OCTOBER 6, 2012

THE ARMENIAN

Mirror -Spe ctaItn Ouor Mirror -Spe ctatror 80th Year Volume LXXXIII, NO. 12, Issue 4257 $ 2.00 NEWS IN BRIEF The First English Language Armenian Weekly in the United States Since 1932 US Supreme Court Asks Government to File Donations Continue Brief on Genocide-era Pouring in to Support Life Insurance Claims Humanitarian Aid WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court this week Initiatives across Syria asked the solicitor general to file a brief detailing the US government’s position on the Ninth Circuit NEW YORK — The online and phone Court decision earlier this year which had struck fundraising campaign launched by the down a California law that allowed Armenian Armenian General Benevolent Union Americans to pursue Genocide-era life insurance (AGBU) earlier this month to aid Armenian claims, reported the Armenian National Committee communities affected by the deepening cri - of America (ANCA). sis in Syria has seen an overwhelming ANCA Government Affairs Director Kate Nahapetian response, with more than $150,000 dona - welcomed the move, adding, “The right to seek redress tions received in September. Support has from insurance companies and banks which have poured in from all corners of the world to improperly profited from the Genocide-era murders of meet the growing needs of thousands of their parents and grandparents should be absolute.” Armenian families in Aleppo, as well as in The US solicitor general will have several months AGBU volunteers form an assembly line to ensure that families throughout Syria Damascus and Kamishli, where cautionary to review and file its brief regarding the Ninth receive necessary food and supplies. security measures are being taken. Circuit Court decision, after which the Supreme see AID, page 16 Court will decide whether or not to hear the case. The Supreme Court’s decision is the latest in a long and complex legal history that has included three separate and conflicting opinions from the At UN General Debate Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, the most recent one Armenia Pledges to Armenian Assembly of America on February 23. Contribute to UN Reform 40th Anniversary Celebration Pays Armenian Woman Dies NEW YORK — On the last day of the In Aleppo Shelling General Assembly’s high-level debate on Tribute to Political, Social Leaders ALEPPO, Syria (PanARMENIAN.Net and October 1, Armenia’s Foreign Minister Armenpress) — An Armenian woman was killed in WASHINGTON — In Eduard Nalbandian, pledged to make a “fea - an Aleppo shelling, Outreach to Syrian Armenians a capacity-filled venue, sible contribution” to United Nations Facebook group founder Anahit Adamyan said. Armenian Assembly reform stressing the urgency of the settle - Citing Aleppo-based Serob Jahukyan, the 53-year- members, supporters ment of disputes by peaceful means. old woman died of her injuries in a hospital on and friends alike gath - “A few days ago, in the framework of the Saturday, September 29. ered last Saturday in UN, the first-ever High-Level Forum on the According to preliminary data, the number of downtown Los Angeles, Culture of Peace took place, urging toler - Armenian victims in Syria has topped 20. Calif., as the Assembly ance and building mutual understanding However, according to Aleppo Prelacy Press celebrated its 40th and mutual respect,” Nalbandian told the Secretary Jirayr Reisyan, residents are gradually anniversary, reported 67th Assembly at its general debate, at the returning to their everyday life. the Assembly. The UN Headquarters in New York. Arab mass media reported that the clashes in the Assembly gala honored “Unfortunately,” he added, “nowadays old market areas are ongoing. Earlier information several outstanding hate and intolerance are continuing to was received that 500 stores and shopping centers individuals exemplify - spread in some parts of the world and we have been burnt down in the historic old market. HARRY KOUNDAKJIAN PHOTO ing decades of public and community service. Mexicans Puzzled by Presenting the Assembly’s “Distin- Aliyev Monument guished Humanitarian MEXICO CITY (AP) — A life-size bronze statue of Award” to Elizabeth late Azerbaijan President Heydar Aliyev on Mexico Agbabian, Flora George and Gloria Deukmejian with Hirair Hovnanian City’s main boulevard has some Mexicans upset. Dunaians and Savey The memorial to an authoritarian leader from Tufenkian, Assembly the Caucasus been erected within sight of Mexico’s Chairman Hirair Hovnanian praised their work stating, “I am truly proud of them for bicentennial monument. Apparently, Azerbaijan their dedication and their loyalty to the Armenian people.” Hovnanian added: “You have contributed millions of dollars to landscape and set an example for people to follow in your footsteps.” Speaking on behalf of all three remodel the park where the monument is located, women, Dunaians stated, “we are overwhelmed and grateful for the honor.” as well as another public square in downtown Headlining the program, George Deukmejian, the 35th governor of California, pre - Armenia’s Foreign Minister Eduard Mexico City. sented the Assembly’s “George Deukmejian Award for Public Service” to Deborah Nalbandian shares a laugh with United Protesters say that a man who ruled such a far- Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon. and Charles Poochigian. In accepting the award, Deborah Poochigian expressed her away land with a heavy hand should not be on a appreciation stating that the governor and his wife were role models, adding, “we boulevard decorated with statues to Mexican and will always make you proud.” Charles Poochigian thanked the Assembly and its have yet to dig into the roots and causes of see ASSEMBLY, page 8 such a situation, to have the courage to openly ask difficult questions on the reasons and face sometimes painful responses.” INSI DE In his statement, Nalbandian referred to Mary Papazian Inducted what he termed the government of Azerbaijan’s “release and glorification” of As President of Southern Ramil Safarov, who was convicted of killing an Conn. State University Artistic Azeri officer, saying, “the scandalous affair has serious undermined the Nagorno-Karabagh NEW HAVEN (Combined Sources) — Dr. negotiation process and endangered the fragile Mary Papazian was inducted as the 11th pres - Landing regional security and stability.” ident and second female president of Southern Nalbandian also voiced concern at the Connecticut State University (SCSU) on Page 10 worsening situation in Syria, which he said Friday. directly affected the large Armenian com - Papazian, 53, the first Armenian- munity. “The denial of genocide and American woman to lead a US university — impunity pave the way for the repetition of focused academically on British literature, INDEX new crimes against humanity,” he noted. specifically 17th-century poet and clergy - Arts and Living ...... 10 Nalbandian is one of scores of world lead - Armenia ...... 2 man John Donne. She was provost and Mary Papazian (center) is invested by ers and other high-level officials presenting senior vice president for academic affairs Community News...... 4 Michael Meotti (behind Papazian), Editorial ...... 14 their views and comments on issues of indi - and professor of English at Lehman College Executive Vice President of the Board of International ...... 3 vidual, national and international relevance of the City University of New York before Regents, as the 11 President of Southern at the Assembly’s general debate. (See the coming to SCSU. Connecticut State University. full text of his speech on page 2.) see PAPAZIAN, page 7 2 S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 6, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARMENIA News From Armenia Text of Foreign Minister Eduard Nalbandian’s Speech at the United Nations

