OCTOBER 19, 2013 MirTHErARoMENr IAN -Spe ctator Volume LXXXIV, NO. 14, Issue 430 8 $ 2.00 NEWS IN BRIEF The First English Language Armenian Weekly in the United States Since 1932 President Hands out Awards at National Syrian Rebels Swap Crosses Atop Academy of Sciences YEREVAN (Armenpress) — President Serge Churches for Al Qaeda Flags Sargisian, on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia, signed BEIRUT (AFP) – Jihadist fighters linked the religious furnishings inside, the Syria dominantly Sunni Muslim country wracked decrees bestowing honored titles a and medals to to Al-Qaeda set fire to statues and crosses Observatory for Human Rights said. by more than two years of civil war, but also members of the academy for their contributions inside churches in northern Syria on They did the same at the Armenian on Shiite Muslim mosques. and services in the fields of science and education. Thursday and destroyed a cross on a Catholic Church of the Martyrs, and also see CROSSES, page 3 The president awarded some of the members church clock tower, a watchdog said. destroyed a cross atop its clock tower, with the order of Saint Mesrop Mashtots, others Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant replacing it with the ISIL flag, the with the medal of Anania Shirakatsi or Movses Khorenatsi. (REUTERS) Observatory said. Most of Raqa, locat - TCA Executive Director According to another decree, signed by the pres - ed on the banks of the ident, a number of members have received titles. Euphrates River and To Speak at AGBU Hye capital of the province Sargisian to Attend EU of the same name, fell Geen Program to anti-regime fighters Eastern Partnership in March. PASADENA, Calif. — AGBU Hye Geen will Where the ISIL hold another event in the series celebrating its Summit in Vilnius dominates in the city, 20th anniversary. AGBU Hye Geen will present YEREVAN (Armenpress) — Armenian President it imposes a strict ver - the issue of the changing Armenian Diaspora Serge Sargisian plans to attend the upcoming sion of sharia (Islamic and whether the US Armenian community can European Union (EU) Eastern Partnership Summit law) on the populace. replicate the success of the Middle East, on in Vilnius on November 28 and 29, the Lithuania The London-based November 2 at the Tribune reported. Observatory de- AGBU Pasadena Center, 2495 East The news was confirmed by Armenian Flags of the al-Qaeda-linked Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant nounced these attacks Mountain St. Ambassador to Lithuania Ara Aivazyan at a recent are hung to replace crosses on The Martyrs Church in Raqqah. “against the freedom meeting with the Deputy Speaker of the of religion, which are The first speaker, Lithuanian Seimas, Gediminas Kirkilas, the Seimas. an assault on the Tamar Kevonian will The statement also says that Armenia plans take (ISIL) fighters entered the Greek Catholic Syrian revolution.” review gender inequal - active participation in the Eastern Partnership Church of Our Lady of the Annunciation in Not only have there been attacks on ity in the Los Angeles Programme, despite the fact that on September 3 the northern city of Raqqah and torched Christian places of worship in Syria, a pre - Armenian community. The publisher of Sargisian announced Armenia’s decision to join the Baydzig Mosaix Magazine and Moscow-led Customs Union and take part in the Kalaydjian subsequently a con - formation of the Eurasian Economic Union. Vartan Gregorian Honored in tributor to various “Ahead of the Vilnius Summit, Armenia will seek Armenian publications, Kevonian has tack - to strengthen a political dialogue with the EU and led social issues within the US community. its member states, aimed at promoting mutual Scotland at Carnegie Birthplace Baydzig Arabian-Kalaydjian, a former edu - understanding,” the statement said. cator, editor of Middle Eastern newspapers Armenia wants an achievement resolution to be DUNFERMLINE, Scotland — Part of a park donated by Andrew Carnegie to and at present executive director of the signed during the Vilnius Summit to consolidate its the people of Scotland was named after Vartan Gregorian, president of Carnegie Boston-based Tekeyan Cultural Association, achievements over three years of negotiations on Corporation of New York, on October 14. During the ceremony, a pathway was will discuss the changing Armenian the association agreement. dedicated as “Vartan’s Way” at Pittencrieff Park in Andrew Carnegie’s birthplace Diaspora and evaluate the US Armenian of Dunfermline. The ceremony was part of weeklong celebrations in Scotland sur - diaspora in replicating the success of the rounding the 2013 Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy, an honor awarded by the Middle Eastern communities. Mirror-Spectator Wins family of Carnegie institutions to recognize those who embrace Carnegie’s phi - A question-and-answer period will follow Diaspora Ministry losophy of using their private wealth for the public good. the talk. see GREGORIAN, page 16 Sona Zeitlian, author of studies about Award Armenian women, will offer concluding remarks. She will review the options for invest - YEREVAN — Earlier in October, the Armenian ing in the future and dwell on the role of orga - Mirror-Spectator received a certificate from the nizational networks to insure the active Armenian Diaspora Ministry, as the top newspaper involvement of the urban settlers in the US. in the diaspora. The program will start at 11 a.m. The Diaspora Ministry jointly awards the certifi - cate annually, working in conjunction with the Armenian Journalists’ Union. The certificate also comes with a monetary award. An article with further details will appear in next week’s publication. INSI DE College Bound BOSTON — Middlesex County Sheriff Page 8 Peter Koutoujian, who was running in the October 15 primary ahead of the December 10 special election to fill the US House of Representatives INDEX seat vacated by now-Sen. Edward Arts and Living ...... 10 Markey, came in second, narrowly los - Armenia ...... 2 ing to Katherine Clark in a large Community News...... 5 Democrat field. A more detailed story Editorial ...... 14 Vartan Gregorian plants a tree at the Scotland park. on the primary will appear in next International ...... 3,4 week’s paper. 2 S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 19, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARMENIA News From Armenia Armenian Scholar Urges Putin to ‘Annex’ Karabagh the event of Armenia’s joining the to try to convince Russia to recognize By Naira Hayrumyan Customs Union of Russia, Belarus Karabagh’s independence, after the Activist Appeals and Kazakhstan. war in Karabagh worked for the “uni - There has been no answer to this fication” of the Armenian nation by Armenia’s Decision to YEREVAN (ArmeniaNow) — While question until today, and it looks like organizing two round-the-world trips mass actions of protests against Russia, with the help of its “friends” by sea visiting major ports with Enter Customs Union migrants, especially Caucasus in Armenia, is preparing a variant of Armenian communities along the YEREVAN (PanArmenian.net) — The decision to natives, were being held in Moscow recognition and, thus, political annex - way and making a lot of writing on enter the Customs Union was not taken democrati- on Sunday, with calls for ousting all ation of Karabagh. It is not without state budget money. cally, by means of discussions and consultations, of them from the Russian capital and reason that an international confer - The letter provoked a strong reac - said human rights activist and head of the Helsinki while riot police were dispersing pro - ence titled “The National-Liberation tion on the Armenian segment of Citizens’ Assembly Vanadzor Office Arthur testers near the Biryulyovo market, Struggle of Karabagh: from Gulistan online social networking sites. Some Sakunts, at a press conference this week. in Yerevan a heated discussion went to the Present Day” was held with said that Balayan is, probably, out of He also said that he plans to appeal to the on around the letter of Karabagh pomp in Karabagh a week before the his mind, others argued that while a Constitutional Court requesting to declare the deci- movement activist, writer and publi - 200th anniversary of the treaty. The few years ago this letter would have sion illegal. cist Zori Balayan’s letter calling on very name of the event already indi - been taken in Armenia “with under - Rule of Law NGO chairman Artak Zeynalyan said Russian President Vladimir Putin to cated that the transition from the standing,” now no one understands he is opposed to Armenia’s decision to join the “annex” Karabagh to Russia. Persian into the Russian Empire in who Russia should save independent Customs Union, adding that that decision was “in October 12 marked the 200th Karabagh is considered as the begin - Karabagh from now. Still others violation of the principle of publicity.” anniversary of the signing of the ning of the “national-liberation” argued that the letter was written in Treaty of Gulistan on the results of struggle. And so on the day of the consultation with the authorities of the Russian-Persian war, in which anniversary of the treaty Balayan, Armenia and Russia. Either way, it is Armenians Hack Russia won. According to that treaty, who is considered all but a number clear that Russia is preparing some much of the Persian Empire land, one enemy in Azerbaijan, wrote a 10- acts in connection with Karabagh, Azerbaijani Website including the Karabagh khanate, was page letter to Putin in which he cited which may be accompanied by a “gen - YEREVAN (Armenpress) — Ahead of the forthcom- ceded to Russia “in perpetuity.” The lots of arguments in favor of the erous” political recognition of the ing Armenia-Italy match, the Armenian Cyber Army fact that Karabagh was a part of the Karabagh problem being the problem NKR and its inclusion in the future hacked the website of the Ministry of Education of Russian Empire in accordance with of Russia as much as that of Armenia Eurasian Union as well as the deploy - Azerbaijan. The information security specialist the Treaty of Gulistan has been men - and said that Russia should solve this ment of Russian troops in Karabagh. Samvel Martirosyan published about it in his tioned by Russian experts since it issue by recognizing Karabagh as it It is not excluded that the newly ren - Facebook profile, Armenpress reports. The became clear recently that no one did in Gulistan. Balayan, who stood at ovated Stepanakert airport will be put Armenian hackers left the message “11 heroes: the can give an answer to the question of the sources of the Karabagh move - into operation but already under the Armenian national football team” and a video on what will be the fate of Karabagh in ment and frequently went to Moscow aegis of Russia. the Azerbaijani website. Philanthropist Izmirlian Opposition Activist to Seek Full Acquittal Receives Honors YEREVAN (Armenpress) — President Serge After Release by Amnesty Sargisian received the Supreme Patriarch and the Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II and Swiss- PHOTOLURE PHOTO Armenian philanthropists Dikran and Helena Izmirlian on October 15. By Siranuysh Gevorgyan The Department for Mass Media and Public Relations of the Armenian President’s Office reported YEREVAN (ArmeniaNow) — A freed to Armenpress that Sargisian praised the Izmirlian opposition youth activist has vowed to Foundation’s past and present charitable projects, seek full exoneration despite a partial both in Armenia and in Artsakh (Nagorno Karabagh) acquittal and release from the appeals Republic, which include the latest venture, the court under the general amnesty act on reopening of Izmirlian Medical Center in Yerevan, Monday. under the auspices of the Armenian Church. The court in Yerevan ordered Tigran In addition, Sargisian awarded the Order of Saint Arakelyan’s release after ruling that Mesrop Mashtots to Dikran Izmirlian, in recogni- parts of the charges against him must tion of his contribution to the strengthening of be dropped and his six-year prison sen - Homeland-Diaspora ties and his patriotic activities tence reduced to three years. for numerous years. The Izmirlian family members Arakelyan, a leader of the opposition also attended the awarding ceremony. Armenian National Congress (ANC) On his part, the benefactor Izmirlian stressed that youth wing, had spent more than two it is owing to his devoted parents that he and his fam- years in jail after being arrested in Tigran Arakelyan ily are conducting patriotic activities. “Armenia is and August 2011 and later sentenced on always will be in our hearts,” he said. charges of assaulting a police officer. Interestingly, the incident that hap - activists to be politically motivated. Yerevan’s Saryan Park. He thanked Students of Synopsis pened two years ago and as a result of Arakelyan, who at the previous court them for the support during these two which seven activists were detained hearing stated that he did not need years and said that he would be more Receive Diplomas (four of whom, including Arakelyan, amnesty and that he wanted acquittal, active and would take steps aimed at were then indicted and tried) put an announced that he was going to appeal finding more “in-depth solutions.” YEREVAN (Armenpress) — One hundred and two end to a political dialogue between the the decision at the Court of Cassation ANC parliamentary faction secretary students who successfully graduated from the joint opposition bloc and the authorities. All in order to achieve a complete acquittal. Aram Manukyan said that their strug - educational program of the Department of along the opposition has considered the In the evening Arakelyan met with gle was not only for the release of Education of Synopsis Armenia and partner uni- cases against Arakelyan and three other ANC members and supporters in Arakelyan, but to exclude the presence versities received diplomas this week. of people persecuted for their political Director of Synopsys Armenia CJS Hovik views in Armenia. Musayelyan, when delivering the diplomas, con- “Our goal is to make sure no one gratulated the students, pointing out that the com- becomes a political prisoner no matter pany continues its activity in Armenia through the Yerevan State University Opens to Diaspora what party affiliation they may have,” technological university educational programs pro- he stated. moting the development of the economy of the YEREVAN — The Distance Learning For years the Distance Learning ANC faction leader Levon Zurabyan, country. Laboratory at Yerevan State University Laboratory, which is housed in the meanwhile, again accused the authori - (YSU) announced this week the launch Department of Sociology, has been ties of thwarting the dialogue two years Mexican Ambassador to of DistanceLearning.am — a pioneering developing this program — which is the ago with unreasonable action. program of English-language courses, University’s first diaspora-oriented initia - “These authorities have proved that Armenia Appointed which can be taken by anyone with tive. Now Armenians everywhere are they are ready to sacrifice the best access to a computer. invited to take YSU-certified courses in processes that could lead to the recov - YEREVAN (Armenpress) — The newly appointed “For too long our language, culture the various eras of Armenian History, ery of our society for the sake of ambassador of Mexico to Armenia, Ruben Alberto and history have been kept in select uni - Genocide, Comparative Genocide and revenge, for political persecution, for Beltran Guerrero, handed his credentials to versities of the world,” said Dr. Artashes the Armenian Diaspora. These have been creating an atmosphere of intimida - President Serge Sargisian. Khurshudyan, director of the virtual pro - developed by leading experts, scholars tion,” he claimed. Sargisian congratulated Guerrero and stated that gram. “But now we must deliver to the and professors from all over the world. “We had been in dialogue over hold - he is hopeful that Guerrero will spare no effort for demand of the 21st century. “DistanceLearning.am is a virtual uni - ing early parliamentary and presidential the strengthening of relations between the two Contemporary education itself must be versity in itself,” Khurshudyan added, elections to form a legitimate govern - countries. The sides laid a heavy emphasis on the democratized and become as accessible “A virtual university where courses in ment in Armenia. Are they ready to talk significance of regular mutual visits and activities. as possible. This distance learning pro - Armenian Studies are being taught 24 about these issues today? Probably not. gram will also contribute to the dissemi - hours a day. At any moment anybody in But our cause from now on will be to nation of Armenian issues across the the world can walk into our university force this talk on these authorities,” world.” and begin or continue his education.” Zurabyan concluded. S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 19, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 3 INTERNATIONAL Armenian Church to Participate in World International News Council of Churches’ 10th Assembly Tennis Ace Nalbandian Announces Retirement BUSAN, Korea — The 10th Assembly young people and several thousand towards being a Church together. The of the World Council of Churches Korean Christians. assembly will bring a realization of what BUENOS AIRES (PanArmenian.net) — Argentina’s (WCC) begins at the end of October and Tveit said he sees the legacy of the we have received. But, we are not fin - David Nalbandian announced his retirement from will bring together Christians from WCC, which began in 1948 and has con - ished with our tasks and we have to con - professional tennis after 13 years on the around in the world. Participating in tinued during the past 65 years in the tinue our work and prayers for the Association of Tennis Professional (ATP) World the assembly will be the Armenian assembly. “The member churches,” Christian unity,” said Tveit. Tour. According to the ATP World Tour website, he Church. Tveit said, “will be harvesting fruits of The WCC assembly will feature varied amassed 11 titles and reached a career-high World The assembly is attempt at renewing the work of the WCC since the last spiritual expressions from churches Number 3 in 2006. He finished in the year-end “Top the worldwide ecumenical movement — WCC assembly in Porto Alegre, Brazil, around the world. Having the assembly 10” of the Emirates ATP Rankings five times. infusing it with honesty, humility and 2006, while setting directions for a new in South Korea is significant, Tveit Nalbandian cited a shoulder injury as the cause hope, according to the WCC general ecumenical vision for the future.” There explained. “The assembly will be a place of his decision. “I can play matches, but my shoul- secretary. are 345 member churches in the WCC for the global fellowship of the church - der won’t let me continue my career,” he shared Regarding this purpose, Rev. Dr. Olav and nearly all will be represented at the es to express solidarity with the Korean with the media in Buenos Aires. “I can’t play like Fykse Tveit, WCC general secretary, and assembly. churches, which have suffered separa - that at a [professional] level. It’s tough because I a Lutheran pastor from the Church of “Churches will engage in open and tions and had been calling for the reuni - have to announce my retirement from the sport Norway said, it is “through humility, accountable conversations,” he said, fication of the divided Korean peninsu - that gave me so much. I’m very grateful.” honesty and hope that we can live about issues important to the church la,” he said. Nalbandian reached his last final at the Brazil together as humanity and a Church in a today such as mission and evangelism, “Praying that this is an assembly Open in Sao Paulo earlier this year, losing to Nadal world, where justice and peace are fun - faith and order, justice, peace and unity. where we all meet the God of life, we in the Spaniard’s second tournament back to the damental initiatives and not merely This dialogue is significant for the WCC also look forward to move forward ATP World Tour after an injury layoff. words.” assembly as “justice and peace imply together in a pilgrimage for justice and After announcing his retirement from the ATP The theme of the WCC assembly is a effectively addressing core values of the peace,” Teveit concluded. World Tour at a media conference, Nalbandian took prayer “God of life, lead us to justice and kingdom of God, the will of God, the cre - The first WCC Assembly took place in to Twitter to say that he would play a series of peace.” ator,” Tveit added. Amsterdam, Netherlands in 1948. Since farewell exhibition matches with Nadal beginning The assembly will take place from The outgoing WCC Central then assemblies have been in held in 21 November. “It’s a long way to those matches,” October 30 to November 8 in Busan, Committee announced that they hoped Evanston, US, 1954; New Delhi, India, said Nalbandian. “I’m still in rehab from my Republic of Korea. the assembly would initiate “a pilgrim - 1961; Uppsala, Sweden, 1968; Nairobi, injuries and I need to keep training.” There will be around 3,000 partici - age of justice and peace” that could Kenya, 1975; Vancouver, Canada, 1983; pants from Asia, Pacific, Africa, Europe, unite Christians in a unique way. Canberra, Australia, 1991; Harare, Middle East, North America and Latin “This call makes us look beyond our Zimbabwe, 1998 and Porto Alegre, Eight Citizens Injured by America, including a large number of boundaries and limitations journeying Brazil, 2006. Damascus Attacks DAMASCUS (Armenpress) — Eight citizens were wounded after alleged terrorists launched mortar shells on the residential area of al-Midan this week. Turkey Must Return Armenian Churches According to the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA), shells fell on the area, causing the injury Rightful Owners: Aram I of eight citizens and material damage to the area. The source said that the terrorists also launched mortar shells on al-Abbasyeen residential area, YEREVAN (Armenpress) — Catholicos decades provided concrete articulation legitimate owners of their properties.” adding that the attack caused only material dam- Aram I of the See of Cilicia participated of the Armenian people’s struggle for Concluding his remarks Aram I said: age. in the third Convention of European the recognition of the Armenian “Our claim is legitimate. Nor can one Armenians. Genocide. Contacts with political circles ignore its moral, ethical and religious In his opening remarks, Aram I urged and collaboration with people within dimensions and implications. Turkey Amnesty International Turkey to “return the Armenian church - civil society further helped build aware - must be courageous to accept the es to their legitimate owners, the ness with respect to the Armenian truth, if it is really committed to Reports Azeri Election Armenian people.” Genocide. This first genocide of the human rights, if it believes in harmo - Violence He said: “Numerous studies, publica - 20th century has become now an inte - nious coexistence, meaningful dialogue tions, lectures, seminars and confer - gral part of the international agenda.” and close collaboration among nations, BAKU (Armenpress) —According to Amnesty ences, substantiated by historical evi - He added, “The question of the states and religions, it must take a con - International, several tactics were employed by dences and eye witness accounts, for Armenian Genocide is acquiring a new crete step in the direction of reparation authorities during the campaigns leading up to the form and expression; it is generating a by returning the churches to their October 9 elections, including harassment, terror- renewed interest and a new reaction. rightful owners, the Armenian people. izing, ill-treatment, arbitrary arrests, unfair trials These factors and developments, This is, indeed, high time for Turkey to and false accusations. Syrian Rebels Swap referred to briefly, with their implica - act, instead of reacting, by changing its John Dalhuisen, Europe and Central Asia program tions need to be taken into serious con - policy of denial, negativism and director at Amnesty International explained, “In the Crosses Atop sideration as we try to reassess and obstructionism to that of reconciling condition of the daily reports on the new arrests of Churches for Al reactivate our efforts. However, we must with its past.” the activists of the civil society, it is difficult to fol- be realistic. We must bear in mind that The main speakers of the conference low the speed of the current prosecutions and the Qaeda Flags activism may soon reach a dead end if it were: Charles Tannock, Fausto Pocar, exact number of the dissidents that are subjected to is not consistant with the geopolitical Henry Theriault, Caroline Fournet, them. The harassments are so pervasive and of fre- CROSSES, from page 1 realities and interests of the present Ragib Zarakolu, Theophanis Malkidis, quent character that it is difficult to accurately Additionally, Christians clerics have world.” Otto Luchterhandt. assess how bad the present situation is.” been kidnapped, and some brutally mur - Aram I stressed the need for a “new The conference was attended by a dered, by jihadists. strategy, a new entry point and a new number of specialists of genocide and In January, the Middle East director emphasis in order to avoid stagnation international law as well as representa - New Armenian Cathedral of Human Rights Watch, Sarah Leah and embark on a new process.” He said, tives of European Parliament. Opens In Moscow Whitson, said: “The destruction of reli - “Without undermining the vital impor - gious sites is furthering sectarian fears tance of these [academic and intellectu - MOSCOW (RFE/RL) — A new cathedral of the and compounding the tragedies of the al] efforts, it is time that we focus our Armenian Apostolic Church opened on September country. attention on reparation. The Antelias 17. Armenia’s Catholicos Garegin II presided over “Syria will lose its rich cultural and Conference, organized by the Armenian Armenia’s Vice Prime the consecration ceremony held to celebrate the religious diversity if armed groups do Catholicosate of Cilicia, was precisely a Minister Holds church’s opening. not respect places of worship.” tangible step along these lines. It Guests at the ceremony included Armenia’s The New York-based group said that spelled out those provisions and entry Meetings in Lyon President Serge Sargisian and Patriarch Kirill of “while some opposition leaders have points that international law may pro - the Russian Orthodox Church, as well as represen- pledged to protect all Syrians, in prac - vide in the direction of reparation. At LYON, France (Armenpress) — Vice tatives of other religions. tice the opposition has failed to proper - the same time, it highlighted limita - Prime Minister of Armenia Armen The cathedral is the largest outside Armenia and ly address the unjustified attacks tions, ambiguities and uncertainties Gevorgyan on October 15 left for can hold up to 1,000 worshippers. against minority places of worship.” within the existing international law.” Lyon from Paris, where he had a meet - Its construction began eight years ago and was At the outset of the rebellion against Speaking about the Armenian ing with Mayor Gerard Collomb and funded by Russia-based Armenian and Russian President Bashar al-Assad, rebels wel - Church properties Aram I said that they the head of the Regional Council of sponsors. comed the support of jihadist groups, “cannot be considered ‘abandoned’ Rhones Alpes. It is only the fourth functioning Armenian largely made up of foreign fighters. because the Armenians did not leave Yerevan Mayor Taron Margaryan Apostolic church in the Russian capital and is But the jihadists, where they have their properties by their own choice; also attended the meeting. The two intended to serve Moscow’s sizeable Armenian com- reached a position of dominance in spe - they were threatened and forced to sides held a discussion on the issues munity. cific parts of the country, are increas - leave them. Hence, the Armenian prop - related to the prospect of the devel - Besides the cathedral, the church complex ingly alienating the native population. erties were seized by force and confis - opment and the current level of the includes a chapel, educational complex, residential On Thursday, an ISIL commander cated by state. Confiscation of proper - cooperation between Armenia and building for the head of the Armenian Apostolic from the United Arab Emirates was ties under all circumstances is not only France. In particular, they touched Church, museum and an exhibition hall. killed in fighting with Kurds in the illegal, but is also a crime against upon the 20-year-old partnership north of Syria, the Observatory said. humanity. The Armenian people are the between Yerevan and Lyon. 4 S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 19, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR INTERNATIONAL Haigazian University Celebrates its Founders’ Day

