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زارتــونك جريــــــدة سيــــــاســــــية أرمنــــــية ZARTONK JOURNAL POLITIQUE ARMÉNIEN January 11- January 17, 2016 Volume #78 Number 81/ English 39 Issue (21,534)

Article Centenary of the Armenian Genocide Arts & Entertainment PG Myra PG 2015: A Year in Review for the PG Hovsepian’s ‘Journey to the Armenian Genocide Centennial Homeland’ to Compete in LA 02 03 04 Independent Film Festival News From AntiArmenian Aspirations of Turkey PM Hovig Aprahamian: We are Toppled in France Entering The Year 2016 With Firm Resolve to State New Achievements I am confident that owing to our collective strength and unity, under the leadership of President Serge Sarksian, we will move forward in an atmosphere of tolerance and mutual trust, build a prosperous and secure Armenia for the sake of a powerful statehood and everlasting independence. It is no secret that numerous geopolitical and economic challenges emerged in 2015. Like many other countries, neither Armenia managed to be safe from the negative impact of external challenges. In spite Armenian Prime Minister of pessimistic projections, by mobilizing has issued a New Year message today, efforts and resources, as well as thanks to according to the press office of the the Government’s self-confidence and well- government. The message says: devised policies, we were able to defy the “Dear compatriots, challenges and ensure economic growth. We are bidding farewell to the year 2015, In 2016, the Government will continue to make which is going to become history in a few consistent efforts to improve each citizen’s hours. The upcoming year of 2016 will usher living standards and the quality of life. I am in a jubilee for the Armenian nation. We will convinced that strong with the Government’s The Constitutional Council of France has denied recognizing the Armenian Genocide. much more detailed activities. The issue of the be celebrating the twenty-fifth anniversary of firm determination and purposeful actions, the claim to recognize the law Criminalizing To the question if this denial can somehow Armenian Genocide must be put before the Armenia’s independence. Independence is our country will continue to advance towards Holocaust Denial as anti¬constitutional. Hilda pave the way for adopting the bill criminalizing court and be followed by the condemnation by dear to all of us as it symbolizes our people’s a more competitive economy and a more Tchoboian, the regional deputy of Rhon-Alpes the Armenian Genocide denial in France, Hilda that court”. age-old aspiration. powerful and democratic Armenia. of France, confirmed this information in an Tchoboian answered, “No, as the fact that the interview with “Armenpress”. Jewish genocide, in contrast to the Armenian In her opinion, the Armenian side can find “Taking advantage of that law, the Turkish Genocide, has been recognized as genocide the key and succeed in the French courts. Foreign Minister Nalbandian Awarded organizations wished to question the by the international law and the French Court, “Criminalization of the Armenian Genocide has Armenian Genocide in the French law, and is clearly mentioned in the justification of not been rejected as it has not been recognized by that, in fact, failed”, Hilda Tchoboian said. In recognizing the law criminalizing the Jewish the international law. Denial of the Genocide With 1st Degree Medal “For Service to case of satisfying the aforementioned claim, genocide as anti¬constitutional. This is the will be taken into account if any international the Turkish organizations aspired to abolish difference that must be overcome during the or French court qualifies it as genocide”, Hilda Fatherland” the resolution adopted by France in 2001 coming months. In my opinion, this requires Tchoboian added. News from the World The official website of the Foreign Ministry of the Republic of Armenia has published the December 28, 2015 decree of the Serge Sarksian. According to it, House Foreign Affairs Committee Questions Warlick Minister Nalbandian is awarded with 1st degree medal “For Service to Fatherland” for his significant contribution to organization of in Wake of Escalation of Azerbaijani Attacks events marking the 100th anniversary of the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee violation. Acts of aggression must be clearly Armenian Genocide. Chairman Ed Royce (R-CA) urged the Obama condemned. The faster the administration can The President signed the decree guided Administration to speed up implementation of help put these in place, the quicker it can help by the 16th point of the 55th article of the Royce-Engel proposals for Nagorno Karabakh put an end to the killing and avert war.” Armenian Constitution and recognizing as “On State Awards and Honorary Titles of the (Artsakh) peace, during a classified briefing The special briefing comes in the wake of an basis the law of the Republic of Armenia Republic of Armenia”. with Organization for Security and Cooperation October 26th Congressional letter addressed in Europe (OSCE) Minsk Group Co-Chairman to Ambassador Warlick, initiated by Chairman James Warlick held earlier today, reported the Royce and Ranking Democrat Eliot Engel (D- Problems in Administering Justice in Armenian National Committee of America. NY) and cosigned by over 80 of their House Over a dozen U.S. House Members attended the colleagues, outlining three concrete steps closed-door briefing, organized by the House to address escalating Karabakh violence: Foreign Affairs Committee. In an official “read- the removal of snipers, an increase in OSCE Armenia. Minister out” from the meeting, Chairman Royce stated: monitors, and the deployment of a gunfire “Violence in the Nagorno-Karabakh region is at locator system. Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh the highest point in decades. Just last month have both expressed support for these life- and high-powered rifle fire, which claimed the we heard reports of heavy weapon attacks saving initiatives; Azerbaijan has not. life of 24-year-old Garik Gurgen Avanesyan and tank artillery fire – a clear violation of the Chairman Royce first announced the Committee’s earlier that day. ceasefire agreement. As Ambassador Warlick intention to host a briefing with Ambassador Chairman Royce concluded his remarks, noting has said, this isn’t a ‘frozen conflict,’ but is a Warlick at the Capitol Hill celebration of Nagorno “I retain hope that one day the people of forgotten conflict – with a real risk of spinning Karabakh’s commitment to peace. Nagorno Karabakh will be able to live in peace, out of control. That is why we need all snipers “Why are the snipers not pulled back? […] enjoying security and a flourishing trade with to be withdrawn, more international monitors Why have we not deployed those special [gun its neighbors in the region, and I give thanks