AUGUST 17, 2019 Mirror-SpeTHE ARMENIAN ctator Volume LXXXX, NO. 5, Issue 4598 $ 2.00 NEWS The First English Language Armenian Weekly in the United States Since 1932 INBRIEF Armenia, Russia Send Pashinyan Aid to Syria YEREVAN (Armenpress) — Armenia and Russia Government have jointly sent another batch of humanitarian assistance to Syria through the Russian-Armenian Defends Humanitarian Response Center, the Ministry of Emergency Situations said in a news release on August 13. ‘Mega-Goals’ Minister of Emergency Situations of Armenia Felix Tsolakyan personally reviewed the cargo YEREVAN (RFE/RL) — Vice-Premier before dispatching it. Tigran Avinyan has reaffirmed his govern- The aid contains 52.5 tons of canned meat, 35 ment’s vision of Armenia’s strategic goals tons of canned fish, 40 tons of sugar, as well as dry for the next three decades or so that were rations weighing around 14,5 tons. outlined by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan The Armenian-Russian team will deliver the earlier this week. cargo to representatives of the Syrian Red Speaking at a rally in the Nagorno- Crescent, which will distribute it further. Karabakh capital of Stepanakert on August 5, Pashinyan, in particular, said that increasing the country’s gross domestic Defense Chief Believes product (GDP) 15 times should be among 1918 photo of an Armenian church in Trabzon, which was used as an auction site and distribution Soldier ‘Simply Got center of confiscated Armenian belongings and property after the Armenian Genocide the “mega goals” of Armenian governments in the period until 2050. He also said that Lost’ in Azerbaijan the country’s population by then should Ninth Circuit: Claims Based grow from today’s 3 million to 5 million. YEREVAN (Panorama.am) — An investigation is In an interview on Friday, August 9, underway to find out how Artsakh Defense Army On Armenian Genocide Not Avinyan said that in order to meet the GDP serviceman Arayik Ghazaryan ended up in growth target by 2050 Armenia’s economy Azerbaijan, Defense Minister Davit Tonoyan told needs to annually grow by 9.5 percent on reporters on Tuesday, August 13. Revived by Statute average, which, according to the official, is Tonoyan said he believes the 19-year-old service- quite doable. man just got lost. LOS ANGELES (Metropolitan News-Enterprise) — Although the United States “If corresponding efforts are made what The defense chief dismissed Azerbaijani media has never recognized that the Armenian Genocide occurred, the Ninth U.S. today seems unrealistic will become possi- reports alleging the serviceman deserted his mili- Circuit Court of Appeals has found that it did take place, in 1915-23, but on ble in the very near future,” said Avinyan. tary position due to ‘inhumane treatment’ towards August 7 held that two 2010 lawsuits based on confiscation of property by the Armenia’s economy expanded by 5.2 percent him as yet another Azerbaijani disinformation. Ottoman Empire, now Turkey, are time-barred, despite a in 2018. The International Monetary Fund pre- “I have an inner conviction that he has simply California statute of limitation setting a 2016 deadline dicts a 4.5-percent GDP growth for Armenia got lost,” the minister said. for court actions. this year, while the country’s Central Bank Tonoyan said they have applied to international The opinion, by Circuit Judge Andrew D. Hurwitz, expects the Armenian economy to grow structures, including the International Committee affirms the dismissal of suits brought by two sets of between 4.6 and 6.1 percent in 2019. of the Red Cross, to help arrange his return. descendants of genocide victims against two Turkish Vice-Premier Avinyan, meanwhile, Private Arayik Ghazaryan abandoned his military national banks, seeking imposition of constructive expressed confidence that Armenia will be position on Monday, at around 12 p.m., only to appear trusts on real property that was seized and an account- able to get on track for fulfilling the ambi- in Azerbaijan. ing in connected with looted assets. tious goals through reforms to be carried in Also sued was the Republic of Turkey, but only the Judge Dolly Gee the coming years. dismissal as to the banks was appealed. Nazarian Appointed “I think that with in-depth reforms and That dismissal occurred in 2013, with District Court overall budget revisions in the next few Judge Dolly Gee of the Central District of California declaring that the question Portugal Ambassador years these existing inertial approaches will of whether the genocide took place was a non-justiciable “inherently political be completely changed, and in particular YEREVAN (Armenpress) — President of Armenia question.” She did not determine whether the actions were timely. with the introduction of an inclusive eco- Armen Sarkissian appointed Ambassador of see CONFISCATION, page 8 nomic growth model, with the expansion of Armenia to the Holy See Garen Nazarian see GOALS, page 3 Ambassador to Portugal (dual accreditation), the president’s office announced on August 9. Nazarian was appointed ambassador to the Holy Iranian President Invited to Attend See by Sarkissian on December 28, 2018. Nazarian was deputy foreign minister of Armenia (2014-2018). He was the chief Armenian Negotiator EEU Summit In Yerevan for the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement with the European Union (2015-2017) CHOLPON-ATA, Kyrgyzstan (RFE/RL) attend the session for signing the agree- and co-chaired the Global Forum against the Crime — Iranian President Hassan Rohani has ment if it is drafted by that time. of Genocide held in Yerevan in 2015 and 2016. been invited to attend a summit of a “I had the consent of the heads of all In 2009, Nazarian was appointed Armenia’s Russian-led economic grouping, which is to EEU member states on that,” Pashinyan ambassador to the United Nations in New York. be held in Yerevan, Armenia, this fall. said, asking his colleagues to “maximally This was announced by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan who made open- ing remarks at the Inter-Governmental Britain Appoints Ethnic Council of the Eurasian Economic Union INSIDE (EEU) that took place in Cholpon-Ata, Armenian as New Kyrgyzstan, on Friday, August 9. Ambassador to Yerevan Armenia currently presides over different bodies of the organization that embraces Its Burgersky to LONDON (RFE/RL) — The British Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia and government has appointed an ethnic Kyrgyzstan and Pashinyan spoke as the Armenian diplomat as the United chair at the meeting, presenting the results You, Comrade Kingdom’s new ambassador to Armenia. of his recent visits abroad and negotiations A government statement released in the context of the EEU. Iranian President Hassan Rohani on Monday, August 12, said Alan As quoted by his press office, the Page 13 Gogbashian will replace Judith Armenian prime minister reported on his Farnworth, a fellow diplomat who talks in Vietnam and Singapore. He said speed up” the procedures ahead of the has served as British ambassador in that he, in particular, discussed the possi- Yerevan summit. Yerevan for the last four years. bility of signing a free trade agreement “In accordance with agreements with the INDEX Gogbashian has headed various between the EEU and Singapore. heads of EEU-member states I also invited Arts and Living ...... 13 divisions at the British Foreign Office Yerevan is to host a session of the the president of Iran to attend the session Armenia ...... 2-4 since 2014. He was Britain’s deputy Supreme Eurasian Economic Council to be of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Community News...... 6 head of mission in Morocco from attended by Russian President Vladimir Council that will take place in Yerevan,” Editorial ...... 18 2011-2014. Putin and other leaders of the post-Soviet said the Armenian premier, apparently International ...... 5 see AMBASSADOR, page 20 economic grouping. Pashinyan said that referring to his talks with the Iranian leader Singapore’s prime minister is ready to see SUMMIT, page 20 2 S ATURDAY, AUGUST 1 7 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARMENIA News From Armenia

Armenia Participates in UN Forum on Children In Armed Conf licts NEW YORK — On August 2, Permanent Representative of Armenia to the United Nations, Mher Margaryan participated in the United Nations Security Council open debate on “Children and armed conflict.” Close to 80 delegations took part in the meeting presided by the Foreign Minister of Poland Jacek Czaputowicz. Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict A wildfire in the Arevik nature reserve, August 12. (Photo by the Armenian Ministry of Emergency Situations.) Virginia Gamba and Executive Director of UNICEF Henrietta Fore briefed on the issues of protection of children in conflict situations. In his statement Margaryan underscored that Major Wildfire Rages in Armenia Armenia prioritizes the protection of children’s rights and referred to the steps undertaken by YEREVAN (RFE/RL) — Firefighters tained on Sunday morning. It said the Authorities struggled at the time to Armenia to ensure safety of schools located in bor- joined by army soldiers, police officers firefighting efforts there continued in extinguish fires that broke out in the der regions, including creation of safe rooms and and forestry workers battled a major the following hours, involving about 70 Vayots Dzor province and the Khosrov shelters in cooperation with the International wildfire in southeastern Armenia for firefighters as well as 30 soldiers, 45 forest reserve southeast of Yerevan in Committee of Red Cross. the second consecutive day on Monday, police officers and dozens of civilian the space of two days. The ambassador drew the attention of the Council August 12. workers. Arevik’s mountainous terrain The Khosrov blaze was particularly to the deliberate targeting of civilian population and According to the Armenian Ministry is complicating the use of heavy equip- serious, with hundreds of hectares of infrastructure of Nagorno-Karabakh and bordering of Emergency Situations, it erupted on ment, added the statement. woodland burned as a result. It was put regions of Armenia, as a result of which civilians and Sunday afternoon in a forest several Minister of Emergency Situations out with the help of a heavy water-drop- children had been killed and injured. He emphasized dozen kilometers north of Meghri, a Felix Tsolakian discussed the operation ping aircraft sent by the Russian that rejecting the creation of an investigative mech- small town located near the country’s with his top subordinates at an emer- Ministry of Emergency Situations at the anism to identify cease-fire violations, which would border with Iran. gency meeting held on Sunday evening. Armenian government’s request. contribute to reducing the risks to life of civilians A ministry statement said the fire They formed a special task force to deal Tsolakian’s ministry has reported and children, is beyond any justification. destroyed around 12 hectares of mostly with the emergency. dozens of small-scale wildfires in vari- wooded land belonging to the Arevik It was the most serious forest fire ous parts of the country, including Jivan Avetisyan’s Film nature reserve by the time it was con- reported in Armenia since August 2017. Yerevan, in the last few months. ‘Gate to Heaven’ to Premiere in October YEREVAN (Panorama.am) — The production of COAF Breaks Ground for Conference Jivan Avetisyan’s “Gate to Heaven” film is nearing its completion after three years. Days ago, the film authors revealed the official trailer and announced Center in Lori Province upcoming dates for the premiere. As the film’s Facebook page reports, the film will premiere in DEBET, Armenia — On August 8, and Grigor Haykazyan. Charitable Fund (COAF) is a non-profit, Yerevan and Stepanakert in October this year and COAF Conference Center groundbreak- The ceremony had a lively turn-out non-governmental organization that then will be screened in Los Angeles in March, 2020. ing ceremony took place in Debet com- when all the guests were offered to employs community-led approaches “Gate to Heaven” centers on Robert Stenvall, a munity, Lori. The construction of the wield shovels to mark the territory aimed at improving the quality of life in European journalist, who returns to Artsakh in 2016 center was initiated by Children of where the Center would be construct- rural Armenia, with a particular focus to cover the April Four-Day war. During his time in Armenia Charitable Fund (COAF). ed, after which the deputy governor on children and youth. COAF’s target Artsakh, Stenvall meets Sophia Martirosyan a young The Conference Center by COAF is one Gayane Markosyan expressed hope that development areas are education, opera singer and daughter of a missing photojour- of the important infrastructures of COAF collaboration between COAF and healthcare, social and economic devel- nalist Edgar Martirosyan whom Robert left behind in SMART Campus, along with the COAF captivity in the village during the fall of Talish in SMART Center and the Concept Hotel. 1992. The film will feature Tatiana Spivakova, Sos The Center is a 1,826-sqm building Janibekyan, and Naira Zakaryan in lead roles and is with 20 guest rooms, 2 fully-equipped expected to begin production in August. conference rooms, a cafeteria, a profes- “Gate to Heaven” is a co-production of Armenia, sional kitchen and a leisure and meet- Lithuania. Finland, and France. ing room. It will host summits, confer- ences, corporate retreats, expositions, exhibitions and other events. Russian-Azerbaijani- During the groundbreaking ceremo- Iranian Summit Delayed ny, COAF managing director Korioun Khatchadourian mentioned that one of MOSCOW (Panorama.am) — A summit between the main objectives of the center was the presidents of Russia, Azerbaijan and Iran, increasing economic development in Vladimir Putin, Ilham Aliyev and Hassan Rouhani, the region of Lori and transforming it has been postponed, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry into a sought-after tourist destination. Peskov told reporters on Monday, August 12, accord- “Another important goal is hosting ing to TASS. young people from various regions of “The summit between the presidents of Russia, Armenia and all over the world. They Azerbaijan and Iran, which had been scheduled for can stay here and participate in the The groundbreaking ceremony for the COAF Conference Center in Debet this week, was delayed due to technical reasons,” camps and other events organized at Peskov said. the COAF SMART Center,” The first summit in this format was held in Baku Khatchadourian said. regional administration would be long- opment. COAF launched its programs in August 2016, at the initiative of the Azerbaijani Thus, the Conference Center by lasting. “You are doing a great job by in 2004, starting in one village and leader. The presidents focused on joint economic COAF will expand the opportunities having your input into the advancement expanding to 51 villages in Armavir, projects and regional security issues. After the sum- provided by COAF SMART Campus, of rural communities,” she said. “The Aragatsotn, Lori, Gegharkunik, Shirak mit, the leaders adopted a joint declaration, con- boosting the educational and economic center will hopefully attract more and and Tavush regions. firming the intention to develop trilateral coopera- progress of rural communities. more visitors to Lori region.” Since 2015 COAF has developed and tion. The document concerned such spheres of coop- A number of prominent guests and “And let’s not forget about the core started implementing a new vision – eration as joint anti-terror fight, ironing out region- COAF representatives attended the idea of the building,” Koryun COAF SMART Initiative. COAF SMART al conflicts, cooperation in the Caspian region, devel- groundbreaking ceremony, including Khatchadourian added. “The construc- is designed to advance a generation oping ties in the spheres of energy, transport and Lori region deputy governor Gayane tion itself might be fascinating but across the rural world through educa- others. Markosyan, COAF board of trustees what’s more important is the “content” tion that will benefit individuals, soci- The last summit between Russia, Iran and chairman Richard Bezjian, COAF that is has to offer to visitors.” eties and the environment. COAF Azerbaijan was held on November 1, 2017 in founder’s representative and senior The Conference Center by COAF will SMART will become an exemplary Tehran. The leaders of three countries discussed a advisor Erik Gyulazyan, COAF senior be designed and constructed by model of development and will be repli- range of issues, including cooperation in the energy advisor Haig Boyadjian, Kanaka con- d’Arvestanots architecture studio and cated in other regions and communities sphere, the Syrian settlement and cooperation in the struction company director Hayk Kanaka construction company. The throughout Armenia. The first COAF Caspian region. Hovivyan, mayor of Debet Ashot construction will be completed, and the SMART Center was inaugurated on Ghazaryan, former mayor of Debet conference venue will be fully opera- May 27, 2018 near the village of Debet, Ararat Kocharyan, architects from tional by the end of 2020. Lori Region, with an outreach to over d’Arvestanots studio Arsen Karapetyan The “Children of Armenia” 150,000 rural residents. S ATURDAY, AUGUST 1 7 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 3 ARMENIA Technovation Armenia 2019 Program Concludes with Awards

YEREVAN — Technovation Information Society NGO online. The Armenia 2019 held its award cere- latter’s president and founder, Narine mony in June. This was the third Abazian, said that these discussions year of this program organized in have been significant for the NGO. Armenia by the Women and They led to Simonian joining the team Information Society NGO and the of judges for Technovation Armenia National Institute of Education in 2019. In addition to evaluating the Armenia. It allows schoolgirls to submission packages of the teams for create mobile applications address- the competition, he shared his experi- ing social issues in their communi- ence and expertise with the teams for ties. Since 2017, over 122 such further development of their mobile apps have been developed by pro- applications. gram participants, and over 242 The online discussions also laid the teams from villages, towns and foundation for partnership with a cities from all provinces of large American company called Armenia have participated, using Service Titan. The company was the App Inventor program devel- founded by American-Armenians Vahe oped by the Massachusetts Kuzoyan and Ara Mahdesyan and has Institute of Technology (MIT). become the world’s leading all-in-one The underrepresentation of software for home service businesses. women in information and com- Partnership with Service Titan munications technology (ICT), Participants in the Technovation Armenian 2019 ceremony The 2019 prizes were awarded by especially in managerial positions the head of Service Titan’s Armenia and decision-making processes in office Ashot Tonoyan. He delivered a Armenia is clear. The Woman and Information (which is one of the five schools in Armenia teams reached the semi-final phase in message from his company’s co-founder Vahe Society NGO works to change that through and Artsakh supported by the Sponsor a Armenia. There were four winning senior Kuzoyan to all the participants and highlight- education in all of Armenia’s provinces. Its Teacher Program of the Tekeyan Cultural teams, sponsored by the company Service ed the importance of the Technovation pro- founder and president Narine Abazian Association of the United States and Canada) Titan, and three junior teams, sponsored by gram for Armenia. Kuzoyan in his video mes- declared, “We do not have the right to lose the received the international grand prize for its Synopsys Armenia. President of Synopsys sage shared his life experiences and encour- talent of women in ICT. Women’s empower- Armenian sign language application in the cat- Armenia, Technovation Armenia Good Will aged the girls to challenge themselves and ment in ICT guarantees women’s financial sta- egory of education, and was invited to Silicon Ambassador Yervant Zorian and the Director open up the magical world of technology. He bility, which serves the prosperity of the coun- Valley to participate in the international of Synopsys Armenia CJSC and Chair of the said women should have their place in the try.” Her NGO initiated Technovation Armenia awards ceremony. Executive Board of the State Engineering development of their communities. in 2017. Technovation (www.technovation.org) The next year, in 2018, one of the semifinal- University of Armenia (SEUA) Hovik As Kuzoyan said in one of his interviews, is the world’s largest technology entrepreneur- ist teams, Codice Puellis, was nominated as a Musayelyan congratulated the teams and “Our roots are in Armenia and it’s really impor- ship competition for schoolgirls. Its introduc- winner in the Sevan Startup Summit 2018 for handed them financial awards to further tant for us to not only have a presence here, develop the mobile applications. All seven but to invest in the community. Our intention teams received participation tickets to the is to contribute to the education of the labor international competition. force and provide opportunities so the best tal- The acting Deputy Chief of Mission of the ent doesn’t have to leave the country.” US Embassy in Armenia Robert Anderson The Service Titan Armenia office expressed greeted the participants of the ceremony and its readiness to mentor the teams by share=ing extended to them US Ambassador to Armenia skills and practice with Technovation Armenia Lynn M. Tracy’s message and best wishes to participants to empower and motivate them to the program participants. Furthermore, pursue their career in the IT sector. Executive Director at UEICT (Union of Kuzoyan hopes to create an environment Employers of Information and and culture in Armenia that is an extension of Communication Technologies) Edward Service Titan’s US operation, which provides Musayelyan in his greeting speech empha- competitive compensation and several benefits sized and valued highly the hard work per- and perks to employees, and the dedication to formed by the teams and expressed his will- helping people find long-lasting careers. ingness to support the teams in the future Another goal is to help develop the Armenian through mentorship and counselling. tech workforce so the country does not suffer Together4Armenia and Raffi Simonian from a shortage of talent. In 2018, the Women and Information Technovation Armenia 2019 supporters Society NGO received a grant from the Technovation Armenia 2019 was financed by

