OCTOBER 10, 2015 Mirror-SpeTHE ARMENIAN ctator Volume LXXXVI, NO. 12, Issue 4406 $ 2.00 NEWS INBRIEF The First English Language Armenian Weekly in the Since 1932 Serge Sargisian and Community Leaders Meet Pres. Discuss Nagorno Karabagh of in New York Conflict WASHINGTON (Armenpress) — The president of Armenia, Serge Sargisian last week discussed Republic of Armenia, Serge Sargisian, at ceremony of the blessing of the muron, or Armenian-American relations, the Nagorno By Hagop Vartivarian the 70th session of the UN General holy anointing oil. The Prelate of the Karabagh conflict and other issues of mutual Assembly. This gathering took place on Cilician Prelacy, Archbishop Oshagan interest with President Barack Obama during the former’s visit to New York. NEW YORK – Numerous representatives Armenia National Assembly Vice President of Armenian organizations in the United Edward Sharmazanov told journalists that the States were invited by Zohrab two discussed Armenian-American relations and Mnatsakanyan, ambassador of Armenia to the Nagorno Karabagh conflict. the , to be present officially to hear the speech of the president of the Turkish Journalist Who President Serge Spoke up for Recognition Sargisian Delivers Assaulted Address at UN (Armenpress) — The prominent NEW YORK — On September 29, Turkish columnist for Hurriyet newspaper, President Serge Sargisian partook in Ahmet Hakan, who recognized Armenian the 70th session of the UN General Genocide, was attacked by four persons near his Assembly in New York, where he Community leaders with President Serge Sargisian house on September 1. Hakan’s nose was oper- made an address. ated on October 2. Being attacked by four per- The text of his speech, edited slight- sons Hakan was hospitalized with broken bones ly for space, appears below: September 29 at the UN’s New York head- Choloyan, Zaven Khanjian, executive direc- in his nose and ribs. After a period of convales- I congratulate all of us upon the quarters. tor of the Armenian Missionary Association cence, doctors recommended that an operation 70th anniversary of the United The Diocese of the Armenian Church of of America, A. Nurhan Becidyan for the be performed on his nose to repair broken bones Nations. The establishment of this America (Eastern) was represented by Fr. Armenian Catholic community, Aram in his nose. organization had been one of the Mamigon Kiledjian, standing in for Hovagimian for the Armenian Police arrested the four attackers. Hakan con- greatest achievements of the Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, the Revolutionary Federation’s Eastern US veyed a message later, which reads “We will con- humankind that consolidated nations , who was in Echmiadzin for the see SARGISIAN, page ? tinue walking on the path that we know is right.” around shared aspirations and princi- ples. The past 70 years have been Pro-Kurdish HDP Party characterized by the most important Former Ambassador Henry Morgenthau, Sr. positive developments — an end was Pledges Support for put to colonialism, racial discrimina- Receives Tribute at US Congress tion and apartheid. Many people Genocide Recognition around the world exercised their WASHINGTON — On September 30, part in a reception held by the ISTANBUL (Public Radio of Armenia) — The pro- right to self-determination, got in Armenian President Serge Sargisian took International Kurdish Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) has charge of their own fate by establish- Foundation at the United States’ pledged to recognize the Armenian Genocide if ing and building independent states Congress. elected, Turkish Yeni Safak newspaper reports. of their own, thus increasing the The reception was attended by several The party presented its election platform this number of the UN member States Members of Congress. Among others, Sen. week. from 51 to 193. Edward Markey and Representatives Ed HDP Co-Chair Figen Yüksekdag stressed the Amid all these achievements, we Royce, Adam Schiff, Brad Sherman, Jackie need to apologize on a state level for genocides shall recognize that currently the Speier, Robert Dold, Jim Costa, Dave Trott, and massacres committed against different peo- world faces new challenges such as David Valadao, Judy Chu, Grace ples over the course of Turkish history. terrorism, extremism, intolerance, Napolitano, Katherine Clark and David The party also promised that the national economic crises, climate change, Cicillilne. Professor Taner Akcam (Clark minorities will be granted the right to organize human and organ trafficking, as well University); John Evans, former US education in their native languages. as drugs and arms, migration crisis Ambassador to Armenia; Robert P. The HDP also vowed to open the Armenian- etc. The list enumerating these chal- Morgenthau and Sarah Morgenthau, son Turkish border without any preconditions, lift lenges is long. President Serge Sargisian presents the and niece of Robert Morgenthau, respec- the economic blockade of Armenia and help see SPEECH, page ? Wallenberg Medal to Robert Morgenthau. tively, also attended the ceremony. reach a fair solution to the Nagorno Karabagh see MORGENTHAU, page ? conflict. Azeri Ceasefire Violations Continue, Armenia Responds