BEIRUT — Haigazian University celebrated anthem, a prayer of invocation was offered by its Founders’ Day on Monday, October 14, the campus minister, Rev. Bruce Schoup. 2013, in the presence of university president, This was followed by a tribute to the founders Rev. Dr. Paul Haidostian, Armenian delivered by the Dean of Arts & Sciences, Dr. Ambassador to Lebanon Ashot Kotcharian, Arda Ekmekji. Austrian Ambassador Ursula Fahringer, Beirut Ekmekji highlighted the founding institu - Marathon Association President May El Khalil, tions, the Union of Armenian Evangelical Board members, faculty, staff and students. Churches of the Near East (UAECNE) and the The processional march kicked off the annu - Armenian Missionary Association of America al event, which pays tribute to the university’s (AMAA). After acknowledging the collective founders. Following the Lebanese national efforts and initiative of the university’s Board of

Rev. Dr. Paul Haidostian, left, Lebanese-Armenian artist Krikor Norikian

Trustees and president, the faculty, staff and good readers, good thinkers, and, as a result, students, Ekmekji pointed out the importance good learners.” of the development and growth of the academ - “There’s an Everest in each one of us,” said ic institutions, through the establishment of its sportsman, explorer, champion, sailor, record continuing education programs, the opening of breaker and Bank Audi’s corporate ambas - new centers and conferences, publications, exhi - sador, Maxime Chaya. Chaya said that the key - bitions, and signing of joint agreements. words for his challenging path are: passion, per - Haidostian delivered a speech, placing partic - severance, belief and determination. With these ular significance on the human nature, which virtues he ensured that “everyone will reach his Rev. Dr. Paul Haidostian, left, with Maxime Chaya remains the same, despite the change of times. own Everest.” Chaya, who recently returned “As we open a new academic page every year, safely from his latest adventure of sailing the by repeating so much, by restating of facts, we Indian Ocean in 57 days, invited students to realize that each new student brings new life never give up and create change. Worker Safety: Concerns Raised for and each academic year has its opportune par - Lebanese-Armenian artist Krikor Norikian Armenian Migrant Workers in Russia

were angered by an allegedly biased investiga - By Gohar Abrahamyan tion of an ethnic Russian soccer fan’s murder by a Caucasus native. Talking to ArmeniaNow Yerevan-based MOSCOW (ArmeniaNow) — Protests against Caucasus Institute director, political analyst labor immigrants that have been accompanied Sergey Minasyan expressed the opinion that the with riots and mass disturbances in Moscow in campaign against illegal labor migrants was a recent days have raised concerns in Armenia domestic political issue in Russia and that the considering the fact that a lot of citizens and process that has deep roots will probably con - natives of this South Caucasus country live and tinue deep into the future. At the same time, he work in Russia. insisted that it had no link to any particular Disturbances erupted in the Western country. Biryulevo district in the Russian capital over Still, what is viewed by many as “domestic the weekend after the murder of a young policies” sends shockwaves across the entire Russian allegedly committed by a Caucasus former Soviet space. native staying in Moscow as a migrant worker. Alexei Navalniy, who finished second in A few hundred angry people staged what Moscow’s mayoral elections last month and has began as a peaceful protest in Biryulevo on ambitions to become the new opposition leader Sunday, demanding a full investigation of the in Russia, wrote on his blog on Monday that he murder case, but the protest quickly grew into had initiated a campaign to collect signatures in Students present a t-shirt to Maxime Chaya. disturbances and clashes with police accompa - support of establishing a visa regime for citi - nied with nationalist calls against “Khaches” (a zens of Central Asian and Caucasian republics. derivative from the Armenian name “Khachik” A few days ago a similar appeal was issued by used as a general name for Caucasus natives in Russian ombudsman Vladimir Lukin. ticularities,” said Haidostian. offered Haigazian an oil painting titled “Orange Moscow). Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin He considered that a university also changes Atmosphere” dated 1993, thus enriching the More than a thousand people were reported - did not welcome such calls, insisting that pre - with the change in the student body, but few University’s collection. ly arrested as a result. A criminal investigation venting citizens of former Soviet countries from things at a university will remain unchanged. In Haidostian presented Chaya and Norikian into the disturbances was launched. entering Russia without visas did not meet the this context, Haidostian added that, “at with plaques of recognition and appreciation, Protests and riots on ethnic grounds have interests of Russia which, on the contrary, Haigazian University, we aspire to inspire stu - after which everyone rose to sing the alma become more frequent in Russia in recent years. should attract the former Soviet republics and dents to also be good viewers, good listeners, mater. The main resentment is directed at immigrants not repel them. from Russia’s North Caucasus as well as the for - Helsinki Citizens’ Assembly Vanadzor office mer Soviet republics of the South Caucasus head Artur Sakunts, who on Monday and Central Asia. Calls for restricting entry to announced that he would appeal the decision Spanish Hotel Network to Open Armenian Location citizens of these countries to Russia have also by the Armenian government to join the been voiced on a regular basis. Customs Union of Russia, Belarus and YEREVAN (Armenpress) — Representatives Poghosyan. Armenians heard a xenophobic rant in Russia Kazakhstan in a court of law, said that the of the Hotel Network of Spain announced The joint program is designed to increase the after a heavy truck driven by an Armenian citi - authorities in Yerevan have done nothing to that they will open branches in Armenia. The number of tourists coming to Armenia, thus fos - zen plowed into a bus near Podolsk last July safeguard Armenian citizens in Russia from Deputy Minister of Economy of Armenian Ara tering the development of the substructures. killing 18 passengers and injuring many more. such treatment despite the fact that campaigns Poghosyan said that the network representa - Several internationally-known hotel networks Mass detentions of “illegal” labor migrants and against labor migrants in Moscow and other tives intend to visit Armenia in 2014. “The function in Armenia, among them Best their placement in ‘migrant camps’ began short - major Russian cities have been conducted reg - representatives of the hotel business will Western, Tufenkian and Hyatt. ly afterwards, with many Armenians also suffer - ularly. come to Armenia with a cognitive visit, during The number of tourists visiting Armenia ing because of the actions of Russian law- “I don’t think that the Armenian government which they will get acquainted with the nec - increased during the months of January-July enforcement agencies. can demonstrate the will to help Armenian essary conditions to establish a hotel business 2013 by 14.3 percent. According to the data Earlier, in December 2010, Moscow saw a big migrants there. The Armenian-Russian relations in Armenia. The visit is organized by the State provided by the National Statistical Service of scuffle on ethnic grounds later dubbed are such that Yerevan does not dare to say a sin - Tourism Agency of Spain. The agreement was Armenia, within the abovementioned period, Manezhnaya Unrest after Russian nationalists gle word against it,” Sakunts claimed. made during our visit to Spain in 2012,” said 321,279 people arrived in Armenia. S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 19, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 5 Community Ne ws