Regional Grand Prize winning team sponsored by Synopsys Armenia with President of Synopsys Armenia, Technovation Armenia Good Will Ambassador Yervant Zorian, far left, and Director of Synopsys Armenia CJSC and Chair of the Executive Board of the State Engineering University of Armenia (SEUA) Hovik Musayelyan, far right tion to Armenia granted girls a chance to the app “1 of U,” which was created for chil- reveal their potential using MIT’s online pro- dren with autism. Afterwards, the team gram. became the European Youth Award 2018 Technovation Armenia produced success sto- Finalist. ries, even during the first year of the program. In Technovation Armenia 2019, 420 school- In 2017, the One Step Ahead girls’ team from girls and 93 mentors were registered from all the Vahan Tekeyan School in Karbi village over Armenia, forming 91 teams. Of these, 51 Pashinyan Government Defends ‘Mega-Goals’

GOALS, from page 1 education and healthcare services when we will be working to develop the human capital, I am sure it can’t but yield its serious results in the future,” he said. “Perhaps it won’t happen in the next few years, but after that when some deep changes Ashot Tonoyan of Service Titan, left, with one of the winning senior teams sponsored by Service are made in the system of education, science, in the sphere of high technologies, health- Titan OR 5. Ashot Tonoyan of Service Titan, second from left, with one of the winning senior teams sponsored by Service Titan care, I am confident that this can’t but yield some serious results,” Avinyan added. Earlier, some economists voiced skepticism over the government’s vision of its future goals. Economist Bagrat Asatryan, who served as governor of Armenia’s Central Bank in 1994- European Union funded Bringing Real Impact a grant from the Public Affairs Section (PAS) 1998, for instance, said that in order to expand its economy 15-fold by 2050 Armenia will with Diaspora and Global Engagement of the US Department of State through the US need to dramatically accelerate its growth rates. (Bridge4CSOs) launched by the Armenian Embassy in Yerevan and supported by the “At the current rate of growth we will at best quadruple our GDP in 30 years’ time,” he said. General Benevolent Union (AGBU) to imple- Service Titan company, Synopsis Armenia Anticipating skeptical assessments by economists and analysts, Pashinyan stressed in his ment Technovation Armenia 2018 and became Company, Union of Employers of Information speech on August 5 that after achieving “the impossible” during the 2018 Velvet a Together4Armenia (https://together4arme- and Communication Technologies, the UN Revolution, Armenians are no longer interested in “what is possible.” nia.am/) beneficiary. Office in Armenia, Unicomp Company, the “What is possible to implement is no longer interesting for us. We are interested in what Together4Armenia Armenian-American American University of Armenia, Enterprise everyone considers to be impossible to realize. Because the Armenian people have already expert Raffi Simonian, with rich experience in Incubator Foundation, Physmath school, realized what is impossible!” he underscored. Internet technology both as a programmer and Ararat bank, Volterman company and Onex a business management supervisor, has been company. collaborating with the Woman and 4 S ATURDAY, AUGUST 1 7 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARMENIA Bari Mama - Supporting Disabled, Underprivileged, Abandoned Children and Mothers

An interview with Bari Another successful activity of Bari Tnak is Santa House, an annual Christmas project run Mama co-founder Marina on the premises of Bari Tnak where the theme of the activities is Christmas; it features an elves Adulyan factory for crafting ornaments and handmade presents, a Santa’s workshop, etc. Challenges: During the past three years Bari Tnak faced a number of challenges which need- By Joseph Dagdigian ed to be addressed. Our maintenance and over- head costs were too high, mostly due to rent. YEREVAN — Bari Mama is an organization Because we were dependent on using the which provides support to disabled, underprivi- premises of our partners we had to change loca- leged, and abandoned children and their moth- tions frequently. We needed more space for ers. Following is a slightly edited interview with therapies and had to rely on our partners for co-founder, Mrs. Marina Adulyan (MA), by facilities again. Joseph Dagdigian (JD). it became clear that in many cases mothers JD: Please tell us about yourself, how and want to keep their children, however they are when you co-founded Bari Mama, and who the pressured by the families (husbands, in-laws, etc), other co-founder is. Is Bari Mama an official and due to financial dependency have no way of Armenian NGO? staying with their children. Space was not avail- MA: Bari Mama was launched in 2014 initial- able to cater for the needs of mothers with new- ly as an informal online network of mothers, born children, who often needed special equip- and established itself as a non-profit in 2015, ment, furniture, or medical intervention. Two mothers with children staying at Bari Doon, physical therapist in back founded by Marina Adulyan, a professor of Bari Tnak: Thus the idea of building our own Greek Studies of YSU, and Inessa Muradyan, Bari Tnak multifunctional facility was devel- Governance Programs and Business oped. This is a complex of two buildings, locat- provides work referrals to partners/sponsors accessible, and secure camping site. Development Manager at the British Council. ed in the town of Jrvezh. One building is pri- Commercial Activities: Our commercial The camp has been a great opportunity for This was triggered by a case of a new-born marily for the mothers of children with disabili- fundraising components of activities include taking the children out of their gloomy routine abandoned by his biological family due to a ties. The second building is for older children providing rental facilities for social gatherings at the orphanage where, due to mobility physical disability (3 missing limbs). Support with disabilities who are leaving the orphan- and corporate events. The second building restraints, some of them don’t even have a was immediately provided to the new-born and ages and need a place to live. which is currently under construction will fea- chance of going for a walk outside the building. work initiated with the family. Similar cases Land for the Bari Tnak facility was bought ture a café, craft production facilities, and a sou- For some children who have parents but still were discovered in due course (1-2 cases week- for us by a local Paradiplomacy NGO. The first venir gift shop. reside in the orphanage, mostly due to eco- building was built through Clients and Staff: Currently women find out nomic issues, it has been a good bonding exer- a Social Enterprise support about us through word of mouth or through cise also resulting in some cases in the reunifi- project funded by AGBU those doctors/nurses who informally cooperate cation of families with the establishment of and the EU. Also other pri- with us. some support mechanisms. vate donations, in kind con- At the moment there are four mothers with The children are 7-18 years old. They are usu- tributions from sponsors, children with disabilities like Down Syndrome ally accompanied by their institutional repre- donations from construc- and Cerebral Palsy housed in Bari Tnak. This sentatives, or sometimes their parents. Our vol- tion companies, etc as well number will grow once the formal project with unteers and therapists also work with the chil- as fundraising campaigns the Ministry of Health is launched and infor- dren throughout their stay. Normally each funded the project. mation is officially provided to parents and fam- group visits the camp for 7 – 10 days, and we Construction of the sec- ilies of children with disabilities. run 2 or 3 groups every year depending on the ond building has been start- The government was always supportive of funds raised and the weather conditions. ed with the funds raised by our activities and efforts but didn’t provide any Currently we are building a container house, Serj and Angela Tankian. other support. Recently, however, we signed an which we raised funds for through a local spon- However a significant MOU with the Ministry of Health, the Ministry sor, the Chronimet Mining Company. In the amount is still required to of Social and Labor Issues, as well as with meanwhile the children are staying in tents and complete the building. UNICEF in order to formalize our services and sleeping bags which is an inconvenient solution Children at Bari Amar Camp Social Services: Bari support, as well as to provide training to med- for the cold and windy Sevan nights. Ideally we Tnak is a social enterprise, ical personnel and to introduce a psychological are looking to build a more comfortable site which intends to use sever- support facility in the postnatal departments. with fixed housing and basic conveniences. ly on average) and the need for a support orga- al commercial components to support its sus- The staff of Bari Mama serves mostly on a vol- These could also be rented for a fee by tourists nization was identified. The first baby with the tainability as a social initiative. The social com- untary basis. The only paid staff members are during times when there are no children there. missing limbs was returned to its biological fam- ponents include shelters for mothers who feel the therapists and project coordinators, hired This would serve as an additional source of ily within a year. Since then over 100 children pressure, or experience violence, from their fam- temporarily through specific partner funded funding for the NGO and for the camp’s sus- have been either reunited with their families or ilies for attempting to keep their children with projects tainability. prevented from entry into an institution. disabilities. Shelters provide therapy, free reha- JD: Please describe the program which JD: Please list the needs of Bari Mama and JD: Please indicate the programs Bari bilitation services, and psychological support takes children from poor families for a vaca- Bari Doon, such as financing, equipment, etc. Mama conducts. for parents and children. Various social pro- tion at Lake Sevan. and what organizations have helped. MA: Bari Doon (Bari Tnak) started in 2015 as grams for the sustainability of these MA: Bari Amar Camp (aka Bari Camp) is MA: The AGBU, Serj and Angela Tankian, an inclusive children’s daycare facility providing parents/families includes vocational training another annual project that Bari Mama has and Chronimet foundation have supported us. development and entertainment programs both and work placement within Bari Tnak or with been implementing during the last 3 years. JD: How can Diaspora Armenians help? for children with disabilities, and for other chil- corporate sponsors. Every summer we take children with disabilities MA: They can donate clothes, food, or money dren who attended in return for a donation. Shelter for those over 18 years of age who from the orphanages, as well as other under- via paypal: [email protected] or con- Various events were organized; crafts were are leaving orphanages and have no place to go privileged children who are beneficiaries of our tact us at http://barimama.org/am/ or on being made, theatre performances and compe- is provided. There is a long waiting list for gov- partner institutions, on an inclusive camping Facebook, and send any amount to us. Because titions held, etc. All the proceeds from the dona- ernment provided social housing. Orphanage holiday near Lake Sevan. The locations of our every dollar counts tions went to the NGO’s main mission of pro- graduates are offered vocational training to partners were used. Then the Ministry of JD: What personal message would you like viding psychological, medical, and material sup- enable them to find work and become self-suffi- Environmental Protection granted us a private to tell the Diaspora. port to the families of children with disabilities cient. A work placement program helps provide shoreline at Lake Sevan where we are current- MA: Join us and help to close all the orphan- who faced the risk of being abandoned. work at the Bari Tnak cafe/souvenir shop and ly trying to establish facilities for a convenient, ages. Let children stay with their families. Armenia Slams Azerbaijan Over Ceasefire Violations Correction YEREVAN (RFE/RL) — Armenia has accused the ceasefire by Azerbaijan contradict the com- snipers along the line of contact and the state Azerbaijan of dishonoring its commitments to mitments to maintain and strengthen the cease- border,” Naghdalyan said. Due to an editing error, the name of strengthen ceasefire after border incidents over fire that were made at the level of the leaders of The Foreign Ministry representative stressed a subject in an interview by Kevork the weekend in which at least one Armenian sol- the two states at the Vienna Summit on March that Yerevan condemns “the provocations that Keushkerian in last week’s edition of dier was killed and two others were wounded. 29. They disregard the statement adopted by the lead to human casualties and are accompanied the Armenian Mirror-Spectator was Armenian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Organization for Security and Cooperation in by Azerbaijan’s refusal to implement security and misspelled. Keushkerian had inter- Anna Naghdalyan said on Monday, July 29, that Europe’s (OSCE) Minsk Group Co-chairs follow- confidence-building measures aimed at maintain- viewed Judge Armenui Amy the recent violations show that authorities in ing their June 20 meeting in Washington with ing and strengthening the ceasefire.” Ashvanian. We regret the error. Baku have shown disregard for the obligations the [Armenian and Azerbaijani] foreign minis- In a statement released by Naghdalyan undertaken during the two countries’ leaders in ters, in which the parties were urged to strictly stressed that Azerbaijan’s actions “create a risk Vienna, Austria, earlier this year. adhere to their commitment to respect the cease- of increased tensions, for which the entire “The intentional and provocative violations of fire and refrain from provocative actions by using responsibility lies with the Azerbaijani side.” S ATURDAY, AUGUST 1 7 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 5 INTERNATIONAL Russian Security Chief Visits Armenia International News

YEREVAN (RFE/RL/Panorama.am) — Russia’s Security Council Secretary Nikolay Patrushev wrapped up on Artsakh Delegates Meet Tuesday, August 13, a two-day visit to With Australian Premier Armenia which focused on close defense and security ties between the two coun- SYDNEY (Armenpress) — Within the framework tries. of the working visit to Australia, the delegation head- Patrushev was reported to describe as ed by Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of “productive” his talks with his Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh Republic) Masis Armenian counterpart, Armen Mayilian met with Prime Minister of the Australian Grigoryan, when he met with Prime State of New South Wales Gladys Berejiklian on Minister Nikol Pashinyan at the end of August 1. the trip. During the meeting, the sides exchanged views on According to an Armenian govern- the development of cooperation and strengthening ment statement, Pashinyan and the ties between Artsakh and the State of New South Patrushev discussed not only Russian- Armen Grigoryan, left, with Nikolay Patrushev Wales, taking into account that the Parliament of Armenian relations but also the New South Wales recognized the Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh conflict as well as Artsakh in 2012. other “regional and international secu- the statement said without elaborating. ment to the Armenian military. Armenia The sides also touched upon issues related to the rity developments and challenges.” The It apparently referred to Russian arms also hosts a Russian military base. increase of the role of the Armenian Diaspora in pro- statement cited Pashinyan as saying supplies to Azerbaijan and Turkey During his meeting with Patrushev, moting the foreign policy agenda of Artsakh. that “strategic cooperation between which have raised concerns in Armenia. Pashinyan stressed that the strategic Mayilian presented the priorities of Artsakh’s for- Armenia and Russia is dynamically The current and previous Armenian gov- cooperation between Armenia and eign policy and the challenges in this sphere. developing.” ernments have been particularly wor- Russia is on the rise. The premier Berejiklian spoke of her recent visit to Armenia Pashinyan also noted that it is ried about Moscow’s large-scale defense attached importance to cooperation and the meetings she had there. Patrushev’s first visit to Yerevan since contracts with Baku. between the Security Councils of Mayilian noted that the people of Artsakh highly last year’s Velvet Revolution that Pashinyan condemned those deals Armenia and Russia against the back- appreciate Berejiklian’s activities aimed at promot- brought down Armenia’s former govern- and questioned the wisdom of ground of developing Armenian-Russian ing Pan-Armenian issues and invited her to visit ment. Armenia’s membership in the Collective strategic ties. The head of the Armenian Artsakh. Patrushev and Grigoryan praised the Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) government said joint efforts should be current state of bilateral military ties at when he was in opposition to the former made to ensure regional and interna- their separate talks. A statement by authorities in Yerevan. But after coming tional security and stability. Georgia Suspends Diesel Armenia’s National Security Council to power in May 2018 he has repeatedly Conveying Russian President Imports from Azerbaijan said they agreed on the need to set up ruled out his country’s withdrawal from Vladimir Putin’s and Prime Minister more Russian-Armenian defense enter- the CSTO and another Russian-led bloc, Dmitry Medvedev’s greetings to TBILISI (news.am) — Georgia suspends diesel prises. the Eurasian Economic Union. Pashinyan, Patrushev said he was happy imports from Azerbaijan, Georgian Public Television They also discussed “the issue of reg- Russia has long been the principle sup- to visit Armenia and to meet with reported. ulating arms sales to third countries,” plier of weapons and other military equip- Pashinyan and Grigoryan. According to the source, the decision was announced at a seminar organized by the Georgian Association of Oil Importers. From January 1, 2020, the use of Euro-4 diesel Istanbul-Armenian Singer to Visit Armenia fuel will be banned in Georgia. From this date, only diesel meeting Euro-5 standards will be used in the country. ISTANBUL (Panorama.am) — Istanbul- The singer’s first album features eight those songs, she replied: “We have numer- For this reason, diesel imports from Azerbaijan Armenian singer Maral Ayvaz, who traditional and modern Armenian songs ous colleges, churches, unions and choirs will be stopped in Georgia, while the diesel will be released her first album “Maral Gibi” and with new arrangements. The album also in Istanbul. We have many performances bought from Russia. her first music video, “Kusagi Yerki” (The stands out with its harmonious align- throughout the year, including concerts Song of the Fortune Teller) in June, is set ment of the modern and traditional of Armenian music.” to arrive in Armenia in the near future to Armenian musical instruments. The singer says she has started her Turkey Mulls Purchase present the album to her Armenian fans. Maral says the music director of the music career at a very young age by In an interview, the singer said several album is Istanbul-Armenian musician Ari attending the Lusavorich Choir, an Of Russia’s Su-35 jets concerts are planned in Armenia, but she Hergel, who arranged seven songs of the Armenian church choir, which has per- ISTANBUL (Panorama.am) — After the United is most excited about meeting with poet album. One of the songs is Anverç formed numerous concerts in Yerevan. States expelled Turkey from the F-35 jet program, Suren Muradyan, who has written the Khavar (Eternal Darkness). The singer “So, yes, I sing Armenian songs very Ankara is mulling over Russia’s offer to export Su-35 lyrics of The Song of the Fortune Teller. has written Armenian lyrics to the song often. I am planning to perform various fighters to their nation, ANI news agency reported “I will be giving concerts and other Picture/Agladıkça by renowned musi- solo performances to present my album,” on Tuesday, August 13. performances in the homeland. My cian Ara Dinkjian. Maral says. Turkey’s arms procurement agencies have report- biggest dream is to be in my homeland Asked whether she performs Armenian Meanwhile, the singer confesses it’s edly instructed the defense industry, the Air Force soon and to communicate with people,” songs in Istanbul frequently and whether not easy to perform Armenian music in Command and other parties concerned to assess Maral said. she faces any difficulties while performing Turkey, but it is also the case with other Russia’s proposal, reported the Yeni Safak newspa- countries with unique local languages. per while citing a military source. “It’s quite difficult to preserve the Positive feedback will kick-start negotiations with Armenian culture and traditions and Russia on the issue. speak and create in Armenian in a for- No official comments about the matter have been eign country. I and people like me have issued yet. chosen this difficult path, striving to In July, the US announced its decision to suspend always hold fast to our national values Turkey’s participation in the F-35 international pro- and to present them to people as much gram over Ankara’s purchase of Russian-made S-400 as we can,” she stressed. air defense systems. Speaking about the upcoming pro- Shortly thereafter, Russian state corporation jects, Ayvaz said she is due to take part Rostec said it was ready to export Su-35 fighters to in various community concerts, as well as Turkey if requested to do so. in a private concert marking the 90th anniversary of the Lusavorich Choir. The singer also unveiled her plans to Uruguay Foreign make another music video for another of the songs on the album and hoped to Minister Visits Armenia shoot the music video of one of her songs YEREVAN (Panorama.am) — Foreign Minister of in Armenia. “As I already said, I am Pictures of the damaged church Uruguay Rodolfo Nin Novoa was due to pay an offi- dreaming of performing in my homeland. cial visit to Armenia on Tuesday, August 13. With the help of God, I shall do that,” she On Wednesday, the foreign minister met with his said. Armenian counterpart Zohrab Mnatsakanyan, the Paylan to Treasure Hunters: If Only You Commenting on her Armenian roots, Armenian Foreign Ministry’s press service reported. Knew the Real Treasure Is the Church Itself Maral said her ancestors were from On the sidelines of his visit, Rodolfo Nin Novoa Constantinople and Sebastia, adding her was hosted by Armenia’s Prime Minister Nikol paternal grandfather was the founder of ISTANBUL (Panorama.am) — Armenian MP Garo Paylan, representing the Pashinyan. Istanbul-based Kulis theater magazine, pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP), took to Twitter to comment on He is also expected to meet with Health Minister theater worker Hagop Ayvaz. the attack against the historic Armenian church in Germush District of Urfa, Arsen Torosyan, High Commissioner for Diaspora “It’s a great honor to have patriotic Turkey by treasure hunters. Affairs Zareh Sinanyan and Yerevan Mayor Hayk parents who love culture. We would The MP shared the photos of the damaged church where treasure seekers Marutyan. speak Armenian, would listen to and sing have dug deep holes for gold and jewels, Ermenihaber reports. The minister of Uruguay visited Tsitsernakaberd Armenian songs in my childhood home. “If only you knew that the real treasure is the church itself ... Thousands of Memorial Complex to pay tribute to the memory of So, I first heard and learned our wonder- churches in the country have been destroyed and continue to be destroyed by the Armenian Genocide victims. ful language in my family. Now I contin- thieves and vandals,” Paylan said. ue preserving those traditions in my own little family,” she said. 6 S ATURDAY, A UGUST 1 7 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Community News