to be deployed and gunfire locator systems to fire] direction finders?” asked Chairman Royce to those of you here who are committed to that be put in place to increase transparency and at the Capitol Hill event, citing reports of peace and who are committed to stay engaged accountability for each and every cross-boundary unprecedented Azerbaijani tank fired shelling to see that that happens.” Georgia Mulls Importing Iranian Gas Through Armenia “Based on our negotiations, we are supposed to government in October announcing its intention to transport gas to the Armenian border for Georgia buy gas from Russia or Iran too. Energy Minister to receive it on its own border with Armenia,” Kakha Kaladze said Georgia could soon import Iran’s IRNA news agency quoted Alireza Kameli as Iranian gas via Armenia or Azerbaijan. saying. Last month, Kaladze held talks in Luxemburg Kameli did not specify whether Tehran, Tbilisi and with Alexei Miller, the head of Russia’s Gazprom Armenia’s Minister of Justice Arpine you, within your rights, that is responsible,” have already reached an agreement and, monopoly. Miller said afterwards that Gazprom is Hovanissian held a meeting with she said. if so, when the Iranian gas supplies will start. He ready to supply large volumes of gas to Georgia reporters to sum up the year 2015 and Ms Hovannisian points out different only said that the gas deal must be “economical” through a complex arrangement that would also the first 100 days of her work. perceptions of justice, which creates serious for Georgia to start all the process. involve Armenia and Iran. difficulties in performing her duties. Armenia imports up to 500 million cubic meters Later in December, Kaladze met in Yerevan with his Asked if justice is administered in Armenia at “Frankly speaking, the judicial system has of Iranian gas annually through a pipeline that Armenian and Iranian counterparts as well as the all, Ms Hovannisian said: numerous problems – administration of Georgia has been negotiating with Iran on was launched in 2008. The pipeline’s maximum chief executive of a leading Russian electric utility “There is justice in Armenia, but it faces justice, enforcement of law – which need possible imports of Iranian natural gas through capacity is estimated at 2 billion cubic meters per to explore the possibility of significantly boosting numerous problems, and each of us bears dealing with. We also have much to do in neighboring Armenia, the head of the Islamic annum. power supplies with the countries. Armenia’s responsibility for building it up – both you connection with constitutional reforms,” she Republic’s national gas company said on Monday, Georgia has purchased the bulk of its gas Yervand Zakharyan said after the meeting that gas and I. It is not only the minister, but each of said. January 4, RFE/RL Armenian Service reports. from Azerbaijan for the past decade, with the supplies to Georgia were not on the agenda. January 11- January 17, 2016 P. 02

Myra Syrian-Armenian Model by Arminée H. Choukassizian Seated at the side of the table with her feet corner of the hall. Its shiny pendulum swayed Says Armenia Became “The dangling Myra faced the big heavy sideboard right and left, back and forth and there were They were having a late lunch because father laden with a pair of Persian silver candelabras four tubes of varying length and also there Cradle” For Her Successes had come home late. He had whispered which flanked a large silver vase full of flowers. was a key with an impressive dull gold tassel something in her mother’s ear and then her Myra wondered what her parents were up to. hanging from a hook. As it got darker, the tall By Anush Nersisyan mother looked horrified. The windows were “I better go and start getting ready.” Her windows with heavy drapes hanging up high open and the late spring gentle breeze swayed mother said, adding “I would have liked to wear seemed even taller than they actually were, the lace curtains and the scalloped edge of the black linen dress, but it isn’t back from the and the rooms that were crammed with heavy the starched linen tablecloth. cleaners yet. I’ll go look for something else.” furniture looked rather dark. She ran into the “We’ve got to leave as soon as we can, if we’re “I have to take a quick shower and put on a family room and switched on the television set, not to get caught in the traffic” Myra’s father dark suit” Marwan commented. pressed buttons one after another “surfing” remarked. “ May I go and ask for some chocolate cake?” from one channel to another. She turned the “But how can we?” her mother replied, and Myra asked. volume up, and seated two of her favourite then added, “we can’t leave her here all Silence. She saw her parents glance at each dolls on the couch next to her. She watched alone.” other and then her mother said: “Well, alright.” TV for a while. Eventually, she got bored. Myra “I guess we have to” came the stern reply. Before her mother had risen and pushed her got up and looked around. There was a pot of And then he went on “There’s no other way it chair back, Myra had already run out of the strawberry jam on a coffee table, so she soup is a pretty long drive and this is the last day dining room. spooned and table spooned it for a while. The they will be receiving people. The Damas Marwan pressed the bell for the maid to bring tall trees in the garden cast long shadows on have already gone, so have the Hamads, the in his coffee and clear the table. the walls of the room. Maleks, and Salim and his wife. I could go on “Myra, come and give your father a nice kiss.” She went into her mother’s bedroom. The and on.” After patting her head and kissing her, Marwan doors of her mother’s closet were wide open. “Had I known earlier, I could have made said after clearing his throat “Myra dear, your Several pairs of high-heeled shoes were some arrangement, but now it’s impossible” mother and I have to go on a visit. We will be scattered here and there, and several silk “Becoming a model was one of my hidden love-word” international program for a week. her mother responded, adding “what a back as soon as we can. scarves were strewn carelessly across the bed. dreams, but I didn’t think it would come Shaghig Rastgelenian has also decided to coincidence, even the day help today asked “Can’t I come too and play with Lama, Mimo, But the biggest treat was what lay on top of true in my real homeland,” said 24-year- help and is helping Syrian-Armenian and local for permission to take leave the rest of the day Ziyad and Fadi as I always do? Myra asked, the dressing table and in its drawers! Myra sat old Shaghig Rastgelenian in an interview disadvantaged families through her charity after she’s done the dishes, because her son referring to her paternal cousins. on the stool in front of the dressing table, just with WomenNet. Shaghig left Aleppo for