Syrian Armenian NEW YORK — Armenian Foreign applaud the glorification of a community are speaking in one lan - Families Request Asylum Minister Eduard Nalbandian deliv - heinous murderer? Azerbaijani lead - guage regarding the Nagorno- ered a speech at the General Debate ership is continuing to pretend that Karabagh issue. The documents on In Armenia of the 67th Session of the UN this act corresponds not only to the the settlement of the Nagorno- General Assembly. In his speech, he Azerbaijani constitution and legisla - Karabagh conflict adopted in the YEREVAN (Armenpress) — Eighty-five Syrian- touched upon the release of the con - tion, but also to the norms and prin - frameworks of the OSCE Armenian families, totaling 220 persons, have victed Azerbaijani murderer Ramil ciples of international law, the (Organization for Security and requested asylum from Armenia. Safarov, who had been released from respective European Convention. Cooperation in Europe) Astana As the head of the service said, more than 4,000 a Hungarian prison, the quest for The Council of Europe Summit of 2010 and Ministerial Syrian-Armenians are currently in Armenia, the peace in Nagorno Karabagh, the Commissioner of Human Rights Conferences of Helsinki 2008, head of the immigration office, Firdus Zakaryan, state of Syrian’s Armenian commu - warned, “to glorify and reward such Athens 2009, Almaty 2010, Vilnius said. “The most urgent issue our Syrian compatri- nity and recognition of the a person flies in the face of all 2011, the statements of presidents ots are facing is lack of jobs. Some specialties do Armenian Genocide. Excerpts from accepted standards for human rights of the co-chair countries in the not conform to the available work.” the text of the speech are presented protection and rule of law.” The frameworks of the G8 Summits in Union of Employers of Armenia is also making below: European Parliament president and L’Aquila in 2009, in Muskoka in efforts to alleviate the difficulties by offering free Armenia has committed itself to Parliamentary Assembly of the 2010, in Deauville in 2011 and dur - advice. Head of the Union of Employers of Armenia the strengthening of the institution - Council of Europe president alerted ing the G20 Summit 2012 in Los Gagik Makaryan said, “In the near future we have al capacities of the United Nations. about the abuse of the European Cabos are proofs of that. Armenia’s intentions to convene another similar conference We support the United Nations legal instrument. The United position is in line with these docu - with the participation of international experts. We reform processes and are ready to Nations High Commissioner for ments, is in line with the position of shall exert junctions to settle Syrian-Armenians job bring our feasible contribution to Human Rights said that “ethnically the international community — to go issues.” them. We believe that the reforms motivated hate crimes of this gravity for the settlement on this basis. The Ministry of Diaspora highlighted the problem are an opportunity to make the role should be deplored and properly Despite the intensive efforts of the of textbooks and programs. “We are sparing no of the UN stronger on crucial issues punished — not publicly glorified.” three co-chair countries it has been efforts that Syrian-Armenian children would be facing the world and to accomplish It is very clear that there are dif - impossible to reach a breakthrough able to keep to the program when back to Syria. We both the Millennium Development ferent perceptions about internation - in the conflict resolution, because are looking forward to textbooks which are due to and Sustainable Development Goals. al legal principles and laws, different the Azerbaijani side rejected one arrive from Syria,” said a spokesperson. We welcome the fact that along perceptions in Azerbaijan and the after another of all proposals pre - Currently Syrian-Armenians are attending the with the agenda of the 67th session rest of the world about what is good sented by the mediators. schools of the capital to get acquainted with that encompasses the pressing and what is bad. This is deeply irre - Regardless of Azerbaijan’s Eastern Armenian. The Syrian school is located in issues of joint responsibility for sponsible and shameful behavior of destructive stance, Armenia will con - Kentron administrative district’s School 14, where maintenance of international peace, not only a non-permanent member tinue to exert efforts towards the 85-90 percent of the 200 pupils will continue their security, it is proposed to focus dur - of the UN Security Council, but also settlement of the Karabagh issue studies in Armenia. ing this session on the settlement of a member of the UN. exclusively through peaceful means disputes by peaceful means. It is clear that international com - and on the basis of the purposes, Heffern and Deputy PM In this context we consider the munity should not tolerate the principles and norms reflected in goals of disarmament and arms con - attempts of the Azerbaijani leader - the UN Charter and the internation - Discuss Child and Labor trol as major elements of global and ship to adjust the international law al law. regional security systems. We must to their own racist ideology. Having As many speakers, I should also Trafficking also shoulder the responsibility to a rich internal experience in corrup - express our concerns about the YEREVAN (Armenpress) — Armenian deputy prime work together to counter militaristic tion, Baku is attempting to transfer developments and worsening of the minister and chairman of the National Anti-Human threats. it to interstate relations exploiting it humanitarian situation in Syria, Trafficking Committee, Armen Gevorgian, received A few days ago, in the framework as a tool to impose its own misper - which directly affects also the large a US delegation headed by Ambassador to Armenia of the UN the first-ever High-Level ceptions on others. The internation - Armenian community in this coun - John Heffern. Forum on Culture of Peace took al community could not tolerate the try. This community was formed The two groups discussed ways to cooperate in place urging for tolerance and build - attempts of Azerbaijan to replace mainly by the survivors of the the fight against trafficking. The guests praised the ing mutual understanding and mutu - the rule of law with the rule of oil. Armenian Genocide in Ottoman activities of the Interdepartmental Working Group al respect. Unfortunately nowadays Safarov’s scandalous affair has Empire in the beginning of the 20th on human trafficking, stating they were impressed hate and intolerance are continuing seriously undermined the Nagorno- century. Today they are struggling by the work done in recent years and were ready to to spread in some parts of the world Karabagh negotiation process and for life as many Syrian citizens. assist them to develop it further. and we have yet to dig into the roots endangered the fragile regional Armenia is continuing to receive Gevorgian noted that currently issues related to and causes of such situations, to security and stability. refugees from Syria that are full of labor and child trafficking are central issues. In the have the courage to openly ask diffi - Azerbaijan poses a threat to the worries about the escalation of vio - course of the meeting the sides dwelled on the cult questions on the reasons and security and stability in the region by lence in this country. It is impossible Armenian part of the report prepared by the US face sometimes painful responses. its constant threat to use force to reach a durable settlement with - dealing with forced labor by children. Gevorgian Regrettably, we have witnessed against Nagorno-Karabagh and out the cessation of hostilities by all stated the relevant bodies will be instructed to intolerance and hatred in our part of Armenia along with unprovoked daily parties and without an inclusive examine the issues raised in the report. He also pre- the world, too. Year after year war-mongering by its leadership, by political dialogue taking into sented the work done in the field of child protec- Armenia has been raising its con - not only rejecting the proposals of account the interests of all Syrians. tion in recent years. cerns from this podium over the mil - the three co-chair countries on the The United Nations will mark the itaristic rhetoric, blatant violation of consolidation of the ceasefire agree - 65th anniversary of the Convention international commitments and anti- ment, on the creation of a mechanism on the Prevention and Punishment Loris Tjeknavorian to Armenian hysteria being instilled of investigation of incidents on the of the Crime of Genocide next year. into the Azerbaijani society from the line of contact, but also by systematic That anniversary will become an Celebrate Anniversary in highest levels of its leadership. ceasefire violations not only on the important landmark to make it a Homeland Many international organizations contact line between Nagorno- more effective instrument in com - on human rights alerted about fla - Karabagh and Azerbaijan, but also by batting the crimes of genocide. The YEREVAN (Armenpress) — Composer and conduc- grant cases of xenophobia, racism, provocations on the border with denial of genocide and impunity tor Loris Tjeknavorian is scheduled to celebrate his intolerance and violations of human Armenia, by ceaseless acts of vandal - pave way for the repetition of new 75th anniversary in Armenia at the invitation of rights in Azerbaijan, in regards to its ism towards the Armenian historical crimes against humanity. As descen - Alexander Spendiaryan Opera and Ballet National policy of hatred against Armenians. and cultural heritage. dants of the nation that survived the Academic Theatre Artistic Director Karen What is the Azerbaijani response? While Armenia together with the horrors of the first genocide of the Durgaryan. The program, featuring works by him, It is not only ignoring the expecta - international mediators is exerting 20th century we are convinced that will take place on October 19. tions of the international communi - efforts around the table of negotia - independent of any kind of consider - Tjeknavorian said he is extremely happy to cele- ty, but it is constantly making new tions, Azerbaijan is multiplying its ations, the international community brate his birthday in Armenia. steps going against the values of the military budget, increasing it more should stand together in the recog - Tjeknavorian has made a great contribution in civilized world. The latest such case than 20-fold during the last few nition and strong condemnation of the recognition of Armenian independence; a con- is the Azeri government’s release years, and boasting about it. While genocides to be able to prevent cert was held, titled “Yes to Independence,” to and glorification of the murderer Armenia and the international com - them. It is due to the absence of this prompt independence recognition. “All Armenia [Ramil] Safarov, who had slaugh - munity are calling for withdrawal of unanimity that humanity witnesses was following the concert and in a night the voices tered with an axe an Armenian offi - snipers from the line of contact, new attempts of crimes against of the favoring people got 96 percent. Yet I was not cer in his sleep, during a NATO pro - Azerbaijani leaders are rejecting it humanity. Our strong conviction is an Armenian citizen, I just could not cast my vote gram in Budapest simply because he and opening sniper schools for the that we should keep this issue high in favor of independence. I cooked the dish and did was an Armenian. The Azerbaijani youth. While Armenia is calling for on our common agenda. We should not eat it,” Tjeknavorian said. leadership made him a symbol of regional economic cooperation, recommit ourselves to a world where Throughout different periods of times national pride and an example to fol - which could become a tool for the crime of genocide would never Tjeknavorian has received different prizes, the lat- low. The world reaction was unani - increasing confidence between the occur again. est the “prominent conductor” award and the first mous and very clear in condemning parties, Azerbaijani authorities are Armenia shares its part of our degree medal for “services rendered to the what was done by Baku. Azerbaijan declaring that together with Turkey, common responsibility to support Motherland” on the occasion of the 21st anniver- expresses bewilderment on the they will continue the blockade until the United Nations as the stage of sary of Armenia’s independence. stance of the international commu - there are no more Armenians in dialogue, multilateralism and collec - nity. And what did they expect? That Armenia. tive action to address the multiple the international community would Armenia and the international challenges of today’s world. S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 6, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 3 INTERNATIONAL Seeking Return of Art, Turkey Jolts Museums International News Turkey’s campaign has enjoyed lead to a flood of further claims. By Dan Bilefsky notable success, however. Last year the In September 2011, the Museum of Pergamon agreed to return a 3,000-year- Fine Arts, Boston, returned the top half Turkey to Exhume old sphinx from the Hittite Empire that of an 1,800-year-old statue, “Weary Ex-President Ozal As ISTANBUL (New York Times) — An Turkey said had been taken to Germany Herakles,” which the Turkish prime aggressive campaign by Turkey to for restoration in 1917. German officials minister, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, tri - Death Investigated reclaim antiquities it says were looted said Turkey had threatened to block umphantly took home on his govern - has led in recent months to the return major archaeological projects if the ment jet. ISTANBUL (Reuters) — The remains of former of an ancient sphinx and many golden sphinx did not come home. To press the Met for documentation Turkish President Turgut Ozal are to be exhumed treasures from the region’s rich past. But even after it had, the Germans on the Schimmel objects, Turkish offi - from his grave in Istanbul on Tuesday on the But it has also drawn condemnation complained, Turkey still declined to col - cials said they had refused to lend to a orders of prosecutors investigating suspicions of from some of the world’s largest muse - laborate and refused to lend four Met exhibition that ran this year, foul play in his death 19 years ago. ums, which call the campaign cultural objects for a current exhibition. Suslu “Byzantium and Islam: Age of Mechanical diggers arrived at his tomb within a blackmail. indicated that the Pergamon had to Transition.” towering mausoleum in a cemetery on the In their latest salvo, Turkish officials return other disputed items before The Met denied it had asked Turkey European side of Turkey’s largest city under the this summer filed a criminal complaint loans would resume. for pieces for the show. Its director, supervision of a prosecutor-led team including in the Turkish court system seeking an Parzinger said Turkey had no legal Thomas P. Campbell, said in an inter - forensic experts, television footage showed. investigation into what they say was the claim to the contested objects it says his view that the Met believed the objects After Ozal’s death, relatives and associates said illegal excavation of 18 objects that are museum has illegally, and that treating sought by Turkey had been legally he was poisoned and forensic teams will investigate now in the Metropolitan Museum of Germany like a petty thief puts more acquired by Norbert Schimmel in the whether any poisonous substances are present in Art’s Norbert Schimmel collection. than a century of archaeological coop - European antiquities market in the the remains. Last year, Turkish officials recalled, eration at risk and harms relations 1960s before being donated to the Ozal, the eighth president of the Turkish Turkey’s director-general of cultural her - between the countries as Turkey seeks museum in 1989, and thus were in com - Republic, died of heart failure in April 1993 in an itage and museums, Murat Suslu, pre - to join the European Union. He pointed pliance with the Unesco accord. Ankara hospital at the age of 65 while in office. sented Met officials with a stunning ulti - out that Westerners had been at the He acknowledged that most of the Ozal gave his firm support to the West, helping matum: prove the provenance of ancient forefront of safeguarding Turkey’s rich objects had no documented ownership the US-led coalition which expelled Iraq from figurines and golden bowls in the col - history. history, but also said that there was no Kuwait in 1991. lection, or Turkey could halt lending “If all Westerners are just thieves and evidence of an illicit excavation. Turkish Prosecutors decided two weeks ago that Ozal’s treasures. Turkey says that threat has robbers,” he asked, “then who has been officials said they had not yet uncovered remains should be exhumed and another autopsy now gone into effect. restoring their cultural heritage?” evidence proving that the objects had performed after a state supervisory board, acting “We know 100 percent that these In another victory for Turkey, last been illegally smuggled out. on the order of President Abdullah Gul, produced a objects at the Met are from Anatolia,” month the University of Pennsylvania’s Marc Masurovsky, an expert on plun - report in June voicing suspicions about the death. the Turkish region known for its Museum of Archaeology and dered art at the Holocaust Memorial After a period of military rule following a 1980 ancient ruins, Suslu, an archaeologist, Anthropology announced that it had Museum in Washington, said it was no coup, Ozal dominated Turkish politics during his said in an interview. “We only want agreed to lend indefinitely 24 artifacts surprise that in the absence of an inter - period as prime minister from 1983-89 and parlia- back what is rightfully ours.” to Turkey from ancient Troy whose national agency to enforce anti-plunder ment then elected him president. Turkey’s efforts have spurred an inter - murky provenance helped inspire the measures, the Turks were resorting to national debate about who owns antiqui - 1970 UNESCO convention. Turkey, in hard-nosed diplomacy. But Turkey faces Turk Distorts Number of ties after centuries of shifting borders. turn, promised future loans and collab - hurdles trying to apply an Ottoman law Museums like the Met, the Getty, the oration with the university. outside its borders, he noted. And even Armenian Churches Louvre and the Pergamon in Berlin say Some museum directors said that if that law is accepted as applicable, dat - their mission to display global art trea - they feared that the surrender of the ing the illegal excavation of any site is YEREVAN (Armenpress) — Deputy Prime Minister sures is under siege from Turkey’s tactics. objects by the university, which difficult because no records are typical - of Turkey Bekir Bozdag announced that 349 Museum directors say the repatria - acquired them in 1966, threatened to ly kept. Christian churches and 38 synagogues currently tion drive seeks to alter accepted prac - functioned in Turkey. He stated that in Turkey tices, like a widely-embraced UNESCO there were 52 churches which belonged to the convention that lets museums acquire Armenians, 140 that belonged to the Greeks and 58 objects that were outside their coun - Georgian Opposition Celebrates as It Seems to the Assyrians, according to timeturk.com. tries of origin before 1970. Although Bozdag distorted the real number of the Turkey ratified the convention in 1981, Headed to Victory in Parliamentary Election Armenian churches located in Turkey. He men- it is now citing a 1906 Ottoman-era law tioned only the number of churches, which are cur- — one that banned the export of arti - TBILISI (Reuters) — An opposition but led Georgia into a disastrous five- rently under the auspices of the Armenian facts — to claim any object removed coalition led by a billionaire claimed vic - day war with Russia over two break - Patriarchate of Constantinople. after that date as its own. tory in a parliamentary election in away regions in 2008. Bozdag forgot that after the Genocide of 1915 Thievery and looting are wrong, Georgia on Monday, but President Saakashvili must step down after a his ancestors massively plundered and destroyed or Turkey says, no matter when they Mikheil Saakashvili’s ruling party could presidential election next year, when turned into mosques the Armenian churches, the occurred. “Artifacts, just like people, ani - yet cling to power. reforms weakening the head of state number of which had reached about 2,000. mals or plants, have souls and historical Thousands of supporters of the and giving more power to parliament memories,” said Turkey’s culture minis - Georgian Dream coalition celebrated in and prime minister are to take effect. Akhalkalak Protest ter, Ertugrul Gunay. “When they are the streets of Tbilisi, sounding car horns If his party retains control of parlia - repatriated to their countries, the bal - and carrying blue party banners and ment, it may give him a way to keep call - Seeks Freedom of ance of nature will be restored.” red-on-white national flags over their ing the shots. If not, Ivanishvili could Turkey is not alone in demanding the heads. become premier and Georgia’s domi - Vahagn Chakhalyan return of artifacts removed from its bor - “I expect that we will get no less than nant politician. AKHALKALAK, Georgia (hetq) — Hundreds of ders; Egypt and Greece have made simi - 100 seats in the new (150 seat) parlia - “Besides being a contest for parlia - Armenians took to the streets this week, demand- lar demands of museums, and Italy per - ment,” the coalition’s leader, wealthy ment, it is also a shadow leadership elec - ing the release of Javakhk-Armenian activist suaded the Met to return an ancient tycoon Bidzina Ivanishvili, told a cheer - tion,” said Thomas de Waal, a Caucasus Vahagn Chakhalyan. bowl known as the Euphronios krater ing crowd. “I have achieved what I have expert at the Carnegie Endowment for The protestors assembled in the town’s central in 2006. long been striving for.” International Peace in Washington. Mashtots Square and condemned what they But Turkey’s aggressive tactics, which Exit polls showed Ivanishvili’s coali - In a televised address after polls described as the beating of inmates in Georgian come as the country has been asserting tion had won more votes in balloting by closed, Saakashvili, 44, said it appeared correctional facilities. itself politically in the Middle East in the party list to fill 77 of the parliament Georgian Dream had prevailed in the United Javakhk, the group which organized the wake of the Arab Spring, have particu - seats, while Saakashvili’s party claimed party-list voting but his party had come protest, stated that similar demonstrations would larly alarmed museums. Officials here it won most of the individual races to fill out ahead in the individual races. continue if Georgian authorities did not heed their are refusing to lend treasures, delaying the other 73 seats. Tension was already high after video calls for Chakhalyan’s release. the licensing of archaeological excava - Saakashvili says the Georgian Dream footage of torture, beatings and sexual tions and publicly shaming museums. coalition would move Georgia away assault of prison inmates led to street “The Turks are engaging in polemics from the West and back into Moscow’s protests after it was aired on two televi - Armenian Ambassador and nasty politics,” said Hermann orbit. sion channels opposed to Saakashvili Parzinger, president of the Prussian An exit poll shown by private pro-gov - about two weeks before the election. Speaks on Independence Cultural Heritage Foundation, which ernment channels Imedi and Rustavi-2 The footage undermined BEIRUT (Armenpress) — The Tekeyan Cultural oversees the Pergamon. “They should put Georgian Dream on 50 percent of Saakashvili’s image as a reformer who Association of Beirut organized a celebration dedi- be careful about making moral claims ballots in party-list voting, to 41 percent had imposed the rule of law and rooted cated to the 21st anniversary of the independence when their museums are full of looted for Saakashvili’s United National out corruption. of Armenia. The event was opened by the chairman treasures” acquired, he said, by the Movement (UNM). “I’m voting against violence and of the association, Aram Sepejyan. Ottomans in their centuries ruling parts Ivanishvili, a former reclusive who abuse. How can I do otherwise after Then the keynote speaker, Armenia’s Ambassador of the Middle East and southeast entered politics only a year ago, said he what we have all seen on TV?” Natela of Lebanon Ashot Kocharian, presented the Europe. was confident Georgian Dream candi - Zhorzholiani, 68, said as she voted in achievements and challenges since independence. One example is a prized sarcophagus dates won at least 50 of the individual Tbilisi. The event included musical performances and named for Alexander the Great, discov - races. Ivanishvili has won votes by promis - recitations as well as a film about Armenia. Primate ered in Sidon, Lebanon, in 1887, and “A very interesting precedent has ing to tackle poverty and corruption, of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of Lebanon now in Istanbul’s Archaeological been set in which the leadership has blaming these problems on Saakashvili, Archbishop Gegham Khacherian gave the benedic- Museum. Suslu said the sarcophagus been replaced through elections,” he although not everyone trusts him to do tion. was legally Turkey’s because it had been said. better than the current president and excavated on territory that belonged to Saakashvili swept to the presidency in Saakashvili portrays him as open to Turkey at the time. the bloodless Rose Revolution of 2003 Russian manipulation. 4 S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 6, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Community Ne ws

