OCTOBER 10, 2020 MMirror-SpeirTHEror-SpeARMENIAN ctator Volume LXXXXI, NO. 13, Issue 4655 $ 2.00 NEWS The First English Language Armenian Weekly in the United States Since 1932 IN BRIEF 406 New COVID Cases War Enters In Armenia YEREVAN (Armenpress) — A total of 406 new Second Week cases of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) have been confirmed in Armenia in the past one day, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to With No End 53,083, the National Center for Disease Control and Prevention said on October 6. As well, 222 more patients have recovered in one In Sight day. The total number of recoveries has reached 44,932. Six more patients have died, raising the YEREVAN (Combined Sources) — death toll to 990. According to official Armenian sources, some 3,454 Azerbaijani soldiers were killed Yerevan Allocates in the fighting since September 27 when Azerbaijan launched missiles, Funds for Artsakh artillery shells, and suicide drones against civilian populations in YEREVAN (Armenpress) — The Yerevan city Artsakh’s capital Stepanakert as council on October 6 approved the allocation of well as other civilian populations Civilians flee bombs in Stepanakert. 100,000,000 drams ($204,000) to Stepanakert to in and around Artsakh, as well as help in rebuilding the capital of Artsakh that has against certain areas of the been heavily bombarded in Azerbaijani attacks Republic of Armenia’s town of several hundred were ticularly the indiscriminate attacks on civil- since September 27. Vardenis, causing death and wounded. As a result ians and health workers. He said ambulances The decision was approved unanimously at an injury to dozens of civilians. of war crimes by very often come under bombardment and emergency meeting of the Yerevan City Council. Armenian troops of Artsakh Azerbaijan, 21 civil- are unable to reach injured civilians. The money will be allocated from the 2020 wounded 5,000 Azeri soldiers, ians were killed in Speaking at a press conference in the Yerevan city budget’s reserve fund for “the capital destroyed 368 tanks and armored Nagorno-Karabakh Armenian town of Goris on October 6, reconstruction of civilian infrastructures and facili- vehicles, 4 MLRS Smerch, Uragan, A cluster bomb dropped in and Armenia and over Torosyan said the Azeri forces are periodi- ties.” and 3 MLRS TOS-1A, 126 UAVs, Stepanakert 80 wounded. cally bombarding with artillery and missile 16 helicopters, 17 aircraft. Armenian Minister strikes Stepanakert City. War Unacceptable For According to the defense of Healthcare Arsen “I personally returned to Armenia from departments of Armenia and Artsakh, more Torosyan has voiced about the Azerbaijani Stepanakert yesterday late in the evening, Russia, Official Says than 220 Armenian servicemen were killed, military’s war crimes against Artsakh, par- see WAR, page 4 YEREVAN (Arka) — The Southern Caucasus may become a new foothold for militants from interna- tional terror groups, Russian Foreign Intelligence Canada Suspends Service (SVR) head Sergey Naryshkin said in a statement, published by the SVR press service Drone Technology Tuesday, October 6, Tass reported. “The escalating standoff in Karabakh attracts mil- Sales To Turkey itants from various international terror groups like a magnet,” Naryshkin underscored. OTTAWA (Reuters) — Canada has sus- “We cannot stay unconcerned over the fact that pended the export of some drone tech- Southern Caucasus may become a new foothold for nology to Turkey while it probes allega- the international terror groups, which would allow tions the equipment was used by Azeri the militants to infiltrate other states bordering forces involved in fighting with Azerbaijan and Armenia, including Russia,” he said. Armenia, a senior official said on “According to the SVR information, mercenaries October 5. (See related editorial.) from international terror group, such as the Nusra Project Ploughshares, a Canadian Front, the Firqat al-Hamza, the Sultan Murad arms control group, says video of air Division, fighting in the Middle East, as well as strikes released by Baku indicates the Kurdish extremist groups actively converge in drones had been equipped with imaging Community leader Mher Janian oversees the crowd at the Rally for Artsakh Nagorno-Karabakh conflict area,” Naryshkin said. and targeting systems made by Naryshkin said the current escalation causes par- L3Harris Wescam, the Canada-based ticular concerns not only by its scale, but also by NY Armenians Rally at UN unit of L3Harris Technologies Inc. qualitatively different effect of external factors. “In line with Canada’s robust export “It is the first time that Turkey acts in favor of control regime and due to the ongoing Azerbaijan so openly and unambiguously,” In Support of Artsakh hostilities, I have suspended the rele- Naryshkin noted. At the same time, he expressed vant export permits to Turkey, so as to his certainty that the sides to the conflict will be NEW YORK – As heroic soldiers in the allow time to further assess the situa- able to cease hostilities and return to negotiations. homeland battle on the frontlines to defend tion,” said Canadian Foreign Minister By Taleen Babayan Francois-Philippe Champagne. Special to the Mirror-Spectator Artsakh, Armenians around the diaspora have mobilized to show their solidarity and support The Globe and Mail said L3Harris of this latest onslaught on the territory and its Wescam had received permission this people. The Rally for Artsakh, that took place at the United Nations on Thursday, year to ship seven systems to Turkish October 1, was a peaceful protest demonstration by the New York and New Jersey drone maker Baykar. Turkey is a key INSIDE Armenian communities that condemned Azerbaijani and Turkish aggression. ally of Azerbaijan, whose forces are see RALLY, page 20 fighting Armenians over the disputed enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh. see DRONES, page 6 More War AGBU and Hayastan All Armenian Fund Coverage Launch Matching Gift Program for Artsakh Pages 8-13 NEW YORK — In support of the rapidly growing need for humanitarian relief in Artsakh, the AGBU Board of Directors, in coordination with the Hayastan INDEX All Armenian Fund, jointly announced the #AID4ARTSAKH Matching Gift Armenia ...... 2-5 program, open for donations through November 15. Arts and Living ...... 14 These matched funds will be used exclusively for humanitarian relief and Community News...... 8 emergency medical equipment in Artsakh and Armenia as a result of the full- Editorial ...... 18 scale war unleashed by enemy aggression on September 27, 2020. International ...... 6-7 see AID, page 5 2 S ATURDAY O CTOBER 1 0 , 2 0 2 0 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARMENIA News From Armenia Armenian Gandzak: Historical Background

the Baptist Armenian Cathedral was traces began to be eliminated through By Henrik Bakhchinyan built in Gandzak. The Armenian church- state programs. CSTO Yerevan Exercises es of Holy Saviour, Holy Mother of God, Through monstrous historical falsifica- Cancelled Saint Sargis, and Saint Thaddeus are tion, which started in Soviet times, Baku Translated by Artsvi Bakhchinyan 18th century structures. historians considered all the Armenian YEREVAN (Armenpress) — The military exercises from the Armenian 2018 original From 1804 onward, Gandzak was chroniclers from Utik-Artsakh to be of of the Collective Security Treaty Organization published in Azg. included in the Russian Empire. It Caucasian Albanian or Azeri (!!!) origin, (CSTO) planned in Armenia for late October have was renamed Elizavetpol and later and the local churches were considered been postponed and the new timeframe and location Gandzak (from the Armenian word became the center of the province of Albanian. However, many Armenian are being agreed upon, the security bloc’s spokesper- gandz - treasure; Persian-Turkish pro- the same name. During this period, churches did not escape destruction. The son Vladimir Zaynetdinov announ ced. nunciation is Ganja) is located in the Utik too, the number of Armenians in and hands that smashed thousands of He said the events were postponed due to the coro- province of Greater Armenia. It is both around Gandzak formed the majority. khachkars in Jugha (Julfa), also navirus situation in Armenia. historically and geographically part of According to statistics, about 400,000 destroyed or damaged the churches of “The issue of the location and timeframes of hold- the eastern region of Armenia, in partic- Armenians lived in Elizavetpol- Gandzak and its environs. Thus, Azeri ing these exercises is being discussed with CSTO ular, the historical Gardmank and Gandzak province. The Armenians of vandals completely destroyed the church- member states,” Zaynetdinov said. Northern or Plains Artsakh provinces. Gandzak continued their prosperous es of Holy Saviour, Holy Mother of God In addition, Armenia will not participate to anoth- Naturally, the main information about national educational and cultural life. and St. Thaddeus. The St. John the er CSTO exercise – “Unbreakable Brotherhood- Gandzak is provided by Armenian There were Armenian schools, theater Baptist Cathedral, where the Armenian 2020” from October 12 to 16 in Belarus. sources. According to them, the city was groups, books and newspapers were liturgy was celebrated until 1988, was The Armenian Defense Ministry spokesperson founded in 846 and was surrounded by published, some churches were turned into a club, desecrated by Shushan Stepanyan said Armenia won’t take part in many Armenian villages and monaster- rebuilt, and a new one, St. Gregory mughams, after the Armenian inscrip- the Unbreakable Brotherhood-2020 exercises due to ies. The Dasno monastery, built earlier tions were removed. the situation at the line of contact. (in 751), where the great scholar, writer, St. Sargis Church Mkhitar Gosh (1130–1213) wrote his was renovated in “Judgment Book” codex, was especially Turkish style and Nicholas Aznavour Calls famous. turned into a muse- On World Leaders to Thanks to Armenian creative builders, um. As for St. skilled merchants and talented educa- Gregory the Stand with Artsakh tional and cultural figures, Gandzak Illuminator Church, quickly developed and became the as it withstood PARIS (Panorama.am) — Nicholas Aznavour, the administrative and economic and spiritu- Turkish artillery vol- son of singer Charles Aznavour, wrote an open letter al center of the region, which Armenian leys in 1918 and to the world leaders to stand with Armenia against historians (Vardan Areveltsi, Kirakos could not be terrorism, Nouvelles d’Arménie reports. Gandzaketsi) called “Gandzak Hayots” destroyed, by erasing “The last seven days have been difficult, tragic, (Gandzak of the Armenians/Armenian all the Armenian challenging but full of hope and desire to live. We Gandzak) or “Gandzak Arani” (Gandzak St. John the Baptist Church symbols, it became wake up with hope that war is over and go to sleep of Aran). called Albanian with the hope that this was the last day,” the mes- From the end of the 9th century to the (about this see sage said. 12th century, the See of the Armenian the Illuminator Church was built. Samvel Karapetyan’s book Northern “As my father Charles Aznavour loved to say, he Catholicosate of Aghvan (Caucasian Gradually, especially after the Artsakh (Armenian-language, Yerevan, was 100-percent Armenian and 100-percent French. Albania) was established in Gandzak. Armenian-Tatar massacres of 1905-1906, 2004). And Armenia has always been important for him and The city was first included in the which took many lives, the number of It should be noted that the destructive my family, which has become a reason for me to join Bagratuni kingdom, then, like other Armenians in Elizavetpol-Gandzak hand of the Turks hit the local Persian my father in creating the Aznavour Foundation. provinces and cities of Armenia, was sub- province decreased considerably, and the culture as well. According to the most “Today more than ever I am calling on leaders of jected to raids and domination by the number of Oghuz Turks increased. This accepted opinion (which is nonetheless these and other states to stand with a small and Arabs, then the Seljuk Turks. tribe, that has penetrated the territories disputable), Nizami, a great Persian poet, brave nation fighting against terrorism. At the end of the 12th century and the of Aghvank and the Eastern Armenia was born and lived in Gandzak. A mau- “My ancestors survived the Armenian Genocide beginning of the next century, Gandzak along with the Seljuks, were called soleum was built in his traditional shrine 100 years ago, but today Turkey wants to commit yet was liberated from the Seljuks and was Caucasian Tatars or Caucasian Turks. in 1947 by the design of Armenian and another atrocity at the hands of Azerbaijan and ter- included in the Zakarid Armenia princi- In 1918, when the artificial Musavat Russian architects. For a long time, the rorist mercenaries.” pality, becoming, according to the Republic of Azerbaijan was formed, a Azeris appropriated the greatest Persian “The Aznavour Foundation stands with the sources, a rich and strong fortress-city number of settlements of historical classic poet that had not written a single Armenian people, we have united our forces to pro- with Armenian population. Armenia, including Gandzak, were line in Turkish, and moreover, despised vide humanitarian aid and are ready to support with During this period, the region was des- included in it. Especially with the sup- the Turkish language (due to their anything that is in our capacity. Even though tined to play a very significant role in the port of the Ottoman Turks who invaded petrodollars the Azeris even erected his Armenians are dispersed all around the world, we are life of Armenian people. When the the Transcaucasia, in order to create a statue in the park of Villa Borghese in one nation and one people and we must stand togeth- Turkish Seljuk raids stopped the first new Turkish state, that fake country was Rome in 2012 as a great Azerbaijani er in the face of adversity,” the letter said. renaissance movement in the Christian handed over to their Caucasian Tatars, poet). The Azeris also sought to replace world, particularly in Gandzak and its who were later called Azeris. Persian inscriptions on the shrine with Aurora Founders Donate surrounding educational and cultural The Soviet Republic of Azerbaijan Turkish ones. centers, a new life-giving wave of not only affirmed Gandzak as part of This infuriated Iran a lot. In an official $2 Million for Armenia, Armenian education and culture spread its territory, along with the whole protest Bahman Dari, the Deputy throughout Armenia. Let us remember Northern Artsakh, but also appropri- Minister of Culture and Islamic Artsakh the most prominent ones from the many ated Mountainous Artsakh (Nagorno Orientation of Iran said: “Having no cul- writers and figures descended from Karabakh in Soviet formulation) and tural values, Azerbaijan is forced to YEREVAN — The Aurora Humanitarian Initiative there: Hovhannes Sarkavag Imastaser – Nakhichevan. Elizavetpol-Gandzak attribute to itself the values of other founders, Noubar Afeyan, Vartan Gregorian and a theologian, philosopher, historian, cal- was renamed Ganja, then Kirovabad countries. Such a step by Azerbaijan can- Ruben Vardanyan, this week announced a commit- endarist, hymn writer, art theorist, who (in 1935), which became the second not be called anything, but cultural theft” ment of $2 million to cover immediate needs in especially pushed the Armenian aesthet- city of the republic. In Soviet times it (see Azg daily, 2013, No. 151). Armenia and Artsakh and to secure funding to pro- ic thought forward; major legists David was still full of Armenians. It had a Meanwhile, when Azerbaijan, in incom- vide educational and other support for the young Alavka Vordi and Mkhitar Gosh, who was population of about 40,000 parable proportions, not only stole, but generation of the two Armenian republics. also the founder of Armenian fable writ- Armenians who, despite national legal also ruthlessly destroyed Armenian cul- “We are deeply alarmed and saddened by the large- ing and raised Armenian legal thought to restrictions and pressures, continued tural values, the world remained and still scale military action unleashed against Artsakh and an unprecedented level; and famous his- their Armenian national life. It is note- remains indifferent. the outburst of armed conflict in the region. These torians Kirakos Gandzaketsi and Vardan worthy that a number of buildings in It is sad and symbolic that today Kars violent attacks carried out by Azerbaijan with the Areveltsi, who brought medieval the city were created by the designs of and Smyrna, which suffered the same support of Turkey constitute a gross violation of Armenian historiography to a qualita- Armenian architects. The city had fate, are declared sister cities of Gandzak. international law. We condemn in the strongest tively new level ... Armenian schools, press; in 1935- At the same time, I must say that the terms the escalation of violence by targeting civilians Unfortunately, the finest hour of 1949 there was an Armenian theater. warm feelings we have for our cherished with large caliber weapons and attacks on the civil- Gandzak did not last very long. In 1236 In 1988, when the Artsakh liberation places in Kars, Mush, Van and Western ian infrastructure,” stated the co-founders. the city was destroyed by the Tatar- movement began in Nagorno Karabakh Armenia in general, should also be direct- “We never imagined that Armenians would need Mongols. Nevertheless, Armenian educa- and Armenian SSR, after the massacres ed to the occupied territories of support to survive aggressions in modern times, as tional and cultural life continued in the of the Armenians in Sumgait city of Armenian Gandzak and all the Eastern we do today. We thank all those who are lending a surrounding monasteries. Many manu- Azerbaijan, the Armenian-populated dis- Armenian sites too, as integral parts of hand at this time of extreme need.” scripts are known, which were copied in tricts of Kirovabad-Gandzak were also our homeland. Therefore, it is necessary The Afeyan, Gregorian and Vardanyan families are the 14th-15th centuries “in the land of attacked; massacres and destructions to know well and keep alive the historical donating $1 million to Hayastan All Armenian Fund. Gandzak.” began. Only due to a well-organized self- memory of the lost homeland, so to be In addition, the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative and Gandzak was rebuilt in the 16th cen- defense did most of the local Armenians ready and competent to make up for our UWC Dilijan School announced the establishment of tury and passed to Safavid Persia as a escape physical destruction and move to losses in case of opportune time. In the a $1-million special fund and the launch of interna- separate khanate center until the begin- Armenia and Artsakh. Armenian case of Gandzak during the Artsakh lib- tional fundraising campaigns to secure further fund- ning of the 19th century. During this Gandzak was completely emptied of eration war, there was such an opportu- ing which will be used for initiatives focused on edu- period, according to Armenian and other Armenians, and especially after the liber- nity, which, unfortunately, we could not cation and well-being of Armenian children affected sources, the population of Gandzak and ation of Nagorno Karabakh, in already use. by the war. its environs was mainly (if not entirely) apparently Turkified Gandzak (which I am sure that the future will provide Armenians. They continued to develop was again renamed Ganja) and its envi- new opportunities for the return of our their homeland, building many civic and rons, as well as in all settlements of losses. The witness of it is liberated church buildings. Thus, in 1633, St. John Azerbaijan in general, all Armenian Artsakh. S ATURDAY O CTOBER 1 0 , 2 0 2 0 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 3 ARMENIA Karabakh Refugees Find Food And Shelter in Goris Hotels