Highest-Ranking EPIC Armenian-American in US Administration to Entrepreneurs Be Keynote Speaker at Assembly Conference Travel to WASHINGTON — The Armenian Assembly of Silicon Valley America announced recently that Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) Acting SAN FRANCISCO — A group of student President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) startup entrepreneurs from the David Bohigian will be the keynote speaker at Entrepreneurship and Product Innovation the Assembly’s National Advocacy Conference Center (EPIC) of the American University of luncheon on Monday, September 16. Bohigian Armenia (AUA) recently returned from a ten- is the highest-ranking Armenian-American offi- day tour of Silicon Valley. The students were cial in the current Administration, appointed by able to experience the global center of tech- President Donald Trump. nology, innovation, investment, and social OPIC is a self-sustaining US Government media, meet with cutting-edge technology agency that helps American businesses invest in companies, network with other entrepre- emerging markets. The US agency provides neurs, and participate in workshops and sem- financial products such as loans and guar- inars with world leaders in sectors such as anties, political risk insurance, and support for business and the tech ecosystem. This trip, investment funds, all of which help American made possible through funding by EPIC businesses expand into emerging markets. benefactor Sara Chitjian, was immensely “Mr. Bohigian’s insights on OPIC’s mission enlightening and students returned with new and perspective from his visit to Armenia will ideas and inspiration for their projects and give conference participants a better under- businesses. standing of US support of economic develop- During this tour, the group visited high- ment opportunities in Armenia in support of profile, cutting-edge companies such as this young democracy,” Assembly Executive Google, Amazon, Facebook, PayPal and Director Bryan Ardouny stated. “The Armenian Nvidia as well as fast-emerging companies Assembly of America strongly supports US ini- like Doordash, Eat Club, EyeQue, Pinterest, tiatives to help provide opportunities in AECP Founder and President Dr. Roger Ohanesian overlooks an eye screening and Parkstash. They also had meetings at Armenia and strengthen its economy, in addi- Silicon Valley’s leading startup incubators, tion to having a strong record in promoting US- including UC Berkeley SkyDeck and Draper Armenia relations, including the advancement University. Company visits were complement- of democracy, rule of law, and good gover- Hundreds Travel to Attend ed by lectures and presentations on personal nance.” and professional growth, developing an entre- Bohigian has served as acting president and preneurial mindset, and starting a business. CEO since March 2019, and was executive vice AECP-CHLA Medical The students were housed at San Jose State president since August 2017, when he was University and many of the business presen- sworn in by the Senate. This year, Bohigian and tations also were hosted by the university. Ivanka Trump launched OPIC’s 2X Africa ini- Conference in Yerevan The impact of the trek on AUA students tiative to support investment in women in was apparent. “The Silicon Valley trip was Africa. From 2002 to 2009, Bohigian held sev- LOS ANGELES/YEREVAN — Volunteer physicians from the Armenian truly a life-changing experience,” said AUA eral senior positions at the US Department of EyeCare Project (AECP) and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) hit the 2019 graduate and Breedge co-founder Liana Commerce under the George W. Bush adminis- ground running when they arrived in Armenia for the AECP’s Medical Mission Hakobyan. tration. As the Assistant Secretary for Market in July. “The trek overall was an exceptional expe- Access and Compliance in the International During the two-week trip, AECP Founder and President Dr. Roger V. rience for all of us,” said Irina Tirosyan (CSE Trade Administration, he focused on eliminat- Ohanesian, CHLA Vision Center Director Dr. Thomas Lee, Orange County ‘19). “Attending lectures, meeting new star- ing barriers to trade and investment for US Glaucoma Physician Dr. Richard Hill and other traveling ophthalmologists from tups, and learning more about top companies companies. Prior to that, he was the Director of the US spent their time training local physicians and medical staff by seeing were especially helpful in shaping our entre- the Department of Commerce’s Office of Policy patients and discussing difficult cases as well as overseeing the several pro- preneurial mindset and exposing us to inno- and Strategic Planning as the lead economic grams put in place by the AECP. vation. Such opportunities come once in a and energy advisor to two Secretaries. Working together with CHLA and the Ministry of Health of Armenia, the lifetime.” OPIC has a long history of supporting devel- AECP held its 17th AECP-CHLA International Conference on Ophthalmology, During a visit to PayPal, the students were opment in Eurasia, and was an early investor in Neonatology and Endocrinology in Yerevan during its Mission trip. introduced to PayPal’s Innovation Incubator the newly independent states in the 1990s fol- More than 400 medical professionals including ophthalmologists, neonatolo- and were introduced to the latest FinTech lowing the fall of Communism. Today this gists, endocrinologists and others participated in the two-day conference. innovation. Participants visited Pinterest region remains critical to American foreign pol- Participants traveled from all over the world, from the United States to where the Senior Vice President of icy and OPIC continues to actively support England to Australia as well as several Central Asian and Eastern European Engineering Jeremy King, who also is the for- investment in the area. In 2019, OPIC imple- countries, to attend the conference and learn the latest practices in ophthal- mer chief technology officer of Walmart, mented a project on long-term home mortgage mology and affiliating spheres. The growing popularity and attendance of the shared the stages of his journey and how loans to households in the Republic of Armenia conference year after year signifies that Armenia is evolving into a knowledge Pinterest came to be. A highlight of the trip with First Mortgage Company III, and is expect- export and medical tourism destination. included a visit to Google, where the students ed to have a positive developmental impact by “I am glad that the Armenian EyeCare Project, with its partners, has been were introduced to their disruptive technolo- expanding the availability of mortgages to organizing international conferences in Armenia with professionals from dif- gies, including self-driving cars, the inner women and low-income/rural families in ferent local and world-renowned hospitals and universities for almost 20 years,” workings of Google Search, and how Google Armenia. Ohanesian said. “Through the EyeCare Project’s programs including our uses machine learning in Google Cloud. Other OPIC projects in Armenia in the past Mobile Eye Hospital, Regional Eye Clinics, Center of Excellence for the There were also visits to Stanford ten years include Eurasia Foundation (2016), Prevention of Childhood Blindness and other initiatives, we not only promote University and the University of California, WBC - Ardshinbank CJSC (2016), ACBA Credit the development of ophthalmology in Armenia but also create fertile soil for Berkeley. At Berkeley, the students discussed see BOHIGIAN, page 7 the creation of such programs in other areas of healthcare.” In the conference’s opening remarks, Deputy Minister of Health Anahit startup ecosystems and the potential within Avanesyan spoke of the immense work and dedication of the EyeCare Project Armenia with Dr. AnnaLee Saxenian, the over the past 27 years of its service to Armenia, referencing tens of thousands dean of the School of Information. The group of research, diagnostic and treatment interventions and surgeries; the intro- also visited the Amazon fulfillment center, duction of vitreoretinal surgeries for infants in the country; invaluable profes- where they witnessed the robot-enabled auto- sional and technical assistance and public education activities. “In short, a tire- mated workflow of the center. Perhaps most less job for the glory of the Motherland,” she said. eye-opening was a discussion and demonstra- tion at Nvidia, where the company’s stunning Meeting with Armenia’s Leadership vision of the future for artificial intelligence, Also of great importance were the many meetings AECP physicians partici- machine learning, gaming, and visual com- pated in with Armenia’s leadership, including Armenia President Armen puting – as well as the sophistication dis- Sarkissian, Minister of Health Arsen Torosyan and Deputy Minister of played by their innovation and technology – Education Arevik Anapiosyan. reinforced their position as an industry Armenian Assembly of America Executive At the meeting with Sarkissian, AECP physicians updated him on all the leader. Director Bryan Ardouny, OPIC Acting President Another highlight of the trek was networking and CEO David Bohigian, and Armenian see ACEP, page 10 Assembly of America Co-Chair Anthony with the vast Armenian diaspora community Barsamian within the Silicon Valley high technology see EPIC, page 7 S ATURDAY, A UGUST 1 7 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 7 COMMUNITY NEWS EPIC Entrepreneurs from Armenia Travel to Silicon Valley

EPIC, from page 6 and entrepreneurial scene. During compa- ny tours, the students were able to meet with numerous Armenian executives, technolo- gists, and employees. HyeTech, an Armenian organization at the center of the San Francisco Bay Area technology community, hosted a reception for our student entrepre- neurs to present their EPIC startups. The organization also facilitated discussion and networking at the Armenian-founded Vineti, Inc. office in San Francisco. “At almost every company we visited, we heard the same advice: ‘think ten times,’ which meant setting targets that are ten times greater than what we believe is achiev- able. That way, we may not only get further than expected but might also come up with new solutions that we wouldn’t have thought of previously,” said Sona Sharoyan, founder of EPIC startup BeautyBook (BAB ‘19). Raffi Sahakyan, a recent graduate of AUA’s College of Business and Economics, noted: “The Silicon Valley Industry Trek allowed me to investigate the corporate culture and work environment of companies like Google, Amazon, Facebook, Nvidia, and other indus- try leaders. During my four years of studies EPIC students with Dr. Michael Kouchakjian at AUA, we have read more than 100 case

studies of these companies. Now, we can draw our conclusions on these cases. The experience gained during the trip has the full potential to be applied in the Armenian busi- ness reality.” Throughout the trek, the students also heard lectures by San Jose State University professors on the differentiating aspects of Silicon Valley and insights on how to enter markets and accelerate the growth of compa- nies. During topical presentations, the stu- dents were introduced to cutting edge devel- opments in the fields of blockchain, artificial intelligence, smart mobility, the internet of things, and sharing economy. “I cannot wait to go to Armenia and imple- ment and share what I’ve learned,” remarked Alisa Chalakhyan (CBE ‘19). “This trip serves as a great motivation and inspiration for me, as well as helps me see my career growth clearer. In many ways it changed my life and my way of thinking. The experience and knowledge will hugely contribute to my per- sonal and professional development.” Besides business meetings, the students enriched their trip with leisure activities. The Entrepreneurship and Product Innovation Center (EPIC) is a platform of the American University of Armenia (AUA) for promoting entrepreneurial education, cross- disciplinary collaboration, and startup ven- ture incubation. EPIC provides an ecosystem for emerging entrepreneurs consisting of first-class facilities and collaborative work- space, programs and events, and a network of mentors, advisors, and investors. EPIC fos- ters the understanding and application of entrepreneurship in students and faculty at AUA to craft high-impact multidisciplinary ventures.

Highest-Ranking Armenian-American in US Administration to Be Keynote Speaker at Assembly Conference BOHIGIAN, from page 6 Agricole Bank CJSC (2014 & 2012), Promyshlenno-Stroitelny Investitsionny (2013), Marriott Hotel (2013), MicroVest Short Duration Fund, LP (2012), First Mortgage Company II (2012), and Ardshininvestbank (2009). In addition to the luncheon, the National Advocacy Conference and Gala includes panel discussions, meetings on Capitol Hill, and a con- gressional celebration on United States- Armenia relations. Tickets are available online at www.aimhye.com/events/tickets. 8 S ATURDAY, A UGUST 1 7 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS Ninth Circuit: Claims Based On Armenian Genocide Not Revived by Statute

CONFISCATION, from page 1 deported. In 2010, the plaintiffs in these con- There was, he proclaimed, no equitable forth exceptions to state immunity establishes pro- Attorneys’ React solidated actions, United States residents tolling, explaining: cedures for suing a foreign government. Yesterday’s decision evoked angered respons- descended from victims of The Genocide, sued “We have no doubt that The survivors of the He wrote: es from attorneys for the plaintiffs. the Republic of Turkey and two Turkish nation- Ottoman Empire’s atrocities experienced enor- “It is possible that the plaintiffs believed that Kathryn Lee Boyd of the downtown Los al banks, seeking compensation for property mous hardships after The seizure of their prop- any suit against The Republic of Turkey or its Angeles firm of Pierce Bainbridge Beck Price & taken from their ancestors almost a century erty. Indeed, we take as true the allegations in instrumentalities would have been futile until Hecht—representing three persons whose ances- ago.” the operative complaints that it “was impossible 1976….But, even if we assume that the plain- tors allegedly owned 122.5 acres of land that In 2006, the California Legislature enacted for Plaintiffs’ predecessors to seek compensa- tiffs’ claims were equitably tolled until 1976, the was confiscated—commented: S.B. 1524, authored by then-Sen. Jackie Speier tion for their stolen property or focus on any- plaintiffs do not explain why they should be “It is a sad day for Armenian Americans when (now a member of the U.S. House of thing but rebuilding their lives.” But. these tolled a further twenty-four years. Thus, even a U.S. court has stripped them of all access to Representatives). Codified as Code of Civil suits are brought not by the victims of the under the most charitable of assumptions, as justice, refused to consider or even recognize Procedure §354.45, it provides: Armenian Genocide, but rather by residents of the California legislature expressly recognized the extenuating circumstances of the Armenian “Any action, including any pending action the United States long removed from its car- in passing § 354.45, the plaintiffs’ claims Genocide, and left them with no remedy against brought by an Armenian Genocide victim, or nage, many of whose predecessors relocated to against the Banks are time-barred.” Turkey, which continues to hold and use their the heir or beneficiary of an Armenian this country decades ago. And the current The case is Bakalian v. Central Bank of stolen property with impunity.” Genocide victim, who resides in this state, seek- plaintiffs do not allege any attempts to pursue Turkey, 13-55804. She said that the Ninth Circuit’s recognition ing payment for, or the return of, deposited these claims judicially prior to 2010.” Neil Michael Soltman of Mayer Brown LLP, that the holocaust did take place “is of signifi- assets, or the return of looted assets, shall not Hurwitz noted that the Foreign Sovereign who argued for the banks, did not respond to a cance” but remarked that the court failed to be dismissed for failure to comply with the Immunities Act (“FSIA”) became law in 1976. It sets request for comment consider that the official nonrecognition applicable statute of limitation, if the action is “would be an extenuating circumstance and filed on or before December 31, 2016.” tolling event under federal and state law.” The plaintiffs proceeded to sue in 2010 based Mark Geragos of the firm of Geragos & on that legislation. Geragos, also in downtown Los Angeles—who 2012 Decision represents the other set of plaintiffs—asserted: Hurwitz pointed to the Ninth Circuit’s 2012 “The Turkish Lobby has bought and paid for decision in Movsesian v. Victoria Versicherung the United States Executive Branch and State AG which invalidated a 2000 statute extending Department for decades. Sadly the Judicial the time for bringing certain insurance claims branch is left with very few options to remedy based on the Armenian Genocide. In an opinion the blatant mendacity of the Turkish lobbying for the court, sitting en banc, Circuit Judge machine.” Susan P. Graber said the statute was preempted Turkey insists the genocide did not occur. under the foreign affairs doctrine. In the opinion filed yesterday, Hurwitz wrote: Hurwitz’s Opinion “Our decision in Movsesian, issued while this Hurwitz said it did. He wrote: litigation was ongoing, foreordained the ulti- “From 1915 to 1923. in what is often referred mate outcome of the plaintiffs’ claims: they are to as the Armenian Genocide, the Ottoman time-barred. A ruling on these complex juris- Empire massacred, forcibly expelled, or dictional issues would thus in effect be an advi- marched to death 1.5 million of its Armenian sory opinion, because this case plainly cannot citizens, seizing the property of the dead and go forward even if there is jurisdiction.”