AGBU Orange Prof. Richard County Saturday Hovannisian to School Celebrates Receive Vahan 20 Years with Cardashian Award Longtime Principal MAHWAH, N.J. — The Armenian National Committee of America Eastern Region will be COSTA MESA, Calif. — This summer marked honoring Prof. Richard Hovannisian with the two great milestones for the Armenian General Vahan Cardashian Award at the sixth annual Benevolent Union (AGBU) Orange County Armenian National Committee of America Saturday School: its 20th anniversary and the (ANCA) Eastern Region Banquet on December 80th birthday of its principal, Krikor 1, at the Sheraton Crossroads. Mahdessian, whose dedication has helped the “We are proud to honor Richard Hovannisian school grow over the past two decades. with the Cardashian On Saturday, June 16, students, alumni, par - Award for his many ents and teachers, both past and present, came accomplishments, together in Costa Mesa to celebrate what has including his out - proven to be a strong pillar in the local com - standing research munity. In addition to hosting Saturday classes, and development of in 2009, the school, in collaboration with the Armenian Studies in AGBU Orange County Chapter, became one of higher education,” the founding members of the Armenian Studies said ANCA Eastern Groups, initiating the first Armenian history Region Executive classes at the University of Southern California, Director Michelle Irvine. Plans to establish a permanent Hagopian. Richard Hovannisian Armenian chair at the university are ongoing, Hovannisian is a AGBU YSIP interns shadow a doctor at the Arabkir Children’s Hospital as they pre - professor of as the school’s students continue to benefit pare for their careers in medicine. from Armenian history courses. Armenian and Near Eastern Studies at UCLA. Born and raised in Tulare, Calif., Hovannisian received his bache - lor’s and master’s degrees from the University of AGBU Yerevan Summer California-Berkeley, and he obtained his PhD from UCLA in 1966. In 1987, Hovannisian was appointed the first holder of the Armenian Internship Program Leaves Educational Foundation Endowed Chair in Modern Armenian History at UCLA. He is a Guggenheim Fellow who has received Students Transformed at many honors for his scholarship, civic activities and advancement of Armenian Studies. End of Sixth Year Hovannisian is the author of numerous books, including Armenia on the Road to NEW YORK and YEREVAN — For six years, the AGBU Yerevan Summer Independence and The Armenian Holocaust . Internship Program (YSIP) has provided Armenian university students from across He has edited and contributed to at least a dozen the diaspora with the unique opportunity to gain valuable hands-on work experi - other works and has published more than 50 ence, bond with their global peers and witness firsthand the natural beauty and scholarly articles. ancient landmarks that have been the subject of their studies and their family his - Hovanissian serves on the board of directors of tories for as long as they can remember. This year, 27 students from Germany, nine scholarly and civic organizations, including Lebanon, Syria, the UK and the US took advantage of everything that YSIP has the Facing History and Ourselves Foundation, to offer, enjoying a complete cultural immersion experience that left all partici - the International Institute on the Holocaust and pants already planning a trip back to Armenia when the program came to an end. Genocide, International Alert, the Foundation AGBU Orange County Saturday School On June 25, planes that had taken off from various parts of the world touched for Research on Armenian Architecture and the President Krikor Mahdessian celebrates both the down in Armenia’s Zvartnots Airport, carrying this year’s talented and enthusias - Armenian National Institute. He also received school’s 20th anniversary and his 80th birthday tic YSIP participants. The interns immediately settled into their new home and the UCLA Alumni Association’s 2010-2011 Most alongside his wife, Vehan Mahdessian. new routine, which was filled with work, weekly language classes at the American Inspiring Teacher award. University of Armenia and dance classes at the AGBU Nork Children’s Center, as The Vahan Cardashian Award is given annual - ly to an ANCA supporter who demonstrates ded - The evening’s festivities were started off by well as volunteer projects. They also met with government officials and communi - ication and active involvement in the Armenian- event coordinator Armine Gekchyan, a teacher ty leaders, including the Speaker of the Karabagh Parliament Ashot Ghulyan, American community and its issues. at the school for more than 10 years. Gekchyan Diaspora Minister Hranush Hakobyan and Defense Minister Seyran Ohanian, who welcomed family and friends before handing gave them a well-rounded view of Armenia and Karabagh. the microphone to several current students Students were placed in a broad range of organizations, which included the who took the opportunity to share the ways the Arabkir Children’s Hospital, the American University of Armenia’s Engineering school has positively shaped their lives. Sofia Department, ArmNews TV, the Ministry of the Diaspora, the United Nations Primate to Visit Sakzlian was one of those students who spoke Development Program and many others. They shadowed neurologists and cardi - before the guests and said, “I have been going ologists, provided much-needed social services and even oversaw the construction Sts. Sahag and to Armenian School for almost 10 years and and development of AGBU’s newest headquarters, a building that will soon stand I’ve enjoyed every minute of it. Every Saturday tall in the heart of the city. Chair of the Department of Neurology at Yerevan State Mesrob Church I come and make more wonderful memories University and supervisor Hovhannes Manvelyan commented on YSIP’s positive and new friends... I am so thankful for everyone impact, stating, “Programs such as these are essential in order to ensure future PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Archbishop Khajag that helped me learn and experience my own ties with the homeland especially for those young men and women who have never Barsamian will preside over the activities culture and history.” been to Armenia before and were raised in the diaspora. It’s important for them the weekend of October 13 and 14 at Sts. Following the students’ remarks, the school’s to come to Armenia, get a better understanding of their culture and make friends.” Sahag and Mesrob Armenian Church. first teacher, and its only teacher for 20 con - The students’ internships opened their eyes to both the complexities and On Saturday, October 13, at 7 p.m., ves - secutive years, Geganoush Muradian, remi - rewards of their chosen career paths, while their daily encounters opened their pers and ordinations will take place in nisced about the school’s beginnings, looking minds to a country they thought they knew, but which continued to amaze them. which 10 young men will receive the four back fondly on the tight-knit group of eight stu - They were overwhelmed by the ever-present hospitality, the city’s large squares minor orders, with a reception to follow in dents who first sat in her classroom and all constantly filled with music and people, and the breathtaking landscapes of the Hanoian Hall. those who have done so since. She then intro - countryside. On Sunday morning, Episcopal Divine duced Mahdessian, who thanked all for attend - As in previous years, highlights of YSIP 2012 included excursions around the Liturgy and Ordinations will be celebrated ing, and for their continuous support of the country and a journey to Karabagh. Bella Arutyunyan, a University of California, by Barsamian; he will elevate three men to school. Los Angeles student reflected on her trip, noting, “One of the best experiences this the rank of sub-deacon. Following church The lasting impact that the AGBU Orange summer was getting the chance to get out of Yerevan and take a four-day trip to services, the “Name Day Dinner” will take County Saturday School has had over the past Karabagh. Everyone kept telling me how beautiful the wilderness was going to be place honoring the Parishioners of the Year two decades was made clear by the presence of and how much I was going to love it. In all honesty, however, I didn’t think I could George Chakoian, Jean Farmanian Ricci several graduates, many of whom have gone on find any connection to a piece of land and a people I didn’t know much about. But and Marion Der Vartanian. to complete their college degrees and returned if there is one thing I’ve learned from being in Armenia, it’s how important it is to Tickets are $20 and for children under 15, especially for the event. Sitting together see things with your own eyes because stories alone aren’t enough.” $10. For tickets, contact Ann Ayrassian or throughout the evening, the former students see INTERNS, page 5 the church office. The deadline for tickets see PRINCIPAL, page 6 sales is October 10. S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 6, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 5 COMMUNITY NEWS AGBU Yerevan Internship Program Leaves Students Transformed

INTERNS, from page 4 Her words underscored the importance of connecting Armenian youth with their ances - tral homeland, which AGBU has accom - plished through YSIP and a number of other Armenia-based programs that drew more than 500 participants to the country this summer alone. In addition to the trip to Karabagh, the YSIP group toured the Garni Temple and the Geghard Monastery, before climbing Armenia’s highest peak, Mt. Aragats. Gumri was another destination outside of the capi - tal, where the interns visited the Terchoonian Home, an orphanage that provides shelter and care for more than 20 children. The YSIP interns brightened the children’s day, bring - ing them new toys, playing together outside and admiring their rug weaving, a favorite hobby in the home. The visit was one that had a lasting impact on intern Kathrine Kazanjian, from the US, who stated, “After this program and the interactions I have had

At one of YSIP’s many planned seminars, the interns gather in Armenia’s Ministry of Defense, where they met with Minister Seyran Ohanian.

with the people of Armenia — everyone from during their weekly dance classes. On the taxi drivers and sales people to the children evening of July 31, the group stepped on the of Karabagh and the orphans of Gumri — I center’s stage for a special performance, returned home feeling a great sense of hand in hand, to the sound of Armenian responsibility to my homeland and its people. music. Their routine drew applause every - Now, I want to learn even more about where where in the auditorium, as well as praise I come from and do more to create a better from their new friends and colleagues. It was future for Armenia.” one last great moment that they would all After six weeks, the YSIP participants pre - share before YSIP officially came to an end. pared for their departure. But they couldn’t On August 3, the participants headed home. Interns spend the afternoon with the local youth of Gandzasar during a four-day trip to Karabagh. leave without showing the youth and staff of For more information about AGBU and its the AGBU Nork Center all they had learned worldwide programs, visit www.agbu.org. 6 S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 6, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS St. Stephen’s Elementary OBITUARY Rev. Bernard A. Guekguezian School Campus Expansion Longtime First Armenian Pastor