played by hotels in housing refugees. However, By Mateos Hayes he stressed that housing evacuees in hotels is only a temporary solution: “Many children here Special to the Mirror-Spectator are in a bad situation. They have endured shock and emotional stress, and they will require more GORIS, Armenia — In the wake of renewed care and support than a hotel can provide.” This hostilities in Artsakh, scores of refugees have was a sentiment shared by Gayane Martirosyan, taken flight across the border into Armenia to escape the fighting. Predominantly women and children, these refugees come principally from communities such as Martuni, Berdashen, and Mghanz, all of which lie close to Artsakh’s bor- der with Azerbaijan. Most of these families have been forced to leave quickly, leaving behind their homes and many of their belongings. In A family from Artsakh dines in Goris (Courtesy of Loucine Sahakyan) addition, these families had to flee Artsakh without their fathers and adult male relatives that have stayed in Artsakh to fight. would ask [the diaspora] to send Gevorgyan’s house was destroyed in the fight- Some of these displaced families have found money to humanitarian causes. More ing during the 1990s, but she and her husband refuge in cities such as Goris. In anticipation of should be done to make it easier for worked hard to rebuild their lives. However, the a refugee influx, Goris’ municipal government Clothes collected in a donation drive at the Mirhav Hotel. members of the diaspora to donate hardships of war returned with cruel swiftness prepared to accommodate people from Artsakh. directly to the development of schools in the wake of the latest attack, as Gevorgyan’s Hotels were instructed to prepare their facilities and housing in specific cities.” house was destroyed again, hit by shellfire to receive incoming families, and arrangements the hotel’s manager, who added: “We also have a “We are a poor land and we need all the help whilst her husband worked in the yard. were made so that Goris residents could easily concern that if we have a problem [in Goris], how we can get,” said Zetuntchian. Miraculously, nobody was harmed in this inci- donate food, clothing, and other necessities to will we evacuate people from here?” dent, but it became clear that the family was families from Artsakh. Local efforts, including Zetuntchian also pointed to the long-term A Refugee’s Account being uprooted again by conflict. Gevorgyan food drives, and donation drives to purchase challenges of keeping everyone adequately fed Among the evacuees sheltering in the Mirhav was able to flee with the help of a relative, who clothing and other goods are being undertaken. but expressed his appreciation that the “people Hotel was Inna Gevorgyan, a 43-year-old house- put her, her children, and twenty-three other Shahen Zetuntchian, the proprietor of Goris’ of Goris and neighboring villages have been wife from Martuni. Gevorgyan was forced to flee evacuees in his car. “We left with no shoes and Mirhav Hotel, was one of the hoteliers charged very helpful, bringing clothes, food, and other with her two underage children, while her son, no proper clothes. Just what we had on at the with hosting and providing for incoming necessities.” The hotelier also pointed to the son-in-law, and husband all stayed behind to time,” said Gevorgyan, who was still dressed in refugees. Zetuntchian is a hayrenadarts, a mem- good work done by the local government to defend Artsakh. Gevorgyan was visibly shaken her slippers and a bathroom robe. Gevorgyan ber of the diaspora who has returned to organize donations and accommodations for and upset, and was reluctant to be interviewed, expressed her gratitude for the people of Goris, Armenia. “The evacuees [from Artsakh] are refugees. Martirosyan agreed that the local gov- stating: “Why should I be interviewed? The saying, “They have given us food and a good under mental and physical stress, which they ernment had been quite active but opined that world does not care about us. They didn’t care place to stay, and we are very thankful and have lived with for years. So, they need a lot of the national government needed to do more to in the 1990s and they don’t care now. We have grateful.” When asked what the one thing was help and solidarity,” explained Zetuntchian. match government efforts at the local level. always been on our own in this fight.” that would help her in this trying time, “Artsakh is part of Armenian history, and it is When asked about how members of the dias- Gevorgyan pointed to another evacuee whose Gevorgyan simply said “peace.” necessary for us to push for the recognition of pora could help Armenia and Artsakh during this house blew up before her eyes. This woman, “We should pray for our army and for us to that fact,” he added. trying time, Zetuntchian replied: “The war per- along with several other refugees in Goris, endure and end this stupid war. God is our sup- Zetuntchian recognized the important role meates all walks of life, including the diaspora. I declined to be interviewed. porter,” she exclaimed.

Artsakh Representative to US Calls for Continued Support by Compatriots

The majority of the male population up to came close to hospitals and other civilian gating role, is very dangerous, he said, though By Aram Arkun 55 years old are either on the frontlines or are structures, they were shot down before they it is also testimony to the disappointment waiting their turn in the reserves, Avetisyan could do any damage to them, Avetisyan relat- Turkey must have in the military capabilities Mirror-Spectator Staff related. While women are not mobilized in this ed. of Azerbaijan. way, there are female contract servicewomen, COVID-19 is another challenge, with masks The Turkish involvement and the continua- STEPANAKERT — Robert Avetisyan, and volunteers, and unfortunately there have and sanitizers as omnipresent as anywhere tion of genocidal attitudes towards Permanent Representative of the Nagorno already been at least two female military vic- else in the world. However, Avetisyan said, Armenians, he said, make it impossible for Karabakh Republic in the United States, is tims. sometimes when there is a strike half a mile this country to continue as a member of the usually based in Washington, but he was in In the villages or provinces, there is no cen- away, many people may not think about it mediating OSCE Minsk Group. On the other Stepanakert as the current attacks by tralized evacuation, but everything is up to while rushing to their basement. In the army, hand, he stressed, as the Artsakh Foreign Azerbaijan unfolded. the local populace. Avetisyan said that in taking appropriate measures is possible but Ministry has stated, this is the right time for Speaking on September 30 from places indiscriminately fired upon by the very inconvenient, and in the battlefield, natu- the international community to recognize Stepanakert, Avetisyan said that naturally the Azerbaijanis, some people try to remain if they rally social distancing cannot be maintained. Artsakh as a sovereign state, which will help normal pace of life in the capital of Karabakh feel secure, while others may escape from Consequently, no one knows what the effects move the conflict from the battlefield into (Artsakh) cannot be maintained now. Though Azerbaijani attacks to elsewhere in Artsakh or on the spread of the novel coronavirus will be the diplomatic realm. things are calmer there than at the frontlines, Armenia. Avetisyan said, “Human security is after this is all over. The Azerbaijani media is providing propa- the city can be reached by the Azerbaijani number one for us. If people wish to relocate, Though it is the season for agriculture, and ganda and fake news, so Avetisyan urged armed forces. There have been drone attacks they are free to do so, as there are no barriers so many are economically suffering right now, Armenians abroad to rely on Armenian news and artillery shelling from time to time. to that. But we are proud that many decide to there is no shortage of food or supplies, sources. At the same time, he expressed his Avetisyan said, “The good thing is that the stay and support the troops as much as possi- according to Avetisyan, and the projects of cre- appreciation to those who contributed to the civil defense system is working very well. We ble.” ating modern roads inside Artsakh, and link- Armenia Fund, which is working to intensify have notifications right away, which are very The use of greater modern technology has ing Artsakh to Armenia through the Armenia its humanitarian efforts. (Those who wish to loud, so that everybody, no matter where you changed the nature of the conflict. Avetisyan Fund are now showing their full utility. do so can go online to are, hears the sounds.” said, “Even civilians cannot walk in the streets Overall, Avetisyan declared, “This is the type https://armeniafund.ejoinme.org/donate). The shelters have been improved compared in small groups because they will be an easy of war, unfortunately, where they are striking The messages and support from Armenian to the period of bombardments of Stepanakert target for drones or rockets at one shot.” All any object or civilian building, anything and and non-Armenian friends throughout the during the war in the early 1990s. Avetisyan types of weaponry, including long-range everything that they can hit. It is very strange world has been palpable, Avetisyan said. In said that people go in the shelters and stay artillery, drones, helicopters, jets and even for us that there does not seem to be a proper particular, he declared: “We feel the involve- there until the sirens go off. This is okay dur- flamethrower missiles which spread fire after understanding of the scale of this conflict. ment and support of the worldwide Armenian ing the day, he said, but to run to shelters at exploding are being used, but dozens and Many are saying that a largescale war must be community, particularly when we are thinking night four or five times is a different story. dozens of such military equipment are being prevented, but this is already a largescale war. about the Armenian community in the United The attacks on the capital, he speculated, neutralized, declared Avetisyan. It is the largest the entire region has seen States. We appreciate it and are inspired by were dependent in part on the successes of the The army has all the necessary equipment since 1994. If the world can do something, it the unity which we have been seeing.” The Artsakh army on the frontlines, and on weath- to handle these attacks, Avetisyan explained. is never too late, but they should have done fight which is being fought now on the front- er, when it comes to Azerbaijan’s use of attack On the one hand, the military industry of something much earlier.” lines echoes in all major capitals and countries drones. Initially, perhaps they were an attempt Armenia has developed greatly, and prepares It is hard to say how it will end, Avetisyan where Armenians have a presence, he said, to instigate panic and fear but that has not certain items from start to finish. Other items said, but he noted that the president of the and what is important is that they are contin- worked. Also, the city is now packed with for- are purchased elsewhere, and sometimes mod- Karabakh Republic said they were preparing uing the pressure for political statements to eign journalists from all over the world from ified. for fighting as long as it takes. The presence of turn into actions and actions into concrete the top media outlets, which might be giving At present, he said, all medical facilities are mercenaries is not different from the situation results. Azerbaijanis second thoughts about attacking involved in the war situation and as of now in the early 1990s, Avetisyan said, but their He concluded that the current situation is Stepanakert, though many of these journalists doctors have everything they need. If a patient only threat is as propaganda. The unprece- an existential threat to the Armenian nation, have already heard the sirens and seen the is in a particularly serious state, he can be dented direct Turkish involvement on the side which must be ready for any development, drone attacks. transported to Yerevan. While some drones of Azerbaijan, on the other hand, and its insti- even the most difficult scenarios. 4 S ATURDAY O CTOBER 1 0 , 2 0 2 0 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARMENIA

A view shows aftermath of recent shelling in Stepanakert, October 4, 2020 (RFE/RL Photo) Karabakh War Enters Second Week

WAR, from page 1 “Destroyed residential buildings, various civil- and this was my third visit since the attacks ian infrastructures that have been leveled to the began,” he said. “The adversary is striking civil- ground – this is the situation there. We stand ian, especially infrastructure facilities, disrupt- by our compatriots no matter what. The entire ing the normal life of the civilian population. medical community of Armenia and Artsakh The fully mobilized medical community of has set aside the less essential work and is deal- Artsakh, as well as our colleagues who have left ing with the evacuation and treatment of those to Artsakh from Armenia to support them, are wounded. sometimes unable to provide help to people in need because Stepanakert and other cities are Rising International Voices in permanent air raid alert and bombardment. Armenia welcomed on October 6 the latest Even ambulance vehicles are unable to reach calls for an “immediate and unconditional” halt the citizens who require medical assistance,” to hostilities in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict Torosyan said. zone made by France, Russia and the United Torosyan said he personally witnessed an States. Azeri missile strike that hit very close to the In a joint statement issued on Monday, U.S. Republican Hospital of Stepanakert. He said Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Foreign the explosion from the strike rocked the hospi- Ministers Sergei Lavrov of Russia and Jean-Yves tal building. Le Drian of France condemned “in the “The strike could’ve very likely hit the hospi- strongest terms” the escalation of violence and, tal. We, the medical personnel, upon witnessing in particular, “disproportionate” shelling of the Azerbaijani military-political leadership’s civilian areas. Destruction of buildings in Stepanakert intentions, have an impression that a direct, The Armenian Foreign Ministry hailed the deliberate strike on medical infrastructure can’t statement, saying that the strong condemna- be ruled out. This is a war crime against the tion applies to Azerbaijan’s “unprecedented said the ministry. Armenia has seized upon those reports and peaceful population,” Torosyan said. massive targeting of the civilian population and As of Tuesday morning, the Azerbaijani gov- presented its own purported evidence of Syrian ernment did not react to the joint appeal by the mercenaries recruited by Ankara. top U.S., Russian and French diplomats. Baku France has also alleged such deployment, has until now made the end of the hostilities with President Emmanuel Macron saying that conditional on Armenian withdrawal from at least 300 “Syrian fighters from jihadist Karabakh. groups” were flown from Turkey to Azerbaijan Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad on October ahead of the flare-up of violence in Karabakh. 6 joined Armenia and France in accusing Russia has similarly expressed serious con- Turkey of sending Syrian rebel fighters to fight cern over the reported presence of Middle in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone on Eastern “terrorists and mercenaries” in the Azerbaijan’s side. Karabakh conflict zone and demanded their Assad also blamed Ankara and President “immediate withdrawal from the region.” Recep Tayyip Erdogan in particular for the war Asked to comment on the reports, Assad said: in Karabakh that erupted on September 27. “Definitely we can confirm it. Not because we “They [the Turks] are the ones who started have evidence. Sometimes if you don’t have evi- this conflict,” he told the Russian RIA Novosti dence you have indications.” news agency. “They encouraged this conflict.” “Turkey used those terrorists coming from “We can say for sure that they have been different countries in Syria. They used the same using terrorists of Syrian and other nationali- method in Libya. They used Syrian terrorists in ties in Nagorno-Karabakh,” he said. Libya, maybe with other nationalities,” he told In recent weeks Western media and Syrian RIA Novosti. Artsakh President Arayik Harutyunyan, second from right, oversees military plans. opposition sources have quoted members of “So it’s self-evident and very much probable Islamist rebel groups in areas of northern Syria that they are using them in Nagorno- He displayed shrapnel from the prohibited infrastructure” in Karabakh. under Turkish control as saying that they are Karabakh,” added the Syrian leader. cluster munitions that are used by the Azeris to “We once again stress that there is no alter- deploying to Azerbaijan in coordination with Assad’s regime has been at odds with Ankara bombard the cities in Artsakh. Torosyan said native to the peaceful settlement and the peace the Turkish government. Most of them have but strongly backed by Moscow throughout the the Azeri forces are firing the banned muni- process, and any attempt to resolve the conflict given financial reasons for agreeing to partici- Syrian civil war. tions at virtually everything. by military means will be resolutely averted,” pate in hostilities in and around Karabakh. (Continues on next page) S ATURDAY O CTOBER 1 0 , 2 0 2 0 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 5 ARMENIA

the Azerbaijani army resumed rocket strikes on the Karabakh capital Stepanakert. Earlier in the day she strongly denied Baku’s claims that the Armenians are again shelling civilian areas of Azerbaijan. It also emerged that Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan visited Karabakh on Monday, October 5, for the first time since the start of the war. A short video released by the Armenian government showed Pashinyan meet- ing with Karabakh’s top political and military leaders and discussing the situation on the frontlines.

Turkish FM in Baku Visiting Baku on Tuesday, October 6, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Çavusoglu reaffirmed Ankara’s strong support for Azerbaijani mili- tary operations along the Armenian-Azerbaijani “line of contact” around Karabakh. “Turkey and the Turkish people are ready to provide any assistance to Azerbaijan in any sphere if need be,” Çavusoglu was reported to say at a meeting with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. Speaking in Azerbaijan’s capital Baku, the Turkish FM again voiced support for Armenians from Karabakh in Goris Azerbaijan, indirectly confirming that Ankara is no longer covering up its involvement in war crimes committed against Artsakh’s civilian Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov com- aren’t yet subject to disclosure,” he said, adding “In case of further escalations, the entire population. mented on Assad’s statements later in the day. that details could be released after the war. responsibility will be borne by the military-polit- Çavusoglu also criticized the OSCE Minsk “We attentively familiarize ourselves with all He said that these strikes at Azeri military ical leadership of Azerbaijan,” Armenia’s Group for what he described as not having a statements by heads of state,” he said. facilities have “neutralized large numbers of Defense Ministry Spokesperson Shushan clear plan for settling the conflict, ignoring the U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo reacted military reserve forces.” Stepanyan wrote on Facebook. Co-Chairmanship’s recent efforts for preventing cautiously to Macron’s claims backed up by On October 6, the Azeri forces again started The Armenian side said Azerbaijani forces bloodshed and calls for non-intervention of Western media reports. “I hope it’s not the to bombard Stepanakert City, the capital of launched a “large-scale attack” at the southern- third parties. case,” Pompeo told reporters on Friday. Artsakh. The capital city of Artsakh has come most section of the “line of contact” bordering “We saw Syrian fighters taken from the bat- under numerous attacks since the Azeri offen- Iran. Stepanyan said that Karabakh Armenian (Stories from RFE/RL, Armenpress, tlefields in Syria to Libya,” he said. “That creat- sive began on September 27. Civilian casualties forces are “methodically” destroying “enemy Panorama.am and Arka were used in compil- ed more instability, more turbulence, more con- and heavy damages to civil infrastructure have capabilities.” ing this report.) flict, more fighting, less peace. I think it would occurred. Stepanian reported about an hour later that do the same thing in the conflict in and around Nagorno-Karabakh as well. So I hope that reporting proves inaccurate.” Commenting on Turkish involvement in the Armenian-Azerbaijani dispute, Pompeo said Washington disapproves of “third parties bring- ing ammunitions, weapon systems, even just advisors and allies” to the conflict zone. Pashinyan gave several international inter- views, including with the Globe and Mail (Canada), France 24, the New York Times and Le Monde (France) and Bild (Germany). He actively linked Turkey’s involvement with the Armenian Genocide of a century ago. “Azerbaijani-Turkish bandits are not here to deal with Karabakh or the Karabakh issue. They have not come with the objective of cap- turing villages, cities. Their key target is the Armenian nation. And they have set themselves the task of bringing to completion #ArmenianGenocide,” he wrote on Twitter on October 4. In an interview with the French daily Le Figaro, he said Armenia has proof that Turkey is supporting Azerbaijan militarily.