Diocese Presents Casino Night Raises Author’s Talk on Support for Bone Human Trafficking Marrow Registry

LOS ANGELES — More than 200 supporters By Florence Avakian attended the third annual Casino Night of the Armenian Bone Marrow Donor Registry (ABMDR), held on September 27. The highly NEW YORK — Lara is a lovely 16-year-old girl anticipated event was hosted by Michael and from a poor family in 1990s Armenia. A merci - Amy Boyadjian at their home in Glendale. less and greedy oligarch in the newly indepen - After being greeted by the hosts and ABMDR dent country offers to manage her in a model - representatives, guests enjoyed delectable appe - ing career. The father refuses and is killed. Her tizers and an open bar across the sprawling, poverty-stricken mother accepts the offer, and beautifully decorated terrace, where a profusion Lara is taken, brutalized and sent first to of flowers and candles set the evening’s tone. Moscow, and later to the oil-rich kingdom of Following a Dubai, where she is forced into prostitution. sumptuous din - Lara is the main character in a gripping new ner, Michael and novel titled A Place Far Away by Vahan Amy Boyadjian Zanoyan. The novel and its background into the formally wel - crime of human trafficking was the subject of a comed the atten - talk by Zanoyan at the Diocese of the Armenian dees and thanked Church of America (Eastern) on September 26. them for their An audience of more than 150 gathered in Haik enthusiastic sup - and Alice Kavookjian Auditorium to hear the The St. Stephen’s Armenian Elementary School team port of the author. ABDMR cause. The talk was sponsored by the Diocese’s “We firmly believe Krikor and Clara Zohrab Information Center in the humanitari - and the Armenian Studies program, along with an mission of this the Fund for Armenian Relief (FAR). ABMDR New England Walk wonderful organi - Rev. Daniel Findikyan, director of the Zohrab zation, which Center, welcomed the audience and called the Of Life Smashes helps save the Casino Night hosts evening “unique.” Previous events “have lives of so many Michael and Amy basked in the glories of our history and culture. across the globe,” Boyadjian. But tonight, we will hear of a dark issue, Participation Record said Amy become aware, and hopefully take action,” he Boyadjian, a mem - said. WATERTOWN — The New England Support Group of the Armenian Bone ber of the ABMDR Board of Directors and the “As Christians, we have the responsibility to Marrow Donor Registry (ABMDR) hosted its second annual Walk of Life on 2013 ABMDR Woman of the Year. speak the truth,” he said, and praised the Saturday, September 28. Subsequently she invited Dr. Frieda Jordan, author Zanoyan for his “heroic work and per - The event kicked off at the Armenian Cultural and Educational Center at 11 president of ABMDR, to deliver remarks. sonal sacrifice.” a.m., taking participants on a 2.2-mile route culminating at Watertown’s annual “I’d like to thank Michael and Amy Gilda Kupelian, coordinator of the Diocesan “Faire on the Square.” Distinguished Reverend Avedis Boynerian (of the Armenian Boyadjian for their gracious hospitality and Armenian Studies program, introduced the Memorial Church) and Reverend Gregory V. Haroutunian (of the First Armenian generous support,” Jordan said, and went on to speaker as a global energy expert and consul - Church) offered a blessing at the onset of the walk, and Jack Antounian, president convey her gratitude to the guests for making tant who has traveled extensively in Asia and of the Armenian Business Network (ABN), officiated the event. the Casino Night one of ABMDR’s most suc - Latin America. The walk attracted over 200 par - cessful fundraising events year after year. Zanoyan began by pointing out that the col - ticipants from a variety of age Jordan also spoke about some of the organi - lapse of the Soviet Union resulted in enormous groups, twice the number of walk - zation’s recent achievements. “Our lab in economic and social changes. One phenome - ers from the previous year. “We are Yerevan has just completed a new harvest of non that was not written about was the severe so thankful for the tremendous bone marrow stem cells from a donor and sent social dislocation that occurred. enthusiasm our community leaders them to a transplantation center in Germany, “Overnight, the entire socio-economic sup - demonstrated: they stepped for - where one of our patients will undergo a life- port mechanism was removed,” he said. “Every ward, set up teams, encouraged saving transplant,” she said. country of the former USSR experienced an their constituents’ participation in “At this very moment,” Dr. Jordan continued, escalation in crime and mass poverty. Those the walk, and the results were fan - “we have among us a donor who has been iden - well off were able to cope; but the large majori - tastic,” said ABMDR Board mem - tified as a match for a patient in Portugal, and ty lost everything. Many families were torn ber Alvart Badalian. she is ready to donate her stem cells to make apart. There was severe poverty, but the crimi - Eighteen walking teams were possible that patient’s transplant.” nal elite thrived. This was a recipe for disaster.” formed by supportive individuals Subsequently, as Jordan wished good luck to The author explained that how he met a vic - and community organizations, players, they were invited to take their seats at tim of Armenia’s human trafficking market — including the Armenian Business the casino-style tables, which featured a variety sadly representative of so many young girls Network, ACYOA, AGBU Young of games including poker, roulette, and black taken by force. She and her family were threat - Professionals Boston, Armenian jack. The high level of excitement was comple - ened and beaten. Because of the high rate of Library and Museum of America, mented by the gourmet offerings of a cigar and poverty, innocent underage girls and also boys, Amaras Art Alliance, AYF Boston cognac bar. Guests also had the opportunity to become trafficking victims, Zanoyan said. Nejdeh Chapter, Belmont High Young walkers purchase lottery tickets in support of ABMDR. Ten and 11-year-olds in Armenia are “targets see WALK, page 7 Elsewhere on the terrace, a dance floor set for trafficking. They are stolen from the streets up for the occasion filled up with revelers who and sent to Dubai and Turkey. These traffickers danced into the night to lively music provided have resources and don’t face governmental by a DJ. budget problems. They get [the children] false At the conclusion of the event, lottery win - passports, with false ages.” Some of the most ners were announced and presented with gifts. well organized traffickers are women. For more information, visit abmdr.am. Though the book is fiction, the main charac - ter is a composite of four real-life young girls who were trafficked. According to the author, around 80 percent of the trafficking scenarios in the novel are based on actual events. “It delves into the socio-economic nature of village poverty,” he said, “which leads to a mass exo - dus from Armenia that is continuing, and facili - tates the traffickers in their evil deeds.” “We don’t like to talk about the subject because it is painful: it is considered shameful to show our dirty laundry,” Zanoyan said. But he said public awareness needs to be raised — especially in the countries where the The Erebuni Armenian School team trafficking market operates. The book was writ - Guests had a great time while supporting ten in English to expose it to a wider audience; ABMDR’s life-saving mission. see TRAFFICKING, page 9 6 S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 19, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS Family Establishes Marc Tognozzi Memorial Fund at Paros Foundation

TARZANA, Calif. — The Tognozzi Family window blinds, electrical upgrades, flooring, (ROTC) program, including a full coronation has recently established the Marc Tognozzi paint, chalkboards and desks for the children ceremony at the Coronado Naval Base in San Memorial Fund through the Paros in memory of Marc Tognozzi. In addition, via Diego. He then joined the California Air Foundation to memorialize the untimely the Keep Warm initiative, more than 50 fam - Force Auxiliary Civil Air Patrol program. By passing of their son, Marc, in May, to benefit ilies living in extreme poverty in Armenia’s 17, he had also completed and earned many charitable projects in Armenia. Shirak Region will receive a one-month allo - Boy Scout merits and badges as a member of “With the creation of the Fund in Marc’s cation of firewood for heating and cooking. the local Armenian chapter throughout his memory, I am hoping to be able to fund pro - Finally through the Share-a-Pair Winter youth. jects through The Paros Foundation that fall Boots project, more than 400 needy children He died abruptly at age 28. He leaves his within my son’s passion for children, educa - will receive warm winter boots this year. mother and father, sisters Nyree and tion and his love of Armenia,” said his moth - Tognozzi was born and baptized to Jan and Danielle, and fiancée Alina. He was the oldest er, Esther (Chelebian) Tognozzi. Esther (Chelebian) Tognozzi on April 27, of 12 grandchildren and the second oldest of The fund has already allocated support to 1985 in Tarzana. He enthusiastically cele - his 11 first cousins. several of The Paros Foundation’s 100 for brated his Italian and Armenian ancestry Donations to the Marc Tognozzi Memorial 100 projects for prosperity to recognize the with all the culture, traditions and cuisine of Fund are accepted online at upcoming centennial of the Armenian each. He enjoyed school, travel especially to http://www.paros-foundation.org/marc-tog - Genocide. Through the Adopt-a-Classroom Armenia and Kessab, outdoor adventure, nozzi-fund/. Or via mail to: The Paros project, a classroom in the village of Hatsik in camping, fishing, and working in the family Foundation, 918 Parker Street, Suite A14, Armenia’s Armavir Region was completely business. At age 15 he completed the US Berkeley, CA 94710. The Paros Foundation is remodeled including new doors and windows, Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps a 501(c)3 charitable organization. All contri - Marc Tognozzi butions to The Paros Foundation are tax OBITUARY

Graceful) Medal in 2007. Edward Nubar Guleserian In 2011, his son Michael opened the restau - rant Nubar, in the Sheraton Commander, with President of Sheraton Commander Hotel the name chosen this time in his honor. His most enjoyable times were spent relaxing BELMONT, Mass. — Edward Nubar and on June 3rd that same year they were mar - at the beach house in Scituate, where he shared Guleserian, of Belmont and Scituate, president ried at the St. James Armenian Church. Their his love of boating, fishing and cooking with his of the Sheraton Commander Hotel in reception followed in the George Washington family. He was known for his plentiful garden, Cambridge, passed away suddenly on October Ballroom at the Sheraton Commander. They sharing his tomatoes, being the master of the 7. It was his 76th birthday. Just after he kissed were blessed with two children, Kristine Jane, grill, playing a good game of cards, watching his his wife that morning he said, “It’s a good day. now a pediatric cardiothoracic surgeon at Boston/New England sports teams and his dev - It’s my birthday.” Children’s Medical Center in Dallas, and ilish grin when joking around or playing pranks His funeral was held on October 10 at St. Michael Edward, the General Manager of the on his closest friends. Spending time with the James Armenian Apostolic Church in Sheraton Commander. dogs, Gigi and Gus, always brought a smile to Watertown. Officiating were: Archbishop After relocating to the Boston area from New his face. He loved his wife dearly and knew just Khajag Barsamian, Primate, Very Rev. Krikor York in 1969, they resided in an apartment in how to push her buttons even when unpro - H. Maksoudian, Rev. Arakel Aljalian, Rev. Arsen the Sheraton Commander Hotel. In July 1972 voked. There will be no mention of casino trips Barsamian, Rev. Mampre Kouzouian, Rev. they bought their summer home in Scituate or his ritual of scratching lottery tickets. Vasken Kouzouian, Rev. Krikor Sabounjian, and several years later their current home in He will always be remembered for his kind Rev. Khachatur Kesablyan, Rev. Vard Gyozalyan Belmont. heart, soft-spoken nature, selflessness, generos - and Rev. Antranig Baljian. Upon his return to Boston, Edward Guleserian ity, honesty, loyalty, sense of humor and most of He is survived by his wife Nancy (Aghaian) also became active within the Armenian commu - all, endearing love for his family. Guleserian, his daughter, Dr. Kristine Jane nity and local civic organizations. Edward Guleserian Interment was in the Mount Auburn Guleserian of Dallas, and his son, Michael He was president of the Sheraton Cemetery, Cambridge. Donations in his honor Edward Guleserian of Cambridge; his sister, Commander Hotel where a restaurant named Guleserian Square in 1997. may be made to St. James Armenian Apostolic Mary (Guleserian) Bergoudian; his niece, Susan Dertad’s was opened in the late 1970s, in his A decade later, he and his wife Nancy were Church, 465 Mt. Auburn Street, Watertown, MA Hazarvartian and family; his nephew, Tad father’s honor. recognized as parishioners of the year at St. 02472. Guleserian and family; his niece, Joy He was a Parish Council Member at the St. James Church and were honored recipients of (An abbreviated version of this notice (Guleserian) Foley and family and his niece, James Church and had served as Bazaar the prestigious St. Nersess Shnorhali (the appeared on the front page last week.) Melanie (Guleserian) Metz and family. Chairman. He was a member and past president He was the youngest of three children born of the Council of Armenian Executives, member on October 7, 1937 in Arlington, to Armenian of the St. James Men’s Club and member of the immigrant parents, Dertad and Vergin Mr. and Mrs. Group, where he served as trea - (Mahserejian) Guleserian, both originating from surer for many years. Aintab, Turkey. He was a former director of Catholic His christening ceremony was at the St. Charities Cambridge/Somerville, a Board James Church and was followed by a tradition - Member of the Greater Boston Hotel GF UiNrEaRgAoL sHiaOMn E al shish kebab dinner at the Aghaian Farm in Association, treasurer of the Cambridge Hotel Sherborn, ironically the home of his future wife, Association, director of the Harvard Square James “Jack” Giragosian, CPC Nancy. Business Association, treasurer and director of Mark J. Giragosian Funeral Counselors He graduated from Watertown High School in the Cambridge Center of Commerce and long- 1955 and received a Bachelor of Science degree time member and president of the Cambridge 576 Mt. Auburn Street, Watertown, MA 02472, TEL: 617-924—0606 in metallurgical engineering from Rensselaer Rotary Club. He considered it an honor to help www.giragosianfuneralhome.com Polytechnic Institute in 1960. After being briefly feed the homeless at Thanksgiving and ring the commissioned as an Army Artillery Officer sta - bell in Harvard Square for the Salvation Army tioned at Ft. Sill, Okla., he was recruited as a met - during the holidays every year. allurgist to the Bethlehem Steel Corporation in He also served as former President/Director Telephone (617) 924-7400 Buffalo, New York. of Hugo’s Lighthouse Restaurant in Cohasset, It was also in 1960 at an Aintab Convention corporator of the Mt. Auburn Hospital and trea - at the Cliff Hotel in Scituate where he met a surer and director of the New England Aram Bedrosian young girl in a green sweater, Nancy Aghaian. Backgammon Club. He met Nancy again at an Armenian dance held He was a partner in Patten Manor Realty, Funeral Home, Inc. at the Sheraton Commander Hotel in 1965. Adams Realty Associates and Commander After talking with her that evening, he travelled Realty Associates. Continuous Service By The Bedrosian Family Since 1945 back and forth from Hamburg, NY to Sherborn. For his untiring commitment to the MARION BEDROSIAN Their first date was on New Year’s Day 1966, at Cambridge community, the mayor of 558 MOUNT AUBURN STREET PAUL BEDROSIAN the Ice Capades. Cambridge designated the corner of Garden WATERTOWN, MA 02472 In February 1967, the couple got engaged Street and Berkley Street as the Edward N. LARRY BEDROSIAN