STEPANAKERT (Panorama.am) — The according to the NKR defense army, 900 turing mortars and rocket launchers. INSIDE number of ceasefire violations by the ceasefire violations by Azerbaijani armed Armenia has threatened to make “retal- Azerbaijani side declined over the week- forces were registered, with around 9,000 iatory” artillery and rocket strikes against end, the press service of Defense Ministry shots fired from various caliber weapons, Azerbaijani forces after Armenian soldiers of the Nagorno Karabagh Republic (NKR) including 60-, 82- and 120-mm mortars, and civilians were killed in late September. Mad for said. RPG-7, AGS-17 grenade launchers, as well President Serge Sargisian told a gov- During that period, fired as Turkish TP-107 rocket launcher. ernment commission on September 26 more than 150 times on the line of contact The NKR defense army units continue that Azerbaijan had committed a “blatant Penguins between the armed forces of Karabagh and controlling the situation, taking retaliatory violation of the cease-fire” signed in Azerbaijan. More than 1,500 shots were measures in case of necessity. 1994 to end a bloody conflict over the Page 7 fired by Azerbaijani frontline units at Overall, in September, 4,000 ceasefire disputed Azerbaijani territory of Armenian positions from small arms of var- violations were registered by Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabagh. ious calibers, 60-mm (19 shells), 82-mm (1 armed forces, with over 60.000 shots fired He added that Armenia is “afraid of war shell) and 120-mm (1 shell) mortars and from various caliber weapons, including 60- but it is not afraid of fighting.” INDEX AGS-17 grenade launcher (17 shells). , 82- and 120-mm mortars, RPG-7, AGS-17 Sargisian’s comments came hours after Arts and Living ...... 10 According to the statement of defense grenade launchers, as well as Turkish TP- Armenia says a rocket attack by Armenia ...... 2 ministry, frontline units of NKR Defense 107 rocket launcher. Azerbaijani forces killed four soldiers at a Community News...... 4 Army are in control of the operational-tac- Besides, 122-mm howitzer D-30 was also military base in northeastern Armenia. Editorial ...... 14 tical situation and continue performing implemented for the first time since the Armenia says three civilians were also International ...... 3 confidently their military tasks. ceasefire agreement was signed in 1994. killed on September 24 by Azerbaijani Between September 27 and October 3, Azerbaijan took to uploading videos fea- artillery fire in Armenia’s Tavush region. 2 S ATURDAY, O CTOBER 1 0 , 2 0 1 5 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARMENIA News From Armenia President Serge Sargisian Delivers Address at UN SPEECH, from page 1 districts of both the Republic of versible aftermath. We have been most Armenia and Nagorno Karabagh directly affected by the atrocities unfold- Armenian Genocide Republic. ing there, since they result in the Vatican Cardinal Meets Last year, on the eve of the Armenian Just a few days ago in the bordering destruction of the Armenian spiritual with Armenian President Genocide Centennial, from this podium area of Armenia three women fell victim and cultural heritage artifacts, murder I expressed our gratitude to the nations to Azerbaijani bombardment. The ques- and expulsion of the numerous (Catholic World News) — Cardinal that recognized the Armenian Genocide tion that comes up to one’s mind is residing in Iraq and Syria. Leonardo Sandri, the prefect of the Congregation for and named them all individually. I called whether there is any reasonable person The Armenian community of Syria, the Eastern Churches, traveled to Armenia from upon the international community to that can demonstrate any clear logic whose history is centuries-long, shares September 25 to 28 and met with the nation’s civil bolster the struggle against the recur- regarding that cruelty. It is obvious for and experiences all hardships that the and religious leaders. rence of the crime of genocide through us that the Azerbaijani leadership has Syrian people are undergoing in these President Serge Sargisian emphasized his gratitude recognition and condemnation. irreversibly lost both the sense of reality difficult times. We are trying to aid the to Francis for the Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica Today, from this very podium, I thank and of norms of human conduct. refuges to the best of our abilities: until for the centenary of the beginning of the Armenian , and acknowledge the his- Azerbaijan completely disdains 5 joint this day, Armenia received more than 16 genocide. torical Mass he celebrated; the Statement issued by the Presidents of thousand refugees from Syria. By this “In these parts, groups of various sizes have found European Parliament, and recall the the U.S., Russia and France, and the sheer figure, Armenia is one of the first welcome, groups of persons fleeing the long and Resolution it adopted; the German efforts of the OSCE Minsk Group. Shall among recipient European countries. bloody conflicts in the Middle East and especially in President, and, believe me, his well- it continue its such an aggressive policy, Armenians know well the fate of the Syria,” said Cardinal Sandri. “May these acts of car- known statement will thenceforth take it will not leave Armenia any other refuges, of the exiled and expelled. The ing for people in need portend a new era of concilia- part in the pages of our nation’s history choice but to take necessary legal and Armenian Genocide should have tion and dialogue, for which the would like textbooks. I thank the legislative bodies political-military steps to provide the claimed many more lives, and the sur- to express all its sympathy and support.” of , Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Republic of Armenia and Nagorno vivors should have gone through much Khachaturian 10-10 Luxembourg and the Netherlands, Karabagh Republic with the opportuni- more hardship unless a number of Arm numerous provincial and city councils, ty to develop in security and peace. nations, our friends had given us their as well as dozens and hundreds political Although it is obvious to everybody shoulder in those difficult times. Today and non-governmental organizations. as to which party instigates the cease- it is Germany, Sweden, and some other SYOA and State Jazz I thank the Presidents of Russia, fire violations, I still would recall some countries that deserve their due praise Band of Armenia to Give France, Cyprus, and Serbia, as well as facts. for humanism they displayed. They pro- delegations of numerous other coun- It is strange — isn’t it? — that now it has vided hundreds of thousands of Khachaturian’s Works tries that on April 24 paid tribute to the already been for years that Azerbaijan refugees with safe haven, and thus reit- victims of the Armenian Genocide in stubbornly refused to withdraw snipers erated that the assistance was necessary Jazz Twist Yerevan. and establish incident investigation both from the legal and humanist per- Our determination to keep the pre- mechanism, which were proposed by the spectives. YEREVAN (Armenpress) — The vention of the crime of genocide on the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs. The ques- This year we all witnessed how the 3rd International Festival, organized by the State international agenda is testified by the tion that comes up to one’s mind is what joint and adequate actions paved the Youth Orchestra (SYOA), began at the Aram Resolutions we periodically table at the Azerbaijan is afraid of? way to smoothing out a difficult inter- Khachaturian Concert Hall on October 3. This year Human Rights Council, and the latest It is strange — isn’t it? — that during national issue. An historical agreement is under the auspices of the president of the Republic one to that effect was adopted this year. the European Games hosted by was made on the nuclear program of the of Armenia. Building further upon it, just a few days Azerbaijan, when they needed image of Islamic Republic of Iran, an immediate At the opening, the SYOA played works by Aram ago this Assembly passed a resolution stability, there had been almost no neighbor of ours. That critical deal is Khachaturian, led by its artistic director and princi- establishing December 9 as “the shooting fired at the border, while undoubtedly going to contribute to the pal conductor Sergey Smbatyan. Together with the International Day of Commemoration immediately subsequent those Games global settlement of the conflict situa- State Jazz Band of Armenia, SYOA performed rein- and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime shootings extensively renewed. I do not tions and consolidation of the mutual terpretations of works by Khachaturian in a jazz of Genocide and of the Prevention of expect you to buy assertions of any of trust, and it was made possible by the orchestration. this Crime.” the parties, but still anticipate you to extended and consistent political and Other Armenian and international debut also have exercise your innate intelligence. diplomatic efforts. taken place. Nagorno Karabagh It is strange — isn’t it? — that in the All these come to prove that when The peaceful resolution of the 21st century our neighbor day in, and there is a political will to bridge dis- Russian Owner Sells Nagorno Karabagh problem remains day out, relentlessly and indefatigably agreements and emphasize the spirit of one of the most salient issues in our takes pride in excessive accumulation of cooperation, it is indeed possible to find Armenian Electric Utility region. I shall note that aggressive poli- arms and manifold expansion of the mil- solutions for the most complicated cy pursued by Azerbaijan resulted in the itary budget; it stubbornly continues issues. From this podium I would like to YEREVAN (RFE/RL) — Ending months of specula- absence of any meaningful progress of making bellicose threats to renew the once again stress the importance of tak- tion, Russia’s state-controlled energy conglomerate negotiations for the conflict settlement, military hostilities, and does it at the ing diplomatic efforts, especially with Inter RAO announced on Wednesday the widely and the situation drifts toward increas- highest level of the head of state. the aim to eliminate the closed borders. anticipated sale of Armenia’s debt-ridden power dis- ing tension. The dictatorial regime of I think now it is obvious to everyone Armenia has been subjected to the ille- tribution network to another Russian group owned the country made disgraceful repression why Armenia had consistently been urg- gal blockade by its neighbors, and we by an Armenian-born billionaire. an instrument to strangle the people’s ing the international community to deem unacceptable such an improvident In a joint statement, Inter RAO and Samvel wrath as the oil-based economy obvi- make statements that were not generic, policy that in the 21st century estab- Karapetian’s Tashir Group said they have signed a ously falters, and even that, neverthe- but were unambiguous as to whom it lishes artificial obstacles disrupting corresponding deal and are awaiting its approval by less, it considers being inefficient. Now it was addressed to while discussing the intercultural, personal and trade con- the Armenian authorities. needs images from the Line-of-Contact ceasefire violations. We shall under- tacts. In this context, we highly value “The deal has already been approved by the in order to divert the attention of its stand that muffling of the early warning the periodic review carried out under Armenian government and will be completed after a own public. I would like to draw the signals of threats to the peace and secu- the framework of the UN Conferences decision by [Armenia’s] Public Services Regulatory attention of this Assembly to the fact rity may materialize in catastrophic on Landlocked Developing Countries. Commission (PSRC),” read the statement. It did not that Azerbaijan, besides various repercussions. We stand ready to invest further efforts reveal how much Tashir will pay for the Electric provocative actions, has now started to Today we witness unspeakable cruelty in this endeavor, also by hosting inter- Networks of Armenia (ENA) utility. apply large-caliber artillery firing at the taking place in the Middle East. The reli- mediate workshops on this topic in our The announcement came two weeks after Inter peaceful settlements of the bordering gious intolerance resulted in the irre- country. RAO asked the government to allow the ENA’s sale to a Cyprus-registered shell company controlled by Marcuard Heritage, a Swiss asset management group. The government responded by instructing four Armenian ministries as well as the PSRC to scruti- Consecrated Khachkars Replicate Aparan Design nize the deal. YEREVAN (Public Radio of Armenia) Armenian people, Babayan stressed Armenians who have kneeled at them It was not immediately clear whether Marcuard is — On September 28, Karekin II, that this year was discerned with the and extended their prayers to Almighty somehow involved in Inter RAO’s deal with Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of canonization of the Armenian God” he noted in his remarks. Karapetian. The Zurich-headquartered firm’s chief All Armenians, consecrated two Khachkars on the Grounds of the In his brief comments, Hagop executive and co-owner, Sinan Bodmer, sits on the Khachkars (Cross-stones) that are repli- Mother See dedicated to the victims of Didzyan recalled the long journey, governing board of a Russian bank which is part of cations of originals from the Monastery the Armenian Genocide, was an oppor- which the two stones had taken. He Tashir. of St. Davit of Derjan in Aparan tunity to extend our prayers to Heaven also expressed his gratitude to the Russian and Armenian newspapers repeatedly Western, Armenia. They were installed for the intercession of the saints who sculptors and architects who endeav- reported earlier this year that Tashir is close to buy- on the grounds of the Mother See of tasted the sweet yoke of martyrdom. ored over 9 months and carved the ing the Armenian power grids from the Russian ener- Holy Echmiadzin several days prior to The also added that it was a sanctities. He also expressed confi- gy giant. The deal appears to have been delayed by the consecration. great joy to see all the guests gathered dence, that the newly erected this summer’s two-week street protests in Yerevan The two khachkars have been at the consecration of the Khachkars as Khachkars will reveal to the coming that were sparked by a further rise in electricity installed through the initiative and a divine and sacred reality. In His generations the glorious culture of prices in Armenia announced by the PSRC. blessings of His Holiness and by the remarks His Grace stated that it was an the Armenian people, as well as the The protests forced President Serge Sargisian to generous sponsorship of Hagop and important achievement of the eternal memory of the Holy Martyrs promise that his government will subsidize the ener- Donna Didzyan. Catholicos of All Armenians to conse- of the Armenian Genocide, exemplify- gy tariffs for consumers pending a special interna- Before the consecration service, crate the two glorious Khachkars, ing the current rebirth of the tional audit of the ENA. He said it will determine Bishop Mushegh Babayan, Director of which are also immeasurable in their Armenian people. whether the price hike is economically justified or is Operations of the Mother See of Holy spiritual meaning, using the newly Following the service a special recep- the result of corruption and mismanagement. Echmiadzin, addressed the crowd. He blessed “Victory” Holy Muron for the tion was held during which Karekin II stated in part, that it is a remarkable first time. “These two Khachkars have granted the Didzyans the Order of “St. and extraordinary day. Reflecting on been installed to represent the thou- Gregory the Illuminator” for their bene- the cherished year of 2015 for the sands which no longer exist and the ficial and church-devoted endeavors. S ATURDAY, O CTOBER 1 0 , 2 0 1 5 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 3 INTERNATIONAL NATO Rejects Russia’s Explanation International News On Turkish Air Space Nine More Arrested in Dink Murder BRUSSELS/BEIRUT (Reuters) — attack on NATO,” Erdogan warned at information campaign waged by the ISTANBUL (Public Radio of Armenia) — Prosecutors The North Atlantic Treaty a Brussels news conference. West to distort the aims of the opera- in Istanbul on Tuesday, October 6, ordered the Organization (NATO) on October 6 NATO Secretary-General Jens tions carried out by the Russian air arrests of nine people suspected in the murder of rejected Moscow’s explanation that its Stoltenberg said the alliance had force in Syria,” Alexander Grushko Turkish-Armenian journalist Hrant Dink, Daily warplanes had violated alliance mem- reports of a substantial Russian mili- was quoted by Itar-Tass news agency Sabah reports. ber ’s air space by mistake and tary build-up in Syria, including as saying in Brussels. Dink was one of the founders of the bilingual said Russia was sending more ground ground troops and ships in the east- Russia’s defense ministry said it Turkish-Armenian Agos newspaper and was killed troops to Syria and building up its ern Mediterranean. agreed in principle with US proposals outside his office in Istanbul on Jan. 19, 2007. naval presence. “I will not speculate on the motives on coordinating military flights Ogun Samast, who was aged 17 years at the time With Russia extending its air ... but this does not look like an acci- in Syria. The ministry said it was of the killing, was jailed for 23 years in 2011. He strikes to include the ancient Syrian dent and we have seen two of them,” ready to hold talks with Turkey to claimed he killed Dink for “insulting Turkishness”. city of Palmyra, Turkish President Stoltenberg said of the air incursions avoid “misunderstandings” and invit- An earlier investigation showed that the prosecu- Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he was los- over Turkey’s border with Syria dur- ed foreign military officers to Moscow tors who worked on the case ignored serious allega- ing patience with Russian violations ing the first weekend of October. He for talks on how best to fight Islamic tions into the involvement of top police officers in of his country’s air space. noted that they “lasted for a long State. the murder. “An attack on Turkey means an time.” President Vladimir Putin has said The incidents, which NATO has he will not put Russian ground forces described as “extremely dangerous” in Syria, where the civil war has killed Unidentified Men Try to and “unacceptable,” underscore the 250,000 people. However, Stoltenberg Azerbaijan ‘Crucial risks of a further escalation of the said there was a growing presence of Disrupt Armenian Player’ in Energy Syrian civil war, as Russian and US Russian forces in Syria. warplanes fly combat missions over “I can confirm that we have seen a Exhibit in Beijing Projects, Foreign the same country for the first time substantial build-up of Russian forces BEIJING (ArtWorld) — Three men in suits, posing as since World War II. in Syria - air forces, air defenses, but authorities, reportedly attempted to disrupt the Minister Tells UN The Russian Defense Ministry had also ground troops in connection with Armenian pavilion at the sixth Beijing International Assembly said that an SU-30 warplane had the air base they have, and we also Art Biennale and to destroy artwork on view, accord- entered Turkish air space along the see an increased naval presence,” ing to Armenian sources, which allege that the men NEW YORK — Foreign Minister border with Syria ”for a few seconds” Stoltenberg said. are Azeri. Elmar Mammadyarov of Azerbaijan on October 3, a mistake caused by Several senior officials in the After the incident, organizers closed the addressed the Untied Nations bad weather. NATO says a plane also Middle East told Reuters the Russian Meanwhile, an Azeri site reports that the men were General Assembly on September entered Turkish air space on October air campaign was part of plan that will in fact Azeri delegates who were merely attempting 30. 4, an incident Russia says it is looking also involve a ground offensive by to inform visitors that the photographs depict In his address, he highlighted a into. Iranian troops, Lebanese Hezbollah “Azerbaijani lands occupied by Armenia.” number of contributions his coun- A US official told Reuters the incur- guerrillas and Syrian government The pavilion features work by a total of eight try has made to the global commu- sions had lasted more than a few sec- forces against Assad’s foes. artists from Armenia and the Armenian diaspora, nity, especially in terms of energy, onds and described Moscow’s asser- The ground campaign is being led including Allen Sayegh, Hrair Sarkissian and Mikayel and responded to a statement by tion that they were an accident as by Qassem Soleimani, commander of Ohanjanyan. Armenia’s President at the same “far-fetched.” Iran’s Quds Force, the elite extra-ter- forum regarding tensions over the The Turkish military said a further ritorial special forces arm of the Djorkaeff Participates in Nagorno-Karabakh region. incident took place on October 5 Revolutionary Guards who reports “Azerbaijan is making concrete when a MIG-29 fighter and Syria- directly to Iran’s Supreme Leader Charity Soccer Game contributions to the activities of based missile systems “interfered” Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the officials the United Nations,” stated with eight Turkish F-16 jets patrolling said. YEREVAN (Armenpress) —Football World and Mammadyarov, highlighting along the Syrian border. They said Soleimani traveled to European champion Youri Djorkaeff participate last Azerbaijan’s participation in UN- The MIG-29 locked its radar onto Moscow in July to help plan the joint week in a charity game pitting Armenian journalists mandated peacekeeping operations the Turkish patrol for 4 minutes 30 action after senior Russian officials against a team from Acba-Credit-Agricole. The game in Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan for seconds, and a Syria-based missile sys- met Khamenei and senior Iranians was held in the Pyunik football club stadium. more than 15 years. tem locked onto them for 4 minutes met Putin to agree to it. Djorkaeff was in the Acba-Credit Agricole team, “Azerbaijan has managed to 15 seconds, the Turkish military US officials have previously while former chief coach of the Armenian national become one of [the] crucial players said. Russia flies MIG-29s, as does said Russia has sent seven T-90 tanks, football team, Pyunik FC Executive Director Vardan of the global market in energy Syria’s own air force. some artillery and about 200 marines. Minasyan played in the journalists’ team. infrastructure projects such as Stoltenberg said the US-led alliance It has also deployed temporary hous- “The concept to stage a charity game is very good. -Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline had not received “any real explana- ing units, a portable air traffic control Djorkaeff, he is a renowned footballer, and I am not through the construction of Trans- tion” from Russia about the incur- station and components for an air personally acquainted with him, so this is a chance to Anatolian and Trans-Adriatic natur- sions. defense system. get acquainted with him at the same time”, said al gas pipeline and the Southern Disagreement over the air space vio- Russian defense ministry sources Minasyan. Gas Corridor which will connect lations comes as Russia and the west have been quoted in Russian media as All profits from the match will be allocated to pur- energy pipeline networks of dispute the aims of Moscow’s air cam- saying about 1,500 Russian service- chasing sports outfits for the school of Khachik bor- Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkey, paign. Moscow says it is attacking men are involved in supporting the air der village and Gavar orphanage. Greece, Albania and ,” he Islamic State, but most of its air strikes and advising Syria’s army. The game finished with a 1-1 tie. announced. strikes have hit territory held by other The Russian Defense Ministry says He further highlighted that his rebel groups fighting against its it has more than 50 warplanes and Argentinean Anti- country has initiated strategic Syrian ally, President Bashar al-Assad. helicopters in Syria. Russia’s Tartous transport infrastructure networks, Western countries, Arab states naval facility there is a logistics base Discrimination Body such as the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars rail- and Turkey, who are waging their own and has been overhauled in recent way project which will connect rail- bombing campaign against Islamic years. It is being used to unload equip- Celebrated its 20 Years roads systems of Azerbaijan, State but also want Assad to leave ment, some of which is also being Georgia and Turkey, as well as the power, say Moscow is using Islamic flown in. (Prensa) — The National Institute new Baku International Sea Trade State as a pretext to target Assad’s In the latest strikes, Russian jets hit Against Discrimination, Xenophobia and Port allowing short and efficient other foes. Russia says the Assad gov- Islamic State targets in Palmyra and Racism(INADI) of celebrated its 20th connection between East and ernment should be the centerpiece of struck the northern province of anniversary on Tuesday September 29. West. international efforts to combat Aleppo, Syrian state television said. The anti-discrimination institute is lead by Pedro Regarding Karabagh, he said extremism. Islamic State forces captured Mouratian, an important leader of the Argentine- that “it is well known” that With Russian and NATO planes Palmyra in May, an advance that Armenian community, and the event was attended by Armenia initiated war and occu- now flying combat missions in the brought them closer to the core of a large number of national officials. pied Azeri territory. same air space, a danger is that the government-held territory in west- “The fight against discrimination was not only the “Azerbaijan is the most interest- Cold War enemies could fire on each ern Syria. It also put the city’s Roman- flag that carried out the INADI as the leading insti- ed party in the soonest negotiated other. era ruins under the militants’ control. tution in the field. It was the challenge of a political settlement of the conflict,” warning The skies in the area have seen inci- Russia denied hitting civilian tar- project that understood that the fight against dis- however that “if the negotiations dents in the past. A Turkish jet was gets inside Palmyra or conducting crimination was only possible with inclusion, equal- fail to bring as an outcome the shot down by the Syrian air force in strikes that might harm the ruins. ization, recognition of the rights and, most impor- complete and unconditional with- 2012 over the Mediterranean and ear- The Syrian Observatory for Human tantly, with equal opportunities for all,” stated drawal of the armed forces of lier this year Turkey shot down a Rights, a Britain-based group tracking Mouratian in his speech. Armenia from our occupied lands, Syrian helicopter that said Syria’s civil war, said the Palmyra “The reality of what has been INADI is on the Azerbaijan will be compelled to use violated its airspace. strikes killed 15 Islamic State fight- street. It’s in every one of the people who have found its inherent right of self-defense Russia’s NATO envoy said the ers. a response from many of its policies.” guaranteed under Article 51 of the alliance was using the accidental “It was the heaviest Russian attack Mouratian played a major role in the approval of UN Charter to ensure the restora- incursion into Turkish air space for on Palmyra,” Observatory director the Armenian Genocide recognition law (Law tion of its sovereignty and territor- propaganda. Rami Abdulrahman said. Across Syria, 26,199) that declared every April 24 as “Day of ial integrity within the internation- “The impression is that the incident Russian jets carried out at least 34 air Action for tolerance and respect between peoples.” ally recognized borders.” in Turkish air space was used to plug strikes in the last 24 hours, the NATO as an organization into the Observatory said. 4 S ATURDAY, O CTOBER 1 0 , 2 0 1 5 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Community News