Grand Opening Scheduled for Sunday, October 14, 2012 FRESNO (The Fresno Bee) — Rev. Bernard A. Guekguezian, pastor emeritus of First WATERTOWN — St. Stephen’s Armenian Elementary School (SSAES) announced that its Armenian Presbyterian Church, died on campus expansion construction project, which had been launched on June 15, was com - September 22 at age 85. pleted on August 31 and met the school’s goal of opening for the 2012/2013 academic year. Guekguezian served as pastor of First The Grand Opening Ceremony for the expanded building will take place on site, at 46 Armenian Presbyterian Church from 1978 to Elton Ave., on Sunday, October 14 at noon. 2000. The church is California’s oldest The expansion, one of the largest projects in the Greater Boston Armenian community in Armenian congregation, chartered on July the past two decades, cost approximately $1.37 million and includes the addition of a new 25, 1897. 6,000-square-foot, two-story structure encompassing new classrooms, a learning center and In his 55 years of ministry, Guekguezian indoor and outdoor recreation areas. Its completion represents a milestone in the school’s served in Worcester, Mass., Paramus, NJ, and history and allows it to further enhance its core offering with dedicated classrooms for Belmont, Mass. Armenian, reading, STEM (Science Technology Engineering Math) instruction and more. His son, Rev. Ara R. Guekguezian, who is “A further enriched SSAES experience today, delivers better-prepared students tomorrow senior pastor of Pilgrim Armenian — which was the primary goal of the expansion,” said Principal Houry Boyamian. Congregational Church in Fresno, says his The additional space also allows the school to increase its enrollment capacity. The pro - father will be remembered for helping others. ject was funded by donations from the community, with the majority of the funds raised in “I am very grateful he lived so long,” he 2012. said. “My father was a very loving, generous “We are very grateful to our donors, many of whom are longtime supporters of the man, especially with time and money. His school,” said Dr. Avak Kahvejian, chairman of the Board of Directors. “Thanks to their most significant contribution to our commu - immediate, generous financial support, the school did not have to use its endowment fund nity was helping new Armenian immigrants or incur any debt to finance this significant construction project.” transition to life in Fresno. In the late ’70s, it The ribbon-cutting and donor-recognition ceremony, will be presided over by Archbishop was Armenians from the Middle East. In the Oshagan Choloyan. Everyone in the community is invited to attend. ’90s, it was Armenians from Armenia.” SSAES, founded in 1984, is the only Armenian day school to be fully accredited by the He spent his final years of ministry with his Association of Independent Schools in New England (AISNE), the accrediting body for inde - son as they served together for eight years at Rev. Bernard A. Guekguezian pendent elementary schools. AISNE has commended the school for “creating an environ - Pilgrim Armenian Congregational Church. ment where all the students love to read and appear committed to academic excellence.” He leaves his wife and partner in ministry, The AISNE accreditation puts St. Stephen’s Armenian Elementary School academically on Knar; his two sons, Ara (Evelina) 31 West Century Road, Paramus, NJ 07652 par with top private schools in the region. To learn more about SSAES, visit www.ssaes.org. Guekguezian, and Asbed “Bernie” and (Amy) (Bernard Guekguezian Endowment for Guekguezian; and five grandchildren. Church Development). Gifts in lieu of flowers may be sent to the A funeral service was held September 28 at Armenian Missionary Association of America, Pilgrim Armenian Congregational Church. AGBU School Celebrates 20 Years with Longtime Principal

PRINCIPAL, from page 4 mented, “It was amazing to see so many gener - Edward D. Jamakordzian, Jr. d/b/a decided to form an alumni committee to help ations share the dance floor, break bread make similar reunions even more frequent. together and share their many memories of the Their efforts are sure to bring together the 500 school. The event was enjoyed by all and hope - graduates that have passed through the fully more such events will be organized in the Edward D. Jamie, Jr. Saturday School’s doors. future.” Soon after the first informal alumni associa - The AGBU Saturday School is one of three tion meeting got underway, everyone gathered schools within the AGBU Western District. For LicensedFinuNneweYrorak landCNhewaJperseey l to serenade Mahdessian for his milestone birth - more information, visit 217-04 Northern Blvd., (Suite 23), Bayside, NY day. Pleased with the turnout, Gekchyan com - http://agbuca.org/index.jsp. 11361 Service any hour, (718) 224-2390 or toll any distance free (888) 224-6088

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 AGBU Orange County Saturday School Principal Krikor Mahdessian celebrates the school’s 20th anniversary and his 80th birthday with students and alumni. Bible Study Classes DENNIS M. DEVENEY & SONS Cemetery Monuments Do You Need God in Your Life? Specializing in Armenian Designs and Lettering We Would Like To Invite You To Come And Join With 701 Moody St. Waltham, MA 02543 Us and Attend Our ‘Excellent’ Bible Study Classes. (781) 891-9876 www.NEMonuments.com Classes are held on the 2nd and 3rd Tuesdays of each month in the social hall of the church and led by Rev. Dr. Avedis Boynerian PROGRAM Social Time: Coffee, chorag and cheese 6:30-7:00 P.M. GF UiNrEaRgAoL sHiaOMn E Bible Study Class 7:00 – 8:00 P.M. James “Jack” Giragosian, CPC Armenian Memorial Church, 32 Bigelow Avenue, Watertown, MA Mark J. Giragosian Funeral Counselors Call us at 617-923-0498 and let us know if you are planning to attend. 576 Mt. Auburn Street, Watertown, MA 02472, TEL: 617-924—0606 You will be greatly enriched. www.giragosianfuneralhome.com S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 6, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 7 COMMUNITY NEWS Mary Papazian Inducted as President of Southern Conn. State University

PAPAZIAN, from page 1 undergraduate programs, welcomed Papazian as She and her husband, Dennis Papazian, have president in February and since then, she has fit two daughters, Ani and Marie. They reside in right in. Woodbridge. “Today marks the beginning of the next chap - “After speaking with her I have no doubt that ter in Southern’s storied 120-year history. Today this is just the beginning of a great era for we welcome Mary Papazian, an academic, an Southern under her leadership. She is a dedicat - administrator and in my short time getting to ed, hard working person who thinks outside of know her, a teacher who is sure to invigorate the the box,” said Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman last week. campus community in the months and years to Southern, which was founded as a teachers come,” said Erin McGuckin, class of 2013. college in 1893 and now offers 114 graduate and McGuckin called her administration “partici -

Dr. Mary Papzian at the ceremony

patory by design” and stressed that she supports munity and — and this isn’t overstating it — in the academics, campus activities and community ser - very future of America.” vice. She also tipped her hat to her Armenian her - In her speech, Papazian spoke about her itage. “In the United States, the Armenians form vision for the university as well as her heritage. a small, tightly-knit community, primarily born “This I pledge: I will have an open administra - out of the tragic genocide of the early 20th cen - tion, I will provide equitable treatment for all and tury in which three quarters of the Armenian I will fulfill without fail all official and unofficial population of the Ottoman Empire were annihi - responsibilities. My administration will be even - lated,” Papazian said. handed and predictable,” said Papazian. “This is “Our roots as Armenians lie in a society and From left, Edmond Azadian of Detroit, Panos Titizian of Los Angeles, Ani and Dr. Roupen Mirzakhanian a university where we strive to give the students rich culture that span thousands of years. The of Yerevan, Dr. Mary Papazian, Dr. Dennis Papazian and Hagop Vartivarian of New Jersey every opportunity to acquire a first-class educa - tion with a global vision in an enlightened, com - passionate, supportive and diverse environment. And we intend to do more in the future. … Together we will work to make Southern the most successful university in its class.” Papazian expressed interest in recruiting more international students to enrich the social and educational experiences of Connecticut students and better prepare them for a global society. “Public universities like Southern (Connecticut State University) must lead the way in showing that what we can accomplish here is vitally important to the future of our society,” Archishop Khajag Barsamian and Dr. Mary Papazian said. Papazian “We must make it clear to the public, to the business community, and to the political estab - lishment that investing in an institution like King James Bible says that the Ark of Noah land - Southern is not only an investment in the stu - ed on the mountains of Armenia (Genesis 8:4), dents who attend the university, but also by and I might suppose that in one sense all of us extension, it is an investment in the whole com - are Armenian. Because of our shared past, we all of Armenian ancestry have common interests and a strong connection to each other.” Guests also included the Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America, and Rouben Mirzakhanian, rector of the Armenian State Pedagogical University in Yerevan, Armenia. Wyman expressed confidence in Papazian’s ability to lead the university, calling her dedicat - ed, hardworking and innovative. “I have no doubt this is just the beginning of a great era for Southern Connecticut State University,” Wyman said. In his invocation, Barsamian said, “We are privileged to stand in the company of the trustees, administrators and faculty who have led this school with great distinction as well as with the students they serve. Bless, O Lord, these fine men and women, whose devotion to learning is a beautiful and praiseworthy vocation. We rejoice to be in the presence of our distinguished guest of honor, Dr. Mary Papazian, as she begins her service as the university’s 11th president. “Her achievements as a scholar and educator are truly admirable; and we know her to be an exemplary daughter, wife, mother and leader of the Armenian Church community. Bestow your blessing on her presidency, Lord, and strengthen Dr. Papazian as a woman of character and sub - stance, who exemplifies the dignity of a life devot - ed to education.” Lewis J. Robinson Jr., chairman of the state Board of Regents for Higher Education, presided over the ceremony and administered the investi - ture charge to Papazian. Other speakers includ - ed Wyman, US Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-3), New Haven Mayor John DeStefano Jr. and Hamden Mayor Scott P. Jackson.

(A story from the New Haven Register was used in this report.) 8 S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 6, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS Armenian Assembly 40th Anniversary Pays Tribute to Political, Social Leaders

ASSEMBLY, from page 1 The event coincided with Armenia’s 21st •Silver Patron: Armenian Missionary membership for the “incredible con - anniversary of independence. The presidents of Association of America, CA; Talin Yacoubian and tributions that you have made to our Armenia and of Artsakh sent special greetings as Varuj Babikian, CA; Albert and Diane Cabraloff, people, to the legacy of our people did Armenia’s foreign minister and its ambassador CA; Michelle and Peter Kezirian, CA; Hovik and and to the future of the Armenian to the United States. In addition, Armenia’s consul Tsovinar Kiramichian, CA; James and Connie people.” general in California, who attended the gala, Melikian, CA. The Assembly also paid tribute to extended his congratulations. •Bronze Patron: John and Linda Kay Abdulian, George and Gloria Deukmejian. A The gala was made possible through the sup - CA; AGBU Western District Committee, CA; Nazar video presentation shown at the gala port of numerous sponsors from across the Ashjian Jr., CA; Armenian Film Foundation, CA; captured key moments in their pro - United States. The Vartkess and Rita Balian Family Foundation, fessional lives as well as in their per - •Grand Patron: Hirair and Anna Hovnanian VA; Anthony and Nancy Barsamian, MA; Shahen sonal lives. The Assembly, through its sister organization, the Armenian Tree Project (ATP), planted a grove of trees in Armenia in honor of the Gov. George Deukmejian, Charles and Deborah Poochigian Deukmejians, with Hovnanian pre - senting the award. In his remarks, the governor described the Assembly as “a premier Evangelical Church provided the benediction. organization for Armenians” and one that he has Speaking on behalf of the organization, “highly respected and admired.” Assembly Board member Van Krikorian reflected The gala was chaired by master of ceremonies on the Assembly’s 40 years of advocacy in and Assembly Board member Peter Kezirian, who Washington, DC. thanked Margaret Mgrublian of the Assembly’s Featured speaker, Mark Hoplamazian, president

Elizabeth Agbabian, Assembly Chairman Hirair Hovnanian, Flora Dunaians and Savey Tufenkian

Foundation, NJ; Carolyn G. Mugar, Armenia Tree Raissi and Dr. Violet Boodaghians, CA; Dr. Project, MA. Nazareth and Ani Darakjian, CA; Greg and Gina •Platinum Patron: David and Margaret Felikian, CA; Mr. and Mrs. Aghassi Gharadaghian, Mgrublian, CA; Stephen Philibosian Foundation, CA; Dr. and Mrs. Vaughn Gregor, CA; Barbara and CA; Sami and Annie Totah Family Foundation, Samuel Hagopian, TX; Armen and Nora Hampar, A capacity crowd gathers for Assembly’s 40th anniversary gala. MD; T. F. Educational Foundation, CA; USC CA; Sandra and Paul Kalemkiarian, CA; James Institute of Armenian Studies Leadership Council. Kalustian, MA; Lisa Kalustian, CA; Alice •Gold Patron: Anonymous; Elizabeth and Kessedjian, CA; Jack and Lori Muncherian, CA; Southern California Regional Council for her lead - and CEO of Hyatt Hotels Corporation, congratu - Mihran Agbabian, CA; George and Flora Richard and Lauren Mushegain, CA; Kenneth and ership in making the evening such a success. lated the Assembly on running a successful intern - Dunaians, CA; Lu Ann and Bruce Ohanian, MA; Cindy Norian, CA; Arsine and Gary Phillips, CA; Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the ship program in Washington, DC for the last 35 Peter and Charleen Onanian, MA; Savey and Dr. Simon J. and Arpi Simonian, CA; Ara and Western Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic years and recalled his own experience as an Ralph Tufenkian, CA; Jeanne Tumanjan, Agavni Yeramyan, PA; Marilynn and Joseph Church of North America, gave the opening bless - Assembly intern and the “ethic of engagement” Commerce Casino, CA. Zeronian, CA. ing, while Rev. Vartkes Kassouni of the Armenian that the program instilled.