Armenians Deny Targeting Civilians Artsakh says it would under no circum- stances resort to targeting the civilian popula- tion of Azerbaijan. “Because we aren’t like them, but we know how to break their terrorist army,” Artsakh presidential spokesperson Vahram Poghosyan said, strongly ruling out the Artsakh army’s tar- geting of peaceful civilians amid their own civil- ians being under heavy Azeri fire. Students and their teacher continue lessons at a Stepanakert bunker. “And our rocket strikes at military facilities of Azerbaijan which are located in large cities

AGBU and Hayastan All Armenian Fund Launch Matching Gift Program for Artsakh AID, from page 1 for a generous outpouring from all Armenians prospect of increasing that sum tenfold, Artsakh, donors are encouraged to give To generate momentum behind this time- who wish to see their support work twice as should inspire every last Armenian worldwide online to AGBU, which will release the funds sensitive initiative, AGBU has already made hard to save Armenian lives on and off the to act without delay.” directly to the Hayastan All Armenian Fund available $1 million to the Hayastan All battlefield. AGBU’s Berge Setrakian described this ini- as each $500,000 is generated. To qualify for Armenian Fund with the commitment to “During this very critical stage in the tiative as a “foregone conclusion.” He noted the AGBU match, donations must be made make a matching contribution of up to $5 mil- defense effort, AGBU’s matching gift opportu- that considering the gravity and severity of directly to AGBU. To contribute, go to lion, depending on total gifts received nity will maximize funding when food and the need among those in harm’s way, whether www.agbu.org/aid4artsakh or between now and the campaign deadline. supplies for civilians and life-saving medical civilians confined to bomb shelters or injured [email protected] for wire transfers. Donations AGBU is prepared to match up to $5 million equipment for injured soldiers are depleting soldiers in dire medical distress, there is “no may also be made to local AGBU offices. raised during the campaign window which fast,” stated Hayastan All Armenian Fund question about what we are called to do at For more information about this limited will apply for any individual donation up to Executive Director Haykak Arshamyan. “The this dark hour.” time matching program, contact $100,000. This raises the stakes even higher infusion of $1 million out of the gate, with the To rush support for emergency relief in [email protected] 6 S ATURDAY O CTOBER 1 0 , 2 0 2 0 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR INTERNATIONAL International News Canada Suspends Its Drone Armenian Patriarch of Jerusalem Urges Halt of Technology Sales To Turkey Arms Sales to Azerbaijan DRONES, from page 1 happening on the ground day and Armenian name of Nagorno- JERUSALEM — Archbishop Nourhan Manougian, Separately, Prime Minister Justin night, in all weather conditions. Karabakh. Armenian Patriarch of Jerusalem, personally asked Trudeau told reporters he had asked Armenia has accused Turkey of “Only through joint efforts can the Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel in a Champagne to travel to Europe “to using TB2 Bayraktar combat drones international community stop letter to halt arms sale to Azerbaijan. discuss with our allies the develop- left behind in Azerbaijan following Turkish-supported Azerbaijani aggres- “Remember Mr. Prime Minister that Nagorno- ments in Eastern Europe and the recent joint exercises to pummel sion, backed by foreign mercenaries, Karabakh historically was part of Armenia until the Caucasus, particularly in Nagorno- Armenian forces from the air, collect against the vulnerable Armenian pop- day when Stalin decided to give it with Nakhichevan, Karabakh.” intelligence and direct artillery and ulation.” another Armenian region, to Soviet Azerbaijan. He did not give more details and an missile fire at both military positions However, we understand for Israel to have fair and aide to Champagne said the exact itin- and civilian infrastructure. Armenian-Canadians Want friendly ties with Azerbaijan, but not to the extent of erary had not yet been worked out. “Canada continues to be concerned Trudeau to Push for Ceasefire supplying the aggressor with modern war equipment The federal government is suspend- by the ongoing conflict in Nagorno- Canadian-Armenian community to further encourage Azerbaijan to disturb the frag- ing the export of sophisticated Karabakh resulting in shelling of com- organizations that had lobbied hard ile peace they have. However, acting militarily in Canadian drone technology to Turkey munities and civilian casualties,” to stop military exports to Turkey also favor of Azerbaijan to flare up the war in the region while Ottawa investigates claims that Champagne said. welcomed the announcement. is surely indicates that Israel is against for the suc- it is being used by the Azerbaijani mil- “We call for measures to be taken Hagop Arslanian, deputy chairman cess of the stale peace process to succeed. Further, itary against Armenian forces in immediately to stabilize the situation of the Armenian General Benevolent Israel’s present stand ironically indicates that Israel Nagorno-Karabakh, Foreign Affairs on the ground and reiterate that there Union (AGBU) in Canada — one of the has an unfavorable attitude towards Armenia and the Minister Francois-Philippe is no alternative to a peaceful, negoti- largest Armenian community organi- Armenian people who experienced the First Champagne said Monday. ated solution to this conflict.” zations — said the group is “satisfied” Genocide of the 20th century.” Champagne was responding to calls Speaking at a press conference this with Ottawa’s announcement. He added, “Today two nations, Turkey and by Canada’s Armenian community morning in Ottawa, Prime Minister “Let it be clear that there is no mil- Azerbaijan, are destined together to wipe out and the disarmament group Justin Trudeau announced that he is itary resolution to this conflict,” Armenians from their homeland and, sadly, your Ploughshares International to stop sending Champagne to Europe “to Arslanian said. country aggressively is helping them to achieve their the export of Canadian drone optics discuss with our allies the develop- The Armenian community also united goal.” and laser targeting systems to Turkey ments in Eastern Europe and the wants Trudeau to take on a more following reports that Ankara has Caucasus, particularly in Nagorno- active diplomatic role by calling his Russian, Iranian Foreign deployed dozens of unmanned aircraft Karabakh.” counterparts in Turkey and in combat against Armenian forces in Armenia’s embassy in Ottawa wel- Azerbaijan to demand an immediate Ministers Discuss War the breakaway Nagorno-Karabakh comed Champagne’s announcement. ceasefire, he added. region of Azerbaijan. “This acknowledges Turkey’s direct “Equally, we want him to call MOSCOW (Armenpress) — Foreign Minister of Kelsey Gallagher, an expert with involvement in the aggression against [Armenian] Prime Minister Nikol Russia Sergey Lavrov and Foreign Minister of Iran Project Ploughshares who has studied the people of Artsakh (Nagorno- Pashinyan and communicate his sup- Mohammad Javad Zarif had a phone conversation on exports of Canadian drone technology Karabakh) perpetrated by port,” Arslanian said. Tuesday, Ocotober 6, emphasizing that a diplomatic to Turkey, said these sensors are used Azerbaijan,” Armenia’s ambassador in (Levon Sevunts of Radio Canada settlement of Nagorno Karabakh conflict has no by Turkish TB2 Bayraktar combat Canada, Anahit Harutyunyan, said in International contributed to this alternative. drones, allowing them to see what’s a statement, referring to the report.) During the conversation the sides expressed deep concerns of Moscow and Tehran over the unprece- dented escalation in Nagorno Karabakh conflict zone. They emphasized the danger posed by the involvement of illegal armed groups and extremists from Syria and Libya in the conflict. The FMs shared Israeli President Hopeful Armenian the opinion that there is no alternative to the diplo- matic settlement of the conflict, which should start from cessation of hostilities without preconditions. Ambassador Will Return

PACE Official Asks TEL AVIV (RFE/RL) — Israeli Turkey to Stop President Reuven Rivlin expressed hope on Monday, October 5, that Inflammatory Rhetoric Armenia will return its ambassador to Israel who was recalled for consulta- STRASBOURG (Armenpress) — The Chair of the tions last week in protest against the Parliamentary Assembly of Council of Europe Jewish state’s continuing arms sup- (PACE) Monitoring Committee, Michael Aastrup plies to Azerbaijan. Jensen, has called on Turkey to stop inflammatory Explaining the move on October 1, rhetoric, as well as reported direct involvement in the Armenian Foreign Ministry said the conflict Nagorno Karabakh conflict. Israel did not halt these sales even “I am sad and angry about the tragic loss of lives, after the September 27 outbreak of both civilian and military, caused by the new out- large-scale hostilities around Nagorno- break of hostilities between Armenia and Karabakh. Azerbaijan. These hostilities are escalating rapidly Ambassador Armen Smbatian was into an all-out war which seriously threatens the sta- recalled to Yerevan just two weeks bility of the region,” said Jensen. after inaugurating the Armenian President Armen Sarkissian, left, with Israeli President Reuven Rivlin earlier this year “At a meeting yesterday, the Monitoring Embassy in Tel Aviv in the presence of Committee discussed these deeply worrying develop- a senior official from the Israeli ments in the presence of Armenian and Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry. parliamentarians, and urged both countries to fully “We welcome the opening of the defense, as the Israeli side assured in ing military operations in Karabakh. honor their obligations to the Council of Europe and Armenian Embassy in Israel and hope the past, but also for offensives,” read Reports from Israel have said that to respect the European Convention on Human that the Armenian ambassador will a statement released by the Armenian over the past week Azerbaijani trans- Rights. It called on both states to agree on an imme- return soon,” Rivlin said in a phone presidential press service. “This port planes carried out several flights diate ceasefire without preconditions and to return call with Armenia’s President Armen weaponry is used actively to bomb the between Baku and Israeli airfields. to the negotiating table under the auspices of the Sarkissian. Armenian settlements and civilian Observers have suggested that they OSCE Minsk Conference. There is no alternative to According to his office, Rivlin also population, causing multiple loss of delivered more weapons to Azerbaijan. a peaceful resolution of this conflict,” added Jensen. “expressed sorrow” at the hostilities life and massive destruction.” Ambassador Smbatian claimed on “I again recall that when becoming members of the in Karabakh and the resulting casual- “He urged the president of Israel to Monday that Israel may agree to stop Council of Europe, both countries committed them- ties. “He added that the State of Israel use his authority with the [Israeli] these deliveries “in two or three selves to resolve their disputes in a peaceful manner. has long-standing relations with government to stop the supplies of days.” “I have received such a verbal That obligation, which is incumbent upon all mem- Azerbaijan and that the cooperation arms to Azerbaijan immediately,” promise at the government level,” he ber states, also means that all member states should between the two countries is not added the statement. told Factor.am. refrain from any actions or discourse which encour- aimed against any side,” the office Yerevan has for years expressed con- “In various ways we are trying to age belligerent states to resolve their disputes by said in a statement cited by The cern over billions of dollars worth of get them to stop supplying weapons force. In that respect the members of the committee Jerusalem Post newspaper. advanced weapons, including sophisti- [to Azerbaijan] at least during this war deplored inflammatory rhetoric by Turkey, as well as For his part, Sarkissian condemned cated drones and missiles, which situation,” said Smbatian. reported direct involvement in the conflict, and the Israeli arms supplies, warning that Israeli defense companies have sold, The Israeli Foreign Ministry refused called upon it to cease so immediately,” he conclud- they “could seriously undermine the to Azerbaijan over the past decade. to comment on Smbatian’s remarks. ed. Armenian-Israeli relations.” The Armenian military says that The Israeli Walla news service also “President Sarkissian noted that Azerbaijani forces are heavily using quoted a spokesman for the ministry arms and equipment sold by Israel to Israeli-made attack drones and multi- as saying that it does not deal with Azerbaijan is used not only for ple-launch rocket systems in the ongo- arms exports. S ATURDAY O CTOBER 1 0 , 2 0 2 0 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 7 INTERNATIONAL Anti-Armenian Demonstrations in Istanbul

ISTANBUL (Nor Marmara, Jamanak) — Since the patriarchate building. Early the beginning of the attacks by Azerbaijan reports attempted to suggest that against Artsakh, public opinion in Turkey has the demonstration was not aimed at been focused on the military actions in the the patriarchate but was there to ongoing war. Anti-Armenian sentiments and slo- “send a message” to the population gans, renewed animosity and hatred, anger and of natives of the Republic of protests have broken out in Turkey directed at Armenia who live in the Kumkapi Armenians in general and the Armenian com- neighborhood. The same day, Omer munity of Istanbul. Celik, representing the ruling AKP On Monday, September 28, a demonstration party said that threats against the took place in the form of a large group of cars Armenian citizens of Turkey were which drove down the street in front of the not acceptable. Armenian Patriarchate in Kumkapi, Istanbul, However, anti-Armenian senti- bearing Azerbaijani and Turkish flags and ment has continued to spread over honking their horns as they passed in front of the past week and is causing anxi- ety for the Armenian community of Istanbul. Security officers are sta- tioned in front of all the Armenian churches in Istanbul. On Monday, October 5, Nor Marmara newspaper of Istanbul reported that more anti-Armenian demonstrations had taken place in Istanbul, in both Beyazit Square and in front of the Azerbaijani Consulate in the Besiktas neighborhood. Anti-Armenian demonstrations in Beyazit Square In Beyazit Square, Azerbaijani and Turkish citizens joined in a demon- stration. After the playing the Turkish and ular, bikers who were showing solidarity with government for engaging in “war propaganda Azerbaijani national anthems, Can Kitay, one of the Azerbaijani army also joined the demon- by openly supporting the military conflict” and the organizers of the demonstration, harangued strations. Protesters gathered in Besiktas in “resorting to belligerent rhetoric” against the crowd. Kitay said they were gathered there in front of Istanbul's Azerbaijani Consulate and Armenia. He also decried the demonstrators solidarity with the “glorious army of Azerbaijan,” “poured curses on the Armenians, showing sol- who came to the Armenian Patriarchate as and further stated that “Armenia showed herself idarity with Azerbaijan.” “provocateurs.” to be a terrorist country” by “attacking peaceful Meanwhile, member of Turkish Parliament He stated that because of these demonstra- inhabitants,” and that Armenia had “gotten the Garo Paylan has been attacked in newspaper tions and the intimidation of the Armenians in response it deserved.” Kitay reminded the crowd ads by a far-right organization, ASAM (a a climate of “hate speech,” Turkey's Armenian of the slogan “two states - one nation” (in refer- Turkish acronym for Eurasia Strategic community as well as citizens of Armenia living ence to Turkey and Azerbaijan) and claimed that Research Center). The ads accuse Paylan of sid- in Turkey no longer feel safe. Paylan underlined Cars with Azerbaijani flags in front of the thousands had joined up as volunteers to go to ing with Armenia in the current war. Paylan has that he has always stood for peaceful solutions Istanbul Armenian Patriarchate the front. responded that he is an activist for peace, and to political problems and stated “There are no In various neighborhoods, Besiktas in partic- released a statement condemning the Turkish winners in war and no losers in peace!”