Bone Marrow Registry Anniversary Banquet of and Children of Armenia Holy Trinity Armenian Fund Join Forces to Mark Church to Honor Deacon World Bone Marrow Day James M. Kalustian LOS ANGELES — The Armenian Bone Marrow Donor Registry (ABMDR) and the By Seta. A. Buchter Children of Armenia Fund (COAF) participated in the world’s first-ever World Marrow Donor Day by jointly organizing donor-recruitment dri- CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — The Pastor and Parish ves in Armenia. The recruitment events took Council of Holy Trinity Armenian Church of place on September 17 and 19, in the Greater Boston announce that Deacon James Region and Yerevan. The drives were sponsored M. Kalustian, a longtime member of the Holy by COAF, the Cafesjian Center for the Arts and Trinity parish, will be honored as “Parishioner the Gourmet Dourme company of Armenia. of the Year” at the Church’s 54th anniversary “We are absolutely delighted to collaborate banquet to be held on Sunday, October 18, fol- with the Children of Armenia Fund toward our lowing church services, in the Charles and shared vision of improving and helping save Nevart Talanian Cultural Hall of the church Armenian lives,” said Dr. Sevak Avagyan, exec- complex at 145 Brattle St. utive director of ABMDR. “The fact that today Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate, we are actively taking part in international Diocese of the Armenian Church of America efforts to increase the number of registered Dr. Rouben Adalian, Director of the Armenian National Institute, presents President (Eastern), will preside over the Divine Liturgy, bone marrow donors is a testament to the sta- Serge Sargisian with new Armenian Genocide exhibits. beginning at 10 a.m., and the afternoon’s pro- tus of Armenia as a dynamic member of the gram. Also in attendance will be Archbishop global health community. We’re extremely Vicken Aykazian, Diocesan Legate and proud to be participating in the inaugural Armenian Assembly Meets with Ecumenical Officer, as well as area clergy from World Marrow Donor Day, and as proud of the New England. During the Divine Liturgy, spe- Armenian public, healthcare leaders, activists, cial prayers will be offered for the departed and our generous sponsors for lending their President Sargisian and US Officials souls of the faithful who worked and built Holy support to this endeavor.” Trinity Armenian Church at its present site in The theme of the inaugural World Marrow WASHINGTON — During the last week of September and the start of October, Cambridge. Following church services, the Donor Day in Armenia was “Millions of the Armenian Assembly of America (Assembly) met with Armenia’s President Annual Banquet Thanks,” referring to the fact that a record 25 Serge Sargisian during his trip to Washington, D. C., US Co-Chair to the OSCE will celebrate the million people worldwide are currently listed as Minsk Group Ambassador James Warlick, and a senior White House official. 54th anniversary potential blood stem cell and marrow donors in Sargisian was in Washington for a series of meetings, including a special luncheon of the consecra- the hope of saving the lives of those battling in his honor at the US Capitol. tion of Holy life-threatening blood cancers and diseases. Sargisian’s visit came on the heels of his speech at the United Nations General Trinity Church in Twenty-seven thousand of those 25 million Assembly (UNGA) in earlier this week (see Vartivarian article, page XX), Cambridge. donors are Armenians in Armenia and the dias- where he condemned Azerbaijan’s deadly attacks on peaceful civilians in Armenia and “On this 100th pora, all of whom have been recruited by Nagorno Karabagh, and drew a parallel between the importance of assistance to Syrian Anniversary year ABMDR in the past few years. refugees and survivors of the Armenian Genocide. To date, Armenia has received over of the Armenian The World Marrow Donor Day was estab- 16,000 refugees from Syria, the third highest in Europe. Genocide, it is lished by Bone Marrow Donors Worldwide, the Sargisian traveled to Washington, D.C. from New York on September 30, where befitting that we World Marrow Donor Association, and the he along with Foreign Minister Eduard Nalbandian, Armenia’s Ambassador to the honor a grand- James M. Kalustian European society for Blood and Marrow US Tigran Sargisian, and Presidential Chief of Staff Vigen Sargisian met with the child of a sur- Transplantation. Assembly’s leadership. vivor,” stated Fr. On September 17, ABMDR and COAF kicked They discussed a broad range of issues, such as Azerbaijan’s latest and deadly cease- Vasken A. Kouzouian. “Like so many Armenian off their recruitment drives with an event at the fire violations, the plight of Armenians and other religious minorities in the Middle East Churches in America, Holy Trinity was built on including the 16,000 Syrian refugees in Armenia, constitutional reforms, as well as the the backs of early immigrant Armenians seek- centennial commemorations of the Armenian Genocide and next steps. ing to start life over in a land founded on the The Assembly delegation also met with Warlick and went on to a meeting at principle of hope for a better future. Jim the White House with a senior advisor. Kalustian, a grandson of survivors from “President Sargisian’s trips to the United Nations and Washington were Kharpert, Izmir and Arapgir is a wonderful ful- extremely fruitful in terms of strengthening the growing US-Armenia relationship, fillment of that hope. The Jim Kalustian I have but the truth is that there is a lot of room to build a closer relationship,” stated known over the years has always appreciated Assembly Board Co-Chairmen Anthony Barsamian and Van Krikorian. “While US and honored his Armenian roots, all the while reaffirmation of the Armenian Genocide is still a major outstanding issue, all of us advancing himself through the best of America. are deeply concerned by the dangerous pattern emerging where warning signs, In this 100th anniversary year, Deacon Jim such as Azerbaijan’s keeping missiles in range of the Armenian nuclear facility and Kalustian, a servant and leader of the Armenian its murder of innocent people, used to gain negotiating leverage are not appro- Church, is our ‘Parishioner of the Year.’” priately addressed, while at the same time Azerbaijan refuses to engage with the During the banquet, recognition will be given democratically elected government of the Nagorno Karabagh Republic. When we to outgoing Parish Council members, Ara see Turkish President Erdogan’s actions and the new war he is waging on the Hollisian and Thomas H. Stephanian, and Kurds instead of the Islamic State, Americans’ causes for deep concern only Diocesan Delegates, Gerald Ajemian and David grows. This week’s meetings really put personal faces on how far we have to go DerVartanian, for their services. to avoid catastrophes on multiple fronts. Here the OSCE Karabagh mediating Kalustian is well-known in the Armenian countries especially can do a lot more to let some sunshine illuminate the true community for his years of service to the nature of what the authoritarian Aliyev regime has done and plans to do. Leaving Armenian Church and community, and his those matters in the dark now is only going to mean a worse outcome in the steadfast devotion to his faith and heritage. ABMDR executive director Dr. Sevak Avagyan future,” Barsamian and Krikorian said. On most Sunday mornings, you will find him and COAF executive director Anoush serving as a deacon on Holy Trinity’s altar Yedigaryan. despite his incredibly busy schedule and range of commitments to a variety of organizations. He has been serving on the altar for more than Health Center, in the Armavir town 40 years, from the time he was a child, in the of Myasnikyan. third or fourth grade, as part of the Sunday Opening remarks were delivered by COAF School program. His parents, Martin and Mary executive director Anoush Yedigaryan and (Mimi) Kalustian of Arlington, took him to Armavir governor Ashot Ghahramanyan. Also church and Saturday and Sunday School every addressing the large gathering was ABMDR week. medical director Dr. Mihran Nazaretyan, who He was ordained an acolyte in 1977, a sub- made a presentation about the simple process deacon in May 1981, by the late Archbishop of becoming a potential bone marrow donor. Torkom Manoogian, Patriarch of , Subsequently a team of ABMDR volunteers, led and a Deacon in April 1991, by Archbishop by Nazaretyan and Dr. Sevak Avagyan, regis- Khajag Barsamian, Primate, Diocese of the tered new recruits, who included COAF staff Armenian Church of America (Eastern). members and residents from the communities He served on the Parish Council from 1985 of Myasnikyan, , , and Shenik. Armenian Assembly of America meeting with President Serge Sargisian. to 1988, and again from 1999 to 2004, the last Following the conclusion of the event, six years as chairman. He has been a Diocesan see BONE MARROW, page ? see KALUSTIAN, page ? S ATURDAY, O CTOBER 1 0 , 2 0 1 5 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 5 COMMUNITY NEWS

Artsakh Fund Holds Fundraising Event for New Village Expansion Project

LEXINGTON, Mass. — On Sunday, Antranig Kasbarian, who laid out the broad- September 13, 90 supporters gathered here er context of the matter at hand: “The to support a new village expansion project Artsakh struggle was a defining moment in sponsored by the Armenian Cultural modern Armenian history, shifting our nar- Association of America Artsakh Fund. The ratives away from loss and toward victory, reception and presentation took place at the away from dispossession and toward reclaim- Lexington home of Harry and Katrina ing that which is rightly ours,” he noted. Glorikian, and the results did not disappoint: “Our task now is to create facts on the More than $25,000 was raised in support of ground — resettlement, economic develop- the Arajamugh Village, found in the liberated ment — that will consolidate our hard-won territories of southern Artsakh. victories on the battlefield.” One such effort Following a cocktail hour, the hosts invited is the Arajamugh Village, built in liberated their guests to present brief presentations Artsakh in 2004-07 by the Tufenkian about the recent history and geopolitics of Foundation, which is now undergoing expan- Artsakh with special focus on resettling the sion via Artsakh Fund’s efforts. strategic borderlands liberated during the Kasbarian then introduced special guest 1988-94 war. The master of ceremonies was speaker Dr. Carolann Najarian, calling her an

The assembled guests listen to the presentation by Antranig Kasbarian.

inspiration for her accomplishments in myri- vided background on the Arajamugh Village, ad fields, including Artsakh, where she pro- found in the Hadrut region of Artsakh, and vided on-site medical assistance from the currently featuring 19 households and 88 war’s earliest days. Najarian then presented inhabitants. The goal, he said, is to bring the her own journey through Artsakh, via words village up to 50 households along with asso- and pictures, depicting people, places and ciated infrastructure, facilities, and livelihood events that inspired her during the war’s opportunities, thereby turning it into a model darkest days. She placed special emphasis on village for resettlement purposes. Artsakh’s border regions of Kashatagh, The speakers then took questions and com- Kelbajar and Shahumian, which serve literal- ments from an enthusiastic audience. ly as a lifeline connecting Artsakh to In coming months, additional events will Armenia. “We must never forget that much be held throughout the Eastern US. In the blood was shed in liberating these lands. meantime, donors and supporters are encour- Who can talk of giving these lands back, aged to contact Artsakh Fund via email at when such a price has been paid?” she assert- [email protected]. ed. Artsakh Fund is a project of the non-profit Najarian was followed by Artsakh Fund Armenian Cultural Association of America, Dr. Carolann Najarian with Alex Sarafian Chairman Alex Sarafian, who presented the Inc. All contributions to it are fully tax- fund’s mission and current activities. He pro- deductible.

2015 NAJARIAN LECTURE ON HUMAN RIGHTS AT FANEUIL HALL Bone Marrow Registry and Children of Armenia Fund IN COMMEMORATION OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE CENTENNIAL Join Forces to Mark World Bone Marrow Day

BONE MARROW, from page ? Mkheyan, Tigran Hamasyan, Gor Sujyan, HONORING AMERICA’S CALL recruitments were also held in the communi- chess champion Tigran Petrosyan, Arminka, TO ACTION: THEN & NOW ties of Sardarapat and , both in the Artur Ispiryan, Madeleine Minasyan-Ispiryan, Armavir Region. A total of 216 people joined and DJ Vakcina as well as Dr. Vahe Ter- the ranks of ABMDR. Minasyan created great enthusiasm by encour- Thursday, October 22, 2015 at 7:30pm The September 19 recruitment was held at aging attendees to register as potential bone Doors open at 6:45pm the Cafesjian Sculpture Garden in Yerevan. marrow donors. The event also featured dance Historic Faneuil Hall, Boston Sergey Khachatryan, deputy Health minister performances by a group of children who are of Armenia; Dr. Vahe Ter-Minasyan, a leading beneficiaries of COAF programs, and an ath- oncologist and host of the Armenian television letic performance by a team from Street Welcome to Faneuil Hall program “Mi Vnasir” (“Do no Harm”); and Dr. Workout Armenia. Carolann S. Najarian, M.D. Sevak Avagyan delivered remarks. During the course of the event, 92 support- Remarks were also delivered by COAF ers joined the ranks of ABMDR. The new Call to Action: 1894-1919 Historical Perspective founder and Board chair Garo Armen, who recruits included Petrosyan, Levonyan, Peter Balakian spoke of the far-reaching community-develop- Arminka, Mkheyan, and DJ Vakcina. Donald M. and Constance H. Rebar Professor, Colgate ment programs implemented by the founda- ABMDR also held a recruitment drive dur- University; author tion he leads, and the immense significance of ing the Pan-Armenian Games at Tehran’s The Burning Tigris: The Armenian Genocide winner of the Raphael Lemkin Prize partnerships and collaboration between COAF Ararat Sports Complex, between September and America’s Response, and nonprofit organizations such as ABMDR. 10 and 17. One hundred four supporters A history play by Joyce Van Dyke, Afterwards Armenian celebrities and joined ABMDR, bringing the total of new Commissioned for this lecture. Directed by Judy Braha activists including Alla Levonyan, Sofi recruits in September to 412.

Call to Action: 2015 Sarah Leah Whitson, Executive Director, Middle East & North Africa Division, Human Rights Watch

Free and open to the public The Najarian Lecture on Human Rights at Faneuil Hall has been endowed by K. George and Carolann S. Najarian, M.D. in honor of Dr. Najarian’s father, Mr. Avedis Abrahamian. The annual lecture is an endowed public program of Armenian Heritage From left: ABMDR executive director Dr. Sevak Avagyan, COAF founder and Board chair Garo Park on the Greenway. For further information, please visit ArmenianHeritagePark.org Armen, and deputy Health minister of Armenia Sergey Khachatryan at the Cafesjian Center recruitment. A R ECE P TIO N F O L LO WS AT TH E M I LL E N N IUM B OS TO N IA N H OT E L 6 S ATURDAY, O CTOBER 1 0 , 2 0 1 5 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS OBITUARY Dr. Alan K. DerKazarian Noah’s Ark Lands in Detroit SOUTHFIELD, Mich. — St. John Armenian Church here held the “Land of Noah’s Ark BELMONT, Mass. — Dr. Alan K. DerKazarian and president and treasurer of the Armenian- Festival” Friday, September 25 through Sunday, September 27. Several Tekeyan Cultural of Belmont and East Falmouth passed away on American Dental Association. Association (TCA) members from the area, as well as Armenian Democratic Liberal Party October 1 after a long battle with cancer. He After coaching his son Alan Jr.’s youth base- (ADL) members participated. was 82. ball team in 1978, DerKazarian went on to be Members of TCA, ADL and friends have supported this program for more than a He was a notable periodontist and prominent president of Belmont Youth Baseball for more decade. The festival was a great success with approximately 2,000 people in attendance. community leader whose civic roles included than three decades, sharing the game he Above, volunteers can be seen cooking, selling pastries and manning tables. president of Oakley adored with thousands of local youths. A life- Country Club in long Red Sox fan, he told WickedLocal.com: “I Watertown and love the game of baseball and I wanted to make longtime president sure that the baseball program in Belmont was of Belmont Youth the best that it could be. And I think we suc- Baseball. ceeded.” Born in Boston DerKazarian served on the Board of and raised in Overseers for Mount Auburn Hospital and the W a t e r t o w n , Board of Directors at U.S. Trust Bank and UST DerKazarian grad- Corporation. uated from the A first-generation Armenian-American, Hayastan Garoyan Tufts University DerKazarian was a generous benefactor to School of Dental Armenian and other causes, including the Medicine Class of Brendan Grant Foundation. 1957 and, after two years as a dentist in the Air DerKazarian was passionate about Armenian Force, completed his periodontics study at history and culture, fine art, gardening and golf, Boston University’s Goldman School of Dental among many other things. Medicine. He taught in the Department of He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Periodontics at the BU School of Dentistry for Isabelle, his sons Alan and his wife Kathleen of over 20 years and established a practice limited Belmont, and Mark and his wife Jennifer of to periodontics in Cambridge in 1963. Carlisle, and his daughter Susan and her hus- DerKazarian was a partner at Cambridge band Michael Malone of New York, and grand- Periodontics with his son, Mark, and worked children Claire, Gavin, Charlie, Kaitlyn and there regularly until very recently. Charlotte, as well as his brothers, Gregory and DerKazarian served as president of Edward. Massachusetts Dental Society from 2004-2005. Funeral services were held at St. James In 2009, he received the prestigious Etherington Armenian Church in Watertown on October 7. Award for his tireless contribution to dentistry in Interment was in Mt. Auburn Cemetery. New England. He also had been chairperson of Arrangements were made by the Giragosian the Massachusetts Dental Society Foundation Funeral Home. Hayastan Garoyan

