JUNE 11, 2011 MirTHE rARoMENr IAN -Spe ctator Volume LXXXI, NO. 48, Issue 4192 $ 2.00 NEWS IN BRIEF The First English Language Armenian Weekly in the United States Mirror-Spectator Mediators Annual Vacation New Jersey Banquet Celebrates WATERTOWN — The Armenian Mirror-Spectator will close for a two-week break in July, as part of its Meet Azeri traditional summer holiday. Mirror-Spectator Anniversary The last issue before the break will be that of July 2. The first issue back will be that of July 23. Leaders, Press releases on events between July 2 and 23 should be submitted as early as possible for inclu - sion in issues prior to the break. Travel to The office will reopen on July 18. Swedish MP Refutes Karabagh Azeri Media Story BAKU (RFE/RL) — International media - STOCKHOLM (PanArmenian.Net) — Swedish mem - tors met with Azerbaijan’s leaders and pro - ber of parliament Desire Petrus refuted the words ceeded to Nagorno-Karabagh on Tuesday ascribed to her by Azerbaijani media that recogni - during their latest round of shuttle diploma - tion of the Armenian Genocide “is a historic mis - cy coming amid fresh hopes for a break - take.” through in the Armenian-Azerbaijani negoti - In a letter addressed to the representative of the ating process. Armenian community of Sweden, Vahagn Avetian, The US, Russian and French diplomats co- Petrus wrote that she has not made such a statement. chairing the OSCE Minsk Group made no “I said that, taking into consideration the stance public statements after holding talks with of the Christian Democratic Party, recognition of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and genocides by parliaments is not a correct step as a Keynote speaker Stephen Kurkjian Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov. whole. Similar decisions should be adopted by They entered Karabagh later in the day. international courts. It would have been correct to Military officials in Stepanakert said they recognize the Armenian Genocide. There are not used the occasion to monitor the ceasefire TEANECK, N.J. — More than 200 any doubts with respect to it,” Petrus wrote. regime at a section of the Armenian- guests assembled here at a banquet By Aram Arkun Azerbaijani frontline northeast of the disput - on June 4 to raise funds, support and Mirror-Spectator ed territory. Armenia to Modernize celebrate the work of the Armenian The mediating troika is scheduled meet Mirror-Spectator , and commemorate with the ethnic Armenian leadership of the Electrical Substation three New York area intellectuals who were important in its history. Nagorno-Karabagh Republic (NKR) on see ANNIVERSARY, page 9 Near Turkish Border Wednesday. It will end the regional visit in Yerevan on Thursday with talks with YEREVAN (RFE/RL) — Armenia will start modern - President Serge Sargisian and Foreign izing later this year an electrical substation and a Minister Eduard Nalbandian. high-voltage transmission line stretching to the Ahmadinejad Visit to Armenia The co-chairs’ latest tour of the conflict zone Armenian-Turkish border with a $21-million loan comes less than two weeks after the presidents provided by Germany. of the United States, Russia and France urged The two facilities are located in the northwestern Cancelled at Last Minute Sargisian and Aliyev to finalize a framework Shirak province bordering Turkey and are a major peace accord on Karabagh at their upcoming component of the local power distribution network. YEREVAN (RFE/RL) — Iranian Salehi and Movsisian signed a memoran - meeting. “Further delay would only call into The transmission line underwent minor repairs President Mahmud Ahmadinejad cancelled dum of understanding to boost cooperation question the commitment of the sides to reach in 2009 during Turkish-Armenian negotiations that a visit to Armenia just hours before his on oil, gas and electricity, and expand over - an agreement,” they warned. raised the prospect of Armenian electricity exports planned arrival on Monday, May 30, for rea - all economic ties between the two neigh - Aliyev and Sargisian are expected to meet to Turkey. But the subsequent collapse of the rap - sons that were not immediately clear. boring countries. A key element of that in Kazan, Russia at the end of this month. prochement all but ruled out such possibility. The visit was announced by the Iranian cooperation is joint Armenian-Iranian ener - The summit will be hosted and mediated by “The substation remains prepared to supply elec - government late last month and confirmed gy projects. Russian President Dmitry Medvedev. tricity to Turkey,” its director, Gagik Avetisian said, by President Serge Sargisian’s office on Those include the construction of two Mammadyarov said on Monday that he and on Thursday, June 2. “It will be even more prepared Saturday, June 4. The latter gave no details hydro-electric plants on the Arax river Nalbandian will hold a trilateral meeting with after the reconstruction.” of its agenda, though. marking the Armenian-Iranian border and a their Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, in Preparations for the project began shortly after In a short statement issued on Monday, pipeline that will ship Iranian fuel to Moscow on June 11. He said they will prepare the German bank KfW allocated the loan late last the Armenian presidential press service see AHMADINEJAD, page 20 for the next Armenian-Azerbaijani summit. year. The project will be implemented by French said the trip has been put off “by mutual companies chosen after an international tender. consent,” adding “it will be undertaken in Avetisian said the modernization process will get due course,” without elaboration. underway this autumn and take more than two The official Iranian IRNA news agency ‘Dr. Death’ Jack Kevorkian Dies at 83 years. quoted a spokesman for Ahmadinejad, Mohammad-Hassan Salehi-Maram, as say - ing that the Armenian side “did not prepare By Sindya N. Bhanoo documents” that were due to be signed in INSI DE Yerevan. The official did not specify what those documents are. ROYAL OAK, Mich. (Washington Post) — According to another Tehran-based Jack Kevorkian, 83, the zealous, straight- agency, ISNA, Iranian Foreign Ministry talking pathologist known as “Dr. Death” spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast gave a for his crusade to legalize physician-assist - The Art of similar reason for the delay. Mehmanparast ed suicide, died June 3 at a hospital here. expressed confidence that the unspecified He had been hospitalized since last Sumbat documents will be finalized and the Iranian month with pneumonia and kidney prob - leader will visit Armenia “in the near lems, close friend and attorney Mayer page 14 future.” Morganroth told the Associated Press. “The Islamic Republic of Iran and Kevorkian spent decades campaigning Armenia enjoy friendly relations and good for the legalization of euthanasia. He neighborliness and authorities of the two served eight years in prison and was arrest - ed numerous times for helping more than countries are continuously in contact,” he INDEX reportedly said. 130 patients commit suicide from 1990 to Ahmadinejad was due to fly to Yerevan 2000, using injections, carbon monoxide Armenia ...... 2,3 and his infamous suicide machine, built Arts and Living ...... 14 one week after a regular session of an Calendar ...... 17 Iranian-Armenian inter-governmental com - from scraps for $30. Those he aided had terminal conditions such as multiple scle - Community News...... 5 mission on economic cooperation that was Editorial ...... 18 rosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and held in Tehran. The meeting was co-chaired International ...... 4 Dr. Jack Kevorkian by Iranian Foreign Minister Ali-Akbar malignant brain tumors. Salehi and Armenian Energy and Natural see KEVORKIAN, page 6 Resources Minister Armen Movsisian. 2 S ATURDAY , J UNE 11, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARMENIA News From Armenia Experts: Armenian Nuke Plant Risk ‘Acceptable’ YEREVAN (ArmeniaNow) — of Armenia’s neighbors — Azerbaijan, export, and Armenia cannot abandon According to the head of the Georgia, or Turkey — have nuclear sta - its use. Moreover, the country is begin - Catholicos Karekin II International Atomic Energy Agency tions and the newly-built Bushehr ning the construction of a new reactor. (IAEA) ad hoc Operational Safety nuclear power plant in Iran has not yet A few days ago Germany renounced Defrocks Rev. Manukyan Review Team (OSART) for Armenia, been put into full operation. the use of nuclear energy and pledged Gabor Vamos, the level of risk at the The OSART commission acting to shut down all nuclear power plants BERN, Switzerland (Lragir.am) — By the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant is under the auspices of the IAEA cited a by 2022. Seven nuclear reactors in Patriarchal Verdict dated June 1, Rev. Abel acceptable and there are technical pos - number of examples of good practice at Germany built before 1980 were sus - Manukyan of Switzerland was defrocked. sibilities to extend the terms of the facil - the Armenian station, as well as voiced pended in Germany in March amid the The spokesman for the Holy See this week ity’s operation. But he said at a press a number of recommendations to news of the nuclear catastrophe coming dwelled on the history of the attempts to establish conference in Yerevan on Thursday that improve this practice. The group, con - from earthquake-hit Japan. Safety a diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church in the station has not yet made such an sisting of 11 experts from eight coun - inspections began at all 17 nuclear Switzerland. In his words, the diocese was estab- initiative. tries, conducted monitoring in the fol - power plants operating in Germany. As lished de jure but was not brought into being due IAEA experts arrived in Armenia in lowing areas – state of the equipment, a result, only four of them continued to the efforts of Manukyan. mid-May to find out on the spot how the process of work. Vamos noted that their operations. Manukyan said he is going to challenge the order. safety of the Metsamor nuclear power during the inspection 16 recommenda - Germany’s decision caused mixed plant is organized. In 18 months IAEA tions and 14 suggestions on how to reactions in the European Union. For Ani Amiraghyan Wins experts will conduct a second monitor, improve the nuclear power plant’s work example, France and the United said the director of the Metsamor NPP were made to the Armenian side. Kingdom took Berlin’s policy in the Turkey Tennis Gagik Markosyan. The final OSART report on the field of nuclear energy as “hysterical.” After the earthquake and tsunami in results of the work done will be sub - In the European Commission they Tournament Japan in March and the accident at the mitted to the Government of Armenia believe that Berlin will face financial YEREVAN (PanArmenian.Net) — On May 30, the Fukushima-1 nuclear power plant within three months. problems because it will have to invest a leading tennis player of the Armenian team, Ani caused by the natural calamity the Armenia is in the highest, third zone huge amount of money into the devel - Amiraghyan, participated in two international ten- IAEA carries out stress tests at all of seismic risk, and in this connection opment of alternative energy sources. nis tournaments in Turkey. From May 23 to 29, she nuclear power plants around the world. Turkey and Azerbaijan have repeatedly About 20 nuclear power plants oper - participated in the Gaziantep tournament, which The Armenian NPP is the first on the demanded that the Metsamor nuclear ate in Russia. Most countries still she won, tying with Basak Erday. She won a list. station be closed. But the facility pro - believe that atomic energy must be $10,000 prize. The Metsamor facility is the only duces energy not only for Armenia’s developed, but with strengthened secu - She also participated in the ITF Futures tourna- nuclear power plant in the region. None domestic consumption but also for rity. ment in Izmir but lost in the semi-finals round. Opposition Parties Warn of Secret Composer Edward Salary of High School Deals between Sargisian, Ter-Petrosian Teachers to Increase Mirzoyan Pleased With Birthday YEREVAN (RFE/RL) — Two major Turkish-Armenian relations. YEREVAN (Armenpress) — Starting in the new aca- opposition parties critical of the The ARF and Zharangutyun favor a demic year this fall, the financing of schools will be Celebration Armenian National Congress (HAK) harder line on both issues. In particu - put on a new level, Education and Science Minister have suggested that there are ulterior lar, they both reject the basic princi - Armen Ashotyan said at a meeting with high school YEREVAN (Armenpress) — On motives behind its decision to embark ples of a Karabagh settlement pro - principals this week. June 4 a ceremony dedicated to on a dialogue with President Serge posed by the US, Russian and French He also said the teachers working in high the 90th birthday of Edward Sargisian’s government. mediators. Official Yerevan has repeat - schools will also get higher salaries. “Though it Mirzoyan took place at the Aram According to the Zharangutyun edly described the proposed settle - may be viewed as encouragement, together with it Khachaturian concert hall. Works (Heritage) Party and the Armenian ment as largely acceptable. we will put in front of them more strict qualifying by the composer were performed Revolutionary Federation Other leading members of the two demands,” Ashotyan said. at the event. (Dashnaktsutyun), the two sides may parties have similarly speculated that Catholicos of All Armenians be intent on cutting secret deals that the HAK is now ready to let Sargisian Karekin II, First Lady Rita would make it easier for the govern - hold on to power in return for govern - Khachaturian Contest Sargisian, Prime Minister Tigran ment to make more concessions to ment guarantees that it will have a Kicks off in Yerevan Sargisian, Culture Minister Azerbaijan and Turkey. solid presence in the next Armenian Hasmik Poghosian and other “If that dialogue leads to fresh elec - parliament. YEREVAN (armradio.am) — The seventh Aram guests attended the concert. tions … we will only welcome that Ter-Petrosian denounced such Khachaturian International Contest kicks off here The composer, accompanied by extraordinary solution,” “malevolent gossips” at the last HAK this week. The contest will be held under the aegis his wife, was also present at the Zharangutyun leader Raffi rally held on May 31. He insisted that of Fist Lady Rita Sargisian. It has been organized event. He joked that he is a 90 Hovannisian said as he addressed sev - his alliance will seek to achieve by the Armenian Ministry of Culture, the Aram eral dozen supporters in Yerevan’s “regime change” in Armenia through Khachaturian Competition Cultural Foundation Liberty Square on Saturday. the dialogue. and the Komitas State Conservatory. “But if there is a different agenda The chief partner of the competition is the CIS leading to deals, containing other Interstate Humanitarian Cooperation Fund. The issues — regular solutions, unaccept - fund’s executive director, Armen Smbatyan, pre- able concessions on the Artsakh sented the details of the event to be held in (Nagorno-Karabagh) issue, the contin - Serge Sargisian Yerevan June 6-13. Tribute to the memory of the uation of the unacceptable policy on great composer on his birthday on June 6 marked Turkey-Armenia relations — then I Receives Sam the start of the seventh Aram Khachaturian think the people will say no to that International Contest. collusion,” he warned. Simonian Forty-seven musicians from the Commonwealth Hovannisian claimed that the gov - of Independent States, Europe, the United States, ernment and the HAK might also go YEREVAN (Panorama.am) — Canada, China and other countries participate in as far as to agree on a mutually-accept - President Serge Sargisian met this the contest this year. able cover-up of the March 2008 vio - week with the president of the The awarding ceremony and gala-concert will lence in Yerevan. Simonian Educational Foundation, take place on June 13 at Aram Khachaturian Edward Mirzoyan ARF’s parliamentary leader and for - Sam Simonian, the president’s press Concert Hall. mer presidential candidate, Vahan service reported. Hovannisian (no relation), voiced simi - year-old youngster. “I have During the meeting, Simonian spoke lar misgivings about that dialogue at a to the president about the Educational Dalma Gardens Evictees reached this age not thanks to news conference on Monday. He ques - mind but fate,” he joked, adding Center for Creative Technologies, the Protest tioned the HAK’s commitment to future programs targeted at the devel - that he was very pleased with his attaining its most important stated anniversary events. opment of the IT sector in Armenia and YEREVAN (Hetq) — People who once worked the goal: fresh presidential and parliamen - the implementation of youth education - land in the Dalma Gardens outside Yerevan staged Poghosyan said it is difficult to tary elections. find words to describe Mirzoyan’s al programs. the latest in a spat of protests outside the Hovannisian argued that Ter- Sargisian hailed the foundation’s ini - Presidential Palace on May 27. art, as words cannot do it justice. Petrosian opted for the dialogue “He is the embodiment of intelli - tiatives in Armenia, describing them as They had been prohibited from utilizing the land despite the fact that government offi - a necessity for the country. due to a directive from the Yerevan Municipality. gence, morality, spiritual beauty,” cials and loyalists have categorically Multi-story buildings have literally decimated this Poghosyan said, adding that his ruled out the possibility of such polls. historic green space. talent and attraction are infec - “That means one of the parties About three weeks ago Yerevan Mayor Karen tious. “Your presence will always accepts that there may be a change in Karapetyan met with a group of the protestors and give strength,” she pointed out. the agenda of discussions,” he said. promised to resolve outstanding issues with 48 of During the event, a film by Hovannisian claimed that the two the evictees. EcoLur reports that to date no steps Vigen Chaldranyan about the sides are also increasingly united by have been taken in this direction. composer was presented. He said their “hysterical” attacks on the ARF. Courts in Armenia have refused to hear their composer has grown up but never Like the Zharangutyun leader, cases. became old. “He grew up but Hovannisian implied that Ter- thanks to his works he will live Petrosian and Sargisian have similar Sam Simonian with President Serge very long,” Chaldranyan said. views on how to resolve the Nagorno- Sargisian Karabagh conflict and normalize S ATURDAY , J UNE 11, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 3 ARMENIA Stranger by Looks, Not by Heart: An American in North Carolina Sees Armenia as His Adopted Home