Israeli Scholars Urge Government to Stop Selling Weapons to Azerbaijan Tehran Threatens ‘Tough’ TEL AVIV (Armenpress) — A number of matter of Israeli arms sales to Azerbaijan in like the Jewish people suffered genocidal Action Against Accidental prominent Israeli scholars are calling on the recent years, this being one component in the attacks in the twentieth century. We call upon Shelling Of Iranian Territory Israeli government to immediately suspend massive armament process in that country. We other Israelis to raise their voice on this sales of arms to Azerbaijan amid the latter’s call upon the Israeli government to cease important issue. TEHRAN (RFE/RL) — Iran reportedly attacks on Artsakh. immediately the sales of arms to Azerbaijan, (in alphabetical order) Prof. Reuven Amitai threatened on Tuesday, October 6, to take In an open letter regarding the ongoing fight- pending a review of the issue by the govern- Prof. Yair Auron Prof. Israel Charny Ms. Moran “tough measures” if Armenian and ing in Artsakh, they called for a ceasefire and ment and Knesset. Matters of would-be Deitch Prof. Benjamin Z. Kedar Mr. Yoav Loeff Azerbaijani forces continued to accidental- stressed that independent accounts and analy- Realpolitik, as reflected here in arm sales, are Prof. Benny Morris Prof. Eli Richter Prof. ly shell Iranian territory close to the scene sis show that the ongoing hostilities are “due not the only basis for foreign policy. Certainly, Donna Shalev Mr. Marc Sherman Prof. Michael of large-scale hostilities around Nagorno- solely to aggression of the Republic of one needs to question Israel’s role in an arma- Stone Dr. Yana Tcheknanovets Prof. Dror Karabakh. Azerbaijan, supported by Turkey and backed ment effort aimed mainly against a people that Zeevi,” reads the letter. The southernmost section of the up by fighters from elsewhere in the region". Karabakh “line of contact” adjacent to The scholars called on their countrymen to northwestern Iran is one of the epicenters raise their voice about this issue. Amnesty International Calls out Azerbaijan’s Use of of the fierce fighting that broke out on Michael Stone from the Hebrew University of September 27. Several rockets and other Jerusalem, a signatory of the letter, published it Banned Cluster Bombs in Artsakh projectiles from the fighting have mistak- on his social media account: enly landed near Iranian villages over the The following represents the personal views LONDON — Protection of civilians caught in the escalating conflict between Armenia and past week, reportedly injuring at least one of a group of Israeli scholars of Caucasian and Azerbaijan over the Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) region must be prioritized, Amnesty local resident and prompting stern warn- associated studies, and does not reflect the International said on Monday, October 5, after corroborating the use of banned cluster ings from Iran. positions of the Hebrew University nor its bombs in the region. Iranian Defense Minister Amir Hatami Armenian Studies Program. We the under- "Over the weekend, footage consistent with the use of cluster munitions in the city of said that the accidental shelling is continu- signed write to express our deep concern with Stepanakert, the capital of Nagorno-Karabakh, was published by the region’s de facto author- ing despite those warnings. the fighting that has flared up in the region of ities. They also reported an unidentified number of civilian casualties after further shelling “The security of our borders is of vital sig- Nagorno Karabakh (Artsakh). From a reading in Stepanakert and the town of Shushi. nificance to us,” Hatami was reported to say. of independent accounts and analysis we have "Amnesty International’s Crisis Response experts were able to trace the location of the “Any kind of attack is unacceptable to us, concluded that this outbreak of violence in the footage to residential areas of Stepanakert, and identified Israeli-made M095 DPICM cluster and if such actions are repeated we will last few days is due solely to aggression of the munitions that appear to have been fired by Azerbaijani forces," the watchdog said. switch from warnings to tougher measures.” Republic of Azerbaijan, supported by Turkey “The use of cluster bombs in any circumstances is banned under international humani- The Armenian Defense Ministry reported and backed up by fighters from elsewhere in tarian law, so their use to attack civilian areas is particularly dangerous and will only lead to on Tuesday fresh fighting near the Iranian the region. This belligerence has been directed further deaths and injuries,” said Denis Krivosheev, Amnesty International’s acting Head of border marked by the Arax River. “The towards military and civilian targets in the Eastern Europe and Central Asia. enemy ignores also the security of the ter- Republic of Artsakh and its mainly Armenian “Cluster bombs are inherently indiscriminate weapons, and their deployment in residential ritory of the Islamic Republic of Iran,” said population, and deserves to be condemned in areas is absolutely appalling and unacceptable. As fighting continues to escalate, civilians a ministry spokeswoman. no uncertain terms. The response of the must be protected, not deliberately targeted or recklessly endangered.” Iranian President Hassan Rouhani dis- Republic of Artsakh and the Republic of Amnesty International says it has called on all sides to the conflict to fully respect inter- cussed the issue with his Azerbaijani coun- Armenia is clearly one of defense of popula- national humanitarian law, and to protect civilians from the effects of hostilities. terpart Ilham Aliyev in a phone call on tion, property and territory, and should enjoy In related news, Panorama.am reported that Armenian Foreign Minister Zohrab Tuesday. the support of those who cherish the principle Mnatsakanyan on Monday held a phone conversation with US Deputy Secretary of State Like other foreign powers, Iran has of self-determination of peoples. We call for an Stephen Biegun. called for an immediate end to the hostili- end to this aggression, and a cessation of the The sides exchanged views on the recent developments in the Nagorno-Karabakh ties. Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman fighting. The long-term answer to tension in (Artsakh) conflict zone, the Foreign Ministry reported. Saeed Khatibzadeh said on Monday that the region is on-going negotiations that will Mnatsakanyan briefed Biegun on deliberate targeting of the civilian population and infra- there can be no military solution to the aim to resolve the claims of various ethnic structures by Azerbaijan’s armed forces, resulting in human casualties and material damages. Karabakh conflict. groups, leading to a mutually agreed upon The foreign minister drew the attention of the US.official to use of weaponry, prohibited Khatibzadeh also announced that political arrangement. Clearly, violence of any by relevant international conventions, by Azerbaijan during the military hostilities, and Tehran has drawn up a plan to halt the type will not resolve ethnic and other ten- strongly condemned those actions. fighting and ease tensions in the conflict sions. It is with dismay that we address the zone. He did not elaborate. 8 S ATURDAY, O CTOBER 1 0 , 2 0 2 0 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Community News Armenians for Eastern Diocese Biden Event Covers Appeals to Sister Genocide, Artsakh, Churches to Broader Issues with Prominent Officials Condemn Attack On Artsakh

By Aram Arkun NEW YORK — In the crucial week following Mirror-Spectator Staff the vicious Azeri attacks on our homeland, the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America has been reaching out to sister church- WATERTOWN — On September 28, the night es across the country and the world to gain sup- after the Azerbaijani attack on Artsakh and port for Armenia and Artsakh. Armenia, the Armenians for Biden organization In a personal appeal to hierarchs of the held an online Zoom event. While promoting the Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, and Roman candidacy of Vice President Joseph Biden for Catholic churches in America, Diocesan president of the United States this November, it Primate Bishop Daniel Findikyan described the put on the record the candidate’s positions on attack on Artsakh and asked the leaders to the Armenian Genocide and Artsakh. “pray alongside the Armenian Church faithful, Speakers included Mike Carpenter, Former as we implore our Lord Jesus to place his pro- Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense, tection over the people of Armenia and Congresswoman Jackie Speier, Michigan State Artsakh.” Rep. Mari Manoogian, Michelle Kwan, Biden for In his letter asking for the church leaders to President staff member and two-time Olympic New England share the information with their respective cler- medalist, Greg Mekenian from Biden for gy and faithful, he made a special plea to help President Ethnic Engagement, political advocate “dispel the terrible misinformation campaign Anthony Barsamian and Ambassador Nina Armenian-Americans that has attempted to cast blame on both sides Hachigian, Deputy Mayor for International of the conflict, or characterize Armenia as the Affairs for the City of Los Angeles. Around 240 aggressor, against every shred of evidence.” people were registered on the call, according to Protest Azerbaijan Attack Archbishop Vicken Aykazian, the Diocesan Mekenian, and as some of these included multi- Legate and Ecumenical Director, has been ple viewers the total number of participants On Homeland working among the world’s major inter-church might be as high as 300. groups — resulting in strong statements from Mekenian provided a general introduction to BOSTON — Armenians from throughout New England held a strong protest the National Council of Church in the U.S.A. the presidential race, the Artsakh attacks, and at the Massachusetts Statehouse and made a big noise on Friday afternoon, (NCC) and the World Council of Churches the urgency for voting in the election. October 2, 2020, in downtown Boston, to bring attention to major attacks by (WCC) condemning the escalation of violence, Manoogian, only the second Armenian American the military of Azerbaijan, supported and calling for the international community to to serve in Michigan’s House of Representatives, by Turkey, against Artsakh and take diplomatic action. and from a district with several thousand By Ken Martin Armenia, that started on Sunday The strongly-worded NCC statement was Armenians, noted the outsize influence the US Special to the Mirror-Spectator morning, September 27, 2020. explicit in its condemnation of Azerbaijan as president has on US foreign policy. Organized by a quick reaction team the aggressor, affirming that “NCC opposes this She condemned the actions of the current of the Armenian Youth Federation unprovoked surprise attack by Azerbaijan that president as follows: “From the time that (AYF) Boston Nejdeh chapter, nearly 1,000 protestors held signs and shouted has brought Armenia into a state of war.” It stat- President Trump entered the White House, see- slogans stating that Armenians wanted peace while Azerbaijan made war. ed further: “The NCC stands in solidarity with ing President [Recep Tayyip] Erdogan of Turkey Speakers gave dramatic presentations and the crowd sang the Armenian the Diocese of the Armenian Church of and his thugs on our American soil, seeing his national anthem, Mer Hairenik [Our Fatherland], and other patriotic songs. America, the World Council of Churches, and thugs beat up American citizens who were Many carried the flags of Armenia and Artsakh as automobiles blaring their people of goodwill everywhere in expressing protesting, seeing the lack of response from the horns in support of the demonstration circled Boston Common and demon- our outrage and deep sadness at this conflict.” Trump White House, in a very serious way real- The letter added, “We deplore the use of mil- ly underscored for me that Donald Trump does itary force by Azerbaijan and the Syrian rebel not stand for Armenian Americans or our issues. fighters that are funded and sent by Turkey to Time and again he has failed to speak up when assist their assault on the Armenian communi- our Armenian brothers and sisters in Armenia ty. The use of armor, aviation, heavy artillery, and Artsakh were in peril, and this to me is a and drones suggests a planned operation. It is really critically important issue.” time that Turkey ends their involvement in the Manoogian also spoke about issues on which region by stopping their participation in the Biden’s stance, she felt, would benefit Armenian fight and their encouragement of the war. Americans, including implementation of afford- “We recognize that the fighters from Syria able health care and protection of coverage for have been displaced from their homes and are people with preexisting conditions and the desperate to feed their families which may have preservation of Medicare and Social Security. caused them to be recruited into this destruc- She introduced Kwan, and stated afterwards tive conflict. that it is important to have non-Armenians to “NCC calls on the United States to undertake serve as advocates for Armenian-American diplomatic measures to halt the fighting. We issues. hope and pray that the U.S. Department of Kwan, who has served as an American public State will not be indifferent to this situation. We diplomacy envoy, noted the critical role of the ask our member churches to immediately con- Armenian-American community, which she char- vey this message to their elected officials. acterized as over 500,000 in number, in the “We pray according to the Armenian tradi- forthcoming elections, especially in key battle- tion: “Listen to the cry that rises from every ground states like Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania corner of this fragile earth, from our human and Florida. Consequently its mobilization is family torn by violent conflict. It is to You we considered very important. Kwan spoke of her pray, O loving Lord —today, in the days to come, own immigrant success story and how Biden and strators repeatedly shouted, “Artsakh is Armenia!” Members of sister organi- and always—for the repose of the departed, for his vice presidential nominee Senator Kamala zations under the Armenian Revolutionary Federation umbrella of groups the healing of the spiritual and moral afflictions Harris fight for the American dream. included in addition to AYF, several Armenian Relief Society chapters, the tormenting [us], and for an end to the violence Speier, herself an Armenian American, also Boston Hamazkayin cultural organization, and the Boston HMEM scouts and that can only lead to ruin and destruction. remarked that Armenians can make an incredi- athletic group. Several members of the clergy were in attendance and blessed [Amen.]” (Armenian Church of America). ble difference in this election, especially in the the protestors. “This is an extremely important statement four aforementioned “battleground” states. She Though the AYF organized this action it is to be noted that a large segment issued by America’s largest, most influential said that while Biden has promised to recognize of the crowd were non-party affiliated Armenians and friends from throughout ecumenical body,” said Aykazian, who is a for- the Armenian Genocide resolution, President New England including many residents and their families who were from the mer NCC President and present board member, Trump attempted to undermine it from the start, Armenian Republic and Artsakh. Many others were immigrants from past and a board member of the WCC, and a senior sending Sen. Lindsay Graham to try to put a recent conflicts in the Middle East from Lebanon, Syria, Turkey and Iran leader on the worldwide ecumenical stage. hold on it and then Sen. David Purdue, before demonstrating with the older Armenian-American community who are the The statement from WCC interim Secretary giving up when it became clear it would succeed. see BOSTON, page 10 General the Rev. Dr. Ioan Sauca lamented the She quoted what Trump said to reporter Bob attack “which has already resulted in dozens of see BIDEN, page 11 see APPEAL, page 12 S ATURDAY, O CTOBER 1 0 , 2 0 2 0 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 9

Unified Young Armenians Organize Glendale Rally for Artsakh

GLENDALE — The Los Angeles area organization Unified Young Armenians organized a rally on October 4 at Artsakh Street in Glendale, California, in support of the Republic of Artsakh’s battle against Azerbaijani and Turkish aggression which was then on its eighth day. Ani Duzdabanyan-Manoukian At the rally, Mayor of the City of Glendale Special to the Mirror-Spectator Vrej Agajanian, City Council members, Glendale Unified School District Board President Armine Gharpetian and civil and religious leaders of the Armenian community were encouraging donations to the All Armenian Fund in support of the Artsakh Defense Army. According to Unified Young Armenians, so far Armenians in Los Angeles donated over 8 million dollars to the fund. Teams of event organizers helped prospective donors with their donation efforts at several stations. After the rally the participants joined others in Los Angeles in front of the headquarters of CNN, where people have been gathering since October 3 to demand awareness and fair coverage of the war in Artsakh.

The Vahan Tekeyan School, founded in 1951, was damaged jby]Y\q theo AugustYkkljm__daf_\m] 4 explosionlgD] in Beirut.ZYfgf k][gfgea[[jakakIt primarily servesYf a\ The Tekeyanlow-income segment School of the Armenian community of and al- Beirut HELPthe Covid-19 Us pandemic. Now it is Rebuildtrying to reopen for the fall semester.

The Tekeyan Cultural Association of the US and Canada is sending aid and asks your assistance too. Make your donations by credit card at https://givebutter.com/bXn8Lm or as checks mailed to the Tekeyan Cultural Association (memo: Beirut Tekeyan School), at its headquarters (755 Mount Auburn Street, Watertown MA 02472). All administrative costs for this campaign will be borne by the Tekeyan Cultural Association of the US and Canada. For more information, email [email protected] or call 617 924-4455.

10 S ATURDAY, O CTOBER 1 0 , 2 0 2 0 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS New England Armenians Protest Azeri Attack on Homeland

BOSTON, from page 8 descendants of the survivors of the Armenian Genocide. Members of other Armenian political, cultural, and religious groups including the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU), the Tekeyan Cultural Association and chapters of the Armenian Student Association (ASA) were in attendance in a show of unity and solidarity with the Artsakh and Armenian Republics in the continuing war. A heavier-than-usual Massachusetts State Police and Boston police presence was on the periphery of the protest as protection against Azerbaijani thugs who have been attacking peaceful Armenian gatherings and community properties around the world, including a recent incident in Boston, the vandalism of Armenian schools in California and the arson attack on the Armenian Cultural Center in San Francisco. Media presence included local TV Channels 5 WCVB and Boston Fox 25, as well as the Boston Globe. When asked what else protestors and Bostonians could do to help Artsakh and Armenia organizers suggested people give of themselves to others by supplying non-perishable food, surgical supplies and non-pre- scription medicine. Financial donations should be made to the All Armenia Fund and to With Our Soldiers. As the scheduled time for the event concluded, the entire crowd of pro- testors marched in solidarity through Boston Common with hopes of peace and an end to the war now six days old, and into the early autumn evening. (All photos courtesy of Ken Martin)

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The Tekeyan Cultural Association of the United ENNIS M. EVENEY & ONS States and Canada gratefully acknowledges the D D S donation by Dr. and Mrs. Larry Najarian of Cemetery Monuments $250 to the Krikor and Makrouhi Kuredjian Specializing in Educational Fund. Armenian Designs and Lettering 701 Moody St. Waltham, MA 02543 (781) 891-9876 www.NEMonuments.com LIKE US ON FACEBOOK S ATURDAY, O CTOBER 1 0 , 2 0 2 0 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 11 COMMUNITY NEWS San Francisco Area Armenians Rally for Artsakh

OAKLAND, Calif. — Approximately 100 Armenians from the San Francisco area gathered at St. Vartan Armenian Apostolic Church at 6 p.m. on Friday, October 2 for a prayer vigil to show sup- port for the Armenians of Artsakh dur- ing the ongoing Azerbaijani attack. Parish priest Rev. Krikor Zakaryan presided over the outdoor vigil. Local Bay area television crews, including Fox News (KTVU) and NBC, filmed the gath- ering, and KTVU reported on it in its 10 p.m. broadcast that night. Social distanc- ing and the wearing of masks were enforced. Fox News broadcasted its report on the vigil, presenting the Artsakh conflict as two communities fighting over land. It also included an interview with a local member of the Azerbaijani community who argued that the perpetrators of ear- lier anti-Armenian acts in the area such as graffiti on the local Krouzian-Zekarian- Vasbouragan Armenian School painted this July and the fire in the Armenian church and its community complex were not Azerbaijanis and that his community felt insecure. (All photographs courtesy of Kim Bardakian)

Fr. Krikor Zakaryan speaking at the vigil

Armenians for Biden Event Covers Genocide, Artsakh, Broader Issues with Prominent Officials