OBITUARY Mariam (Simavonian) Kostikian

BOSTON — Mariam (Simavonian) Kostikian, 93, passed away peacefully at the Armenian Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Jamaica Plain, on August 7. Mariam was the wife of the late Abgar Kostikian and the mother of Karpis Kostikian and his wife Lianoush of Watertown, Aracse Kurkjian of Weston and her late husband John Kurkjian and Khachatour Kostikian and his wife Takoush of Watertown. She will be remem- bered by her 7 grandchildren, Levon and Paul Ara Kurkjian; Derenig, Arthur, Apkar, David and the late Mari Kostikian; great-grandchil- dren, John, Alex, Grace, Alyssa, Eva, Mathis, F UNERAL H OME Gemma, Kiera, Shyla and Sienna. She was the Giragosian James “Jack” Giragosian, CPC sister of the late Simon Simavonian. Mark J. Giragosian The funeral service took place at St. James Funeral Counselors Armenian Church, 465 Mt. Auburn Street, Watertown, on Monday, August 12. Interment 576 Mt. Auburn Street, Watertown, MA 02472, TEL: 617-924—0606 followed at Ridgelawn Cemetery in Watertown. www.giragosianfuneralhome.com

Mary ‘Mimi’ Kalustian Telephone (617) 924-7400 Longtime Member of Holy Trinity Church Aram Bedrosian ARLINGTON, Mass. — Mary “Mimi” Kalustian passed away peacefully on August 6. She was 90. Funeral Home, Inc. She is survived by her husband Martin Kalustian; Continuous Service By The Bedrosian Family Since 1945 children Dr. Albert A. Kalustian and his wife Dr. Anita Lurantos of Manchester and James M. Kalustian of MARION BEDROSIAN Arlington. 558 MOUNT AUBURN STREET PAUL BEDROSIAN Funeral services were held at Holy Trinity Armenian WATERTOWN, MA 02472 LARRY BEDROSIAN Church, 145 Brattle St., Cambridge on Saturday, August 10. Interment followed at Newton Cemetery in Newton. Nardolillo Funeral Home Est. 1906 John K. Najarian, Jr. Donations Rhode Island’s Only Licensed Armenian Funeral Director Jirair Moughamian of Berkeley, Calif. Donated $100 to the weekly. Baikar 1278 Park Ave. Cranston, RI 02910 (401) 942-1220 Edward Babayan donated $250 to the weekly. Baikar 1111 Boston Neck Rd. Narragansett, RI 02882 (401) 789-6300 Armen McOmber donated $100 to the . Armenian Mirror-Spectator www.nardolillo.com S ATURDAY, A UGUST 1 7 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 9 COMMUNITY NEWS James L. Melikian L.A. Brother Scholarship Senate Urges Fund Established at Fresno State USAID to Continue FRESNO — Armenian Studies Program Director Prof. Barlow Der Mugrdechian Funding HALO announced this week that the James L. Melikian L.A. Brothers Scholarship fund has been newly established at Fresno State. A dona- Trust to Clear tion of $5,100 established the scholarship, which will be awarded to deserving Armenian Mines in students studying at Fresno State. The effort to establish the scholarship was led by Fresno State alumnus James L. Melikian, Artsakh who annually hosts a gathering of friends at his home to raise funds for charitable purposes. WASHINGTON — Twenty-two United Melikian (“The Popcorn Man”) established his States Senators signed a letter to the U.S. company, “The Popcorn Man,” in 1977. “The Agency for International Development Popcorn Man” provides school districts in (USAID) encouraging continued funding California and other states with healthy, nutri- to The HALO Trust to complete its mine tious items for the National School Breakfast clearance in Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh), and Lunch Program, the Child Care Program as reported the Armenian Assembly of well as the After School Snack Program. America. In 2014 Melikian was a recipient of the “The end of USAID’s funding threatens Fresno State “Top Dog” award, recognizing the lives and health of the people of outstanding alumni and he has been an active James L. Melikian, right, with Prof. Barlow Der Mugrdechian Nagorno-Karabakh as well as prospects supporter of both the Armenian Studies for peace in the region. We urge USAID to Program and the Department of Media, reconsider this decision,” the letter states. Communications, and Journalism at Fresno 1969 with a degree in mass communication and William Saroyan came to Fresno State to speak Led by Senate Foreign Relations State. He is also an Alumni Association Life journalism, and was president of the Hye to the Armenian students. Melikian is also Committee Ranking Member Robert Member and a Bulldog Foundation supporter. Society organization. A highlight of the Hye active in the community and in state and Menendez (D-NJ), the letter was signed by Melikian graduated from Fresno State in Society activities was when noted author national politics. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Senators Tammy Baldwin (D- WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Sherrod Brown (D- OH), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Robert Casey, Jr. (D-PA), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D- NY), Kamala Harris (D-CA), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D- TH OR), Christopher Murphy (D-CT), Jack Reed (D-RI), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Chris Van Hollen (D- MD), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Ron Wyden (D-OR). “This type of humanitarian assistance to support the victims of the Nagorno- Karabakh conflict has long been recog- nized as important and I believe it remains critical that we continue to sup- port demining efforts in the region,” said 1 Menendez. “As we made clear in our let- 9 ter, any changes to USAID’s commitment to complete the clearance of landmines and unexploded ordnances saving lives in Nagorno-Karabakh will be met with broad opposition in Congress.” The letter concludes: “As your SPONSOR A TEACHER agency’s... letter states, USAID-funded mine clearance in Nagorno-Karabakh has ‘made the region undoubtedly safer.’ IN ARMENIA AND ARTSAKH However, clearance work remains to be done and the people of Nagorno- Karabakh cannot afford to have that work Since its inception in 2001, ended or disrupted by a lack of funds. We strongly urge USAID to reconsider its the TCA Sponsor A Teacher decision to end funding for humanitarian Program has raised $709,500 landmine clearance in Nagorno-Karabakh at the end of the year.” and reached out to 6,427 “We commend the leadership of teachers and school staff Senator Menendez along with his col- leagues on this critically important in Armenia and Artsakh. humanitarian issue to help save lives in Artsakh. The Armenian Assembly of America applauds the efforts in the Senate and the House and greatly appre- ciates the work of The HALO Trust,” Assembly Congressional Relations Director Mariam Khaloyan stated. On Monday, August 5, 89 U.S. House of Representatives rallied together to sup- R R R R port The HALO Trust’s demining efforts in Artsakh, and sent a similar letter to USAID. “With thousands of land mines still left $200 $400 $600 $Other______in the ground, and families living daily in the shadow of death or devastating injury, this is no time for the United States to back away from its historic commitment to the people of Nagorno Karabakh,” The HALO Trust (USA) Executive Director Chris Whatley told the Assembly earlier. “We want to thank the Senate and House for responding so quickly to this impor- tant matter, and thank the Armenian Assembly of America for supporting this life-saving program,” he added. 10 S ATURDAY, A UGUST 1 7 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS Hundreds Travel to Attend AECP-CHLA Medical Conference in Yerevan

ACEP, from page 6 programs and initiatives implemented by AECP in Armenia. It was noted that in the first sever- al years of the AECP’s activities in Armenia, the organization aimed to provide immediate care and humanitarian assistance to those with neglected eye disease and vision issues. In recent years, more emphasis is being placed on preventative care and in particular the preven- tion of potential blindness due to the develop- ment of eye disease with time. Sarkissian thanked AECP physicians for their continued work and programs in Armenia as well as activities aimed at the development of ophthalmology in the country and wished them much success in their future initiatives for Armenia. “I am proud that our compatriots from the Diaspora cooperate with their counterparts in Armenia and share their experience and knowl- edge,” President Sarkissian said. Cutting-Edge Medical Platform in Development AECP physicians also met with Armenia Minister of Health Arsen Torosyan to discuss the latest advancements in Armenia’s health- care industry with respect to the EyeCare Project. This includes the recent launch of the AECP’s large-scale School Screening Program for children throughout Armenia and the cut- ting-edge new medical record system being developed by both CHLA and AECP to facilitate this program — the Avetis Child Health Hundreds gather at the AECP-CHLA 17th Outcome Platform. Avetis will have the capabil- ity to provide data visualization and analysis, collect data from any healthcare provider and Gyumri – with the fifth clinic to be opened in support both physician work and patients. the Vayots Dzor province by 2020. Torosyan In addition to these developments, AECP welcomed and praised the AECP’s work as a Country Director Nune Yeghiazaryan reported role model for health programs not only in that the AECP’s Mobile Eye Hospital is cur- Armenia but in other developing countries and rently traveling throughout Armenia to screen thanked them for their continuous cooperation. and treat those on the country’s poverty list. A meeting with the Ministry of Education Also, that the AECP, with cooperation from the also proved to be productive. AECP physicians Minister of Health, has developed and opened spoke to Deputy Minister of Education Arevik four Regional Eye Clinics throughout the coun- Anapiosyan regarding its large-scale School try – in the cities of Ijevan, Spitak, Kapan and Screening Program launched in Armenia late

AECP and CHLA physicians meet with Armenia President Armen Sarkissian

last year, reporting that 20,000 chil- dren in the country have already been screened through the initiative with more screenings scheduled. The program intends to screen every school-aged child in Armenia in hopes AECP and CHLA physicians meet with Armenia President Armen Sarkissian of early detection of eye disease and the prevention of possible blindness. Anapiosyan, too, emphasized that pre- vention of disease is of primary impor- tance. Additionally, she mentioned the importance of public education in schools, thanked the AECP for their efforts and expressed readiness to sup- port the organization in its activities in this sphere. The AECP also reported that the Avetis Child Health Outcome Platform is currently in development and will aid in collecting and providing information on the primary eye disorders found among the children screened in Armenia in order to detect and possi- bly prevent these diseases in the future. With steps to make preventative care a priority in Armenia — preventing eye disease from developing and possibly eliminating avoidable blindness in the country — the AECP looks to the glory Dr. Richard Hill, an ophthalmologist from Orange County From left to right, CHLA staff member; AECP Country Director Nune Yeghiazaryan; CHLA Vision of the Motherland and is proud of who’s traveled to Armenia with the AECP since the early Center Director Dr. Thomas Lee; AECP Founder and President Dr. Roger Ohanesian another successful Mission toward this 1990s, screens a patient on its most recent Mission greater goal for the country. S ATURDAY, A UGUST 1 7 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 11 COMMUNITY NEWS Armenian International Women’s Association LA Affiliate Presents Scholarship Awards at Annual Spring Luncheon

LOS ANGELES — Guests and members D.C. as desk assistant for “This Week with of the Los Angeles Affiliate of the Armenian David Brinkley,” followed by WJET-TV International Women’s Association (AIWA) (ABC) in Eric, PA; KCRA-TV (NBC) in gathered for the Hasmik Mgrdichian Sacramento and WTLC-TV (NBC) in Scholarship Spring Luncheon on June 8 at Jacksonville, Fla. Vogel joined Fox-News in the home of Jack and Zarig Youredjian. 2001 and currently serves as a Los Angeles- Guests enjoyed cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, based correspondent covering news stories. and an elaborate buffet graciously hosted Mgrublian reported on the many awards by Zarig Youredjian. Vogel has received through the years, Nicole Nishanian, president of AIWA-LA, including the Golden Mike Award for best welcomed the guests and expressed her broadcasting news coverage by a network; thanks and appreciation to Zarig Youredjian the Edwin R.Murrow Award; Regional for opening up her picturesque home in this Emmy Award for best newscaster; the magnificent scenic setting and for her hos- Pennsylvania Association Broadcasters pitality. “We are delighted to present the Award for best documentary; and the recip- recipients of the 2019 Hasmik Mgrdichian ient of a RIAS Fellowship Award in 2006, a Scolarship Awards and to recognize their German-American Journalism Exchange talent, ability, and perseverance to achieve Program, spending two weeks in Germany their career goals. We are also honored representing Fox News Channel. today to have as our Guest Speaker, our Vogel captivated the guests with her dear friend and supporter Anita Vogel, who remarks on her career. She focused on the needs no introduction and has had a distin- years she spent pursuing her career and the guished career as a noted journalist and many rejections she received from news sta- From left: Carla Khatchaturian, Vivian Kesedjian, Ani Aivazian , Zarig Youredjian and Rene newscaster for Fox-TV. Her rise and success tions throughout the United States. Her Arakelian. in the broadcast industry will justly serve as determination, diligence and tenacity were an inspiration to our young women.” finally rewarded with her position at ABC Margaret Mgrublian, vice president of Network News as Desk Assistant for This news wherever it is happening. majoring in the Teacher Education The highlight of the afternoon’s program Program and will graduate with a master’s was the presentation by Lily Balian, chair of degree in education. As a resident she will the Scholarship Committee, of the recipi- be a full-time elementary school teacher in ents of the 2019 Hasmik Mgrdichian the L.A. United School District., while con- Scholarship Awards. Balian introduced and tinuing to work on her Master’s Inquiry presented five of the six recipients receiving Project. $5,000 scholarships. In her remarks, Balian •Grace Raphaella Vertanessian, currently stated that the committee had the difficult a sophomore at UCLA, majoring in eco- task of selecting the recipients from the nomics, focusing on finance and interna- huge amount of applications that were tional economics; with a minor in French, received. Balian introduced, the following concentrating on writing and speaking five recipients who were present: skills and business culture. •Nora Galoustian, currently attending •Tatevik Kechiyants, who was not pre- UC Berkeley, majoring in molecular and cell sent, received her bachelor’s degree in lin- neurobiology and minoring in disciplinary guistics from YSLU, Armenia. She currently human rights; after completing her bache- is a graduate student in her first year at the lor’s degree, she will be applying to medical LLM program at USC Gould School of Law, school. specializing in American Law, arbitration •Meghmik Harabedian currently attends and mediation. CSU Fullerton majoring in communication The five recipients who were present sciences and disorders. Upon graduation enthralled the guests with their words of she plans to attend Loma Linda University thanks and appreciation for receiving the studying to receive a master’s degree in awards. Standing, left to right: Hermine Janoyan, Nicole Nishanian, President, AIWA-LA, Anita Vogel, communication sciences and disorders in In her closing remarks, Nicole Neshanian, Fox-TV Newscaster, Jean Kelegian; Seated, left to right; Joan Agajanian Quinn, Lily Balian order to become a certified speech-language President of AIWA-LA, thanked everyone pathologist. for being present and stated that the pro- •Tara Rose Kessedjian, currently a sopho- ceeds from this event would benefit the AIWA-LA, presented guest speaker Anita Week with David Brinkley, which was fol- more at UC Berkeley, as a physics major, with Women’s Shelter Program in Armenia. Vogel, and reflected on her illustrious lowed by associations with other network her goal to attain a degree in physics, spe- Nishanian expressed her thanks to Zarig career as a news correspondent. Mgrublian news in Pennsylvania, Sacramento and cializing in astrophysics and to continue to Yaredjian for also making a generous dona- pointed out that they were cousins and that Florida. Vogel’s association with Fox-TV graduate school to again a master’s degree in tion to the Women’s Shelter Program. they had enjoyed a longtime friendship. She News began in 2001 and continues and, in astrophysics and eventually a doctorate. For further information regarding AIWA- reviewed Vogel’s journalism career begin- her own words, she is ready with her suit- •Julie Poladian, currently a graduate stu- LA, contact AIWA-LA at ning at ABC Network News in Washington, case in hand, to journey and report on the dent at UCLA in her second and final year [email protected].