program. She and her small group donated is flying to the States early tomorrow morning.” “Oh no, not today; they will not be there.” came like her mother did. So many coloured pencils Armenia in 2012 and is now helping not all proceeds from bracelet sales to a family Myra, a wide-eyed, light complexted girl of six the answer. “But tell me what do you all play?” lay on the table, and even a pencil sharpener! only her fellow disadvantaged Syrian- of Syrian- reprocessing wool. The and something with long braids, hardly ate “We play ki----- napped. We run and run, then Could she take a few of these pencils to her Armenian families, but also disadvantaged family used the reprocessed wool to make anything except for some fried potatoes which they ask me to stop, but I don’t listen to them drawing class at school?, she wondered. And families in Armenia. hats and scarves. According to Shaghig, she she literally doused with tomato ketchup she and I still run. If we’re playing in the garden, I bottles and bottles of nail polish! Her mother and her group had also decided to donate the spurted from the dispenser. hide behind a tree and if we’re playing here, I used to change her nail polish to match the The pain of seeing her hometown destroyed hats and scarves to children staying at the Her mother remarked: “Watch it, Myra! Be hide behind an armchair. If Mimo and Lama dress she was wearing. Suddenly, Myra’s and the death of her love made Shaghig leave Fridtjof Nansen Orphanage in Gyumri, and careful! We don’t want to dirty the clean scold me, Fadi takes my side. When we get elbow hit a bottle and a thick pool of nail polish Syria with her mother and sisters. After settling that’s exactly what they did. tablecloth.” thirsty and we drink Coke. The girls put two spread in front of her. Lipstick and lipstick in Yerevan, Shaghig decided to continue her Shaghig’s charity program doesn’t end there. There was silence. Sometimes she looked at ice cubes in their glass, but the boys put three and more lipstick in all shades of pink and red! studies. While studying in the Department Along with the volunteers of the group that her father and then at her mother seated at ice cubes in theirs because they say they’re Small round boxes of powders and creams of International Business of the European is gradually growing, Shaghig has decided to each end of the oval mahogany dining room boys. ” in such different colours! Myra became University, she also started working for Iraqi clean and renovate any school or any ancient table. She made sure that her eyes did not Marwan looked at his daughter and told her: very busy putting on her mother’s make-up, Airlines for a while, after which she started and abandoned church. meet theirs. Total silence. “Myra dear, your mom and I will be back as opening bottles of perfume, smearing lipstick, working with Atex Fashion Center and became “If you think about it, there’s a lot to do. All you “Have some chicken with your salad, dear” her soon as we can. You be a good girl while we’re eyeliner, eye shadow, powder, and even face a model, obtaining her second profession. The need is the will and desire, and you can move mother told her father. gone, and we promise to take you again to the cream. What a treat! She too would one day tall and beautiful Shaghig was approved as a mountains. If only we can engage university ”No, thanks,” he replied. “I think we better circus, Promise, my dear.” have a wide collection and use make-up like top model, and it wasn’t a surprise to see her students by explaining how the importance of hurry.” “Colette, dear, are you ready?” Marwan her mother does now. represent the Caucasus at the international those programs and their significance in terms “Has his eldest son arrived?” Colette asked. inquired. “By now we really should have been She put on and trying to balance herself modeling competition in Alicante, Spain. of humanitarianism.” “No, he couldn’t make it from Tucson, but on the road.” in a pair of her mother’s black high-heeled In the spring of 2015, Shaghig’s Lebanese- Shaghig had heard and read a lot about one of the daughters has already arrived from “Not quite, my dear. I need a little more time” shoes, wore one of her mother’s dresses that Armenian friend, Stephanie Sanosian Armenia and had always dreamed of seeing Athens and the other one too is here too from came the answer. dragged on the floor around her feet, tied a suggested joining forces and carrying out her homeland. It might have been ‘cruel’, but Dubai. Myra knew that her mother spent a lot of time silk scarf around her neck and took one of the “Live-love-word” and “Live-love-braslet” Shaghig’s destiny helped her turn her dream “It’s going to be very difficult for his wife now. in front of her dressing table and the mirror. mother’s leather handbags which lay on a international programs aimed at presenting into a reality. How is she going to cope with everything? She “Darling Colette, aren’t you done yet? We’ve shelf in the closet and paraded herself in front the historical and cultural values and nature “Now that I have seen Armenia and am living herself is in poor health, having just come out got to hurry so that we can back before it gets of the mirror, just like her mother did. Then of any country via the Internet (Facebook, here, I don’t want any Armenian to leave. I of hospital after her long stay. When I saw her really dark” rang Marwan’s voice. she opened the door to the parlour which was Instagram). According to Shaghig, these want all Armenians to find a job that is close the other day I noticed that she had lost a lot “I still need five minutes and I’ll be done. I’m reserved only for visitors, and dropped onto programs will help develop tourism. Today, to their heart and become attached to their of weight and looked quite pale. Will she be still looking for my medium sized black leather the fluffy dark green velvet three-seat settee. she and another Syrian-Armenian friend, native land. I definitely feel powerful on this staying here or go and stay with one or rather handbag,” was the reply as Colette applied It was dark now, and somehow the heavy Sari Byuzandian are carrying out the “Live- land. Armenia became “the cradle” for my next to one of her children. That is provided more make-up to her face. furniture in the sitting room seemed to be love Armenia” project on a social network successes,” Shaghig said before bidding they and the sons in law welcome her. They “Well, Myra we’re off now,” she saw her father looming over her. It was a little spooky. Myra and already have 16,000 supporters. In fact, farewell. seemed to be a close family, but who knows?” tuck a cigarette between his fingers as he closed her eyes. It was getting really dark now. Armenia was also presented through the “Live- WomenNet.am Marwan raised his eyebrows. After a pause, jangled his keys, Faintly she heard