BIDEN, from page 8 end of the Obama Administration and it was not Department is on a different planet. They are would allow calling out responsibility for inci- Woodward about how well he gets along with the Pentagon’s objection that prevented recogni- not paying attention to this.” A Biden adminis- dents. Snipers also must be called back from President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey, that tion. He said, “I am just going to be very honest tration, he said, would provide support pro- both sides, he continued. Only Azerbaijan, he “For me, it works out good.” She said that it is with you and tell you that there were people in grams, assistance dollars and technical advisors said, opposed both these measures. always about what is in it for Trump, and that the administration who were making the case for and work also with the European Union to help Finally, the status quo in Karabakh must be she would not be surprised to see in his tax recognizing the Genocide – Samantha Power was Armenian democracy. changed, as at present demining has not been returns that he has taken loans from Erdogan one, and there were others, there were many oth- A third foreign policy reason for Armenian accomplished (with the current administration or Turkish oligarchs. She added that it was the ers — but at the end of the day, the buck stopped Americans to support the Biden candidacy, said having halted the humanitarian demining pro- president who allowed Turkey to move into with President Obama. I love President Obama. I Carpenter, is that it would support a resolution gram there) and there is a lack of investment Syria, and that his secretary of defense, secre- think he did a lot of enormously wonderful things to the Nagorno Karabakh conflict. He observed and development. The US should also provide tary of state, and national security advisor all for our country and took our country forward in that the 1994 peace fire was imperfect, allowing assistance for things like clean water and sani- have said that Trump’s conduct has created a so many ways. On this one, however, the decision sometimes dozens to die annually along the line tation, as it does for other young democracies. national security risk. rests with him.” Carpenter said that the US of contact, while the current administration Carpenter did not, however, state what the She contrasted this to Biden’s years of expe- should have recognized the Armenian Genocide remains “completely absent.” He asked rhetori- final international status of Artsakh should be. rience in foreign policy. She said Biden would long, long ago, but, he stated, “I am confident cally why President Trump, Vice President Ambassador Hachigian was the last main not cozy up to dictators but would protect that a Biden administration would take the move Pence or Secretary Pompeo were not picking speaker, and summarized the case for fledgling democracies like that of Armenia and on April 24, 2021 to recognize the Genocide and up the phone to tell President Erdogan to stay Armenian Americans voting for Biden, both on provide them with the resources they need to have it be done with. We will deal with whatever out of this conflict, and Aliyev as well in no general issues such as the economy, climate thrive. Speier concluded on a general note, Turkish backlash comes up and we will be able to uncertain terms. change and the California fires, healthcare and declaring: “This really is the most consequential handle this just like the other 32 countries that Carpenter said that Turkey’s recent interna- preschool education, as well as on specifically election, not just for us but our grandkids — our have recognized the genocide and have had to tional actions in general call for censure for the Armenian related topics. She observed that children and our children’s children. We are at deal with Turkey’s negative reactions.” United States, which has enormous leverage Biden is not personally beholden to Turkey and a point where this country could become an Speier said she concurred with Carpenter’s over Turkey if it wants to use it. Russia, unlike Trump who received 13 million autocracy literally overnight. And frankly that is assessment that Biden would take this action. He said the US is not invested sufficiently in dollars from Turkey and 5 million from typically the only way it happens.” In addition to recognizing the Armenian the mediation efforts of the Organization for Azerbaijan for a failed deal. She said that the Dr. Michael Carpenter, former assistant sec- Genocide, which Carpenter said was not only Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Biden administration would put real diplomats retary of defense in the Obama Administration immensely important for rectifying the histori- Minsk Group, as it has only appointed a mid- in positions to reinvigorate the State and managing director of the Penn Biden cal record but also for preventing future ones, level bureaucrat as the US representative unlike Department and that he would care about Center for Diplomacy and Global Engagement, Biden would support democracy and the Velvet the other two co-chair countries of France and democracy in Armenia and in general. provided some key insights on the Armenian Revolution in Armenia. He said, “We have this Russia. He said that a Biden administration Several questions were taken from partici- Genocide issue and the question of why remarkable democratic national awakening in would energize this process and use both posi- pants after which Mekenian ended the session Armenians should trust the Biden campaign’s 2018 led by Nikol Pashinyan, which I think the tive and negative incentives to move forward. and called for all to vote. promises when the Obama one did not keep its United States under this current administration Diplomatic leverage would be used to press The Mirror-Spectator has reached out to campaign promise of recognition. has completely neglected. We should be sup- Azerbaijan, which has resisted monitors on the Armenians in the Trump campaign and is wait- He said that he was in the Pentagon at the tail porting this.” He added, “it is as if the State line of contact for at least 13 years. Monitors ing to hear back. 12 S ATURDAY, O CTOBER 1 0 , 2 0 2 0 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS

Armenia Supporters Block Los Angeles Freeway in Protest Over Azerbaijan Conflict

HOLLYWOOD (Los Angeles Times) — Protesters in Hollywood supporting Armenia in its conflict with Azerbaijan over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region temporarily blocked the 101 Freeway in both directions the night of Saturday, October 3, at Bronson Avenue. The protest began before 9 p.m. on surface streets a few blocks to the west, as at least 100 cheering demon- strators, including some waving the Armenian flag, blocked lanes of Hollywood Boulevard at Van Ness Avenue and Vine Street, video posted to the Citizen social news app showed. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) was asked to respond to the southbound 101 at 9:30 p.m., said Officer Don Conley of the agency’s Traffic Management Center. Video from KCBS-TV Channel 2 showed a small group of demonstra- tors had forced the closure of both directions of the 101 by 10:15 p.m. But as of 10:20 p.m. a SigAlert had not been issued, the CHP said.

Legislators Condemn Azerbaijani and Turkish Aggression at LA City Press Conference

against the people of Artsakh and Armenia. Armenian Genocide has consequences, this is community is victimized by aggression, all of us By Michelle Mkhlian Schiff announced: “We have a strong biparti- one of them — the perpetuation of hatred and are victimized by aggression.” san message for Turkey and Erdogan — you’re violence against the Armenian people. We stand Like his colleagues did before him, he urged Special to the Mirror-Spectator a member of NATO, start acting like one! And with Artsakh and the Armenian community!” the United States Federal government to inter- we have a message for vene and hold Azerbaijan and Turkey account- LOS ANGELES — On Monday, October 5, Azerbaijan — cease the hostili- able by saying: “We are all Armenians today, California elected officials and US ties or there will be conse- let’s act like it.” Representative Adam Schiff gathered at Los quences.” LA City Council President Nury Martinez Angeles City Hall to stand in solidarity with The representatives echoed shared her sentiments, remarking poignantly: Armenia and Artsakh. LA City Councilmember each other’s stances urging “As a mother, it’s been incredibly difficult to see Paul Krekorian spearheaded this press confer- President Donald Trump and images of mothers in the Republic of Artsakh ence to condemn Azerbaijan’s brutal attacks on the federal government to con- and Armenia sending their sons and daughters the Republic of Artsakh that began on demn Turkish and Azerbaijani to the front lines knowing they might not September 27, 2020. With the unwavering sup- aggression, call for a ceasefire, return. In the middle of a global pandemic, the port of the Turkish government, Azerbaijan has halt all military aid to people of Armenia and Artsakh are fighting to continued to target much of Artsakh, taking the Azerbaijan and Turkey, and protect their people and their land. Their very lives of hundreds of civilians and soldiers alike. reconsider future relations with existence is being threatened where the inter- Each legislator shared his or her own senti- the two countries. national community silently stands by. I want ments of solidarity, outrage, and determination LA City Councilmember the people of Armenia and Artsakh to know Mitch O’Farrell emphatically that the city of Los Angeles and its leadership to achieve peace and justice. Assemblymember Adrin Nazarian (AD #46) speaking (photo Rep. Adam Schiff, who led the passage of the exclaimed: “We have to do Michelle Mkhlian) are here today to stand with you, we see your US Resolution to Recognize the Armenian everything in our power to de- pain and we’re advocating for you.” Genocide, worked with Congresswoman Jackie escalate the attacks against the Speier to introduce a resolution condemning Republic of Artsakh by Azerbaijan with Assemblymember Adrin Nazarian, whose Azerbaijan and Turkey’s aggression. This reso- Turkey’s direct involvement and move forward grandparents fled Shushi and Stepanakert, Eastern Diocese Appeals lution calls on Azerbaijan to cease its aggres- with resolve for a lasting, peaceful outcome. Artsakh, in 1920 to escape Turkish violence sion, demands the installation of ceasefire-mon- This ancient bloodlust against the Armenian highlighted the media’s crucial role in this con- To Sister Churches to itoring equipment along the line of contact, and people that is fomented by Turkey must come flict. Condemn Attack On urges President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of to an end once and for all! The refusal of the Nazarian made his request clear: “What I ask Turkey to stop aiding and abetting the violence Turkish government to acknowledge the of the press is to do your journalistic due dili- Artsakh gence… to not be silenced. If we have 400 cor- respondents, why are there qualifying words APPEAL, from page 8 being used. Why is it being said that there has casualties including civilians, and which been an ‘escalation of hostilities’ by now? Over risks provoking a wider armed conflict in 5,000 people have died in this meaningless bat- the region,” and drew attention to “the tle, all in place to exhaust the Armenian popu- aggressively partisan stance taken by the lation – that’s all this is! Yet we are staying com- government of Turkey, which as a mem- plicit. It is your obligation to make sure that ber of the Minsk Group should maintain a that does not happen. You are an educational neutral role, rather than that of an antag- force in this situation. It’s your responsibility to onist.” make sure that people have a historical context Sauca’s letter also noted, “To stop this and understand what is going on.” bloodshed, the WCC calls on all combat- With the largest population of Armenians ants to desist immediately from further outside of Armenia living in the greater Los military action and to return to the table Angeles area, the current situation in Artsakh of dialogue and negotiation. On its behalf hits home for these legislators and their con- I appeal for urgent initiatives by the Minsk stituents. Over the past week, thousands of Group, under the auspices of the OSCE, Armenian-Americans have taken to the streets for progress towards a peaceful solution of Los Angeles resolutely rallying for media cov- to this longstanding unresolved conflict. erage, recognition, and solidarity. “I am dismayed by the aggressively par- LA City Attorney Mike Feuer expressed the tisan stance taken by the government of shared anguish of Angelenos: “Today as we awak- Turkey, which as a member of the Minsk ened in Los Angeles, we were all Armenians, not Group should maintain a neutral role, Legislators at the Los Angeles City Hall October 4, 2020. From left: front row Senator Maria Elena only because Los Angeles has such a significant rather than that of an antagonist. Durazo (SD #24), Council President Nury Martinez (CD #6), Assemblymember Adrin Nazarian Armenian-American population. today we are all “I appeal therefore to our WCC member (AD #46), Councilmember Paul Krekorian (CD #2), Speaker Anthony Rendon (AD #63), LA City Armenians because we stand in solidarity with churches from the countries in the Minsk Attorney Mike Feuer, Congressman Adam Schiff (CD #28), 2nd row, Assemblymember Luz Rivas Group to engage with their governments (AD #39), 3rd row Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (AD #45), Council Member David E. Ryu (CD those who are victims of aggression. Today we are all Armenians because we stand together to convey this message and to encourage #4), 4th row Assemblymember Chris Holden (AD #41), City Council Member Mitch O’Farrell (CD urgent and sustained diplomatic efforts #13), Assemblymember Richard Bloom, (AD #50), Assemblymember Tom Lackey (AD #36), Council with those who are weeping at the losses of for peace in the region.” Member Monica Rodriguez (CD #7), Council Member Mike Lee (CD #12) (photo Michelle Mkhlian) friends and family. Today we are all Armenians because when one member of the international S ATURDAY, O CTOBER 1 0 , 2 0 2 0 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 13 COMMUNITY NEWS Azerbaijanis Harass Noor Mediterranean Grill near Boston during Attacks on Artsakh

husband, people can see these are fake reviews. phone calls from Los Angeles, Montreal, By Aram Arkun When asked whether there were any reasons Chicago, Detroit, and all over the US saying ‘we why Noor would be singled out for these support you, let us know if you need anything.’” Mirror-Spectator Staff attacks, Karageozian could not think of any. An Armenian from Seattle who works for The only thing she could note was that their Facebook spontaneously reached out to SOMERVILLE, Mass. — Noor Mediterranean Armenian identity was clear to all, with crosses, Karageozian and asked if Noor needed any Grill and its customers have been subject to traditional Armenian pomegranates, and even a help. She promised that she would try to take harassment and death threats over the span of painting of the Armenian flag by one of her up the issue for Facebook, and this led to a a week starting on Sunday, September 27, children who go to Armenian school on the Facebook investigation, which hopefully will which also was the date Azerbaijan began its walls. Clearly the crisis in Artsakh was the get the coordinated recent negative reviews attacks on Artsakh. immediate spur to the attacks. removed. Noor is an Armenian-own restaurant founded She emphasized that “whoever comes to the The Azerbaijani harassment was exposed by in 2014 in a suburb of Boston by Arsen store, we were always respectful towards every- the Boston Globe on September 30. In July of Karageozian and his wife Hilda Darian body. We treated everybody the same. We obvi- this year, there were attempts by Azerbaijanis Karageozian to offer Armenian and Middle ously need to keep our customers well. I am not to disrupt two Armenian demonstrations in Eastern food to the area. On Sunday evening, running a political party here.” Boston. Clearly, both incidents have to be related Hilda Karageozian, there were a couple The positive side to this situation is the sup- viewed in the context of international devel- of people who came in and began to talk, sup- port Noor has received from Somerville resi- opments, though Noor seems to have been a posedly on their phones. They spoke partly in dents and customers, both non-Armenian and target merely based on the Armenian identity their language, which was Azerbaijani, but they Armenian. In fact, Karageozian said that they of the owners and not due to any political deliberately mixed in threatening phrases of did have a lot of Turkish customers, and those activity. English, saying things like “that’s an Armenian, who learned about what was going on were Karageozian concluded, “We are grateful for kill them all,” so that they would be under- very supportive. They would come in and say it the outpouring of support from Armenians and stood. is not acceptable. Some even sat in the store for non-Armenians alike. We are grateful to the On Monday, September 28, they came in four or five hours, waiting for the return of agi- Somerville community that they have pledged groups, and stayed in front of the store on the tators. to stand with us. We are going to continue to sidewalk, talking to both customers and the Furthermore, Karageozian said, “We have do what we do and are not going to be bullied Noor Mediterranean Grill restaurant staff when either came in or out. The been getting an outpouring of support, with by Azeris and forced to shut down.” workers, who themselves were not of Armenian background, started to become afraid, Karageozian said. That night, phone calls started to come to the restaurant ordering large quantities of food. Donations Towards They asked for five trays of beef kebab, or 5 trays of chicken kebab. Karageozian said it was clear from the accents that they were Renovations of Vahan Azerbaijanis. As soon as the restaurant staff asked for 50 percent deposit, as is the usual pro- Tekeyan School of cedure, the callers began to curse and hanged up. Tuesday night, September 29, Karageozian Beirut said, threatening calls were received, saying “you f…ing Armenians, we are going to f… you up, we are going to kill you.” Karageozian realized the situation was wors- In response to the appeal of the Tekeyan Cultural Association Central Board of ening and it was necessary to call the police. Directors, the following donations were received as of October 2, 2020, after the She did so on Monday or Tuesday. The Somerville Police Department told her to call publication of the first list on August 29, 2020, for the renovation of the Vahan directly if anything else happens. On Tekeyan School of Beirut, Lebanon, which was heavily damaged during the Wednesday, she went in to file a formal police report concerning the telephoned death August 4 tragedy. Donations continue to be received. threats. On Thursday, October 1, a detective came over to do a security walk in the restaurant. The Please mail your tax-deductible donation to: police department began to add a directed Tekeyan Cultural Association patrol and stop by the restaurant every half an hour. The police are also looking into the 755 Mt. Auburn Street, Watertown, MA 02472 phone numbers of the threatening callers, who seemed to have used their personal phones. or donate by credit card at https://givebutter.com/bXn8Lm While all this was happening, Karageozian said that there were more than 50 attempts to Henri Dimidjian $5,000 Englewood Cliffs, NJ hack into the restaurant’s website over the course of two or three days. Fortunately, they In memory of late daughter Sabrina were locked out after a certain number of Dimidjian-Kalfayan attempts. David and Margaret Mgrubian $1,000 Pasadena, CA A smear campaign against the restaurant TCA Los Angeles Chapter $1,000 Pasadena, CA soon began online, with negative reviews and Mr. and Mrs. Garapet Karakelian $1,000 Chester Springs, PA derogatory statements made on its Yelp and Google review pages. Karageozian posted on Sami and Annie Totah Foundation $500 Potomac, MD the restaurant’s Facebook page about what was Ara and Sonya Babayan Family Trust $500 Glendale, CA happening, writing in part: “We are a small, In memory of their late father, Vahan Tekeyan family-owned business and we value all of our School Principal Yervant Babayan) customers equally while treating them with the Yervant Chekijian $500 Watertown, MA utmost respect and providing the highest quali- ty food & customer service. Noor Mr. and Mrs. Mihran Minassian $500 Burlington, MA Mediterranean Grill is not the place for any- Alyne and Michael Kassardjian $250 Manhattan Beach, CA one’s political agenda or hate and we strongly Garry and Hilda Kassardjian $250 Palos Verdes Estates, CA condemn these acts here in Boston and any- where around the world. We thank you for your Vera Tavoukjian $200 London, England unwavering support and pray that the situation Kahjag and Regina Tchaerkian $200 Philadelphia, PA in Artsakh will come to a peaceful end soon.” Dr. Jacques Gulekjian $200 Englewood Cliffs, NJ That led to further hostile comments on Vasken Demirjian $200 Englewood Cliffs, NJ Facebook, claims that the owners made up “fake news,” as well as declarations such as John and Roxie Maljanian $100 Newington, CT “Karabakh is Azerbaijan.” It is clear that many BJSB Inc. $100 Worcester, MA of the post were generated by Azerbaijanis who Berjouhi Koukerian $100 Duarte, CA were not living in the Boston area but in differ- Irma and Sylva Der Stepanian $100 Cliffside Park, NJ ent parts of the United States and even abroad. Identical comments indicate an organized cam- Garo Mooradian $100 Burbank, CA paign, while many of the writers use broken Shake Balekjian $100 Glendale, CA English. Vicky Hovhannessian $100 Fort Lee, NJ In a way, Karageozian said, it was this online campaign that bothered her husband the most. (For Nune Gasparyan) He exclaimed that they had a five-star record K. Jack and Geraldine Kouyoumjian $50 Woodbridge, VA and achieved that through blood, sweat and Shahe Boghossian $50 Birmingham, West Midlands, UK tears, yet in the matter of a few days this had Movses Pogossian $50 Glendale, CA been destroyed. But, as Karageozian told her 14 S ATURDAY, O CTOER 1 0 , 2 0 2 0 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Arts & Living

Nor Ashkharh Artist Ani Marganian Andi Creates a New World Of Encouragement Roselund An Armenian composer By Michele Mkhlian In Korea Special to the Mirror-Spectator