them that, he says, women of other national - ning their return to Armenia, how they are ues in the country — it took the United By Gayane Mkrtchyan ities lack. going to live in their Yeghvard house, despite States more than two centuries to reach that “In the past, 25 years ago, I had an Iranian- the country’s social and economic difficul - goal. Armenian girlfriend — Marish — but it didn’t ties. Being well aware of the political situa - Hensley confesses that he has adopted CHARLOTTE, N.C. (ArmeniaNow) — An work between us and we split up. Later I tion in Armenia, Dan Hensley has his own Armenian customs, culture and lifestyle. American named Dan Hensley approaches married an American woman and had two opinion in this regard. “The most beautiful phenomenon is that I me after a Sunday liturgy at St. Sarkis children with her, but then we got divorced. “It is regrettable that Armenian youth or am a stranger, but Armenians have accepted Armenian Church in Charlotte, NC, and asks So I decided, if I marry again me to give his regards to the editor of that would have to be with a ArmeniaNow, John Hughes, upon my return non-American woman,” says to Armenia. Hensley. “I really liked the “You know John?” I asked, surprised. families of my Armenian “Only from his articles and essays. In one friends in Charlotte, their such essay he wrote that he missed American lifestyles.” ‘bagels and cream cheese.’ When I come to Marrying Astghik, Dan Armenia I’ll bring some with me, for John,” Hensley created his model of says Hensley with a broad smile and then an Armenian-American fami - comments on my recent writings. ly. Their daughter is a blonde Living in the distant state of North with blue eyes. Astghik says Carolina, thousands of miles away from their daughter’s name was Armenia, Hensley has been an active fan of her husband’s choice. ArmeniaNow since 2001. He knows all the “Ha, ha [yes, yes],” says staff reporters by names and can quote frag - Dan Hensley, using common ments from various stories written by them. Armenian interjections to “I am interested in Armenia. Any event confirm his wife’s words. happening in Armenia interests me. And that “She doesn’t look Armenian, was the reason why I married an Armenian,” but, when asked what her he says, using some Armenian words every name is, she says ‘Hayastan’ now and then in his speech. [meaning Armenia], so peo - He was born and grew up in Western Virginia, ple would know at once that then moved to North Carolina. He is an engineer she is Armenian,” Hensley at the Sevan Electrical Services company. says with pride. Before meeting his wife-to-be, Astghik Today, Dan Hensley and Vardanyan, in 1999 he took a 21-day trip to his family live in a small town Dan Hensley and his family Armenia. of Kings Mountain not too “I traveled all over northern Armenia, vis - far from Charlotte that they ited a lot of places. In Geghard [a medieval visit every Sunday for an Armenian Church elderly people want to leave their homeland me as one of them. My looks are foreign, but monastery complex Geghardavank — the liturgy there. and move here. And the puzzling part about not my heart,” he says. “And one day I will Monastery of the Spear] I had a very peculiar “I really like the Armenian liturgy. I am an it is that Armenians are able to integrate well definitely return to Armenia and live in my experience — God told me I was going to American, but I am also a ‘converted’ Armenian. in foreign countries, easily adapting to unfa - house in Yeghvard, flanked by Arai Ler [Ara’s marry an Armenian woman, and so I did. I The Armenian Church and culture have become miliar lifestyles and cultures, but fail to do Mountain] (on the right) and Mt. Aragats (on really heard those words,” remembers very dear to me. My wedding ceremony was that in their own country,” he says. “There is the left) and facing Biblical Mount Ararat. Hensley and introduces his approaching wife. Armenian, my wife is Armenian, I’ve got a house no freedom there, people are not granted What else do I need in life…” says Hensley, “My sister and brother lived in Charlotte in Yeghvard [Kotayk province]. One day we will opportunities. Of course, things are not per - gently stroking Hayastan’s hair. with their families, and so in 1999 I came to return to Armenia and settle down there,” said fect in my country, wrong decisions are made (Gayane Mkrtchyan was in the United visit. I met Dan at a party. I would never have Hensley. sometimes, but people do have a choice.” States in April/May as part of a journalism imagined that I wouldn’t return to Armenia. “I can’t speak Armenian, but can under - He says, though, that he sees progress in program organized by the Washington-based But, I married Dan and settled in Charlotte,” stand. I know random words. Armenian is a Armenia, and believes that “with God’s help International Center for Journalists. On the says Astghik, who is now 45. difficult language to learn, it has many hard things will get better.” Twenty years of inde - sidelines of her project she also explored the Dan Hensley says that Armenian women consonants,” he said. pendence are not enough, in Hensley’s opin - life of an Armenian community in the city of are special to him, he can see qualities in Astghik and Dan Hensley spend days plan - ion, for the establishment of democratic val - Charlotte, NC.)

Yerevan Daily Fined for Jewish Center in Yerevan Re- ‘Slandering’ Kocharian Family Opens after Renovations

YEREVAN (RFE/RL) — A court in Yerevan on Baghdasarian also scoffed at the court’s deci - YEREVAN (Hetq) — The Mordechai Navi highlighted the enthusiasm and profession - Monday ordered a pro-opposition newspaper to sion to slap half of the fine sought by the ex- Jewish Community Center, located on Nar- alism demonstrated by the builders under pay the family of former President Robert president’s family. “If the plaintiffs were right, Dos Street, has been re-opened after major the direction of Nikolai Khachaturov, a busi - Kocharian 3 million drams ($8,000) in damages they should have also been compensated for renovations to the building and for what it called slanderous reports that attrib - their expenses,” he said. installation of new office equip - uted extensive business interests to his relatives. Kocharian lawyers refused to comment on ment. In a ruling reflecting an upsurge in libel suits the verdict as they left the courtroom. Sponsoring the project was against Armenian media, the court at the same The ex-president, who governed Armenia local Armenian businessman time refused to force Zhamanak daily to pay from 1998-2008, is also locked in a court battle David Galstyan. another 3,000 million drams for legal expenses, with another newspaper highly critical of his Those attending the opening which the plaintiff claims to have incurred. legacy, Hraparak . He took the independent ceremony included the assistant The case stems from a series of articles that daily to court and demanded 6 million drams in to the president of Armenia, the were published by Zhamanak last fall. The damages in February after it labeled him as a head of the Department of paper linked Kocharian’s wife Bella with trade “blood-thirsty” individual who is also notorious Religious Affairs and National in medicines and claimed that his older son, for his “particularly brilliant foolishness.” Minorities of Armenia and Sedrak, owns diamond mines in India. It also The number of libel cases against media out - Armenia’s minister of culture. accused Sedrak Kocharian of defrauding an lets critical of the current and previous From Moscow, Rabbi Dovid Armenian businessman. Armenian governments has increased signifi - Karpov of the Darkei Shalom The Kocharian family said these reports are cantly since the passage of controversial amend - Synagogue in Otradnoye was untrue and amount to defamation of character ments to Armenian defamation legislation in the representative. He was also as it took Zhamanak to court last December. April 2010. Those amendments decriminalized the representative of Chief Armenia’s Jewish Center The paper denied that before offering an out-of- libel but drastically toughened financial penal - Rabbi of Russia Berel Lazar, court settlement to the family earlier this year. ties for such offences. who is also the head of the The two sides failed to agree on settlement Armenian press freedom groups recorded 12 Board of Rabbis of the Commonwealth of nessman in the field of construction and a terms, however. such cases in the first quarter of this year alone, Independent States (CIS) Countries, who friend of David Galstyan. Nikolay Baghdasarian, a lawyer for describing this phenomenon as a serious threat was unable to attend. There are an estimated 1,000 Jews resid - Zhamanak , denounced the ruling as “political” to press freedom. Their concerns have been In his speech, Chief Rabbi of Armenia ing in Armenia today. The Jewish communi - and said his clients will appeal against it. “This echoed by Western watchdogs such as the Gershon Burstein — who is also a Chabad- ty of Armenia dates back almost 2,000 years, verdict is far from jurisprudence,” he said. Paris-based Reporters Without Borders. Lubavitch emissary serving in this region — to the time of King Tigranes the Great. 4 S ATURDAY , J UNE 11, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR INTERNATIONAL International News Russian General: We Will Intervene Stuttgart University Pulls out of Genocide To Protect Armenia Event at the issues that arose in conjunction By Joshua Kucera with the Kyrgyzstan crisis and know STUTTGART, Germany (Hetq) — Prof. Wolfram how to act if a similar situation arises in Ressel, rector of the University of Stuttgart, the future; according to Tretyak, there appears to have broken his promise made on April MOSCOW (Eurasia.net) — A few are no disagreements on this with 5 to allocate an auditorium for an event scheduled weeks ago there was some back and Russia’s CSTO partners. The general for May 28, titled “Persecution, Eviction and forth between Armenians and further noted that the forces assigned to Extermination of Christians in the Ottoman Azerbaijanis about whether Russia the CSTO are the best prepared of Sultanate from 1912-1922.” would come to Armenia’s defense in the Russia’s forces, because Russia wants to Ressel said that the decision to cancel the event case of a war over Nagorno Karabagh. increase the organization’s military was a result of protest from a Turkish organization, Well, now a top Russian general has effectiveness. Tretyak reiterated the as well as his own desire to remain neutral on the weighed in, and he sounds pretty cer - Russian position that it would like matter. tain that Russia would get involved. NATO to recognize the legitimacy of the General Andrei Tretyak, the Chief of the CSTO and establish cooperation with it. Main Operations Directorate of the This seems to be a pointed message Turkish Government Defense Ministry, discussed the Russian that the CSTO is learning from its mis - Arrests Hamshen, Laz military’s future plans with some ana - General Andrei Tretyak takes in Kyrgyzstan — and that those lysts, and this is from Dmitry who expect it to stand aside in the Protestors Gorenburg’s account: future should think again. In a discussion on the situation in could help fill the security vacuum that ANKARA (Times.am) — Hamshen-Armenians and Karabagh, Tretyak agreed with a partic - will be created by the US leaving members of the Laz community in Hopa city, met ipant’s assessment that the possibility of Afghanistan. And he seems to acknowl - Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan with conflict in that region is high, but edge that the CSTO kind of dropped the US to Offer Turkey protests on May 31. Turkish policemen used water- argued that it is gradually decreasing as ball on Kyrgyzstan last year, when it did canons, tear gas and stun guns against the protes- a result of Russian efforts to reduce ten - nothing to stop the pogroms that took Major Role in tors. According to the witnesses, Erdogan’s body- sion in the region. He disagreed with place there in what many saw as the first guards shot with combat guns as well and caused the suggestion that Russia’s relation - big test of the collective security group: Mideast Talks if it the death of a former teacher, Metin Lokumchu. ship with Armenia is eroding and made He also felt that what he saw as the Stops Gaza Flotilla The protestors hit Erdogan’s bus with stones and clear that Russia will carry out its inevitable US withdrawal from the region wounded one of the bodyguards. promises to that country. No one should will have a negative effect on stability. JERUSALEM (Haaretz) — Turkish police have arrested more than 40 see Russia’s refusal to intervene in In this context, the CSTO may come According to the Turkish daily Hamshen and Laz citizens. The arrests took place Kyrgyzstan last summer as a precedent to play a more important role in the Hurriyet , the US may offer Ankara both in Hopa and in Ankara. for Karabagh, as that was a very differ - region. Tretyak pointed out that CSTO a chance to host major Israeli- ent situation. reforms are continuing. The major Palestinian peace talks if it mends Erdogan Labels OSCE Tretyak also weighed in on Central Russian military exercises in the sum - its ties with Israel and prevents an Asia, and suggested that the Collective mer and early fall will include CSTO upcoming Gaza-bound flotilla. Minsk Group ‘Useless’ Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) states. The Russian military has looked The US government is consider - ing offering Turkey a deal in ANKARA (Today’s Zaman) — Turkey’s Prime which Ankara would stop a sec - Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has labeled the ond Gaza-bound flotilla that is due Minsk Group of the Organization for Security and AGBU Swiss Chapter Gala Dinner to depart later this month in Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) “useless,” while he exchange for the opportunity to reiterated Ankara’s well-known position that nor- host an Israeli-Palestinian peace malization of relations with Yerevan is tied to the Raises Funds for Baghdad School summit in Ankara, Today’s Zaman resolution of the Nagorno-Karabagh conflict. GENEVA — Recently the AGBU Vartanyan, Gagik Haroutunian and reported, Friday, June 3. To date the OSCE Minsk Group has failed to find Swiss Chapter held a series of events. Roupen Melkonyan. Israel has been preparing to a solution to the territorial conflict between neigh- On April 8, the Paris-based Nairi On Saturday, May 14, the AGBU block the second aid flotilla sail - boring Armenia and Azerbaijan, Erdogan was quot- Quintette performed pieces by Chapter held its annual cinner, and on ing from Turkey to Gaza, one year ed on Monday as saying in an interview with Komitas, commemorating the 75th the same occasion, celebrated the 20th after the Israel Defense Forces’ Azerbaijan’s ANS TV. The Minsk Group, the three anniversary of Komitas Vartabed’s anniversary of Armenian independence. deadly raid on the first Gaza flotil - co-chairs of which are from France, Russia and the death. The concert was held in a To be a little different this time, it was la in which nine Turkish activists US, has striven to resolve the Nagorno-Karabagh Geneva-based Art Gallery, belonging held at a golf club not far away from died. Turkey has demanded Israel conflict for almost two decades. to François Chabanian, called Bel-Air Geneva. The chapter had decided that apologize for the raid in order to The dispute may be solved, if Armenia and Fine Art Gallery. The idea of holding most of the proceeds of the evening restore Turkish-Israeli ties. Azerbaijan make moves in a positive direction, the concert in the gallery was original would go to the only Armenian school Today’s Zaman quoted the Erdogan said, adding: “Otherwise, I do not see any and while listening to the beautiful still existing in Baghdad, Iraq. Turkish Hurriyet daily as report - solution to this issue. Though the Minsk Group has music of Komitas, the audience was Archbishop Avak Asadourian was noti - ing that the US was due to offi - been operating for about 20 years, it has failed to able to admire the art in the gallery. fied and seemed satisfied with this deci - cially ask Turkey to host a major achieve any results. I wonder what the Minsk On April 10, the chapter invited four sion. The Armenian school in Baghdad peace conference in return for Group can do today, if it has failed during the past of Armenia’s academicians, who were in has 187 students, of whom half cannot mending its ties with Israel and 20 years.” Geneva on holding talks concerning the pay their tuition. preventing the second Gaza- “Unless Azerbaijan and Armenia find a solution rights of Armenian claims for the future This was not the first time that the bound flotilla. The proposed to the Karabagh problem, relations between formation of the Diaspora National Swiss Chapter was helping in the fund - peace summit would be similar to Ankara and Yerevan will not be normalized,” he Council, and on the same occasion, to ing of schools in the diaspora. past major talks such as the 1991 said. give a conference to the Geneva public. Previously, they had also helped the Madrid Peace Conference and the They were Roupen Safrasyan, Vladimir AGBU school in Beirut, Lebanon. 1993 Oslo Peace Accords. Italy’s Lamberto Zannier According to Hurriyet , US offi - cials have been trying to get a May Become New OSCE sense of how Turkey would react to such a proposal, and one US offi - Secretary General cial said that Ankara seems unlike - ROME (PanARMENIAN.Net) — After Turkey’s oppo- ly to accept the offer without Israel sition to the nomination of former Austrian apologizing for the IDF raid. Foreign Minister Ursula Plassnik for the post of Prime Minister Benjamin secretary general of the Organization for Security Netanyahu has said Israel prefers and Cooperation Europe (OSCE), Lithuania, which a diplomatic move to thwart the holds the rotating chairmanship in the organiza- flotilla expected at the end of tion, has nominated the head of the UN Mission in June, but if necessary would exer - Kosovo, Italy’s Lamberto Zannier, to the post. cise force against anyone who The election requires a consensus among mem- tries to disobey the navy’s orders bers, while Lithuania is trying to reach an agree- and head to Gaza’s shore. ment before the French Marc Perrin de The Israel Navy has held Brichambaut’s second three-year term as OSCE sec- takeover drills and mobilized retary-general ends June 30. reserve combatants, on the Other candidates included Portugal’s Joao assumption the large number of Soares, the former head of the OSCE vessels (about 15) planning to Parliamentary Assembly, and Turkish diplomat take part in the flotilla will require Ersin Ercin. From left, Vartan Sirmakes owner of Franck Muller watches, Taline Avakian, Satenig reinforcements. The preparations Abgaryan of the Armenian Embassy, UN Mission Plenipontentiary Minister and include intelligence surveillance, Deputy Permamnent Representative to the UN Viken Bayramian, a guest and Arden based mainly on open communi - Shellefyan cations and Internet sites. S ATURDAY , J UNE 11, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 5 Community Ne ws