NEW BRITAIN, Conn. — Born in Madison, A lover of music, she had a trained voice and on October 15, 1921 to Ohannes and was frequently called upon to sing at cultural Satenig (Krikorian) Garabedian, Hayastan events sponsored by Armenian community Garoyan died peacefully on Monday, August 24 organizations. with her son John and goddaughter Audrey by For many years she served as a member of the St. George Armenian Church choir and youth group (ACYOA). An avid reader, she was a devoted and lifelong subscriber to several magazines and newspapers. Two of her favorite magazine publications were the National Geographic and the Smithsonian. Her favorite newspaper was the Mirror Spectator. She derived much pleasure from her exten- sive travels throughout the world including Armenia, Jerusalem, Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, Canada, England, France, Germany, Scotland ENNIS M. EVENEY & ONS and Denmark. She was employed by Chandler Evans for D D S more than 40 years as executive assistant to Cemetery Monuments numerous vice presidents. Specializing in She leaves her son John Garoyan, her broth- er Haige John Garabedian, and brother-in-law Armenian Designs and Lettering Clement Ashekian. She is also survived by her 701 Moody St. Waltham, MA 02543 nieces and nephews (Tom Garabedian, Andrea Karanian, Audrey Garabedian; Eli Boyajian, (781) 891-9876 www.NEMonuments.com Sara Mushegian, Caryn LaPointe, Stephen Ashekian), great-nieces and great-nephews and cousins. Hayastan Garoyan She was pre-deceased by her husband John and sisters Elizabeth Boyajian and Julia Ashekian. her side. Donations in her memory may be made to St. An outstanding student, she was inducted George Armenian Apostolic Church. F UNERAL H OME into the National Honor Society while a senior Funeral services were held Saturday, August Giragosian at New Britain High School. She matriculated 29, at St. George Armenian Church. Interment James “Jack” Giragosian, CPC in 1940 and was Valedictorian of her class. took place at Fairview Cemetery, New Britain. Mark J. Giragosian Funeral Counselors 576 Mt. Auburn Street, Watertown, MA 02472, TEL: 617-924—0606 www.giragosianfuneralhome.com Telephone (617) 924-7400 Aram Bedrosian Funeral Home, Inc. Continuous Service By The Bedrosian Family Since 1945 MARION BEDROSIAN 558 MOUNT AUBURN STREET PAUL BEDROSIAN WATERTOWN, MA 02472 LARRY BEDROSIAN

ADVERTISE IN THE MIRROR-SPECTATOR S ATURDAY, O CTOBER 1 0 , 2 0 1 5 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 7 COMMUNITY NEWS (Flightless) Birds of a Flock Gather in Antarctica

“That year we went down was the first time By Tom Vartabedian the United States sent a team of atmospheric scientists to look at ozone depletion,” Karentz recalled. “The National Science Foundation ANTARCTICA — Imagine living near an ice- decided to fund biological research the follow- covered lake named in your honor where the ing year so I was in the right place at the right temperature hits 70 below Fahrenheit (not tak- time to initiate a new project.” ing into consideration the wind chill) and the While still doing research, back she goes year nearest and dearest creatures are the penguins. after year as an educator, bringing polar scien- For Dr. Deneb Karentz, it’s just another day tists to Antarctica. on the job. It’s no easy task getting there. To reach her The 63-year-old has been traveling to this con- destination at McMurdo Station, Karentz flies tinent as a researcher and educator for three to New Zealand. Then, she boards a military decades now. When the University of San cargo plane for eight hours. Getting to the Francisco biology professor returns there each Antarctic Peninsula requires yet another flight December, she visits Lake Karentz, a 1.3-mile, to Tierra del Fuego, the Southern-most tip of permanently-frozen body of water dedicated to South America, followed by a five-day trip her by the United States Board on Geographic aboard an icebreaker ship to an almost other- Names. worldly spot. “It was something I never expected,” she “It’s just a beautiful place to be with fantas- said. “I thought it was a joke when I first heard tic landscapes,” she describes. “There’s about it. I’m obviously quite thrilled and hon- nowhere else like it on earth. It’s incredible.” ored.” While most people would dread such a mis- Dr. Deneb Karentz is bundled up in Antarctica with penguins frolicking behind her at a lake named Her research focuses on the ultraviolet pho- sion, Karentz said she feels privileged to be after her. tobiology of marine organisms, identifying there, experiencing life in such a remote place, strategies for protection from UV exposure. far removed from ordinary civilization. About 75 percent of the people there are sup- She grew up in Jamestown, RI, daughter of Rhode Island. She also teaches a graduate Over the past 30 years, she has made the trip port staff, not scientists. There are social spaces Rose and Varoujan Karentz, turning to athletics course in climate change, along with under- to Antarctica no fewer than 20 times. to congregate for games. Some people do craft- in high school as a two-sport captain to com- graduate courses in oceanography and evolu- “The key to survival is dressing properly to work ing. Others have musical instruments at the sta- plement a proud academic standing. tion. One aspect of her work is to mentor early outside,” she says. “Safety is key, where you go to tion. Outdoor activities such as cross country She has been a Californian since 1983, serv- career scientists. avoid dangers of thin ice, crevasses and survival if skiing and hiking are popular. ing on the School Board for Krouzian-Zekarian- A two-year sabbatical was spent in stranded in the field. As to the penguins, you would- Karentz is quick to note her proud Armenian- Vasbouragan (KZV) Armenian School. She’s Washington, DC, as assistant program director n’t call them gentle. They are entertaining and fun American lineage. She is named for the star also active on the Bay Area Support Committee of Arctic programs. Her Antarctica projects are to watch, extremely cute, but can be very aggres- Deneb — a very bright star in the Summer for Armenia’s Cosmic Ray Division, a local funded by the Division of Polar Programs at the sive, loud and smelly. Every trip I make turns into Triangle. group that raises funds for research on cosmic National Science Foundation. an adventure.” “That was my father’s idea,” she notes. “He rays at the Alikhanian Physics Institute in was interested in celestial navigation in the Armenia. Navy when I was born. Deneb is part of the con- She recalls her early years as a lifeguard at stellation Cygnus/Northern Cross.” Camp Hayastan and active in her church and Anniversary Banquet of Holy Trinity Armenian Church Karentz became involved in Antarctic AYF, coming from a family deeply entrenched in research in 1986 through a chance meeting Armenian affairs, including the formation of the to Honor Deacon James M. Kalustian with fellow University of Rhode Island graduate Armenian National Committee for Homeless Richard Rivkin. A program had developed Armenians (ANCHA). KALUSTIAN, from page ? Immaculate Conception, in Washington DC, as researching the physiology of phytoplankton in Karentz teaches biology and environmental Delegate for the past 23 years, and in 2001, he part of the events commemorating the 100th Antarctica and a field team was being pieced science at the University of San Francisco and was elected to the Diocesan Council of the Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, he was together. received her doctorate from the University of Armenian Church of America (Eastern), serving given the honor of presenting the chalice to as Treasurer from 2005 to 2011, and currently Karekin II. as Chairman, a position he has held since 2013. Over the decades, Kalustian has strongly In 2005, he was appointed by Karekin II, believed in giving back not only his time and Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All talents, but also his treasures and has done so Armenians, to serve on the Supreme Spiritual in numerous ways. Council in Holy Echmiadzin, Armenia, the high- In honor of his parents, Kalustian sponsored est global governing body of the Armenian the comprehensive reconstruction of the three- Apostolic Church. story Guest House of the Mother See of Holy Kalustian is involved in numerous philan- Echmiadzin, also known as the “Vanatun.” This thropic, religious and educational organiza- building has been used for the past 38 years to tions. He is president of the Armenian Heritage house Armenian clergymen and ecumenical del- Foundation, on the Rose Kennedy Greenway in egations during their visits to the Mother See. Boston. He served on the Board of the National The opening ceremonies of the newly renovated Association of Armenian Studies and Research Guest House were held on June 30, 2007. from 1997 to 2007, is an active member of the Kalustian and his parents, Fr. Vasken Kouzouian, Armenian Assembly of America and the and Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, traveled to Armenian National Committee. Armenia to be present for the opening. In 2014, former governor of Massachusetts, In 2012, on the occasion of the 50th anniver- Deval Patrick, appointed Kalustian to serve on sary of the consecration of Holy Trinity Church the Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy on Brattle Street in Cambridge, he donated a Board. He also sits on the Visiting Committee gold chalice, handcrafted in Holy Echmiadzin, of the Department of Radiation Oncology at which was used as the vessel to consecrate the Massachusetts General Hospital, is a member of Holy Communion throughout Holy Trinity’s the Leadership Giving Team of the Harvard Anniversary year. College Fund, and is a Corporation member of Professionally, Kalustian has spent the past the Belmont Hill School. 25 years founding and helping to scale entre- Kalustian has received recognition on the preneurial healthcare services and technology highest level for his services and contributions businesses. Most recently, he served as the to the Armenian Church, community and home- Chief Operating Officer of RxAnte, a provider of land. On June 30, 2007, Karekin II bestowed science-based information technology solutions upon him the highest award of the Armenian for improving quality and lowering the cost of Church, the Order of Saint Gregory the health care. He serves on the Board of Illuminator, and presented him with the medal Ambassadors Group, Inc. of St. Gregory, in Holy Echmiadzin. He holds an A.B. from In 2009, he was a recipient of the Ellis Island and an M.B.A. from the J.L. Kellogg Graduate Medal of Honor granted to outstanding School of Management at Northwestern Americans who have distinguished themselves University. as U.S. citizens and in business, while main- The Pastor and Parish Council of Holy taining their ethnic heritage and identity and Trinity Armenian Church cordially invite the integrating into American life. Greater Boston community to join them on In 2012, Kalustian received the Movses October 18 as we honor a faithful son and ser- Khorenatsi Medal, awarded by the President of vant of the Armenian Church. Donation for the the Republic of Armenia Serge Sargisian. This dinner is $35.00 per person; seating is by is the highest government award recognizing advance paid reservation only with a RSVP contributions of individuals in cultural, artistic deadline of October 13. and humanitarian fields. Tickets may be purchased by contacting the On May 9, 2015, during the Divine Liturgy Holy Trinity Church office or emailing celebrated at the National Shrine of the [email protected]. 8 S ATURDAY, O CTOBER 1 0 , 2 0 1 5 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS Genocide Centennial Volunteers Applauded in Nation’s Capital

By Florence Avakian

WASHINGTON — It was both an appreciative occasion and one filled with reflection for the more than 2,500 Armenians and non- Armenians from all parts of America who self- lessly brought their efforts to the three-day monumental activities of the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide in Washington D.C. last May. The Dinner of Appreciation, dedicated to the volunteers of Greater Washington and orga- nized by the Genocide Centennial Steering Committee, took place on September 3 at Maggiano’s Restaurant in Chevy Chase, Md. Many members of the Steering Committee were present, including Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Eastern Diocese, Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, Prelate of the Eastern Prelacy , Archbishop Moushegh Chairpersons of all the committees and Steering Committee members Mardirossian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy, Dr. Noubar Afeyan (chairman) and Jean-Jacques Hajjar (operating leader, Boston). Archbishop and nationwide Armenian clergy participating, Special Role for Church Soghomonian, Alissa Tabirian, Program Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western the unforgettable concert of survival and tri- The energy “we all felt in Washington,” Manager Dr. Susan Pattie, Events Coordinator Diocese (CA) and Archbishop Vicken Aykazian, umph, the banquet, the gratitude awardees, and Afeyan continued, “should be harnessed as we and Graphic Designer Eileen Trayan, and were absent due to health reasons. the sea of survivor descendants, and through it go forward in order to achieve our collective Advisor Kevork Marashlian. Also attending and instrumental in the all the thousands of Armenians congregating in goals as Armenian-Americans. The Armenian Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian congrat- Centennial preparations were the First the Marriott Hotel lobby for three days.” Church has a special role to play as a unifying ulated all the volunteers, calling them “heroes” Secretary of the Embassy of Armenia Karen “What a year this has been,” he gushed, force for our community, and a motivator of the and again emphasized the unity of all the com- Israyelian, the Armenian National Committee “with the Pope commemorating the Genocide diaspora to stay engaged in advancing munity factions, who have formed a united Executive Director Aram Hamparian, and the in an inspiring Mass at the Vatican, the Armenian identity and advancement through- committee after the May events, with its appro- out the world.” priate title of the Armenian Community Events Following a short video presentation of the Planners of Greater Washington (ACEP). three day Centennial events, Afeyan presented Armenian Embassy official Karen Israyelian Centennial Award trophies designed by artist offered the congratulations of Ambassador Michael Aram to the chairpersons of all the Tigran Sargsyan for a “job well done” and committees, including the Badarak, the stressed the importance of both the presence Liturgical, and Banquet organizers, the and participation of the Armenian president in National Cathedral, the Strathmore Concert the Washington events. Appreciation to both organizers, Logistics and Security, Displays and the Steering Committee members and the vol-

From left Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, Jean-Jacques Hajjar, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Dr. Noubar Afeyan and Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian. Photos by Neshan H. Naltchayan

Armenian Assembly Executive Director Bryan Genocide event in Armenia, the many nations Ardouny. that have acknowledged the Genocide, and “This is a testament to your dedication and to finally the Washington, DC, event. This all sym- Dr. Noubar Afeyan addressing the participants your drive for making this event a memorable bolizes a new spirit of revival. The canonization one. You rose up to the challenge to make this of our martyrs raises an important challenge to event unique,” said Master of Ceremonies J.J. us, the descendants of the survivors.” Cultural Activities, Finance, Outreach, and unteers was expressed by Aktavoukian and Hajjar, in his welcoming remarks. “Your hard- He concluded, “We need to ask what we are Public Relations Committees, Fr. Sarkis Karapetyan, parish priests of Soorp Khatch ship has been rewarded by a world class event doing with the second chance we have been Aktavoukian, Fr. Hovsep Garabedian, Dr. Teny Armenian Church and the St. Mary Armenian that was enjoyed and relished by thousands of given. How can we contribute to Genocide Abrahamian, Edvik Alexandrian, Louisa Church. participants.” A volunteer himself from Boston, recognition, prevention and also recovery from Baghdasarian, Levon Barsoumian, Bagrat Hajjar revealed that he had been motivated by this great tragedy, not just for Armenians, but Bayburtian, Jake Bournazian, Jack Miracles Are Possible his family’s wise teachings, and a slogan from more broadly for all who have suffered a like- Guiragossian, Avak Kahvejian, Karine Archbishop Khajag Barsamian who had the Peace Corps: “This is the toughest job you wise fate.” Sahagian, Onnig Sivaslian, Dr. Zareh opened the dinner with a special prayer, noted will ever love.” He then voiced the hopes of in comments following the event, many asking, “Can it be done again next year?” that there was an overriding fear For almost two years, these dedicated volun- that because of Centennial activities teers who were all members of Washington’s in other cities, people would not Soorp Khatch Armenian Church (Prelacy), and come to the Washington function. the St. Mary Armenian Church (Diocese), had “But a month before, all the three- worked together to bring this unique event to day events were sold out,” he stated its successful fruition. with pride. “When we are together In his remarks, Steering Committee and united, we can perform mira- Chairman Noubar Afeyan related that two years cles. A united church is great testi- ago when different organizations were thinking mony as to how important it is to of how to commemorate the Centennial, he had resolve issues of the past, and start received a call from Barsamian to lead a non- with a fresh approach.” partisan group of East and West coast commit- Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, tee members to plan the event in the nation’s who offered the dinner’s closing capital. prayer, complimented the “extraor- There were so many special occurrences dur- dinary organization” of the com- ing those momentous three days in memoration. He added, Washington, Afeyan noted, including “energy, “Cooperation from the bottom to hope, and pride, the presence of Armenian the top, and between different sides President Serge Sargisian, US Vice President is a positive sign. It is an affirmation Joe Biden and UN Ambassador Samantha that cooperation works. Working Power attending the Cathedral Ecumenical together is now becoming normal. Service, the unity Badarak at the National Newly formed Unity Committee of Greater Washington After all, we are the same nation, the Shrine with both catholicoses, all archbishops same faith, with the same goals.” S ATURDAY, O CTOBER 1 0 , 2 0 1 5 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 9 COMMUNITY NEWS Senator Dole Honored as Hero of Responsibility and Principle by Centennial Group