ORANGE COUNTY, Calif. – Speech patholo- By Artsvi Bakhchinyan gist and artist Ani Marganian is an Orange Special to the Mirror-Spectator Country native who co-founded the Instagram account “Nor Ashkharh” in 2019. Since then, she has created and shared over 150 illustra- YEREVAN / SEOUL — Andi Roselund is a tions and affirmations inspired by culture, multi-instrumentalist, composer, three-time iF color, and creativity. Award-winning commercial sound designer, Ani’s love for Armenia and its rich culture music educator and music director. He was grew immensely when she visited Armenia for born and raised in Los Angeles, to a Swedish- the first time with her family in 2016. Her American father and Armenian-American moth- desire to become fluent and literate in Eastern er. Since 1992 he has lived in South Korea. Armenian only became stronger when she vol- In 1998 he received his B.A. from Music unteered for Birthright Armenia in Gyumri the Composition, Yonsei University in Korea. following year. When Ani eventually returned Since 2011, he has been the director of music home, she began at convergent media production company, “I Am Alive” still receiving weekly Sangwha. Andi lives with his wife Nakyung Armenian lessons Kim, who has participated in some of his pop from her cousin project tracks as a singer. Anoush Khojikian. Having a mutual love of positive affir- A Voice for the mations, they began writing uplifting phrases together and translating Voiceless them into Armenian. Affirmations are positive reminders Ani Marganian that are used to Denise Gentilini Creates empower oneself and others. The cousins would share an affir- mation with each other, Anoush would trans- Triumphant Armenian late it into Armenian, then Ani would doodle it, and soon, Nor Ashkharh was born. Genocide Musical Ani explained Nor Ashkharh’s mission: “It was initially to spread joy with color and DENVER — California native Denise Gentilini has always had a musical calling. A vibrance and the message of wholeness and child prodigy and autodidact with a taste for Carly Simon, Elton John and old-fash- worthiness. We just wanted to put it in the uni- ioned love songs and ballads, Gentilini writes some of the most tender lyrics and verse and let it be and hopefully someone memorable melodies around. A noted composer who has also garnered three would enjoy it and feel encouraged by it. When Emmy® awards for film scoring and audio mixing, she also acknowledges John something feels so helpful for you and is a Williams’ early influence on her. reminder for you, or really resonates, you hope Gentilini avers: “The most difficult maybe it can resonate with someone else.” By Christopher Atamian part of scoring documentaries is stay- Although the Chapman University graduate Dear Andi, you live in Korea for 28 years – Special to the Mirror-Spectator ing out of the way of all the talking minored in art and spent four months in Italy while still managing to create themes what is the experience of a Westerner to live taking art history classes, Ani didn’t spend much for the subjects in the film. The most and create in the country like that? time creating art until this last year. She remi- rewarding part of scoring is seeing the emotional response of people — if I can’t It has been very challenging, but also excit- nisced: “I always loved art as a child and my mom make them cry, I haven’t done my job.” ing. Being a small country with a rich but and family really embraced it. My mom said, you And just as the truly good writer writes with a higher purpose in mind, so too very difficult history (especially in the 20th can paint your walls, you can paint your furni- does every truly important musician. century), South Korea is often overlooked ture. My dresser growing up had rainbows and Gentilini has made it her particular mission to give voice to those who don’t have and there are not nearly as many Westerners checker-print on it.” Her passion for art was one of their own or who cannot advocate for themselves. here as in Japan, for example. Koreans have a reignited when she visited Armenia and began As she told KDVR Fox’s very deep-rooted social order based on neo- the journey of exploring her Armenian heritage. Lois Melkonian in 2015: “I’ve Confucianism, which dictates strong collec- Anoush supports her cousin Ani’s vision by composed music for the tivism in society not only with adherence to brainstorming with her and of course serving Children’s Hospital on family and friends, but also within any orga- as Nor Ashkharh’s resident translator. She lov- Autism, for the Iliff School of nization, school, or church, and is even built ingly gushed about Ani’s character, saying: “Ani Theology Courage Award … into the language. As such, it is hard to feel a works to send this message of positivity, com- and for genocide awareness. I part of any social body unless you speak the passion, and grace. She has so much to say and grew up with my grandpar- language, which is why I have felt that the way she says it with her art is just beautiful. ents nearby and always knew Westerners in general have trouble living in I feel like it resonates with a lot of people and that what they lived through Korea in the long-term. I came to Korea to the things they’re going through in life. On and handed down to us was learn the language and go to school to study some of those off days even I just look at her amazing. It made me want to music, so I got to experience first-hand many work and it lifts me up. It’s bright, it’s beautiful, be an activist and do some- of these challenges, but it is very much now it's fun, and it's uplifting.” thing: to be the voice for the a part of my life, personality, and work in the Ani devotes herself to elevating the Armenian voiceless.” music industry. In fact, I still work on music community in any way she can. The tragic While this important projects with my university classmates from explosion at the Beirut port in Lebanon on aspect of her work is indeed over 25 years ago. In the same way, being a August 4, 2020 left Mayrig Restaurant in Beirut commendable, I am also an creative individual of any sort of art in totally devastated. The explosion not only admirer of her classic love Korean society requires you to find a balance destroyed the beloved Armenian restaurant, but songs and ballads. between individual expression and associa- also injured 25 of its employees and wrecked The Little Things, a take tion with your collective body. Some say this their homes. After learning about what had on the traditional American contributes to some limitations that both happened to the restaurant which she had actu- songbook love song is as musicians and visual artists sense in Korea, ally dined at a few years prior, Ani knew she had complex and reminiscent as Denise Gentilini but I have felt that it is also helpful for open- to do something to help. see MUSICAL, page 15 ing up more and more to diverse styles of Ani explained her motivation: “Beirut is such expression within artistic communities. see MARGANIAN, page 17 see ROSELUND, page 16 S ATURDAY, O CTOER 1 0 , 2 0 2 0 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 15 ARTS & LIVING

A Voice for the Voiceless there for you to depend as well, even if you are alone — in this case the ravishing Lauren Shealy. MUSICAL, from page 14 The song is entered in this year’s Grammy the best Cole Porter melody. Written by Gentilini competition in Best Instrumental Arrangement and Lisa Nemzo, and as sung by Lauren Shealy with Vocals, Denise Gentilini, arranger. in her expressive soulful voice, it approaches the But it is as a human rights activist and histor- beauty of I Love Paris. The lyrics themselves tell ical conscience that Gentilini makes her a story of love using a traditional metaphor of strongest impact. She is currently working on the the rose blooming and describes a couple who Cindy L. Abel film, “Surviving the Silence,” the find they only have each other to count on when untold story of two women in love who helped their children have grown up: change military policy. They previously collabo- “My love when springtime comes around each rated on “Breaking Through,” about openly year LGBTQ elected officials. I wish for all the things that bring you near Gentilini’s second documentary film A red rose in bloom holds a promise “Conviction” (2006), directed by Brenda Of passion so sweetly renewed Truelson Fox, relates the unlikely story of three It’s the little things peacenik Dominican nuns who break into a And if we only knew nuclear missile silo in Colorado in order to That seasons come and seasons go expose American weapons of mass destruction. It’s just you and me The film earned Denise her second Emmy® Now that the kids have grown award for film score. There are some who might say we’re old fash- Four years prior, in 2002, Denise had pro- ioned duced and scored the music to “The Handjian Cuz we still feel the magic of love Story: A Road Less Traveled.” This first docu- In the little things mentary film tells the story of her grandparents, That’s what life’s made of...” Malvine and Kourken Handjian, whose families The song’s universal appeal lies in the fact that perished in the Armenian Genocide of 1915- the specific situation at hand extends to all 1923. elest of ways. Listening to Malvine describe her footage from “The Handjian Story,” Gentilini has lovers, friends or people who find themselves Based on interviews with the two survivors, it father’s last minutes before a train takes him created “I Am Alive,” the definitive Armenian abandoned or alone. Listen to its tender melody is a heart-rending account of hard-working and away to a concentration camp and certain death Genocide musical retelling, with lyrics as catchy while you drink a glass of dark wine and feel the family-oriented Armenians suddenly ripped away is indeed painful. as “Fiddler on the Roof” and music that ranges warmth of knowing that there is someone out from their loved ones and murdered in the cru- Using the research that she conducted and from the soulful and sublime to intense, almost electronica-influenced ballads. The two Genocide survivors, Kourken and Malvine, find love after witnessing intense hatred, a love which lets them begin anew in America and form a family, while passing on Armenian traditions that have endured for many centuries now. The opening We are Blessed takes the traditional Armenian church hymn and rais- es it to a different level, mixing in a more con- temporary, Broadway sensibility. Kapriel Underscore grows from almost murmur-like undertones and builds to an incandescent, but always controlled, rocking climax. You want to dance around your room as you listen to it. Other hits songs include Bad Bad Men and On the Shores of the Euphrates: We Believed Them. Find our Way tells the story of Hatcho and Kourken after they find unlikely work in a bak- ery: “Today I am the baker, tonight I’ll dream of girls/Tomorrow I will make simits or candies with swirls…together we will find our way. We are lucky to be alive/That is what matter most.” The song and by extension the entire musical is at turns witty, fun and tragic, borrowing from a diverse music vocabulary that surprises the lis- tener at every turn. The musical ends when Kourken and Malvine meet and finally marry. The title song I Am Alive should bring down the proverbial house. To date Gentilini has self-funded the produc- tions of “I Am Alive” along with her wife Lynette Prisner, including an initial production at the University of Denver’s Newman Center for the Performing Arts on April 21, 2015. She said, “I wanted to focus on the positive part of my grandparents’ survival and the con- tributions of the Armenian people to society as a whole. I didn’t want to bemoan the sadness of their history but still tell that history to a society who knew little of this past: the first genocide of the 20th century.” The latest performance was held in Glendale in September 2016 at the Alex Theater. Originally co-written with Lisa Nemzo, Gentilini continues to update both lyrics and score: “It’s been a wild ride,” says Gentilini, “and I’m not done just yet. After many rewrites and new songs and song updates, I’m creating a ‘concept CD’ featuring all the songs from the musical. The hope is to get interest from prospective producers to invest in a journey that could lead us all the way to Broadway in New York.” One hopes that moving forward Armenians will support such projects of note that relate to their history to the same extent that Jews, African Americans and other minority groups have in America. This is one fantastic project that all should see — and given Gentilini’s resolve to give voice to the voiceless, I am fairly certain that she will somehow achieve her goal soon, once more. Listen to Lauren Shealy sing The Little Things: https://youtube/D1Xx-xhC_bk

Learn more about Denise Gentilini at www.DeniseGentilini.com or www.IAmAliveTheMusical.com. 16 S ATURDAY, O CTOER 1 0 , 2 0 2 0 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARTS & LIVING An Armenian Composer in Korea

ROSELAND, from page 14 Saturday mornings and sometimes listened nod to the survival of our family: I gave ited home and bought some Armenian text- How would you characterize the Korean to current pop music of the time (my grand- myself this nickname because I loved how it books from the Pasadena City College book- music scene today? mother Nelly would say that Eastern sounded and because Mihr sounds very simi- store (they had an Armenian course), and Thanks to K-pop’s greater acceptance on Armenian sounds “so beautifully high-class”), lar to a pure-Korean word for dragon, but the brought them back to learn. Unfortunately, I the world scene from about 2008 on to the but it was just a point of fascination for my truth is it happens to be my mother’s pater- was not able to learn anything more than the present, it is by all means the most active sister and I. I also was very interested in nal grandfather’s name. Mihran Constantian alphabet and basic phonetic reading, and Korean music scene from both an economic learning the oud, and fellow Californian was the son of clergyman/bricklayer Avedis with no audio resources to learn Armenian at standpoint as well as a point of “soft power,” Richard Hagopian’s recordings were very Constantian (who also helped translate the the time, I lost hope and gave up studying. to increase tourism and cultural awareness. important in my understanding of Armenian Bible into Ottoman Turkish in the late The only Armenian tradition we shared at Unfortunately this also means that both the modes. And as hinted before, it is been won- 1800s), who was from the Sisli neighborhood home was really good food. And although I historic significance of traditional Korean derful to discover and immerse myself in the of Bolis. They escaped to America right deeply regret that I was not able to learn music as well as the quality of excellent new music of Komitas. Other than that, thanks to before when the Hamidian massacres began, Armenian, I have no way to fully understand material coming out of the very active inde- YouTube I regularly have anything from and ended up in Seattle, Washington. Mihran my late grandmother Nelly’s pain and sorrow pendent music scene (jazz, hip-hop, alterna- Sirusho to Tigran Petrosyan playing in the married Mary Tashkian in 1906, and my that led to her and her sisters not wanting to tive, crossover traditional, etc.) does not get background at home, as I love all sorts of pop grandfather (another Avedis Constantian) pass on their distinctively Western Armenian as much attention or support from the gov- music. Currently I am working on arranging was born in 1910. Like Dr. Haigazian safely culture to my mother’s generation: My great- ernment or the general populace, in the same of two Komitas tracks for an upcoming sending his family away, I am grateful for my grandmother Matilda and daughters arrived in Troy, New York in 1921 and had received a few letters from Dr. Haigazian, in which he spoke of getting ready to leave the Jenanian Institute before the Turks would arrive to continue the ethnic cleansing of the Anatolian Plateau, he planning to meet up with them in New York. But later that year when they received news that he had died from typhus after an 800-kilometer march to Kharpert, the family took it as difficultly as one might expect; Nelly was (above all) furi- ous, and ripped up all of his letters, and Matilda apparently conveyed to her daugh- ters something along the lines of “Now in los- ing your father, we have no home country, no culture. This is your new country; this is your new life.” Decades later, Nelly would speak Armenian with an extensive Turkish vocabu- lary to my grandfather Avedis (who grew up speaking Armenian at home), but she refused to have my mother and her siblings learn a single word. Sadly that is why food tradition is all that has been passed on to me, and not even church holidays were observed in the family. Nelly made it a priority to forget as much of the past as she could. This reminded me of what you have writ- ten on your life in LA: “We would regularly drive up to a shop or two in Pasadena for lahmajoon, cheese, grape leaves for making Andi Roselund lights candles before pictures of his Armenian grandparents. sarma and yalanchi dolma at home, and pre- made frozen bulgur kufte (as kids, we called them “hand grenades”) filled with spiced way that K-pop does. That being said, there is recording. One is Sareri Hovin Mernem, to great-grandfather Mihran’s safe passage to lamb for stews.” I assume you miss such a lot of creative synergy between different which I will be adding traditional Korean America, and want to remember him in a dishes in Korea. styles and live scenes, and places like the instruments along with duduk and qanun, name I can call my own. I do miss the taste of home, as have not Hongdae neighborhood of Seoul has more and a wonderful Armenian singer here in It is interesting if you are aware of tasted anything in the world as good as my new music being created and performed live Korea will sing the original lyrics. I also may Armenians and other people of Armenian mother’s lamb sarma. So accordingly, every every evening than ever. have another version of Sareri Hovin origin living in Korea. I know there are IT time I visit home I ask my mother to teach Yes, due to PSY’s Gangnam Style and the Mernem done, translated into Korean and specialists from Armenia; what about cul- me a new meal to make, since I love cooking boy band BTS’s music has become quite sung in jeongga, which is a type of tradition- ture? here in Korea and regularly make my own known internationally. Andi, can we consid- al Korean court vocal method that is very Most Armenians that I know in Korea are yalanchi dolma and lahmajoon, and of course er you a Korean composer or you are just an slow and reserved. And among the tracks will fairly recent arrivals, coming here in the last serve it with familiar Middle Eastern sides American musician who lives in Korea? be the final version of a composition I wrote 10 years. And in addition to highly educated like hummus, muhammara, and braided I am the latter. Just the same, even though called From Hadjin to Seoul, which traces IT specialists, there are chemical engineers, cheese with nigella seeds. It is also interest- I did my graduate studies in traditional the story of my grandmother’s journey down mathematicians, and numerous people learn- ing to hear from my Armenian friends here Korean music theory and have lived here for to my own here in Korea, starting sorrowful- ing Korean in order to translate and/or work how different Adana-Armenian cuisine I have nearly 30 years, I consider myself a composer ly with the duduk and ending with an invert- in tourism. Unfortunately though, very little learned from my mother can taste when com- without a national identity related to my ed melody that uses traditional Korean is understood by the local Korean population pared to in Armenia, namely that my music or background. One of my favorite instrumentation. about Armenia, history, and culture. But khorovatz and kuzu tandir-style lamb roasts things to do is studying the tone color of dif- In the year of the Armenian Genocide thanks to Instagram, many of the Armenians always feature mainly rosemary and lemon ferent (acoustic) instruments when blended, centennial you joined the “I am a descen- in Korea have been very active to talk about juice (instead of oregano and pomegranate and seeing how musical modes and rhythmic dant of a survivor of the Armenian Armenian culture even while basically blog- juice), a very different flavor profile from cycles from different cultures sound when Genocide” initiative on Facebook and put ging about local tourism, and we can hope what they are used to! blending. Some examples are my love of rein- the photo of Dr. Armenag Haigazian (1870- for a greater collective awareness in the Yes, there are slight differences between terpreting folk music of the British Isles with 1921). future. Among them Narine Haroyan (from Armenian and Diaspora cuisines. I think it traditional Korean instruments, and more That is a photograph I knew not of until AGBU Young Professionals, Seoul) has been is time for you to come to your ancestors’ recently, seeing how well I can express much- my uncle James Constantian showed it to us a wonderful soul connecting other country and test not only that. And in gen- loved songs by Komitas in a Korean context at a Haigazian descendants’ reunion in Armenians in Korea, and instrumental in eral, it will be great to welcome you in as well. I was recently was so touched to hear Southern California a few years ago, and it helping everyone engage in cultural discus- Armenia. from a gayageum player/classmate of mine was such a powerful image that is hard to for- sion. And all of them are very active on social That would be absolutely wonderful. Thank from 20 years ago (presently a professor of get after seeing it. You can see Dr. media regarding the current war on Artsakh, you so much for giving me an opportunity to music and cultural studies in the US), when Haigazian’s blue eyes and stern but warm- posting extensively in Korean and helping share and I hope to as well! Although the lin- she heard some of my recent work and said, hearted facial expression, with wife Matilda’s locals understand the geographic and his- eage of my mother’s parents were probably in “you are not taking music of other cultures beauty hidden behind the difficulty in their toric plight of Armenians, and our strong will Constantinople and Western Armenia for and forcing it into another context with one transition from Northern Adana (Hadjin), to endure. hundreds of years and likely had no associa- culture over another; your diversity of expres- and it is a look I have seen on pictures of my What kind of Armenian traditions does tion with Yerevan during the Ottoman era, it sion is simply a part of your natural musical friends’ relatives as well: their faces speak your family have? is a long-held dream of mine to one day visit vocabulary.” It was something I have felt for such sorrow that so many of our grandpar- I grew up as a half-Armenian kid (and Armenia: to first go to Tsitsernakaberd, and a long while, and was so grateful to hear her ents and great grandparents in the Diaspora equally half-odar, as I became known among then places like Khor Virap, Garni, and of opinion. endured. It was most likely photographed in more conservative Armenians from the old course Lake Sevan, to sit among nature and Are you acquainted with Armenian Konya in 1919 or 1920, before he had sent country!) living in one of smaller Armenian be still for a while. I am convinced that in just music? Matilda and his daughters to America. communities in Montebello, opposite Los being there, I will hear ancient music and the Not nearly as much as I wish I could be. You sign your videos as Mihran. Is this Angeles from Glendale. Being third-genera- enduring spirit of our forefathers in the land When I was younger we had occasionally your artistic name? tion and not able to speak the language, how- itself... have Armenian Teletime turned on the TV on I like to think of it that way, but also as a ever, I tried to study Armenian. In 1995 I vis- S ATURDAY, O CTOER 1 0 , 2 0 2 0 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 17 ARTS & LIVING Ani Marganian Creates a New World of Encouragement