AAMSC AGBU Young Professionals Partner Honored With ABA for Young Visionary Adults Considering Health Care Career in Law Leaders By Aleen L. Khanjian PASADENA, Calif. — On Thursday, May 19, more than 75 young professionals, HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — On Saturday, May 21, including some college and high school the Armenian American Medical Society of students, gathered at the AGBU Pasadena California (AAMSC) hosted its 26th Center’s Boyajian Hall for a panel discus - Anniversary Gala at the Renaissance Hotel. sion featuring members of the Armenian The evening’s proceeds benefited the Bar Association (ABA). The panelists dis - AAMSC’s Pediatric Epilepsy Clinic in Armenia cussed how they entered their practice with a sold-out crowd of more than 500 guests. areas, their experiences in private and The AAMSC thanks all who made this event government practice, as well as ethical and the AAMSC’s vision possible through tire - aspects of the legal profession. less efforts, commitment and kind donations The panel was moderated by federal pros - ecutor of violent and organized crime, John Lulejian. Lulejian is an assistant US Attorney Proceeds from Hollywood and member of the Board of Governors of Gala to Benefit Pediatric the ABA. He ably presented the panelists and brought each of their areas of expertise and Epilepsy Clinic Project Of past experience to light. The panelists includ - Kristina Avakian, fourth-grader, with her experiment on volcanic eruptions ed Edvin Minassian, who is also chairman of AAMSC in Armenia the ABA. He was joined by renowned crimi - toward ensuring the preservation and sustain - nal defense attorney, Garo Ghazarian, who is ability of health services in Armenia. vice chair of the ABA and dean of the This year, the AAMSC honored two extraor - Budding Scientists Shine at People’s College of Law. Attorneys Sara dinary healthcare professionals who have pro - Bedirian, treasurer of the ABA, Hovanes vided exceptional leadership and commitment Armenian Sisters’ Academy Margarian, secretary of the ABA, Deputy to public service: N. Simon Tchekmedyian, MD, Public Defender Victoria Ourfalian and FACP, and Zarmine Naccashian, PhD, GNP, RN, Assistant US Attorney Tamar Kouyoumdjian CDE. Annual Science Fair also offered their advice about the profession The evening’s festivities began with hundreds of law as well as their personal experiences in of guests assembling for the cocktail reception LEXINGTON, Mass. — On Friday, June 3, the Armenian Sisters’ Academy (ASA) utilizing their law degrees. in the halls outside the Renaissance Hollywood held its 2011 science fair, an annual event highlighting the scientific understand - Event organizer, Theodore Ballroom. Guests networked with fellow col - ing and creative works of its elementary students. Khachaturian, Esq., of Callanan, Rogers leagues and congratulated the honorees. They On the final day of the fair, everyone gathered to tour the exhibits and experi - & Dzida, LLP says, “We are proud to part - also had an opportunity to place bids on sever - ments developed and presented by the students. This year the fair involved stu - ner with the Armenian Bar in accom - al silent auction items that were donated by Le dents from the second, third and fourth grades. plishing the AGBU Young Professionals’ Papillon by Naz. Hrag and Dr. Serineh “Our science fair targets several goals,” stated ASA’s science teacher, Jayanthi goal of familiarizing yet another genera - Melidonian and Pristine Diamonds also donat - Rangan. “You see young students very excited about science, they have the chance tion of young Armenians to the achieve - ed a one-carat brilliant, round diamond that was to show results from their own experiments and they begin working with the fun - ments of professionals in our community. later raffled off. damental principles of scientific methods.” I was pleased to see so many young adults The president of the AAMSC Ladies Auxiliary The budding scientists tackled a range of concepts and disciplines, including come out who were eager to hear about introduced Kev Orkian, renowned pianist and magnetism, density, chemistry, civil engineering and physics. Examples of the the different career paths in the law.” In comedian and the evening’s master of cere - experiments on display include a study comparing the pull of the earth’s gravity fact, this is one of many partnerships that monies. against the pull of magnetism. Another experiment used a tabletop shake-table the AGBU YPLA has taken advantage of The evening’s program commenced with an and Lego blocks to study how structures of various heights withstand the impact in furthering the mission of the group. invocation presided by Archbishop Vatche of earthquake-like movement. Khachaturian adds, “Our distinguished Hovsepian, the former Primate of Western Each student was responsible for selecting a topic appropriate for the fair, con - panel emphasized that regardless of the Diocese. The program continued with AAMSC ducting experiments that adhered to scientific methods and then presenting their path you choose, success is only achieved president, Dr. Vicken Sepilian, first welcoming findings using both exhibits and visual aids. Students were judged on how well through honesty, integrity and a sense of the AAMSC dignitaries, past presidents, mem - they followed the required scientific process in conducting their experiments. social justice. Overall, it was a lively and bers, sponsors, supporters and guests. The dig - Equally important was how well the student could document and describe both inspiring presentation.” nitaries present were Hovsepian, Larry Zarian, the experiment and their findings. For each participating class, individual students Minassian said, “It was our pleasure to four-time mayor of the City of Glendale; Raffi were recognized for notable work. partner with AGBU-YPLA. They are a Manoukian, Glendale Council member; Ron see SCIENTISTS, page 8 great group of energetic and vibrant pro - DePompa, chief of police, Glendale Police fessionals in our community. We were Department; Harold Scoggins, fire chief, City of very impressed with the caliber of the Glendale; Ardy Kassakhian, Glendale city clerk; attendees and the enthusiasm they Aja Lesh, dean of School of Nursing, Azusa showed for a potential career in law. Just Pacific University; Michael Rembis, CEO of Cha as the diversity of the specialties of our Hollywood Presbyterian; Morre Dean, CEO of panelists was important to make this an Glendale Adventist Medical Center and, Mark effective program, the active engagement Meyers, CEO of Glendale Memorial Hospital of the audience was equally important. and Medical Center. We look forward to future programs with Sepilian highlighted AAMSC’s achievements AGBU-YPLA.” throughout the years toward advancing health - YPLA is the Los Angeles Chapter of the care in Armenia and the Diaspora. Dr. Sepilian AGBU Young Professionals — a growing thanked past and present executives, members network of individuals, between the ages and supporters for their hard work and com - of 22 and 40, who individually and collec - mitment to AAMSC’s mission and projects. The tively mirror the AGBU’s mission to pre - AAMSC continues to provide quality education serve and promote Armenian identity and to its members and community through its heritage by adding dimensions to the lives accredited continuing medical education pro - of young professional Armenians through gram and its weekly educational television pro - educational, cultural, social and humani - gram, “Your Health,” which airs every Monday tarian programs. night on USArmenia. Sepilian further note that From left, Alek Kebabjian, Nishan Glorikian, Garen Meguerditchian, fourth For more information on how to get graders, Jayanthi Ranjan, science teacher 1,500 individuals received involved with YPLA, contact [email protected].

see AAMSC, page 7 6 S ATURDAY , J UNE 11, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR OBITUARY

more suicides. “It’s got to be legalized. That’s the point,” he ‘Dr. Death’ Jack Kevorkian Dies at 83 told a Detroit TV reporter shortly after his release from prison. “I’ll work to have it legalized. But I won’t break any laws doing it.” KEVORKIAN, from page 1 legalized any form of physician-assisted suicide. administer the fatal medication himself, although Ultimately, Kevorkian’s said his belief regard - When asked in a 2010 interview by CNN’s To the contrary, the state of Michigan, where it was his hope that within his lifetime, the law ing a patient’s right to die had a simple premise: Anderson Cooper about how it felt to take a Kevorkian did much of his work, explicitly would allow him to do so. He was thus able to It was in the Constitution, unwritten but guar - patient’s life, Kevorkian said, “I didn’t do it to end banned physician-assisted suicide in 1993 in escape jail for a long time. anteed by the Ninth Amendment, which states a life. I did it to end the suffering the patient’s direct response to his efforts. But after he recorded his assistance in the that Americans are not excluded from rights that going through. The patient’s obviously suffering “I think Jack Kevorkian was like a flare on the death of Thomas Youk and allowed the recording are not specifically enumerated in the — what’s a doctor supposed to do, turn his battlefield — he lit up the issue and everyone paid to be aired on “60 Minutes” in 1998, Kevorkian Constitution. back?” attention,” Caplan said. “He got to absolute cen - was arrested and convicted of second-degree “There have been many constitutional scholars Dying, he believed, should be an intimate and ter stage, but he didn’t have the nuance to take murder in Michigan. over time that have believed that the Ninth dignified process, something that many termi - it forward the way he wanted to.” Youk, who was in the final stages of ALS, Amendment deserves more respect, but nally-ill people are denied, he said. Kevorkian’s path to becoming a doctor was known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, was too ill to Kevorkian took it further than most lawyers and He garnered a fair amount of support from not as unusual as his career that followed. Born administer the drugs himself, so Kevorkian had most constitutional scholars would take it,” said other medical practitioners, although most on May 28, 1928, in Pontiac, Mich., he wanted to done it for him. Alan Dershowitz, a Harvard professor and lawyer thought he was an extremist. In 1995, a group of be a baseball radio broadcaster, but his Armenian During the trial, Kevorkian vehemently denied who was an adviser in several of Kevorkian’s doctors in Michigan publicly voiced their support immigrant parents encouraged him to pursue a any wrongdoing. legal battles, and corresponded with him while for Kevorkian’s philosophy, stating that they sup - more practical path. He graduated from the “He calls it a murder, a crime, a killing,” he was in prison. ported a “merciful, dignified, medically-assisted University of Michigan’s medical school in 1952 Kevorkian said, referring to the prosecutor. “I “He was part of the civil rights movement — termination of life.” and began a residency in pathology. call it medical science. Tom Youk didn’t come to although he did it in his own way,” Dershowitz Shortly after, a study in the New England It was about this time that his obsession with me saying, ‘I want to die, kill me.’ He said, ‘Please said. “He didn’t lead marches, he didn’t get Journal of Medicine found that many doctors in death began. In the 1950s, he first received the help me.’ There was medical affliction. Medical other people to follow him, instead he put his Oregon and Michigan supported some form of nickname “Dr. Death” when he began pho - service is exempt from certain laws.” own body in the line of fire, and there are not physician-assisted suicide in certain cases. tographing patient’s eyes to determine the exact Kevorkian was sentenced to 10 to 25 years in many people who would do that. In the years One of his greatest victories occurred in March time of death. He also campaigned to use the prison but was paroled in June 2007 for good that come, his views may become more main - 1996 when a US Circuit Court of Appeals in bodies of death-row inmates for medical experi - behavior after promising not to assist in any stream.” California ruled that mentally competent, termi - mentation. nally-ill adults have a constitutional right to die Seeing the faces of terminally-ill patients as a with the aid of medical experts and family mem - pathology intern, he became convinced there bers. It was the first federal endorsement of its was a place in medicine for euthanasia. kind. “Euthanasia wasn’t of much interest to me But ultimately, Kevorkian’s impact was not in until my internship year, when I saw first hand the US legal system but in raising public aware - how cancer can ravage the body,” he wrote in his ness about euthanasia and the suffering of the 1993 book, Prescription Medicine: The terminally ill. Goodness of Planned Death . “The patient was a In the 1990s, the peak of his time in the lime - helplessly immobile woman of middle age, her light, he notoriously tried publicity stunts of all entire body jaundiced to an intense yellow- sorts to draw attention to his cause. In one brown, skin stretched paper thin over a fluid- instance, he showed up at trial dressed in filled abdomen swollen to four or five times nor - Colonial attire. He also taped one of his patient’s mal size.” deaths and gave the video to CBS’s “60 Minutes” His life after this was devoted to the cause. for broadcast. Kevorkian, who lived alone in a small apartment During this period, his face was frequently on in Michigan, never married and had no children. television and in newspapers, and he gladly The people most closely associated with him agreed to a barrage of news media interviews so were his defense attorney Geoffrey Fieger, who he could share his views. His crusade and antics represented him without a fee, and one of his were documented last year in an HBO movie, faithful, longtime assistants, Janet Good. “You Don’t Know Jack,” in which Al Pacino por - When, on one occasion, Good backed out of trayed him as a passionate, but intolerably single- letting Kevorkian use her home for an assisted minded crusader. suicide, he temporarily turned his back on her. “He was involved in this because he thought it To help a patient commit suicide, Kevorkian was right, and whatever anyone wants to say often used a homemade machine that sent a about him, I think that’s the truth,” said Arthur saline drip into the person’s arm. When ready to Caplan, a professor of bioethics at the University die, the patient could press a button that would of Pennsylvania. “He didn’t do it for the money, trigger the release of a potent chemical that he didn’t do it for the publicity, he wasn’t living would bring sleep. One minute later, a timer on a luxurious life — he wanted change.” the machine would send a dose of potassium Despite his best efforts, Kevorkian was, for the chloride into the patient’s body, causing the most part, a lone soldier who had an abrasive heart to stop. personality. Although he was the best-known fig - Kevorkian faced trial four times in Michigan ure in fighting for euthanasia’s legalization, the for his actions but was acquitted in three legislative results of his efforts were largely instances because of then-unclear laws on unsuccessful, if not counterproductive. whether physician-assisted suicide was illegal. His goal was to make it legal for a doctor to His fourth trial was declared a mistrial. actively help a patient commit suicide. But to Unlike Michigan, most states do not have date, no state has made this legal and only three explicit laws banning physician-assisted suicide, states, Washington, Oregon and Montana, have and nearly always, Kevorkian was careful not to

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Telephone (617) 924-7400 Aram Bedrosian Funeral Home, Inc. Continuous Service By The Bedrosian Family Since 1945 MARION BEDROSIAN 558 MOUNT AUBURN STREET PAUL BEDROSIAN WATERTOWN, MA 02472 LARRY BEDROSIAN S ATURDAY , J UNE 11, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 7 COMMUNITY NEWS Scholarship Established in Honor of Marilyn Arshagouni

NORTHBRIDGE, Calif. — The Arshagouni her yearlong weekly contributions in the Family Trust announces the establishment of California Courier through her column the Marilyn Arshagouni Scholarship in honor of “Whispers of Armenia” and in the book she co- Marilyn Arshagouni for her long-standing com - authored with her husband Hagop, Armenian mitment and service to the education of high History Timeline . In 2000, she and her hus - school-aged Armenian students. band established a successful competition — the This scholarship will be a tribute to a person Armenian History Timeline Quiz Bowl — at the who has devoted her life to education and to Ararat Home of Los Angeles for teams of Armenian causes. Her legacy has been passed eighth-grade students from the many Armenian on to generations of students who attended schools throughout California. Holy Martyrs Ferrahian Armenian High School She served as a member of the Armenian in her 28 years of teaching. Monument Council that oversaw the building of AGBU YPLA volunteers meet Los Angeles City Council member Paul Krekorian during their To underscore both her interests in the the first monument on public land outside of April 30 efforts to clean up a stretch of the Los Angeles River. humanities and the arts and her association Armenia that is dedicated to the victims of the with Ferrahian High School, the scholarship of Armenian Genocide. She participated in the up to $2,000 will be presented annually to a Armenian Assembly of America during its for - qualifying graduate from that school who has mative years in the 1970s. AGBU Young Professionals Clean the LA River achieved junior status at an accredited four-year Born in Los Angeles, she graduated summa college or university in the United States with a cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa with a bache - LOS ANGELES — On April 30, volunteers joined AGBU’s Young Professionals of Los minimum GPA of 3.3. lor of arts in English from the University of Angeles (YPLA) to help clean the neglected and highly-polluted Los Angeles River. After an Preference will be given to students interest - California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where she early morning start and a brief orientation by the site leader, the volunteers worked to revi - ed in pursuing careers in any of the humanities, nearly completed her master’s degree. She talize the waterway, which is littered with trash and fine and performing arts, social sciences and married Hagop Arshagouni in 1956, and recyclable materials. education. Students in graduate schools are together they had four children — Robert By Aleen L. Khanjian The three-hour cleanup effort involved volunteers also eligible. Arshagouni, MBA, MBT; Mary Arshagouni from Disney, Baxter and Boy Scouts of America, Marilyn Arshagouni began her teaching Papazian, PhD, MA; Michael Arshagouni, among other organizations. Los Angeles City Council career at Ferrahian High School in 1970, when PhD, MFA and Paul Arshagouni, MD, JD, member Paul Krekorian addressed the volunteers and acknowledged their joint effort. “I the school was in its infancy. She taught MPH — all of whom graduated from always look forward to the opportunity to help clean the river, a historic waterway that con - English to students in grades 7-12, including Ferrahian High School. tinues to show significant potential that I and others have worked hard to restore. I also want English literature, American literature and Applications for the Marilyn Arshagouni to thank AGBU for pitching in so willingly,” Krekorian said. “I worked side by side with them World literature, as well as US history until she Scholarship can be requested by e-mail at and others to better our community — a true example of what we can collectively accom - retired in 1998. She also served for many years [email protected]. They will be sent to plish to protect open space and make our neighborhoods more livable.” as the school’s college counselor and the senior the candidates by postal mail and should be YPLA event organizer Angela Karaguezian expressed her delight at being able to help the class advisor. submitted by July 15 for the 2011-2012 acade - local community. “Our volunteers are pleased that YPLA is organizing events that provide Her interest in sharing the essence of mic year. The scholarship recipient will be deter - an opportunity to give back to the Southern California community. Last year, we partnered Armenian history with others can be seen in mined by August 15. with Heal the Bay to clean up Southern California beaches. These events are especially important as they allow YPLA to partner with non-Armenian, non-profit organizations in a highly tangible way,” she said.