Victoria Hovhannissian and Armenia’s Consul General in Los Angeles Grigor Hovhannissian, Aline Maksoudian, Assembly Board member Van Krikorian, Gov. George Deukmejian, Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Gloria Deukmejian, Hyatt President and CEO Mark Hoplamazian, Charles and Deborah Poochigian

Gala Committee members, from left, Albert Cabraloff, Assembly Executive Director Bryan Ardouny, James Melikian, Lisa Kalustian, Margaret Mgrublian, Annie Totah, Talin Yacoubian, Diane Cabraloff, Assembly Western Region Manager Aline Maksoudian and Peter Kezirian. S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 6, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 9 10 S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 6, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Arts & Living

Arpa International Film ‘Foodies’ Nourishes RAFFI HADIDIAN PHOTO Festival Celebrates Visual and Visceral 15th Anniversary with Senses Landmark Films, ‘Lost And Found in Armenia,’ By Meg Barone ‘If Only Everyone’ WESTPORT, Conn. (WestportNews) — LOS ANGELES — This year marks the 15th If it is true that art feeds the soul then an anniversary of Arpa International Film Festival, estimated 600 people were satisfied the signature event of Arpa Foundation for Friday after dining on a sumptuous visu - Film, Music, and Art (AFFMA), which will be al feast of paintings, photography, sculp - held November 29-December 2. The foundation tures and mixed-media artwork on display and the festival derive their name from Arpa, a at the Westport Arts Center (WAC) for river that flows through Armenia. As water pro - the opening reception of its new exhibit, vides a source of life and energy, so does art to “Foodies.” the human soul. This year’s main films epito - The exhibit, which runs through mize Arpa’s mission statement, with the inclu - November 4, showcases art with titles sion of the comedy “Lost and Found in such as “Symphony of Oranges,” “Baking Armenia” and Armenia’s official submission for Day,” “Earth’s Bounty” and Foreign Language Film at the 85th Academy “Pomegranate Limelight.” Awards, “If Only Everyone.” “Foodface, Happy Meal” is a real Happy The film festival begins Thursday, November Meal encased in a polymer emulsion. Tenor Steve Amerson (left) and OMSF artistic director and conductor Aram Gharabekian 29 at the Egyptian Theatre and culminates with Other works include “The Dagwood the Arpa Awards Gala at the Sheraton Universal Sandwich,” “Leftovers” and a humorous on Sunday, December 2. The festival will pre - watercolor by Hans Wilhelm called “Pigs sent more than 40 films, receptions, red carpet and Peas.” Artistic Performances opening and closing night premieres. Feature And then there are dessert-themed narratives, short films, documentaries, music works — “Sweet Surprise,” “Banana videos and animated films will be showcased Split,” “Strawberry Garden,” “Rainier Complement Arrival of from more than 25 nations. Cherries,” “Red Grapes” and Nancy Reinker’s mixed-media “Your Just Desserts.” Shuttle in Los Angeles “The show is very stimulating for all of your senses,” said artist Valerie Lynn LOS ANGELES — On September 21, as the Space Shuttle Endeavour arrived here, O’Halpin of Stamford, whose rapidograph the welcoming ceremony at Los Angeles Airport (LAX) included artistic performances pen-and-ink creation featured eggs, led by Aram Gharabekian. The program, comprising music and dance presentations melon, lobster, strawberries, chocolate throughout the arrival ceremony, featured the Open Music Fest Orchestra, tenor Steve cake and grapes. It took her more than Amerson, choreographer Aida Amirkhanian and the Open Music Fest dancers. 100 hours over six months to complete In the months prior to Endeavour’s arrival in Los Angeles, the Open Music Society the piece that she calls “Food Foundation (OMSF) worked closely with the City of Los Angeles and the California for Thought.” Science Center, the spacecraft’s new home, to design an integrated artistic program for WAC board member Dan Levinson said the arrival ceremony. The concept that resulted was developed jointly by Gharabekian, food for thought is what the arts center the OMSF’s artistic director and conductor, and a dedicated team. The artistic presen - serves up every day. “The mission is to tations at the arrival ceremony marked the performance debuts of the OMSF. engage the community in meaningful con - The arrival ceremony, held at an United Airlines hangar at LAX, was attended by versation ... Art is the only thing that has some 600 guests, among them several elected officials. Dignitaries who delivered a shot at changing the world,” he added. remarks at the event included Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Inglewood For Friday night’s opening, the center Mayor James Butts and California Science Center President and CEO Jeffrey Rudolph. doubled as an art and food gallery featur - The event’s mistress of ceremonies was actress Nichelle Nichols, of “Star Trek” fame. ing local artists’ works and local chef - Toward noon, the ceremony’s artistic program began with a flash-mob dance per - s’ creations. formance inside the hangar, featuring the Open Music Fest Dancers led by Helen Klisser During, WAC’s director of Amirkhanian. The dancers performed to a specially-created soundtrack, with works visual arts, invited local artists to submit by Richard Strauss, James Brown and Aaron Copland, as well as a recording of the their interpretation of food in any medi - poem, “The Early Morning in Space,” recited by its author, Hilaire Belloc. Poster for “If Only Everyone” um, from painting and sculpture to pho - During the dance performance, employees and volunteers from the California Science tography and video. While appreciating Center and United Airlines joined the flash mob. As the shuttle-arrival countdown the artists’ conceptual displays of food, began and the hangar gate opened, gradually revealing the ceremony stage outside, the “Our committee of board members and devot - patrons savored real culinary artistry by flash mob concluded its performance with a grand finale. The dancers then ran outside, ed volunteers are working hard to stage yet well-known local chefs and purveyors. inviting the guests to follow to their seats across the bleachers and the VIP section. another dazzling festival,” said Sylvia The Foodies showcase includes the Subsequently the attendees watched Endeavour’s aerial spin over Los Angeles and - Minassian, AFFMA’s founder. “Our goal is to work of 70 artists from across the state marks on a Jumbotron screen, and were awed by the sight of the shuttle flying over - launch the careers of emerging filmmakers and and New York. The pieces were chosen by head. NASA’s Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, carrying Endeavour, touched down to the celebrate the independent film work of our fes - a panel of four jurors and food experts strokes of timpani, bass drum and tam-tam, the opening of Aaron Copland’s Fanfare tival’s most gifted filmmakers.” from more than 140 submissions: Chef for the Common Man . Offstage, trumpets and horns played the opening phrase of The festival begins with the North American Michel Nischan, owner of the Dressing see SHUTTLE, page 11 premiere of “Lost and Found in Armenia,” star - Room; Bill Taibe, chef and owner of Le ring Jamie Kennedy (“Bending the Rules”) and Farm and The Whelk; Pat Callahan, pres - PATRICK POULATIAN PHOTO Angela Sarafyan (“The Twilight Saga: Breaking ident of Pepperidge Farm, and Stew Dawn - Part II”). Directed by Gor Kirakosian Leonard Jr., of Stew (2007 Arpa Best Screenplay Award recipient) Leonard’s supermarkets. the film is the first American comedy filmed on “What a great way to end the week by location in Armenia. celebrating art and food,” said Callaghan, Closing night will feature the North pointing out that Pepperidge Farm start - American premiere of Natalya Belyauskene’s, ed the week opening a new innovation “If Only Everyone,” starring Michael Poghosian center in Norwalk. (“Symphony of Silence”). Taibe said he always wanted to paint The festival will also present a special panel and draw but didn’t have artistic talent. “I event to promote social understanding among wanted to get what was in my head down media and entertainment professionals. Global on a piece of paper. Food is my way of Event and Media Accessibility Initiative doing it. Food can be artistic and cre - (GEMAI) partners with Arpa this year to stage ative,” said Taibe, who especially enjoyed a panel discussion focusing on GEMAI’s mis - “Grounded,” a large-scale oil painting of sion to develop initiatives that will enhance the carrots still in the ground by Dale experience of the 30 million deaf or hard of Najarian. hearing and the 3.4 million blind movie-going Westport artist Scott Glaser’s acrylic A scene from the flash-mob performance by the Open Music Fest Dancers audience in America. The GEMAI partnership and collage, titled “181 Movies, 173,760 with Arpa aims to provide a forum, which see FOODIES, page 13 addresses the last social component to see FILM, page 11 S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 6, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 11 ARTS & LIVING

RAFFI HADIDIAN PHOTO Artistic Performances Music Fest Orchestra delivered a powerful fan - fare, timed perfectly to climax as the spacecraft Complement Arrival of came to a halt,” Koutnouyan continued. “We are proud of the talented artists who performed Shuttle in Los Angeles at the arrival ceremony: Aida Amirkhanian and her dancers’ celebratory kick-off inside the SHUTTLE, from page 10 hangar, Aram Gharabekian’s commanding the Fanfare while the Open Music Fest selection for and conducting of the orchestra, Orchestra musicians joined the percussion in and Steve Amerson’s powerful salute to one of front of the podium. It was at this juncture, as this country’s greatest achievements.” Endeavour and its host aircraft taxied toward “The union of the shuttle’s arrival and the the hangar, that Gharabekian approached the OMSF performances was simply awe-inspiring,” orchestra and conducted Fanfare . With the cli - stated OMSF founding board member and chief max of the Fanfare , the shuttle came to its final financial officer, Varand Gourjian. halt in front of the guests. Amirkhanian said, “Time stood still and “It was a profoundly humbling experience to everything became perfect as the shuttle did its conduct Copland’s Fanfare for the Common last majestic dance to the dignified music Man while Endeavour took its last few steps played by the orchestra. It was a magnificent before coming to a spectacular stop,” experience to watch the birth of the OMSF as Gharabekian said. “I will never forget the Aram Gharabekian (far right) conducts the Open Music Fest Orchestra. Endeavour was retiring. The beginning and the expression and emotions of the musicians and end united to create a rare moment of universal guests at this larger-than-life sight of man’s sci - perfection. It was one of the most beautiful entific triumph. I was deeply moved by the his - the stage to deliver an a cappella performance ceremony’s artistic program and chief operat - choreographies I have ever seen: so instinctive, toric moment, and will always treasure the of America the Beautiful . He was soon joined ing officer of the OMSF, said, “As commented so resplendent, so dignified, so perfect.” enthusiasm, dedication and commitment which by the brass and percussion of the Open Music on by several news networks, the music and The OMSF is a nonprofit organization dedi - our musicians, dancers and the entire OMSF Fest Orchestra. During the third verse of the performances created a profound moment of cated to advancing musical education and men -

ARA MADZOUNIAN PHOTO grandeur for Endeavour’s arrival. The historical torship for young talent and increasing public significance of the moment will forever be interest in the arts through Open Music Fest, a remembered each time we hear Aaron series of arts festivals in which artistic collabo - Copland’s Fanfare for the Common Man .” ration embraces cultural diversity, fostering “What a sight: Shuttle Endeavour with all its mutual understanding and appreciation. For history and might, approaching, as the Open more information, visit openmusicsociety.org.

