MARCH 16, 2013 MirTHErARoMENr IAN -Spe ctator Volume LXXXIII, NO. 35, Issue 4280 $ 2.00 NEWS IN BRIEF The First English Language Armenian Weekly in the United States Since 1932 Top World Chess Player Praises Aronian ahead Armenian Modern Art Great Hakob Hakobian Dies Of Tournament YEREVAN (Combined Malishka” are among his best- LONDON (ArmeniaNow) — International Chess Sources) — Renowned known paintings. Federation (FIDE) current number top player Armenian painter Hakob Hakobian was laid to rest on Magnus Carlsen sees Armenia’s Levon Aronian as Hakobian died on March 9 of a Tuesday, March 12. A govern - his main rival at a Chess Candidates Tournament to heart attack. He ment commis - be open in London later this week, according to was 89. sion headed by See an editorial in The Guardian. Born in Egypt, Prime Minister appreciation, page 13 “He has supreme confidence and belief in him - Hakobian repa - Tigran Sargisian self, is very well prepared, can evaluate non-stan - triated to Soviet Armenia in was appointed to organize the dard positions very well and never backs down,” 1962, where he later earned a artist’s funeral. said the Norwegian of Aronian, who is ranked third “People’s artist” title. President Serge Sargisian by FIDE. “A Woman Frying Fish,” issued a letter of condolence Aronian and Carlsen square off in the opening “Spring,” “The Village of on the death of Hakobian, who round of the competition to be held in the British had received the title of capital from March 15 to April 1. People’s Artist of Armenia. “Hakob Hakobian’s death is a major loss for Armenia’s UK Backs OSCE Minsk artistic life. As a unique artist and exemplary citizen he Group’s Efforts in arrived in his homeland as a well-known artist with a recog - Karabagh Settlement nizable style. He came here to YEREVAN (PanARMENIAN.Net) — Foreign reveal a new Armenia and Minister Eduard Nalbandian met the Permanent secured a permanent place in Under Secretary in the UK Foreign and the history of his country’s Commonwealth Office Simon Fraser on Monday, art,” President Sargisian said March 11. in his letter, further commiser - Nalbandian hailed the UK’s assistance to reforms ating with the artist’s family in Armenia. Hakob Hakobian and admirers. “Vaiodzor,” 1970, now in Armenian State Gallery Nalbandian briefed the UK official on the see HAKOBIAN, page 16 progress in the settlement of Karabagh issue, with Fraser stressing UK’s adherence to peaceful solu - tion of the conflict and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Minsk Nova Southeastern University Actively Group’s mediatory efforts. Fundraising for Armenian Genocide Studies Oklahoma, Texas Mark ‘Khojaly Massacre’ ly to change drastically, occasionally efforts Jason J. Campbell, as a professor in these BAKU (Combined sources) — Azeri news sources are made to initiate new academic pro - programs. Campbell had already founded a By Aram Arkun reported that in March the state Senate in grams and positions. Nova Southeastern non-profit activist organization, the Mirror-Spectator Staff Oklahoma and the state House in Texas have both University appears on the verge of making Institute for Genocide Awareness and passed resolutions “recognizing the Khojaly such an effort, if sufficient support and Applied Research, in 2009. His research Massacre” in Artsakh 21 years ago, which they FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Armenian funding are found. happened to focus on genocide and he sug - claim was committed by Armenian forces. Studies is a small field, with a small number Nova Southeastern University (NSU) is a gested that it needed to be a more defined “The document highlights the Armenia- of academic specialists. The number of aca - relatively young university, founded in curricular focus. NSU agreed. (Despite Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, the occupa - demic specialists on the Armenian 1964, but it already is fairly large, with repeated efforts to contact him, Campbell tion of Khojaly by Armenian armed forces with the Genocide is even smaller, and there are very more than 28,000 students. Dr. Susanne was unavailable to be interviewed for this help of motor-infantry regiment of former USSR few positions for them at universities in the Marshall, senior associate dean of opera - article.) and the killing of over 600 innocent people of United States. While this situation is unlike - tions and student services at NSU, It was already necessary to provide his - Khojaly, AzerTAg reported,” according to Trend explained that the university has had grad - torical and sociopolitical backgrounds for Azeri news agency. uate programs in conflict resolution for analysis in the multidisciplinary field of con - According to the report, the Oklahoma