AAMSC Honored Visionary Health Care Leaders AAMSC, from page 5 cy.” And with this, Naccashian commended the cr itical health education and services at “vision and leadership of past and present AAMSC’s successful 2010 Glendale Health Executive Board members.” Festival that was formed in collaboration with the Orkian continued the evening’s program with City of Glendale, Glendale Adventist Medical his energetic and enthusiastic performances. Center and Glendale Memorial Hospital and From his comedy to his medley of classical piano Medical Center. And with over 60 new members compositions, Orkian was a crowd pleaser. The that joined the AAMSC in 2010-2011, the ballroom shook with the energy of the crowd’s AAMSC continues to see a bright future for this laughter, applause and chants from Orkian’s organization and healthier lives for those the engaging performance. Orkian then shared with AAMSC aims to provide care. the guests a phrase said to him once by an elder - Sepilian updated the AAMSC members and ly Armenian woman years ago that also left a supporters of the project benefited from last strong impression on the night’s audience. year’s 25th anniversary gala. The AAMSC was Adding to Orkian’s appreciation and respect of able to establish the Juvenile Diabetes how the Armenian culture and people have sur - Educational Summer Camp Program in Armenia vived for countless generations, the elderly from the proceeds of last year’s gala. This summer woman once said to him, “I have contributed and program will provide critical medication and fought for my Armenia. You must continue for lifestyle education to children affected by juvenile your Armenia.” Orkian left the audience with a diabetes and lead them toward living full and pro - display of images accompanied with his own ductive lives. Sepilian extended his “deepest grat - piano composition as a heartfelt tribute to “my itude” to those who contributed toward the [his] Armenia” and the Armenia we must contin - Juvenile Diabetes Project. The summer program ue to protect and serve. will open this summer. Sepilian and Serineh Melidonian then present - This year’s gala also supported the Pediatric ed commendations to AAMSC supporters and Epilepsy Center in Armenia, which was estab - sponsors for their support of the Pediatric lished in 2003 through the efforts of Dr. Armen Epilepsy Clinic in Armenia. Cherik. This center provides essential care and This year’s benefactor was the AAMSC Ladies medication to thousands of children suffering Auxiliary. Platinum Sponsors included: Cha from pediatric epilepsy. Sepilian saluted Cherik Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center, Chevy for his “foresight and action.” Chase Surgery Center, Glendale Adventist Sepilian then presented Tchekmedyian with the Medical Center, Glendale Memorial Hospital and 2011 AAMSC Lifetime Achievement Award. Health Center and Hrag and Dr. Serineh Tchekmedyian graciously accepted and thanked Melidonian. the AAMSC for his award. He praised the “talented Gold Sponsors included: Glendale MRI and vibrant” AAMSC for their achievements and Institute, and Valley Presbyterian Hospital. The was “proud” to be part of such an organization. Silver Sponsor was Calstar Motors. Bronze With regard to the Pediatric Epilepsy Project in Sponsors included: Dr. and Mrs. Norik and Armenian, Tchekmedyian believes that the “focus Ramella Markarian and Cha Fertility Center. must always be on children.” Tchekmedyian With closing remarks by Orkian and a believes that “every child, is our [your] child — no Benediction by Hovsepian, the evening’s night of matter their name or location.” dancing started with entertainment by Sako DJ Following Naccashian’s brief documentary, Uneek and with Tchekmedyian’s dance of the Sepilian presented her with the 2011 President’s Argentine Tango with his wife, Seta. Leadership Award. Naccashian graciously accept - As Dr. Vicken Sepilian emphasized, “the ed and thanked the AAMSC for her Award. With AAMSC will continue to work in a collaborative regard to the AAMSC and its leadership, manner toward all accomplishments, with an Naccashian stated that “an organization must acknowledged respect for the past, and a renewed bind together first, in order to form the bridge to hope for the future.” communities.” Naccashian stated that an organi - —Ara Janoyan zation’s “credibility is built upon its transparen - 8 S ATURDAY , J UNE 11, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS Khantzian Fulfills Rare AUA President Visits UCLA

LOS ANGELES — On Thursday, May 19, the president of the American University of Mission in Armenia Armenia (AUA), Dr. Bruce Boghosian, visited the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) during his recent trip here. Boghosian, a distinguished mathematician and former chair of the Mathematics lems, including domestic violence,” he notes. “I Department at Tufts University, met with UCLA faculty and colleagues whose research By Tom Vartabedian was informed there is an emerging addiction to and scholarly interests overlap with those of the faculty at the AUA, with the goal of ini - opium. One solution is the use of drug methadone tiating potential collaborations and building interactions between the two institutions. which was emphasized in my presentation.” The visit was sponsored by UCLA Chancellor Gene Block and coordinated by Interim Vice HAVERHILL, Mass. — Dr. Edward Khantzian is Khantzian has a distinguished resume in his Provost Randal Johnson and Gohar Grigorian of the UCLA International Institute. nowhere near retirement. At 76, he serves as a field. After working as a technical writer at The scholarly areas of particular interest are computer and information sciences, indus - clinical professor of psychiatry at Harvard Raytheon for one year, off he trekked to the med - trial management, civil engineering, finance, energy generation and distribution, public University, consults at a hospital and still plays a ical side. The doctor was born and raised in health/health sciences and political science and international affairs. Boghosian also mean game of tennis. Haverhill to parents from Malatia, Turkey. Both spoke with colleagues about the AUA digital library, one of the most extensive in the world He has spent more than three decades parents were shoe workers. His mother was a containing Armenian documents. studying psychological factors associated with Genocide survivor. A luncheon was held so that Boghosian could meet with UCLA’s Interim Associate Vice drug and alcohol abuse and just returned from “She did not hide or protect me from that seg - Provost Roger Waldinger, along with a number of other scholars from UCLA and other Yerevan where he was a keynote speaker at a ment of history — a grim folklore of sorts,” said academic institutions in the greater Los Angeles area. During the luncheon, Boghosian regional meeting of the World Psychiatric Khantzian. “Her stories were full of resourceful - spoke about AUA’s past accomplishments, its recent growth and its future development. Association. ness.” He noted that, while no firm decisions have been made, AUA is now studying the possi - The experience left an indelible impression He and his wife Carol have been married for bility of instituting an undergraduate program. “I would like to see a great number of well- upon him, being his first visit to Armenia and see - more than 50 years and have four children and trained Armenian civil engineers in our country who will be able to participate in the con - 13 grandchildren while living in nearby Groveland. struction of the projected North-South Highway from Georgia to Iran, passing through An Armenian-Iranian psychologist at the Armenia,” said Boghosian. University of Southern California was familiar AUA and UCLA have long had close ties. The AUA Department of English Programs with his work on addictions and recommended was designed by UCLA faculty, under the leadership of Prof. Russell Campbell, a well- him to the organizing committee for this confer - respected scholar, who served as professor in the Department of Applied Linguistics at ence. It didn’t take much convincing for him to UCLA for many years and who was the founding director of the UCLA International attend. Institute’s Language Resource Center. “AUA is delighted to explore opportunities for “One of my goals was to explain how the sub - developing even closer ties with UCLA in the years ahead, including possible summer pro - stitution of a legal medication such as methadone grams, internships, faculty exchange and curriculum development,” said Boghosian. in place of illegal opium works best,” he explained. “My hope is that such a perspective will help clin - icians appreciate the enormous suffering involved with addiction and how individuals try to self-med - icate such pain.” During his stay, Khantzian visited numerous museums and monasteries, including Echmiadzin, as well as a day trip to Lake Sevan. He got to sam - ple the very best Armenian cuisine and took advantage of the finest hospitality shown. Dr. Edward Khantzian near Haghartsin The trip served another purpose for Khantzian. Monastery near the village of Teghut It brought him back to his roots. “Being married to a non-Armenian, I had grown apart from the Armenian community,” he admit - ing the impact of his presentation upon his promi - ted. “But I never denied my proud ethnicity. nent peers. Although I had seen pictures of the monasteries, “Being aware of our history as a ravaged cul - visiting these historic sites made a tremendous ture and country with recurrent disasters and impact upon me. I was deeply touched by the Attendees at UCLA luncheon with AUA President Bruce Boghosian. Seated, from left, Prof. national upheaval through most of the 20th genocide memorial at Tsitsernakabert and that Ann Karagozian, Boghosian, Interim Associate Vice Provost Roger Waldinger; standing, from left, Founding AUA President emeritus Prof. Mihran Agbabian, Dr. Shant century, I had expected to witness many indica - eternal flame.” Shekherdimian, Prof. Claire Panosian-Dunavan, Nursing Director Salpy Akaragian, Prof. tions of remorse,” he indicated. “Instead, I was Two examples of trauma, which remain indeli - Peter Cowe, AUA President emeritus Prof. Haroutune Armenian, Prof. Richard Hovannisian, repeatedly struck by many examples of nation - ble in his mind, are the Genocide and the earth - Fullbright Coordinator Ann Kerr and Prof. Eric Esrailian al pride and resilience.” quake of 1988, which took nearly 30,000 lives in The professional meeting attracted more than and around Gumri and Spitak. 250 international psychiatrists, including a heavy “Through all this suffering and human/natural representation from Eastern Europe. The event catastrophes,” he says, “Armenians have remained was launched by a gala reception at the Opera ambivalent, even during their years under the House, featuring extraordinary performances by Soviet regime. The landmarks, lore and historical Budding Scientists at Sisters’ Academy Science Fair an ensemble and renowned opera singer Anna sites mark the important role Armenians have Mayilyan. played toward the development of Western civi - SCIENTISTS, from page 5 The science experiments will be on exhibit at The group was housed at the Armenia Marriott lization.” “It’s wonderful to see how excited these stu - the Armenian Sisters’ Academy science lab for Hotel over three days, where keynote speakers Among the other speakers were Dr. Armen dents are to conduct their experiments and to the next two weeks. were presented inside the large ballroom. Soghoyan, president, Armenian Psychiatric show off their work to their classmates, their The Armenian Sisters Academy is open for The theme was: “Mental Health in a Changing Association, who directed the conference; Dr. teachers, and their parents. I can clearly see children of both Armenian and non-Armenian World.” Special attention was paid to the world - Armen Goenjian, professor of psychiatry, UCLA; how students are progressing in their work heritage and focuses on nurturing each student wide impact of disasters. A special symposium was Dr. Samvel Torossian, chief psychiatrist, Republic from one year to the next,” stated Jacqueline to motive their learning of the Armenian lan - devoted to the Armenian Genocide, including the of Armenia; Dr. Hagop Akiskal, professor of psy - Kebabjian, the mother of a fourth-grade student guage and culture. It is located at 20 Pelham effects of denial and trauma. Almost without chiatry and internationally-recognized expert on at the ASA. Road. exception, the presentations were in English. mood disorders; Dr. Vahe Simonyan, psychiatrist; Khantzian spoke about addictive disorders such Kristine Torossian, psychologist and Dr. Louis M. as opium, which, he says, remains a growing con - Najarian, professor of psychiatry at Hofstra North cern in that part of the world. Shore-LU School of Medicine, who was part of a “The problem of alcoholism is very prevalent in symposium covering two decades of rehabilitation Lakeview Homes for Armenia and associated with a lot of other prob - work following the earthquake. Seniors and Retirees Assadoorian Receives Two Promotions at Lynn Univ. Live in Paradise — Lakeview at Josey Ranch BOCA RATON, Fla. — Malcolm O. Asadoorian academic year as the university underwent its Carrollton, Texas (suburb of Dallas) III, PhD, the son of Malcolm O. Asadoorian II decennial re-accreditation by the Southern and the late Rose Asadoorian of Worcester, Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). A Tax Free State. Mass. recently received two promotions at Lynn Asadoorian is an economist with more than University. 15 years of teaching experience at the col - See it on YouTube. On May 12, the Board of Trustees approved lege/university level, as well as extensive acad - (LakeviewatJoseyRanch.com) Asadoorian’s promotion to the rank of full pro - emic administrative and research experience. fessor. A week earlier, Lynn President Kevin M. He has published numerous textbooks and jour - Ross approved the promotion of Asadoorian to nal articles in economics and statistics. Prior to Call 972-466-4433 Regarding associate dean of the university in charge of Lynn University, Asadoorian served as a post- academic affairs. doctoral research associate at the 1 or 2 Bedroom Apartments. Vice president for academic affairs, Dr. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Say Recommended by Cynthia M. Patterson, has served as a long-time Asadoorian earned his bachelor’s degree in eco - mentor for Asadoorian. Patterson proposed the nomics and computer science from Assumption Albert Der Tatevasian 972-245-4983 creation of this new associate deanship as a College and master’s and PhD degrees in eco - result of his contribution to and dedication this nomics from Clark University in Worcester. S ATURDAY , J UNE 11, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 9 COMMUNITY NEWS Banquet Celebrates Mirror-Spectator Anniversary

ANNIVERSARY, from page 1 She served two decades in the Brooklyn Guests were initially greeted at the Teaneck Public Library and several further decades as Marriott at Glenpointe with classical music per - a head criminal justice librarian. Avakian con - formed by violoncellist Elizabeth Kalfayan and cluded, “This is a woman whose great legacy violinist Orlando Wells continues until today and there are many of us After Shoghig Chalian, co-chair of the event who are still inspired by her example and her together with Betty Salbashian, welcomed the motivation.” guests, Vagharshak Ohanyan and Lena Dr. Edgar Housepian, son of Dr. Movses Chilingerian, accompanied on the piano by Dr. Housepian then responded on behalf of the Meroujan Maljian, sang the national anthems families of the honorees, including Armine of the US and Armenia, and Bishop Manuel Dikijian’s niece, Andrea Halejian, who was pre - Batakian, Eparch of the Armenian Catholic sent in the audience. Housepian related his Eparchy of the US and Canada, gave the invo - longstanding admiration for his father’s work. cation. Salbashian then introduced Dr. Raffy Aside from his Armenian-related work, as a Hovanessian, the master of ceremonies, who young man, his father had many adventures introduced the various speakers. which became fodder for wonderful bedtime Nerses Babayan, who was close to the stories for his children. For example, he took a Housepian family, spoke about Dr. Movses job as a ship’s doctor and went down the Housepian (1876-1952). He described his ser - Amazon River. vice to the Armenian community as a physician Also in the program, was jazz singer Datevik in the United States, and his efforts in serving Hovanesian, accompanied by jazz pianist Bob the Armenian volunteer movement during Albanese, bass player Phil Palombi, and drum - World War I. Later, Housepian became one of mer David Meade. She sang versions of two the leaders of the Armenian Democratic Sayat Nova songs, two Komitas pieces, a song Liberal Party (ADL) and a supporter of the by Antonio Carlos Jobim, and an Armenian Mirror-Spectato r. Babayan exclaimed, “Dr. Alin Gregorian and Hagop Vartivarian during cutting of the anniversary cake folk song, all with her inimitable style, backed Movses Hovsepian belongs to a phalanx of ded - by her tremendous trio. icated Armenians who readily answered the continued on next page supreme call of their people.” behalf of the Armenians deserve to be honored from previous page Novelist and critic Peter Sourian was unable and remembered, he added. to participate in the evening due to illness, but Journalist Florence Avakian expressed her

Assembly Board Chair Hovnanian Notes Anniversary Dear Friends: On behalf of the Armenian Assembly of America, I congratu- late the Armenian Mirror-Spectator on the occasion of its 80th anniversary. The Armenian Mirror-Spectator’ s quality and consistency o ver these many decades has made it one of the premier publi- c ations of the Armenian-American community and set a stan- d ards to emulate for the Armenian media. Its informative and in sightful articles on a variety of topics of interest to our com- m unities and organizations continue to appeal to Armenians of a ll ages and professions. Its outlook and philosophy show deep respect toward all in Armenia and the Armenian Diaspora. The Armenian Mirror-Spectator has also been fortunate to have had in its ranks individuals with distinguished careers in jo urnalism and backgrounds in community activism who con- t ributed greatly to its success as a newspaper. I am pleased to join you in honoring their service. Benefactor Nazar Nazarian with Prof. Dennis Papazian on the left and Prof. Mary Papazian On this landmark anniversary, we wish to congratulate again a ll those who contributed to the success of the first English-lan- guage Armenian community newspaper in the United States.

— Hirair Hovnanian Chairman of the Board of Trustees Armenian Assembly of America

Shogag and Dr. Raffy Hovanessian are in the forefront, with Edmond Azadian, to the right sent his talk on Jack Antreassian to be read by admiration for Armine Dikijian as one of her Dr. Vagheenag Tarpinian, member of the three role models, calling her “gutsy and very Tekeyan Cultural Association’s Greater New stylish.” Avakian had read Dikijian’s writings York Chapter Committee. Sourian pointed out from the time she was in elementary school the duality of Jack/Ardavast as an Armenian in and continued to do so for many years. America and his dedication to the advance - Avakian observed, “This was a woman with a ment of Armenian literature and culture, rare communicative ability, a sense of observa - declaring, “He chose to deploy his considerable tion that was so keen. People were attracted to gifts not for his own advancement in the world her, her smiling face….She was also a fearless of personal possibilities that America offered, woman, who was not afraid to go home late at but rather to serve the wounded Armenian night after covering events, in the subway to Most Reverend Manuel Batakian nation,” Tarpinian read. His sacrifices on Brooklyn.” 10 S ATURDAY , J UNE 11, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR BanquetCOMMCUNITY NeEWS lebrates

Keynote speaker Stephen Kurkjian, the Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, then took the podium and said, “I know firsthand the importance of this paper for the Armenian community. For much of its history, it has been a mainstay in my home…my grandmoth - er never wavered. The Baikar Armenian paper was there every morning, and the Mirror- Spectator for me and my sisters, and it was required reading.” Like other good newspa - pers, “It informs its readers. It challenges them. It illuminates the world around us.” Kurkjian continued, “It continues to provide excellent coverage of Armenia’s place, and Armenians’ place, in the world. … It provides depth of coverage on the issues of the day that we all care about.” Kurkjian noted that with the 100th anniver - sary of the Armenian Genocide approaching, the responsibility of passing on the knowledge of our history and the pride that comes with it is all the more important. He described his current project of researching a group photo - graph of Armenians from Gesarea (Kayseri) who were victims of the Genocide. He called on the present Turkish government to make at least one act of reaching out to the Armenians as an initial step before the 100th anniversary: “invite us back, not because we are going to stay, but so that we can honor the memory of those lives that they [the Ottomans] took.” In this way, funeral services could be held for the victims of the Genocide. Meanwhile, he con - cluded, “when the 100th anniversary comes, we will be in the streets, we will be on the TCA New York Chapter committee members from left standing, Dr. Vagheenag Tarpinian, Tsoler Baboudjian-Panossian, Vartan Ilanjian, Hagop vartivari - front pages, we will be on every broadcast and an, Meline Khekoyan, Shemavon Atamian, Harout Chatmajian. Seated, from left, Krikor Markarian, Betty Salbashian, Sirvart Demirjian, Dr. Svetlana telecast,” celebrating our survival and success, Amirkhanyan and Shoghig Chalian not just our losses.