Oregon State University’s Dr. Anthony S. Davis to Keynote at Inaugural Forest Summit in Armenia

YEREVAN — Armenia Tree Project (ATP) and exist in Armenia and around the world to use I look forward to participating in this dia- the planting of its six millionth tree in Armenia the American University of Armenia (AUA) science-based practices in advancing forest logue.” this fall. For more information about the con- Acopian Center for the Environment, organiz- restoration, conservation, and management for Davis serves as the chief executive of the ference, AUA Acopian Center for the ers of an upcoming global forestry conference multiple values. His background in working at College of Forestry at Oregon State University, Environment, or Armenia Tree Project, please in Yerevan, Armenia, announced this week the the local level to develop best practices in which is broadly recognized as one of the visit http://forestsummit.am. event’s keynote seedling production, tree planting, and long- world’s leading forestry research, teaching, and The AUA Acopian Center for the lecturer, Dr. term management builds on a global suite of extension institutions. Under his leadership, the Environment, a research center of the Anthony S. Davis, experiences that can inform management and Corvallis, Oregon-based College of Forestry American University of Armenia (AUA), pro- interim dean and policy decisions in Armenia’s forest sector. crafts research projects with various con- motes the protection and restoration of the professor at the “It’s with great enthusiasm that I prepare stituencies around the globe to expand forest- natural environment through research, educa- College of Forestry to share my learnings and experience with driven economies, steward forest resources, and tion, and community outreach. The AUA at Oregon State the attendees of the inaugural Forest to translate new discoveries into tools and tech- Acopian Center’s focus areas include sustain- University. The Summit,” says Davis, who has been working niques that can be used to advance livelihoods able natural resource management, biodiversi- three-day confer- on forest restoration and tree planting with and sustain ecosystems. ty and conservation, greening the built envi- ence will bring several organizations in Armenia including With three days of discussion and collabora- ronment, clean energy, and energy efficiency, leading minds in ATP. “It’s an honor to be able to share my tive dialogue on the conservation and refor- as well as information technology and the forestry to passion with so many like-minded profession- estation efforts much needed in Armenia and environment. Founded in 1991, the American Armenia’s capital als, and to do it in a country that has made a countries across the world, Forest Summit: University of Armenia (AUA) is a private, inde- Dr. Anthony S. Davis for discussion, commitment to double its forest cover by Global Action and Armenia will offer field visits pendent university located in Yerevan, education, and 2050. This conference comes at a critical time to Dilijan National Park and ATP’s reforestation Armenia, and affiliated with the University of networking. for forest health worldwide. More than ever nursery and forest plantings in Margahovit California. AUA provides a global education in Davis will deliver the keynote address at the we are cognizant of the wide-ranging values Village, as well as social and networking oppor- Armenia and the region, offering high-quality inaugural Forest Summit: Global Action and forests provide - as a sink for carbon, a source tunities. graduate and undergraduate studies, encour- Armenia on Tuesday, October 22, and will press of renewable materials, and habitat for criti- In addition to hosting the conference in aging civic engagement, and promoting public participants to consider the opportunities that cal wildlife including the Caucasian Leopard. October, Armenia Tree Project will celebrate service and democratic values. 12 S ATURDAY, A UGUST 1 7 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS S ATURDAY, A UGUST 1 7 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 13 Arts & Living

Christian Architecture McDonald’s Might Of the Levant Project Have Been Aims at Preserving McMikoyan’s, if Not The Past through For a World War Modern Tools FRESNO — Society for Armenian Studies By Deena Prichep (SAS) member Jirair Christianian has launched a new website dedicated to the churches, monasteries, fortifications and other architec- WASHIGTON (Washington Post) — It’s ture of the Armenian, Greek, Georgian, Syriac, high summer — hamburger season. The Crusader and Arab people of the Near East. char, the fat, the squishy perfection of The website is called The Christian processed bread sopping up the overflow- Architecture of the Levant ing juices — doesn’t it somehow seem like (https://ChArLvArchive.org). Americans’ birthright? A generous and anonymous grant has But peel back the oil-spattered pages of allowed the creation of this website as a forum history, and you’ll find that the sandwich for serious scholars to post their carefully doc- so closely aligned with the stars and umented photographs, plans, and assessments stripes was once also embraced by the of the Christian architecture in the Levant. The hammer and sickle. (Yep, like so much initial 3,300 photographs, plans and maps of about this current administration, even 118 sites presented on the website are com- U.S. President Donald Trump’s beloved posed of secular, ecclesiastical and military con- hamburgers have ties to Russia.) In the struction within Turkey, from the Byzantine, 1930s, when McDonald’s was just a Cilician Armenian and late Medieval periods. greasy twinkle in Ray Kroc’s eye — he did- By exposing this material to the widest possi- n’t open his first McDonald’s until 1955 — ble audience, the donors hope to encourage the Soviet Union was a couple of decades dialogue, provide documentation for publica- out from its revolution and in the midst of tions, and facilitate efforts for the preservation industrialization and urbanization on a of these endangered monuments. The rate at Arman Nur wears “The Fly” staggering scale. Tens of millions left the which these sites have become damaged and, countryside for the cities as feudal farm- in some cases, completely obliterated, has ers transformed into urban Soviet work- accelerated in the last decades. The loss of this ers. And these workers needed to be fed. world heritage is irreversible and not to be In the centralized Soviet system, this underestimated. Nur and the Quest task fell to the ministry of food — which Anyone interested in contributing images was struggling. “The ideal was to make and plans of the late antique and medieval everything centralized, everything stan- Christian settlements in the Levant is invited to dardized,” explains University of Helsinki To Reconnect sociologist Jukka Gronow. “They had contact the General Editor via the Contact link in the website header. There is no minimum menus that were centrally planned, down limit on the number of photographs and plans to the very small details — so many grams that can be submitted, and a contributing of potatoes.” With Nature At canteens, factory workers were fed meals that, on paper, sounded tasty. YEREVAN — “The Fly” is touring the world. The massive — i.e., human-size — “They all had these three-course meals: sculpture made its debut at the 2017 Florence Biennale, winning the prestigious zakuski (appetizer), soup, main dish. And Lorenzo il Magnifico Gold Medal. even a dessert,” Gronow says. “A French The following year, “The Fly” was shown at the Cafesjian Center for the Arts, in style of dining.” Yerevan. More than 7,000 people saw it during the multimedia exhibition which But we’re not talking soufflés and was unprecedented for the museum. Those who were there will tell you that per- cheese courses. The soup might be little haps the most characteristic reaction to the more than cabbage, the main dish per- imposing sculpture was one of surprise and haps macaroni. “Workers were complain- By Sona Hamalian delight, a certain childlike bewilderment. ing about the bad quality,” says Gronow. Those visitors also had the opportunity to “So many weekdays without meat.” align their bodies with that of “The Fly,” to The food commissars knew they had to wear its limbs, as it were, in the manner of a skydiver wearing a wingsuit. improve their centralized system. And so, It was all about seeing the world from the perspective of someone — or, in this in 1936, Anastas Mikoyan, the ministry’s case, an insect — most of us don’t care much about. Why? Not only to gain deeper head, took a delegation to America, to insight into what makes them who they are, but also, as its creator Arman Nur learn how Ford’s conveyor-belt approach and emerging technology could stream- A picture of an Armenian cross from the website would suggest, to be poised to transcend the hatred that can fetter our intellectu- al and spiritual growth. To further demonstrate the point, the exhibition included line food production. According to Irina a symbolic sculpture, in the Glushchenko, a professor at Moscow’s author is free to deposit any of his/her images form of a pair of eyeglasses, Higher School of Economics University, contained in this Website into any other that complemented and the three-month tour included “ice cream, archive without restrictions. Christianian com- amplified the large fly sculp- soft drinks and beer factories, a factory mented on the project saying: “I am thrilled to ture. After learning about for freezing ducks, a factory for the pro- be bringing this website online; it is my hope the philosophical rationale duction of powdered milk and fruit juices, that others will contribute their images and behind the sculpture, visi- poultry farms and the famous Chicago plans of additional sites, on a non-exclusive tors would actually wear the slaughterhouses.” basis, in order to make it as comprehensive as intricately-designed eye- Mikoyan and his delegation loved it all. possible.” glasses, thereby imagining, Dispatches home had the feel of a fairy Volume One of the website is comprised of if not feeling, the experience tale, with poetic descriptions of the order the archive of Robert W. Edwards, the author, of viewing the world and standardization. They took notes on how to replicate the drumbeat of industri- among other publications, of The through the eyes of a fly. “The Fly” by Nur Fortifications of Armenian Cilicia and articles “That experience has to do al capitalism, except without the capital- on the ecclesiastical architecture of the with being free to roam and ists. And they especially loved hamburgers. Armenians, Georgians and Byzantine Greeks in explore the environment around us, without the need to live entrapped in our self- “For Mikoyan, hamburgers obviously Cilicia, the Pontus, the Marchlands of north- ish, self-centered ways,” Nur explains. became the most powerful shock in his eastern Turkey, and Historical Armenia. His From July 16 through 21 of this year, “The Fly” was exhibited at the RAI entire trip,” Glushchenko explains, citing detailed photographs, plans, and extensive doc- Amsterdam Convention Center, garnering critical acclaim. Next, the sculpture will the loving mentions of American umentation of these sites represent an invalu- be shown at the Art Nocturne Knocke, in Knokke-Heist (West Flanders), Belgium, machine-made burgers in Mikoyan’s mem- able documentation of this architectural her- beginning August 10. Art Nocturne Knocke is one of Europe’s most important art oirs. In the steaming burgers and buns itage in Turkey, much of which is under threat and antiquities fair. Given the now-iconic sculpture’s universal message of “under- churned out for sale in stadiums and of permanent destruction. standing, forgiveness, and love,” Nur’s dream is to have it exhibited at the place still parks, Mikoyan saw a solution to the food President of the Society for Armenian considered the very heart of international synergy, the United Nations headquarters, needs of the Soviet Union. Studies (SAS) Bedross Der Matossian com- see NUR, page 14 “Mikoyan shared Trump’s opinion of mented on the project saying: “While many of fast food. He was a great admirer,” the Armenian architectural sites in Historic see HAMBURGER, page 17 see ARCHITECTURE, page 17 14 S ATURDAY, A UGUST 1 7 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARTS & LIVING Nur and the Quest to Reconnect With Nature

NUR, from page 13 manner, in terms of subject matter, style, and in New York. Nur has also designed a game fea- technique alike. turing “The Fly” that was featured at the ICE Q – It is rather astonishing that every piece London gaming convention, in February 2018. of jewelry you design is painstakingly hand- Born in the Armenian capital in 1971, Arman made, can take a very long time to finish, and Nur was educated at the Toros Roslin Applied is one-of-a-kind. So how do you feel when a Arts Institute, in Yerevan; the Moscow Institute given piece is purchased by a client? Is there of Gemology; and Miami International a feeling of loss involved? Or do you feel the University of Art and Design. piece has now been given a second life? Today, Nur is widely regarded as one of A – I have thought about this often, and my Armenia’s most innovative artists. He wears sev- answer is always the same: creating a work of eral hats: he is a designer, sculptor, jewelry art is akin to giving birth; and giving birth to a maker, and painter. His evolving body of work — baby requires two people — one is myself, the including sculptures and jewelry that often play- jewelry maker, and the other is the person for fully tap into a broad range of art-historical ref- whom the jewelry is being created. Therefore, erences — is on display at his own exhibition by transferring a piece of jewelry to its wearer, space, the Nur Art Gallery, which has become a I am “delivering” it to its second parent, with- beloved cultural destination in Yerevan. Nur out losing my connection with the thing creat- has shown his works throughout the world, ed, and certainly without losing my connection with major solo exhibitions including the with the person wearing it. “Aratta” jewelry collection, shown at Erebuni, Q – The Nur Art Gallery has become an in Armenia; the Russian Fashion Week, for sev- important artistic hub, and the central space eral years; and the “Uhi” collection, dedicated where you exhibit your jewelry, sculptures, to Armenian women and shown at the Yerevan paintings, and multimedia works. How impor- History Museum. Arman Nur arrives in Belgium with his sculpture tant is it for you to maintain a bond with the Nur has designed jewelry for celebrities, art-loving public, considering that such a bond among them Madeleine Albright, Andre Agassi, can be enormously facilitated and nurtured by Cher, Montserrat Caballe, and Al Jarreau. As replaced with love. We must strive to do this. The Yerevan drawing is unique in the sense that a space such as your gallery? importantly, he has designed numerous public And if we’re able to pull it off, we and the world it’s my largest canvas to date. I have worked on A – I think art must educate and enlighten, sculptures and other works. Among these are as a whole will be the better for it. Here’s “The it for 12 hours nonstop. I expect to apply the and I think the Nur Art Gallery, as a Yerevan his sculpture titled “Childhood,” symbolizing Fly’s” basic vision: “If you can love the fly, you same technique to draw all the cities in which landmark, is profoundly committed to that health and happiness, at the Hematology can love everyone and everything, and you’ll be “The Fly” is exhibited, as a way of commemo- vision. Accordingly, we organize exhibitions and Center of Yerevan; and his statue titled “The able to fly.” rating the fact that the sculpture has been in various events through which we strive to help Reader,” created on the occasion of Yerevan’s Q – How would you describe the physical these places. By using my “one line, one touch” elevate the public’s artistic consciousness, by designation as the 2013 “World Book Capital.” and emotional experiences of becoming one technique for the Yerevan drawing, I have tried sharing with it the achievements of Armenian Nur’s works have garnered a string of distin- with the fly sculpture, when you enclose your to reproduce the trajectory of a fly’s uncontrol- and world art. guished accolades. They include being named body within it? What do you feel? What do you lable flight, which almost never is interrupted Q – Many of those who frequent your “2004 Jeweler of the Year” in Moscow; winning imagine seeing? or cut short. The Yerevan drawing will be gallery also know that you’re an accomplished the “Best Jewelry” award at the YUVELIR 2001 A – The human brain is designed in such a renamed “The Fly in Yerevan.” songwriter and musician. What role does International Exhibition, in Moscow; and being manner that we remember everything which we Q – Your jewelry — be it a ring, a bracelet, music play in the bigger scheme of your artis- see for the first time. an earring, a brooch, or a wedding crown — is tic interests and output? As we look through as technically accomplished and intricately A – Music is an inseparable part of myself, the eyes of the fly, it designed as it is boldly inventive. Would you and an inseparable part of my work. That’s becomes clear that, agree that classical training is the cornerstone because in my artistic environment, and in my for the first time, without which there cannot be sustainable life in general, music is a constant presence and we’re seeing the creative audacity? I consider myself not a musician per se but world through the A – Without a doubt, every innovation is rather a music lover. As for songwriting, I’ve eyes of another based on the established, the classical. And the been doing it only recently. I don’t know where being. The memory value of innovation rests in the fact that it will it came from or why. But it seems to me that in of this experience is eventually result in a cultural legacy for future this particular stage of my life, I have a great indelibly etched in generations. While my artistic sensibilities are need to express art through music as well; to our mind. And if we very much rooted in the classical, I try to re- explore, through songwriting and performance, reach a moment in imagine and present it in a novel and inventive fresh new avenues of creativity. our life when our hatred begins to hold us back from living life as we should, our memory brings us back the vision of the fly, which we’ve seen, helping us replace hatred with love. Q – Since “The Fly’s” debut in 2017, how, in general, have Another creation by Arman Nur spectators responded to the compassionate and altruistic philoso- phy on which the bestowed two of Armenia’s top civilian honors, sculpture is based? And, in this respect, have you the Golden Medal of the Ministry of Culture of seen any key differences between spectators in the Republic of Armenia and the Movses Armenia and those in Europe? Khorenatsi Honorary Medal of the President of A – “The Fly” earned much praise at the the Republic of Armenia. Florence Biennale. I didn’t realize this at first, Perhaps Nur’s most essential mantra is to as I was busy explaining to spectators the ide- never repeat himself. It’s what keeps him ever- ology behind the sculpture. In fact, the whole of curious and on his toes, the artist says. Florence was talking about “The Fly.” The exhi- I spoke with him at his gallery in Yerevan. bition had large numbers of visitors every day. Q – You have designed hand-drawn T-shirts As for differences between Armenian, on which you expound the core ideas behind European, and other spectators, I can say that “The Fly” sculpture. One of those ideas is: Armenian spectators are quite restrained in “You must look through the eyes of the one expressing their impressions, whereas the reac- who is hated, in order to understand, forgive, tions of European spectators tend to be much and love.” Can you elaborate a bit on the state- more emotional, direct, and frank. ments found on the T-shirts? Q – You have an abstract drawing of A – The T-shirts constitute only a small part Yerevan in which the entire image is com- of “The Fly” project, and the ideology behind it posed with a single line. This single line per- is only partially presented on the T-shirts, forms every compositional duty required of including in my own handwriting. The totality the work, from drawing some of Yerevan’s of the concept can be understood only after major cultural landmarks and thoroughfares viewing the project in its entirety — that is to to fleshing out everything in between. What say, not just the large fly sculpture, but also the prompted you to create this work? And do you many complementary works that give it further plan on creating similar drawings dedicated to context. The key idea behind the project is that other cities? one must be able to love instead, not hate. A – Yes, the Yerevan drawing was executed Hatred hurts the hater, first and foremost. It with a single line. That’s my drawing technique, stands to reason, therefore, that hatred must be and I use it often. I call it “one line, one touch.” S ATURDAY, A UGUST 1 7 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 15 ARTS & LIVING Pianist Sahan Arzruni Tours Armenia, Works with Young Music Students