Senate is many years. There are more than 800 stu - flict analysis, so genocide studies fit in well Nazar and Artemis sending the document to the US Congress and the dents enrolled in them now. The focus of here, but the university wishes to expand State Department. The resolution was introduced these programs has been on the interna - its offerings further. Marshall said, “We Nazarian to Be by Oklahoma state Sen. Tom Ivester. tional and governmental level. A few years would like to have a more independent The Texas House of Representatives adopted a Honored in New York ago, NSU hired a young faculty member, see FUNDRAISING, page 16 similar resolution introduced by Rep. Hubert Vo. NEW YORK — On Friday, May 10, In the last month, New Mexico and Arkansas also Karekin II, the Supreme Patriarch passed measures supporting the Azeri version of and Catholicos of All Armenians, will events. honor lifelong benefactors Nazar and Armenia’s Sargisian Pays First Foreign Artemis Nazarian. The Eastern Diocese and the Visit to Russia after Reelection Armenian General Benevolent Union INSI DE (AGBU) are co-sponsoring the MOSCOW (ArmeniaNow) evening, which will be held at the — Armenian President Plaza Hotel in Manhattan. Serge Sargisian met with his Russian counterpart Sumgait Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Tuesday – on the second and last day of what has Tribute been his first trip to a for - eign country after last Page 8 month’s reelection. “This is natural that my first foreign trip is to Moscow. Russia is our strategic partner, our ally and that says everything,” INDEX stressed Sargisian, as quoted by Putin’s press office. Arts and Living ...... 10 Putin, for his part, congratulated Sargisian on his “convincing” victory, stress - Armenia ...... 2 ing “special” relations with Armenia that he said have been developing well on the Community News...... 4 whole. Editorial ...... 13 Nazar Nazarian with Catholicos of International ...... 3 All Armenians Karekin II Sargisian reportedly repeated his invitation to the Russian leader to pay a state visit to Armenia. 2 S ATURDAY , M ARCH 16, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARMENIA News From Armenia American University of Armenia to

Brazil Seeks to Expand Expand Reach in Rural Armenia Ties with Armenia Turpanjian Family The program, to be implemented by skills and competencies.” YEREVAN (Armenpress) — Armenian Foreign Affair AUA Extension, will offer a tailored cur - AUA Extension’s mission is to expand Minister Eduard Nalbandian received Deputy Educational Foundation riculum to develop the knowledge, Armenia’s academic, industrial, and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Brazil Vera Machado, Pledges $750,000 skills, and abilities of the local work - technological development by fostering who paid an official visit to Yerevan on March 11. force in rural communities. The ulti - growth through accessible, high-quality As the Foreign Affair Ministry of Armenia YEREVAN — The American mate aim is to increase local employ - education, adult training and lifelong announced to the media, Nalbandian welcomed University of Armenia (AUA) is estab - ment and stimulate stagnant rural learning opportunities. For more infor - Machado and said Armenia is happy to develop lishing a Continuing Education economies. mation on AUA Extension, visit: closer relations with Brazil and voiced hope that Program (CEP) to curtail rural-urban “We are keenly aware that rural- http://extension.aua.am/. thanks to the joint efforts it would become possible migration in Armenia. The CEP is fund - urban migration is a serious problem in to use the potential of bilateral relations more effi- ed through a generous multi-year Armenia, as it is in many developing ciently. pledge of $750,000 from the countries throughout the world,” said Nalbandian noted that the two countries have to AUA president Dr. Bruce Hartashen Village strengthen the legal contractual field, deepen trade Boghosian. “Thanks to the economical cooperation, and intensify the coopera- vision and philanthropic leader - Mayor Gets 8 Years tion in the frames of the international organiza- ship of Mr. Turpanjian and the For Rape of 14-Year- tions. Turpanjian Family Educational Machado expressed her gratitude for the recep- Foundation, AUA will offer Old Girl tion and noted that Brazil seeks to deepen ties with high-quality Extension courses Armenia in various spheres and that her visit for professional development in YEREVAN (Hetq) — Azat Ghukasyan, serves to that aim. Armenia’s rural areas, playing mayor of the Syunik village of an important role in mitigating Hartashen, has been sentenced to eight this problem.” years for the rape of a 14-year-old girl. British Documentary on The CEP will