her parents calling as if from Colette continued “but we saw him only two “That’s my good girl” her mother said as she far away. “Myra, Myra, where are you?” days ago and he seemed to be in the very best hugged Myra and was about to walk out of the “Where on earth could she be?” she heard her 16 Thousand Syrian-Armenians, 1000 Iraqi- of health. It’s really hard to believe,” door. father shout anxiously. Myra’s mother added. “Some vegetables, “We’ll be back as soon as we can, and “Oh, my God!” her mother exclaimed, “what’s Myra dear?” remember, If you’re a good girl, we’ll take you this? What a mess she’s made in my room.” Armenians and 130 Ukrainians Having Myra shook her head silently. to the circus again. A promise is a promise,” Sleepily, Myra opened her eyes, blinking rapidly “Some white meat; this one here is really a she heard her father repeat. as the make-up that had started to run got into Refugee Status Settled In Armenia good piece.” Myra heard the heavy wooden door close her eyes. The two big crystal chandeliers were Without looking up at her mother Myra again behind her parents. all lit-up. Through the water in her eyes she shook her head. She had never ever been left alone at home. saw the blurred shapes of her parents looking Usually her parents talked during meals, but The large central hall from which a number of down at her. But she was warm, the settee not today. The silence was so thick it could rooms with tall ornamented doors opened was was so soft and cozy, and she was still half be cut with a knife. Her parents had made just the place for her to ride her bike, if only asleep. absolutely no attempt at any attempt at the hall had been emptied of all its furniture! “It was so nice, and so much fun” she murmured a normal conversation which fell just flat. A long clock with its glass door stood in one contentedly. “Are you going out again soon?” Dalita Avanesyan: “The Year 2015 was a Year of Success for Me”

In 2015, singer Dalita stood out with her participation in a festival, the presentation of music videos and the release of an album. All this made the singer more popular.

Dalita had recapped the year in an interview with Hayern Aysor. The Office of the United Nations High provide the same assistance to all of them if Commissioner for Refugees is one of the we see such need during our planned visits. Hayern Aysor: If you were asked to recap primary organizations in expressing support – In general, what kinds of programs were the year 2015, how would you describe it? and assistance for integration for more than implemented for displaced persons from Dalita: The year 2015 was a year in which 16.000 persons who settled in Armenia Syria in 2015? many events took place. I was very busy, but I composer of the song and Maestro Flavio holidays in general? because of the long war in Syria according – First, almost 90 percent of people settled achieved the desired outcomes. I worked hard Fulgoni wanted to have the song be released Dalita: I always celebrate the New Year at to the official data. The External Relations in Armenia are from Syria who receive and tried to meet all my objectives. in English and Armenian, and we’re currently home with my family. I visit my friends and Associate at the Armenian Office of the United assistance starting from basic first aid to Hayern Aysor: What were the major working on that in London. The composer for relatives, and we spend a good time together. Nations High Commissioner for Refugees the business loans. For example, when a achievements? the Armenian version is Edmond Makaryan. I also try to help my mother with cooking. We (UNHCR) Anahid Hayrabedian, during the displaced family arrives in Armenia, they Dalita: First, I recorded some songs and made Another major event was the presentation make dishes together. interview with “Armenpress”, mentioned that get the necessary items for passing the first two music videos. One of the music videos is of my project called “Three in One”, which Hayern Aysor: Dalita, have you already people, moved to Armenia from Syria, have got days: Children’s diapers, cooking and hygienic the video for the song “Haierinn Eh” (It Belongs included the presentation of my first album thought of what you are going to be doing used to the conditions here, got introduced supplies, food and sleeping pad. Then, the to the Armenians), which is dedicated to the titled “Welcome to Armenia” and the premiere in 2016? What new projects will you be to the market, as well as they have a great family is provided a bank account to which the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. of the music video for my English-language presenting? potential for integration. flat fee reimbursement amount is transferred, The song is written by Anita Hakhverdyan and song titled “Crazy Generation”. The music Dalita: The year 2015 was a year of success for – How many persons moved to Armenia of course, if it is not located in the city center. my teacher, Emma Asatryan. video was made by producer Zara Petrosyan me, and I hope the year 2016 will be the same. since the beginning of Syrian war and how -How aid for displaced persons from other Through this music video, I also wanted to pay and Zarine Mkhitaryan. The project also There is a lot to do. I look forward to new many of them were provided a citizenship countries differs? my tribute to the innocent Armenian martyrs. included the short live concert that I gave with invitations, new collaborations, as well as and refugee status? -There is a very big difference between the The video was actually produced by the the band Bandi. the release of new songs and music videos. – The calculation is done through the principle aid provided to displaced persons from Syria Harboian Holy Cross School in Lebanon. Hayern Aysor: Which was your most I will especially focus on receiving a higher how many people have come in and come out. and, for instance – from Iraq and Ukraine. This year, I also received an invitation to unforgettable New Year’s Eve? education. I am currently studying hard. Overall, about 19 thousand people arrived in A total of about 1,000 persons emigrated represent Armenia at the 33rd Verdinote Dalita: I can’t set any one of them aside In the end, taking the opportunity, I would like Armenia from Syria from who 16.000 people from Iraq and we helped them to stand up Competition-Festival of Italy where I since each year has been memorable. There to wish all Armenians a Happy New Year and settled here. 80% of Syrian-Armenians have and with housing. Emergency assistance and performed the song “L’amore non avrà fine” have always been many interesting gifts and Christmas. I wish the world peace, and I wish Armenian citizenship, about 20% residency integration programs are being implemented (Love is endless), which was dedicated by the surprises. My parents have done everything to all families warmth and happiness, and love, status of various duration and only 500-600 for 130 Ukrainian emigrants who have a organizers of the festival. make sure I feel like I’m in a fairy tale. faith and kindness in their hearts. persons – refugee status. However, regardless refugee status in Armenia. I returned with the Golden Note Award. The Hayern Aysor: How do you celebrate the Hayernaysor.am of citizenship or refugee status, we equally Armenpress January 11- January 17, 2016 P. 03