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ABMDR New England Walk of Life Ararat Armenian Congregational Smashes Participation Record Church Celebrates 100th Anniversary

WALK, from page 5 School team was awarded the prize for most SALEM, N.H. — The Ararat Armenian Congregational Church opened its doors on School Armenian Club, Erebuni Armenian funds raised, while the Erebuni Armenian November 12, 1913. One hundred years later, on November 3, 2013, church members, School, Hamazkayin Boston, Homenetmen School won the distinction of largest team. which include many descendants of the church’s founders, will gather at the Tuscan Kitchen Boston, Team Hope, Lexington High School Alec Zareh Zarifian won the award for individ - Restaurant in Salem to celebrate the 100th birthday of their spiritual home. Armenian Club, Team Namaste, Team Poreeg, ually raising the most funds independently. The centennial celebration will also present an opportunity for the church’s new pastor to Sayat Nova Dance Company of Boston, St. These winners were each rewarded with a clus - meet the community. Sam Katchikian, a native of Montreal, is moving to Salem with his James Armenian Church, St. Stephen’s ter of trees to be planted in Armenia in their wife, Jennifer, and baby daughter. His first Sunday as pastor will coincide with the 100th Armenian Elementary School and Watertown honor. This symbolic gift was a generous dona - anniversary of the church. High School Armenian Club. tion by the Armenia Tree Project (armenia - In the late 1800’s, Armenian immi - “It was my honor to participate in this year’s tree.org). grants came to America seeking a Walk of Life Walkathon — an event that brought “We were humbled by the enthusiasm that place where they could work, live and out the best in our community,” Antounian the youngest in our community showed worship in a free society. Many found said. “My gratitude and special thanks to our towards this event and their desire to help work in the mills of Lawrence, local ABN members who volunteered and mar - those in need; their participation was truly an Massachusetts where a sizable shaled the walkathon, and made sure it was a inspiration,” said Badalian. Armenian community formed and safe and fun event for all who took part in this More than $14,000 was raised through the churches were established. Several noble walk.” walkathon in support of ABMDR’s life-saving Armenian families purchased farms in “For the second year, the Boston-based Dana work. Salem. Traveling to Lawrence for Farber Cancer Institute has been our major “Every step taken during the walkathon church became a hardship. In 1912, a sponsor and we thank this important establish - brings hope for a long-awaited bone marrow committee was formed for the pur - ment for their help,” said Tamar Melkonian of match for a fellow Armenian struck with a life- pose of building an Armenian church the Walkathon Committee at the closing cere - threatening disease like leukemia or other in Salem. The Northeastern Street mony. “We also thank our local supporters, the blood-related illness,” said Dr. Frieda Jordan, Rev. Sam Katchikian, left, with John Janigian, church Railway Company donated the land moderator Doctors Express for their donation, Arax president of ABMDR. “Since the unique genet - at 2 Salem Street, and the NH Market for providing our walkers with refresh - ic makeup of Armenians makes it extremely dif - Conference of the United Church of ing fruits, and, of course, a world of gratitude to ficult to find suitable bone marrow matches Christ provided grants and loans for construction. The building was completed the follow - the Armenian Cultural and Educational Center among the existing international bone marrow ing year, and a dedication ceremony was held on November 12, 1913. for giving us a home base to start our walk.” donor registries, ABMDR’s database serves as a Later, a parsonage was added next door. Later still, the Armenian Protestant Churches of The St. Stephen’s Armenian Elementary vital resource when crisis strikes.” Lawrence and Haverhill, Massachusetts merged with the Ararat church. The founders hoped the building of a church would allow them to practice their religion while nurturing and pre - serving their Armenian culture and heritage. One hundred years later, their dream lives on. New Hampshire’s only Armenian Church is home to a vibrant congregation. The church has an active youth group and Sunday school. Every year the congregation, young and old, works to provide a shish kebab supper for the people of Salem. The con - gregation supports the needy near and far, from volunteering at a local soup kitchen to orga - nizing fundraisers for children in Armenia. For more details, contact [email protected]

Armenian Bar Association to Honor Justice Poochigian FRESNO — This city was a beginning for the profession, his appointment to the appellate early generations of Armenians who came to bench and his contributions to the Armenian- the US. The Central Valley continues to bear its American community. The “gnkahayr” or god - fruit and produce the great examples of father of the tribute dinner and program will be Armenian-American contributions to the fabric California Supreme Court Justice Marvin of America. One such example is California Baxter. Baxter and Poochigian are both mem - Court of Appeal Justice Charles “Chuck” bers of the Armenian Bar Association and Poochigian. remain active in its conferences, programs and The walkathon, which kicked off at the Armenian Cultural and Educational Center, drew enthusiastic The Armenian Bar Association will “return to workshops. community support. its roots” on October 26 for the occasion of Many of Fresno’s pioneering Armenian fami - honoring Poochigian for his service to the legal lies, including the Poochigians and the Baxters, found their first scratches of earth and handfuls of destiny in the vineyard acres and fruit orchards reminiscent of their ancestral home - steads in Kharpert, Van, Bitlis and Erzeroum. The Armenian Bar Association has encour - aged the Armenian community to attend the Judges’ Night Reception and Dinner which will be held at the Holy Trinity Armenian Church Hall on Saturday, October 26, with the recep - tion beginning at 6:30 p.m. and dinner at 7:30 p.m. For ticket prices and information, contact the Armenian Bar Association.

Entertainment Fridays and Saturdays 8 S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 19, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS Campus Cultural Survival: A Look at Armenian Student Societies

what types of events are more or less effective and what events Armenian Students Association of By Gabriella Gage they can hold without a budget. “So far we have organized out - Northeastern University Mirror-Spectator Staff ings to Armenian festivals in Watertown and lectures on campus; we also work with Armenian staff to hold an April 24th memor - Club Foundations: The Armenian Students Association at ial event. This year we are going to participate in a campus-wide Northeastern University was founded in the Spring of 2012 because WATERTOWN — With the fall semester in full swing, event where each cultural club on campus will have the food of a few Armenian students at Northeastern connected with each Armenian student groups, societies and clubs are once again their culture featured,” said Setrakian. other and felt there was void to be filled for Armenian members of organizing events and bringing together students through their “We value creating a bond between the other Armenian stu - the community. The founding group was Daniel Chakmakjian, heritage. Here’s a spotlight on some of the most active student dents in Boston so we are constantly in touch with a greater Victoria Hines, Stephen Hollisian and Jaclyn Janigian. societies and clubs at colleges and universities throughout the Boston Armenian club group to organize events (lectures, cul - Members: There are close to 25 members and membershio has US. tural nights, dinners) and stay connected.,” she added. doubled from last year. Goals of the Organization: The goal of ASANU is to provide oppor - NYU Armenian Club MIT Armenian Society tunities for all members of the Northeastern community to experi - ence Armenian culture and learn more about it. The group is also Club Foundations: Founded Club Foundations: The club has existed in the past, but after a several years ago, the origi - lull the society was founded in 2009 by three original members, nal Armenian Club at NYU Arsen, Tigran and Sahak. lapsed and was revived three Members: There are approximately 10 undergraduate and 10 years ago by a small group graduate student members. of undergraduate and gradu - Goals of the Organization: The MIT Armenian Society seeks to ate students, many of who promote understanding of the Armenian culture, history and are still active members. heritage a) within the organization, and b) within the communi - Members: There are current - ty. The Society seeks to enhance interaction among Armenian ly 50 members. students at MIT. Keep current with news of Armenians locally Goals of the Organization: and internationally. Maintain contact and ties with other The goals of the NYU Armenian Student Organizations and the Armenian community. Armenian Club include creating a solid network for the Provide Educational services to the Armenian community. Armenian community at NYU, and to promote Armenian Why it Matters: MIT Society President Vazrik Chiloyan said, “I NYU/NYC events, including various academic and social events, believe it is important to have an Armenian student group to lectures, film screenings and guest speakers. both educate the MIT public about our culture and heritage and Why it Matters: “New York is one of the most diverse cities in a way for Armenian members of the Northeastern community to the United States, and the world; that being said, the Armenian stay connected to their culture while living away from home. community in NYC includes a formidable student body, young Why it Matters: Founding member Daniel Chakmakjian professionals and graduates, many of them NYU-affiliated,” said explained, “We feel it is important to have an Armenian student club co-founder Hegine Nazarian. group on campus because it fills a gap that many Armenian stu - “It is the responsibility of the Armenian community (NYU’s dents feel when they first leave their Armenian community to go club included) to constantly network and organize events, as well to college. In addition it is important for us to be a presence in as build a solid foundation for future generations, with regard to the community so others become aware of (and often interested education, jobs, internships and study abroad programs,” she in) Armenian culture.” added. Events: Many of the events organized involve bringing speakers Events: The NYU Armenian Club organizes various types of to the university to talk about relevant topics in the Armenian events, including film and documentary screenings, guest speak - community. “We are planning to bring Margaret Ajemian Ahnert ers (both academic and non-academic), and social events. One to campus in January (Date TBD) to speak about her book, The recent event included a social-networking event, combining the Knock at the Door ,” said Chakmakjian. Armenian clubs from NYU, Columbia, Fordham and Rutgers. The Association often plans joint events with the Armenian NYU’s club is affiliated with the above-mentioned schools and clubs at BU, MCPHS, MIT, Tufts, BC and Suffolk. Chakmakjian explained, “It is a goal of all of our clubs to build strong rela - has created a college union to merge all the listed clubs, to facil - the issues that Armenians face today in the world, and to provide tionships with each other and ensure that we help each other be itate communication and mutually host events. a cultural community for us Armenians to bond and spend time successful in the future.” together.” Tufts University Armenian Club Events: The Society organizes both educational as well as social events throughout the year. “We have hosted joint Armenian Stanford Armenian Association Club Foundations: “It was a work in progress,” said founding clubs throughout Boston socials and dances, as well as had net - member Lisa Setrakian. “As a freshman I expected to find a sub - working events with the Armenian professors at MIT and have Club Foundations: The Stanford Armenian Student’s stantial Armenian population and a well-established club on cam - had many of them give us discussions on their work,” said Association was founded in 1979 by a small group of passionate pus. Soon I realized this was no longer the case for Tufts but at Chiloyan. students who wanted to establish a camaraderie of Armenians the same time I started to meet several other Armenian fresh - and educate the Stanford community about issues that are men (from Armenia-born to third generations), including Knar Columbia University Armenian Society important to Armenians. Bedian. Knar and I decided to re-establish the club on campus Members: There are around 20 members with new members every year joining from the US, Armenia and the diaspora. and after recruiting and taking perhaps one too many bonding Club Foundations: Goals of the Organization: The ASA seeks to integrate The Columbia Armenian culture into student life, educate members and the University community about Armenian issues, culture, traditions, raise Armenian Society money for long-standing charity Act for Armenian which pro - has been active vides assistance to underprivileged rural village children in since the 1970s. Armenia, organize both education and social events to create a Members: About strong Armenian community at Stanford and in the surrounding 30 active members area and create a lasting alumni network that connects past and plus another 30 present students of Stanford. inactive or irregu - Why it Matters: Nairi Strauch, president of Stanford ASA, said, lar in participa - “It is important to have an Armenian group on campus to con - tion. nect with other Armenian students, maintain our Armenian iden - Goals of the Organization: The objective of the Armenian tity and create a network of ambitious Armenians.” Society of Columbia University is to unite all students of Events: Last year the Stanford ASA participated in a large Armenian descent throughout the university. The organization is fundraiser for the Hidden Road Initiative which was founded by represented by students and alumni from around the world. The member Nanor Balabanian. ASCU serves the Armenian community at large by promoting “We also organized a tech networking event, during which Armenian culture, heritage, and history through the organiza - Armenians organizations in the US and Armenia connected with trips to Watertown over the course of two years, we were finally tion of social, educational, and charitable events. The ASCU also the student body and the Silicon Valley Community about rele - recognized as an official club on campus.” networks with other Armenian and non-Armenian organization vant tech projects,” said Strauch. Members: The club has 25 members, including those on the e- in effort to raise cultural awareness in our society. Upcoming events will include faculty, guest. and alumni speak - list. Why it Matters: “It’s important to unite students of Armenian ers. “We plan to have more joint events with other California uni - Goals of the Organization: The Armenian Club of Tufts works descent throughout the university,” says a Society representa - versity ASA’s this year,” said Strauch. to promote greater awareness and understanding of Armenian tive. culture of campus. The goals are to bring students together with Events: President Lucine Z. Kinoian said, “We have frequent an interest to learn about Armenia-related issues and to help con - social events to simply have fun and spend time with other club nect Armenian students to their heritage. The club works to cre - members, as well as lectures and networking events that allow ate a stronger bond with other Armenian clubs in Boston and us to make a bigger impact on the local community. Our upcom - the greater Boston Armenian community. ing even, although the details are still in the work, is to host Rifat Why it Matters: “The value we place on having an Armenian stu - Bali, scholar and noted author of Model Citizens of the State: dent group on campus is reflective through out mission state - The Jews of Turkey during the Multi-Party Period . ment. We believe there is an inherent bond among Armenians Some members just participated in an event Rutgers even though each member of our beloved population has a dif - Armenian Club had in New Brunwick, NJ. Columbia is hoping ferent and unique story to tell. It is important to maintain con - to put together a backgammon tournament and/or another nections with our heritage and spread awareness of the richness social event between the Armenian clubs in the tri-state area, of our culture and homeland,” said Setrakian. including but not limited to, Fordham, Queen College, Rutgers, Events: As a relatively new organization, the group is learning and NYU. S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 19, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 9 COMMUNITY NEWS

Artyom Geghamyan Named Fellow at Harvard Kennedy School’s Carr Center Armenian Assembly Terjenian-Thomas Internship For Human Rights Policy Program Reaches Milestone of 1,000 Students CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — Artyom Geghamyan has been named a 2013- WASHINGTON — The Armenian Assembly of America Assembly interns met with Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA), 2014 fellow at the Carr Center for Human Rights Policy, part of the announced that with the summer 2013 class, more than Armenian Genocide resolution sponsors Reps. David Harvard Kennedy School of Government. 1,000 college students have completed its Terjenian- Valadao (R-VA) and Adam Schiff (D-CA), Armenian Geghamyan’s research focuses on transitional justice issues in Thomas Summer Internship Program over the past 36 Caucus Co-Chair Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), House Eastern Europe and former soviet socialist republics. years. Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ed Royce (R-CA), As an Edward S. The 2013 intern class included Ani Acopian of Easton, and fellow Armenian Caucus members Reps. Jeff Mason Fellow, he Penn.; Ariana Andonian recently received his of Rancho Santa Fe, Master in Public Calif.; Bobby Avakian of Administration from Bedford, Mass.; Sareen Harvard Kennedy Avsharian of School of Government Northridge, Calif.; where he focused on Alexander Azarian of leadership develop - Old Tappan, NJ; Greg ment, public policy and Boyajian of Bloomfield international human Hills, Mich.; Margaret rights. He holds a JD Flatley of Brookfield, and Master of Laws Wis.; Ava Gurekian of from Yerevan State Waltham, Mass.; University School of Matthew Hanessian of Law and a PhD in Chicago; Christina European Union Law Najarian of Far Hills, and Integration from NJ; Nora Petrosyan of Public Administration Stepanakert, Nagorno Academy. He holds an Karabagh Republic; LLM in International Tatiana Sarkissian of and Comparative Law Artyom Geghamyan Pasadena, Calif. and from Indiana University Hamlet Tamazian of School of Law. Malibu, Calif. He has written scholarly articles on the issues of EU law and human “My fellow interns, rights, taught courses on the European Convention on Human Rights staff working at the and the practice of the European Court of Human Rights at Yerevan Assembly, and the The interns with Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) State University. numerous events of the He managed the Republic of Armenia Ministry of Justice’s depart - program made for a ment responsible for representing the government before the European truly gratifying professional and personal experience,” Denham (R-CA), Jackie Speier (D-CA), Frank Wolf (R- Court of Human Rights and implementing its judgments into the stated Assembly Communications intern Bobby VA), Nita Lowey (D-NY) and John Sarbanes (D-MD). domestic legal system. Prior to coming to Harvard, Geghamyan served Avakian. The Assembly’s “Capitol Ideas” program is designed as a legal officer at the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, working on In addition to living on campus at Georgetown to give Armenian students unique exposure to US poli - the implementation of European Court of Human Rights judgments in University and working at various organizations and cy makers and the opportunity to engage members of several countries, including Armenia, Finland, Sweden, Slovakia and institutions throughout the greater metropolitan Congress on issues that matter most to them. Malta. Washington area, the Assembly interns met directly with Encouraging young Armenians to take an active role in He is a fellow of the UK Ministry of Justice and John Smith Trust pro - dozens of Members of Congress, prominent Armenian- their local community, state, and federal government is gram on good governance, social justice and the rule of law, which is Americans and industry leaders. a top priority for the Assembly’s Terjenian-Thomas designed for the next generation leaders. He was awarded the US As part of the “Capitol Ideas” program, this summer internship program. Department of State Edmund E. Muskie Fellowship and the Public Service Fellowship in 2009. Diocese Presents Author’s Talk On Human Trafficking