WASHINGTON — The National Armenian community to survive and Commemoration of the Armenian thrive today. Genocide Centennial (NCAGC) honored “I would like to publicly express deep Senator Bob Dole earlier this month with appreciation to Senator Dole on behalf of the organization’s Survivor’s Gratitude the Armenian community for his long-stand- Award in the category of Hero of ing dedication to recognizing the Genocide Responsibility and Principle for his tireless of our people,” said Noubar Afeyan, chair- efforts in raising attention to the man of the NCAGC Steering Committee. “If Armenian Genocide and its victims. not for his actions, along with the actions of Dole has long been recognized as a other brave men, women and organizations, friend to the Armenian community. In the Armenian community would not exist as 1990, during the 75th anniversary of the it does today.” Genocide, he issued a strong rebuke to the On the one hundredth anniversary of United States Senate for its refusal to the Genocide, the NCAGC continues its declare a day of remembrance for the vic- work to strengthen the ties that bind the tims of the massacre. He remains highly Armenian community so that it may pros- respected among Armenians to this day. per for the next one hundred years and “I am both honored and humbled to more. receive this award from the NCAGC,” said The NCAGC began with the united Dole. “But we must not forget that there is efforts of the Diocese and Prelacy of the still much to be done to globally recognize Armenian Apostolic Churches of America, what occurred a century ago. Only by East and West coasts. The NCAGC pro- acknowledging and accepting the past for vides a unique opportunity to bring what it is — however painful — can the Armenians together from across the coun- world truly begin to work to heal and From left, Kevork Marashlian, Sen. Bob Dole and Dr. Noubar Afeyan try and Diaspora to join in remembering ensure a future free from genocide.” and honoring those lost in the Genocide Dole’s award will be transported to the 100 years ago. Showing a unity of spirit Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics where it hosted by the NCAGC in May of this year to Armenian-Americans, 29 Survivor’s Gratitude and purpose, the events also serve to raise will reside. honor the Genocide centennial. During a ban- Awards were presented as tokens of apprecia- awareness of the Genocide and thank the Dole’s recognition comes on the heels of a quet ceremony in front of a crowd of nearly tion to individuals and organizations whose institutions and individuals who have helped series of commemorative events which were 2,000 Armenians from around the world and selfless and heroic actions have enabled the Armenians to survive and thrive

Packs on Backs Brings Backpacks & School Supplies to Children in Armenia SAN FRANCISCO — The Paros Foundation and The Heros Humanitarian Foundation joined forces to help children in Armenia. A total of 480 children in need from both Gumri and Vanadzor received new backpacks and age appropriate school supplies through the Packs on Backs Armenia project. “We share a common belief that no child should be deprived of the essential necessi- ties needed for their education regardless of their socioeconomic status,” Sara Sousani, the Heros Humanitarian Foundation President. “By working together we were able to help address that need for almost 500 chil- dren.” Both organizations worked together to fundraise, purchase, pack and ship backpacks and school supplies from Los Angeles to Yerevan. Several supporters including the SERVICE Armenia 2015 group, and friends from the St. James Armenian Church in Watertown, also volunteered their time to help fill backpacks with supplies and distrib- ute them to the children. “Distributing these backpacks prior to the start of school helped solve a big problem for this community of children,” said Aida Khachatryan, Debi Arach Children’s Centers Coordinator. Packs on Backs Armenia first launched in Gumri, whose devastating history has left more than 100,000 residents homeless and plagued with unemployment and rampant poverty. These families often struggle to pro- vide their children with life’s basic necessi- ties. Distributions were made to the children attending the Debi Arach Children’s Center and other children living in domik neighbor- hoods in Gumri. Additional distributions were then made to children attending the Orran Center in Vanadzor. The Heros Humanitarian Foundation has worked with children in need and their fami- lies in Los Angeles and Armenia for the last seven years. Their mission is to provide back- packs and school supplies to children living in poverty and from low socioeconomic households around the world. Through their Packs on Backs initiative, Heros hopes to motivate children, help them stay and excel in school, and have successful futures. 10 S ATURDAY, O CTOBER 1 0 , 2 0 1 5 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Arts & Living

Sahan Arzruni to Perform Armenian Authors in Concert on “: A Coming to University of Portrait of the Musician as Michigan-Dearborn a Young Priest DEARBORN, Mich. (Press & Guide) — In Turkey, a 100-year-old Armenian woman, FRESNO — Acclaimed pianist Sahan named Asiya, still resides in her family’s home- Arzruni will perform a Concert dedicated to town of Chunkush. Not far away, a new school “Komitas: A Portrait of the Musician as a was erected in 2014. The connection between Young Priest,” at 3 p.m. on Sunday, October this new school and Asiya brings the 100th 25. The concert is a Special Event in the anniversary of the Armenian Genocide into Lorenz Keyboard Concert Series and will sharp focus. New York Times bestselling take place at the Fresno State Concert Hall author Chris Bohjalian met Asiya when he vis- located in the University’s Music Building. ited Turkey in 2013. In two Washington Post The event is co-sponsored by the Armenian op-ed pieces, he wrote about Asiya’s story and Studies Program at Fresno State and sup- the anger he felt when he saw the school for ported by the Thomas A. Kooyumjian Family the first time. Foundation. In 1915, Turkish and Kurdish killing squads Komitas, the wellspring of contemporary rounded up the 10,000 Armenians living in Armenian music, was born in 1869 in Chunkush. They took them to the very spot Kütahya in western Anatolia. Orphaned at an Claudia Morgan where the new school now stands, at the edge early age, his beautiful singing voice brought of a ravine about two hours from Chunkush. him to the notice of a church emissary, who At the pit of the ravine is the Dudan Crevasse. took him to Etchmiadzin, the Holy See of the Asiya’s mother was among the Armenians Armenian Church, to study. There he was Holy Angels Armenian Club taken. She stood at the edge of the ravine hold- eventually ordained a celibate priest. While ing her infant daughter. What did she see? Her still a student at the seminary, Komitas wan- neighbors and family pushed or stabbed into dered from village to village, collecting the Commemorates Genocide the crevasse? Did she look around at the fright- folk music of the Armenian peasant. He ened faces next to her? Perhaps she closed her notated thousands of songs. In arranging eyes. What sounds did she hear? Screams, Armenian folk music for concert perfor- Centennial shouting, gunshots, the thud of bodies thrown mance, Komitas made a determined effort to onto other bodies? Was Asiya crying in her retain the idiosyncratic qualities of tradition- DEMAREST, N.J. — The inaugural community event for the Holy Angel’s Armenian Club coincided with the centennial observance of the Armenian arms? What did she feel? Fear, rage? Would it al song — eschewing western compositional be possible to feel peace? techniques, while fashioning instead the use Genocide. On the early spring evening of April 20, the Holy Angels Armenian Club hosted a symposium which included a chronological pictorial exhibition One thing is certain, at the edge of the of drone notes and unconventional textures. ravine, she waited for the force, whether bullet, The great majority of Komitas’s works are of the Armenian Genocide. The student learning commons at Holy Angels was bayonet, or boot, that would thrust her into vocal — both solo and choral. Only a small the Dudan Crevasse below. She held her part of his oeuvre is written for the piano; By Jonathan Shirley transformed for the evening, appropriate- ly conveying the solemnity of the com- daughter and waited. She did this in the same but they are pieces of unusual beauty and space that, 100 years later, would be the home striking originality. memoration. The evening’s formal program commenced with an eloquent speech by Claudia of a new, gleaming elementary school. Sahan Arzruni has achieved recognition as But death did not come. One of the Kurds a composer, ethnomusicologist, teacher, lec- Morgan, the founder and president of the Holy Angels Armenian Club. The timing of the event was especially auspicious as it came on the heels of proclamations by found her attractive, so he pulled her from the Pope Francis. Morgan explained that during a requiem mass for the 1.5 million line. He married her and raised Asiya as his Armenians who perished in the Genocide, the pope recognized not only that the own daughter. Asiya and her mother were Armenian Genocide was the first genocide of the 20th century, but also lauded saved from death, but they also had to hide Armenians as the first nation to adopt Christianity. their Armenian heritage for the remainder of Morgan also reflected on her own family connection to the Genocide by recount- their days. Even in 2013, when Bohjalian first ing the rags-to-riches story of her maternal grandfather, Sarkis Arslanian. She met Asiya, she would not speak of her poignantly described that, despite being a century ago, the genocide felt much clos- Armenian heritage with him, he said. er when she considered her grandfather’s youth. A youth filled with the hardship Bohjalian suggests the new school was built of living as a refugee in an adoptive country, his family was forced to flee the killing to cover up the mass grave and the larger his- fields of Armenia. Morgan observed, “When I consider these personal facts, 100 tory of Turkey’s orchestrated slaughter of 1.5 years feels awfully close.” million Armenians. The evening’s program was headlined by Alex Webb, screen writer, director “I do not know the thinking behind the and producer. Webb showcased his short film, “Hove,” which translates to “the placement of the Yenikoy elementary school. wind.” Webb’s film singularly portrayed the complex nature of the Armenian But I have my suspicions. I would not be sur- Genocide, which after a century, finds itself at generational crossroads. Hove prised if next year when I visit, the crevasse has was supported by moving performances by Olympia Dukakis and Shirleyann been filled in: the evidence of a crime of seis- Kaladjian. The screening of the short film was followed by a discussion with mic magnitude forever buried,” he wrote in Webb. The discussion encompassed the numerous themes and symbols embed- 2014. ded in Hove, as well as a larger discussion on the Armenian Genocide. The dia- Whether the school has been erected out of logue was interesting, informative, as well as entertaining. Many of the atten- genuine need or as a means of covering up the dees provided opinions which emphasized the recklessness of the Turkish evil that took place at the Dudan Ravine, its Republic’s continued official denial of the Armenian Genocide, as well as dis- existence is ironic. A school now marks the Sahan Arzruni appointment that the United States government has not joined numerous other unmarked mass grave of 10,000 Armenians. nations in formally recognizing the atrocities perpetrated 100 years ago as An institution of knowledge serves as the sym- indisputably genocidal. bol of a space where heinous acts of ignorance turer, writer, recording artist, broadcasting The Academy of the Holy Angels high school was established by the School were perpetrated. personality, producer and impresario. He has Sisters of Notre Dame in 1879. “The irony, however, is this: It will no longer toured in these capacities throughout North take complex directions or GPS coordinates to and South America, Europe, the Middle East, find the 10,000 dead at Dudan. All you will the Far East, and Australia. He has been fea- need to tell someone is to visit the Yenikoy ele- tured in a number of PBS specials—“Around mentary school. Go stand by the playground. the World in ‘82,” “Gala of Stars,” and “A The dead are right there,” wrote Bohjalian. Place of Dreams: Carnegie Hall at 100” — and Aram, Aram’ to Be Shown in Boston Area Though, as of yet, he has not made Asiya’s has recorded for European radio networks, story into a novel, Bohjalian has written 18 ARLINGTON, Mass. — On Sunday, the first Armenian-themed film ever accept- including the BBC. Arzruni has given com- books, including one that focuses on the November 1, at 5 p.m., the film “Aram, Aram” ed to the Festival in its entire 20-year his- mand performances at the White House, as Armenian Genocide, The Sandcastle Girls. He will be shown at a special screening at the tory. well as the British, Danish, Swedish, and and eight other Armenian authors will present Regent Theatre, 7 Medford St., at 5 p.m. Since then, “Aram, Aram” has been invited Icelandic courts. at the Book and Author Festival at the The film is the first American independent to The Golden Apricot Film Festival in Motivated by ethnic awareness in the -Dearborn on Saturday, film featuring an all-Armenian lead cast Armenia and The Montreal Film Festival in United States, Arzruni continuously research- October 10. filmed by a non-Armenian director. Canada. es the musical roots of his Armenian her- The festival is one of several events orga- The movie is in Armenian and English; the It opened October 2 in Fresno, and opens itage. He recorded a three-record anthology nized this year by the Armenian Genocide characters speak whichever language is real- in two theaters in Los Angeles starting of Armenian piano music, and co-produced Centennial Committee of Greater Detroit to istic in every scene to make the film feel more October 16, showing five times daily in an eight-disc set of instrumental and vocal commemorate the 100th anniversary of the authentic. It has English subtitles, as well. Glendale at the Americana and in Encino at Armenian music. start of the Armenian Genocide. For Dearborn, Starring legendary Armenian Actor, the Laemmle Theatre. General admission is $25, $18 for seniors, the festival is at least the third commemorative Levon Sharafyan and newcomers John There will be a question-and-answer session and $5 for students. For tickets go to event this year. In April, the committee hosted Roohinian and Sevak Hakoyan, “Aram, with writer/director of the film, Christopher www.keyboardconcerts.com/special- a remembrance at Edsel Ford High School Aram” first debuted to a sold-out theater at Chambers Tickets may be had by calling events.aspx. see AUTHORS,page ? the Los Angeles Film Festival, where it was (617) 935 – 3997. S ATURDAY, O CTOBER 1 0 , 2 0 1 5 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 11 ARTS & LIVING REVIEW: Old and New, Homeland and New World in The Ash Tree

The ash Tree. A novel by Daniel Melnick. West of West ry.” These two positions haunt the characters Books, 2015. 302 pgs. $25. and the novel. Melnick gives voice to the ambivalence of any group in a diaspora — to hold sacred the memory of the past and to By Paula Bloch forge a new, more hopeful life. The strength of the novel is its careful sum- moning of a particular world that is the Commemorations are a fixture in our public lives. We mark Armenian community centered in Fresno and dates to call to mind a particular event or to teach a new gen- the universality of the human inter-actions eration the importance of a momeThe Ash Tree, ntous occur- that makes this applicable to all. Early on in rence. Much was made in the general media in late April of the novel, Armen’s landlady says that what is the Armenian Genocide of 1915; however, the public remem- important is that the family survives. Armen brances were fleeting – a quick story in the nightly television and Artemis build a life together for their or radio broadcast or a newspaper story. Adding to the fragili- children, Tigran, Garo and Juliet. They give ty of the stories is that this is a centenary remembrance; up their early dreams of lives centered on most, if not all, of the eyewitnesses are gone. Who will re-tell poetry and art and focus on the difficult real- the facts and explore the ramifications of early twentieth cen- ity of raising a family. Although he is a rec- tury tragedies? Both historians and fiction writers offer dif- ognized poet, Armen is known more for his ferent approaches and perspectives. business dealings. He struggles with the One such narrative is Daniel Melnick’s The Ash Tree, which thought that his mastery of Armenian has no strikes a delicate balance between history and fiction. place in American life. Language eludes them Permeating the book are references to actual events and both. We see this through Melnick’s lens, places. And to sensory memories of “plump oil-cured olives in which does use language with sensitivity and Constantinople...anchovies, the brine washed off [having] the clarity. savor of a kiss...and oranges [tasting] of sunlight and the As the Ararat children grow, they become tree.” The sense of place is strong, whether Turkey, Armenia, part of the wider world, forging relationships or California and Fresno. outside the Armenian community. Marriage A basic timeline of the book takes one family from 1915 to and business dealings extend their bound- 1972. The prologue, however, opens in 1972 California with aries. The novel takes on a more intimate and a death in the family of Armen and Artemis Ararat. This vio- emotional layer as Juliet marries Sammy lent death ruptures their world. It will take the rest of the Weisberg, a young Jewish man.It is here that story to explore why this death occurred and to understand history and narrative fiction most strongly the characters who inhabit this world. overlap. Juliet and Sammy mirror the author Although both from Armenian families, Armen Ararat and and his wife, Jeanette Arax Melnick whose Artemis Haroutian are of different temperaments and out- painting is the cover art of The Ash Tree. The looks. When we first meet Armen, he witnesses neighbors and Ararat family is based on the Arax family; yet, teachers being killed in Turkey. Some 10 years later as a stu- there is so much more of the interior lives of dent at Berkeley, he remembers his European past and hon- these characters inhabiting these pages. ors his relationship to it. He feels that all the immigrants had As the novel comes full circle from 1972 been permanently scarred by what they carried with them back to 1972, we can see that one death can from Turkey. In contrast, Connecticut-born Artemis stand for all losses and bereavements. Haroutian did not want to marry a man born in the old coun- Geography cannot change the fragility of life, but memory losses in our lives generally. try and “had always wanted a suitor who was free of the helps to offer solace. Daniel Melnick honors both those who [Paula Bloch is a retired advisor, administrator, and teach- agony of 1915...not weighted down by foreignness and histo- know Armenian loss and those who wish to understand such er at Cleveland State University.]