Centenary of the Armenian Genocide 2015: A Year in Review for the Armenian Genocide Centennial issue of Turkish policy of denial, as well as several genocides. Turkey as a sign of protest. This was the 16th other issues. Sarkisian mentioned that he would On April 23, a canonization ceremony of Armenian torchlight procession in Yerevan. like to pay tribute to the memory of the innocent Genocide victims took place in the religious Armenian Genocide commemoration ceremonies victims of the Genocide together with the Turkish capital of Armenia, Etchmiadzin. Upon the end of were also organized different diasporas around people. . the canonization ceremony an all-national minute the world as well either on April 24 or days leading On April 12, the attention of the Christian world of silence was announced. Before the minute up to it. Some of these events included events in and the entire world was focused on Vatican, of silence, the bells of the Armenian Apostolic New York City, Beirut, and the March for Justice in Holy City of Catholics. Pope Francis delivered a Church and all Armenian churches around the Los Angeles which was attended by over 160,000 Divine Liturgy at St. Peter’s Basilica dedicated world rang 100 times, symbolizing the 100 years participants. to the Armenian Genocide Centennial. This was after the Armenian Genocide. The twelfth meeting of International Association a historical event, as the leader of the Catholic On the same day, April 23, the main performance of Genocide Scholars, themed “Comparative Church for the first time delivered a liturgy of “Wake up the Souls” concert tour by world Analysis of 20th Century Genocides” took place marking the Genocide. The leader of the Catholic famous “System of a down” rock group took in Yerevan from July 8 to 12. 130 experts from 35 Church also proclaimed St. Gregory of Narek the place in the Republican Square of Yerevan. countries participated in the meeting in Yerevan. Doctor of the Universal Church. He mentioned Over 50 thousand people attended the concert They discussed genocides and other relevant during the liturgy that the Armenian nation irrespective of the heavy rain. The concert lasted issues. became the victim of the first genocide of the 3 hours and was accompanied by short-length On September 26, the State Commission on 20th century and it is necessary to remember films about the recognition of the Genocide. The Coordination of the events for the commemoration the 100th anniversary of that endless tragedy concert symbolized revival. All members of the of the Armenian Genocide Centennial convoked as whenever memory fades, it means that evil group are descendants of Armenian Genocide the last, 6th session of the year to present the allows wounds to fester. survivors. results of the saturated year and coordinate 2015 marked a memorable year filled with events Complex, where the proclamation ceremony of The political and religious leaders of Armenia April 24 was both an extraordinary and strictly future steps. During the session, it was decided dedicated to the Armenian Genocide Centennial the Pan-Armenian Declaration for the Armenian including President Sargsyan, Catholicos Karekin usual day for Armenians. Thousands of to form a pan-Armenian Council on the basis of in and outside of Armenia. These events proved Genocide Centennial took place. The declaration II, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram Armenians and foreigners silently walked to the the State Commission. to have powerful impacts as they helped achieve had been adopted unanimously on the same I, and the Patriarch of the Armenian Catholic hill of Dzidzernagapert with flowers in their hands. More initiatives are still taking place and will great lengths in the fight for justice. Therefore, it day at the session of the State Commission on Church Nerses Bedros XIX attended the event. Most of them had forget-me-not symbols stuck on continue to take place as Armenians from various becomes very important to review the events in Coordination of the events for the Armenian The next event took place from April 22 to 23 them. Presidents of Russia, France, Serbia and corners of the world continue to demand for the past year to see the contributions that have Genocide Centennial. when Armenia hosted the social-political global Cyprus were with the Armenian people on the day justice and work for a cause that is so crucial to been made as a result, and how Armenians have In March, Yerevan hosted the 5th media forum forum titled “Against the Crime of Genocide”. of the Armenian Genocide Centennial. The event them. moved forward as a people. “At the Foot of Ararat”. Media representatives, This forum brought together 600 participants going on at Dsitsernagapert was broadcasted All of these events that took place brought a great The year began with the presentation of the Pan- scientists, political and public figures from including politicians, diplomats, scientists, live by many leading world TV channels. Over one deal of attention around the world about the Armenian Declaration on the Armenian Genocide different countries, including Turkey, arrived in scholars, genocide experts, representatives of billion people watched it on TV. Armenian Genocide Centennial, and the justice Centennial by Armenian President Serge Sarksan Yerevan. the Christian Church, and representatives of the The traditional torchlight procession took place that has not been served 100 years later. They at the session of the State Commission on The forum was held under the motto “I remember Armenian Diaspora. a little before midnight on April 24, 2015, helped spread awareness and educated the Coordination of Events for the Commemoration and demand” and took place from March 18 The two-day forum was saturated with various consolidating thousands of youth of different masses in various methods that proved to be very of the 100th Anniversary of the Armenian to 20. The discussions were comprised of four speeches, which unanimously condemned genders, specialization, preferences, and political successful and monumental. 2015 will go down Genocide. Following the session of the State thematic principles- remembrance, gratitude, genocides while trying to find methods to prevent parties. Before the procession would start, the as a strong and powerful year for Armenians Commission, Sarkisan, accompanied by the revival and international campaign for the them. The Global Forum called on Armenia to participants honored the memory of the innocent worldwide. commission members and the participants of the recognition of genocides. The Armenian President assume the role of front fighter against genocides martyrs of the Armenian genocide with a minute meeting, visited the Dzidzernagapert Memorial gave a speech at the forum touching upon the by creating and administering a center of of silence and then burnt the national flag of Armenpress Diaspora News