TRAFFICKING, from page 5 ered the criminals. Today, the police know but it has been translated into Armenian — and about the shelters for the children. But more is being read throughout Armenia. resources are needed,” Zanoyan said. Exposing the phenomenon is important for Zanoyan mentioned two organizations trying three main reasons, Zanoyan explained. First, it to directly prevent this merciless crime in is necessary to alert the potential victims. These Armenia, to which the net proceeds from the are naïve, vulnerable, poor, underage victims sale of A Place Far Away will go. who believe the traffickers’ promises of a better The NGO called ORRAN (which means life — including that of becoming models, nan - “haven” in Armenian) gathers the poorest chil - nies, salesgirls, waitresses, etc. Some of the girls dren in Yerevan to feed and educate them. “By “voluntarily” apply for the job through these removing both girls and boys from the street, false promises because there is no other way to ORRAN has rescued hundreds of potential vic - feed their family. tims from trafficking,” he noted. “It doesn’t happen in the rich areas,” the The United Methodist Committee on Relief author said. “These girls are desperate.” (UMCOR), which has worked in Armenia Second, bringing the subject into the light of since 1994, also rescues the victims by giving day acts as a deterrent. “Nothing pleases the them shelter, sustenance, medical, social and traffickers more than silence. If we give in to legal care and vocational training. But silence, we are also participating,” he declared. Zanoyan revealed that some girls brought Third, exposing the issue makes government into the shelter have trouble reintegrating agencies more diligent in the protective role. In into society. 2004-2005, there were reportedly 200 Additionally, as was noted in the question Armenian girls in Dubai jailed for prostitution. and answer session, the Fund for Armenian But once this state of affairs was exposed in Relief’s Children’s Center in Yerevan is dedicat - Edik Baghdassarian’s documentary, “Desert ed to reaching out to and protecting vulnerable Nights,” the Armenian government started pay - children and youth in the country — victims of ing attention and acted to bring the girls back abuse, homelessness, as well as crime — and to Armenia. Zanoyan revealed that both he him - training them for a productive re-integration self and Baghdassarian have received threats into society. for their exposure of the ongoing crime. During the talk, selections from the book “Because the government has poor were read by the author and by Elise resources, there is inadequate enforcement. But Antreassian, coordinator of Christian Education the government follows what makes noise.” at the Diocese. Zanoyan said. Following a question-and-answer session, a There is now a serious dedication of kinetson (book-blessing) ceremony was con - resources in Armenia to counteract the prob - ducted, with the author, Odabashian and Rev. lem. Government-sponsored Internet ads warn Mesrob Lakissian, participating. During the that trafficking of minors is a crime; and local reception that followed, the talk generated police are more informed about the issue. many discussions, as attendees showed their “Before, the victims themselves were consid - interest in the subject matter. 10 S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 19, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Arts & Living

ADAA Entertainment Satamian VIKEN KARAGUESIAN PHOTO Industry Panel Features Awarded for Headliners at Nov. 8 Half-Century Awards Event LOS ANGELES — The Armenian Dramatic Arts Alliance (ADAA) presents its first industry Of Theater panel at the WGA Theater in Beverly Hills on November 8 at 7 p.m., to discuss how Armenian artists can navigate their careers in entertain - LOS ANGELES — The Armenian General ment. Benevolent Union (AGBU) Vatche & Tamar “Make the Connection: Linking Armenians in Manoukian Center Banquet Hall was teeming the Entertainment Industry” will feature a VIP with invitees in a festive mood. They had come panel that includes Ovation-nominated director to join in the August 18 celebration of honor - and former CAA literary agent Michael ing the AGBU Western District Artistic Peretzian; film producer Robert Papazian Director, Krikor Satamian, by Armenia’s several (Rome); novelist Aris Janigian (This Angelic theatrical and cultural institutions. Land) and Emmy-winning TV producer Hank Guests included members of the Krikor Saroyan. More VIP panelists will be announced Satamian Theater Group, chairman and mem - closer to the event. The panel will be moderat - bers of the AGBU Western District Committee, ed by ADAA founder, writer/producer Bianca chairmen of local AGBU Chapters, AGBU mem - Bagatourian. bers, community leaders, the Armenian press, The panel is an opportunity to learn as well as the honoree’s family members, strategies straight from current industry friends and guests. Sayat Nova Dancers pay tribute to the troubador with a namesake dance. leaders. A wine and cheese reception will Satamian, with his theatrical longevity of 53 follow. Tickets are available on years, has become a icon both in Armenia and http://www.itsmyseat.com//events/232924. the Diaspora. He started his theatrical career in html. Lebanon by joining the newly established AGBU On the same evening, ADAA will be present - Vahram Papazian Theater Group in 1960 and New England Armenians ing the fourth Biennial Lillian and Varnum Paul several other Lebanese theatrical groups, acting 2013 Screenwriting Award. Finalists for the in four languages. He is a graduate of the Celebrate 300th Anniversary $10,000 prize are: “1915,” by Garin K. American University of Beirut (AUB). He attend - Hovannisian & Alec Mouhibian; “The 13th ed the London School of Film Technique and the Image,” by Yervand Kochar in collaboration Bristol Old Vic Theater School in England. After Of Sayat Nova’s Birth with Jeani Di Carlo; and “The Second Journey,” one season of acting at the Belgrade Theater in by Levon Minasian & Eric de Rocquefeuil. The Coventry City, WATERTOWN — On VIKEN KARAGUESIAN PHOTO three finalist screenplays are being evaluated by England, he Sunday, October 6, the New an esteemed honorary jury: Anahid Nazarian returned to Beirut England Armenian (Producer, American Zoetrope Productions), to take up the Community celebrated the Michael Goorjian (Emmy-Winning Actor) and positions of artis - 300th anniversary of the Hank Saroyan (Emmy Winning TV Producer). tic director of the birth of troubadour Sayat The Lillian and Varnum Paul Screenwriting renowned AGBU Nova. The free event was Award is administered by ADAA through the Vahram Papazian held at the Armenian generosity of the Paul Family through the Theater Group Cultural and Educational Western Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic and lecturer of Center. Church, under the auspices of Archbishop drama at AUB. A cast of performers pre - Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western In 1972, he sented lyrical Armenian Diocese. took the AGBU songs and poems of the For more information about ADAA, its activi - Krikor Satamian Vahram Papazian troubadour, both in tradi - ties and how to contribute to its mission, visit Company on a tional form and with mod - http://www.itsmyseat.com//events/232924.ht tour of Armenia ern interpretations and ml or www.armeniandrama.org. and three years later, to France, England and expressions. The audience Cyprus. Upon the invitation of the Bristol Old showed its appreciation at Vic Theater School, he went to teach at his the conclusion of the con - alma mater before immigrating to the US in cert with a standing ovation Komitas Film to 1976. In New York City, he joined the — singing and applauding Colonnades Theater Lab as one of its resident long after the performance Aleksan Harutunyan Benefit SOAR directors. After directing his first play for the had ended. Off-Broadway company, he was invited to the The troubadour was born PHILDELPHIA — The feature-length docu - Hope Summer Repertory Company to direct on in 1713 in an ethnically diverse and linguistically plural part of the world — the mentary film, “Music to Madness – The Story of three consecutive occasions. South Caucuses. He became fluent in most languages of the region, writing, Komitas,” about the life of the famous In 1978, he joined the AGBU in New York see SAYAT NOVA, page 13 Armenian priest and composer Komitas will City as its National Artistic Director and since soon be released for screenings. The film is writ - VIKEN KARAGUESIAN PHOTO then he has founded several AGBU theater ten and directed by David Deranian and pro - companies in Boston, Detroit, New York, duced by Salient Clear. All net proceeds from Philadelphia and Los Angeles. He was the man - the film will benefit the Society for Orphaned aging director and host of the AGBU Spotlight Armenian Relief (SOAR.) Armenians TV program in New York City. The film tells the story of Komitas and the In 1988, he moved to Los Angeles and took tragedy he experienced during the Armenian the position of artistic director of the AGBU Genocide and seeks to contextualize the Ardavazt Theater Group which he had founded Genocide as part of the ongoing violence in the in 1979 together with the then AGBU Executive world. The tragedy of one man’s life is explored Director Haig Messerlian and AGBU Western — Komitas; a peaceful, loving and intelligent District Director Parsegh Kartalian. Satamian man with prolific musical ability that witnessed has so far directed 79 plays, three operettas and the Armenian Genocide first hand, with the acted in 86 plays. He has also appeared in sever - result of leaving him confined to a mental insti - al American films and TV sitcoms. tution in France. On Sunday, October 30, 2011, the AGBU To fund the film, the company producing the Western District Committee celebrated his film, Salient Clear, is seeking financial contri - Golden Jubilee in recognition of his invaluable butions to raise the additional funds necessary service to the Armenian language and culture for completion of the film which is currently in through Drama. He was presented with several postproduction. Contributions can be made awards including the AGBU President’s Award through an Indiegogo fundraising campaign at: as well as gold medals from Armenia’s Cultural http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/music-to- Ministry and the Ministry of the Diaspora. From left, Martin Haroutunian and David Ayriyan madness-the-story-of-komitas?show_todos=true. On August 25, 2012, at a “Thank You Additional details about the film, including a Dinner” given for the sponsors of the AGBU trailer, can be found on see SATAMIAN, page 11 www.KomitasTheMovie.com. S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 19, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 11 ARTS & LIVING Artist Zabel Belian’s Exhibition Shows Her Artistic Versatility

DETROIT — As the saying goes, if you want a job done, been marked with an artistic flair. Daily usable items are col - and original vision. give it to the busy person. That busy person in this case is ored and shaped in Belian’s hands to become art pieces. By Watercolor is an unforgiving medium: unless the artist has Zabel Belian, director of the Belian Art Center, exhibition necessity, her functional and decorative pieces require the already her/his conceptual design in her mind, the work chairman of the Fine Arts Committee of St. John’s Armenian Church in Southfield, potter, art instructor, gracious hostess and full- time gifted artist. As one visits her exhibition, one get the impression that her life is only confined to art, because what she creates is so meditative and delib - erate that an artist needs a tremen - dous amount of time to observe nature and life situations, reason them, analyze and then reflect all those impressions through artistic media. Every year the Fine Arts Committee organizes a collective art show featuring local or international - ly-recognized artists, in conjunction with the annual festival. This year the featured artist was Belian, presenting a dazzling array of close to 100 pieces in watercolor and acrylic. The Zabel Belian discusses her works at the exhibit. show opening took place on September 26; the show itself ran through September 29 and was visited by thousands of hand of an assembly line, but she has endowed her pieces cannot be completed successfully, because there is no room guests. with artistic expression. Her preferred colors in the ceramic for error. Belian has mastered watercolor, with her pieces For a long time Belian has enjoyed a reputation as an pieces are hues of oranges, but the artist has always a sur - infused with an effortless air, which probably comes after imaginative potter; her functional creations have always prise in store, coming up with other unusually striking color long deliberation by the artist. Her still-life paintings are del - combinations, which you assumed icately embroidered, especially when featuring a could be achieved only on canvas. pomegranate or a walnut. She knows how to make a still life This year’s exhibition brought come alive. out the other dimensions of In addition to watercolors, Belian has a variety of paint - Belian’s talent. Her watercolors ings in acrylic. Some of her paintings reveal intriguing and acrylic paintings reveal a deli - approaches as they are executed in pure manner of contem - cate feminine hand, touching her porary great artists like Helen Frankenthaler subjects graciously and rendering Hunderedwasser, Jackson Pollock and others. This approach them alive. Her traditional reminds us of Arshile Gorky’s developmental period, when Armenian costumes evoke nostal - the artist emulated Braque, Picasso and Cezanne, until he gia for a bygone era, sometimes in found his own style. Similarly, Belian found her voice and static mode and other times in vision through emulating great artists first. She has already dancing positions. The depiction of found her own style, therefore these latest experiments of the Armenian churches express the emulation fall within the realm of her artistic fantasies. Her architectural variety of houses of style can be categorized as mostly realistic, with a streak of worship, sometimes forgoing artis - impressionism and always with the presence of a romantic tic interpretation to preserve the element. historic authenticity (i.e. the sixth- What was most impressive in this show was the artist’s century Garmravor ). She is at her courageous approach to the challenges of differing media, Among the committee members were, from left, Charles Merigian, Ara Belian and best when she takes an anonymous mastering most and offering an amazing presentation to the Jack Kazanjian church and develops her own artis - art lovers. tic atmosphere, breathing with life — Edmond Y. Azadian Krikor Satamian Awarded for Half-Century of Theater