ARA MADZOUNIAN PHOTO

ARA MADZOUNIAN PHOTO

Open Music Fest dancers, with choreographer Aida Amirkhanian (fifth from left) team brought to this unique celebration.” song, guests joined in at the encouragement of As VIP passengers descended from the Amerson and Gharabekian. Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, tenor Amerson took Alina Koutnouyan, executive producer of the

From left: Varand Gourjian, Alina Koutnouyan, Aram Gharabekian, Lynda Oschin, William Harris and Steve Amerson

Arpa Film Festival Celebrates 15th Anniversary

FILM, from page 10 Los Angeles festival, growing into larger venues media landscape — using artistic and techno - during its 15 years. logical advancements of the film industry to Tickets to Arpa International Film Festival build a seamless and organic road map of inclu - are available at www.affma.org. sion. For more information or sponsorship and Marc Bovee, GEMAI founder, said about advertising opportunities, visit www.affma.org GEMAI’s participation at Arpa, “It is exciting to or contact [email protected]. To make a tax- be enabled by vision and technology to finally deductible donation to AFFMA, visit bring everyone to the ‘table of media.’ It is an www.affma.org or mail donations to AFFMA - honor and a privilege to have been invited to be 2919 Maxwell St., Los Angeles, CA 90027. All a part of this amazing forum of talent.” The festival con - cludes this year with the Arpa Awards Gala. The evening will include a reception and awards program at the Sheraton Universal. The festival will also present its Armin T. Wegner Humanitarian Award, named after German author and human rights activist Armin Theophil Wegner (October 16, 1886 – May 17, 1978), which it has been Angela Sarafyan and Jamie Kennedy from “Lost and Found in Armenia” awarding since 2002. Arpa Career and Lifetime Achievement Award recipients will also donations go towards AFFMA’s grant program be recognized. which supports filmmakers, musicians and Since 1997, AFFMA has staged the four-day artists. 12 S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 6, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARTS & LIVING Two Mothers Bond over

Grief for Lost Children ! " # Celebrating5 years of Armenian p nting

with her daughter before she overdosed on thethe TekeyanTTeekeyan CulturalCultural aassociationssociation isis y Daphne Abeel Christmas Day. “I ... spent my last evening with B ppleasedleased to aannouncennounce! Special to the Mirror-Spectator Rachel. She was out of rehab, relapsing again, and we had agreed that she would not be allowed A llectureecture bbyy! to come home until she could demonstrate she Dr. KKevork Bardakjianan Griefland by Armen Bacon and Nancy Miller. was clean for at least one year.” And thus, the On Skirt, an Imprint of Pequot Press. 2012. 170 pp. reader is left to surmise that there had been mul - "thhee AArmenianrmenianenian sscriptcript,AArmenianrmenianmenian $19.95. ISBN 978-0-7827-8084-6 tiple attempts at rehabilitation. The focus of the book is relentlessly on the pprintingrinting and ththeireir impact on Armenian This is a book for a select audience — parents experience of loss, grief and the act of sharing lettersetteers aandnd identityidentity" who have lost children and who are dealing with grief. And there has been a certain trend in the grieving process. The authors, Armen Bacon recent years, led by the well-known writer Joan OCTOBEROOCTOBER 7! and Nancy Miller, each lost a child to a drug over - Didion, to set down accounts of personal loss. at the dose. Bacon lost her son, Alex, Didion has published two widely-publicized SSt.t. TThomashomas AArmenianrmenian CChurchhurch when he was in his early 20s, books, The Year of Magical Thinking and Blue AfterAfter tthehe SuSundayunday morningmorning WWorshiporship Books after many attempts at rehab Nights , about the deaths, respectively, of her hus - SeServicesrvices! and after he had become a band and daughter. This book is situated square - father. Miller lost her daughter, Rachel, when she ly in that trend. RouteRoute 99WW & EastEast CClintonlinton AAvAve.,Tenaflyve.,TTeenafly ,NJ,NJ was in her teens, also after many attempts to Here is a book that may give some comfort to 0767007667070 save her through drug rehab programs and ther - grieving parents and may also serve as a model apy. for the forming of a relationship, a friendship The two women were introduced to each other that eases grief through sharing. It is probably And Krikor Markarian will by a mutual friend and embarked on a bonding not a book to be perused by the casual reader exhibit valuable process that helped them both deal with their who has not experienced the loss of a child. Armenian historic grief and create a new and important friendship. One can only guess, due to her name, that artifacts The act of sharing their experiences also led to Armen Bacon is of Armenian descent; she does throughout the the writing of this book. not touch on this aspect of her life in the course centuries. The Griefland of the title refers to that of this short book, although she does mention a “uncharted territory, surrounded by chaos and trip to Turkey. uncertainty.” As they say in their jointly-written The goal for those who have experienced introduction, “Throughout this grief journey, painful loss is, of course, survival and some sense we’ve leaned on each other’s shoulders, bor - of redemption, and these two women seem to be rowed makeup to cover tearstains, and stayed up progressing towards those ends as they share not into the wee hours rehashing our children’s lives. only with each other but with a broader public Through this unlikely pact born of tragedy, we by giving lectures and workshops that deal with have discovered the medicinal power of friend - the experience of profound grief. ship.” Towards the end of the book, they again write The book is organized around alternating jointly, “We have come to believe there can be chapters by each author with an introductory something divine, a sort of knowledge and power commentary to each chapter. When they meet, that has occurred with death and grief. To travel Bacon’s son has been gone for nearly five years, this path, to remain standing for the duration of while Miller’s daughter has died relatively recent - such an extraordinary journey, is a feat of signif - ly. icant proportions. We are stronger than ever What remains somewhat obscure are the his - now. ... Death, in its devastation, has forced us to tories of Alex and Rachel, the children who are re-create ourselves.” mourned. While it is clear that both families Certainly, the purpose of the authors is to help (Miller is divorced) struggled mightily with their others and the readers who seek out this book, children’s problems and addictions prior to what no doubt, will welcome their solace. was, apparently, suicide in both cases, the Bacon is a freelance writer and motivational authors provide few substantial facts that would speaker. She also serves as administrator of com - help the reader understand why these tragic munications and public relations for the Fresno events took place. It is reasonable to assume that County Office of Education. She resides in the mothers themselves have little insight into Fresno. Miller teaches English at the university the causes of their children’s drug addictions. and junior college levels. She lives in Olympia, Miller does recount the last dinner she had Wash.

BURBANK, Calif. — The KCET Women’s Council convened for a tour and luncheon at KCET’s new, state-of-the-art studios on September 20. Speeches delivered by KCET President Al Jerome and Val Zavala, lead anchor for KCET’s nightly news program “SoCal Connected,” highlight - ed the ways in which a newly-independent KCET, the largest public tele - vision station in the country, continues to flourish with award-winning new programming and online community arts and culture reporting. Above, from left, are Lily Balian (past president of the Women’s Council), Joan Agajanian Quinn (board member of Women’s Council), Anna Nersesyan (KCET development associate) and Nancy Rishagen (KCET executive vice president of development). Advertise in the Mirror-Spectator S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 6, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 13 ARTS & LIVING

Murat Cankara to Give Talk on Three Early Turkish Novels

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Manoogian Simone Foundation Ottoman Empire and the basic features of Armeno- Cankara’s research focuses on the novels written by post-doctoral fellow Murat Cankara will give a talk focus - Turkish novels. Cankara will also draw a literary compar - Armenians in the Turkish language using the Armenian ing on three early Turkish novels in the Armenian script, ison between these three novels and early novels written script, specifically those from the second half of the 19th titled “The Language of One, The Script of the Other: by Muslim/Turks with special emphasis on the appropri - century. He focuses on the literary culture of the Ottoman Early Armeno-Turkish Novels and Ottoman/Turkish ation of romanticism. Cankara will also give a brief Empire in the 19th century in which Armenians play a Literary Historiography,” at the University of Michigan. overview of major problems and theoretical tools for stu - prominent role, cultural interactions between Ottoman These novels, written between 1851 and 1868 by dents of Armeno-Turkish literature. Armenians and Muslim/Turks, the appropriation of Ottoman Armenians, have so far been ignored in Cankara was born in Smyrna in 1976. He studied Turkish by Armenians and the historiography of Ottoman/Turkish literary historiography. physics and mathematics for two years. After majoring in Ottoman/Turkish literature. In order to make a critique of historiography and to theory and the history of theater, Cankara received his The event is co-sponsored by the Center for Middle place these Armeno-Turkish novels into a historical and PhD in Turkish literature from Bilkent University in 2011, Eastern and North African Studies. It is free and open to literary context, he will discuss cultural encounters with a dissertation titled, “Empire and Novel: Placing the public. between Ottoman Armenians and Muslim/Turks with spe - Armeno-Turkish Novels in Ottoman/Turkish Literary A live web videocast will be available at cial emphasis on script and historiography of the late Historiography.” www.ii.umich.edu/asp on Wednesday, October 10, at 4 p.m.

‘Foodies’ Nourishes Visual and Visceral CC AA LLEENNDDAARR Senses FOODIES, from page 10 Calories” features a large kernel of popcorn against a backdrop of ticket stubs from films he has seen. CALIFORNIA Sherry Adler of Harrison, NY, said it was a treat to be able to speak to Glaser and have him NOVEMBER 17 — Haigazian University Trustees Banquet in explain his work to her. Honor of Joyce Philibosian Stein, Ellis Island honoree, Sheraton Elizabeth DeVall, who works at the Westport Universal Ballroom, Los Angeles. Social hour, 6 p.m., dinner, 7 p.m. Historical Society, was taken with Nancy For more information, call (323) 456-8031 or joyceabdu - Reinker’s “Your Just Desserts.” Reinker, of [email protected]. Weston, said she used pieces of paper cut from a newspaper article to create round balls that MASSACHUSETTS looked like ice cream scoops, which she placed into dessert cups. DeVall said it reminded her of OCTOBER 12-13 — St. James Armenian Church Annual Bazaar. the news of the day and the flavor of the day. Friday and Saturday,10 a.m. to 9 p.m., St. James Charles Mosesian First Selectman Gordon Joseloff pointed out Cultural and Youth Center, 465 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown. Delicious to the crowd that the WAC event coincided with Armenian food, delicacies and pastries. Vendor booths, attic trea - the opening of a food festival in Westport, sures, silent auction and more. Raffles, including the $100 raffle, Ireland. He had everyone sing what they could apple raffle and $2 raffle. Kidzone, including pumpkin decorating, remember of the lyrics to Food Glorious Food , games, clown/balloon animals. For information, call (617) 923-8860 a song from the musical “Oliver.” or e-mail [email protected]. OCTOBER 13 — Sayat Nova Dance Company, North America’s leading Armenian dance company, per forms “Journey Through On Friday, October 12, and Saturday, October Time” presented by Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church of 13, St. James Armenian Church will hold its Worcester, 3 p.m. at North High School, 140 Harrington Way, annual bazaar, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., at the Worcester. Tickets are $35 and $15 for children, 12 and under. For St. James Charles Mosesian Cultural and Youth tickets or more info, call (508) 770-1124 or (508) 754-1039. OCTOBER 16-25 — Muriel Mirak-Weissbach book presentation of Center, 465 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, Madmen at the Helm: Pathology and Politics in the Arab Spring , on Mass., featuring Armenian food, vendor four dates: booths, silent auctions, raffles and pumpkin • OCTOBER 16 — with panel discussion with Prof. Roger Owen, decorating. For information, call (617) 923- author of The Rise and Fall of Arab Presidents for Life . This program 8860 or e-mail [email protected]. is presented as part of the Partners in Public Dialogue program at Old South Meeting House, 310 Washington St., Boston, Tuesday, 6:30 p.m. For more information, contact [email protected] or call (618) 482- 6439; p.m. AGBU Alex & Marie Manoogian School, 22001 Northwestern • OCTOBER 18 — BookEnds, 559 Main St., Winchester, Thursday, 7 Highway, Southfield. Multipurpose room. Open to the public. p.m. For information, (781) 721-5933 or Reception to follow. www.bookendswinchester.com; • OCTOBER 21 — Armenian Cultural Foundation, 441 Mystic St., NEW JERSEY Arlington, Sunday, 3 p.m. For information, (781) 646-3090; and • OCTOBER 25 — Robbins Public Library, 700 Mass. Ave., Arlington, OCTOBER 21 — Hye Doon (Armenian American Suppor t and Entertainment Fridays Thursday, 7 p.m. Educational Center), 35th Anniversary Celebration, with the par - OCTOBER 25 — K. George and Carolann S. Najarian Endowed ticipation of Akh’Tamar Dance Ensemble of the Hye Doon, Arev and Saturdays Lecture on Human Rights. Speaker: Ambassador Edward P. Armenian Folk Ensemble of Hamazkayin of Boston, Sunday, 3:45 Djerejian, founding director, James A. Baker III Institute for Public p.m. Bergen County Academics, 200 Hackensack, NJ 07601. All net Policy, Rice University and former US ambassador to Israel (1992- proceeds to benefit the Hovnanian Armenian School. Tickets: $50, 1994) and the Syrian Arab Republic (1988-1991). Faneuil Hall, $35 and $25. For tickets, call Sonya Bekarian, (201) 315-5916; Juliyet Boston. Thursday, 7 p.m. An endowed public program of Armenian Tabibian, (201) 233-0326; Nivart Arslan, (201) 475-0224; Maral Heritage Park. Free and open to the public. Kalishian, (845) 729-1888; Maral Kaprielian, (201) 289-6486; Lina NOVEMBER 1 — Save the date. An Evening with the AUA Bakhtiarian, (732) 299-1120; Linda Gezdir, (201) 394-6310 or the Administration Team. American University of Armenia (AUA) school, (201) 967-5940. president, Dr. Bruce Boghosian to speak, along with top university NOVEMBER 17-18 — Musical theater presentation by TCA Mher administrators to review AUA’s academic and institutional accom - Megerdchian Theatrical Group, Yervant Odian’s “Love and plishments during its 20 years of operation in Armenia and the strate - Laughter” (Ser yev Dzidzagh), directed by Krikor Satamian, with gic plans that will shape the future of the university. Details on venue more than 20 actors participating. Dwight Englewood High School, and start time to follow. Englewood Cliffs, 8 p.m. on Saturday and 4 p.m. on Sunday. $25, $35, $50. For tickets, call Marie Zokian or Noushig Atamian. MICHIGAN NOVEMBER 18 — Join the TCA Mher Megerdchian Theatrical Group Cast Par ty to celebrate “Love and Laughter.” Special hon - OCTOBER 12 — A photographic slide presentation and commen- oree, Karnig Nercessian, one of the founding members of the TCA tary by Charles G. Chavdarian, PhD, member of the US National Mher Megerdchian Theatrical Group. St. Thomas Armenian Church, Speleological Society (NSS). Tekeyan Cultural Association 2012 East Clinton Ave. & 9W, Tenafly. 8 p.m. Donation: $30. BYOB. For Lecture Series. Journey to the Hidden Realms of Armenia, visit tickets, call Marie Zokian (201) 745-8850, Maro Hajakian (201) 934- Armenia’s natural and centuries-old man-made caves, Friday, 7:30 3427 or Noushig Atamian (718) 344-5582. 14 S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 6, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMENTARY

T HE A RMENIAN COMMENTARY Mirror- Looters or Landlords?