Meanwhile, after the banquet guests had fin - porters of the Mirror-Spectator . He said that ished the main course, Alin Gregorian, the edi - the Armenian media, including the Mirror- tor of the Mirror-Spectator , and Hagop Spectator , played a vital role in providing cor - Vartivarian on behalf of the Tekeyan Cultural rect information about Armenia, and correct - Association, cut a special anniversary cake. ing errors in other media outlets, including Vartivarian thanked the organizers of the ban - misinformation deliberately propagated by quet, and pointed out that the Mirror- Azerbaijan. Nazarian declared that the Mirror Spectator would be a source for future histo - can also play an important role in the resolu - rians studying the Armenians, and the tion of the issues connected with the Armenian Americans in particular. Gregorian Armenian Genocide. He concluded that “just thanked all the supporters of the newspaper. as a mirror is an indispensable item for putting

Edmond Azadian

Florence Avakian

Hovanessian then read letters of congratula - our outer selves in order, so is the Mirror- tions from Osheen Keshishian, editor of the Spectator an indispensable paper for explor - Armenian Observer, Baydzig Kalaidjian, editor ing the understanding of our inner selves and of Zartonk daily of Beirut, Lebanon and Asbed the world around us. And as we introspect, we Artinian, editor of Arev newspaper of Cairo, become a more open and prosperous nation, Egypt on the occasion of the Mirror- and a stronger democracy.” Spectator ’s anniversary. Edmond Azadian, co-chairman of the ADL Ambassador Garen Nazarian, Permanent Eastern District Committee of the US and Representative of the Republic of Armenia to Canada, began collaborating with the Mirror Master of ceremonies Dr. Raffy Hovanessian the United Nations, congratulated the continued on next page Tekeyan Cultural Association and the sup - from previous page S ATURDAY , J UNE 11, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 11 COMMUNITY NEWS Mirror AnniversPHOTaOS BY ROrBERT KAyRPETIAN

AGBU President Offers Congratulations

Dear Mr. Vartivarian: On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the Armenian Mirror-Spectator , the pioneering English-Armenian news - paper in the United States, I salute the timely initiative of the Tekeyan Cultural Association for celebrating this note - worthy benchmark in our community’s history. I congratulate you for having organized this beautiful banquet that brings together an appreciative crowd and a group of meritorious individuals and talented artists, to celebrate the longstanding valuable service of the Mirror- Spectator to the Armenian-American community, as well as Ambassador Garen Nazarian offered remarks in honor of the anniversary. our diasporan communities worldwide, through its global outreach. Since the publishing of the first Armenian newspaper more than 200 years ago, away from our homeland, the Armenian media has played a crucial role in educating our communities, promoting ideals, values, awareness and national pride. It has been the primary vehicle that has helped cultivate our literary and spoken language in its Eastern and Western branches. In the United States, the fact that the Armenian Mirror-Spectator has come about as early as 1932, and accompanied successive generations along tumultuous events of the world, our country and homeland, over the past 80 years, is a testament to the unique insight and vision of the leaders of its founding organization, whose commitment to provide intellectual guidance and articulate a national outlook, with unequivo - cal dedication to public service, is a monumental achieve - ment. Newspapers have also played an important archival role, as repositories of events and chronicles of community life that have shaped our history through the years and which Nerses Babayan are at risk of being forgotten due to the fast and global changes that have impacted our lives and young genera - tions. Yet we are living in the age of information and it is heartening to see that the Mirror-Spectator continues being the best newspaper it can be. The fundamental reason for the success and achievements of the Mirror-Spectator is, beyond any doubt, the intellectu - al integrity, the commitment to vision and the excitement of the staff. I therefore commend the initiative of the orga - nizers of the event, who in the same spirit of appreciation are honoring three dedicated and worthy individuals, Jack Antreassian, Dr. Movses Housepian and Armine Dikjian, whose exemplary service to the Mirror-Spectator , as well as to the AGBU, is being duly recognized and appreciated. I joyfully join you in celebrating the 80th anniversary of the Armenian Mirror-Spectator , wishing continued success and many more years in its worthwhile service to the Armenian-American community. — Berge Setrakian, President of AGBU

Dr. Edgar Housepian

as early as 1966. He pointed out that the Armenian heritage and spirit. Armenian jour - its 80-year legacy into the future while sharing decided to put it up for silent auction in founders of the Mirror-Spectator converted nalism, from the very start founded outside of in the progress of electronic media. It now has order to aid the Mirror-Spectator this tragedy into triumph. Though the Western the homeland, worked in favor of the home - a global readership in cyberspace. It provides evening. Saro Hartounian, the chief executive Armenian language, as the poet Vahan land. The Mirror worked to bond Armenians a forum for free intellectual discourse. officer of Harco Industries, was the winner of Tekeyan pointed out, might have been falling together, and build bridges. A Hovsep Pushman lithograph was given this auction. Moved by Vartivarian’s dedica- gradually into oblivion, the Mirror still He declared that the print media is not yet as a present by art connoisseur Andreas continued on next page allowed for the survival of elements of the defunct and the Mirror has a role in propelling Roubian to TCA’s Hagop Vartivarian, who from previous page 12 S ATURDAY , J UNE 11, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS Banquet Celebrates Mirror-Spectator Anniversary

Congratulations on a Milestone for The Mirror-Spectator What a milestone! Eighty years of service and still going strong. I sincerely and wholeheartedly congratulate the administration of the Armenian Mirror-Spectator for being a pacesetter in Armenian journalism. I have met all the editors except Krikor Vosganian and Helene Pilibosian Sarkisian (although I have communicated with them), and even I became a reporter from Los Angeles when Jack Antreassian was the editor. Accolades to all the editors — from inceptor, Yeghishe Chrakian, to all the dedicated intel - lectuals, including Bedros Norehad, Bob Vahan, Varoujan Dr. Vagheenag Tarpinian Co-chair Betty Salbashian Samuelian, Barbara Merguerian, my classmate Ara Kalaydjian and Alin Gregorian. The newspaper mirrors the history of Armenian and Armenian-American life of the past 80 years. What a service! Kudos to all the writers, reporters, advertisors and particu - larly the readers and supporters, without whom the Armenian Mirror-Spectator could not have lasted. Bravo, bravo, bravo. — Prof. Osheen Keshishian, Armenian Observer weekly editor/publisher

Some Members of ADL District Committee of Eastern US and Canada and chapter chairmen who participated to the even tion, Roubian gave a second copy of the litho - Armenian Seminary, as well as Aram Arkun, graph to Vartivarian, but the latter promised to the Mirror-Spectator ’s associate editor. use it at a later occasion to again support the On this occasion a colorful and first-class Armenian cause. booklet was published which included histori - Archbishop Yeghishe Gizirian gave the closing cal facts, photos and biographies of all editors prayer. As a faithful reader of the Mirror , he of the Mirror-Spectator , list of donors and wished that it could continue its work and soon many congratulatory letters among which celebrate its centennial. He pointed out that every - were from Berge Setrakian, president of AGBU thing in this world is transitory, and said “only writ - and Hrair Hovnanian, president of the ing and literature are lasting and useful.” Armenian Assembly. The list of donations will Present at the banquet were a number of be published separately. Edward and Carmen Gulbenkian Treasurer Sirvart Demirjian at the helm important benefactors, such as Nazar and Artemis Nazarian, Edward and Carmen Gulbenkian, Dr. Raffy and Shoghag Hovanessian, Hratch and Suzanne Toufayan and Ruth Bedevian (Sarkis Bedevian was in Armenia). Representatives of organizations included Dr. Dennis Papazian, Grand Sponsor a Teacher in Armenia and Karabagh 2011 Commander of the Knights of Vartan; Peter Kougasian, vice president of the Armenian Missionary Association of America; Van Krikorian, trustee of the Armenian Assembly Since its inception in 2001, TCA’s ‘Sponsor of America; Alex Sarafian of the Central Committee of the Eastern Region of the US of a Teacher’ program has raised over $477,750 the Armenian Revolutionary Federation; Nazareth Festekjian of the Central Board of and reached out to 3,700 teachers and the Armenian General Benevolent Union; Papken Megerian, ADL Eastern District co- school workers in Armenia and Karabagh. chair and treasurer of the Diocesan Council of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern) and the Very Rev. Daniel Findikyan, dean and £ professor of liturgical studies at St. Nersess K Yes, I want to sponsor teachers in Armenia and Karabagh to continue helping them to educate the children, our future leaders. I would like to have the teacher’s name and address. Longtime K $160 K $ 320 K $ 480 K other $ ————————— Reader Marks Name Anniversary Address City State Zip code I am 94 years old and have Tel: been reading the Mirror for 75 years. Please accept my Make check payable to: Tekeyan Cultural Association – Memo: Sponsor a Teacher 2010 Mail your check with this form to: $25 donation and my sin - cere congratulations. TCA Sponsor a Teacher 5326 Valverde, Houston, TX 77056 Anne Zarookian Scarsdale, NY Your donation is Tax Deductible. S ATURDAY , J UNE 11, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 13 COMMUNITY NEWS Mkritch Ksachikyan Graduates From St. Nersess Seminary

By Florence Avakian

NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. — Outside, on Sunday, May 22, the weather was cold and cloudy, but inside St. Nersess Armenian Seminary located in the verdant landscape of Westchester, the spirit was warm as family, friends, clergy, instructors and students came to celebrate the graduation of Deacon Mkrtich Ksachikyan. The event began with a service in the Seminary chapel officiated by Archbishop James Melikian, second from left, at the graduation ceremonies Yeghishe Gizirian, visiting clergy and seminari - ans, followed by a procession led by the clergy and instructors who joined the guests under - neath a large tent for the graduation ceremony. ‘Popcorn Man’ James Melikian Delivers The Very Rev. Daniel Findikyan, dean of St. Nersess Seminary, welcomed the large crowd, Convocation Address at Fresno State including the parents of the graduate, Alysa Deacon Mkrtich Ksachikyan poses following his and Hovhanness Ksachikyan, and brother, graduation from St. Nersess Armenian Seminary. FRESNO — James L. Melikian of Palos Verdes, owner of The Popcorn Man, a food-vending Sarkis, who had traveled from their home in company, was the keynote speaker for the Mass Communication and Journalism Department Los Angeles. (MCJ) convocation just prior to the 100th commencement at his alma mater, California State Members of the clergy included Rev. Fathers father,” Gizirian, the instructors which also has University. Arten Ashjian, Mardiros Chevian, Karekin included Prof. Abraham Terian, to St. Nersess Melikian, a 1969 journalism graduate of Fresno State, shared with the graduates advice Kasparian (member, St. Nersess Board of Administrator Deacon Levon Altiparmakian, and lessons he has learned in business since he founded The Popcorn Man in 1977. Directors), Untzag Nalbandian (St. Nersess office manager Michelle Gonzalez, the benefac - An active alum, he was recognized by the College of Arts and Humanities as one of its dis - instructor), Stepanos Doudoukjian, Shnork tors and volunteers Megan Jendian (alumna), tinguished alumni during the college’s Centennial Celebration last fall. Melikian and his wife, Souin, Diran Bohajian and Gomidas Zohrabian. Zovig Ashjian and photographer Deacon Diran Connie, started Popcorn Man Scholarships at Fresno State five years ago to support the pub - Instructors present were Professors Edward Jebejian who were present. lic relations program and to recognize the creative spirit of the students. “Having successful alums like Jim Melikian share his time and support for Fresno State students means a great deal to our program,” said Dr. Tamyra Pierce, chair of the MCJ Department. “We treasure our special connection with him.” Arvest Press Celebrates its 25th Anniversary

WALTHAM, Mass. — Arvest Press of Waltham in the family business. marked its silver anniversary in April. The com - A quarter of a century later, Harout and pany officially opened its doors as a commercial Mayda Chaprazian still own and operate Arvest printing company in 1986. Harout Chaprazian Press as a team. In 1997, the Chaprazians pur - named the company after the Armenian word chased a new plant in Waltham, which is where for art, arvest , as a tribute to his heritage and the company is based today. because he takes great pride in the craft of cre - Working together on a daily basis hasn’t ating a finished product from raw material. always been easy for the couple. Along with the Harout Chaprazian was 19 when his family demands of running the business, the Deacon Mkrtich Ksachikyan is flanked by Archbishop Yeghishé Gizirian, St. Nersess faculty mem - moved to the United States from Syria. He was Chaprazians have had to find the time and ener - bers, his parents and brother. a machinist, but once his family emigrated and gy to raise their three children; Aline, Natalie settled in Watertown, he started working at a and Alexan. There were many days when after printing company. He started in the bindery school time was spent at Arvest, and the kids Matthews and Roberta Ervine, St. Vartan St. Nersess alumnus and past Dean Rev. department; moved up to the pressroom, then did their homework in the conference room Cathedral choirmaster Khoren Mekanejian and Mardiros Chevian, dean of St. Vartan Cathedral, bought his own press and set it up in his par - until their parents were ready to end their day. Solange Merdinian. in addressing Ksachikyan noted, “You are being ent’s basement, where he handled small print Both Mayda and Harout Chaprazian say they Calling the graduate “a wonderful student,” inducted into a body of people that has really jobs. When he moved his small press from the are grateful for the lifestyle Arvest Press has Findikian, in an eloquent address, said the grad - accomplished and continues to accomplish.” uate’s calling and inspiration had started “in his These include the Primates of Great Britain and heart and with his parents. I met him 10 years Iraq, the vicar of the Diocese and all of the cler - ago as a thin, shy, fearful, young man, and dur - gy members of the Eastern Diocesan Council. ing the last decade, he has blossomed like a Seminarian Levon Asdourian, a close friend flower, personally and as a student. He has of the graduate, in an heartfelt message, become like an avak (big) brother to his fellow described Ksachikyan as “patient, humble, spir - seminarians. We have witnessed his transfor - itual and a bright star that gets brighter. God’s mation, his growth in his faith, knowledge and path is narrow,” he said. “Mkrtich guides those self-confidence. And in this journey, he has who are thirsty, hungry, exhausted. This place never lost his humility.” will darken a little when you leave.” Before giving his “message from the heart,” Gizirian, in wishing success to the graduate, the 26-year-old graduate was presented with his recalled starting on his own spiritual path in diploma from Gizirian. “I want today to be Damascus in 1940. “From then until today, this important for me and you, because it’s because has been my life. There has to be a reason why of you that I’m here,” said Ksachikyan to the this gochoom (calling) is born and enhanced. assembled. Paying tribute to his fellow semi - During the Genocide, we lost thousands of narians, he thanked them for being “great priests. In their place, we need soldiers in the examples” and teaching him how to “forgive church to continue. We have to follow the exam - Harout and Mayda Chaprazian and love as Christ did.” ples of our forebears,” he declared passionately, Ksachikyan, who revealed that he started before concluding the ceremony with a prayer basement to a new plant in Watertown, Arvest provided for them. attending church for the first time as a 17-year- and the singing of the Hayr Mer by all present. Press was born. The Chaprazians consider their employees old, and has been a St. Nersess student since Ksachikyan, who before enrolling in the sem - His wife, Mayda, arrived in the US from like family too, and have built a loyal and tight- 2007, cited the great value of the seminary’s inary was an accomplished boxer, plans to fur - Lebanon when she was a young girl. Her fami - knit group through the years. education and stated, “I hope this seminary will ther his education in Echmiadzin, on his jour - ly lived in the Midwest initially, but later moved The Chaprazians said they are proud to be live forever.” A congratulatory letter was read ney to priesthood. to Massachusetts to be near family and friends. part of the Armenian communities in Waltham, from Western Diocesan Primate Archbishop “It’s not a small thing. It’s about serving God. She and Harout Chaprazian met, and eventual - Watertown and the surrounding towns. They Hovnan Derderian. It’s the difference between knowing and living. ly married in 1989. She spent the early years of also appreciate the work they have received Treasurer of the seminary’s Board of It’s knowing that God is propelling you. This is the marriage working for New Balance and from that community, including work for many Directors Steven Mekenian, expressed his very difficult to do, so you don’t lose your Biogen, but eventually she joined her husband Armenian churches, schools and non-profits. appreciation to the seminary’s “spiritual humility.” 14 S ATURDAY , J UNE 11, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Arts & Living