SATAMIAN, from page 10 Singart Union NGO. Theater Group, the Theater Committee, under Satamian, in his turn, thanked Ghazantchyan the chairmanship of Ara Babayan, surprised the for taking the time and the trouble to come to guests by announcing that upon the request of the Los Angeles and present him the awards the Theater Committee and the approval of the personally. He also thanked the theatrical and Western District Committee, the Theater Group cultural organizations of Armenia that had was renamed AGBU Krikor Satamian Theater awarded him with their medals, as well as the Group (AGBU KSTG). Armenian press, members of his theatrical In July of this year, word came from Armenia group, and the invitees. that several theatrical organizations have Upon the request of the public, named Satamian as the winner of this year’s Ghazantchyan gave an interesting and opti - Theatrical Awards. Unable to travel to Armenia mistic overview of the theatrical activity in because of his involvement in the final Armenia. He assured the audience that the rehearsals of “Charley’s Aunt,” Prof. Yervant future looks more and more promising in view Ghazantchyan, artistic director of Yerevan’s of the hundreds of talented young people join - Hagop Baronian State Theater of Musical ing the performing arts. Comedy, decided to come to Los Angeles and Krekor Karaguezian, chairman of the personally deliver the awards to Satamian. AGBU Western District Committee-sponsors Hence, the celebratory atmosphere that sur - of the event, thanked Ghazantchyan and the rounded the Banquet Hall on August 18. organizations in Armenia, on behalf of AGBU After dinner and music provided by violinist and suggested that in the future Armenia Meroujan Markarian, it was time for the pro - consider rewarding more artists from the gram to begin. Krikor Simonian, chairman of Diaspora who have devoted their lives to pro - the AGBU KSTG, welcomed the guests and moting the Armenian language, heritage and invited Ghazantchyan and Satamian to the culture. He also thanked the members of the stage. After a few remarks by the professor, he special committee that organized the presented the honoree with the following pres - evening’s event in such a short time, namely tigious awards: the Gold Medal of the Union of Simonian, Ara and Sonia Babayan and Haig Theater Practitioners of Armenia, the Ardavazt Messerlian. Competition Prize of the Union of Theater At the end of the official program, the invi - Practitioners in Armenia, the Gold Medal from tees surrounded the honoree, Satamian, to con - Krikor Satamian in some of his roles on stage the Fridtjof Nansen Foundation of Armenia and gratulate him for the awards he received from the Kohar Kasparian Medal from the Armenian his peers in Armenia. 12 S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 19, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARTS & LIVING

Vahan Zanoyan Tchobanian Institute Donates Books to Issahakian Library French to the library on Highlights Human By Jan Varoujan the occasion of the open - ing of the French section, Rights Issue in to promote the YEREVAN — In celebration of Avedik Francophonia in Armenia, New Book Issahakian Days, the Tchobanian Institute of one of the objectives of Paris donated 21 books in French to the the institute. SADDLE RIVER, N.J. — When energy Issahakian library of Yerevan on October 5. Sirapian explained the consultant Vahan Zanoyan traveled to The festivities began in the multi-purpose hall colossal work realized by Dubai for work, he couldn’t shake off a of the library. Poetries, songs and presentations Archag Tchobanian, conversation he had with a young woman followed. Vice Minister of the Culture Arev founder of the “Mouvement from Armenia, who told her how she had Samuelian was present. arménophile” in France at arrived in the city: as a victim of sex traf - Hasmik the beginning of the 20th ficking. (See page 10 for another story on Karapetyan, the century — a movement to Zanoyan.) director of the make the suffering of the That encounter and the chilling story he library, and Armenian people known, heard prompted him to take action Varoujan but also to collect cultural through literature. The author of the Sirapian, the treasures. Sirapian then pre - newly-published crime novel, A Place Far CEO and founder sented the works and the Away , Zanoyan underscores the sinister of the publications of the Varoujian Sirapian with the donated books motives of human traffickers and their Tchobanian Tchobanian Institute. helpless victims, many of whom are from Institute, had met Because the institute seeks the former Soviet bloc. in 2011 and an to spread the French language in Armenia, Tchobanian Institute will continue to offer One of the many perils the newly-inde - agreement was Sirapian remarked that it was rewarding to books in French to the Issahakian library. pendent republic of Armenia faced after 80 signed between donate the first 21 books (published by Before ending his speech, Sirapian con - years of Soviet rule, was the rise of cor - Varoujian Sirapian both institutions Editions Sigest) of what he hopes would be gratulated Hasmik Karapetyan, the director, ruption and power-hungry oligarchs who speaks at the event to offer a number many more. Thanks to the agreement signed for her “serious and passionate work,” and had free reign on Armenian soil. According of books in between the parties, every year the her dedication to satisfying library patrons. to Zanoyan, they have had a hand in tak - ing young Armenian women and selling them into the sex trade. The Southern California-based Zanoyan, Ugur Umit Ungor and Mehmet Polatel on the Kotchikian in the editorial team as an assistant who’s currently on a book tour through Armenian Review other. The dialogue started with a review essay editor. Chahinian holds a PhD in comparative the US and Canada to discuss A Place Far by Akçam examining and critiquing Ungor’s literature from UCLA and lectures in the Away , visited the Upper Saddle River Publishes New and Polatel’s book Confiscation and Department of Comparative World Literature at Library on Tuesday, September 24, where Destruction: The Young Turk Seizure of California State University, Long Beach. he spoke about his motivations for writing Armenian Property . In the lengthy essay, \Her current book project examines the the book and the challenges he faced. Issue Akçam tries to deconstruct and points out Western Armenian literary tradition within the The story focuses on Lara, a 16-year-old some of the issues which make the book prob - World Literature model, by comparatively ana - girl from a poor village in Armenia who is WATERTOWN — The latest issue of the lematic. In their response, Ungor and Polatel lyzing the Post-WWI and Post-WWII literary forced into prostitution after a corrupt oli - Armenian Review was published earlier this respond to the critique and go even further by centers of Paris and Beirut, respectively, and garch murders her father. Soon after, Lara month. The issue included articles ranging providing more detailed explanations about their intellectual exchange with literary and finds herself in Moscow and then Dubai as from historic textual analysis to current political their research and methodology. This exchange journalistic institutions in Soviet Armenia, part of a human trafficking ring. Along issues. should prove to be quite interesting for the North America and the greater Middle-East. with the help of a Swiss investigative jour - In the first article of the current issue, Albert readership as it is not often that scholars work - She contributes regularly to the online journal, nalist, she fights to free herself and to be Stepanyan reexamined and analyzed sections ing on Armenian issues engage in a critique of Critics’ Forum , and directs the Saroyan reunited with her family in Armenia. from Moses Khorenatsi’s History of the their work in an academic forum. Project, which works to enhance Armenian-lan - Armenians . The analysis not only focused on the The recent issue of the journal also featured guage instruction in Chamlian Armenian content of the sections from the Khorenatsi’s book reviews and review essays by Levon School in Southern California. Chahinian’s join - work, but also dwells into epistemological and Chorbajian, who reviewed four books dealing ing of the Review team, according to the semantic interpretations of the work by looking with the Armenian Genocide and its aftermath; Review , will expand the journal’s geographic at Greek and other Armenian sources. Lerna Ekmekcioglu whose review essay of the reach as well as its academic disciplinary hori - The second piece, authored by Rouben book dealing with the memoirs of Levon zons. Shougarian, was an account of a diplomat’s Yotnakhparian provided a unique insight into The current issue of the Armenian Review assessment of Turkish-Armenian Track I and II the life of a prolific individual and helps re-read may be ordered by itself or as part of a sub - diplomacies. The piece offers a survey of bilat - those memories in the context of Armenian scription to the journal from its website, eral relations and the context in which the two Genocide literature; Levon Saryan’s review of a www.armenianreview.org. countries attempted to have rapprochement recent book on Tigranes II and Vartan All subscription, order and renewal inquiries and normalization of relation but without much Matiossian’s review of Garegin Nzhdeh’s select - should be addressed to the publisher by writing success. ed works, completes the issue. to the Armenian Review, Inc., 80 Bigelow The third and fourth pieces were a dialogue The Armenian Review also welcomed Dr. Avenue, Watertown, MA 02472-2012; by email - between Taner Akçam on the one hand and Talar Chahinian to join the editor, Dr. Asbed ing [email protected].

Vahan Zanoyan

While discussing the plight of sex traf - Sponsor a Teacher in Armenia and Karabagh 2013 ficking in Armenia, Zanoyan stressed the importance of prevention and cited two organizations in particular that help in this realm, including Orran, an Armenia-based Since its inception in 2001, TCA’s ‘Sponsor NGO that helps at-risk children and elder - ly, and the United Methodist Committee on a Teacher’ program has raised over $563,000 Relief, (UMCOR). These organizations help vulnerable and reached out to 4,440 teachers and people in Armenia who are struggling so they do not seek assistance from those school workers in Armenia and Karabagh. who will exploit them. Zanoyan noted that the girls who are forced into prostitution believe the deceptive men who approach £ them with fraudulent promises of turning them into famous actresses or models. K Yes, I want to sponsor teachers in Armenia and Karabagh to continue Touched by personal stories he heard helping them to educate the children, our future leaders. I would like to have from innocent young women whose lives the teacher’s name and address. took an unimaginable turn, Zanoyan K $160 K $ 320 K $ 480 K other $ stressed he wrote this book to shed light ————————— on an important issue that needs to be dis - Name cussed and brought into the public eye. Address Following a stirring reading from A City State Zip code Place Far Away , Zanoyan took questions Tel: from the audience and signed copies of his book. Make check payable to: Tekeyan Cultural Association – Memo: Sponsor a Teacher 2010 A Place Far Away can be purchased in Mail your check with this form to: both print and electronic versions at TCA Sponsor a Teacher www.amazon.com. All proceeds will go to 5326 Valverde, Houston, TX 77056 Orran and UMCOR. — Taleen Babayan Your donation is Tax Deductible. S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 19, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 13 ARTS & LIVING CC AA LLEENNDDAARR

Barsamian and Bruce Gigarian. Mezza, dessert table and MASSACHUSETTS more. Tickets: $40 adult, $30 student; for tickets and table reservations, please call Mark at 617-256-5358. OCTOBER 18 and 19 — St. James Annual Bazaar! DECEMBER 6 — Anniversary celebration by Lowell Delicious shish, losh, kheyma and more! Fabulous pas - “Aharonian” Gomideh, 6:30 p.m., St. Gregory Church, tries, manti, kufte and toorshi! Children’s activities, ven - North Andover; dinner and program honoring 50-year dors galore, farmer’s market. Fun! Friends! Family! 11 members Steve Dulgarian and Joe Dagdigian; remember - a.m. to 9 p.m., daily, at the church hall, 465 Mount ing the 25th anniversary of the earthquake in Armenia; Auburn St., Watertown. soloist Nina Hovsepian, accompanied by Mary Barooshian; OCTOBER 19 — Hye Kef 5, featuring Leon Janikian, Joe donation, $20 adults, $10 students. Kouyoumjian, Greg Takvorian, Ken Kalajian, Bob DECEMBER 6 AND 7 — Trinity Christmas Bazaar, Friday, Raphalian and Jay Baronian, Haverhill, 7:30 pm., Michael’s 3-9 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Holy Trinity Function Hall, 12 Alpha St. Tickets $40, students $30. Armenian Church, 145 Brattle St., Cambridge. Includes individually-served mezza platters. Proceeds to DECEMBER 15 — Erevan Choral Society and Orchestra- benefit all Armenian churches in Merrimack Valley and Christmas Holiday Concer t, 7 p.m., Church Sanctuary, New Hampshire. Call either John Arzigian, 6-03-560-3826, Holy Trinity Armenian Church 145 Brattle St., Cambridge. Sandy Boroyan, 978-251-8687, Scott Sahagian, 617-699- Save the date, details to follow. 3581, or Peter Gulezian, 978-375-1616. No tickets will be sold at the door. For advance tickets, please call a com - mittee member. Organized by Armenian Friends of NEW HAMPSHIRE America. NOVEMBER 3 — Ararat Armenian Congregational OCTOBER 20 — Book Launch for President Calvin On October 20 at 3 p.m., the Church Celebrates 100 Years: 1913-2013. Join the his - Coolidge & the Armenian Orphan Rug by Dr. Hagop Armenian Cultural Foundation will toric Armenian American community of Southern NH for Martin Deranian, 3 p.m. hosted by Armenian Cultural host a book launch for President a celebration lunch at Tuscan Kitchen restaurant, 67 Main Foundation, 441 Mystic St., Arlington. Reception and Calvin Coolidge & the Armenian St., Salem; 1 p.m. For tickets and sponsorship opportuni - book signing to follow. Free and open to the public. Orphan Rug, written by Dr. Hagop ties, contact [email protected]. OCTOBER 20 — Holy Trinity Armenian Church’s 52nd Martin Deranian. The Armenian Anniversary Banquet; Stewardship Sunday, immediately Cultural Foundation is located at 441 following church services, Charles and Nevart Talanian NEW JERSEY Cultural Hall, 145 Brattle Street, Cambridge. Honoring Mystic St., Arlington, Mass. “Parishioner of the Year,” Deacon Gregory Krikorian and Reception and book signing to follow OCTOBER 26 and 27 — St. Thomas Armenian Church recognizing outgoing Parish Council members, Lt. Col. this free event. Food Festival and Bazaar, Saturday, 12 p.m. to 9 p.m Robert G. Lang, Jr., Richard Sahagian and Armen and Sunday, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Kebabs, sweets, vendors, Skenderian. Donation: $25 per person; seating by paid raffles, kid’s fun, White Elephant and more. For info, call reservation only. RSVP by October 15. For more info, con - (201) 567-5446; 174 Essex Drive (corner of Route 9 W & tact the church office at 617-354-0632, [email protected] Armenian pastries, gourmet food, harvest store and silent E. Clinton Ave.), Tenafly. or log onto www.htaac.org. & live auctions. NOVEMBER 23-24 – TCA Mher Megerdchian Theatrical OCTOBER 24 — K. George and Carolann S. Najarian, NOVEMBER 7 — Avak luncheon, noon, Jaffarian Hall, St. Group celebrates 15th Anniversary with production of MD Lecture on Human Rights: In Our Midst: Slavery Gregory Church, 158 Main St., North Andover, speaker, Hagop Baronian’s “The Perils of Politeness” Unmasked; 7 p.m., Faneuil Hall, Boston, with keynote Dr. Edward Khantzian, clinical professor of psychiatry (Kaghakavaroutyan Vnasneruh) directed by Gagik speaker Siddharth Kara, director at the Carr Center at Harvard Medical School, “Impressions of a Keynote Karapetyan from Armenia; Dwight Englewood High Program on Human Trafficking & Modern Slavery, Harvard Visit to Armenia.” School, 315 E. Palisade Ave., Englewood, NJ. Nov. 23, Kennedy School of Government. For further information, NOVEMBER 8 and 9 — Annual Autumnfest Bazaar Saturday at 8 p.m. and Nov. 24, Sunday at 4 p.m. For tick - email [email protected]. sponsored by the Armenian Church at Hye Pointe, ets; $50, $35, $25; call Marie Zokian (201)745-8850 or OCTOBER 26 — Fall Harvest Bazaar, First Armenian 110 Main St., Haverhill, Friday 12-8 p.m. and Saturday, 12- Missak Boghosian at (212)819-0097 or (347)365-6985. Church, 380 Concord Ave., Belmont. Noon – 8 p.m. 7 p.m. Lamb, losh and chicken kebab and kheyma. Dinner Armenian delicacies - manti, choreg, kufte and served all day. Pastry table, Armenian cuisine, gift basket RHODE ISLAND more. Enjoy kebab dinners (lamb, beef or chicken with raffles and raffles for cash and prizes. For more info, visit pilaf and salad,) losh, boreg, paklava, pastries and more in our new website www.hyepointearmenianchurch.org or OCTOBER 20 — Program in honor of the dedication of our festive hall or takeout. 617-484-4779, or call 978-372-9227. the 100 anniversar y of Sts. Sahag & Mesrob www.firstarmenianchurch.org. Handicapped and MBTA NOVEMBER 16 — Armenian Women’s Welfare Armenian Church, with the Cultural Committee and accessible. Association (AWWA) 38th Annual Luncheon Auction, ACYOA presenting the Shushi Armenian Dance Ensemble OCTOBER 29 — Julia & the Zerounian Ensemble, in an Burlington Marriott, Burlington; 11 a.m. silent auction in a program titled “Song and Dance.. Seta Paskalian - enchanting cabaret evening of songs from around the and bidding; Guest auctioneers Al Kaprielian and Cindy Kantardjian, artistic director and Choreographer; world. 7:30 p.m., Regattabar, Cambridge. For information Fitzgibbon; $60 per person, Visa and MasterCard accept - Andranik Mouradian, musical director, Armen and reservations, ed. For reservations and info, contact: awwaauc - Hovhannisyan and Salbi Mailyan, vocalists from California. visit http://www.getshowtix.com/regattabar/moreinfo.c [email protected]. 3 p.m., Roberts Hall, Rhode Island College, 300 Mt. gi?id=3031 NOVEMBER 16 — Second annual Mer Doon Benefit Pleasant Ave., Providence. Donations: Adults $20, NOVEMBER 1 and 2 — 57th Annual St. Stephen’s Dance, 7:30 p.m. to 1 a.m., Charles Mosesian Cultural Students $10, children under 12 free. Tickets available at Bazaar, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., 47 Nichols Ave., Watertown. and Youth Center, 465 Mount Auburn Street, Watertown. the Church office (401) 272 7712, The Deli (401) 461 Open to the public; lamb, losh and chicken kebab, Featuring John Berberian, Bob Mougamian, Mal 4774, Sonya’s Market (401) 941 9300.