Tekeyan Cultural Association presents

REMEMBRANCE & REBIRTH A Classical Concert Commemorating the Centennial of Armenian Genocide

Merkin Concert Hall SATURDAY 129 West 67th Street • New York City NOVEMBER 21, 2015 30 Featuring World Renown Artists 7pm

Karén Alexander Hasmik Arkady Hakobyan Chaushian Papian Leytush Pianist/Composer Cellist Soprano Principal Conductor

with World Peace Sinfonietta Chamber Orchestra Artistic Director Music Director Tickets: Karén Hakobyan Arkady Leytush $100/$75/$50

KaufmanMusicCenter.org Featuring works by Box Of ce: (212) 501-3330 Bach, Komitas, Babadjanian, Hakobyan, Diana: 201-790-0397 Sharafyan, Mirzoyan & others Helen: 917-589-4749 12 S ATURDAY, O CTOBER 1 0 , 2 0 1 5 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARTS & LIVING Armenian Assembly Hosts Fall Fete in New York

NEW YORK — On Thursday, September 24, Fall Fete-NYC is one of a series of events aimed the Armenian Assembly of America hosted a at broadening membership. Fall Fete at the Hotel Hugo rooftop in down- Current and former board members were also town New York City. As the sun set over an on hand to show their support and dedication enchanting view of the city, guests engaged in to the incoming members. Board co-chairman lively conversation as they networked and Anthony Barsamian discussed the ongoing shared memories of their years of activism with work done by the Armenian Assembly in the Armenian Assembly. Washington, D.C. with Congress and the White Assembly board members Alex Karapetian House. In addition, board vice president Edele and Bianka Kadian-Dodov, who organized the Hovnanian addressed the gathering, drawing Fall Fete, welcomed over fifty new Assembly from her years of experience with Birthright members, many of whom are alumni of the Armenia, as she looked to inspire the next gen- Armenian Assembly Summer Internship eration in community activism in and for Program and Birthright Armenia. Armenia. “We were delighted by the positive response The Armenian Assembly of America thanks from the local Armenian American community the following sponsors of the Fall Fete: and we are looking forward to growing the Anthony Barsamian, Michael Haroutunian, Armenian Assembly in the years ahead,” stated Carolyn Mugar, Toros Sahakian, Joyce Stein, Lu Karapetian and Kadian-Dodov, who are both Ann Ohanian, Oscar Tatosian, Annie Totah, and Assembly intern alumni. The Assembly’s 2015 Peter Vosbikian. (L-R): Assembly Board Vice President Edele Hovnanian, Assembly Executive Director Bryan Ardouny, Board Member Alex Karapetian, Board Treasurer Bianka Kadian-Dodov, Board Co- Chairman Van Krikorian, Board Assistant Secretary Lisa Kalustian, Board Secretary Oscar Tatosian, Board President Carolyn Mugar, Board Co-Chairman Anthony Barsamian, and Board Member Recipe Toros Sahakian. Corner by Christine Vartanian Datian Lentil, Pasta, and Apricot Salad with Brown Sugar Nuts Guests of the Assembly’s 2015 Fall Fete-NYC. INGREDIENTS 1 15-ounce can lentils, rinsed, or 1 cup cooked brown, green or red lentils, drained 2 cups penne or bow-tie pasta, boiled and drained Armenian Authors Coming to U. of Michigan-Dearborn 1 cup fresh apricots, diced 1 cup Golden Delicious or Granny Smith apples, seeded and diced AUTHORS, from page ? Tufankjian. The afternoon session begins at 1 cup red seedless grapes featuring actor and author Eric Bogosian and 1:30 p.m. and features Bohjalian, Matthew 1 medium zucchini, peeled and diced journalist Robert Fisk. In May, the Catholicos Karanian, Nancy Kricorian and Aline 1 shallot, thinly sliced Aram I, one of two pontiffs who rules the Ohanesian. Each session will include the 1/2 cup golden raisins, diced Armenian Apostolic Church, visited St. Sarkis. authors’ presentations, as well as a question and 1/4 cup green onions or scallions, finely chopped The Book and Author Festival is the result of answer period and opportunity for book sign- 1/4 cup each fresh parsley and mint, finely chopped a partnership between the committee and the ings. Admission to the festival is free, but lunch Kosher or sea salt, black pepper, Hungarian sweet paprika (to taste) university’s Armenian Research Center. must be ordered and purchased in advance. 1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest According to the university’s website, It is the That same evening, the authors will gather Olive oil only Armenian research facility associated with for the Authors’ Banquet at Pine Lake Country Juice of two lemons or choice of red, balsamic or raspberry wine vinegar an American university. Club in West Bloomfield. Tickets for this event 8-10 cups mixed greens (or a combination of romaine, Bibb lettuce, watercress, arugula, The festival will take place from 9:30 a.m. are limited and cost $60 per person. For infor- frisee, red leaf, and spinach, chopped) until 4:30 p.m. at the university’s Kochoff Hall. mation on the banquet, contact Gloria The morning session, which runs until 12:30 Korkoian at 313-730-6698 or Tamar Kadian at Brown Sugar Nuts p.m., will feature Michelle Andonian, 248-723-5520. Fliers for both events are posted 2-3 tablespoons unsalted butter Christopher Atamian, Robert George Koolakian, at the Armenian Genocide Centennial 1/2 cup light or dark brown sugar Marian Mesrobian MacCurdy, and Scout Committee of Greater Detroit Facebook page. 2 tablespoons maple syrup (or honey) 1 tablespoon water 1/4 cup each almonds, walnuts, macadamia nuts or pecans Dash of sea salt Popular Armenian Songs at Armenian Museum 1/4 teaspoon vanilla 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon WATERTOWN — The Armenian Museum of America, the Composer’s Union of Armenia, and the Amaras Art Alliance present: “Popular Songs by Armenian Composers In a medium pan, melt the butter, add the brown sugar, and mix together for a few min- Performed by the Bostonians” on Sunday, November 1, from 2 to 4 p.m. The concert will utes on low heat; add the maple syrup (or honey) and water, and cook all ingredients until be held on the 3rd floor of the Armenian Museum in the Adele & Haig Der Manuelian bubbly; add the nuts, salt, vanilla and cinnamon, and toss until the nuts are well coated. Galleries. Toss for a few minutes longer, remove from heat, and spoon nuts onto a plate or sheet of The concert will feature the voices of Nouné Karapetian, Roselin Osser, Michael Calmés, wax paper to dry completely. and Philip Lima accompanied by William Merrill on the piano. They will be performing a range of popular songs from Armenian composers. PREPARATION: Light refreshments will be served at a reception following the concert. Both the con- In a large bowl, combine the lentils, pasta, apricots, apples, grapes, zucchini, shallot, and cert and the reception are free and open to the public. This concert is made possible by raisins; add the green onions, parsley and mint, and toss. a donation from the Dadourian Foundation. Season with salt, pepper, paprika and lemon zest. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice or vinegar to taste and toss. Serve salad at room temperature or chill for 2-3 hours before serving. Divide the mixed greens on four serving plates. Spoon the salad on top of the mixed greens and garnish with Brown Sugar Nuts. *Diced ham or shredded cooked chicken, turkey or pork may be added to this salad for lunch or dinner.

Serves 4.

To see more of Christine’s recipes, go to: http://search.myrecipes.com/search.html?Ntt=datian orhttp://www.thearmeniankitchen.com/

Christine Vartanian Datian is a native of Fresno, California and lives in Las Vegas. She is a graduate of Fresno High School and California State University, Fresno (CSUF), and Nouné Karapetian, Roselin Osse, Philip Lima holds a Master of Arts Degree (MA) in Mass Communications. She has been published in Sunset and Cooking Light magazines. S ATURDAY, O CTOBER 1 0 , 2 0 1 5 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 13 ARTS & LIVING CC AA LENDARLENDAR

North Africa Division, Human Rights Watch. A reception brating 40 years and beyond. Reservations and informa- CALIFORNIA follows at the Millennium Bostonian Hotel. The annual tion, call (617) 923-4542 or www.ProjectSAVE.org. lecture is supported by Armenian Heritage Park’s K. NOVEMBER 21 — Presentation of a new book and book NOVEMBER 7 — Saturday, “100 Years and Flourishing,” George and Carolann S. Najarian Endowed Fund. For signing of Muron Scented Whispers by Monsignor Andon St. Peter Church Ladies Society 57th Annual Fashion details, please email [email protected] Atamian, new of the Holy Cross Armenian Catholic Show and Luncheon, at Four Seasons, Westlake Village, OCTOBER 24 — Armenian Friends of America presents Church. Presentation by Avik Derentz Deirmenjian, 7 CA. Details to come. “Hye Kef 5,” dinner-dance, 7 p.m.-midnight, DiBurro’s p.m., Holy Cross Armenian Catholic Church, Atinizian Function Hall, 887 Boston Road, Ward Hill (Haverhill). Hall, 200 Lexington St., Belmont. Reception to follow. FLORIDA Dinner served promptly at 7:30. Music by Mal DECEMBER 4, and DECEMBER 5 —Trinity Christmas Barsamian/Johnny Berberian Ensemble. Tickets $50 by Bazaar, Friday, 12-9 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., JANUARY 9-17, 2016 Fort Lauderdale, Armenian reservation only. Call either John Arzigian (603) 560- Holy Trinity Armenian Church of Greater Boston, 145 Heritage Cruise XIX 2016, 8-night Caribbean Cruise 3826; Lucy Sirmaian (978) 683-9121; Sandy Boroyan Brattle St., Cambridge. Mark your calendars; details to aboard Royal Caribbean’s Navigator Of The Seas. (978) 251-8687, or Peter Guzelian (978) 375-1616. follow. For further information, contact the church office Travelling to: Labadee-Private beach Island/Puerto Proceeds to benefit area Armenian churches. at 617-354-0632 or email [email protected]. Rico/St. Kitts/St. Maarten. Cabin Rates from $819 based OCTOBER 24 — Fall Harvest Bazaar, Saturday, 12 noon DECEMBER 13 — Christmas Holiday Concert – Erevan on Double Occupancy, including Port Charges and ACAA to 8pm, First Armenian Church, 380 Concord Ave., Choral Society and Orchestra, 7 p.m., Church registration fee. Government taxes of $107.40 are addi- Belmont. Handmade choreg, manti, Armenian pastries Sanctuary, Holy Trinity Armenian Church of Greater tional. Call 1- 561-447-0750 or 1-866-447-0750 Ext. 108. and more. Grilled kebab all day. Marketplace treasures. Boston, 145 Brattle St., Cambridge, MA. Save the date; Ask for Gail. All are welcome, rain or shine. MBTA and handicapped details to follow. accessible. Information:617-489-4779. DECEMBER 31 — St. James 2016 New Year’s Eve Celebration. MASSACHUSETTS OCTOBER 25 — 2nd Annual Holy Trinity Tailgate, 12 Entertainment by Arthur Apkarian and Band from p.m.-4:30 p.m., Charles and Nevart Talanian Cultural Hall, Montreal. Save the date, details to follow. St. James Armenian OOCTOBER 16-17 — St. James 68th Annual Bazaar, 11 Holy Trinity Armenian Church. 145 Brattle Street, Church, 465 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown. a.m. to 9 p.m., food served 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Delicious Cambridge. All are welcome to a tailgate party to watch Armenian Food and Pastries. Silent Auction, Attic the New England Patriots vs. New York Jets game, which MICHIGAN Treasures, Booths and Vendors. Apple Raffle (including begins at 1 p.m., on the 12-foot screen. Lots of food, an iWatch), $100 Raffle and Children’s Activities. St. beverages and snacks. Sponsored by the “Trinity Men’s NOVEMBER 1 — Tekeyan Cultural Association and the James Armenian Church,465 Mt. Auburn St., Union.” For further information, contact the Church Cultural Society of Armenians from Istanbul will host a Watertown. Sponsorship opportunities available. For office, 617.354.0632, or email [email protected]. tribute to community leader and architect Osep Sarafian. more information contact 617.923.8860 or OCTOBER 25 — Armenian Genocide 100th Anniversary Sarafian and his wife, Nadya, the retired principal of the visit www.stjameswatertown.org. Memorial Concert, 4 p.m., Mechanics Hall, 321 Main AGBU school, have been active in the community since OCTOBER 17 — St. Gregory Armenian Church of Street. Worcester. Sunday, Co-Sponsored by Master 1980. He has visited Armenia more than 40 times to raise Merrimack Valley annual fall fair, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Singers Of Worcester and Armenian Church Of Our money for specific projects through the World Bank. The Jaffarian Hall, 158 Main St., North Andover; shish, losh & Saviour with performances by the combined choruses of program will be at South John Armenian Church Cultural chicken kebab dinners; lentil kheyma, regular kheyma, the Master Singers and the Greater Worcester Armenian Hall, 22001 Northwestern, Southfield, starting at 6 pm., vegetarian plates; pastries, games, raffles; further details, Singers plus a children’s chorus and a children’s dance dinner at 7 pm. Musical interlude with opera singer (978) 685-5038 or Ann Apovian (978) 521-2245 or Sossy group. Tickets: $25.00 adults, $20.00 seniors and stu- Solange Merdinian. $50 per person donation. To RSVP Jeknavorian (978) 256-2538. dents. For information call 508-756-2931. call Karine Koundakjian (248) 761-9744, Diana Alexanian OCTOBER 18 — The documentary “Garod” will be shown OCTOBER 29-NOVEMBER 7 — “Daybreak,” Joyce Van (248) 334-3636 or Sylva Sagherian (248) 592-0825. on Sunday, 1 to 3:15 p.m., MIT Building 4, Room 163, Dyke’s play about two women who were best friends and Cambridge. The film will be in English and Armenian, survivors of the Armenian Genocide, will be produced at with Turkish subtitles. “Garod” is about the lives and the Tufts University in the Balch Arena Theater, directed by NEW YORK musical stories of two Armenian musicians: A father and Barbara W. Grossman. (The play was previously pro- OCTOBER 14 — The Cathedral of St. John the Divine kicks his son, Onnik Dinkjian and Ara Dinkjian. Onnik Dinkjian duced under the title, “Deported / a dream off the 2015–2016 Great Music in a Great Space concert is one of the most influential Armenian singers with his play”). Performances are October 29-30 at 8 p.m., series with Great Choir: Four Quarters of Jerusalem, a unique style of singing, evoking the Anatolian Armenian October 31 at 2 p.m., November 5-7 at 8 p.m. Tickets are concert celebrating the vibrant cultures that make up the sound in America. Onnik Dinkjian’s family was from $15 for general public, $10 for seniors, and $1 Holy Land, on Wednesday, 7:30 p.m. at the cathedral, Diyarbakır/Dikranagert and they had to leave the country on November 5. For tickets call the box office, 1047 Amsterdam Avenue (at 112th Street), Manhattan. after 1915. Onnik Dinkjian was born in France and never 617.627.3493, M-F, 9 am-5 pm. Under the leadership of Director of Cathedral Music Kent saw his homeland until he was seventy-five. Yet he grew NOVEMBER 6 and 7 — Annual Autumnfest Bazaar Tritle, the Cathedral Choir is joined by world music up in a neighborhood of Dikranagertsi Armenians listen- sponsored by the Armenian Church at Hye Pointe, ensemble Rose of the Compass for a revised reprise of ing to the stories and songs of his ‘home.’ For more infor- 110 Main St, Haverhill, Friday 12 – 8 pm and Saturday their 2013 collaboration celebrating the diverse musical mation, see www.garoddocumentary.com 12 – 7 pm. Lamb, Losh, Chicken Kebab and Kheyma. traditions stemming from and inspired by the Holy City of OCTOBER 18 — Holy Trinity Armenian Church’s Annual Dinner served all day. Pastry table, Armenian cuisine, gift Jerusalem. The performance will be an inspiring mix of Banquet honoring Deacon James M. Kalustian, as baskets, raffles for cash and prizes. For more info, visit Coptic chant, Armenian psalms, Sufi melodies, and Parishioner of the Year, following church services, Charles www.hyepointearmenianchurch.org or call (978) 372- Jewish, Muslim, Armenian and Christian prayers, featur- and Nevart Talanian Cultural Hall, 145 Brattle St. 9227. ing Middle Eastern instruments such as the oud, the Cambridge. Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate, NOVEMBER 6-7 — St. Stephen’s Armenian Apostolic kanun, the dap and the chalumeau. This concert also cel- Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern) Church 59th Annual Bazaar. Friday and Saturday, 10 ebrates the release of a CD of this repertoire on the Pro presiding. During the Banquet, recognition will also be a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Armenian Cultural and Educational Organo label. 7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. given to outgoing Parish Council members Ara Hollisian Center, 47 Nichols Ave., Watertown. Meals served from and Thomas H. Stephanian, and Diocesan Delegates, 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Takeout is available. Delicious Gerald Ajemian and David DerVartanian. Dinner dona- meals. Armenian pastries. Gourmet Gift Shoppe. Raffles. RHODE ISLAND tion is $35. Seating by advance paid reservation only with Attic Treasures. Live auction at 7 p.m. For more informa- a RSVP deadline of October 13. For further information, tion, call the church at (617) 924-7562. OCTOBER 18 — Sts. Sahag & Mesrob Armenian Church call the church office, 617.354.0632, or log NOVEMBER 5 — Avak luncheon, noon, St. Gregory - Name Day Banquet to be held following church services onto http://www.htaac.org/calendar/event/110/. Armenian Church, 158 Main St., North Andover. Speaker, in the Egavian Cultural Center. Honoring Parishioners of OCTOBER 18 — Resilient Voices: 1915 - 2015, a concert Ruth Thomasian, executive director, Project SAVE the Year: William Aznavourian, Hagop Boghosian, Jasper commemorating the centennial of the Armenian Photographic Archives, “Forty Years of Preserving Der Ananian, Agnes Killabian, Bertha Mugurdichian and Genocide, 3 p.m. at Jordan Hall of the New England Armenian History Through Photographs.” NOVEMBER Lucy Muradian. Tickets: Adults $20, Children (under 15) Conservatory of Music, Boston. Presented by the Boston 10 – Nowhere, A Story of Exile, book presentation $10. For tickets contact Ann Ayrassian (401-272-4743) Modern Orchestra Project and the Friends of Armenian by author Anna Astvatsaturian Turcotte recounting [email protected] or Church Office (401-272-7712) Culture Society and featuring the Boston premiere of her family’s escape from Baku in 1989 to Armenia and office @stsahmes.org Deadline for ticket sales: October Tigran Mansurian’s Requiem. Also music by Komitas, then to America. Armenian Cultural Foundation, 13. no tickets sold at the door. Hovhaness and Shostakovich. Nareh Arghamanyan, Arlington. Reception 7 p.m., program 8 p.m. Open to the piano; Gil Rose, conductor. For tickets and information, public free of charge. Armenian International Women’s send e-mail to [email protected] or visit Association New England Affiliate Resilient Women www.FACSBoston.org. Series. Info:[email protected]. OCTOBER 22 — 2015 Najarian Lecture on Human NOVEMBER 14 — Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair, 10 a.m. to Rights at Faneuil Hall, Boston. 7:30 p.m. In 4 p.m., at Jaffarian Hall, St. Gregory Armenian Church, Commemoration Of The Armenian Genocide Centennial 158 Main St., North Andover; handcrafted items by local - Honoring America’s Call To Action: Then & Now - Peter crafters & artisans; light lunch served; further details, Balakian, Donald M. and Constance H. Rebar Professor, Dorothy (978) 686-7769 or Rose (978) 256-0594. Colgate University; author, The Burning Tigris: The NOVEMBER 21 — An evening with Project SAVE Armenian Genocide and America’s Response; a short Armenian Photograph Archives, Inc., Scottish Rite play by Joyce Van Dyke commissioned for this lecture and Masonic Museum & Library (previously National Sarah Leah Whitson, Executive Director, Middle East & Heritage Museum), 33 Marrett Road, Lexington, cele- 14 S ATURDAY, O CTOBER 1 0 , 2 0 1 5 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMENTARY

