying firms, and thinks-tanks. their work. However, the governance commit- In addition, the budget also restated Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act and the The Flynn Intel Group was paid $500,000 to tees of think-tanks shouldn’t be deluded. six customary exemptions for humanitarian and other assistance programs. Section 907 of represent Turkey’s national security interests. Turkey gives money to buy influence and legit- the Freedom Support Act was enacted in 1992 and required the Government of Azerbaijan Flynn belatedly disclosed the transaction, as imacy. to take “demonstrable steps to cease all blockades and other offensive uses of force” required by the Foreign Agents Registration There should be a voluntary code of conduct against Armenia and Artsakh. Act, after his Turkish ties were exposed. for think-tanks. According to the budget proposal, $2.75 billion would be allocated to Migration and Giuliani and Mukasey were hired to join the Think-tanks should not accept gifts from the Refugee Assistance. The Assembly will continue advocating for a portion of those funds to legal team of Reza Zarrab, the Iran sanctions Turkish government or from any Turkish entity go to Armenia, which has accepted an influx of refugees as a result of the crisis in Syria. evader, charged with money laundering. After allegedly involved in criminal activity or money In the Assembly testimony submitted last month, Ardouny requested $40 million to sup- being hired by Zarrab, Giuliani and Mukasey laundering. For example, the vice president of port Armenia’s efforts to serve as a regional safe haven for refugees. Additionally, the immediately travelled to Ankara to coordinate HalkBank is under arrest for helping Iran evade Assembly’s testimony called for: $40 million in US economic assistance to Armenia; $20 activities with Erdogan, raising doubts about sanctions. million to implement the Royce-Engel initiative to advance peace; $11 million in US mili- who was their client. Think-tanks must not allow their activities to tary assistance to Armenia; $8 million to Artsakh; assistance to the Samtskhe-Javakheti Lobbyists are well remunerated. Turkey pays be manipulated. They should not co-sponsor region of Georgia; regional energy security; and reaffirmation of the US record on the the Gephardt Group $141,000/month; conferences with Turkish government min- Armenian Genocide, among other issues. Amsterdam Partners gets $50,000/month (for istries, allow sponsors to dictate topics, veto working on the Gulen extradition); Greenberg panelists, or give a platform for Erdogan and Traurig, Giuliani’s law firm, receives his cronies to look legitimate. $40,000/month; Capitol Counsel gets If think-tanks have offices in Turkey, the think-tanks that have accepted funds from the on Peace-building and Rights at Columbia $32,000/month; Mercury $20,000/month; offices should be closed. Doing so would send Turkish government must not act as witnesses University’s Institute for the Study of Human Madison Group $20,000/month; McBee Signal a message against business as usual. before Congressional committees, which vio- Rights. He served as a Senior Adviser and $20,000/month; Jim Arnold $20,000/month; Think-tanks must not offer policy advice to lates “truth in testimony” rules. Foreign Affairs Expert at the State Department MediaFix $9,000/month. Turkey paid APCO Turkish officials, even via seemingly innocuous Washington is broken. Influence peddling is during the administrations of Presidents Associates $741,000 in 2016. policy roundtables. pervasive. Time to blow the whistle on Beltway Clinton, Bush, and Obama. His new book is An And yesterday, Turkey signed a fixed fee rep- They must not represent Turkish interests bandits. Silence is complicity Uncertain Ally: Turkey Under Erdogan’s resentation agreement with Burson-Marsteller before US government agencies. Employees of (David L. Phillips is Director of the Program Dictatorship.)