New England Armenians Celebrate 300th Anniversary of Sayat Nova’s Birth

SAYAT NOVA, from page 10 Nova’s verses, while Ani Arakelians-Avakian and VIKEN KARAGUESIAN PHOTO composing and performing in Armenian, Berj Chekijian recited entire poems written by Georgian, Persian and Azerbaijani, contributing the bard himself or from the works of other enormously to the poetry and music of his time. poets paying homage to the gousan Mistress of Ceremonies was Lousineh (troubadour). An appearance by folk singer Ayanian who offered excerpts from Sayat Aleksan Harutunyan took the audience back to

VIKEN KARAGUESIAN PHOTO

From left, Lousineh Ayanian, Ani Arakelians-Avakian and Berj Chekijian

Armenia and back 300 years. Enhancing this Musaner Armenian Folk Jazz Ensemble. And experience was the sound of master kamancha members of the Sayat Nova Dance Company of player David Ayriyan. Boston (SNDC), under the direction of chore - Three performing groups also participated in ographer Apo Ashjian, took to the stage per - this tribute. forming dances to the music of Sayat Nova, Award-winning conductor Artur Veranian led with Garen Avetissyan, kamancha in hand, his newly-formed Armenian Chamber Chorus of depicting Sayat Nova. Boston, presenting three of his own arrange - The celebration was a collaborative effort Conductor Artur Veranian led the Armenian Chamber Chorus of Boston ments of Sayat Nova’s songs; while composer between two organizations — SNDC and and classical pianist Ara Sarkissian led his Amaras Art Alliance. 14 S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 19, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMENTARY

THE ARMENIAN COMMENTARY Mirror Ilham Aliyev ‘Elected’ Azerbaijan’s Spectator President…Before the Election gravedigger of democracy.” By Edmond Y. Azadian The US Department of State has extended a cool reception to the election “results,” characterizing them as “undemocratic.” However, another coincidence has underlined even further the US position as President Obama has sent a message to Established 1932 While some Armenians continue disputing President Serge Azerbaijan stating: “My wife Michelle joins me to extend our best An ADL Publication Sargisian’s election, the election in neighboring Azerbaijan has wishes to the Muslims in America and around the world on the an entirely different script. Indeed “The Great Game round-up” occasion of Islamic Eid-e Ghorban, hoping that they achieve their reported on October 13 that “Azerbaijan released the election pilgrimage successfully.” He had conveniently “forgotten” that it results before voting had even started. Still, one expects certain EDITOR was election day in Azerbaijan. rituals in these authoritarian elections, a fealty to at least the Alin K. Gregorian Azerbajian’s Defense Minister Safar Abiyev has met with the appearance of democracy, if not democracy itself. Thus, it was a US ambassador in Baku, Richard Morningstar, complaining bit awkward when Azerbaijan’s election authorities released the ASSISTANT EDITOR about such characterization, which does not compare favorably Gabriella Gage voting results a full day before voting had even started.” with the 2008 elections in Armenia. The latter had been called Since the authorities had laid their plans a long time before “fraught with massive fraud.” Yet it was accepted by the State ASSOCIATE EDITOR the election, therefore it was not difficult to predict the outcome Department. He has also used the opportunity to ask Aram Arkun wherein lies the cause of their impatience to herald to the world Washington to lift the restrictions of paragraph 907 of the ART DIRECTOR that for the next five years the Aliyev dynasty will continue rul - Freedom Support Act “which keeps Azerbaijan under pressure.” Marc Mgrditchian ing Azerbaijan as their own private real estate management firm, On the other hand, EU representatives have announced that using and abusing the petrodollars to cater their opulent “we accept election results as proof that Azerbaijan is moving lifestyle, while building up their military hardware to keep the lid towards European integration.” The Russian Foreign Ministry tight on any popular discontent. The fear-mongering policy of SENIOR EDITORIAL COLUMNIST: went along with the warm sentiments, adding that Aliyev’s Edmond Azadian Ilham Aliyev’s administration is directed as much against reelection will further contribute to the consolidation of friend - Armenians as it is toward the Azeri public. ship between Baku and Moscow. CONTRIBUTORS: Neither the internal refugees nor the local people benefit from A despot is being wooed by Europe and Russia, contributing Florence Avakian, Dr. Haroutiune their country’s oil boom, and the Azeri government continues to to the reckless behavior of Aliyev’s regime. No matter how ludi - Arzoumanian, Taleen Babayan, Prof. keep the tensions rising with Armenia, holding the latter as a crous the elections may be, its oil absolves it of all its faults. Vahakn N. Dadrian, Diana Der scapegoat causing the misery of Azerbaijan’s internal refugees. Irrespective of the fraudulent elections and their adverse char - Hovanessian, Philip Ketchian, Kevork It is reported that 70 percent of the electorate has voted, with acterization in the international media, “the New Great Game Keushkerian, Sonia Kailian-Placido , 85 percent of those vote going to Aliyev, a scenario reminiscent Harut Sassounian, Mary Terzian, Hagop Round-up” reports, “In Azerbaijan, the EU focuses on energy of the Soviet era when Aliyev’s father would win 99 percent of Vartivarian, Naomi Zeytoonian instead of democracy. The news came three days ahead of the the votes. Out of 5,162,000 voters, 3,126,000 voted for the German federal elections on September 22 and went nearly unno - CORRESPONDENTS: incumbent president. On the eve of the election, the BBC had ticed: EON, Germany’s biggest energy group, signed a gas deal Armenia - Hagop Avedikian announced that the election in Azerbaijan is a formality to con - with Azerbaijan. The company will import 40 billion cubic meters Boston - Nancy Kalajian solidate Aliyev’s rule. The pre-election atmosphere was described of natural gas over the next 25 years from the Shah Deniz field, Philadelphia - Lisa Manookian by the same news agency as “full of fear and apathy.” Azerbaijan’s biggest natural gas field in the Caspian Sea.” Berlin - Muriel Mirak-Weissbach The official sources have announced that the opposition can - This political duplicity provides the license to Azerbaijan to Contributing Photographers: didate Jamil Hassanli has garnered 200,000 votes which in reali - behave recklessly with impunity. During the presidential elec - Jacob Demirdjian, Harry Koundakjian, Jirair ty may be much more. The election farce was played openly in tions Azeri forces have broken the ceasefire on the Karabagh Hovsepian view of the entire world community; Azerbaijan’s rubber stamp front for the 1,400th time this year alone. OSCE representatives parliament amended the country’s constitution to allow Mr. don’t even dare slap Azerbaijan on the wrist for this behavior. Aliyev to run for a third term. Then many problem journalists To add insult to injury, Azerbaijan currently occupies a non- The Armenian Mirror-Spectator is published were jailed and opposition candidates were harassed and intimi - permanent seat on the UN Security Council and may influence weekly, except two weeks in July, by: dated to render Mr. Aliyev’s election a piece of cake. cece ce any resolution affecting Armenia. Baikar Association, Inc. It is no surprise that on election day, John Dalhuisen of As we can see democracy has many faces; it means different Amnesty International characterized Aliyev as a “despot and 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 things to different people, most of them with unsavory taste. Telephone: 617-924-4420 FAX: 617-924-2887 www.mir ror spectator.com E-Mail: editor@mirrorspectator .com For advertising: [email protected] Lebanon Has Cause for Shame in its

SUBSCRIPTION RATES : Treatment of Syrian Refugees

U.S.A. $80 a year swelling now to 1.3 million, of whom at least Lebanese fled to Syria during their civil war, Canada $125 a year By Robert Fisk 780,000 have been registered by the UN. they were treated with great care by the This means that one in four of the people of regime. Now the Lebanese resent the hud - Other Countries $190 a year Lebanon are now Syrians. It feels like it, too. dled masses from the east. They are beaten I stopped to buy walnuts in Sidon last The poor beg in the streets of Tripoli, in the immigration queues, cheated with week from a sunburned man sitting on the Beirut, Sidon and Tyre, the rich cut in front exorbitant rents and, in some towns © 2011 The Armenian Mirror-Spectator pavement of the old souk . Like the walnuts of me in their smart cars with registration (Christian, I am sorry to say), told to stay off Periodical Class Postage Paid at Boston, MA — soft, almost creamy inside their iron-hard plates showing they come from as far away the streets after 8pm. and additional mailing offices. husks — he came from the Syrian town of as Raqqa and Deir ex-Zour and Deraa. A few Christian Palestinians from Damascus are Bloudan. of the vehicles boast bullet holes — as so living in penury in one-room shacks in the ISSN 0004-234X In years gone by, I would take the steam many Lebanese cars did during the 1975-90 only Christian Palestinian refugee camp in POSTMASTER : Send address changes to The train from the old Haj station in Damascus civil war — and almost half the people I meet Dbayeh. The Sunni Palestinians from Syria Armenian Mirror-Spectator, P.O. Box 302, up to Bloudan and Zabadani, the loco so in an average day in Beirut are Syrians. have fetched up in the hovels of Sabra and Watertown, MA 02471-0302 slow that passengers could sometimes jump They work on the building sites in the side Chatila to exchange their stories of horror Other than the editorial, views and opinions out of the carriages to pick fruit and then street outside my home. with the tales of massacre and savagery vis - expressed in this newspaper do not necessarily clamber back aboard. Bloudan was a kind of Two years ago they all supported Bashar. ited upon their Palestinian brothers and sis - eflect the policies of the publisher. forested spa, all soft-flowing streams and Then the poorer labourers proclaimed the ters of this forsaken Lebanese camp at the watermelons and crude cement houses and Free Syrian Army as their heroes and the hands of Israel’s cruel allies 31 years ago. big posters of Hafez al-Assad, the dictator supervisors turned out to be pro-regime And it’s not hard to see why Najib Mikati, father of Bashar. There were Palestinian “mukhabarat” intelligence agents. the outgoing “ghost” Prime Minister in the training camps in these hills and a regional Now the rebel faction on the building sites equally ghostly Lebanese government, is headquarters for the Iranian Revolutionary is silent — no Islamists they — while the now talking of “investigating” each Syrian Guard — Lebanon was only eight miles away pseudo-cops keep their mouths shut. The arrival to discover if they meet “the legal Copying for other than personal use or — and the smugglers’ trails ran from wealthy Syrians have moved into swish conditions of a refugee” — whatever that is internal reference is prohibited without Bloudan and Zabadani across the Anti- express permission of the copyright apartments downtown. I sometimes find — and the implications are obvious: those owner. Address requests for reprints or Lebanon range into the Bekaa Valley. that when I travel from Beirut to Damascus who have arrived in Lebanon to gather sup - back issues to: Bloudan is a Christian town — Zabadani is at the weekend, half the Syrians I want to port for the Damascus regime or for the Baikar Association, Inc. largely Sunni — and they have been on the see are not in Damascus at all. They are Syrian resistance will be chucked out. front lines of Syria’s war; those old smug - 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 spending the same weekend in Beirut. Easier said than done. Lebanese ex-gener - gling trails now help to bring the tens of There is cause for much shame in this al Michel Aoun’s crackpot and largely thousands of Syrian refugees into Lebanon, massive influx of refugees. When the continued on next page S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 19, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 15 COMMENTARY

Speaker Bob Livingston, who left public office in disgrace, Michael McMahon is handling public affairs/government has so far received close to $2 million for lobbying on relations for the so-called “Turkish Republic of Northern behalf of Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry. Cyprus,” a territory recognized only by its occupying — The International Bank of Azerbaijan pays Jefferson power — Turkey. McMahon, who served on the House Waterman International (JWI) $25,000 per month “to Foreign Affairs Committee until his defeat in 2010, is lead - My Turn develop relations with American institutions” and “media ing the lobbying effort on behalf of Herrick, Feinstein LLP relations strategy.” JWI receives another $25,000 per of New York which won a $200,000 per year contract to By Harut Sassounian month from “The Presidency of Azerbaijan” for counseling arrange congressional visits to occupied Northern Cyprus on media strategy. Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Finance owns and improve its public image in the media. McMahon also Justice Dept. Records Reveal: 51 percent of the shares of the International Bank of handled the development and construction of Turkey’s Azerbaijan. expanded Consulate in New York City. Azerbaijan Pays Millions to US — The Azerbaijan America Alliance has so far paid It is, therefore, not surprising that McMahon’s name sur - Fabiani & Company $2.4 million “for planning and execut - faced last week, trying to legitimize President Ilham Firms ing strategies to encourage research and advocacy about Aliyev’s falsified re-election in which he gained 85 percent the Azeri people, country, culture and international rela - of the vote, while his nine opponents collectively received Awash in billions of petrodollars, but lacking a moral tions.” A recent gala dinner in Washington, hosted by the the remaining 15 percent. compass, Azerbaijan has been busy handing out loads of Azerbaijan America Alliance, was attended by 700 guests, While international observers criticized Aliyev’s re-elec - money to anyone who is willing to heed its propaganda. including Obama administration officials, members of con - tion as “unfair and rife with fraud,” The New York Times Baku’s bribery scheme, known worldwide as “caviar gress and foreign diplomats. Notorious congressional oppo - quoted McMahon as stating that the vote was “honest, fair diplomacy,” has now ensnared Washington’s movers and nents of Armenian issues attended the banquet, including and really efficient. There were much shorter lines than in shakers. Apparently, there is no shortage of Americans who Senators Saxby Chambliss and Richard Burr, House America, and no hanging chads,” a reference to the disput - are eager to sell their souls for a fistful of dollars. As a Speaker John Boehner and former Cong. Dan Burton. ed ballots in Florida during the 2000 US presidential race. novice in the field of lobbying, Azerbaijan has quickly — Roberti White LLC is paid $20,834 per month by Shockingly, The NY Times fell victim to McMahon’s ploy, learned the tricks of the trade from its ‘elder brother’ SOCAR USA, the American subsidiary of the State Oil deciding to title its article on the fraudulent vote as Turkey, a well-versed master of political deception. Company of Azerbaijan, to explore business opportunities “Observers Differ on Fairness of Election in Azerbaijan.” The website of the US Department of Justice lists the in the US. The Times thus equated one man’s pro-Azeri propaganda names and amounts paid by various Azeri entities to 11 — Since money is no object, even the Consulate General with the overwhelming evidence of widespread fraud con - American firms: of Azerbaijan in Los Angeles can afford to hire its own pub - firmed by respectable international observers, such as the — Azerbaijan’s Embassy in Washington pays $35,000 per lic relations firm. Over the years, it has engaged the ser - Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe month to Patton Boggs “for advice and assistance on US- vices of Sitrick and Company ($50,000 per year); The (OSCE). Fortunately, The Times pointed out that “the split Azerbaijan bilateral relations”; $18,250 per month to Toolshed Group LLC ($35,000), founded by Jason Katz, for - in assessments seemed to reflect an aggressive lobbying Melwood Communications to assist in “media relations and mer Director of Public Affairs for the American Jewish effort by the Aliyev government to portray the election as communications strategy”; $20,000 per month to the DCI Committee and The Potomac Square Group (amount undis - fair.” Group for “public relations and media outreach, and build - closed) “to provide media outreach...and interaction with Armenian-Americans cannot compete with Azerbaijan’s ing relationships with think tanks” and $45,000 per month editors.” lavish handouts. They don’t have to. Since the truth is on to The Podesta Group to carry out public relations. Now comes yet another ex-congressman who is chasing their side, they do not need to spend millions on lobbying — The Livingston Group, named after former House Azerbaijan’s Almighty Dollar. Former New York Cong. to present the facts as they are.