Foundation, which oversees the Pergamon in Berlin. “They should By Edmond Y. Azadian be careful about making moral claims when their museums are full Spectator of looted treasures.” One example of such looted treasures is a sarcophagus named Since Fatih Sultan Mohammed occupied Constantinople in after Alexander the Great, which was discovered in Sidon, Lebanon, 1453, the Ottoman rulers have been destroying and desecrating in 1887, and is now in Istanbul’s Archeological Museum. According churches, castles, architectural monuments of Hittites, Armenians, to Mr. Suslu the sarcophagus was legally Turkey’s because it had Assyrians, Greeks and other nationalities who had been the indige - been excavated on territory that belonged to Turkey at the time. Established 1932 nous people of Asia Minor, occupied and ruled through blood and With the same warped logic, Turkey can claim all the Armenian An ADL Publication sword. churches and art treasures in Jerusalem, because at one time Now, all of a sudden, the destroyers of all these cultures presume Jerusalem was under Ottoman rule. to be landlords, claiming treasures originated in Asia Minor to be There are no firm international laws that govern the ownership

EDITOR returned to the present government of Turkey. Those artifacts and of art treasures originating from different parts of the world which Alin K. Gregorian treasures which have been preserved in the Metropolitan Museum are now preserved in museums in the West. There is a UNESCO of Art, the Getty Museum, the Louvre and Pergamon Museum have convention that allows museums to acquire objects that were out - ASSOCIATE EDITOR been saved from the Turks themselves, becoming part of the lega - side their countries of origin before 1970. Aram Arkun cy of human civilization. Had they been left in the hands of the Turkey wants its cake and to eat it. Although it has ratified the ART DIRECTOR Turks, they would have been doomed to suffer the same fate as the convention in 1981, it still cites a 1906 Ottoman law to claim any Marc Mgrditchian 2,000 Armenian churches, monasteries and architectural monu - object removed after that date as its own. ments which were systematically destroyed and rendered into Since Turkey selectively wishes to use its Ottoman heritage, than COPY EDITOR Dilani Yogaratnam ashes. After 200,000 Armenians escaped from Van in 1915, the it has to recognize the Ottoman Genocide against the Armenians, Turkish Army burned tens of thousands of illuminated manuscripts which not only destroyed millions of human lives but also the cul - and Bibles on the island monastery of Leem in Lake Akhtamar. tural heritage of that subject nation. SENIOR EDITORIAL COLUMNIST: All that barbarism was tolerated and permitted by the Western Turkey, using its double standard, has been successfully suing Edmond Azadian powers because of political expediency, fueling the arrogance of the Western museums and retrieving major pieces of art for its own Turks, in turn, to get back at the West, which had saved antiquities museums. CONTRIBUTORS: from Turkish-Ottoman plundering hands in the first place. For example, in 2011, the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston Florence Avakian, Elizabeth Aprahamian, The latest example was the destruction of thousands of returned the top half of an 1,800-year-old statute, “Weary Daphne Abeel, Dr. Haroutiune khachkars in Jugha, Nakhichevan, now an exclave ruled by Herakles,” which is an example of Greek cultural heritage. Arzoumanian, Taleen Babayan, Prof. Azerbaijan, by the Azeri Turks in broad daylight; not one finger Throughout history, the Turks have not been known as creators in Vahakn N. Dadrian, Diana Der was raised by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Hovanessian, Philip Ketchian, Kevork the fields of art and culture; they are rather known as destroyers of Keushkerian, Sonia Kailian-Placido , Cultural Organization (UNESCO) or other agencies or govern - culture, valuing militarism and brute force. But since they have real - Harut Sassounian, Mary Terzian, Hagop ments despite protests by Armenia’s government. ized belatedly that art and culture have some monetary value in the Vartivarian, Naomi Zeytoonian Also, in a cynical condescension towards small nations, the form of tourism in their country, they are aggressively going after British Museum and other museums stubbornly keep mislabeling treasures originating in the land they presently occupy. CORRESPONDENTS: Kutahya tiles or the head of Diana (Anahid, “The Satala This is a dangerous precedent. If it is not stopped in its track, the Armenia - Hagop Avedikian Aphrodite,”) as Seljuk art or any other label in the name of acade - Turks may go after all Armenian treasures around the world, claim - Boston - Nancy Kalajian mic propriety, rather than ascribing it to the Armenian talents and ing by the same logic and citing the Ottoman law that those works Philadelphia - Lisa Manookian skills which are the true creators of those treasures. had originated in territories under Ottoman rule. Contributing Photographers: As late as this year, UNESCO refused to label Armenian archi - Especially in Turkey’s case, UNESCO and the UN have to declare Jacob Demirdjian, Harry Koundakjian, Jirair tectural monuments in Europe their true name during an exhib - the universal ownership of treasures created by Armenians and Hovsepian tion, giving in to Turkish threats. That policy today has opened up other nationalities but occupied or looted by the Turks. Turkey the major museums in the West to Turkish threats and lawsuits. must be held accountable for the destruction of Armenian cultural In a front-page article on October 1, the New York Times covers monuments on its occupied soil which to this day are kept in ruins. The Armenian Mirror-Spectator is published Turkish arrogance under the title “Turkey Demands Return of Art, Those ancient churches and monuments that belong to the weekly, except two weeks in July, by: Alarming World’s Museums.” Museum curators consider Turkey’s Armenians must be declared part of human civilization and thus Baikar Association, Inc. newfound aggressiveness “cultural blackmail.” warrant some protection from further damage. At issue are many art treasures originating in the countries occu - Otherwise, looters and plunderers will present themselves as 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 Telephone: 617-924-4420 pied by Ottoman rulers. Mr. Murat Suslu, director-general of cul - owners of a cultural heritage, which does not belong to them and tural heritage and museums, says, “we only want back what is right - which has been abused by them for centuries. FAX: 617-924-2887 fully ours.” The irony is that the looters have become landlords under the www.mir rorspectator.com “The Turks are engaging in polemics and nasty politics,” answers tolerant gaze of the civilized world which is delinquent in its duty E-Mail: editor@mirrorspectator .com Hermann Parzinger, president of the Prussian Cultural Heritage of preserving universal treasures of humanity. For advertising: [email protected]

SUBSCRIPTION RATES : Juskalian’s ‘Mixed Emotions’ in Times ’ Piece on Karabagh Are Baffling

Sumgait, Azeri gangs, with government- court found no other reason for the horren - U.S.A. $80 a year By Dr. Carolann Najarian issued lists of Armenian residences, went on dous act other than the soldier was Canada $125 a year a murdering rampage, house by house. The Armenian. Sentenced to life in prison, the killing continued for three days before the murderer was recently extradited back to Other Countries $190 a year Russ Juskalian, in his article, “Off the Map Azeri government took action to stop it. Azerbaijan by the Hungarian government, in the Black Garden” ( New York Times Next, the Armenians of Baku were targeted assured by Azerbaijan that he would serve Travel Section, September 21, 2012) (January 1990), brutally beaten and many his full sentence. Instead, President Ilham © 2011 The Armenian Mirror-Spectator describes having “mixed emotions” during murdered either in their homes or as they Aliyev not only immediately pardoned the Periodical Class Postage Paid at Boston, MA his visit to Nagorno-Karabagh, (the Black fled. All this was in response to peaceful murderer, but he was hailed as a national and additional mailing offices. Garden or Artsakh) he recently visited. He demonstrations and lawfully-submitted peti - hero and promoted to a higher military rank. writes about dual feelings of sadness for the tions for self-determination by the (See Amnesty International’s statement ISSN 0004-234X Azeris forced to leave Nagorno-Karabagh Armenians of Nagorno-Karabagh to Moscow http://www.amnesty.org/en/library/asset/ POSTMASTER : Send address changes to The and who cannot return because of ethnic for either return of Nagorno-Karabagh to EUR55/015/2012/en/8e84f955-9f8f-488c- Armenian Mirror-Spectator, P.O. Box 302, conflict, and those he feels for his grandpar - Armenia, or for the right to self-determina - ad34-c68a744b6878/eur550152012en.html) Watertown, MA 02471-0302 ents, survivors of the Armenian Genocide of tion. In other words, the Armenians of Mixed emotions? Yes, I too, have mixed Other than the editorial, views and opinions 1915 who could not return to their homes in Nagorno-Karabagh wanted to take advan - emotions based on the fears I have. I fear expressed in this newspaper do not necessarily Turkey. Perhaps I, too, the child of Armenian tage of Glastnost, promised by Mikhail that the fragile 1994 cease-fire between eflect the policies of the publisher. Genocide survivors, would have had the Gorbachev, and to be free of the Azeri dom - Azerbaijan and Nagorno-Karabagh will not same conflicting emotions had I, as a physi - ination which Stalin had placed on them. hold and that the foreign powers charged cian, not spent years (rather than the two (The history of that period – the human with monitoring and negotiating full peace days he did) bringing medical relief to the rights violations, the pogroms against the will fail. The consequences will be sad indeed people of Nagorno-Karabagh, during and Armenians, the brutal crack down in for the Armenians of the regions, albeit after their war of liberation. Nagorno-Karabagh, the blockade of the Azeris too, will pay a high price in blood and Referring to Armenians and Azeris, area, and the war that followed are well doc - treasure. Articles such as Juskalian’s about Juskalian writes, “… both ethnic groups umented and easily accessed online.) Nagorno-Karabagh written in ignorance and Copying for other than personal use or Fast forward to 2004, to a NATO-spon - with self-serving flagellation do a great dis - internal reference is prohibited without were subjected to pogroms” — a statement express permission of the copyright which grossly misleads the reader. Even a sored English language course in Budapest service to these brave Armenians without owner. Address requests for reprints or superficial review of that history will clarify where an Armenian military officer attend - advancing the cause of peace. It would have back issues to: important facts about how the conflict start - ing the course was murdered by an Azeri mil - been better if Juskalian had stayed home. Baikar Association, Inc. ed. The pogroms were against the itary officer — a fellow attendee. The Azeri 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 Armenians living in Azerbaijan and started admitted to the brutal murder, butchering –Carolann S. Najarian, M.D. long before there was any armed conflict. the sleeping Armenian with an ax with more President, Briefly, in February 1988, in the port city of than 16 blows nearly severing his head. The Armenian Health Alliance, Inc. S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 6, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 15 COMMENTARY