Aleppo- Syria Montenegro Gulbenkian Hospital in Aleppo to Reopen “Ani” Union of Armenians Opens in Montenegro

On December 25, 2015, the official opening of as the welcoming remarks of representatives the “Ani” Union of Armenians of Montenegro of the Armenian communities of Italy, France was held at Port Royal Complex in Budva, and the Netherlands addressed to the “Ani” Montenegro. Union of Armenians of Montenegro. Among the guests were Mayor of Budva Aran The purpose of the Union is to consolidate Popovich, representatives of the Russian, the members of the local Armenian On December 25, 2015, the board of directors of With over 80 years of service dedicated to was forced temporarily to close its doors. The Kazakh, Jewish and other ethnic minorities of community for the benefit of the cultural the Gullabi Gulbenkian Foundation announced to the Armenian nation, the Verjine Gulbenkian Gullabi Gulbenkian Foundation’s maternity Montenegro, Russian-language mass media and economic ties between Armenia and all Aleppo Armenians that the Verjine Gulbenkian Maternity Hospital has been a blessing to hospital is in a comparatively more peaceful representatives and members of the local Montenegro, as well as for the establishment Maternity Hospital, a charitable institution, will Syrian Armenians, and, in particular, to Aleppo geographical area in a quarter with a large Armenian community. In his speech, founder and strengthening of cooperation between once again return to its original mission, by Armenians. This was especially true for the Armenian population. On the other hand, the of the Union Anna Petrosyan thanked the the Armenian community of Montenegro and reestablishing the first floor of its building asa scattered remnants of the Armenian deportees, Armenian home for the aged was bombarded guests for attending the event and read the other Armenian communities in countries hospital ward. Also, through the decision of the who, after experiencing the bitter fate of the and experienced damage. Consequently, over message of the RA Minister of Diaspora, as well across Europe. board of directors of the Gullabi Gulbenkian Genocide, were able to form new families on the the past few years the maternity hospital has Foundation, while giving temporary shelter in its hospitable soil of the Syrian homeland. been providing a temporary safe shelter to the complex, it will continue to keep its doors open The maternity hospital became a place displaced elderly residents. Turkey - France to the elderly until the resolution of this tragic for childbearing which served all without The reopening of the Gulbenkian Maternity conflict allows their return to the Armenian home discrimination, regardless of religious Hospital will provide hope, security, stability and for the aged, “Asbarez” reports. denomination or political views. Multiple employment to the residents of Aleppo. Carcass of ASALA Fighter Ohannes Ohannesian, the authorized generations were born in this maternity hospital The Aleppo-Armenian community will soon representative of the Foundation in Aleppo, and today they recall the great charitable work receive notices of further developments regarding will soon initiate the preliminary work needed conducted there with reverence. the Verjine Gulbenkian Maternity Hospital. Until Transferred from Turkey to to restore the maternity hospital to its original Unfortunately, due to the consequences of the then, the Gullabi Gulbenkian Foundation wishes splendor, so that it may resume admitting Syrian conflict, the Verjine Gulbenkian Maternity the Republic of Syria and all Aleppo Armenians a expectant mothers. Hospital, along with other Armenian institutions, wonderful New Year and lasting peace. France after 33 Years The carcass of Levon Ekmekchian, a participant of one of the major operations Kuwait carried out by ASALA at Esenboga Airport in Ankara on 7 August 1982, has been transferred to his family in France. How Do Kuwait Armenians Celebrate New Year? Ekmekchian was injured during the armed In the night of January 1, the Armenian community eastern dishes by all means. [Then] We come attack at the airport and was given a death of Kuwait organizes a dance festival. The New together and enjoy ourselves,” Amboian said. sentence by a Turkish court on 28 January Year festivities are celebrated according to the According to her, there are also Armenians who 1983. traditions of the Middle East. Representative of don’t attend the festival, preferring to celebrate Nearly 30 years after the death sentence, the Kuwait’s Armenian community and teacher of New Year with their family, although the majority Ekmekchians appealed to Turkey’s relevant Armenian, Maral Amboian, who has been living still joins the joyful festivity. “Our community legal authorities with the request to transfer brigade of ASALA carried out the “Karin” in that country for already 11 years, told the is very friendly. We celebrate all the holidays Levon’s carcass to Paris. operation at Esenboga Airport of Ankara. aforementioned to Armenian News – NEWS.am. together, and each Friday we must attend the Receiving all the necessary authorizations and During the operation, Levon Ekmekchian was “Armenian college and church operate in Kuwait. Armenian church,” she said. completing the documentation procedure, the injured, lost consciousness and was captured. On December 30, our pupils have to attend the About 4,000 Armenians live in Kuwait. Most of tomb of Levon Ekmekchian, which is located On 28 January 1983, the Turkish authorities church, and then a big festival is held in the them are mainly craftsmen, but the country at the Jebeji Cemetery in Ankara, was opened executed Levon Ekmekchian and buried his educational institution. And on December 31, also has famous jewelers of Armenian descent. in the presence of the Ekmekchians. Levon carcass at the Jebeji Asri Cemetery in Ankara. a dance festival is held, which is attended by But, apart from this, in Amboian’s words, some Ekmekchian’s carcass has been transferred After Armenia declared its independence in actually all Armenians of Kuwait. We prepare Armenians there hold quite high offices. to Paris to be buried there. 1991, ASALA declared that it would terminate On 7 August 1982, the “Khrimyan Hayrik” its activities. January 11- January 17, 2016 P. 04