initially be The girl was a student in Ghukasyan’s Azeri Human Rights launched in Shirak and Tavush gym class at the local school. He was in the first year, expanding to arrested last March for ordering the Shocks Audiences From left, Gerald H. Turpanjian, AUA Trustee two other regions in the follow - mentally-challenged student into the and president of the Turpanjian Family ing year. Courses offered will gym and violating her sexually. YEREVAN (Armenpress) — British filmmaker Liz Educational Foundation with AUA President Dr. specialize in business manage - The state prosecutor had motioned Mermin has shot a one-hour movie about the disas- Bruce Boghosian ment, tourism, and hospitality the court to cut the sentence down to trous situation of human rights in Azerbaijan titled management, as well as career seven years. The attorney representing “Amazing Azerbaijan”. Film has been already pre- development, and professional the girl asked for 25 years. sented in 9 European countries, including “One Turpanjian Family Educational training. Hetq broke the story in February World” documentary film festival in Prague, Czech Foundation. “Improving human capital in rural 2012 when the girl’s family went to the Republic. “AUA is a small institution that’s a Armenia is essential to creating new police to report their allegations. Mermin said in an interview with “Independence” kaleidoscope of Armenia,” remarked opportunities that will eliminate the When Hetq contacted the police, all radio station that after watching the film, the audi- Gerald H. Turpanjian, AUA Trustee and need to migrate,” explained AUA they could say was that a criminal inves - ence was shocked by the disastrous situation of president of the Turpanjian Family Extension Director Dr. Arpie Balian. tigation had been launched as to human rights in Azerbaijan. Educational Foundation. “We are “The courses offered through these pro - whether immoral acts had been com - “People were surprised how little they knew pleased to increase our support to allow grams will address the respective labor mitted against a minor. about Azerbaijan. Only after watching the film they AUA to expand its reach.” markets and the demand for different At first, a criminal investigation based found out that European countries, especially on Article 142 (Lecherous Acts) of the Great Britain, had great investments in a country Republic of Armenia Criminal Code had with such violations of human rights. We hope that been launched. Soon after, the charge the film will promote the elimination of unaware- was changed to Article 138 (Rape). ness,” she said. Hovannisian on Hunger Strike When the trail got underway, Hetq It is noted in the film that expensive events orga- learnt that this wasn’t the first time that nized in Azerbaijan create a wrong impression, as YEREVAN (ArmeniaNow) — year-old Hovannisian had similar issues Azat Ghukasyan has been implicated in human rights are severely violated in the country. Authorities have denied opposition two years ago during his other hunger such a case. leader and defeated presidential candi - strike when the police didn’t allow him Hetq tracked down a 21-year-old Minas Mural Is Hostage date Raffi Hovannisian’s request to put to put out a tent. Hovannisian’s sup - woman named Anna Mkrtchyan who up a tent in Liberty Square, where porters installed one, but police publicly stated that she had killed her To Acrimony Hovannisian is on a hunger strike in removed it. baby, born out of a relationship of fear protest of the February 18 presidential On Tuesday the opposition leader set and intimidation with Azat Ghukasyan. YEREVAN (ArmInfo) — Bureaucratic acrimony has election outcome in which he finished limitations to his communication with Mkrtchyan made the same allegation stalled the renovation of a mural in Vahramaberd second in the official ballot. the media and said he would meet the on August 23, 2012 at the trial of village, Shirak region. The well-known artist, Minas Hovannisian, founder of the Heritage press once a day at 5 p.m. Ghukasyan involving the rape of the 14- Avetisyan, painted it in 1973 on the wall of the party, started his strike Sunday, and Hovannisian has declined Sargisian’s year-old girl. Cultural Palace. After the quake in 1988, the build- has vowed to go without food until invitation for a meeting to discuss the Mkrtchyan testified that her troubles ing collapsed almost completely, and later the April 9 — inauguration day — unless post-election developments, a started when she was in the ninth grade mural, which miraculously escaped damage, was President Serge Sargisian concedes to spokesperson for the head of state told and was suspected of robbing a neigh - put into a protective box. The Minas Foundation Hovannisian’s