Armenian Sisters’ Vartabedians Academy Hosts Wow Watertown Meet-the-Author Audience With Susan Patti By Nancy Kalajian LEXINGTON, Mass. — The Armenian Sisters’ Special to the Mirror-Spectator Academy (ASA) continued its spring visiting speaker series by hosting Dr. Susan Pattie on May 31. Pattie spoke about her recent chil - WATERTOWN — Sonya Vartabedian “learned dren’s book, Who are the Armenians? She is the valuable gift of telling a good story” from an anthropologist and educator who currently her father, Tom Vartabedian, and both top- holds the position of senior research fellow at notch journalists shared their distinct experi - the University College London and is the direc - ences with a captivated crowd at a recent St. tor of the Armenian Institute in London. James Armenian Church Men’s Club Dinner in “I wanted to write a book that teaches chil - Watertown. Hearing real stories from real peo - dren of all heritages and backgrounds about ple encountered every day and writing up their being Armenian,” she said. “In this one book I fascinating stories regional newspapers north try to introduce elementary-age readers to of Boston, has been a common denominator for many of the aspects of Armenian life, such as these two committed and gifted members of the history, culture, language, the diaspora, the press. Republic of Armenia and our traditions.” St. James Men’s Club monthly meetings give While presenting Who are the Armenians? , attendees the opportunity to socialize and lav - Pattie engaged students in a lively discussion. ish in a lovingly-made losh kebab, kheyma and Together they explored the history of the pilaf dinner, and hear an outstanding speaker Armenian language and how it is used today, or presentation. May’s meeting, titled “Keeping and the connections and traditions that bind Journalism in the Family,” was no exception as Armenians together. An interesting point to the Tom and Sonya Vartabedian reflected on their discussion focused on how varied and different experiences and changes that have occurred in the “Armenian experience” can be across the their profession, partly due to economics and world. the ease of accessing instant news using the lat - Students discussed that many of them spoke est technologies. several languages, have family living in different Tom Vartabedian worked at the Haverhill countries and grandparents who speak different Gazette for 40 years and won awards from the versions of the Armenian language. Associated Press, United Press International “There are many ways to be Armenian. We and New England Press Association. He is also follow different paths that all belong to the an active and popular correspondent for Armenian experience. As Armenians we have Armenian newspapers in the diaspora. Though done a very good job of adapting to the coun - “retired” for five years from the Haverhill tries we live in while also retaining a connection Gazette , he reports that he is busier now than to our own heritage,” said Pattie. Sumbat he has ever been. With a laid-back, off-the-cuff During her discussion with students, Pattie style that has been a hallmark of his writing, he pointed out that her visit to the ASA is the first reflected on his field and the most difficult sto - time she has made a school visit to present a A Son’s Tribute to His Father’s ries he’s covered. One of the toughest stories book to a group of students. In fact, she noted was the tragic loss of three Haverhill-area resi - that two of the children featured in her book dents on September 11. “It hit us. It blindsided are currently enrolled at the ASA. Unique Style, Creativity us…the crashes…we didn’t know what to expect. When we found out that it was an act of ter - WATERTOWN, Mass. — Dr. Armen Der Kiureghian is the Taisei Professor of Civil rorism, I was dispatched to the homes of the Engineering at the University of California, Berkeley, and the winner of numerous people who had died to try to find out all I awards and patents. He is also a dedicated son and art lover, who wants to shed light could about them,” he shared. “One of the hard - on the legacy of his late father, painter est things we have to do as the media, honestly, Sumbat Der Kiureghian. is to make a pest of ourselves by going to the By Alin K. Gregorian His efforts have culminated in a beautiful homes of the deceased and trying to get a story. Mirror-Spectator Staff coffee-table book, The Life and Art of It’s not an easy thing to do.” Another “heart - Sumbat , filled with the paintings of his breaking story” was covering the death of father, which often captured Iranian village Christa McAuliffe, a teacher from Concord, NH, life, as well as traditional Armenian life. The book was published in Armenia, where, who was one of seven crew members killed in incidentally, Der Kiureghian was the founding member of the Board of Trustees of the Space Shuttle Challenger explosion. On this the American University of Armenia. sad occasion, the elder Vartabedian visited the The younger Der Kiureghian was at schools where she taught and talked to the stu - the Armenian Library and Museum of dents. America (ALMA) on Wednesday, May In 1965, Tom Vartabedian started working at 25, at a program jointly sponsored by the Haverhill Gazette , a daily local newspaper the National Association for Armenian that serves the Haverhill community of about Studies and Research (NAASR), where 60,000 people. During those early years, there he discussed the genesis of his father’s were 20-25 people on the news team with an Dr. Susan Pattie visits the Armenian Sisters’ art. Academy in Lexington. active press corps, advertising, printing and dis - The artist, who is generally known by patch departments. The paper had a circulation his first name, Sumbat, was born in New of about 20,000 and he estimates that about Julfa, the old Armenian quarter of Filled with photographs, illustrations and 100 people were involved in its operation. Lots Isfahan, Iran. Armen Der Kiureghian maps, the book provides a broad introduction had changed when, five years ago, he left his stressed that by writing the book, he to Armenian music, art, dance, history, lan - job of 40 years. The paper had changed to a was not claiming to be a historian or art guage, religion, games and sports, and legends weekly “with only five of us putting it out historian, “but my credentials are my and stories are covered using actual interviews because everything was electronic. I could see intimate knowledge of the artist.” and examples. Pattie added, “The book includes the handwriting on the wall. I was the last one He added, “I admired Sumbat as a interviews with children from around the world to leave the paper out of all those that were man and as an artist. Sumbat’s art was sharing their experiences of being Armenian.” hired 40 years ago.” an integral part of his life.” A CD illustrating the music, poetry and lan - Though his early ambition was to be a base - Der Kiureghian explained the history guages described in the book is also provided. Dr. Armen Der Kiureghian ball player, he was majoring in accounting and of his family, which was typical of The book is on sale at the National Association studying chemistry at Boston University when Isfahan Armenians. He said his father of Armenian Research and Studies (NAASR) in he received an opportunity to study in Austria was descended from the 17th-century Armenians who were forcibly brought to Iran Belmont. for a year at the Mkhitarist Monastery, founded by Shah Abbas, the Persian king, from Jugha, in Nakhijevan, Armenia. The reasons The ASA spring series includes chemistry in 1749 in Vienna. Editor Jimmy Tashjian, who were many for this forced migration, but mainly, they were for bringing the silk trade instructors from the Massachusetts Institute of became “a second father to me,” he said, asked in which many took part (and thus the Silk Road) to Iran. Many settled in the Technology (MIT), musician Mari Bertlizian, him to write some articles about the monks and Iranian cities of Hamadan and Arak but the majority went to Isfahan, Peria and meteorologist Chris Lambert from WHDH and the monastery. It was writing about that first see SUMBAT, page 15 presentations on Colonial America by Diane visit with the Mkhitarist fathers in Vienna that Douglas of the Billerica Historical Society. see VARTABEDIAN, page 17 S ATURDAY , J UNE 11, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 15 ARTS & LIVING A Son’s Tribute to His Father’s Unique Style, Creativity

SUMBAT, from page 14 as a painter when in the 1924-25 school year, he won a painting competition. A painter, Charmahal. In return for the violent uproot - Sarkis Kachadourian, mentored him. He also ing, the government treated them fairly liberal - received a medal from the king, Reza Shah, for ly as far as the practice of their religion or the his efforts in promoting Iranian art. maintaining of their culture was concerned. Eventually, Sumbat dropped out of school Many of Sumbat’s early paintings involve and opened an art studio. His business thrived, those of the old Vank or church in New Jugha, and he produced many paintings for a seem - which Der Kiureghian explained, because of the ingly-insatiable clientele. He met and married a cultural juxtaposition particular to that city, young woman in Isfahan, Arax Aftandilian, and had vaguely Islamic architectural features, as the young family eventually moved to the port well as traditional Armenian elements. Because city of Abadan. He organized an exhibit of his of the Armenians’ travels for trade all over paintings there and one of the peo - ple attending it was Stanley F. Foster, a Briton who was tour - ing Iran. He was so impressed with Sumbat’s style that he asked for lessons from him, in return for funding “Roadside Teahouse, Iran,” watercolor, 1962 travel to Europe. They left for almost canoe, as a Gypsy family, etc. Many people, he Afterwards, when the colors would make pat - a year, during said, clamored to receive the cards and in fact terns, he would take his time and add just the which Sumbat asked for them. right shapes to transform the random colors taught and In addition, Sumbat would create colors and into a cohesive picture. created many textures of his own, giving particular warmth What interested Sumbat was village life and paintings. and affability to his works. For example, the he would often leave for a few days at a time, Sumbat was younger Der Kiureghian said he used coffee taking only a few essentials, including his easel Christmas card from 1952, featuring Sumbat, his wife, Arax, and children Siroush not only an grounds from traditional Armenian coffee. and paints, and just paint. and Armen Der Kiureghian artist, he was Another of his innovations, his son said, was He also visited Armenia and painted many vil - also a family painting on newspapers (“Sumbatism,” as Der lages there. In fact, his paintings are in the col - Europe, there were even influences from as far man. Armen Der Kiureghian recalled that his Kiureghian called them). The newspaper paint - lections of the Armenian National Gallery and afield as Venice in the churches there. father started a tradition of taking actual pic - ings on either Armenian- or Persian-language Echmiadzin. Sumbat’s father, a watch repairman, died fair - tures of his family and then transposing the pic - newspapers, which eventually became one of Sumbat moved to the US in 1980. ly young, leaving his mother, Takouhi, a widow tures of their faces onto other scenes that he the hallmarks of Sumbat, started out, Der For more information on the book, the artist with several children. “Sumbat was exceptional - would paint. For example, the family members Kiureghian explained, as a means for Sumbat to or to see a collection of his paintings, visit ly likeable” and already showing signs of talent — father, mother and three children — are on a clean his brushes in between colors. www.sumbat.com.

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St. James Armenian Church 465 Mt. Auburn Street, Watertown, MA 02472 (617) 923-8860 [email protected] 16 S ATURDAY , J UNE 11, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARTS & LIVING Melikian’s Novel among Top in Comedy/Humor Category by Indie Book Awards

NEW YORK — At the Next Generation Indie taries on history, religion, politics and culture Courtney, writer and freelance editor; Peter program; Sheila Seifert, instructor of English Book Awards, held on May 24 in the Plaza that unravel our very fabric. Cyngot, art director, designer, photographer for and literature at various colleges and Myrsini Hotel, Armen Melikian’s novel, Journey to The judges’ panel of the Next Generation several agencies and instructor in principles of Stephanides, an agent at the Carol Mann Virginland: Epistle I , was recognized as one of Indie Book Awards included: Lou Aronica, for - design; Gareth Esersky, book reviewer for Agency, who collaborated on projects with The the year’s best three works of humor/comedy. mer publisher of Avon Books and deputy pub - Publishers Weekly , formerly editor at major Smithsonian, Archaeology magazine and The award, which includes a medal of honor lisher of Bantam Books; Joan B. Sanger, senior trade publishing houses for 30 years; Mary Yankee Magazine and was a contributing writ - for winners in various categories, is adminis - editor at Simon and Schuster, New American Ellen Gavin, writing instructor at NOVA er to the fifth edition of the Hammond World tered by the nonprofit Independent Book Library, and Putnam; Beth Bruno, book editor, Community College, founder of The Writers of Atlas . Publishing Professionals Group. It recognizes author of hundreds of articles, past president of Chantilly in Virginia that publishes themed For more information, the year’s most outstanding English-language the Connecticut Authors and Publishers anthologies yearly; Tag Goulet, Canadian visit www.JourneyToVirginland.com books released by independent publishers and Association; Hope Clark, author of 12 books author and publishing industry professional; Melikian holds a master’s degree in interna - university presses worldwide. and a recognized publishing professional; Sandi Danelle McCafferty, former senior editor at tional relations from American University in “I never intended to write a book of comedy Gelles-Cole, founder and president of Gelles- Bantam Books; John M. McDougall, publishing Washington, DC. He has also studied mathe - per se,” Melikian said following the award cere - Cole Literary Enterprises, former senior acqui - professional, poet and co-founder of the matics at a number of universities, including mony. “My focus has always been literary fic - sitions editor at Random House; Charlotte Independent Book Publishing Professionals Harvard. Abandoning both politics and science, tion, although I do see the world through the Cook, publisher, author, story and acquisitions Group; Brenna Pearce, publishing professional he has instead devoted himself to literature. lens of humor, treating it as a grand theatrical editor; Richard Cook, managing partner at and a judge of the Next Generation Indie Book Journey to Virginland is his debut novel. stage, and my writing certainly reflects that.” Sunrise Bookshop in Berkeley, Calif.; Emily Awards each year since inception of the awards Melikian lives in Los Angeles. “I thank the judges for considering my book in the challenging humor/comedy category,” the author continued. “By pointing out the humor - ous aspects of Journey to Virginland , they have encouraged me to continue to pay special atten - Jebejian Essays Published in New Book tion to the comedic aspects of my writing.” In addition to the Next Generation Indie Book Award, Melikian’s novel recently won the BEIRUT, Lebanon (Azad-Hye) — Hrayr His articles cover a wide spectrum of social, identity, Belonging to Lebanon and Pinnacle Book Achievement Award for Best Jebejian is a noted personality in the national and religious subjects. His name Denominational understanding. The topics Fiction and was named a Book of the Year Middle East and worldwide. He has a bach - appears frequently in Armenian and non- cover dozens of Armenian communities Finalist in Literary Fiction by the ForeWord elor’s degree in business administration Armenian publications in Lebanon and other stretching from Lebanon to China, from Gulf Reviews. from Haigazian University and a master’s countries. countries to South Africa. Jebejian writes At turns heartbreaking and diabolically degree in agriculture economics from An anthology of his articles over 30 years about the aspirations and challenges of these funny, Journey to Virginland is a tour de force American University of Beirut. He founded was recently published in Beirut, edited by communities and their struggle for preserv - delivered by a master storyteller. his mission in community and church ser - Dr. Arda Jebejian. The articles have appeared ing the national identity and faith in a global The protagonist, a loutish and uber-cerebral vice. An active member of the Bible in Armenian newspapers and magazines in environment. anti-hero known simply as Dog, takes on the Society, he has been serving since 1993 as Lebanon and other diasporan communities, Although wider in perspective, the majori - challenge to navigate the perilous paradigm executive secretary in the Gulf region. highlighting the subjects that have been the ty of articles deal with the Armenian com - shifts of our age, determined to find his proper Jebejian managed to reorganize the core of Jebejian’s activities for the past three munity in Lebanon, where Jebejian lived until place under the sun. Is he doomed to failure? Armenian Evangelical Church in Cyprus decades: national, cultural, socio-political and 2005, before moving to Cyprus. Or will he pull it off by heeding his own irre - after a gap of more than 25 years, following economic challenges and realities of the The book is forwarded by testimonies by ducible voice, given the ebb of the old certain - the Turkish invasion of the island. Armenians. Rev. Dr. Manuel Jinbashian, Archbishop Dr. ties? Jebejian has been traveling in many coun - The book is titled The Armenian’s Path of Goriun Babian (former Catholicosal Vicar of Dog pursues the answer unrelentingly, tries, involved in inter-church relations, local Struggle for Existence (Beirut, 2010, Kuwait and Arabian Gulf Countries) and through an impassioned quest for identity and and regional religious conferences and assign - Hamazkayin Vahe Setian Press, 464 pages) Monseigneur Antarnig Granian, member of meaning. He revisits his relationships with ments. He is married to Dr. Arda Jebejian and and composed of five headings: National Bzoummar Armenian Catholic Patriarchal women, family, literature and homeland, in the has two children. thinking, Diaspora perspective, Christian Congregation. process illuminating his journey with commen -

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Advertize in the Mirror-Spectator S ATURDAY , J UNE 11, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 17 ARTS & LIVING Vartabedians Wow Watertown Audience

VARTABEDIAN, from page 14 times wouldn’t have a voice of their own.” NANCY KALAJIAN PHOTO launched Tom Vartabedian’s career in writing; Starting out as the high school correspon - he switched careers taking a “360 degree turn dent for the Haverhill Gazette, where her dad to journalism.” worked, she earned 15-20 cents an inch per His best guess estimates he has written about story. Her experience in the Armenian commu - 30,000 stories, taken thousands of pho - nity included writing the Juniors page in the tographs, with an average of 12-13 stories per Armenian Weekly , and she did stories on the week as a features writer or columnist. “Every AYF Olympics and Camp Hayastan. day was a learning experience. And I’ve told my After she accompanied her father to cover a daughter, if you can’t learn on the job, if you story about the loss of her high school class - can’t have fun on the job, it’s time to find anoth - mate, “they [his family] were so grateful er line of work,” he stressed, “I love my work.” through tears mixed with some laughter that With a fatherly and professional nod to his they were able to give a lasting tribute to Jimmy daughter, he described his daughter, Sonya, as and share memories,” she wrote a tribute in his pretty daring, for she, like her dad, has amassed memory which fueled her desire to make jour - many years in a field that she also adores. nalism her career of choice. Sonya Vartabedian spoke eloquently and Her mom, a teacher, encouraged her not to described the experience of growing up as be a writer due to the profession’s long hours