YEREVAN and NEW YORK — When master Armenian music, in particular — is not only a pianist Sahan Arzruni spent the majority of terrific mental discipline but also a great way to June working with music students in some of get to know one’s own culture and to conserve Armenia’s rural towns, he was interested in it. This is easier in Armenia’s rural areas where learning about the state of musical education pride and preservation of cultural identity are outside of Yerevan. He wanted to commune more natural as opposed to large urban centers with the youth, but admitted he wasn’t com- where outside influences encumber the purity pletely sure he’d be able to “speak their lan- of ethnic learning, he said. guage.” Along with the master classes, Arzruni met As it turned out, he could, and what he found with many provincial and city leaders. He urged during his three-week journey was a plethora of officials to pay more attention to culture and small communities rich with young people music in Armenia’s regions. actively engaged in music. The entire tour closed with a performance at This was the second time Arzruni had visited the Aram Khachaturian House-Museum in Armenia’s music schools. He had already done Yerevan, which featured a student representa- a similar, but less extensive, tour in 2017. This tive from each village on trumpet, clarinet, vio- trip, which took him to five provinces as well as lin, piano, as well as an eight-person drum Artsakh, was coordinated by Fund for ensemble. Armenian Relief (FAR) in partnership with the At the end of the concert, Arzruni received a Armenian Ministry of Culture. Certificate of Gratitude from FAR for con- Armenia is still filled with music schools and tributing to the development of young musi- conservatories, a positive vestige of the Soviet cians. The pianist also received an award from Students who received certificates after participating in Arzruni’s master classes period. Teaching methods at these schools, the Aram Khachaturian House-Museum for his however, are still very much in the Soviet style, long-lasting friendship and support. which means highly prescriptive and disci- tion, he spent a full day listening to several stu- methods of thinking and learning about music, FAR’s Education and Science Program plinarian instruction, according to Arzruni. The dents from different schools play. He then and to further stimulate their aesthetic values. Manager Eduard Karapetyan also said that he, curriculum is a bit insular as well. Instructors selected a few outstanding pupils who partici- He used alternative methods of trying to help too, highly valued Arzruni’s investment in still focus very much on primarily Russian com- pated in the concert Arzruni would give the sec- students understand ways of playing music. Armenia’s youth and culture. “Considering how posers — mainly those they studied themselves ond day. Students included pianists, string and “This was why I was there,” he said. “To show well the tour went, I can state that Sahan as students. wind players, vocalists and folk instrumental- them a different way of playing and doing Arzruni’s patriotic and extensive work will have Arzruni visited Arkavand, Ashtarak, Berd, ists. things.” a huge educational impact on the musical Dilijan, Goris, Kapan, Vanadzor and Without upsetting the current course struc- Arzruni also had another goal, which was to schools and talented children from these Stepanakert. Spending two days in each loca- ture, Arzruni set out to introduce them to new relay the message that studying music — regions. We must thank him once more,” he said. The benefit tour took place under the aus- pices of the Ministries of Culture and Youth Affairs of Armenia and Artsakh, and was orga- nized by FAR. He reiterated his gratitude to FAR for orchestrating the initiative. “I’m grate- Recipe ful to them for making it happen,” he said. Arpa International Film Festival Opens at New Corner Venue with World Premier Film from Morocco HOLLYWOOD — The 22nd Arpa International Film Festival will take place this year on by Christine Vartanian Datian November 8-10 at a new location after 14 years at the Egyptian Theater in Hollywood. Due to the purchase of the Egyptian by Netflix, the the- Auntie Zee’s World-Famous Apricot Jam from Fresno ater is being renovated and therefore the festival will move to the American Legion Post 43 on “Here’s my late Auntie Zee’s (Zarhoui Baxter) private recipe for the Highland, located next to the Hollywood Bowl. most delicious apricot jam on earth,” said Dr. Baxter. “This delicious The Legion Post 43 Theater is the only his- jam recipe takes time to make and is a major labor of love. My Auntie toric theater in Hollywood owned and operated Zee in Fresno knew how to cook and always went the extra mile to by veterans, and has undergone a major trans- make special Armenian dishes that had her signature. Auntie Zee pro- formation into a state-of-the-art cinema and tected this recipe for many years, and had a twinkle in her eye when event venue. Its halls were once graced by she would give it up to those few relatives and friends who asked how Hollywood legends such as Humphrey Bogart, to make it. I think I am the only person she shared the recipe with Charlton Heston, Clark Gable, Ronald Reagan in all those years. And I think that was because I once caught her and Shirley Temple. climbing up a fruit tree to pick her own apricots on a hot summer To ensure that the oldest international inde- day when she was in her late 90's. She knew I was thinking of her pendent film festival in Los Angeles will not suf- that day, and she reluctantly shared this recipe with her oldest fer any difficulties, the executive committee has nephew.” been working diligently to make sure that the (Recipe and photo are courtesy of the late Dr. Harold H. “Buzz” Festival will keep its prestige. Baxter from the Gutsy Gourmet, his popular international food web- Once again, the festival will screen the best site.) shorts, features, documentaries , music videos, and animated films at our new location. With a INGREDIENTS cutting-edge new projection and sound system, 3 quarts washed and cut apricots* The Legion Theater recently screened Quentin 8 cups sugar Tarentino’s newest film, “Once Upon a Time in 1 small can crushed pineapple Hollywood,” starring Brad Pitt and Leonardo 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice DiCaprio. The historic building dates back to 15 apricot pits -- remove seeds and boil until skin peels off 1929 with an original Egyptian revival architec- 2 tablespoons light Karo syrup or corn syrup ture style building, an incredible underground Art Deco bar, ample parking and amazing drinks and food. PREPARATION Many films are being viewed and selected In a large pot, bring all ingredients to a boil and cook until apricots are soft and begin to lose their shape. Let cool completely. before the final selections are announced. One Pour into shallow baking pans to about 3/4 inch deep. Cover with cheese cloth netting and put in the hot sun for 3-4 days to further film that has already made the cut is “Sand and "sun-cook." (Dr. Baxter explained: “Of course you have to live in an area where the temperature will remain in the 90’s to 100’s during Fire” from Morocco’s top director Souheil Ben the day. Bring pans in at night because you do not want insects to eat your jam.”) Barka, which will have its world premiere on When ready (after 3-4 days), put the jam back into a large pot and bring to a boil for 10-12 minutes, stirring. Pour into sterilized jars the opening night of the festival. The film is an and seal (and follow normal canning instructions). epic story that takes place in the 17th century *Dr. Baxter adds: “Cut apricots in half unless they are very large, then you should cut them in quarters. We are making jam here, not between Spain and Morocco, and has a jelly. Tree-ripened apricots are not easy to find these days. It is important that these apricots are ripened in the sun. That is where all renowned international cast. In a twist of fate, the flavor comes from. If you can find a farm that grows apricots or have your own tree, you are going to love this recipe. The apricot the filmmaker’s grandmother was of Armenian pits are the hard woody center of the apricot. Within that hard woody center is the seed. You will have to use a hammer or vise to break heritage and viewers will hear Dle Yaman the hard pit and remove the seed. Boiling the seed will remove the bitter skin that covers it. This seed gives a unique flavor to this jam.” throughout the film. The filmmaker is a fre- Makes about 4 quarts. quent visitor to Armenia. For this recipe, go to: http://www.thegutsygourmet.net/zeesjam.html The festival will take place November 8 through 10. 16 S ATURDAY, A UGUST 1 7 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARTS & LIVING CC AA LL EE NN DD AA RR

5 Free Raffle Tickets Adults $75.00 & Students 21 & under MASSACHUSETTSARIZONA $65 Specially priced AFA Rooms available through NOVEMBER 2-3 — ARMENIAFest at St. Apkar 9/17/19. For Tickets and more information, Contact: Lu Armenian Apostolic Church. Weekend food and cul- Sirmaian 978-683-9121 or Sharke’ Der Apkarian at 978- tural festival featuring traditional Armenian foods, bever- 808-0598 Visit www.Armenia-FriendsofAmerica.org ages, exhibits, music and dance performances. 8849 E. OCTOBER 20 — Annual Banquet of Holy Trinity Cholla St., Scottsdale. Armenian Church of Greater Boston, Celebrating the NOVEMBER 16 — SOAR (Society for Orphaned 58th Anniversary of the Consecration of Holy Trinity and Armenian Relief) Annual Golf Tournament. Saturday honoring Bruce Newell as the “Parishioner of the Year,” 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Stonecreek Golf Club, 4435 E. Paradise 12:30 p.m., Charles and Nevart Talanian Cultural Hall, Village Pkway, Phoenix. This is a fundraising event for 145 Brattle Street, Cambridge. Save the date; details to Armenian orphans. For more information, contact Dr. follow. Alan Haroian, 603-540-1961. NOVEMBER 1,2 — NAASR Grand Opening and Gala. Friday, November 1 – Grand Opening & Ribbon CALIFORNIA Cutting, NAASR Vartan Gregorian Building, at NAASR’s new world headquarters, 395 Concord Avenue, Belmont, AUGUST 17 — In honor of Professor Vahakn N. Dadrian, MA. Saturday, November 2 – NAASR 65th Anniversary the Ararat-Eskijian Museum, in collaboration with the Gala, at the Royal Sonesta Hotel, Cambridge. 6 pm National Association for Armenian Studies and Reception, 7 pm Dinner and Program. Honoree Dr. Research (NAASR) and the Organization of Istanbul Vartan Gregorian, president of the Carnegie Corporation Armenians (OIS), is organizing a “Celebration of Life” In honor of the late Armenian of New York; Master of Ceremonies David Ignatius, columnist for the Washington Post and novelist; event to be held on Saturday, at the Deukmejian Genocide studies pioneer Prof. Community Center at the Ararat Home of Los Angeles. 4 Featuring renowned soprano Isabel Bayrakdarian, accom- Vahakn Dadrian, a program at the panied by the Borromeo String Quartet, performing a p.m. Dadrian, who passed away on August 2, was the pre- Ararat-Eskijian Museum will take eminent scholar of the Armenian Genocide and was instru- program of songs by Komitas. Further details to follow. place on Saturday, August 17 at 4 mental in establishing the larger field of genocide studies. NOVEMBER 16 — St. Stephen’s Armenian Elementary The event is open to the public. For more information, con- p.m., in Mission Hills, Calif. The School 35th Anniversary Celebration. 6:30 PM tact the Ararat-Eskijian Museum at (747) 500-7585 or eski- “Celebration of Life” program will Cocktail Reception, 7:30 PM Dinner and Program. The [email protected]. Deukmejian be in collaboration with the National Westin Waltham - Boston, MA $150 per person. Community Center is located at 15105 Mission Hills Road. Association for Armenian Studies and DECEMBER 6 and 7 — Friday and Saturday, Trinity Research. Christmas Bazaar, Friday, 12 noon-9 p.m., Saturday, CONNECTICUT 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Holy Trinity Armenian Church of Greater Boston, 145 Brattle Street, Cambridge. For further infor- AUGUST 25 — Armenian Church of Holy Resurrection mation, contact the Church Office, 617.354.0632. Annual Armenian Festival, 12-5 p.m. Traditional DECEMBER 15 — Christmas Holiday Concert – Erevan Armenian and American food and activities. Harry Choral Society and Orchestra, 3:00 p.m., Church SEPTEMBER 16 — Registration is now open for the 2019- Bedrosian oud band and ensemble. 1910 Stanley St., Sanctuary, Holy Trinity Armenian Church of Greater 2020 sessions of the Abaka Dance Academy, 101 Route 71, New Britain. Boston, 145 Brattle Street, Cambridge, MA. Save the Bigelow Ave., Watertown, MA. Principal/director Apo date; details to follow. For further information, call the Ashjian. Classes begin September 16 for grades Nursery II - Church Office, 617.354.0632, or email [email protected]. MASSACHUSETTS Grade 10 students. Check the schedule and enroll today at www.abakadanceacademy.com. For more info, email AUGUST 14-23 — Wednesday and Fridays Summer [email protected] or call 617-283-2010. MICHIGAN Studio Art Classes for kids, Session 2. Armenian SEPTEMBER 18 — Celebrating Contributions of Our Museum of America, Adele & Haig Der Manuelian gal- OCTOBER 26 — Kef Time Keghi IV 6:30 p.m. Saturday, at Nation’s Immigrants – Gala Benefit for the Endowed leries, 3rd floor, 65 Main Street, Watertown. Artists are St John Armenian Cultural Hall, Southfield, headlined Fund for Care of Armenian Heritage Park on The explore the amazing objects in the galleries and create with Traditional Keghetzi Pagharch feast, full buffet dinner Greenway Honoring Dr. Noubar Afeyan, Leader & art from this inspiration. Ages 6–10: 11 am to 1 pm; with dancing, music by the Keghi All-Star Armenian Band. Philanthropist Recognizing Organizations Serving Ages 11–14: 3 pm to 5 pm; Session 2 Dates: August 14– Reservations call Laura Negosian Lucassian at 248-376-3794 Immigrants & Refugees InterContinental Hotel Boston. 23, Wednesdays and Fridays. Cost per student: $120. or email at [email protected]. Donation: Adults Advance Reservations only. For information, Members (family or higher) $96! Individual drop-in class- $45, Children under 17, $20. Cash Bar. Mail checks to Karen [email protected] es can be purchased for $35. Members $28. A 10% dis- Nigosian , 21919 Michigan Ave, Dearborn. MI 48124 SEPTEMBER 22 — Sunday Afternoon for Families and count will be offered for each additional sibling in the Checks payable to Nor Keghi Association. Proceeds to sup- Friends. Armenian Heritage Park on The Greenway, same course and/or class. For individual classes and sib- port continuing renovations at public schools and commu- Boston. 2-4 pm. Wonderful afternoon with The Hye lings, please call Education Coordinator, Garin Habeshian nity projects in Nor Keghi, Armenia. Supported by parish- GuysEnsemble featuring Ron Sahatjian and Joe at 617-926-2562, ext. 103. ioners of the four Armenian churches in Greater Detroit. Kouyoumjian. Hoodsies, Face Painting and more RSVP AUGUST 22 — Under the August Moon. Armenian NOVEMBER 16 — The Knights of Vartan, Nareg- appreciated [email protected] Heritage Park on The Greenway, Boston. Thursday Shavarshan Lodge #6 and the Daughters of Vartan, SEPTEMBER 29 — Sunday, at 6 p.m. The screening of from 7:30– 9 p.m. Delightful evening for supporters, Zabelle Otyag #12 will celebrate their respective 100th “The Stateless Diplomat,” a documentary film by partners & friends featuring fabulous signature dishes, and 70th organization anniversaries. Featuring: Kevork Mimi Malayan on the heroic life and legacy of Diana A. hosted by anoush’ella and the Berklee Jazz Trio. RSVP Artinian and his All Star Band at St. Mary’s Cultural Hall, Apcar (1859-1937), Armenia’s Honorary Consul to Japan appreciated [email protected] 18100 Merriman Rd, Livonia. This is a fundraiser in 1920 at Mosesian Center for Arts, 321 Arsenal St, AUGUST 25 — Armenian Church at Hye Pointe Picnic. Dinner/Kef Dance to celebrate Knights and Daughters as Watertown. Organized by the Armenian Cultural 12 to 5 p.m., Armenian Church at Hye Pointe Picnic well as a chance for future members to observe how our Foundation and co-sponsored by Amaras Art Alliance, to be held at our new Family Life & Cultural Center, 1280 community puts our heritage on display. All proceeds to Arlington International Film Festival, Armenian Boston Road (RTE. 125) Haverhill MA Music by the fabu- fund renovation of school gymnasium, Knights of Vartan International Women’s Association, Armenian Museum lous Jason Naroian Ensemble. Menu includes Lamb Shish, #106, Elementary School, Yerevan, Armenia. For of America, Armenian Women’s Welfare Association, Losh, & Chicken Kebab Dinners, Kheyma, Pastries, & Reservations Contact: Laura Lucassian, (248) 376-3794, National Association for Armenian Studies and Research, Beverages. Air Conditioned Hall. Bring your lawn chairs Cost $75 per person, $40 after 9:30 pm Project SAVE Armenian Photograph Archives, and for sitting outside. For more info visit www.hyepointear- Tekeyan Cultural Association. Details to follow. For more menianchurch.org or call (978) 372-9227. Take Rte. 495 NEW JERSEY details contact ACF during office or email: armeniancul- N to exit 48, bear right at the end of the ramp and fol- [email protected] low the signs. Additional parking at Osgood Landing SEPTEMBER 22 – Annual Picnic, Sunday, 12:30 to 6:30 OCTOBER 2 —Joint Sts. Vartanantz – Hye Point Golf with free shuttle bus to the picnic grounds. p.m. St. Stepanos Armenian Apostolic Church, 1184 Outing at the beautiful Butter Brook Golf Club in SEPTEMBER 15 — Trinity Annual Picnic, 12-5 pm, Holy Ocean Avenue, Long Branch. Louleh and Shish Kebab, Westford. Proceeds to benefit scholarships to Diocesan Trinity Armenian Church of Greater Boston, 145 Dolma Dinners. Armenian Cuisine featuring Cheese youth programs. 10 a.m. Shotgun start. Golfers with all Brattle St., Cambridge MA. Delicious Armenian food – Boereg, Pastries, Baklava and more. Armenian Music and skill levels most welcome. Single players will be grouped shish, losh, and chicken kebab - paklava, khadaif, and Children’s Games. into foursomes. $150 for Golf, lunch, and Dinner. $165 more with take-out available. Armenian music for your lis- OCTOBER 25 — Banquet Honoring Dr. Taner Akcam will include 25 raffle tickets. Awards dinner to follow golf tening and dancing pleasure featuring the Greg Krikorian Abajian Hall St. Leon complex Fair Lawn, NJ outing at Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Church, 180 Old Armenian Ensemble with Greg Krikorian, oud and vocals, Sponsored by Knights & Daughters of Vartan- Under the Westford Rd., Chelmsford. For registration and sponsor- Mark Der Mugrditchian, clarinet, Kevin Magarian, guitar Auspices of His Grace Bishop Daniel Findikyan, Primate. ship information, please contact Steve Sarkisian at 978- and vocals, Arthur Chingris, dumbeg, and Steve For Reservations please call Sona Manuelian 551-427- 808-2820, [email protected]. Surabian, tambourine. Lots of activities for children 8763. $125 p.p. early reservations recommended. OCTOBER 19 — The Vosbikians are coming to the including the Moonwalk. Blessing of the Madagh at 4 Merrimack Valley. The Armenian Friends of America p.m., followed by raffle drawing for cash prizes. For infor- NEW YORK proudly present their Annual HYE KEF 5 Dance, featuring mation, log onto www.htaac.org/calendar/event/716/, The Vosbikians. The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Andover, contact the Holy Trinity Church Office,617.354.0632, or SEPTEMBER 17 — Book presentation by Adrienne G. MA. Tickets Purchased before 9/13/19 will include the email [email protected]. Alexanian, editor of her father’s memoir Forced into Great Venue, Outstanding Buffet, The Vosbikian Band and Genocide: Memoirs of an Armenian Soldier in the S ATURDAY, A UGUST 1 0 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 17 ARTS & LIVING