COMMENTARY Mirror Is War Imminent in the Caucasus?

nation with his colleagues. One such persistent statements Spectator By Edmond Y. Azadian has pushed forth the argument that Armenian side has to cede the seven regions around Karabagh, which had been occupied as a strategic buffer to guarantee the security of the Karabagh When a cease-fire agreement was reached in May 1994 people and their armed forces. between Armenia and Azerbaijan through Russia’s mediation, That mantra had begun earlier by Turkey’s then-Foreign no one had the illusion that the specter of war had dissipated Minister Mehmet Davutoglu, after the collapse of the Turkish- EstablishedEstablished 1932 1932 from South Caucasus. The bone of contention between the Armenian protocols in Zurich in 2009 that in order to demon- An ADLAn Publication ADL Publication two adversaries, namely Nagorno Karabagh, became one of strate its flexibility, the Armenian side has at least to evacuate the “frozen conflicts” emerging in the wake of the collapse of one region. In both cases, there has been no suggestion of a the . reciprocal move by the Azeri side. Compromise means two But the recent escalation of tensions across the border of consenting parties making reciprocal concessions to reach a the two countries is testing many assumptions and some EDITOR common goal. Concession by one party does not lead to a Alin K. Gregorian alliances. solution. Speeches delivered at the United Nations’ General Assembly Thus far, the retaliation from the Armenian side has been ASSISTANT EDITOR marking the 70th anniversary of that world body by Armenia’s swift and punishing. But Azerbaijan needs the war rhetoric, if Aram Arkun President Serge Sargisian’s and Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister not he war. The dictatorial regime has been severely criticized Elmar Mammadyarov did not give any indication that peace ART DIRECTOR by the European Union and the US for human rights viola- Marc Mgrditchian was at hand; on the contrary, both speeches concluded with tions. veiled threats of war. Despite the obscenely opulent lifestyle of the ruling Aliyev The fact that Nagorno Karabagh has never been an integral clan, more than700,000 Azeris are domestic refugees kept in part of Azerbaijan’s territory has not received traction in any abject poverty in order to divert the world’s attention to their international forum. Even during the Soviet period, the region “foreign enemy.” SENIOR EDITORIAL COLUMNIST: had the status of an autonomous oblast under Baku’s juris- Recent war games on Armenia’s borders with the participa- Edmond Azadian diction, rather than Azeri territory. Notwithstanding Nariman tion of Turkish, Azeri and Georgian armed forces intend to Narimanov’s statement, after Azerbaijan’s Sovietization, demonstrate that Armenian is an isolated country, which is CONTRIBUTORS: Karabagh, Zangezur and Nakhijevan are part of Armenia’s ter- not far from the truth. That situation is exacerbated by Florence Avakian, Dr. Haroutiun ritory proper for perpetuity. Narimanov was the Azeri leader Armenia’s rapid depopulation, which has pleased Aliyev Arzoumanian, Taleen Babayan, Diana in the immediate post-Soviet era Azerbaijan. Only in 1920, the tremendously. He has indicated many times that Azerbaijan Der Hovanessian, Philip Ketchian, British government convinced Karabagh’s Consultative can wait until Armenia becomes an easy prey through its Kevork Keushkerian, Harut Sassounian, Council to accept Azerbaijani tutelage, until its final status Hagop Vartivarian, Naomi Zeytoonian depopulation. could be determined by the Treaty of Sevres (August 10, Recent comments by Turkey have inflamed the already- CORRESPONDENTS: 1920). Ever since, Armenians in Karabagh have been waiting volatile situation. Indeed, the chief of the General Staff of the Armenia - Hagop Avedikian for the legal status of their ancestral land. Turkish Armed Forces, Hulusi Akar, has stated: “Turkey will Boston - Nancy Kalajian Armenia’s strategic ally, Russia, has not endorsed the prin- support Azerbaijan in the Settlement of the Nagorno- Philadelphia - Lisa Manookian ciple that Karabagh broke away from Azerbaijan and the Karabagh conflict.” Berlin - Muriel Mirak-Weissbach Soviet Union through the same legal vehicle (the Soviet con- Adding insult to injury is the Russian equivocation when stitution) which Baku implemented in dissolving its ties with Contributing Photographers: Armenia’s security is in question. Armenia is a partner with Jacob Demirdjian and Jirair Hovsepian the Union, thus rendering Russia in the Customs Union. the Helsinki final act into a Also, it is a strategic ally in rectangular wheel which recent war games on the CSTO. The other mem- supposedly will resolve the bers of the CSTO, namely The Armenian Mirror-Spectator is published self-determination of armenia’s borders with the Kazakhstan and Belarus, con- weekly, except two weeks in July and the first Karabagh people without week of the year, by: participation of turkish, tinue their relations with compromising Azerbaijan’s Azerbaijan and they issue Baikar Association, Inc. territorial integrity. azeri and georgian armed generic statements in view of 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 Even four UN resolutions the ceasefire violations. The Telephone: 617-924-4420 on the issue have assumed forces intend to demonstrate Russian military base in FAX: 617-924-2887 Karabagh was an integral that armenia is an isolated Gumri is supposed to protect www.mirrorspectator.com part of Azerbaijan’s territo- Armenia in case of an attack. E-Mail: [email protected] ry, making Armenia’s chal- country, which is Baku has diverted its fire For advertising: [email protected] lenge an uphill legal battle. not far from the truth. from Karabagh to Armenia These resolutions were proper, yet we still have to passed through Turkey’s hear a comment from our political manipulations and Russian ally. with the votes of the members of the Islamic Conference, in The previously mentioned editorial in Lragir further com- which Ankara and Baku are members. ments on Armenian-Russian relations: “And when a de jure SUBSCRIPTION RATES: The politics around the conflict are based on the above legal ally and friend is de facto arming the enemy, turning on a parameters. green light for the aggression of the enemy, especially that de Since the signing of the ceasefire, the resolution of the con- facto alliance with the United States is becoming more than U.S.A. $80 a year flict has been consigned to the Organization for Security and important.” Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Minsk Group, with the co- Azerbaijan also buys its armaments from Turkey and espe- Canada $125 a year chairmanship of Russia, the US and France. cially drones from Israel. One Israeli expert, Dr. Alexander Other Countries $190 a year For the last two decades, the Minsk Group has been Tsinker, has revealed: “We supply hardware to Azerbaijan, but engaged in shuttle diplomacy, spinning its wheels to no avail. it is only business. I have talked to Armenian colleagues and One aspect of the group which has been consistent was that told them if Armenia wants, it also can purchase necessary thus far they have spoken with one voice. This is no longer hardware from Israel, but Armenia’s answer was confused, say- © 2014 The Armenian Mirror-Spectator true. ing that it is a CSTO member” and armaments are not com- Periodical Class Postage Paid at Boston, MA Several meetings between the presidents of the two coun- patible with CSTO systems. and additional mailing offices. tries, in locales as varied as Key West, Astana, Madrid and What Davutoglu and Warlick have been suggesting has also ISSN 0004-234X Moscow — through OSCE — have not been able to achieve a found its echo with President Putin. During the last one-on- breakthrough. one meeting President Putin told Armenian President Serge During the recent cross-border skirmishes, however, new Sargisian that in order to ease tensions, Armenia has to relin- POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The and dangerous weapons systems have been introduced from Armenian Mirror-Spectator, 755 Mount Auburn quish control of seven regions around Karabagh unilaterally, St., Watertown, MA 02472 Turkey. The violation of the ceasefire has been accompanied without any guarantees on the future status of Karabagh. This by louder rhetoric of bellicose statements and not only by Other than the editorial, views and opinions is the real test of Armenian-Russian military treaty. Moscow expressed in this newspaper do not necessarily third-class government officials. President of has long been trying to introduce Russian peacekeeping reflect the policies of the publisher. Azerbaijan himself has been claiming not only the Karabagh forces in Karabagh to consolidate its military position in the territory, but also the sovereign territory of Armenia. Backing Caucasus. The Armenian side has been resisting that policy, his words with action, Aliyev’s army has been attacking the with the argument that its armed forces can guarantee the civilization population in the Tavoush region of Armenia and security of the two Armenian republics an indeed, despite violating the ceasefire on the Armenia-Nakhijevan border. Armenia’s alarming depopulation, today’s wars are won Copying for other than personal use or An editorial in lragir.am on October 1 suggests, “Of course through technology and strategy. Military analysts believe internal reference is prohibited without Aliyev could be constrained by the OSCE Minsk Group, but that Armenia still possesses the strategic edge. However, no express permission of the copyright obviously the group has not consensus on this. It is clear that one can tell for how long. owner. Address requests for reprints or the Russian policy is encouraging Azerbaijan to seek new vio- back issues to: Russia has its hands full in Ukraine and Syria, but more lations.” often than not, second fronts of war are triggered in this kind That there is discord within the Minsk Group is apparent of confusing situations. Baikar Association, Inc. from the fact that the American co-chair James Warlick has The last thing Armenia needs is a new war. Even if Armenia 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472- been issuing individual comments, apparently with no coordi- wins, it will be costly and bloody. 1509 S ATURDAY, O CTOBER 1 0 , 2 0 1 5 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 15 COMMENTARY