NANCY KALAJIAN PHOTO and limited financial compensation, but Sonya Vartabedian went to Northeastern University to study journalism. After working at the Haverhill Gazette for about a year, a competing Sonya Vartabedian and Tom Vartabedian paper offered her a job and though it was a hard decision, her father wished her luck; she’s been at the Newburyport Daily News for 21 demanding, engaging, comprehensive content lead unexpectedly to another, and he gave an years. Her stints have included that of beat ...,” Sonya Vartabedian said. example of a recent article he wrote on Susan reporter for Newburyport and Amesbury, fea - Often asked why she hasn’t worked for a larg - Lind-Sinanian, an Armenian dancer, textile tures editor and arts reporter. She has covered er paper, her response is steadfast, “I strongly curator and longtime employee at ALMA. stories on individuals connected to Haverhill, believe in the value of the community newspa - “Many people may not know that for 40 years, ranging from author Andre Dubus to Boston per and writing about the neighbors, kids who she has been teaching the blind at the Perkins chef Christopher Myers. Now as city editor, she go to school in the community, people that School. She goes out one door and in the other. Tom Vartabedian surrounded by fans after the talk assigns and edits stories, works on budgets, work in the bank, people that perform on She teaches her students Armenian dance since might receive and answer up to 300 emails per stage… things that shape who they are and give it teaches them mobility and they get to touch day and even fields phone calls. “Scandals and life to each and every community.” and feel the artifacts at ALMA,” he explained. “Tom’s daughter.” Sonya Vartabedian credited dogs sell papers,” she shared. Speaking of a strong photo of a tragic crash ”The best stories in the world are not about her dad with giving her the experiences and A few years ago, she was named editor for the of an elderly woman that was put on-line as VIPs; they are about common everyday people.” tools at a young age that would influence her newly-launched Newburyport Magazine , a deadline approached, she expressed how grate - At Wilmington High School, during a recent future career. For example, Santa gave her a quarterly glossy lifestyles magazine; Sonya ful she was for the opportunity to later speak presentation on the Armenian Genocide, the working kid’s manual typewriter and she Vartabedian was thrilled it recently received an with the deceased woman’s family member to veteran journalist learned that students learned the four-finger typing method as she award from the parent company. find out more about the life of this remarkable designed postal stamps connected to the sat next to her father and observed his typing Just like her dad, she has seen huge changes woman and to write a front-page article that Armenian Genocide and hopes their ideas style as he worked on stories. Becoming fasci - in the field. Like all newspapers, “we are trying appeared in the next issue. In taking the steps become reality for the centennial of the nated with chronicling people lives, she said, “I to stay relevant in a high-tech age,” she to give this woman proper respect, she was “fol - Armenian Genocide. “Do something for the bet - saw how people opened up to my father as a explained. Though there are fewer full-time lowing in my father’s footsteps.” terment of the Armenian community,” advised reporter, and how he was able to tell their sto - reporters nowadays, the print circulation of With the speakers receiving a resounding Tom Vartabedian. ries and often be the voice of people who many about 11,000-12,000 has remained steady and applause, the program was followed by a ques - Roger Hagopian enjoyed the evening’s pre - on-line traffic is up 57 percent. “One million tion-and-answer period. Based on his personal sentation and remarked, “I only have good viewers [were] on our website during last experiences, Tom Vartabedian spoke about the things to say about Tom and Sonya month alone,” she said, including Boston and importance of supporting the Armenian press Vartabedian. I like the fact that their work is worldwide readerships. in the diaspora, and listed five “well-calibrated” about people first, the personal touch.” The challenges in the industry include rising Armenian newspapers by name. He comple - When Tom Vartabedian met William Saroyan publishing costs and with a struggling econo - mented the Improper Bostonian , a bi-monthly at the Mkhitarist Monastery many decades ago, my, there’s a decline in advertising so new ideas periodical. “There is room for Armenians in he asked, “Mr. Saroyan, how do you become a are developed to help out. Many newspapers are journalism,” he stated. good writer?” To which, the elder writer replied, increasing their on-line presence and, in the “There are 150 people in this room and there “I can sum it up in two words: when you write, future, may even charge for content on-line. are 150 stories,” he commented. Looking be yourself. Write like you are talking to some - The preferences of your readership must be around, he commended Project SAVE, and one, keep it personal, keep it up front and inter - kept in mind: one likes “to hold the newspaper founder Ruth Thomasian, for their impeccable esting.” in their hands every day and one wants the work in documenting and archiving historical Clearly, this is advice that both Tom and news fast, on the go; both readers want Armenian photographs. One story often may Sonya Vartabedian have taken to heart.

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JUNE 12 — Armenian Festival. St. James Armenian Church St. James Armenian Church Annual Picnic. Delicious Armenian food. Armenian music featuring will hold its annual picnic Jay Baronian, Leon Janikian, Ken Kalajian and Bob Raphalian. on June 12, starting at Children’s games and contests. $2 Raffle. (First prize: $1,000, sec - noon, featuring Armenian ond prize, $500 and third and fourth prizes, $100. Winners need not music by Jay Baronian, be present.) On the St. James grounds, 465 Mt. Auburn St., Leon Janikian, Ken Watertown. Rain or shine. All are welcome. Kalajian and Bob Raphalian, Armenian cui - sine and children’s games and contests, etc., at 465 NEW YORK Mt. Auburn St., Watertown. Rain or shine. JUNE 19 — St. Nersess Armenian Seminary’s annual Father’s Day For more info, call the Picnic, from noon to 5 p.m., at Stratton Road, New Rochelle. church at (617) 923-8860. Delicious kebob meals and desserts, live Armenian music, children’s activities, vendors. Free parking and admission. Visit www.stnersess.edu or call (914) 636-2003. 18 S ATURDAY , J UNE 11, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMENTARY

T HE A RMENIAN COMMENTARY Mirror- From Memory Lane to Cyberspace

dates back to 1966, almost 45 years. Through my association with Spectator the editors and the major contributors, I came to realize that they By Edmond Y. Azadian were the incarnations of the very same founders as they carried on with their sacred mission through the paper’s history; they had the The year 2012 will mark the 80th anniversary of the Armenian same dedication, vigor and vision. Mirror-Spectator . However, The New York/New Jersey Chapter of The destiny of the Armenian people has an ironic twist. Indeed it Established 1932 Tekeyan Cultural Association, joining a group of friends of the was destined to have Armenian journalism to be born and flourish Armenian Mirror-Spectator , fired the opening salvo of celebrations outside our homeland, but for the homeland. An ADL Publication by organizing an elegant banquet on Saturday, June 4, in Teaneck, The first Armenian newspaper, Azdarar , was published in 1794, in NJ, at the Marriott Hotel. In attendance were diplomats, high-rank - Madras, India. It was edited by a priest named Rev. Harutune ing clergy, representatives of organizations — an elite crowd of writ - Shemavonian. The editor and a group of patriotic intellectuals had EDITOR ers, intellectuals and community leaders and benefactors. a dream to achieve; they aspired to see Armenia free and indepen - Alin K. Gregorian The evening was saturated with nostalgia as former editors and dent. They even had outlandish plans to purchase historic Armenia major contributors were remembered and honored. Dr. Movses from the Ottoman Sultan, similar to Theodore Herzl’s plan to carve ASSOCIATE EDITOR Aram Arkun Hovsepian, Armine Dikijian and Jack Antreassian, who had been the a homeland for the persecuted Jews. pillars of the community and they had become part of Mirror histo - The Armenian Mirror-Spectator was also founded in Boston, ART DIRECTOR ry. A tastefully-designed program booklet had highlighted all the pre - Mass., away from Armenia, certainly with tamer ambitions and with Marc Mgrditchian vious and current editors who were as if in attendance that evening. the rather more modest goals of bonding Armenians together, build - PRODUCTION The affair afforded the opportunity to reflect on the history of the ing bridges from one city to another, or even one country to anoth - Dilani Yogaratnam publication and its role in shaping community life and direction. er. The booklet appropriately included a poem by Vahan Tekeyan, In our fast-moving world and in the era of globalization, some peo - which helped define the dichotomy faced by the founders of the ple have come to believe that print media is something of the past, paper as they embarked on a new venture. It was a watershed event as electronic media takes over and progresses at a dizzying pace. CONTRIBUTORS: because they had to separate language from the mission. Until then, Despite the bankruptcy of the Borders bookstore chain, the print Elizabeth Aprahamian, Daphne Abeel, Dr. Armenians had not faced that kind of situation; language had always media is still with us for the foreseeable future and the Mirror has a Haroutiune Arzoumanian, Edmond served as the vehicle of the mission. role to play for that future; it has to propel 80 years of legacy into Azadian, Prof. Vahakn N. Dadrian, Diana Der Hovanessian, Philip Ketchian, The dilemma was either to forgo the mission or forgo the lan - that future while beginning to share the progress of the electronic Kevork Keushkerian, Sonia Kailian- guage. Abandoning the mission would automatically lead to the media. Placido , H arut Sassounian, Mary Terzian, demise of the language anyway. Initially half of the Mirror subscription base was in the New Hagop Vartivarian, Naomi Zeytoonian, Poet Tekeyan lamented the decline and the eventual demise of the York/New Jersey area. Initiatives, like the 80th anniversary celebra - Taleen Babayan Armenian language by writing: tion, will mark a healthy comeback for it into this market. “The language I write is read but by a few. Through the Internet, the Mirror has been able to reach its glob - With time, even those few readers slowly decrease… al readership, as it has ventured into cyberspace. CORRESPONDENTS: A hundred years from now, our speech though old, still new We do not and we should not underestimate the contributions Armenia - Hagop Avedikian With its smooth and harsh sounds, and the achievements of other publications. As we compete, we Boston - Nancy Kalajian Philadelphia - Lisa Manookian will have to come to cease.” learn from each other and we are destined to carry the same mission It is unfortunate that the poet’s prophecy is becoming fact of life for the Armenians around the world. Contributing Photographers: in the diaspora. It is a pity to lose the beautiful Armenian language. There is a pervasive bias that publications sponsored by political Jacob Demirdjian, Harry Koundakjian, Jirair Hovsepian However, it is not a pity when we can cross the language barrier and groups tend to be partisan and closed to open flow of views and carry the spirit and the mission of our ancestors to the next genera - ideas. Through its persistent policy, the Mirror has tried to dispel The Armenian Mirror-Spectator is published tion and to posterity. That was the nature of the venture that the that bias, because the publication has been a forum for free intel - weekly, except two weeks in July, by: founders were embarking on, in 1932, when they saw the handwrit - lectual discourse, at the same time never losing sight of popular sen - Baikar Association, Inc. ing on the wall and were alarmed by the alienation of the new gen - timents. Indeed it has retained and maintained its touch with the eration. While agonizing over the demise of the language, they general public throughout its history. 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 undertook the task of having the legacy transcend from one gener - Had Rev. Harutune Shemavonian been alive today, he would cer - Telephone: 617-924-4420 ation to the other through the publication of the first English-lan - tainly have blessed the endeavor and venture of the Mirror. FAX: 617-924-2887 guage Armenian paper in the US. They tried to convert tragedy into As the 80th anniversary celebrations take off, the publication www.mir rorspectator.com triumph. moves from the memory lane into cyberspace, for future ventures E-Mail: editor@mirrorspectator .com My personal association and the collaboration with the Mirror and adventures. For advertising: [email protected] New York/New Jersey Office 560 Sylvan Ave. , Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632 (201) 800-1164 New York Times Writer Displays Bias for Azerbaijan in Article SUBSCRIPTION RATES : U.S.A. (The following letter was sent to the New Azeri rule by a ruse of Stalin? During the Soviet Your writer must be commended for resort - 2nd Class $75 a year York Times in protest of a recent article on period, 60 percent of Nakhichevan’s population ing for reliable sources to preserve the integri - 1st Class $120 a year Nagorno Karabagh.) was Armenian, but the region was depopulated ty of her fact-finding statement, but why does Canada Air Mail $125 a year through the “brotherly” conniving of KGB she not employ the same due diligence in To the Editor: colonel and Politburo member Heydar Aliyev, reporting what happened to the Armenian All Other Countries The New York Times is a pacesetter in who eventually became the leader of Azerbaijan refugees of Sumgait and Baku in 1988 and Air Mail $190 a year Display advertising r at e: $7 per column inch responsible journalism, yet that very same and was in turn succeeded by his son, Ilham, in 1990, after the pogroms were launched against vocation pre-empts it from undermining its a democratic nation (irony intended). them by the Azeri government? own standards and journalistic standards. Your correspondent dwells at length on During the Soviet period, an affluent com - The article published in your May 31 issue Azerbaijan’s refugee problem, noting some munity of Armenians lived in Azerbaijan, num - © 2010 The Armenian Mirror-Spectator by Ellen Barry constitutes disservice to your heart-wrenching cases, which sound very trag - bering 450,000. They were killed or deported. Periodical Class Postage Paid at Boston, MA readers and to people in general. ic when taken out of historic context. Those who believed they have found a safe and additional mailing offices. Under the title, “Frozen Conflict between First, the refugee problem was the outcome haven in Armenia were killed in the 1988 earth - ISSN 0004-234X Azerbaijan and Armenian begins to boil,” the of the war, which the Azerbaijani government quake. I would like to leave the math to you to writer covers the bellicose mood in Azerbaijan, launched against the Armenians in Karabagh. figure out the percentage of 450,000 Armenian POSTMASTER : Send address changes to The Armenian Mirror-Spectator, P.O. Box 302, freely subscribing to views and statements of Second, while the Aliyev dynasty and its refugees over a population of 3 million. Watertown, MA 02471-0302 the Azeri side. minions reap the nation’s vast oil wealth, living Last but not least, Barry writes: “Azerbaijan, It is not for us to remind any journalist tack - at an obscene level of opulence, i.e., residences by far the richer of the two, has increased ling a topic to do his or her homework. Ellen in Dubai and Paris shopping blow-outs, they defense spending twenty-fold since 2003, Barry has allowed herself to use blanket state - keep the refugees as political pawns to make a according to the International Crisis Group.” ments without heeding history. She writes: case vis-a-vis the international community on Rather than using the petrodollars for gear - Copying for other than personal use or “Since the early 1990s, Azerbaijan has been the cruelty of Armenia. ing up for a new war, the Azeri government internal reference is prohibited without trying to regain control of Nagorno-Karabagh, It looks like your writer’s heart has been could solve its refugee problem, which is its own express permission of the copyright a predominantly Armenian enclave within its bleeding when writing about the Azeri refugee doing and compensate the Armenian refugees owner. Address requests for reprints or borders, and secure the return of ethnic Azeris problem. who left their properties behind in Azerbaijan. back issues to: who were forced from their homes by the war.” The following quote covers only one side of By playing up to the conscience of the Baikar Association, Inc. There is more than one falsehood in the the refugee problem, which intentionally world, your writer is adding fuel to Azeri inten - 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 above statement. Why should a New York leaves out the other phase: “Among the forces tions of launching a new war. Times writer endorse freely what the Azeri gov - driving Baku refugees who have spent nearly A balanced and comprehensive coverage would ernment has been harping along that Karabagh two decades in limbo. The United Nations says have contributed to the just settlement of this is within Azerbaijan’s borders, when even in the there are 586,013 — 7 percent of Azerbaijan’s thorny crisis and consequently contributed to the Check us out at harshest Stalinist period it had a special status population, which is one of the highest per cause of responsible and fair journalism. as a autonomous region (oblask) similar to the capita displacement rates in the world, accord - — Edmond Y. Azadian mirrorspectator.com Nakhichevan exclave, which was an ing to the International Displacement Chairman, autonomous republic, both brought under Monitoring center.” Armenian Rights Council of America S ATURDAY , J UNE 11, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 19 COMMENTARY

No one will free the Armenian-American from change, dreams or death. We are not born Spectacular Spectator with any rights. We make or should make our own destiny. It is well to remember Walt Whitman’s words, “It takes fight in life to make strength. It takes fight for principle to make fortitude and it takes crisis to give courage and enlightenment of purpose to reach objec - There is no need to rely on the force of eloquence and flattery in celebrating the 80th tives.” anniversary of the Armenian Mirror-Spectator . It is indeed a huge honor to recognize the The Mirror-Spectator continues to follow the tenants of Whitman and needs the love, years of service of the best English-language Armenian weekly in America, which has caring and support of the entire community. Shouldn’t we, the uninvolved, support the gained highest marks for being the first such publication. The very fact that under extreme - Mirror-Spectator, which has struggled for years to advance platforms and viewpoints ly trying times the Mirror visited Armenian homes for over 4,000 weeks offering nonstop geared entirely for the welfare of the community? It should be our duty to praise and be news, views and editorials which shape, organize and shepherd the Armenian community grateful to this spectacular work of community news. is extremely honorable. It is an axiom that inadequate knowledge is dangerous and no knowledge is con - This remarkable publication has done a magnificent job in acting as a platform to temptible. We owe to ourselves and the coming generation to spread knowledge of our ori - respond to the needs of our diaspora. It has vehemently championed the glorification of gin, heritage, religion and culture. One important avenue is to invite the Mirror-Spectator Armenian heritage. Through its pages it to your home every week. has offered testimony to the idealism, Most of us are not involved in our community life, which is our collective shame. How By Nubar Dorian endurance and pursuit of Armenian tradi - can our community with organizations such as the Armenian church, AGBU, Armenian tions, values and worth. Assembly, Armenian National Committee, AMAA and others all exist without listeners of While the Mirror is the official voice of their mission? Newspapers like the Mirror-Spectator in English provide this venue and an Armenian political party, it’s influence never diminished in creating a platform for hon - deserve wholehearted embrace. est debate shaping the community. This is especially notable since we have come to expect It would be a shame to continue this indifferent journey. If it continues a few more that the world, with its nations and people, live and breathe politics as a way of life. To decades, we will be able to place diaspora Armenians on the point of a needle. The com - assume that the Armenian Diaspora should give up Armenian politics is utterly absurd and munity would surely break like eggshells against rocks. Let us wholeheartedly extend real ungainly. It leads only to indifference, ignorance and disinterest in community life. gratitude and praise to the Mirror and thank those who sacrifice much to spread the Presently our community is viable, visible and more vigorous which is a tribute to the Armenian gospel for over 80 years. It should be our one precious avenue to fight against role that the Mirror has played in creating this atmosphere. It is regrettable to note that a total assimilation. Please let the Armenian Mirror-Spectator act as your surrogate con - large number of Armenians continue to believe that weekly Armenian newspapers have no scious to cling to your pride in being an American-Armenian. place in America. This thinking is obviously a travesty. The contributions of the Mirror (Nubar Dorian is a Diocesan delegate representing Holy Cross Armenian Church in must be given recognition within the Armenian community. Union City, NJ.)