Nicholas — who died in 2016 — invested $1.3 mil- has a track record of producing quality films and Christian Architecture Men of Granite: lion in the project and Valerie McCaffrey was I couldn’t be happier that he is interested in the hired as producer. But lack of funding halted project. The project is still in the early stages, Of the Levant Project production for four years. but with the court case behind us, I’m sure Take Two Two years ago, Manoyan sued the producers things will start happening rapidly now.” Aims at Preserving for mismanagement of money for the film. A Sarkissian said there is no specific timetable three-day trial ended earlier this summer in on when the movie will be made. The Past through Milwaukee and the judge will decide within the “It’s finding the right person to adapt it and By Theo Tate next several months who will pay back the finding the right director,” the producer said. “I Modern Tools money that remained in the production account don’t think it’s a difficult movie to make. I’m GRANITE CITY, Ill. — The 1940 Granite City when the project was shut down. hoping that within the next six months, I’m hop- ARCHITECTURE, from page 13 Warriors boys basketball team poses after win- “It was a bench case, which means you don’t ing to be able to be in production with it.” Armenia and the region of Cilicia are in a ning the state championship. get a verdict right away,” Manoyan said. “You Sarkissian said he contacted Manoyan dilapidated condition due to negligence For over 30 years, Arthur Sarkissian has been have to wait about two months.” through Anita Busch, a Granite City native who and destruction, this groundbreaking a successful Hollywood produc- used to work for Deadline endeavor by Christianian provides a er, making 17 motion pictures, Hollywood. forum for a collective effort of preserving including three in the “Rush “She brought the story the history of these sites in the digital Hour” series starring Jackie to my attention and she age. Christianian’s project should be Chan and Chris Tucker. said I should get in touch applauded as a timely and essential for Now, he’s setting his sights with him and I did,” preserving what was lost.” on producing “Men of Granite,” Sarkissian said. “The rest is It is the hope of the project directors a film about the 1940 Granite basically talking about that other archives of photographs and City boys basketball team win- what I wanted to know, like plans will be added to the website, in ning a state championship. what has transpired, who order to develop it into a truly compre- “It’s not so much about was involved and what hap- hensive archive. Any efforts to promote sports, although I love basket- pened.” the website, whether in talks and lectures, ball very much, but it’s about “Men of Granite” tells communications of organizations focused the challenges that anyone the story about the players on related topics in architecture, art his- faces in any particular field,” growing up in the Lincoln tory, or history, or in publications are Sarkissian said. “It’s a chal- Place neighborhood. Most encouraged and appreciated. Any online lenge that I connect with these of the players on the team links to the Website would be especially kids. They had nothing and did- came from Hungarian, appreciated. Links to the website could be n’t give up and I like that.” Armenian, Yugoslavian and The motion picture will be Macedonian backgrounds. either to the home page or to individual The Happy Warriors of 1940: Everett Daniels, Dan Eftimoff, George Gages, Andy Granite City beat Herrin sites, e.g., to Sis, Anavarza, Vahka, based on the 2007 book writ- Hagopian, Ed Hoff, John Markarian, Sam Mouradian, Ebbie Mueller, Evon Aghtamar, etc., as appropriate. ten by Dan Manoyan, a former Parsaghian, Andy Phillip. Coach: Byron Bozarth, Assistant Coach: Leonard Davis, in the 1940 state champi- Any questions or comments about the longtime sportswriter from Manager: Harold Brown onship game and finished website can be directed to the editor from Milwaukee. 29-5. the Contact links at: https://charl- “I’ll be happy when it gets “It’s a story that I feel is varchive.org/Home/Contact. moving,” Manoyan said. Manoyan said he’s happy that the project has timeless and I love true sto- Born in Beirut, Lebanon, Christianian This will be the second attempt for “Men of started back up with a new producer. ries and what these guys have accomplished,” moved to the US in 1978. He earned a BS Granite” to hit the big screen. Production for “It’s great to get the Men of Granite project Sarkissian said. “It’s something I felt very strong from the Colorado School of Mines in the movie was originally scheduled to start in back on track, especially with a proven produc- about and I want to find a good way to bring it Geophysical Engineering (1985), and a 2015 after Milwaukee philanthropist Albert er like Arthur Sarkissian,” the author said. “He to the screen.” MA in Geophysics from the University of Houston (1989).In 1990, he joined Mike’s Camera, a business engaged in selling and promoting photographic equipment and McDonald’s Might Have Been McMikoyan’s, if Not For a World War services, with retail stores in Colorado and Northern California as well as e-com- HAMBURGER, from page 13 working toward this goal, daily churning out churned out en masse. Syutkin notes the orig- merce sites. His research interests include Gronow says, laughing. “If the war hadn’t bro- more than 400,000 patties. inal recipe “was a complete analogue of the Armenian Numismatics, the Armenian ken out in 1941 (when the USSR entered the But ask anyone from the former Soviet American hamburger,” featuring minced meat Kingdom in Cilicia, the Armenians of Second World War), we would have a chain of Union about Soviet hamburgers today, and and seasoning. But it quickly took on a dis- Gesaria, and the art and material culture McMikoyan’s.” they’ll look confused. Because, for the most tinctly Soviet character. Instead of disk-shaped of Armenians in the Ottoman Empire. He In his memoirs, Mikoyan recalls ordering 25 part, burger did not meet bun until patties, the Mikoyan factory eventually pro- is married, with three children who are American machines that could produce two McDonald’s opened in Moscow in 1990 — duced ones that were rounder with tapered equally passionate about their Armenian million hamburgers per day. Historian Pavel about two years before (and perhaps herald- ends, like footballs. And most strikingly, they heritage. Syutkin notes that by October 1937, the ing) the end of the Soviet Union. were served sans bun, as bread crumbs were Mikoyan meat-processing plant was already Yes, Mikoyan cutlets, or kotleti, were introduced into the patty itself as filler. “You can say that the Soviet mass-produced cutlet swallowed up the American hamburger and devoured it,” Glushchenko jokes. The result, whose taste has been likened more to meat loaf than a Big Mac, was served CC AA LL EE NN DD AA RR in the stolovaya (Soviet cafeteria), and sold in stores frozen, using the blast-chilling that had so impressed Mikoyan during his American trip. This, in turn, made it a Soviet weeknight staple. Ottoman Turkish Army. Luncheon at 12:00 noon ($45) spon- Zaroogian, Moderator. Sunday, 12:30 p.m., Hanoian Hall, 70 Actress Yelena Shmulenson, who grew up in sored by the WNRC Foundation located at 3 West 51st. St., New Jefferson St., Providence. Soviet Ukraine, says her American husband York City. Book sale/signing following the presentation. All pro- OCTOBER 20 — The Cultural Committee of Sts. Sahag and calls kotleti “Soviet meatball,” and laments ceeds to be donated to the foundation RSVP: anna@snapand- Mesrob Armenian Church, Providence Presents Meet With The that she doesn’t make them for holidays. style.com or (615) 934 – 3873 Doctors - Questions & Answers. We invite everyone to avail them- Others have less fond feelings toward selves of this opportunity and “Meet with our Armenian Mikoyan’s creation. Sociologist Asya RHODE ISLAND Doctors” Dr. Herman Ayvazyan Internal Medicine. Topic: New Tsaturyan, who grew up in Moscow, recalls the Trends in Primary Care Medicine. Ara Boghigian, Moderator. “horrendous smell” of her cafeteria kotleti. Twenty years later, she remains best friends AUGUST 27 — The Armenian Historical Association of Rhode Sunday, 12:30 p.m., Hanoian Hall, 70 Jefferson St., Providence. with the Grade 2 classmate who volunteered Island (AHARI) and the National Association for Armenian to eat her portion so that Tsaturyan wouldn’t Studies and Research (NAASR) present The Armenian WASHINGTON, DC run afoul of her teachers for wasting food. Legionnaires: Sacrifice and Betrayal in World War I, a lecture by Author Boris Fishman, who left the USSR Dr. Susan Pattie, honorary senior research associate, University SEPTEMBER 16-17 — Armenian Assembly of America’s as a child in 1988, says that while the distinc- College, London. Tuesday, 7 p.m., 245 Waterman St., 5th floor National Advocacy Conference and Gala will take place. It will tions between burgers and kotleti are not conference room, Providence. Admission is free. Doors open at 7 include the Conference, Gala honoring Armenian American huge, the meaning behind them can be. p.m. Reception before and after program. Copies of The Congresswoman Jackie Speier, Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill, and “Has a single, instantaneous kitchen Armenian Legionnaires will be available for purchase. a Congressional Reception celebrating U.S.-Armenia relations. manoeuvre ever accounted for more distance SEPTEMBER 20 — The Cultural Committee of Sts. Sahag and Special room rates available at The Wharf InterContinental Hotel. between two places, two selves?” Fishman Mesrob Armenian Church, Providence will host a book presen- Visit www.aimhye.com for tickets, sponsorships, special hotel wrote in an email. “I’m talking about the patty- tation, “The World of Konstantin Petrossian” (English and room rates, and more information. flattening that turns a kotleta (humped, stur- Armenian), Published by Institute of Arts National Academy of dy, as Soviet as living with Grandma) into a Sciences of the Republic of Armenia, and Composers Union of hamburger (backyards, ball games, ‘Amurka’). Armenia. Friday at 7 p.m., Egavian Cultural Center, 70 Jefferson Eating a burger (with my hands), I feel dif- street, Providence. Details to follow. fusely American, a little coarse, faddish. But SEPTEMBER 22 — The Cultural Committee of Sts. Sahag and Calendar items are free. Entries should not be longer eating a kotleta (with knife and fork), I feel … Mesrob Armenian Church, Providence Presents Meet With The than 5 lines. Listings should include contact informa- like that grandmother’s grandson.” Doctors - Questions & Answers. We invite everyone to avail them- tion. Items will be edited to fit the space, if need be. Fishman isn’t the only one who has come to selves of this opportunity and “Meet with our Armenian Doctors” A photo may be sent with the listing no later than love the food of his babushka. Russians can Dr. Martin Papazian, ear, nose and throat specialist. Steven Mondays at noon. now dine in retro canteen-style restaurants serving up Soviet nostalgia — and kotleti. Who knows what Mikoyan would think of that. 18 S ATURDAY, A UGUST 1 7 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMENTARY

COMMENTARY Mirror ‘Abandoned’ Armenian Properties Spectator Around the World Part II

the school was unable to keep up its standards and deserved to EstablishedEstablished 1932 1932 By Edmond Y. Azadian be shuttered. In addition, the school had an endowment fund and had the AnAn ADL ADL Publication Publication responsibility of abiding by the terms of the Melkonian brothers’ There are a number of valuable Armenian properties around wills. the world which have played a historic role in preserving Besides, thanks to the visionary leadership of Haigashen Armenian heritage. But with the change in the demographic Ouzounian, an intellectual leader of the AGBU, income-bearing EDITOR profile in the countries where those properties are located, the office buildings were constructed on the school’s campus. Alin K. Gregorian institutions have outlived their usefulness. Public records indicate that in recent years, the Melkonian The educational mission of the Mekhitarist Order has disinte- Commercial Center produced an annual income of $650,000. ASSISTANT EDITOR grated because of the paucity of young clergy recruits. On the Aram Arkun The Cypriot government was also supporting the school and other hand, the once-burgeoning Armenian community in India there was potential for further subsidies. If there is a discrepan- ART DIRECTOR has all but disappeared, leaving behind an island in the form of cy in the math, where then is the responsibility of the leadership Marc Mgrditchian the Calcutta Philanthropic Academy. to raise funds? But there are institutions whose viability and relevance to Melkonian’s closure in 2005 almost coincided with Cyprus their respective communities continued to justify their existence joining the European Union which took place in 2004 and and their mission and they, also, have been abandoned prema- resulted in two particularly damaging missteps. The European turely. Union had designated Western Armenian as an endangered lan- SENIOR EDITORIAL COLUMNIST: One such property is the Melkonian Educational Institute in guage; therefore funds would be forthcoming for its preserva- Edmond Y. Azadian Nicosia, Cyprus. That institute has been “abandoned” in the tion, as Melkonian was a major educational center in Europe, sense that its mission is no longer contributing to the preserva- CONTRIBUTORS: besides some failing schools in Greece. In preparation to join the Florence Avakian, Dr. Haroutiun tion of the Armenian heritage. Union, the Cypriot government was highlighting its focus on Arzoumanian, Philippe Raffi Kalfayan, Melkonian’s creation was a response to a catastrophic crisis minority rights, in compliance with Europe’s standards. The sta- Philip Ketchian, Kevork Keushkerian, and it continued to provide solutions throughout its history, tus of the Armenian community and other minorities was to Harut Sassounian, Hagop Vartivarian, every time a crisis erupted in various Armenian communities. serve as credentials for the government’s minority policy but the Naomi Zeytoonian Following the 1915 Genocide, hundreds of thousands of closure of Melkonian at that delicate moment served as a stab Armenian orphans were left destitute in the desert or at the in the back. So much for the political prudence of the AGBU CORRESPONDENTS: mercy of foreign charitable organizations. Patriarch Zaven Der leadership. Armenia - Hagop Avedikian Yeghiayan of Istanbul gathered 300 such orphans to house The retaliation was not delayed as the government took part of the Boston - Nancy Kalajian Los Angeles - Taleen Babayan Melkonian campus by emi- Berlin - Muriel Mirak-Weissbach nent domain to handicap the sale of the entire prop- Contributing Photographers: erty, which at that time, was Jirair Hovsepian quoted to be worth $80 mil- lion, thanks to the urban sprawl of Nicosia’s suburbs. The Armenian Mirror-Spectator is published Melkonian’s demise weekly, except two weeks in July and the first still remains a hotly-debat- week of the year, by: ed controversy. Many rea- Baikar Association, Inc. sons and speculations are 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 being thrown back and Telephone: 617-924-4420 forth. The leadership of FAX: 617-924-2887 the AGBU has not come up with a plausible expla- www.mirrorspectator.com nation and in its absence, E-Mail: [email protected] many people are left to For advertising: [email protected] draw their own conclu- sions. The main argument seems to be the lucrative potential of the sale of SUBSCRIPTION RATES : the property. When the late Patriarch Mesrob U.S.A. $80 a year Mutafyan decided to sue them at the Melkonian Institute; the school originally acted as the AGBU on the grounds that the original intent of the Canada $125 a year an orphanage before changing its mission to that of a boarding Melkonians’ will was to entrust it to the Istanbul Patriarchate, school. In later years, it housed and educated students escaping we were all alarmed at the potential transfer of the property to Other Countries $190 a year the Iranian revolution or the Lebanese civil war. the jurisdiction of an entity in Turkey. The institute was ideally located on the island of Cyprus to If today the Patriarch were alive, it would be within his right continue in its role as a safe harbor as other crises plagued to question the AGBU leadership about the whereabouts of the © 2014 The Armenian Mirror-Spectator Armenian communities in Iraq, Syria and elsewhere. endowment fund and the use of its income. Periodical Class Postage Paid at Boston, MA In time, the institute became a center for academic learning In 1974, Turkey’s President Bulent Ecevit launched an act of and additional mailing offices. and the names of many noted scholars, writers, philosophers aggression against Cyprus, and in his determination to intimi- were connected with it, such as poet Vahan Tekeyan, Hagop date the Greek people, he also targeted the Armenians. ISSN 0004-234X Oshagan, Vahe Vahian, Kersam Aharonian, Hagop Topjian, During that act of aggression, the Melkonian school was pur- Krikor Guiragossian, Moushegh Ishkhan and many others. posely bombed by the Turkish Air Force because it had been a POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Melkonian graduates eventually took over the intellectual life shining star of Armenian education throughout its history and Armenian Mirror-Spectator, 755 Mount Auburn of much of the diaspora, shaping the lives and minds of their fel- Turks have always abhorred Armenian educational institutes. St., Watertown, MA 02472 low Armenians. There is an anecdote about Sultan Abdul Hamid who has said Other than the editorial, views and opinions The institute was founded by benefactors Garabed and Krikor that “I am more afraid of the Mekhitarist printing press [churn- expressed in this newspaper do not necessarily Melkonian, brothers from Egypt. They liquidated their large ing out scholarly books] than the bombs of Armenian ‘terror- reflect the policies of the publisher. tobacco business to create an endowment which initially was ists.’” entrusted to the Istanbul Patriarchate. However, through the Thus, Ecevit had to outdo the destructive task of his prede- efforts of some prominent Armenian leaders, including cessors. Archbishop Mushegh Seropian, the endowment was diverted Unfortunately, those who turned off the lights at Melkonian away from Turkey and entrusted to the Armenian General became inadvertent accomplices. Copying for other than personal use or Benevolent Union, which carried out the school’s educational The Melkonian property has not been sold yet, therefore it is internal reference is prohibited without express permission of the copyright mission eminently, until its demise in 2005. safe to assume that greed is not one of the reasons for its owner. Address requests for reprints or The closure of the Melkonian touched off a public uproar; in demise. back issues to: particular, the alumni mobilized and organized to keep the But even worse, there is apparently a reversal of the educa- doors open, but to no avail. tional mission and philosophy among the AGBU leadership, par- Baikar Association, Inc. The Melkonian had not suffered a drop in enrollment nor ticularly in the mindset of its current president, my respected experienced difficulty in recruiting educators and it maintained 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472- friend, Berge Setrakian. reputable academic standards. However, AGBU officials said that 1509 continued on next page S ATURDAY, A UGUST 1 7 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 19 COMMENTARY