ly stated that the Pan-Armenian Council would include rep- During the discussion, Hrant Markarian, Chairman of the resentatives of the Republic of Armenia, , Bureau of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation, suggest- major Diasporan organizations, key Armenian state agencies, ed that, in addition to the Pan-Armenian Council, regional religious institutions, civil society, and political parties. councils be formed in various parts of the Diaspora to help The resolution directed that: organize in 2016, the 25th anniversary of the independence My Turn — The Pan-Armenian Council be of advisory nature, have of the Armenian Republic, and in 2018, the 100th anniver- geographic and thematic committees, and meet annually in sary of the founding of the first Republic of Armenia. By Harut Sassounian Yerevan; I took the floor next asking why the Pan-Armenian Council — The Council include on its permanent agenda the fol- did not include representatives of the public-at-large, to lowing items: a) review of a comprehensive annual report on ensure that the majority of Armenians, who are not members Pan-Armenian Council to conditions of Armenians around the world, b) discussion on of any Armenian organization, are represented in the Supersede Armenian Genocide the recognition, condemnation and elimination of the conse- Council. The President of Armenia, Serzh Sargsyan, respond- quences of the Armenian Genocide, and c) coordination of ed that his staff had explored such a possibility, but had given Centennial Committee pan-Armenian activities; up due to the difficulty of selecting representatives from the — The Council hold its inaugural session in Yerevan Armenian Diaspora. I mentioned that there are mechanisms The Armenian Genocide Centennial State Committee on September 20, 2016; for selecting representatives from the various Armenian com- unanimously adopted a resolution on September 26 in — The Organizing Committee prepare and send to mem- munities. The President welcomed the suggestion and Yerevan to form a Pan-Armenian Council. Also present were bers of the State Committee and regional AGCC’s by April referred it to the Organizing Committee. President of the representatives of Armenian Genocide Centennial 15, 2016, a preliminary outline of the structure and compo- Constitutional Court Gagik Harutyunyan and former Prime Committees (AGCC) from 40 countries, with the exception of sition of the Pan-Armenian Council; hold consultations on Minister Vazken Manoukian also commented on the possible the AGCC’s of the Eastern and Western United States. the direction, format and activities of the Council; plan the inclusion of representatives from the general public in the An Organizing Committee was formed composed of 12 indi- inaugural session of the Council; and by July 15, 2016 inform Pan-Armenian Council. viduals: Gagik Harutyunyan, President of the Constitutional State Committee members of its date and place; As I have explained in previous columns, the Pan- Court of Armenia; Vigen Sargsyan, Armenian President’s Chief — The Diaspora Minister prepare the first report of Armenian Council would eliminate the need to form separate of Staff; Hranoush Hakobyan, Armenia’s Diaspora Minister; and “Conditions of Armenians Around the World,” in consulta- committees on the occasion of each Armenian crisis or issue. representatives of the Holy See of Etchmiadzin, Holy See of the tion with the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Culture, In my view, it would be preferable that Diasporan members Great House of Cilicia, Armenian Catholic Church; Armenian Education and Science, state agencies, and Diasporan orga- of the Council be selected through democratic elections held Evangelical Church, Armenian Revolutionary Federation, nizations, including the State Committee and regional in various Armenian communities around the world — a very Armenian Democratic League, Social Democratic Hunchakian AGCC’s; present by May 1, 2016, a preliminary report to the difficult, yet rewarding task, if implemented successfully! Party, Union of Russian Armenians, and Armenian General State Committee and regional AGCC’s seeking their propos- Finally, there was no discussion at the September 26 meet- Benevolent Union. als; hold consultations with regional AGCC’s to prepare pro- ing on the role of the Diaspora Ministry after the Pan- Possibly due to oversight, the Organizing Committee did posals regarding their relationship with the Pan-Armenian Armenian Council is formed. This would be an important not include a representative of the Republic of Artsakh Council; and finalize the report by the Sept. 20th session of issue for the Organizing Committee to consider in its upcom- (Nagorno Karabagh). However, the adopted resolution clear- the Council. ing deliberations.

Turgut Er: Heydar Aliyev The Practicality of Peace Regime Humiliated and Fleeced to approximate it — and we are getting infinitesimally By Nicolas Atayan Nave closer as we speak. Turkish Investors in Azerbaijan The question “How do we achieve world peace?” is inherently pessimistic and misguided. It implies that Heydar Aliyev laughed with the Russians, while to the Turkish visitors, Peace is ever-evolving measure of overall human world peace is some fixed state that we can one day he was cold and sometimes even threatening, keeping his distance, writes conflict, and has eluded us since the dawn of time. arrive at, and it implies that world peace is something the Turkish diplomat Turgut Er, who served press attaché for the Turkish Since the beginning of human history, we have stolen, we are far from at the present. It is true that we will embassy in Azerbaijan during Heydar Aliyev’s rule, in his book “From killed, conquered, argued, and warred. Peace has never achieve this contrived, fabled state, but we can Freedom to Tyranny.” always been regarded as an obviously preferable but get as close as we possibly can to it, and we are. Right Heydar Aliyev’s regime of tyranny targeted the “poor Turkish unrealistic state of existence and relegated to the now we are as close to it as we have ever been, and entrepreneurs” who worked in Azerbaijan. They were not able to stand the world of cliches, along with “true love” and “karma.” this is something to be realized and celebrated. Aliyev regime’s humiliations, bribery and groundless checks, according to But there is good news, and you may not have known Compared to any other time on Earth, today ranks Er. about it until now —statistics show 2015 is the most as more peaceful, and tomorrow will rank as even The Turkish entrepreneurs, who employed over 40 thousand peaceful time on Earth in recorded history. This isn’t more peaceful than today. All we have to do is sit back Azerbaijanis, were not allowed to invest more than 3 billion dollars. Since some fluke either — we are only getting more peace- and watch. This is not to say that we do not have to 1997, the factories started to be taken away from the owners. ful with time, this is a trend that has been persisting put effort into this — clearly we do. But humanity has According to Er, Heydar Aliyev revived the Soviet system and its tradi- for a while now. It may be surprising to some, given been making the effort this entire time without even tions. Under the guise of “checks,” accusations were brought against the that terrorist attacks and school shootings seem to realizing it (The establishment of governments entrepreneurs, in accord with the laws of the communist system. They happen on a weekly basis. However, on the whole, and the advent of technologies have all inadvertently were forced to sell their business for five gapiks (1/100 of Azerbaijani there has never been a safer time to be alive. contributed to the furthering of world peace), and we manat), or else, “rot” in the basements of KGB. “The people abandoned The question, “How can we achieve world peace” is will continue to do so as the drive to advance as a their fortune and returned to Turkey to get back on their feet,” this is how a question that has no immediate practical answer. species is biologically ingrained in us. the author describes the state of affairs in Azerbaijan in those times. The truth is that we will never live in a completely We live in the real world, not a utopia. In the real Remarkably, even the Turkish Embassy was not able to do something peaceful utopia and there will always be someone world, we have to deal with the unfortunate existence about it, because Heydar Aliyev stood in front of the embassy staff backed stealing, murdering, or committing some sort of things like disease, war, and scarcity. Sure, we can by Suleyman Demirel. “The relations between the two countries were not of crime. What we should be aspiring towards as a talk about hypothetical utopias where these plagues intergovernmental but rather interpersonal,” the former diplomat writes. species is to be as peaceful as practically don’t exist, but really we know that those worlds are According to Er, the only person before whom the executive power was possible, and this is something that can only be not potential realities. What we should be discussing accountable, was Aliyev. Once a year their gathered in the Lenin Palace or achieved through increased modernization of the are worlds where we have as little suffering as possi- in the building of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the world. The overall trend of increased peacefulness cor- ble. And these worlds are coming, and in some sense Soviet Union to “render an account” in meetings, which foreigners called relates with the concurrent trend of increased tech- they are already here. What we must continue to do “comedy.” The reports had the following content: electricity, water and nological and cultural modernization. One example of is continue the trend of liberalization, modernization, fuel needs satisfied; abundance of grain, meat, bread, vegetables, fruit, but- how cultural modernization influenced world peace is and education that has ushered in this era of peace- ter and cheese; employees’ salaries paid in time; roads constructed, munici- the Civil Rights Movement — people in the United fulness. Look at the most violent areas on Earth - pal services provided, companies operated. They wanted Heydar Aliyev to States became educated and collectively realized the none of them have first world amenities to the same speak at those meetings and make fake “signals” to confirm what they barbarity of racial discrimination, resulting in a more degree that we in the developed world have. These said, which would serve a proof for them that the aforementioned execu- peaceful world today. trailing countries must develop to match us, and we tive power provided the services for the people and the country. It can be seen that the least peaceful places on must also continue to develop, for development is the “The people talked about how many million dollars’ bribe one was to Earth at the moment are also some of the least devel- root of peace. And as long as we as a species contin- pay to those in power in order to get a position,” Er writes. He highlights oped, and vice versa. To achieve a higher sense of ue to develop as we have, we should reap the rewards that the rumors and talks applied to the police chiefs, investigators, world peace, countries which lag behind the most of a more peaceful world. judges, chief physicians, university rectors, department heads, factory developed ones must modernize on all directors and ministers. fronts. But how can this be done? Simply by virtue of (Nicolas is a 17 year old Armenian-American stu- Referring to the collapse of the communist system, Er writes that patience. It may seem disingenuous, but it’s entirely dent currently going into his senior year at La Jolla Azerbaijan faced plenty of social, economic and political problems, the peo- serious — the world will only continue to become High School in California. During his junior year, he ple were indifferent to everything, and the relations between them and the more modern, resources will only continue to become enrolled in an after school volunteer program where government was based on fear, bribery and lawlessness. “The road to more available, and technology will only continue to he has dedicated many hours editing and rewriting Heydar bey’s residence was closed for three or four hours. In summer and become more advanced as time goes on. No countries business documents. Upon completion of his work, winter, soldiers of the Internal Troops and police officers stood on both are going backwards in terms of technological or cul- he was asked to write an essay about peace for this sides of the road. This sight made me boil up from the inside,” Er recalls. tural development. As these things happen, world year’s California International Music and Arts When Heydar Aliyev went to his dacha in Zagulba — 23-30 km from peace will also come hand in hand. Festival (The Voice of Peace) taking place at the Baku — police officers and soldiers stood on all his way long. Both in the We shouldn’t be worrying too much about peace; United Nations on August 11, 2015. This was the winter cold and in hot summers, those people stood for four or five hours we are living in some of the most peaceful times ever 10th Annual event organized by SACC, Sino- waiting for Heydar Aliyev’s motorcade to pass — a deplorable sight for the and the statistics are not in favor of that changing any American Cultural Council, Help You Learn, LLC, author and other foreign observers. Once the author asked his driver, time soon. No, we don’t live in a fairy tale perfect and Azeneration. He was invited to the UN by the “Why are these people being tormented all day long? They have good world, but that’s okay because we are doing our best event organizers to deliver it as a speech.) see FLEECED, page 16 16 S ATURDAY, O CTOBER 1 0 , 2 0 1 5 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR

Community Leaders Former Ambassador Morgenthau, Sr. Receives Tribute at US Congress Meet Pres. of Armenia MORGANTHAU, from page 1 in New York Sargisian delivered an address at the end of which SARGISIAN, from page 1 Eduardo Eurnekian handed Central Committee, and Hagop Vartivarian for over the Raoul Wallenberg the Armenian Democratic Liberal Party’s Foundation Medal dedicated District Committee of the US and Canada were to Henry Morgenthau, Sr., present. former US Ambassador to In addition, A. Festekjian repre- the . The sented the Armenian General Benevolent medal was received by his Union’s Central Board of Directors. Van grandson, Robert Krikorian, co-chairman of the Armenian Morgenthau. From 1975 Assembly of America, Hirant Gulian of the until his retirement in 2009, Knights of Vartan, Lisa Stepanian, executive Morgenthau was the District director of Armenia Fund, USA, Randy Sapah- Attorney for New York Gulian, chairman of the Board of Directors of County, the borough of the Fund for Armenian Relief, Aso Tavitian, Manhattan. He is the second president of the Tavitian Foundation, and Dr. longest-serving district attor- Raffy Hovanessian of the Diocese of the ney in United States history. Armenian Church of America (Eastern) also The Raoul Wallenberg attended. Foundation is an education- In a speech lasting approximately 25 minutes, From left, Baruch Tenembaum, Robert M. Morgenthau, Taner Akcam and Eduardo Eurnekian al, global-reach NGO chaired by President Sargisian presented the fundamental Eurnekian and created by issues and challenges facing the Republic of Baruch Tenembaum. Jorge Armenia. He noted in detail the successes Bergoglio, now Pope Francis, is one of its dizing their existence, saving Armenians and Morgenthau said: “The legacy of Raoul achieved in connection with the centennial of founding members. Assyrians, Greeks and Jews, Darfurians and Wallenberg holds a very personal signifi- the Armenian Genocide with the Vatican and “If there is agony and genocide in this others from the claws of death. Henry cance for my family. I can assure you that my various European and South American coun- world, there also exist Wallenbergs and Morgenthau, Raoul Wallenberg, and those grandfather would be especially pleased to tries. He spoke of the importance of the peace- Morgenthaus, who stand for all humanitari- who carry their torch today, can help life tri- know that one day his grandson would share ful settlement of the Karabagh issue, and the ans of this world, whether Christian or umph over death,” Sargisian stated. the podium with the President of an inde- circumstances surrounding Azerbaijan’s mili- Muslim, female or male, kin or alien, jeopar- In his acceptance speech, Robert pendent and free Armenia.” tary aggressions, as well as the issue of region- al stability and the peaceful development and security of the republics of Armenia and Mountainous Karabagh. He commented on the inhuman brutalities occurring in the Middle East, especially Syria, and the historical signifi- cance of the agreement with the Islamic Republic of Iran concerning the latter’s nuclear programs. (See the full text of the speech of President Sargisian starting on page 1.) Sargisian was accompanied by Armenian Foreign Minister Eduard Nalbandian, Ambassador to the US Tigran Sargisian, Mnatsakanyan, and Vigen Sargisian, presiden- tial chief of staff. After the president’s speech, he had the opportunity to meet with representatives of the American-Armenian community at the UN. He answered questions on questions such as on the number of deaths caused by the recent Azerbaijani attacks, the strength of Russian army units in Armenia, and the importance of faith of those who participated at the recent blessing of the miuron ceremony in Echmiadzin. He pointed out the need to help Armenian soldiers, and called for Armenian- American philanthropic organizations and indi- viduals to consider playing such a role. Sargisian and his retinue departed in the evening to the US capital, Washington DC. (Translated from the Armenian)

Turgut Er: Heydar Aliyev Regime Humiliated and Fleeced Turkish Investors in Azerbaijan FLEECED, from pge 15 helicopters they can use. This would save their time and those people would not suffer so much.” The driver laughed at that and said, “Sir, the old system was just the same — from the one hand, Heydar Aliyev loudly heartened the people, and created an atmosphere of fear from the other. The people know — Aliyev is the same Aliyev and the regime is the same regime.” After the publication of the book “From Freedom to Tyranny: As if Stalin and Beria revived,” the authorities in Azerbaijan accused Er of libel and anti-Azerbaijani activities as he unmasks Heydar Aliyev’s two-faced government and proves that Aliyev’s actions were often con- ditioned by personal interests rather than the benefit of the state and people. In response, Turgut Er said that everything he wrote in the book is based on well-known and published doc- uments, and the accusations of libel are yet another proof of the Azerbaijani authorities’ stupidity and meanness. (This piece originally appeared on the panorama.am website.)