LETTERS Turkey: Kurds Boycott Mosques Sassounian Wrong on Assembly vs. Cafesjian For Language Rights To the Editor: Mathevosian’s major gift was due to her alle - In response to Harut Sassounian’s recent giance to and friendship with the Armenian language in mosques. commentary, titled “There Is a Time to Sue and Assembly of America, and was not the result of By Dorian Jones Diay-der, a group of retired Kurdish imams a Time to Settle,” while we agree there is a time any relationship with Mr. Cafesjian. This is and Islamic scholars, launched the boycott to to settle, that time was years ago. We know important and completely overlooked by Harut change that status. Diay-der leader Zahit first-hand the Assembly sought to resolve this Sassounian. Tens of thousands of Kurds are taking part in Cirtkuran says that the protest started after matter amicably and without public fanfare. Also, the article makes absolutely no men - an increasingly potent act of civil disobedience Diyanet, the state body that controls and admin - The fact is the Assembly did not seek litigation. tion of the serious and disturbing conflict of that has become a focal point of an increasingly isters the Islamic faith, including the appoint - The fact is the Assembly did not initiate the law - interest we feel exists and has been established bitter election contest between the governing ment of Turkey’s imams and the writing of ser - suit in Federal Court. The fact is on more than between Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly and Mr. Justice and Development Party and Kurdish mons, ignored their appeals for reform. one occasion the Assembly agreed to settle - Cafesjian through their collection and promo - nationalists in Turkey’s restive “Instead, the government sent ment terms, only to have them rejected or tion of contemporary studio glass art, including Kurdish southeast. COMMENTARY 10,000 new imams to this region changed at the last minute by Mr. Gerard their joint contribution of a Libensky piece (the In Diyarbakir, the region’s who have no connection to this Cafesjian. None of these facts are even men - same artist Mr. Cafesjian testified about at trial) main city, every Friday since land,” Ciftkuran charged. “So, tioned in Sassounian’s commentary. to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Is it any March, Muslim worshipers have boycotted it’s a kind of religious assimilation.” Harut’s article mistakenly indicates this case wonder the judge gave preference to her fellow prayers at state-controlled mosques to hear ser - The protests appear to have enraged Prime resulted from “an attempt by Armenian art collector and connoisseur who shares both mons in their native Kurdish, conducted in Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, whose Islamic- Assembly leaders to take control of the multi- a passion and has a stake in the same field of front of the city wall. rooted Justice and Development Party (AKP) million dollar museum buildings…” This is sim - modern art, and decided in Cafesjian’s favor? “We are Kurds. This is our native language, presents itself as the defender of religious free - ply not true. The fact is the Assembly trans - This is an important material fact and its omis - the language that our parents taught us. Let us dom. But the AKP is engaged in an increasing - ferred the properties to the Armenian Genocide sion from Sassounian’s article is glaring. speak this language in the courts, in the ly bitter battle for votes with the country’s Museum and Memorial (AGMM), a separate Unlike many of us who have been life-long mosques,” one worshipper said. “Until we are Kurdish rights movement. organization. What Harut also doesn’t say is the activists for the Armenian cause, to us, Mr. no longer forbidden to speak Kurdish in our Erdogan devoted most of his speech at a June judge awarded all the properties to Mr. Cafesjian Cafesjian was an unknown until he approached mosques, we will do our prayer on the street.” 1 rally in Diyarbakir to lambasting the protest. and his foundation without any requirement Hirair Hovnanian, and indicated he would like A crowd of exuberant worshippers applauded “They refuse to pray behind an imam appoint - whatsoever to actually build a Genocide to become involved, initially in Armenia. It was the man. Those attending represented a cross- ed by the state. But they are not religious. They Museum. The judge also made it a point on page Hirair Hovnanian who introduced Cafesjian to section of society: young, old, rich and poor. In see Apo [Abdullah Ocalan, the jailed leader of one of her decision to say she was not express - the leadership in Armenia. Then, having a region where acts of civil disobedience are the banned PKK or Kurdistan Workers’ Party] ing any opinion about the Armenian Genocide received some degree of recognition, he turned rarely tolerated, dozens of police, backed by as a prophet,” said Erdogan. “They are cheating and instead described it as controversial. on Hirair; and instead of partnering and partic - armored vehicles, looked on, but did not inter - you. Let’s teach them a lesson.” Despite what Sassounian’s article says, ipating with the Assembly, Cafesjian went out vene. The ferocity of the attack can be explained in Assembly leaders did not attempt to “exclude on his own. The final act of ingratitude was Kurds make up an estimated 20 percent of part by Erdogan’s bid to secure the support of Cafesjian from any decision-making powers as a Cafesjian’s lawsuit. Cafesjian, by the way, con - Turkey’s 70-million population. Until the late Turkish nationalist voters, who are deeply Board member of the AGM&M” as asserted in tinues to sue the Assembly, the latest lawsuit 1980s, the Kurdish language was banned. opposed to Kurdish rights. But it caused dismay the article. It is simply not the case. The fact is filed in Florida earlier this year, while the DC Under successive governments, restrictions among many Kurds, including some senior Mr. Cafesjian presided as chairman of AGMM litigation was pending before the judge. Talk have slowly been eased in education and broad - Kurdish members of the AKP. from 2003 to 2006 and controlled AGMM. about a “Time to Settle” and a “Time to Sue.” casting, but Turkish remains the only official see BOYCOTT, page 20 The article also mistakenly indicates that the Harut Sassounian should have been clear on grant agreement required the Assembly “to who was suing and who was seeking settle - develop the museum by December 1, 2010.” ment. Again, this is simply not the case. The fact is it —Joyce Philibosian Stein A Point of Clarification was AGMM’s role to develop the project. —Joe Stein It is also an indisputable fact Mrs. Indian Wells, Calif. It has come to our attention through the news media that on Monday, May 26, the rep - resentatives of three traditional parties met in Yerevan, Armenia, at the headquarters of the Hunchakian party. Egregious Misrepresentation in the New York Times Setrak Adjemian, representing the Social Democratic Hunchak Party and Hrant Markarian, representing the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) Bureau, attended To the Editor: tation. Writing such articles is dangerous and the above meeting, which also included Michael Kharabian, claiming to represent the As a concerned citizen I must bring this arti - borderline warmongering. The New York Times Armenian Democratic Liberal Party (ADL). cle to your attention, “’Frozen Conflict’ needs to write a retraction and Ellen Barry Kharabian at best can represent himself or a few disorganized and dissolved regions of the Between Azerbaijan and Armenia Begins to needs to be told that her style of writing is ADL. He certainly cannot represent our organization, nor assume any responsibility on our Boil,” written by a two-time Pulitzer Prize nom - unworthy of a Pulitzer at best and detrimental behalf. inee and New York Times Moscow Bureau to a peace process at worst. As members of the The central committees of the participating parties have been notified that their inter - chief, Ellen Barry. This slanderous article has Armenian Press, I strongly urge you to bring locutor does not enjoy the legitimacy and authority in the ADL structure, as they do in their unprofessional bias all over it, corrupt journal - this issue forward for exposure. respective organizations. ism, with a one-sided approach. If this were writ - To view the article, visit Any commitment or statement by Michael Kharabian does not engage the ADL as a whole, ten by a small-time publication, I could perhaps www.nytimes.com/2011/06/01/world/asia/0 and the other parties may be deceiving their members or the general public if they believe ignore it, however being that it is published in 1azerbaijan.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1. the ADL is legitimately participating in the above meeting. the New York Times , we as people cannot sit — Rose Nemet — ADL District Committee idly and ignore such a egregious misrepresen - Davis, Calif. 20 S ATURDAY , J UNE 11, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR

Turkey: Kurds Boycott Mosques UAR Sochi Branch Leadership Resigns after for Language Rights Demolition of General Andranik Monument SOCHI, Russia (PanARMENIAN.Net) — The Sochi branch of the Union of Armenians of BOYCOTT, from page 19 times. Russia (UAR) held a meeting with the participation of UAR Vice President German “I think the prime minister was wrong. I per - “Yes, they say they are socialists, but they Ananyants, to deal with the demolition of the monument to Gen. Andranik Ozanyan, in the sonally support the protest. I think it is positive also say that we don’t think like we did 20 to 30 Volkonka settlement of Sochi, by the Armenian community. as [using Kurdish in mosques] is a basic right,” years ago,” Tan said of the BDP. “All the world According to Ananyants, the conflict is settled — Lazarevsk region’s leadership of UAR has said Muhammed Akar, deputy head of the AKP has changed. The Soviet Union has gone. So we admitted its mistake and resigned. Currently all legal documents are being prepared, while in Diyarbakir. should change. Now we are thinking as a the monument to Ozanyan will be set in Adler soon. Akar is an influential member of Diyarbakir’s Kurdish nationalist movement.” President of UAR, Ara Abramyan, was expected to participate in the meeting. Earlier powerful religious community, and related to Erdogan has committed himself to introduc - Abramyan condemned the monument’s demolition, saying he was unaware of the incident Sheik Said, the leader of a failed Kurdish ing a new constitution after the June 12 elec - and promised to clarify its details and make radical decisions, if the reports are confirmed. Islamic revolt in the 1920s against the Turkish tion, but has given few details about it or Armenia’s Consul General to the southern part of Russia, Ararat Gomtsyan, representa - republic. In this traditional and conservative whether the changes would address Kurdish tives of the ARF Dashnaktsutyun and Heritage party, as well as leaders of Javakheti and society, such lineage carries weight. concerns. Hamshen communities of Russia also condemned demolition of the monument, youtharme - Akar argues that while the fight for Kurdish In the meantime, the Diyanet is believed to be nia.ru reported. rights was dominated in the 1980s and 1990s under pressure to head off ethnic Kurds’ Ozanyan is Armenia’s national hero. He is one of the leaders of the Armenian national lib - by the PKK’s Marxist ideology, a profound Islamic demands, including by allowing the use eration movement in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He is also a national hero of change has since occurred. Religious move - of Kurdish in some mosques. Last week, an illu - Bulgaria. He was one of organizers of Sasun and Zangezur defense. ments are now championing the Kurdish cam - minated mosque ceremony (kandil) celebrating On August 31, 1927, Ozanyan passed away in Fresno, Calif. His body was transported to paign for expanded rights, he notes. the conception of the Prophet Mohammad was France, and buried in the French Pere Lachaise cemetery. In 2000, the government of the “Four or five years ago, I was fearing that conducted in Kurdish in Diyarbakir’s main second independent Armenian Republic decided to relocate Ozanyan’s remains to Armenia, there would be a clash between secular nation - mosque, the Ulu Cami. where he received an honorable military reburial at Yerablur Pantheon. alist and religious Kurds, but, instead, for the “It was a beautiful evening. Some of the old first time Kurdish nationalism has come togeth - men were crying, as it was their first time to er with religion,” Akar said. “There is now a hear mevlid [poems about the Prophet resurgence in Kurdish religious demands and Mohammad’s life] sung in their language,” Consultations between Armenia and Italy Held the state and mosques cannot keep up.” recounted muezzin Omer Kilic, who sang the The synthesis is most obvious in the parlia - ceremony. “It’s a start.” ROME, Italy (Armenpress) — The Foreign organized under the auspices of the presidents mentary candidates supported by the pro- Local AKP official Akar, however, warns that Ministries of Armenia and Italy held consulta - of Armenia and Italy in December, in three Kurdish Peace and Democracy Party (BDP). In any post-election failure to address Kurds’ con - tions on June 3. During the talks, Republic of museums in Venice on the 500th anniversary of the 2007 general election in which the party cerns could put Turkey’s long-term political sta - Armenia Foreign Deputy Minister Arman Armenian publishing. was defeated by the AKP, many BDP candidates bility at risk. “If there is a disappointment, the Kirakosian discussed with his Italian counterpart, Mantica expressed Italy’s readiness to deepen were linked to the PKK. This time, the BDP has whole idea of integration will end. Separation Alfredo Mantica, issues regarding Armenian- the relations with Armenia in all the spheres diversified its selection, including liberals and and conflict will come to the fore,” he said. “If I Italian relations and regional cooperation. and organize corresponding mutual visits, as key religious Kurdish figures. am seeing this, the prime minister, the state An Armenian Foreign Ministry official said well as Italian Foreign Ministry’s support to In Diyarbakir, two out of six BDP-supported should see this as well. The danger that is lying that during the meeting Kirakosian emphasized establishing mutually beneficial cooperation independent candidates are powerful members ahead is a nightmare.” the importance of high-level mutual visits, the with the region of Veneto in the spheres of jew - of the religious Kurdish movement. One of necessity of establishing an inter-governmental elry, wine-making and tourism. those candidates, Altan Tan, a longtime (Dorian Jones is a freelance journalist living committee and making the trade-economic Within the framework of the visit Kirakosian Kurdish activist and rival to the PKK, says that in Turkey. His article originally appeared in cooperation more active. He also detailed the delivered a lecture on the South Caucasus security Kurdish politics have finally caught up with the EurasiaNet’s Weekly Digest.) unique exhibition which is scheduled to be issues at NATO Defense College (NDC) in Rome.

Ahmadinejad Visit to Armenia Cancelled at Last Minute The Armenian AHMADINEJAD, from page 1 processes going over the Nagorno-Karabagh Armenia. The two sides also plan to start conflict,” Arzumanian said. He argued that building soon a third high-voltage transmis - Iranian officials have repeatedly voiced strong sion line connecting their power grids. opposition to the possible deployment of a It is not clear whether these projects require Western-led peacekeeping force in the conflict Mirro r-Spe ctator the signing of additional Armenian-Iranian zone, which is very close to Iran’s northwestern agreements. frontier. Vahan Hovannisian, a senior parliamentarian Sargisian and Azerbaijan’s President Ilham YES, I would like a 1 – year subscription to The Armenian Mirror-Spectator. and a leader of the opposition Armenian Aliyev are expected to meet again later this Revolutionary Federation, suggested that the month for what could prove to be decisive USA /Second Class Mail $75.00 CANADA /Air Mail $125.00 visit was postponed because of other issues. “In peace talks. USA /First Class Mail $120.00 all likelihood, some issues requiring the clarifi - Arzumanian noted at the same time that cation of the Armenian side’s position were domestic Iranian politics may have also been a J THE SUBSCRIPTION IS FOR ME added to the agenda of the Iranian president’s reason. Ahmadinejad is increasingly locked in a NAME visit at the last minute,” he told journalists. “My power struggle with the Islamic Republic’s cler - ADDRESS words are not based on mere assumptions.” ical leadership. CITY STATE ZIP Hovannisian would not be drawn on those The Iranian president is facing a deadline to issues. He said only that Ahmadinejad will trav - name an oil minister and OPEC envoy ahead of el to Armenia after Yerevan clears up its posi - a meeting of that oil-exporting group scheduled J THE SUBSCRIPTION IS A GIFT FOR: tion on them. for June 8. His attempt to take over supervision NAME Alexander Arzumanian, another opposition of the Oil Ministry and lead the Iranian delega - ADDRESS politician who served as Armenia’s foreign min - tion to OPEC himself was thwarted by the ister from 1996-1998, linked the trip cancella - Guardians Council vetting body and parliament. CITY STATE ZIP tion with the latest developments in interna - Ali Geranmayeh, a former Iranian diplomat tional efforts to end the Nagorno-Karabagh con - who now teaches international relations at the Please make check payable to: The Armenian Mirror-Spectator and mail to: flict. He specifically cited a recent joint state - SOAS University in London, agreed that this 755 Mt. Auburn Street, Watertown, MA 02472-1509 ment by the US, Russian and French presidents uncertainty might have forced Ahmadinejad not that raised fresh hopes for an Armenian- to leave the country for the time being. “But All payments must be drawn on US banks Azerbaijani peace accord. there may have also been external reasons, “The Islamic Republic of Iran has always including Turkey’s approaches to Armenian- been jealous about not being represented in Iranian relations,” he said. SUB SCRIBE Norway Prince Makes Controversial Visit to Azerbaijan

OSLO, Norway (Norway Post) — Crown editor and regime critic, Eynulla Fatullayev who Prince Haakon is on Monday visiting was just released after he was imprisoned in Azerbaijan, at the head of a Norwegian delega - 2007, says it is positive that Norway has oil tion to the opening of the annual International interests in his homeland, and he looks forward Caspian Oil & Gas Exhibition. The royal visit to meeting the Crown Prince. has been criticized. “I will make the Crown Prince aware of the Through Statoil, Norway has heavy oil inter - human right situation in this country. At the ests in Azerbaijan. same time I will thank Norway for having sup - Human rights organizations say it is wrong ported and defended the freedom of expression for the Norwegian Crown Prince to visit what in this country through many difficult years,” TODAY! they call “one of the most corrupt dictatorships he said. in the world.” Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Store has wel - However, prominent Azerbaijani newspaper comed the release of Mr. Fatullayev.