Arts & Entertainment Hovsepian’s ‘Journey to the Homeland’ to Hrair Hawk Khacherian Compete in LA Independent Film Festival Present’s His Book “100 “Journey to the Homeland,” a short documentary chronicling the recent trip to Western Armenia by Nora Hovsepian will (1915-2015)” compete in the Los Angeles Independent Mission Hills Calif., Ararat-Eskijian Hrair Hawk Khacherian was born in Film Festival Awards on January 23. Museum, and the City of Glendale Arts Lebanon in 1961. He moved to Canada The screening of the film, written by & Culture, will host renowned Canadian- in 1984. In 1988, he began to actively Hovsepian and edited by Hovig Kazandjian, Armenian photographer Hrair Hawk participate in Diaspora activities related will take place on Sunday, January 23 at 2:15 Khacherian to Present His Book “100 (1915- to the Karabakh Movement. Despite being p.m. at Raleigh Studios Hollywood, 5300 2015)” told in the early 1990’s that he had terminal Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles. cancer, Khatcherian has spent almost three In this 30-minute film, Hovsepian • Sunday January 17. 2016, 4PM at decades presenting exhibitions, conferences, documents her long-awaited pilgrimage, Ararat-Eskijian Museum/Sheen Chapel and photographic lectures around the globe. in 2014, back to the land from where her 15105 Mission Hills Road, Mission Hills His photographs have appeared in numerous grandparents were forced to flee in 1915. CA 91345 magazines, newspapers, books and The film shows the remnants of an ancient • Thursday January 21, 2016 7PM at publications. Khacherian has published 12 and resilient Armenian culture after Ottoman the Glendale Adult Recreation Center photography books, among them:Artsakh: Turkey attempted to destroy Western Armenia 2015 Colorado St. Glendale Ca.,91205 A Photographic Journey (1997), 40 Nudes in the first Genocide of modern times. It is (2001), Karabakh: 100 Pictures (2002), a labor of love, which Hovsepian hopes will 100 (1915-2015) book includes more Yergir (2005), Flying Hye (2005), Armenian evoke a sense of longing and belonging in than 1,000 photographs and is a visual Ornamental Art (2010; in collaboration with every Armenian who is able to share this life- record of the rich Armenian cultural heritage ArmenKyurkchyan), Armenian Ornamental changing experience. that has survived and flourished. Beginning Script (2012) and One Church One The film is also a companion to the newly- Armenian National Committee of America- An attorney by profession, Hovsepian has with Mt. Ararat and the story of Noah’s ark, Nation(2013). For almost three decades now released book, “Historic Armenia, After 100 Western Region to launch Karanian’s book. been long-time activist for the Armenian Cause. the book reflects the rise and fall of Armenian Khacherian has been presenting exhibitions, Years: Ani, Kars, and the Six Provinces of The film has screened on several The LAIFF Awards is a monthly film festival kingdoms, the establishment and ebbing Copies of the Hrair Hawk Khacherian books Western Armenia,” by Matthew Karanian, occasions during the past year, most recently that celebrates creative work from around of Armenian communities in Armenia and will be available for sale during both events. who is featured in the film. at the Pomegranate Film Festival in Toronto, the world with more than 50 awards given in foreign lands, and the current status of Admission to each event is free. Both “Journey to the Homeland” premiered where it won an audience choice award for away each month to those well deserving Armenians today. It contains photographs of presentation will be in English. Glendale in February during an event hosted by the best short documentary. filmmakers. cultural monuments, churches, monasteries, visitors will receive 3 hours FREE parking fortresses, coins, needlework, handicrafts, across the street at The Market Place church vestments, carpets, artistic objects parking structure with validation at the created by Armenian silversmiths and Adult Recreation Center front desk. These Bourj Hammoud as a Palimpsest of goldsmiths, frescos, carvings, manuscripts, programs are a collaboration between Ararat cross-stones, cities, villages and many more. Eskijian Museum and the Library, Arts & Culture in Ara Madzounian’s ‘Birds’ Nest’ Khacherin has dedicated this book to the Culture Department. memory of his grandparents, and the memory For information contact: (747) 500-7585 BY TALAR CHAHINIAN revival of schools, churches and theaters. and restaurants or peeks at balconies and As many of the essayists note, the notion rooftops. In these liminal spaces, thresholds of the victims of the Armenian Genocide. or [email protected] of contradiction is key to understanding are crossed from the opposite direction as Kacherian will show case his photographs Or Elizabeth Grigorian, (818) 548- 328, the essence of Bourj Hammoud. The Los well: the contents of buildings always seem through a Power Point presentation. [email protected] Angeles-based writer Vahe Berberian to be spilling into the streets. remembers fondly the commercial spaces In Madzounian’s photographs, the streets of the district where “cultures merged, of Bourj Hammoud perform, reverberating Happy Armenian Christmas: intertwined and became Armenianized” with Hagop Papazian’s essay that refers to the (107) and where one could find, on a district as “street theater” and explores the storefront, an Armenian genocide poster influence of cinema on the Bourj Hammoud Kim Kardashian’s New Tweet next to a poster of Raquel Welch or a poster community of the ’50s and ’60s. Similarly, of the famous hero St. Vartan Mamigonian the French-Armenian actor Simon Abkarian positioned next to a picture of Elvis Presley. writes of his childhood memories saying, Madzounian’s photographs echo a similar “the real film was not inside the theater, but Having emerged out of the refugee camps sentiment and present Bourj Hammoud as outside in the streets” (93). The collection near the eastern port of Beirut, the district a space of convergence for contradictory showcases images of vendors, artisans, of Bourj Hammoud holds a unique place elements. Old, worn-out building facades and shoe shiners, mechanics, shoppers, and in the history of post-genocide dispersion cluttered telephone lines form the backdrop backgammon players occupying sidewalks, and in the making of a collective Armenian of images that showcase urban mobility and against the backdrop of cars, scooters, and diasporic identity. Often referred to as the digital technologies. The elderly and the laundry hanging from balconies. “Armenian quarter” or the “Armenian ghetto” young lay equal claim to both internal and While the colorful images bring to life the of Beirut, the small plot of land served as a external spaces of the district. A photo, for smells and sounds of a bustling, working- site where lost Armenian villages and towns