Unfortunately, in 2012, Ninth Circuit Judge Susan P. decades after the Armenian Genocide which does not make Graber, in the case of Movsesian vs. Victoria Versicherung AG, them timely. “We have no doubt that the survivors of the invalidated the California statute extending the time for Ottoman Empire’s atrocities experienced enormous hardships bringing certain insurance claims based on the Armenian after the seizure of their property. Indeed, we take as true the Genocide. Judge Graber wrote that “the statute was preempt- allegations in the operative complaints that it ‘was impossible My Turn ed under the foreign affairs doctrine,” according to the for Plaintiffs’ predecessors to seek compensation for their Metropolitan News-Enterprise. stolen property or focus on anything but rebuilding their By Harut Sassounian The August 8, 2019 decision by the Court of Appeals is con- lives.’ But, these suits are brought not by the victims of the tradictory in the sense that while Judge Andrew Hurwitz Armenian Genocide, but rather by residents of the United US Appeals Court Makes a Wrong (who wrote the Appeals Court decision) acknowledged the States long removed from its carnage, many of whose prede- Armenian Genocide, he ignored the fact that genocides have cessors relocated to this country decades ago. And the cur- Decision on Armenian Demands no statute of limitations, therefore regardless of how much rent plaintiffs do not allege any attempts to pursue these time has elapsed, genocide-related lawsuits could not be dis- claims judicially prior to 2010.” The United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit missed on that basis. The attorneys for the Armenian-American plaintiffs reacted made a decision on August 8, 2019 to deny the appeal of two Here is what Judge Hurwitz wrote in the decision of the with anger at the Appeals Court decision. Kathryn Lee Boyd lawsuits brought by several Armenian-Americans demanding Court of Appeals: “From 1915 to 1923, in what is often of the law firm Pierce Bainbridge Beck Price & Hecht — rep- compensation from the Republic of Turkey and two of its referred to as the Armenian Genocide, the Ottoman Empire resenting three Armenian-Americans whose ancestors owned banks for confiscating their properties shortly after the massacred, forcibly expelled, or marched to death 1.5 million 122.5 acres of land that was confiscated — told the Armenian Genocide. of its Armenian citizens, seizing the property of the dead and Metropolitan News-Enterprise: The first lawsuit was filed in December 2010 by Alex deported.” “It is a sad day for Armenian-Americans when a US court Bakalian, Anais Haroutunian, and Rita Mahdessian seeking In another section of the Appeals Court decision, under the has stripped them of all access to justice, refused to consider $65 million from the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey, subtitle of “Facts,” Judge Hurwitz added the following com- or even recognize the extenuating circumstances of the and Ziraat Bankasi. The second lawsuit was filed by David ments on the Armenian Genocide: “During World War I, the Armenian Genocide, and left them with no remedy against Davoyan (administrator of the Estate of Garbis Tavit Davoyan) Ottoman Empire began forcibly relocating its Armenian sub- Turkey, which continues to hold and use their stolen proper- and Hrayr Turabian against the Republic of Turkey, the jects away from population centers and into the desert, caus- ty with impunity.” Central Bank of Turkey, and Ziraat Bankasi. ing the deaths of over a million ethnic Armenians. The Mark Geragos of the law firm of Geragos & Geragos, who The US Court of Appeals confirmed the 2013 decision of Empire confiscated the real property left behind by the vic- represents the second group of plaintiffs, was quoted by the Judge Dolly Gee who dismissed the two lawsuits declaring tims of the Armenian Genocide.” Metropolitan News-Enterprise: that “under the political question doctrine which says certain Judge Hurwitz agreed with the plaintiffs’ assertions in the “The Turkish Lobby has bought and paid for the United questions — in this case, determining whether Turkey’s lawsuits. He wrote: “We assume for purposes of our accrual States Executive Branch and State Department for decades. actions were genocide — should be handled by the executive analysis the truth of the plaintiffs’ allegations that either the Sadly the Judicial branch is left with very few options to rem- branch, not the courts,” according to the Courthouse News Ottoman Empire illegally seized the property of the plaintiffs’ edy the blatant mendacity of the Turkish lobbying machine.” Service. predecessors, or the Empire and the Banks placed the prop- The Court of Appeals took the easy way out by basing its The Court of Appeals, however, rejected the appeal for a dif- erty in trust under Turkish law but later illegally refused to decision on the unconstitutionality of the California statute ferent reason, claiming that the two Armenian lawsuits are return it. If the initial expropriation was wrongful, the plain- which had given the plaintiffs more time to file their lawsuits. time-barred. In 2006, a California statute had set the deadline tiffs’ claims accrued by 1923. If the property was placed in If the Court of Appeals had based its decision on the occur- of 2016 for such lawsuits stating that: “Any action, including trust, the plaintiffs acknowledge that ‘laws passed in 1928 rence of genocide, the issue of time-limitation would have any pending action brought by an Armenian Genocide victim, and 1929 formally ended Turkey’s disingenuous attempt at been irrelevant and would have ruled that the Turkish gov- or the heir or beneficiary of an Armenian Genocide victim, who the restitution of immovable property to its rightful ernment and its two banks are liable for confiscating the resides in this state, seeking payment for, or the return of, Armenian owners.’ Thus, the plaintiffs’ predecessors should Armenian properties. deposited assets, or the return of looted assets, shall not be dis- have known well more than ten years ago that Turkey did not I hope the attorneys for the Armenian-American plaintiffs missed for failure to comply with the applicable statute of limi- intend to return their property.” will appeal to the US Supreme Court to reverse this unjust tation, if the action is filed on or before December 31, 2016.” Judge Hurwitz complained that the lawsuits were filed decision.

‘Abandoned’ Armenian IN MEMORIAM Properties Around the World Prof. Krikor Pidedjian from previous page The late Alex Manoogian, throughout his presi- Musician, Scholar, Pioneer of Gara Murza’s Armenian Holy Mass dency of the AGBU (1953-1989), allocated his own resources and inspired other benefactors to con- tribute to the development of the educational mis- Pidedjian arrived in Antelias in 1952, and ancient photos show sion of the organization; benefactors like By Fr. Zaven Arzoumanian, PhD the young student and I attending the funeral of His Holiness Hussisian, Nazarian, Kouyoumjian, Zaroukian, Karekin I Hovsepiants of the Great House of Cilicia who had Hanessian and Bazarian joined his drive to expand passed away the same year in June. A year ago as I was mention- the network of the schools in the Diaspora. I was deeply saddened reading in the Armenian Mirror- ing the historic event on a telephone conversation, he confirmed With the current leadership of the AGBU, the Spectator weekly about the passing of our distinguished musician and soon sent me a photo showing both of us, myself a deacon trend has been reversed. Therefore, Melkonian was Prof. Krikor Pidedjian in New York at age 84. He was the pioneer and him a fourth grade student, walking in the annual Pilgrim just the tip of the iceberg as other schools have met of the complete study of the 19th century Armenian musician Day Procession of the Catholicosate, with the “Right Arm of St. the same fate. The AGBU closed the Bazarian Krisdapor Gara Murza, whose life and achievements he explored Gregory the Illuminator” carried by the Vicar of the School in Sao Paolo, Brazil and the Zaroukian academically as a final and complete evaluation, and published Catholicosate. In return I sent him a photo from 1954 July 4, fol- School in Toronto, Canada. The axe was over the his study in an impressive volume. Pidedjian was the most recent lowing my priestly ordination in the Cathedral, as Pidedjian was Manoogian school in Detroit before it became a scholar who restored the many unknown events of Gara Murza’s ceremonially pouring the water to wash my hands just anointed charter school funded by the state. intricate life, and more importantly, he established and published with the Holy Miuron (Oil) as my junior godfather. the academic complete text of Gara Murza’s original Armenian The Kalpakian School in Athens and the Sydney The Distinguished Musician School in Australia are slated to be closed. Holy Mass (Badarak), before Makar Ekmalian and Gomidas As well, the AGBU School in Watertown had Vartabed composed their own versions of the same Liturgy years Undoubtedly, among the alumni throughout the history of the closed in the 1990s. later. Pidedjian’s conclusion was that the last two versions were Seminary, Krikor Pidedjian stands the only internationally The fact that all the schools started by the based on the traditional music of the Armenian Church Badarak acclaimed musicologist, scholar and conductor, as his academic Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) camp in written originally for the first time by Gara Murza. In addition to credentials led his steps to Armenia where he was distinguished the same communities are burgeoning is proof that this important case later in this article I will touch on another as a talented music authority. There he was awarded the degree there is no dearth of students nor funding in the publication where Krikor Pidedjian explored a unique hymn ded- of Honorary Professor of Music, based on his many publications, respective communities. That leaves the AGBU icated to the Hripsimian and Gayanian Virgins, the earliest headed by those two volumes representing Gara Murza, and the leadership open to be accused of lack of vision, lack Christian martyrs of Armenia. 7th century hymn “Antsink nviryalk” dedicated to the Hripsimyank and Gayaniank Virgins. Upon his return from of commitment to our heritage and lack of know- Two Boys at the Camp how to run educational institutions. Yerevan, Krikor sent me those two valuable books, scholarly writ- The current educational philosophy of the AGBU Pidedjian was baptized Hagop, born in Alexandria, where at age ten and enriched with documentary data. 12 he met a friend from Cairo, Taniel Arzoumanian, age 14, who leadership is — and that is enunciated proudly — Hambartsum Berberian’s Oratorio that preserving the Armenian heritage is tanta- had traveled to Alexandria for a summer camp in 1947. At the mount to containing those communities in ghettos camp those two boys soon became friends, and one day Pidedjian During our recent conversation Krikor referred to our Seminary and that closing schools is a form of emancipation told his friend, this writer, if I had heard the hymn “Kta Der” music teacher, the well-famed composer Hambartsum Berberian, in the present globalized world. (Lord have mercy), the memorial sharagan, he had learned at his whom he praised very highly as one of the greatest composers of our Should we hesitate to call this campaign to close most tender age from the elderly priest Der Vartan Karageozian time, mentioning his equally famous Oratorio, dedicated to Saints down schools a betrayal of our heritage? of Alexandria. The hymn was unknown to me hearing the boy Vartanank. I added the information unknown to him that His Holiness The Melkonian Educational Institute is not yet singing softly the whole stanza while we were camping. Years Karekin I Hovsepiants had suggested Berberian in 1951 to compose a an “abandoned” property but it looks like it’s on its later we met each other in the Theological Seminary in Antelias musical masterpiece honoring the 1500th anniversary of the Battle of way. as students, three grades apart, where I reminded him about the Vartanank. I told Krikor that the Oratorio, which was based on the text This destructive drive is being conducted with hymn. With his soft and permanent smile Pidedjian remembered of the great poet Vahan Tekeyan’s famous poem “Khorhoort impunity, under the belief that the diaspora is dis- those earlier days. Recently on the phone, we both shared mem- Vartanants,” was completed by Mr. Berberian just in time, with an integrating and will reach a point where there will ories, now Professor and a distinguished scholar in music, and I orchestra and chorus, in which he included some of us the students at no longer be an authority seeking accountability a senior clergy serving the Armenian Church in America. In his the Seminary, and that the Catholicos had heard the very first perfor- and no public to be incensed. utmost humility and kindness he would speak with me respect- mance in 1951. (Part III of this subject will appear next week.) fully as his senior colleague. see PIDEDJIAN, page 20 20 S ATURDAY, A UGUST 1 7 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR

Armenian High Court Judges Offered Financial Incentives To Resign

amendments when it posted them on a gov- ing to do with the concept of a rule-of-law liament, disagreed. He insisted that the gov- By Naira Bulghadarian ernment website. state,” said Ruben Melikyn, a lawyer critical ernment is proposing a workable solution to One of the proposed measures gives of the government. the “constitutional crisis” in the country. Tovmasyan and the eight other court judges Melikyan also described as unconstitution- The existence of such a crisis was alleged YEREVAN (RFE/RL) — Members of the option of tendering their resignations by al another amendment envisaging the sus- in June by Vahe Grigoryan, the Armenia’s Constitutional Court will continue October 31. In return, they would keep pension of the Constitutional Court mem- Constitutional Court’s newest judge also to receive their salaries and other benefits if elected by the current parliament. Grigoryan they resign before November, according to a claimed that only he and another judge of government bill made public late last week. the 9-member court, Arman Dilanyan, can The bill, drafted by the Justice Ministry fol- make valid decisions because they were elect- lowing harsh criticism of the court’s chair- ed after the constitutional changes came into man, Hrayr Tovmasyan, voiced by Prime force over a year ago. Minister Nikol Pashinyan, also stipulates that Grigoryan argued that the under the the court justices will have to be suspended amended constitution the Constitutional if law-enforcement authorities launch crimi- Court now consists of “judges,” rather than nal proceedings against them. “members,” as was the case until April 2018. In a July 19 interview with RFE/RL’s He said that the other members therefore Armenian service, Pashinyan accused cannot be considered “judges.” Tovmasyan of cutting political deals with for- The eight other members of the mer President Serzh Sarkisian to become the Constitutional Courts, including Dilanyan, head the country’s highest court and hold dismissed those claims. They countered that that position until 2035 through constitu- an article of the amended constitution makes tional amendments that took effect in April clear that the court “members” appointed 2018. “The Constitutional Court must get before 2018 can serve as “judges” until they out of this status of a privatized booth,” he turn 65. said, implicitly demanding changes in the Supporters of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan block the entrance to the Constitutional Court Grigoryan’s position was backed by some court’s composition. buildin in Yerevan, May 20, 2019. senior pro-government lawmakers. The gov- Tovmasyan rejected the verbal attack as ernment has stopped short of explicitly and offensive and warned Pashinyan’s govern- formally endorsing it, however. Citing the ment against trying to force him and other receiving their salaries and other perks until bers facing criminal investigations. Justice Ministry bill, Melikyan suggested that court members to resign. He pointedly what would have been the end of their legal Nina Karapetyants, another lawyer, also the government recognizes all Constitutional declined to deny pro-opposition media claims tenure. The bill implies that the success of criticized the proposed changes. Court members as “judges.” that the government has already instructed judicial reforms planned by the Armenian Karapetyants said that while the The pressure on the high court followed law-enforcement bodies to explore ways of authorities requires a different makeup of Constitutional Court is responsible for vali- sweeping judicial reforms promised by exerting such pressure on them. the Constitutional Court. dating “falsified” elections held in Armenia Pashinyan in May. The premier has repeated- The Justice Ministry bill, which has yet to Some legal experts as well as critics of the in the past the government should not try to ly stated that he wants to make Armenia’s be formally approved by the government, government have denounced this amend- get rid of its judges in this fashion. courts “truly independent.” His political involves a set of draft amendments to an ment, saying that it amounts to a legal But Grigor Bekmezyan, a member of opponents and other critics maintain, how- Armenian law on the Constitutional Court. “bribe” offered to the judges. Armenia’s Supreme Judicial Council recently ever, that he is on the contrary seeking to The ministry called for a public debate on the “This provision has, to put it mildly, noth- installed by the government-controlled par- gain full control over the judiciary.

Iranian President Invited to Attend EEU Summit

Prof. Krikor Pidedjian SUMMIT, from page 1 until 2025 that will lead to the establishment of as part of his visit to Tehran in February. a common financial market among the EEU Musician, Scholar, Pioneer of Gara Murza’s Pashinyan also said that an international member states. forum entitled “Transit Potential of the It is expected that the Concept on the estab- Armenian Holy Mass Eurasian Continent” will be held on the side- lishment of this market will be signed during lines of the Yerevan summit and the leaders of the EEU summit in the Armenian capital on PIDEDJIAN, from page 19 tury hymn known as Antsink nviryalk the EEU and its partner states have been invit- October 1. Krikor was curious to know if the music sirooyn Krisdosi (Souls devoted to the love ed to attend the event. Speaking about regulations on the alcohol with the orchestra was available some- of Christ), 36 stanzas, each of them starting “It is expected that the forum will discuss top- beverages market, Pashinyan said that the EEU where in its complete notes. I informed with the Armenian alphabet. An amazing ical issues related to the development of the member states generally support the removal of him that I had the most recent copy of the hymn, as ancient as it is, written by continent’s transport-logistical network, barriers in this sector of the economy. He said complete text, and that I have tried to sing Catholicos Gomidas (615-628) who has also prospects of developing new and implementa- this direction is a priority for Armenia, which is the basic part as simple as possible, as I composed its unique music, distinctive from tion of existing large-scale infrastructure pro- internationally recognized for its brandy and still do privately, except for some confusion the rest of those similar traditional jects of the region’s states as well as issue con- wine production. due to so many musical notes which did Armenian Church modes. There are eight nected with the development of digital corri- Pashinyan also highlighted the importance not help me sing the way I remembered modes that govern the singing of our shara- dors of Eurasia,” the Armenian leader said. for entities working the agribusiness sector to while learning it. He said you should try to gans, and some of them require “elabora- Addressing the EEU Inter-Governmental have some summarized information on the sup- separate the orchestral notes from the tion” such as this particular hymn Antsink. Council’s session, Pashinyan also highlighted ply and demand on agricultural produce in the basic music. Krikor was anxious to have a Krikor Pidedjian is the first scholar to study the importance of a set of measures planned EEU member states. copy of that most revised text by Mr. all those hymns that are sung in similar Berberian, who had conducted the “elaborate” mode and compare them show- Oratorio in various Armenian communities ing the progress through the succeeding abroad and in Armenia. The last perfor- centuries. His conclusion has been the Britain Appoints Ethnic Armenian as New Ambassador to Yerevan mance I attended in 1972 was at the source of those hymns being the 7th centu- Carnegie Hall in New York. ry hymn dedicated to the Holy Virgins, and AMBASSADOR, from page 1 commercial ties between the two countries. Recently on our frequent conversations the one that stands the original and genuine The office of Zareh Sinanyan, Armenia’s com- “Growth in trade turnover was 42 percent on the phone, Krikor Pidedjian would talk if compared with the rest. He has included missioner general of Diaspora affairs, welcomed and 18 percent in 2017 and 2018 respectively,” about our academic works, his travels to in the volume the updated musical notes of Gogbashian’s appointment. “This is the first it said in written comments to RFE/RL’s Armenia, where he was acclaimed for his all those similar hymns as samples for com- time that a Diaspora Armenian will be ambas- Armenian service. “There was a substantial credentials as a musician, receiving awards parison. It is indeed truly a scholarly work. sador to Armenia,” the office wrote on its growth in the UK’s investment flows to from respective institutions, not forgetting Facebook page. Armenia over the past four years in sectors to offer his high commendations addressed The Last Mohican The development coincided with Armenian such as ICT, pharmaceutical and mining.” to me for the books I had written as aca- It is hard for me to conclude, if I am per- President Armen Sarkissian’s latest visit to “The British Embassy in Yerevan sees further demic publications. In fact Krikor in his mitted, that Krikor Pidedjian may stand as London. Sarkissian’s office said on Monday that potential for growth and is working with UK noble and respectful words had signed a the last Mohican in the field of the he met there with “a number of high-ranking companies and sectors in Armenia to encour- hand-written letter of praise and sent to Armenian classical music and performance UK officials.” It did not name any of those offi- age more UK trade and investment,” it added. California where the Diocese was honoring since the fall of the Soviet Union. For sure cials. The British mission also said London is com- me with the Pontifical Encyclical and Medal Soviet Armenia has offered many talents Sarkissian expressed Armenia’s readiness to mitted to helping Armenia become a “demo- from Holy Echmiadzin. During our conver- then, most valuable composers and per- deepen ties with the UK when he congratulat- cratic, prosperous and resilient country.” sations he would always mention some of formers of our classic music and theatrical ed Boris Johnson on becoming British prime “To do this, over the last year or so, the UK the illnesses and health problems he was art. Today unfortunately we do not see any minister late last month. has increased its support to Armenia’s domestic going through that unfortunately led him to of those since the independence of Armenia. Sarkissian, 66, lived and worked in London, reform agenda,” it said. “We supported delivery his untimely passing. Instead, non-classical and modern unquali- including as Armenian ambassador to Britain, of the free and fair elections last December and fied music has flooded the field of the for nearly three decades prior to becoming now we are focusing on helping to strengthen An Ancient Hymn Explored Armenian music, telling us if Prof. Pidedjian Armenia’s largely ceremonial head of state in Armenia’s institutions, which is crucial for Krikor Pidedjian’s next volume represent will have concluded the era of classical April 2018. He received British citizenship in Armenia’s long-term development. We are an authoritative exploration of the 7th cen- music at large. 2002 but renounced it about a decade later. doing this through a range of governance and Meanwhile, the British Embassy in Yerevan economic reforms, defense reform, efforts to touted on Monday a “substantial” increase in tackle corruption and uphold human rights.”