MARGANIAN, frpom page 14 an important piece of our larger Armenian Calendar community. It’s the city that raised both mine and Anoush’s dads and our aunts and uncles. It’s been a refuge for our [Armenian] people for so long so we wanted to find a way to contribute because there’s so MASSACHUSETTS much going on there. Food is an important part of culture and Mayrig OCTOBER 17 — St. James 73rd Annual Take- is working to preserve Armenian culture and heritage in Lebanon.” Out Bazaar - Delicious Armenian Food and Nor Ashkharh is selling a set of three stickers inspired by some of Pastries. $100 Raffle. Online Silent Auction. Pre- the foods served at the Mayrig restaurant in Beirut including baklava, order curbside pickup only. To order meals and boreg, and banir. All of the proceeds from the “B is for Beirut” stick- pastries, visit er initiative will be donated to Mayrig Restaurant. www.stjameswatertown.org/bazaar starting (http://www.mayrigbeirut.com/ or on October 1st, or call the Church office. St. https://www.gofundme.com/f/mayrig) James Armenian Church – 465 Mt. Auburn St., Ani’s future goals center around communication, both in the form Watertown. For more information contact of speech therapy and of course, art. She is currently working on a 617.923.8860 or [email protected]. speech therapy project with folks in Armenia and plans to donate OCTOBER 21 — Wednesday at 10 am, 100% of the profits from her sales to support non-verbal communica- Celebrating What Unites Us! A virtual tors there. cooking series, a collaboration of City of Ani declared: “I want my art to create a new world of hope, encour- Boston Age-Friendly Boston, OLDWAYS and agement and worthiness, especially since at the moment there is so Friends of Armenian Heritage Park to keep much chaos, suffering, and fear in the world.” us connected, coming together. To register, You can keep up with Ani’s vibrant and inspiring artwork by follow- email [email protected]. ing @norashkharh on Instagram: Mexican Cuisine Executive Chef Colton https://www.instagram.com/norashkharh/. Coburn-Wood & Friends Cósmica Restaurant in the Revolution Hotel NOVEMBER 18 — Wednesday at 10 am, Celebrating What Unites Us! A virtual cooking series, a collaboration of City of Boston Age-Friendly Boston, OLDWAYS and Friends of Armenian Heritage Park to keep us connected, coming together. To register, email [email protected] Afghan Cuisine Chef Sharifa Zareen, Recipe Sanctuary Kitchen Catering DECEMBER 2 — Wednesday at 10 am, Celebrating What Unites Us! A virtual cooking series, a collaboration of City of Boston Age-Friendly Boston, OLDWAYS and Corner Friends of Armenian Heritage Park to keep us connected, coming together. To register, email [email protected] Indian Cuisine Madhu Gadia, Cookbook author, The Indian Vegan Kitchen, and New Indian Home by Christine Vartanian Cooking; founder, Cuisine of India DECEMBER 5-6 — SAVE THE DATE. Trinity’s 2020 Christmas Bazaar. Saturday, December 5 & Sunday December 6, 2020. Sini Kufte (Kibbeh Bil-Sineyah) Holy Trinity Armenian Church of Greater Boston. 145 Brattle Street, Cambridge MA This original recipe and photo are courtesy of Salpy's International 02138. Questions? 617 354-0632 Kitchen. Salpy Rozario posts an extensive selection of international DECEMBER 16 - Wednesday at 10 am, recipes at her popular food blog like this traditional recipe for Sini Kufte Celebrating What Unites Us! A virtual from June 2, 2013. cooking series, a collaboration of City of Boston Age-Friendly Boston, OLDWAYS and KUFTE DOUGH INGREDIENTS: Friends of Armenian Heritage Park to keep us 2 cups fine grade bulgur #1 connected, coming together. To register, email 1 lb. fine ground, extra lean beef (“chi-kufte meat”) [email protected] Desserts! 1 teaspoon Aleppo pepper or 1 tablespoon red pepper paste Chef Nathan Kibarian Pastry Chef, Island Creek 1 teaspoon black pepper, to taste Oyster Bar Chef/Owner, Desserts by Nathan 3 tablespoons flour Salt, to taste A little water to moisten the bulgur 2 to 3 tablespoons flour while mixing the shell dough RHODE ISLAND The Sts. Sahag and Mashtots Armenian GHEEMA MICHOOG (Ground beef filling) INGREDIENTS: Church of Providence hosts the follow- 3 lbs. ground beef (preferably 20% fat) ing Armenian Cultural Hour programs 1 large onion, finely chopped in a food processor virtually every Friday at 7:30 pm. For 1 teaspoon black pepper information on how to watch or participate 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice in the programs, contact the church office. 1 teaspoon salt, to taste October 16 – “A Century of Light, Hope and 1 teaspoon Aleppo red pepper flakes (Salpy prefers to use red pepper paste.) Faith” Concert dedicated to the 100th Anniversary of Saints Sahag and Mesrob PREPARATION: Armenian Apostolic Church Preheat oven to 350 degrees. October 23 – Saro Danielian, Virtuozo Duduk Gheema Michoog: and Zurna player (Argentina) Heat a large pot, add the ground beef and 1 cup of water, stirring often. Cook until browned, breaking apart the large lumps as it cooks. October 30 – Garo Nichanian, Bass-Baritone, Add the onions and spices, and stir to combine. Cook covered on medium to low heat until all liquid is gone and the meat and onions are Canada “A bouquet of Armenian songs”. cooked. November 6 – “Musical greetings from Remove from heat and let it cool. Scoop out any extra grease, and the mixture is ready to be used as filling for various dishes. Lisbon” Levon Muradian, Cello ( Portugal) Kufte Dough: November 13 – Emma Tovmasian & Vazgen In a shallow bowl, mix the bulgur, flour, spices, and a little bit of cold water just to moisten it. Set aside to soak for a few minutes. Avetian (CA) in concert”Sere chi tsera- Gradually add the “chi-kufte meat” and start kneading until you have a soft dough. noom”, Armenian popular songs Assembly: November 20 – “Meet with Armenian Brush the bottom and sides of a baking dish with olive oil. Spread half the kufte dough covering the bottom completely about 1/2” Doctors” – Dr. Aznif Calikyan, thick. Spread the cooked gheema michoog over the layer of kufte. Then, taking a handful of the remaining kufte dough in batches, pat Anesthesiologist open in your hands to about 1/2” thickness and start laying them on top of the gheema michoog until you have the whole surface cov- November 27 – “Nor Serund” Youth Talents ered. from Armenia Armenian folk music and Gently press down on the top (wetting your hand in a small bowl of water) until you smooth out the patches, and have a smooth and uni- songs form top. With a sharp knife cut through all the way to make squares or diamond shapes. At this point, depending on your preference, December 4 – Renown Armenian Bass & brush the surface with some olive oil or dot the top with small cubes of butter. Bake in a pre-heated 350 degree oven until golden brown. Songwriter Ruben Telunts in Concert “Karotee Kanch” For this recipe, go to: December 11 – World Renown “Cadance” https://www.facebook.com/SalpysInternationalKitchen/ Ensemble from Armenia https://www.facebook.com/SalpysInternationalKitchen/photos/a.196232397195545/201094320042686/?type=3&theater December 18 – Christmas Concert, featuring https://www.facebook.com/pg/SalpysInternationalKitchen/photos/?tab=album&album_id=196232397195545&ref=page_internal “Yerevan” Chorale &Orchestra, Boston, MA December 27 (Sunday) – Memorial Concert “David Ayriyan 18 S ATURDAY, O CTOBER 1 0 , 2 0 2 0 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMENTARY

EDITORIAL Mirror No Endgame in Sight in Karabakh War

the military airbase in Ganja, Azerbaijan, after warning the civil- By Edmond Y. Azadian ian population there to leave, in advance of the attack. Spectator Targeting Ganja had more than one symbolic meaning. First, the F-16 fighter jet, which had shot down an Armenian warplane The war in Karabakh has caught the attention of major world over Armenia, had flown from that base. Second, that base also powers because in an interconnected world, all conflicts are the houses the repair facilities of Azerbaijan’s air force and the guid- result of the intersection of the interests of many countries, ance center of their drones. although they may seem to relate only to a certain localized Lastly, Ganja historically has been the hub of Azerbaijan’s EstablishedEstablishe d1932 1932 region. Conversely, all conflicts have far-reaching impact around Turkic nationalism, the birthplace of the Mosavat Party and the AnA nADL AD LPublication Publication the world. (See related stories on page 1.) city where Azerbaijan’s independence was declared in 1918. For the last thirty years, the Karabakh conflict has resulted in Armenians found the Ganja military airport to be an easy tar- many flare ups between Armenia and Azerbaijan with no con- get because it was not well defended. clusive results. In 1994, the parties agreed on a ceasefire, on the Armenians are finding many other undefended military tar- basis that the conflict has no military solution and that the par- gets, which leads one to the conclusion that Azerbaijan’s mili- EDITOR Alin K. Gregorian ties will not resort to the use of force. tary doctrine is based on only offense. Their armed forces wage The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe war under the assumption that the enemy will surrender and ASSISTANT EDITOR (OSCE) Minsk Group, which is co-chaired by the US, Russia and therefore, they will not need a defensive backup plan. Their Aram Arkun France, has been working for a solution based on that assump- assumption has not proved successful thus far. The Armenian tion. However, Azerbaijan has broken its agreement more than armed forces were able to absorb the first shock, and follow it ART DIRECTOR Marc Mgrditchian once; it tried to use force first in April 2016, as well as in July of by attacking and engaging the enemy in continued operations. this year. Every act of aggression was repulsed forcefully, as well Thus, Armenia proved that it has the most professional fighting as with additional retaliation, to convince the leadership in Baku force in the region. that violence would not deliver its hoped-for results. In addition to Armenia’s complaint to the European Court, The conflict has also Amnesty International has also SENIOR EDITORIAL COLUMNIST: been used by regional accused Azerbaijan of using Edmond Y. Azadian and world powers for cluster bombs. They stated, their own ends. The lead- “Over the weekend, footage CONTRIBUTORS: ership in Azerbaijan has consistent with the use of clus- Florence Avakian, Dr. Haroutiun been encouraged by ter munitions in the city of Arzoumanian, Philippe Raffi Kalfayan, such developments, Stepanakert, the capital of Philip Ketchian, Kevork Keushkerian, adopting a maximalist Nagorno Karabakh, was pub- Harut Sassounian, Hagop Vartivarian, posture. President Ilham Naomi Zeytoonian lished by the region’s de facto Aliyev has repeatedly authorities. They also reported CORRESPONDENTS: said that the only solu- unidentified civilian casualties Armenia - Hagop Avedikian tion is based on the com- after further shelling in Boston - Nancy Kalajian plete surrender of the Stepanakert and the town of Los Angeles - Taleen Babayan Armenian side. To this Shushi.” Berlin - Muriel Mirak-Weissbach day, he insists that peace Turkey is in the Caucasus to Contributing Photographers: will not be established change the status quo by con- Jirair Hovsepian until all Armenians leave taining Russia’s influence and Karabakh. That has led by creating a counterweight to Mr. Aliyev further, to the Iran, the world’s major Shiite delusion that he might force. Turkey is competing for The Armenian Mirror-Spectator is published occupy the entire territo- the leadership of the Sunni weekly, except two weeks in July and the first ry of the Republic of week of the year, by: bloc. That is why it has tangled Armenia itself. with the other contenders for Baikar Association, Inc. The current flare-up is that title, namely Saudi Arabia 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 the direct result of and Egypt. But Turkey’s fallout Telephone: 617-924-4420 Turkey’s involvement in with those two powers was also FAX: 617-924-2887 the conflict with inten- not only due to its desire to www.mirrorspectator.com tions and plans much greater than Azerbaijan’s goals. Turkey is lead that religious bloc. Ankara was fighting to scare off a host E-Mail: [email protected] in the Caucasus to contain the influence of Russia and Iran, a of nations which had interest in hydrocarbon deposits in the For advertising: [email protected] goal very much in synch with the West’s aspirations. But Eastern Mediterranean. Turkey’s bullying so far has led to a Turkey’s present leader has also a more selfish agenda: to coalition formed against it, including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, restore the Ottoman Empire and bring the nations formerly United Arab Emirates, Greece and Cyprus. within that empire back under its bloody thumb. It is not just those countries that are taking a vocal stand Mr. Erdogan’s adventures in Syria and the Eastern against Turkey; France and Germany have also been offended to Mediterranean thus far have backfired and as a fallback, he is a dangerous point. SUBSCRIPTION RATES: trying his luck in the Caucasus. Today Azerbaijan is a virtual France has been vociferously critical of Turkey’s actions in the colony of Turkey under the catchphrase “One Nation, Two region. States.” Erdogan’s calling German Chancellor Angela Merkel a Nazi U.S.A. $80 a year But that second state is hardly visible under Turkey’s dark angered that country so much so that Foreign Minister Heiko shadow. Maas said Erdogan had crossed a line. Canada $125 a year President Aliyev has lost control completely. The war is com- With France and Germany disposed against Turkey, the US Other Countries $190 a year manded by Turkish military advisors and is fought with Islamist has found itself facing a catastrophic crack in the NATO struc- mercenaries imported from Syria at the behest of Mr. Erdogan. ture. It looks like Turkey is wearing out its welcome there. It is no exaggeration when Karabakh President Arayik Germany has already begun moving its military assets from Harutyunyan states that the Armenian forces are fighting Incirlik air base in Turkey. The US is also considering an alter- © 2014 The Armenian Mirror-Spectator Turkey, not just Azerbaijan. nate site on Greek islands. Turkey no longer holds hostage its Periodical Class Postage Paid at Boston, MA Incidentally, Harutyunyan has turned out to be an outstand- allies in periods of crisis, as it has done in the past. and additional mailing offices. ing wartime leader, even braving the frontlines personally. Russia has not yet spoken as the fighting continues. Many in ISSN 0004-234X Before his election, his forte was considered to be his contribu- Armenia are questioning when the Collective Security Treaty tion to the Karabakh economy. He had participated in the lib- Organization pact with Russia, Belarus, Armenia, Kazakhstan, eration war as a young man but had chosen to go into business Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan as members will kick in POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The rather than politics. Armenian Mirror-Spectator, 755 Mount Auburn to support a fellow member in trouble. St., Watertown, MA 02472 As the war extends to its second week, the outcome is appear- To demonstrate how dysfunctional that pact is, suffice it to Other than the editorial, views and opinions ing grimmer. The fact that the Armenian side has held up suc- observe fellow signatory of the pact, Belarus, sending military expressed in this newspaper do not necessarily cessfully speaks highly of the professionalism of its armed equipment to Azerbaijan! reflect the policies of the publisher. forces. Azerbaijan began to target civilian structures in However, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has announced that Stepanakert and Vardenis in Armenia, betraying its frustration as yet Armenia can fight its war but no one knows what could and exasperation. happen if the war is protracted. That, in turn, not only will result in misery for the Armenian The developments have caused grave concern also for Iran, side but it will create problems for Azerbaijan and Turkey. which has been a historic rival of Turkey. The Eurasian Times Armenia has already lodged a complaint with the European reports in its October 5 issue that Tehran has concentrated 200 Copying for other than personal use or Court of Human Rights against Azerbaijan for violating the internal reference is prohibited without tanks and troops on its border with Armenia, supposedly to help express permission of the copyright terms of the Geneva Convention by indiscriminately bombing Armenia. If in fact there is such a concentration of Iranian owner. Address requests for reprints or civilians. forces, certainly it is not intended for Armenia. Iran has other back issues to: The Turkish and Azerbaijani war planners were anticipating concerns; indeed, Azerbaijan has lent itself to Israel as a launch- that Armenia would be intimidated by the former’s uncondi- ing pad for a potential attack on Iran. With Prime Minister tional support of Azerbaijan. But that was not the case. Instead, Benjamin Netanyahu’s sagging popularity and with the US in an Baikar Association, Inc. the Armenians lobbed a well-planned retaliation by destroying electoral mood with an ailing president, the opportunity may be 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 S ATURDAY, O CTOBER 1 0 , 2 0 2 0 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 19 COMMENTARY