instance, which peers into a bakery through class city center, they simultaneously invite were resurrected in the form of renamed a street window depicts three generations the viewer to do his or her own digging. neighborhoods in the aftermath of 1915. The involved in making lahmajun, a popular The photographs require chipping away, vibrant and diverse community forged in the regional dish made of a thin piece of dough unpacking. Their subtext lies in the layering ”Keeping Up With The Kardashians” reality TV star Kim Kardashian congratulated following decades allows Bourj Hammoud topped with minced meat and herbs. In of content captured in one shot, which Armenians on Christmas. to be read as a metaphor for the possibility another photograph, an old man sits in front demands a confrontation with the invisible of “Little Armenias.” Ara Madzounian’s of an artisan’s shop, amidst handcrafted history of the place. For example, bullet holes “Birds’ Nest: A Photographic Essay of Bourj traditional brass goods and a hand-welded in the facade of background buildings may Hammoud” captures the almost mythical manghal (Arabic for barbeque grill). In the go unnoticed at first glance but remind the regard with which Bourj Hammoud is revered reflection of the store window behind him, viewer of the 15-year civil war that the city’s as a place of origin for diasporic belonging. an advertising billboard glares back at the inhabitants survived in their recent past. Madzounian, who is a native of Bourj viewer, juxtaposing the worlds of tradition and Madzounian’s photographs in “Birds’ Hammoud, moved to Los Angeles at the start modernity. Billboards, signs, and storefront Nest” function as palimpsests, revealing of the Lebanese civil war in 1975. “Birds’ names in general appear in multiple in the forefront as much as they do in the Nest” exhibits a collection of photographs languages throughout the photographs. In hidden layers underneath. They document taken between 2008 and 2009, upon the fact, Arabic, French, English, and Armenian Bourj Hammoud’s capacity to rewrite itself photographer’s return to his hometown to visit are mingled together so seamlessly that with the ebb and flow of migration and in ”Happy Armenian Christmas”, Kim wrote on her Twitter. his terminally ill brother, to whom the book is they eventually appear as interchangeable keeping up with the times as well as holding dedicated. With his camera, he documents the languages in the background of the shots. onto tradition. The work is an important neighborhoods of the district at the threshold archive of a district that has played a key role of dramatic changes to its demographic in the making of the Armenian diaspora’s Turkey Ad Curses Country’s landscape due to the rapid migration of the narrative. Yet Bourj Hammoud, which the Armenian population. Although the poignant filmmaker Hrayr Eulmessekian calls “a photographs archive and document, they synecdoche for the diaspora” (133), speaks Founder do not reflect an attempt to search for or to to the broader narrative of the region. In The promotional poster of a supermarket preserve a sense of a lost past. Neither do the book’s preface, Joanne Nucho claims chain in Turkey has caused uproar in Turkey. they project a tone of protest against time’s that to understand the histories that have The advertising poster for the goat milk of relentless flow. Instead, they are graceful produced the Lebanon of today, we have to Atatürk Forest Farm was placed on the wall portraits that bow to the transitional nature understand Bourj Hammoud. The statement of one of the Üçler supermarkets, and where of their present moment. Through them, the highlights the relevance and timeliness of after the word Atatürk, “Forest Farm” was residents of Bourj Hammoud speak, often Madzounian’s project and weighs heavy in written by an acronym, which means “child of looking defiantly at the camera, challenging light of the rapidly changing demographic a prostitute,” reported Birgün daily of Turkey. our outsider’s gaze. Many of the photographs and the landscape of Lebanon as a result of the influx After a huge respective reaction, however, While the photographs capture the places they feature are presented as of Syrian refugees. the supermarket management issued a district’s fleeting present, the short essays interchangeable or indistinguishable. While Talar Chahinian holds a Ph.D. in statement and apologized for what happened. that accompany the collection of photographs the images demonstrate the centrality of Comparative Literature from UCLA and To note, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk is the are filled with nostalgia for Bourj Hammoud micro-neighborhoods to Bourj Hammoud, the lectures in the Department of Comparative founder of the Republic of Turkey. of the past. Written by filmmakers, cultural photographs themselves are untitled, though World Literature at Cal State Long Beach. critics, writers, and actors living in the an index in the back of the book names their She or any of the other contributors to Critics’ western diaspora communities, the essays district origins. A satellite image of Bourj Forum may be reached at comments@ ZARTONK receives material from around the world and in many languages. Our highlight the cultural significance of “the Hammoud prefaces the collection, and the criticsforum.org. This and all other articles Liberal principles advocate §Freedom of speech¦ as a mainstay of our beliefs; Bourj Hammoud phenomenon” (39), as series of photographs that follows maintains published in this series are available online consequently the subjects and ideas presented will not necessarily reflect our point Razmig Shirinian puts it, within the history of the aerial view, while zooming in further and at www.criticsforum.org. To sign up for an of view. the Armenian diaspora. They characterize the further. This approach offers the viewer the electronic version of new articles, go to www. All published material is reviewed, however, we rely on the kind understanding of district of the pre-civil war years as a site for opportunity to peer and peek. Through the criticsforum.org/join. Critics’ Forum is a our audience when grammatical and spelling mistakes are missed. And in some nation-building in the diaspora, for the birth photographer’s lens, the viewer stands at group created to discuss issues relating to rare cases, correction of submitted material is purposely not addressed, if it changes of new myths and street culture, and for the a threshold and looks into stores, bakeries, Armenian art and culture in the Diaspora. the implied context of the author.

جريـدة سياسية أرمنـية رئيــــــــس التحريــــــر: سيفاك اكوبيان Editor in Chief Sevag Hagopian زارتونك تصدر عن شركة شيراك الصحافية )ش.م.م.( المدير المسؤول: إيلي الحاج Director in Charge Elie Hajj

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