Lebanon Has Cause for Shame In its Treatment of Syrian Armenians and the Purple Heart Refugees is hereby revived out of respect to his memory and military from previous page By Taniel Koushakjian achievements. Christian “Free Patriotic Movement” wants the By order of the Secretary of War: border closed; and since Mr Aoun supports Bashar al- Douglas MacArthur Assad — and since most refugees in Lebanon are anti- his past August marked the 231st anniversary of General, Chief of Staff” Assad Sunni Muslims — you can see why Mr Aoun the establishment of the “Badge of Military So that morning I thought to myself, “How many wants the frontier blocked. Merit,” known today as the Purple Heart, by Armenians have received the Purple Heart? Somebody has to But there are deeper concerns, which afflict both General George Washington on August 7, 1782. know!” To my astonishment, no such list existed, until today. the Lebanese army and the Internal Security Force, When I first heard this news, I was drawn to the With the assistance of the Assembly’s ARAMAC- the only two viable institutions in Lebanon: that the memory of my grandfather, US Army Sergeant Pennsylvania Vice Chair Paul Sookiasian, who is active with great refugee camps spreading down the Bekaa valley Ara Odabachian. Although a well-decorated sol - his local Pennsylvania Armenian-American Veterans might turn into miniature Ein el-Helwehs. T dier in his own right, he did not receive a Purple Association (PAAVA), he directed me to the National Purple Ein el-Helweh is the vast Palestinian camp in Sidon Heart, but there had to have been some Heart Hall of Honor registry. There I was able to search and whose 100,000 (or more) refugees are crammed into Armenians who did. After all, thousands of Armenians have compile a list of nearly 80 confirmed Armenian recipients of slums controlled by armed Palestinian militias which fought valiantly in the US Armed Forces, with verified records the Purple Heart. In addition to this list, I consulted one of operate outside the law of Lebanon. Subjected to the dating as far back as the Civil War. the most important publications on Armenian-American mili - country’s oppressive work restrictions, the According to Prof. Ray Raymond, upon his victory at tary figures, the 1996 Triumph and Glory: Armenian World Palestinian factions include Hamas and the PLO — Yorktown, General Washington’s “officers were on the verge War II Heroes, by Richard N. Demirjian. I found one name but also Islamists, a faction of al-Qa’ida and members of mutiny because of lack of pay, rations and supplies with - that was not in the registry and there has got to be poten - of Muslim groups wanted for their part in a Salafist held by a corrupt and negligent Congress. Worse, Congress tially more Armenians who have served that do not carry the insurrection in northern Lebanon six years ago. had taken away the authority of his general officers to rec - “ian.” A cancer in the body politic, as far as Lebanon is ognize their soldiers’ courage and leadership by awarding From the Assembly’s 2006 National Advocacy Conference, concerned; a pit of hopelessness for the 100,000 commissions in the field. Congress simply could not afford to to the designation of the Colonel George Juskalian US Post whose lands in Palestine were seized by the new pay their existing officers let alone any new ones. As a result, Office in Centreville, Virginia in 2010 and other activities Israeli state in 1948. faithful service and outstanding acts of bravery went unrec - honoring our service men and women, the Armenian But the Lebanese army now fears that the blos - ognized and unrewarded. Washington was determined to end Assembly of America has a strong record of raising awareness soming Syrian camps in the Bekaa will yield the that. So from his headquarters perched 80 feet above the of and honoring Armenian veterans of the US. same, bitter fruit: armed groups supporting both the Hudson, he issued a general order establishing the ‘Badge of I know this list is incomplete. Therefore, I am asking any - impoverished Free Syrian Army and the ever-more- Distinction’ and ‘Badge of Merit.’” one with more information about Armenian-Americans who powerful Sunni Muslim al-Nusra front and al-Qa’ida Our country’s oldest military award, the Badge of Military have received the Purple Heart to contact the Assembly at affiliates who are fighting to “liberate” Syria from Merit was intended to be permanent; however, the end of the [email protected]. With the help of the Armenian-American Assad’s government. Revolutionary War marked the end of the award. That is until community we can complete this list and together raise The Lebanese cannot afford to let the cities of 1932, 150 years after its inception. On the bicentennial of awareness of the proud Armenian presence in the US Armed Syrian refugee tents turn into armed camps outside George Washington’s birth: Forces. the sovereignty of Lebanon, run by Syrians carrying “By order of the President of the United States, the Purple (Taniel Koushakjian is the communications director for their own weapons outside the law. Heart, established by General George Washington at the Armenian Assembly of America. He can be reached at But can the Lebanese prevent this infection when Newburgh, August 7, 1782, during the War of the Revolution [email protected] and on Twitter @Taniel_Shant.) Syrian suffering is on such a scale? On Saturday night I found three Syrians — two of them only 14 years old — selling white roses on the Beirut Corniche near my home. Amir came from the Damascus suburb of Douma a year ago. His right leg had been torn off by a shell. For Your Internal News of Armenia Log on to Hadi and Hani were brothers from Hama. Hadi’s hand had been amputated by a shell fragment eight months ago. Only Hani was untouched. I bought a www.AZG.am white rose. Three Syrians, only one complete.

(Robert Fisk is a columnist for the Independent In English, Armenian, Russian and Turkish newspaper. This column originally appeared in the October 14 edition of the paper.) 16 S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 19, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Vartan Gregorian Honored in Scotland at Carnegie Birthplace

GREGORIAN, from page 1 York Public Library. Earlier, he was the found - “For 15 years, I have endeavored to be a ing dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences at good steward of Andrew Carnegie’s legacy as the University of Pennsylvania and also served head of Carnegie Corporation of New York,” as provost there. He is the recipient of numer - Gregorian said. “But it is important to note that ous fellowships, scores of honorary degrees, the good work of Carnegie and many awards, including the Corporation is not, of course, American Academy of the ‘Vartan’s Way’ but will always be Institute of Arts and Letters’ ‘Andrew’s Way.’ This great Gold Medal for Service to the honor is ultimately a reflec - Arts, the National tion of the example Mr. Humanities Medal, and the Carnegie set in establishing a Medal of Freedom, the family of organizations to do United States’ highest civil ‘real and permanent good in award. In 2009, President this world.’ I am deeply Barack Obama appointed him touched by the generosity of my to serve on the President’s Scottish colleagues.” Commission on White House The 76-acre Pittencrieff Park or Fellowships. He has written The Road “The Glen,” as it is known locally, is one of To Home: My Life And Times; Islam: A Scotland’s most popular urban parks, welcom - Mosaic, Not A Monolith and The Emergence of ing more than 750,000 visitors annually. The Modern Afghanistan, 1880-1946 . park is now the location of the Carnegie UK Martyn Evans, chief executive of the Trust’s headquarters. Carnegie UK Trust, said: “Since joining the Andrew Carnegie called Pittencrieff Park Corporation in 1997, Vartan has been an “the most soul-satisfying gift I ever made or incredible asset to not only Carnegie Vartan Gregorian at the plaque marking “Vartan’s Way” ever can make.” Carnegie spent the first 13 Corporation of New York but also the family of years of his life in Dunfermline before emigrat - Carnegie organizations worldwide. He believes ing to the United States in 1848. passionately in philanthropy and over the last tional peace and healthy democracy.” Dunfermline.” Prior to joining Carnegie Corporation of New 16 years has steered the Corporation on its mis - “It is most fitting that his achievements As part of the ceremony, Gregorian planted a York in 1997, Gregorian served as president of sion to honor Andrew Carnegie’s drive for should be recognized in the park Andrew tree using a ceremonial spade once used by Brown University and as president of the New access to education and knowledge, interna - Carnegie donated to his beloved hometown of Andrew Carnegie. California State Assemblymen Achadjian Named Legislator of the Year GLENDALE — The Armenian National introduce key pieces of legislation of concern to workers at three locations. Prior to his election communities. Achadjian took a firm stance to Committee of America Western Region (ANCA- our community, and to assist organizing a con - to the legislature, Achadjian served for three end religious discrimination and sent a clear WR) will honor California State Assembly mem - tingency of California legislatures to travel to terms as an elected member of the San Luis message to the Republic of Turkey that ber Katcho Achadjian with the ANCA-WR Armenia and Artaskh (Karabagh), speaks vol - Obispo County Board of Supervisors. He served Armenians would continue to fight against the “Legislator of the Year Award” at the annual umes to Achadjian’s commitment to fundamen - as board chairman in 2001 and again in 2006. final stage of Genocide — denial. banquet to take place on Saturday, November tal principles of truth, fairness and justice to He was also appointed by Governor Arnold Achadjian was also instrumental in protesting 30 in Hollywood. pursue our cause,” said Raffi Kassabian, ANCA- Schwarzenegger to serve as a member of the the Azerbaijani Parliamentary and State Oil “Through Assembly member Achadjian’s ded - WR board member. California Coastal Commission. He served as a Company (SOCAR) delegation visit to the ication and commitment to Hye Tad, the ANCA- Achadjian was sworn in for his second term member of the commission until his election to California State Capitol. WR has been able to significantly advance issues on December 3, 2012 to represent the 35th the Assembly in 2010. “I am proud to have stood shoulder to shoul - of concern to Armenian Americans in the halls Assembly District which includes San Luis Since taking office, he has worked for gov - der with Assembly members Nazarian, Wilk and of the State Capitol. Achadjian’s ability to use Obispo, Santa Maria and Pismo Beach. ernment reform and accountability. He is a Patterson and Armenian Americans from the power of the pen to educate his colleagues He founded a successful local small business member of the Assembly Committees on throughout the State to protest the Azeri gov - in the California State Assembly and Senate, in 1978, and has built it up to employ some 30 Accountability and Administrative Review, ernment’s aggression and efforts to use its oil Banking and Finance, Transportation and Joint wealth to purchase international legitimacy,” Legislative Audit. said Achadjian. From hosting the Nagorno- Achadjian introduced the Return of Churches Karabagh parliament speaker in the State SHIFT-Tech Offers $25K Bill in the California Assembly in 2012. Capitol to his most recent trip to Armenia with The Assembly Joint Resolution called on the Speaker Perez, Achadjian represents the Republic of Turkey to respect religious freedom Armenian-American issues in the State of Mobile App Development and return church properties to its minority California.

YEREVAN — ONEArmenia is shifting the landscape of Armenia once again. SHIFT: Culture, launched in the spring, invited the global community at large to pitch their wildest idea for reinventing an aspect of the Armenian arts. On their one-year anniversary they’ve New Publication Presents British Media launched SHIFT-Tech, a call for people around the world to submit their mobile app ideas — and compete to get $25,000 in support to develop them. Armenia has become one of the leading information technology nations among CIS and Reports on the Armenian Genocide Middle Eastern countries. A number of high-tech companies from Europe, Russia and the BEIRUT — A two-volume book titled The US are also operating large development and R&D centers in Armenia. With a booming IT Times of the Armenian Genocide: Reports in sector, which takes up 20 percent of the country’s annual GDP, start-ups are popping up the British Press, 1914-1923 by Katia Minas all over the country. The world’s premier, full-featured mobile photo editor, Picsart, Inc., for Peltekian has been released. example, was founded there and has more than 77 million users. The two-volumes compile more than 1,000 The top five submissions will be invited to pitch their idea to a review committee. The items collected from British newspapers winner will be connected with Social Objects, a mobile app development start-up in between 1914 and 1923. Through articles, Yerevan, to turn the idea into actualized software. In addition to having a development team reports, editorials, correspondences, letters to build their app, part of the $25,000 in-kind grant will go to marketing and taking the app the editor, announcements, as well as the pro - to market. Portions of potential profits from the winning app will go toward funding ceedings of the British parliament, the book ONEArmenia community projects. shows the extent of the official and unofficial “SHIFT-Tech offers enough support for a start-up team to focus fully and realize their British interest in the Armenian people and in app idea and build a functioning, viable product for a big global marketplace,” said Nigel the on-going massacres in the Armenian Sharp, founder of LionSharp Solutions — a creative technology start-up. “Awareness of the provinces in what is now called east Turkey. technology possibilities will improve and hopefully inspire more people to look towards the These reports not only tell the story of a engineering and mobile development capabilities in Armenia,” added Sharp. genocide, but also give details of the peace Katia Minas Peltekian ONEArmenia’s SHIFT Initiative was started to move Armenia away from the standard negotiations at Sevres and Lausanne, and how narrative that has stalled its fight to get on solid ground since independence: that of a dusty, the Armenian Question was finally swept under post-Soviet nation, struggling against itself to give its people something to look forward to; the rug when the West seemingly regarded its Armenians that appear in the Arab press into dependent on the legacies of an ancient past rich with kingdoms full of art, science, inven - interests to be more important than granting English. tion and leadership to give its youth something to be proud of. “Now is the crucial window the persecuted people their basic human rights. Her first book was published in 2000 and titled, of time to shift the young generation’s attention toward the future, where the digital age Peltekian is an independent researcher who Heralding of the Armenian Genocide: Reports in makes anything and everything possible,” said initiative leaders. collects newspaper articles. She has degrees in The Halifax Herald (1894-1922), and compiled one SHIFT-Tech was launched on October 5. Applications will be accepted until November 5. English literature and education from the Canadian newspaper’s articles and reports on the ONEArmenia is a non-profit platform that seeks to boost environmental, humanitarian American University of Beirut (AUB, Lebanon) on-going massacres and deportations of the and cultural projects in Armenia. It uses crowd-funding and crowd-sourcing to involve any - and Dalhousie University (Canada). Armenian population. one with an Internet connection in boosting projects that are geared toward making tan - She taught English at AUB (1988-2005) and At the time, the book was distributed free to gible changes in Armenia. The ONEArmenia network aims to make it possible to not only Haigazian University (2005-2012). Canadian members of parliament, a few officials raise money for a project based in Armenia as a worldwide community, but to also track As a hobby, she compiles daily news items for and public libraries, in addition to university the progress of said project with complete access to financial information. the Armenian News Network www.Groong.org libraries around the world and Genocide research and translates many articles about Armenia and centers.