Northern Cyprus in 1974. making these military sales for its own economic benefit, but For far too long, Turkey has armed and trained terrorists in Armenians have to constantly remind Russia that it is under- Syria, Iraq and Libya, and now in Azerbaijan. The internation- mining its own reputation in Armenia by supplying weapons to al community is just as guilty as Turkey for not sanctioning it Armenia’s enemy. for its terroristic activities. Erdogan has learned that he will get Iran: The Iranian government has always maintained a neu- My Turn away with murder and no country will say a word. It is time to tral position in the Armenia Azerbaijan conflict. In the current muzzle Erdogan and check his expansionist desires. war, Iran was alarmed when Azeri missiles fell inside the By Harut Sassounian Besides the physical war, there is also a war of propaganda Iranian territory killing a child. Iran also expressed its serious and falsehoods being waged by Azerbaijan and Turkey. As concern with Azerbaijan importing mercenary terrorists which usual, Turkey is lying about the most obvious facts. If it can could pose a danger to Iran’s security. Analysis of the Key Participants deny the genocide of 1.5 million Armenians, it can also deny Israel: It is shameful that the Israeli government continues In the Artsakh War that it has military forces and advisors in Azerbaijan fighting to provide sophisticated drones and missiles to Azerbaijan in against Armenia and Artsakh. Turkey also denies that it has return for Azeri oil. Would Israel, if it existed during World War At the time of writing this analysis, on Oct. 5, 2020, the war recruited Islamist terrorists to fight in Artsakh. II, have sold weapons to Hitler in return for financial gains? No between Armenia and Artsakh on one side, and Azerbaijan, Terrorist Mercenaries: Hundreds, if not thousands, of wonder Armenia last week recalled its newly-appointed Turkey and Islamist mercenaries on the other, is continuing Islamist terrorists have been recruited by Turkey from Ambassador from Tel Aviv. American Armenians should with countless deaths of soldiers and civilians, and widespread Northern Syria to go to Azerbaijan to fight against Armenia impress upon American Jews and American Jewish organiza- damage of cities and villages. This week, I will analyze the role and Artsakh. Many of their phone calls have been recorded in tions that Israel’s arming of Azerbaijan is morally repugnant of each of the key participants in the conflict: recent days stating that they were misled by Turkey into believ- and it will be held responsible for the deaths of Armenian civil- Azerbaijan: Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev, refusing to ing that they will only perform guard duties, not fight in a war. ians and soldiers. Even during the height of this war, scores of accept Artsakh Armenians’ right to self-determination and fol- The terrorists stated that they want to leave, but are prevented Azeri cargo planes have been seen in Israel loading advanced lowing up on his numerous threats to solve the conflict mili- from doing so. They have come to Azerbaijan after Turkey weapons for Azerbaijan! tarily, launched a massive attack against Armenia and Artsakh offered them a couple of thousand dollars a month. Despite the France: France is the only country in the world that has told on Sept. 27, 2020. Before the war, Azerbaijan secured the sup- denials of Azerbaijan and Turkey, Armenia’s National Security the truth about the conflict. French President Emmanuel port of the Turkish armed forces and a large number of ter- Services have recorded the terrorists’ phone calls speaking in Macron declared that Azerbaijan was the one that initiated the rorists from Syria paid by the Turkish government. Arabic and Turkish and advising their fellow terrorists not to attack on Artsakh and also confirmed that Turkey has sent The Presidents of Azerbaijan and Turkey have ignored all come to Azerbaijan. Islamist terrorists to Azerbaijan. It is not clear what France will appeals for ceasefire, including a joint statement by France, Russia: Russia is the only world power that can stop the do beyond mere words, nevertheless, Armenians worldwide Russia and the United States. Aliyev announced that there will fighting as it has done many times before. Either Russian appreciate the French position. be no ceasefire and no negotiations until Armenian forces leave President Vladimir Putin is unable to pressure Azerbaijan and US: The United States, if it wanted to, could also pressure Artsakh. Azerbaijan and Turkey not only want to occupy Turkey to declare a ceasefire or unwilling to do so, until it can Turkey to stay out of the Armenian-Azeri conflict. Artsakh, but unleash a second genocide on Armenians. This is secure concessions from Armenia, Azerbaijan and Turkey for Unfortunately, despite Pres. Trump’s statement that he will an existential threat to the Armenian people. It is a war against its own benefit. look into the conflict, nothing has been done. Trump’s close all 10 million Armenians worldwide. Fortunately, Armenians The problem is that Armenia is a member of the Collective friendship with Erdogan does not give Armenians any comfort have understood the serious danger to their existence and have Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) which has a mutual that the United States will play a moderating role in the con- joined hands to repulse the enemy. After the Azeri/Turkish defense agreement with Russia and several other former Soviet flict, particularly at a time when Trump is infected with the attack fails, Armenia should refuse all proposals for negotia- states. So far Armenia has not applied to CSTO to come to its coronavirus. tions and safeguard the land of Artsakh which has been liber- defense from Azerbaijan’s attacks on the Republic of Armenia, The only positive action coming from the House of ated with the blood of our brave young men. Azerbaijan and announcing that it can protect its own territory. Armenia Representatives is its planned adoption of Resolution 1165 which Turkey have attacked not only Armenian military targets, but should ask CSTO to secure its protection from attacks by condemns Azerbaijan for its attack on Artsakh and denounces also civilians in major cities and villages. This is a war crime for Turkey and Azerbaijan. If Armenia applies and CSTO rejects to Turkey for its participation in the war on the side of Azerbaijan. which Azerbaijan and Turkey should be held responsible in fulfill its treaty obligations, then we will know that CSTO is a Going beyond condemnation, the United States should sanction front of the European Court of Human Rights and the paper tiger. There may be behind the scenes discussions Azerbaijan and Turkey, cut off all military and foreign aid to both International Court of Justice. between Armenia and CSTO to come to Armenia’s rescue at countries, and designate them as terrorist states! Armenia should also file a complaint with the United Nations the appropriate time, before Armenia is in danger. Conclusion: In conclusion, Armenia cannot rely on anyone since Azerbaijan is a signatory to the UN “International Supporting Armenia is also in Russia’s own interest. First of but its own people to defend its homeland. It is very encour- Convention Against the Recruitment, Use, Financing and all, the Caucasus region is considered Russia’s sphere of influ- aging that Armenians worldwide have come to the support of Training of Mercenaries.” The Convention calls for punishment ence which Turkey should not be allowed to encroach. Armenia and Artsakh donating funds and humanitarian sup- “by appropriate penalties which take into account the grave Secondly, the Islamist terrorists that Turkey has sent to plies. All Armenians have to continue to counter Azeri and nature of those offenses.” Azerbaijan could end up being a threat to Russia’s security. Turkish military and propaganda attacks. When Azerbaijan Turkey: Turkey should have no role in the Artsakh conflict. The sooner Russia pressures Azerbaijan and Turkey to send sees that its military has failed to yield any results, it will be Erdogan keeps talking about one nation, two states, referring the terrorists back, the better for its own interests. forced to admit that Artsakh will never become a part of to Azerbaijan and Turkey. Why does he then not accept the Armenia is also displeased that Russia sells sophisticated jets Azerbaijan. After these vicious Azeri and Turkish attacks, no same concept for Armenia and Artsakh? He has no right to and missiles to Azerbaijan. This is an inappropriate conduct for Armenian will agree to have the Artsakh people live under the speak about Artsakh’s status, since Turkey itself occupied a strategic ally of Armenia. It is understandable that Russia is brutal rule of the corrupt dictator Aliyev.

No Endgame in Sight in Karabakh War Between Poverty and Death: ripe. Turkey will become an active participant reached out to Israeli President Reuven Rivlin Why Syrian Mercenaries Are Going to Azerbaijan despite its angry exchange with the Israeli lead- to complain about the Israeli-made cluster ership. There is a tacit understating with Israel bombs being used against civilians by It is no secret that hundreds of mercenaries from Syria and Libya have been recently that Erdogan may criticize Israel, pretending to Azerbaijan. Yerevan also recalled its ambas- deployed to Nagorno Karabakh. Turkey is attempting to assist its brother state Azerbaijan defend the Palestinian cause. It has even gone sador to Israel as an act of protest. in confrontation with Armenia. so far recently as to suggest that Jerusalem François-Philippe Champagne, Canada’s for- Ankara has seemingly decided not to hide its illegal should revert back to Turkey. Had there been eign minister announced that his country was By Ahmad Salah actions. Many foreign leaders have already expressed an actual row between the two countries, Israel suspending arms supplies to Turkey. concern about Turkey's aggressive policies. On would have already recognized the Armenian Jens Stoltenberg, secretary general of NATO, October 2, French President Emmanuel Macron Genocide. advised Turkey to use its position to bring the announced that his country had information on the transfer of jihadists to Azerbaijan. “It Pashinyan’s government is composed mostly parties to the negotiating table. is a very serious new fact, which changes the situation,” he said. of young cadres, not experienced in dealing In previous unsavory Turkish adventures, he had Journalists from CNN also managed to find out details about recruiting of the so-called with this kind of situation in the global news unquestionably supported Turkey’s actions. “Syrian National Army” fighters by Turkish Armed Forces. According to the channel, media, especially in the diplomatic field. A diplo- When the OSCE called for a cessation of hos- Turkey promised Syrians about $1500 a month to go to Azerbaijan. Syrian sources also matic challenge was thrust upon it and it has so tilities, the first party it reached out to was confirm this information. far fared well. Compared to previous conflicts, it Erdogan, not Aliyev. Even when supposedly Some of those mercenaries themselves reveal the way how Turks carried out the recruitment. received wider news coverage and Armenia pro- Azerbaijani forces had taken Jebrail (which later The recruits were initially brought in to ensure the protection of gas and oil pipelines. One jected, in general, a positive image. The leader- proved not to be true) again Erdogan had Syrian fighter told CNN about 1,000 fighters have already been sent to Azerbaijan. ship also gave cogent interviews to major publi- broadcast the “good” news. Elizabeth Tsurkov, a fellow at the US-based Foreign Policy Research Institute, wrote the cations around the world and the military lead- This haste means one thing: Turkey is in com- main reason why Syrian mercenaries are fighting for Turkey is the extreme poverty and ership continuously updated the situation on mand and Azerbaijan is a shell of its former self. catastrophic situation of young men and their families in the countries of origin. Twitter and other social media. They also This war has propelled Arayik Harutyunyan to However, the Syrian combatants should not forget the experience of their comrades stressed that reporters were free to come to the world scene. Pashinyan himself has been from the Sultan Murad group, who were first recruited to join the fighting on the side of Armenia and Artsakh, unlike Azerbaijan. enhancing Karabakh’s image, with the apparent the GNA in Libya and then were sent to Azerbaijan. In fact, Turkey regards them as can- Armenian government representatives, taking intention that he will propose that the Karabakh non fodder, pushing them into the middle of fighting between Armenians and the cue from Erdogan himself, were able to cap- government sign the ceasefire or peace agreement Azerbaijanis. Many of them did not obviously receive the promised salary at least because italize on the issue of the Genocide, indicating and that Azerbaijan recognizes the Karabakh gov- they died fighting for Turkey's interests. that this struggle was between Armenia and ernment as its counterpart. But before reaching According to recent reports, since October 1, more than 12 fighters from the Syrian Turkey and that Turkey had come to finish that point, Armenia has to pave the way by itself rec- National Army have already been killed in Nagorno-Karabakh. BBC news producer Riam what it had started in 1915. ognizing Karabakh’s independence. It is already Dalati claimed eight mercenaries were killed when assaulting Armenian defenses. Pashinyan called US National Security high time. The armed conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh is another example of a proxy war which Advisor Robert O’Brien to question the US Erdogan and Aliyev have changed their tone. Ankara is tirelessly running in North Africa, the Eastern Mediterranean and the Greater about US-made F-16 fighter-bombers Turkey They are the ones who are now eager for a peace Middle East. There is no doubt that in his war planes Turkish President Recep Erdogan sent against civilian populations. He also raised deal. doesn’t care about Syrian and Libyan mercenaries fighting for financial reward. Battling the same question in an interview with the New The Karabakh army is not defeated. In all for Turkey’s geopolitical interests promises them only injuries and death. York Times. probability, it is Karabakh which will call the Ahmad Salah is a freelance Syrian journalist focused on the Middle East and especially Armenian President Armen Sarkissian shots. the Levant. This item first appeared in Modern Diplomacy. 20 S ATURDAY, O CTOBER 1 0 , 2 0 2 0 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR NY Armenians Rally at UN in Support of Artsakh

RALLY, from page 1 [homeland],” said Spendjian, acknowledging the impor- An impressive number of 300 participants gathered in Dag tance of strength in numbers when it comes to spread- Hammarskjöld Plaza, where the vibrant red, blue and orange tri- ing awareness of the terrorism being committed by colors stood out among the sea of people. The Armenian flags Turkey and Azerbaijan. were draped around shoulders and waved high in the air as “A nation that becomes an army is impossible to protestors chanted and held posters to appeal to the public. The beat,” said Spendjian, a professional basketball player energetic yet somber mood prevailed as the crowd voiced their who co-founded the nonprofit organization demands and called for an end to Azerbaijani and Turkish aggres- Hoops4Hayastan with his friend Matt Madoian. sion that began on September 27 and has since intensified. While playing on the Armenian National Basketball Mourning the loss of soldier and civilian lives, the hymn Der Team, they noticed the enthusiasm of local kids who Voghormia was sang in their memory, led by Bishop Daniel watched their workouts and games. When Spendjian Findikyan, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of and Madoian returned to the US, they asked themselves America (Eastern) and Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Prelate of how they could help the youth in Armenia and connect the Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of them with their budding interest in basketball. They America, who both addressed the audience in English and began their efforts by collecting athletic gear from Armenian. around the world and distributing the donations by In his remarks, Bishop Findikyan called for the unification of hand in villages from Karbi to Barzdrashem. Armenians while the “greatest imaginable catastrophe is unfold- Noticing the positive impact of the donations, ing and escalating in our homeland of Armenia and Artsakh.” Spendjian and Madoian expanded their vision further He cited the power of unity, setting aside all differences, and and set their sights towards renovating gyms in villages “supporting our soldiers, our people and our brothers and sis- across Armenia in order to “provide kids with indoor ters in our homeland.” and outdoor basketball courts so they can have the “Although we are far away from Armenia, we show the world same experiences and opportunities as us growing up.” that we are one people and we will always defend our homeland “As you can imagine this deepened my bond with and our sacred land of Artsakh,” said Bishop Findikyan. “I join Armenia because I now have a direct tie to the future of you today in confidence, prayer and faith as God protects our our country,” said Spendjian, whose family has also people and our lands.” undertaken another initiative to help bolster the gar- Bishop Tanielian called for “unity in action” and for the world ment production business in Armenia. “I want to con- community to witness the “hidden and secret agenda behind the tinue to see its growth and reach its potential not just large-scale war” launched by Azerbaijan and Turkey against for Armenians, but for the whole world.” Armenia and Artsakh. For New Jersey participant Arianna Mesrobian, stand- “We salute the brave and heroic efforts of the soldiers and peo- ing in solidarity with soldiers was a priority. ple in Artsakh and Armenia, who immediately and effectively Close to 300 people gathered to condemn Azerbaijani and Turkish “They deserve to feel supported by the diaspora,” she responded to this unnecessary attack,” said Bishop Tanielian. aggression in Artsakh said. “While our soldiers are on Artsakh’s frontline, we He highlighted the cycle of denialism over the last century are surely on the frontline of this cause in the U.S, from Turkey – that has tried to bury the truth of the Armenian because if it is not us, then who?” Genocide – and the subsequent denial of Azerbaijan that the rally “in support of our beautiful Armenia and for our troops.” She commended the global Armenian community that has “come Artsakh, which was annexed to them by Stalin in 1920, belongs “If an 18-year-old boy or a 55-year-old man can volunteer to together to an incredible extent in light of the recent events.” to the Armenian people. defend Armenia on the front lines, then the least I can do is “What we need now is for the rest of the world to lend their “Artsakh was, is, and always will be Armenia,” he said. “We stand in front of the UN and get my voice heard to help put an voice to us as well,” said Mesrobian. express solidarity and support of the soldiers victorious march end to this and bring our soldiers home,” said Spendjian, whose Community leader Mher Janian, who helped lead the Rally for that will pave the road towards permanent peace, understanding, cousin fought for the liberation of Artsakh in the 1990s. Artsakh with the New York and New Jersey chapters of the cooperation and prosperity in the entire region.” Spendjian, who attended with his family, cited the power of Armenian Revolutionary Federation and the Armenian Youth Despite the fact that the event was organized in a short time social media and its ability to help disseminate the message of Federation, alongside the participation of all regional organiza- on a weekday, a significant portion of young professionals and the Armenian cause. The photos and videos of the eye-catching tions, commended the youth for showing up in strong numbers. youth were present at the rally, many of whom have dedicated event could be picked up by news outlets, an important way to “What we’re doing here pales in comparison to what the sol- their time and resources to help build a solid bridge between the “help fight the war on this side of the world.” diers are risking on the frontlines,” said Janian. “We will provide diaspora and the homeland. “I urge the Armenian community to show up to any peaceful as much help as we can, from sending supplies to raising funds, New York native Garen Spendjian said it was his duty to attend protest or rally because we need to be vocal for our Hayrenik in order to keep the morale high for our soldiers.”