Turkish and Armenian Caucuses in Congress. (Artsakh), Azerbaijan’s and Hungary’s culpability in releas - Representative Berman countered stating: “for nearly ing the Azeri axe-murderer, independence of Artsakh, US three decades of service in the Congress, I have been an trade agreements with Armenia and Turkish Gulen charter ardent, consistent and outspoken advocate for the Armenian schools in the United States. Below are excerpts from their Cause. I worked persistently to achieve US recognition of the remarks: My Turn Armenian Genocide. As chairman of the House Foreign Representative Berman: “Turkey has to understand that Affairs Committee, I led the successful effort to win that they have to come to terms with their own history. I am By Harut Sassounian recognition at the Committee level.” He went on to affirm Jewish. The notion that in order to avoid hurting sensibili - that it would be his priority to have the House recognize the ties, we do not acknowledge the historical truth of the Armenian Genocide before its 100th anniversary, and he Genocide, to me, is a horrible stain on our country.” Two LA-Area Congressmen in would personally urge President Obama to keep his pledge Representative Sherman: “Genocide denial is the last Heated Debate over Armenian on the Genocide. The failure to recognize the Genocide is “a step in genocide; and the first step in the next genocide. huge moral stain on this great nation’s record,” That’s why, it is critical that America recognize the first Issues Representative Berman stated. He then proudly announced: genocide of the 20th century. I will work … as many years “I halted the transfer of sensitive arms to Azerbaijan because as it takes, but hopefully as quickly as possible, to get Rep. Howard Berman and Rep. Brad Sherman, both I grew sick and tired of Azerbaijan’s arms build up and bel - Congress to recognize the Genocide. … It is time to put serving on the powerful Foreign Affairs Committee, are licose rhetoric. Just this week, I wrote a letter to Secretary of pressure on the administration, especially in the next 38 forced to run against each other in the November 6 elec - State Hillary Clinton about one of the most disgusting days, to turn to both candidates for president and get a tions, because of redistricting. actions any world leader has taken within memory — I am clear statement from them. … We should know what they The two congressmen are both Democrats, Jewish talking about President Aliyev’s decision to pardon an are going to do next April.” Americans and both consistently supportive of Armenian Azerbaijani axe-murderer who was serving a life sentence for Representative Berman criticized Secretary of State issues. Voters of the 30th congressional district have a dif - killing an innocent Armenian soldier in his sleep…. I asked Hillary Clinton for having referred to the Armenian ficult choice in this hotly contested congressional race! Secretary Clinton that first, all of NATO condemns Aliyev’s Genocide as an “historical debate.” He stated: “No one in The Armenian National Committee of America–Western action, and secondly, that Azerbaijan is suspended from all the Congress makes the case that the Genocide didn’t hap - Region hosted a public debate at the Ferrahian School’s future NATO-sponsored activities.” pen. They may argue ‘oh, we can’t hurt our relationship Avedissian Hall in Encino on September 29, giving the con - In response to questions from panelists, this writer, who with Turkey’ or may be they’re close to some people who gressmen an opportunity to present their views on is publisher of the California Courier , and Ara are representing Turkey … but nowhere do I hear now, like Armenian issues to Armenian-Americans voters. ANCA Co- Khachatourian, English-language editor of Asbarez , the I used to hear, ‘this is an historical debate.’ … It is very dis - chair Nora Hovsepian delivered the welcoming remarks, fol - congressmen addressed US recognition of the Armenian appointing when the leadership of our country goes back lowed by moderator Zanku Armenian, who introduced the Genocide, reparations from Turkey, Israel’s refusal to rec - to raising that issue…. This happened. It has to be acknowl - two candidates. ognize the Armenian Genocide, protection of Armenian edged. The Germans acknowledged it, and particularly for The debate got heated right from the start when communities in Syria and Georgia, payment of rent for US somebody who is Jewish, the notion that you can get away Representative Sherman pointed out that while he has air base in Incirlik, Turkey to Armenian owners of that with denying this or try to fuzz it up as a historically debat - been exclusively a member of the Armenian Caucus, land, return of churches in Turkey to Christian communi - able point, is in a very fundamental sense wrong.” Representative Berman has been a member of both the ties, Israeli arms sales to Azerbaijan, US aid to Karabagh To be continued…

Dr. Aram Chobanian Addresses Hypertension As Major Public Health Challenge for Armenia Barev , Armenia! YEREVAN — On September 26, the American Chobanian founded the Whitaker University of Armenia (AUA) College of Health Cardiovascular Institute at the Boston Sciences, in collaboration with the National University School of Medicine in 1974 and over - When I told people I was going to Armenia Competitiveness Foundation of Armenia, orga - saw its rapid development into a center for pio - By Betty Londergan with Heifer International, the most frequent nized a public health seminar with Dr. Aram V. neering research into the biological and clinical response was, “Wow, um…where is that?” Chobanian, a noted cardiologist and president aspects of cardiovascular disease. Boston So first, the geography lesson: Armenia is emeritus of Boston University as well as a dean University recently awarded him with an hon - just east of Turkey and bordered by Georgia to the North, Azerbaijan to the East and emeritus and Provost of Boston University orary degree, a Doctor of Humane Letters hon - Iran to the South. Which basically means Armenia is a raft of Christianity in a sea of School of Medicine. oris causa . Chobanian has Muslim countries. In fact, Armenia was the first nation in the world to adopt Christianity Chobanian talked about the received numerous awards as its state religion in 301 AD and that has pretty much defined and shaped its turbu - major public health chal - for his basic and clinical lent history through the ages. lenge of cardiovascular dis - research on cardiovascular Armenia is a mystical place — filled with monasteries, pagan temples, prayer stones eases, particularly hyperten - diseases. These include the and churches, most tucked away in wildly remote places to protect them from destruc - sion, in Armenia. He empha - First Lifetime Achievement tion. (It didn’t.) These pockmarked Christian monuments are the pride of Armenia as sized the importance of Award in Hypertension of well as testament to a seemingly endless parade of invaders: conquering Persians, ram - appropriate control of hyper - the American Heart paging Mongols, invading Turks, totalitarian Soviets, as well as the ravages of devastat - tension through healthy Association, the Modern ing earthquakes. For more than 600 years, Armenians knew themselves to be a distinct lifestyle and medical therapy Medicine Award, the Award people and yet were not a sovereign country. Faced with hostility from all sides, to prevent cardiovascular of Merit of the American Armenians held fast to their identity and managed to survive into the modern era with a complications. Chopanian Heart Association, the faith as deep and constant as the obsidian stone that is part of this beautiful landscape. also shared with the audi - Dr. Aram Chobanian speaks at the Abbott Award of the Although the Kardashians are undoubtedly the world’s most famous Armenians, they ence the international evi - American University of Armenia. American Society of are not typical of the Armenian character (sorry, Kim) — although I did see an awful lot dence behind the recommen - Hypertension and the Freis of beautiful women in the modern capital of Yerevan. Actually, it’s a bit hard to get a dations of the Seventh Joint Award of the National High firm grasp on the Armenian character because it’s full of such deep contradictions. National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Blood Pressure Education Program. He recent - Armenians are enormously proud, highly educated (with a literacy rate of almost 100 Evaluation and Treatment of High Blood ly chaired the Seventh Joint National percent) and hospitable beyond your wildest expectations. In centuries of life along the Pressure of the National Heart, Lung and Committee on Prevention, Detection, Silk Route, Armenians became known for their business savvy in commerce and trade, Blood Institute in the US, which he chaired. Evaluation and Treatment of High Blood and they interacted easily with almost every European and Asian culture. But Armenia’s The large audience of public health and med - Pressure of the National Heart, Lung and psyche is indelibly haunted by the memory of great loss (1.5 million annihilated in 1915 ical professionals, including students, faculty, Blood Institute. He has published more than alone) and like all the Caucasus’s states, the people have experienced centuries of brutal researchers and physicians and members of the 275 papers and two books, served on several conflict that staggers the imagination and continues today in the convoluted conflict AUA community, asked questions and received editorial boards and had chaired the with Azerbaijan over Nagorno Karabagh. advice from Chobanian during an active ques - Publications Committee of the New England Armenia was a part of the Soviet Socialist Republics for more than 70 years, and has tion/answer session following his presentation. Journal of Medicine. only been independent for 21 years. Armenia’s economy was far more robust and produc - The reception in the AUA Akian Gallery provid - Chobanian was elected as a foreign mem - tive under Soviet rule, and the country is still struggling to establish a modern economy ed the opportunity for informal interactions ber of the Armenian National Academy of with almost no natural resources (and with its two borders with Turkey and Azerbaijan between Chobanian and attendees of the public Science and recently received the St. Mesrob- closed). While the capital of Yerevan is bustling, elegant and thriving, in the countryside health seminar. Mashtots Medal from Catholicos Aram I. there is little besides subsistence farming to support the villagers and the poverty rate Chobanian has been involved in several pro - approaches 35 percent. Many men still immigrate to take jobs in neighboring countries; in grams to improve health care in Armenia, fact, three times as many Armenians now live outside the country as inhabit it. That’s why including training of physicians, nurses and Heifer is investing $3.7 million in projects to help the smallholder farmer in Armenia other health professionals in emergency med - achieve economic independence and food security — and what I came to see. Correction icine, trauma care and health care manage - Despite the economic challenges, Armenia is hardly depressing. For one thing, the ment; development of medical residency and country is beautiful. The food is incredible, and though the people are tough (they’ve Due to a typesetting error, the date for post-graduate educational programs in had to be) they are also joyful, sweet people who love to garden, to eat, to talk and to the attack of the Egyptian Mamluk Armenia and the establishment of a success - welcome visitors — particularly if you’re one of the 8 million Diaspora Armenians who’s rulers on Cilicia and the subsequent end ful medical student elective program for US coming back home. of the Cilician Kingdom was incorrect in medical students to spend one to two months Even their blooming Christian cross never features the crucified Christ, because the column by Edmond Azadian last in Armenian hospitals and clinics. He has Armenians believe in the rising — not the suffering. week (“Is Another French Betrayal in also been instrumental in the provision of And that is as good a prescription for moving forward as anything I can imagine! the Offing, Sept. 29). The correct date is much-needed medical equipment, supplies 1375. and medications for Armenia. (This commentary appeared in HuffingtonPost.com on September 27.) We regret the error. Chobanian was in Armenia at the invitation of the Fund for Armenian Relief (FAR). 16 S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 6, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR

Donations Continue Pouring in to Support Humanitarian Aid Initiatives across Syria

AID, from page 1 secure 24 hours a day, while social and edu - In anticipation of medical emergencies, a aid efforts, and the $1-million emergency Across the country, a specially-formed cational projects have been developed to clinic, dispensary and pharmacy, all managed fund set aside by the AGBU Central Board, AGBU Armenian Youth Association (AYA) keep the youth active and engaged inside. by a nurse and doctor, are in place within the are providing a safety net for scores of site and ready for utilization should the need Armenians across Syria. Yet, as the conflict arise. Moreover, if necessary, the AGBU-AYA continues to escalate, the need is quickly out - committee has made arrangements with local pacing resources. The AGBU is appealing to hospitals to admit patients, who would be Armenians worldwide to renew their pledges transported via a van converted into an to those families in Syria, to provide them not ambulance, which the committee has only with provisions, but also with much- acquired. While each of these initiatives is needed hope during this dire time. underway, AGBU volunteers are also con - Donate online at ducting field visits to families whose homes agbu.org/syriarelief/index.html. Donate by have been assailed and who require immedi - phone at 1-855-AID-AGBU (243-2428), or send ate emergency assistance. checks to: AGBU, Syria Emergency Fund, 55 AGBU’s on-the-ground relief humanitarian East 59th St., New York, NY 10022.

Boxes of provisions line the walls of a local AGBU site in Aleppo where families are arriving en masse for support.

AGBU volunteers prepare boxes of humanitarian aid that they are distributing among thousands of families across Syria.

Committee is overseeing recovery and pre - paredness activities in collaboration with a pan-Armenian network of local organizations, the Syria-Armenian Emergency Relief Committee. The AGBU chapter in Aleppo has mobilized more than 80 volunteers who are working to administer aid to more than 2,500 families in the city. Every day, food packages with staples such as cereal, cooking oil, dry meat, eggs, lentils, milk, potatoes, rice, sugar and wheat are being distributed to the hun - dreds of families arriving en masse at a local AGBU facility. All recipients are registering with AGBU, as efforts are coordinated with other Armenian organizations, including Catholic and Evangelical churches, to com - pile official rosters of those in need. More than 250 boxes of food and additional stock - piles are also ready to be allocated to families in Damascus, where, like Kamishli, dozens of volunteers are prepared to take further action should the situation there worsen. Food is one of the four areas of humani - tarian aid that the AGBU is currently focused on, in addition to emergency response, healthcare and shelter. In the event that fam - ilies in Aleppo are forced to leave their homes, AGBU has made provisions to trans - form a local building into a secure space where they may take refuge. The premises are now equipped with generators, water reserves for bathrooms, supplies of drinking water, fire extinguishers and a kitchen and cafeteria complete with a refrigerator, oven and food storage facilities. A security staff has also been enlisted to keep the outside