claim that he is the right - a news website. bor’s house. She claimed that has repeatedly raised the issue of the necessity to ful winner. “The head of the presidential staff Ghukasyan called her into his office and restore the mural, however, the community was Heritage Party Vice President Armen called Mr. Hovannisian yesterday to con - promised to help her. He then invited against taking the mural out of Vahramaberd. A Martirosyan said that the second night vey the official invitation for a meeting. the girl to the police station where they new House of Culture should have become the new of the hunger strike was peaceful We regret to note that Mr. Hovannisian would write her side of the story. Anna shelter for the work, they said. During the move, despite the rainy weather at night in the refused to meet [with the president] to says that’s when their relationship the mural was damaged in several places. In addi- capital. discuss comprehensively all the existing began. tion, the builders poured concrete on the mural. Martirosyan submitted two petitions questions,” Armen Arzumanyan told The young woman says that Arman Avetisyan, Minas’ son and the head of the to the city hall asking for permission to Panorama.am on Monday. Ghukasyan always threatened her not Minas Foundation, said though the mural is in ter- put out a tent and an umbrella in “We remain hopeful that Mr. to tell anyone of their meetings, other - rible condition, its restoration has not started yet. Liberty Square, but the tent was Hovannisian has properly evaluated the wise he would see that she was jailed Earlier the Minas Foundation, which has been refused. situation and is sober enough to realize for the robbery. cooperating with Palazzo Spinelli Institute of Art “By some government decree the the threats of the de-facto rejection,” Ghukasyan was never implicated in Restoration (Florence), controlled the restoration area adjacent to the Opera House has the spokesman added. the killing of the child. As to the of the artist’s murals. However, the Agency for been recognized as cultural-historical Speaking to media Hovannisian, denied charges of forcing Anna, a minor at the Protection of Historical and Cultural Monuments of heritage, and accordingly the asphalt at receiving any invitation from the presi - time, to have sexual relations, they were the Armenian Culture Ministry interfered with the Liberty Square is historical-cultural her - dential administration. At the same time, dropped by the judge under the terms issue. Avetisyan says that now the Agency does not itage too. On that basis it is forbidden to he reiterated that he was ready to meet of an amnesty. allow the Foundation to participate in the restora- put out a tent on it,” says Martirosyan, with the current head of state — like a Karen Mezhlumyan, who is represent - tion of the mural without a relevant license. adding that although the city hall man with a man — in Yerevan’s Liberty ing the 14-year-old girl, says he demand - The situation is complicated further by the fact licensed the installation of an umbrella, Square, where he is currently conducting ed 25 years for Azat Ghukasyan because that the Italian specialists refuse to work with any- now the police won’t let it. his hunger strike, to discuss ways out of there had been three instances of rape, one, except the Minas Foundation. Thus, the issue “The police have some measurement the current post-election crisis. not one. of the mural restoration has reached a deadlock, as criteria on what’s considered to be rain, Hovannisian, who met with Sargisian “There hasn’t been just the one crime the Agency itself has no specialists in art restora- and what’s not. I guess they view it as at the presidential compound on committed, but three. The punishment tion. rain, when, as people say, water is pour - February 21 but reported no progress must be cumulative,” said Mezhlumyan. “The mural suffers in this situation; it needs to be ing from the sky like from buckets, and made at the talks afterwards, made it Mezhlumyan also said that restored urgently,” he said. in all other cases it’s not rain, hence the clear on Sunday that he no longer was Ghukasyan never admitted his guilt or drops don’t make anyone wet,” says seeking a meeting with Sargisian or expressed regret for what he had done. Martirosyan. other officials in their offices, but was He says that he will appeal the eight Armenia’s first foreign minister, 53- ready to meet them in the square. year sentence. S ATURDAY , M ARCH 16, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 3 INTERNATIONAL Turkey Is Economic Winner of Iraq War International News

ic ties with the Kurdish government with the Kurdish Regional Government By Daniel Dombey expand, about 1,000 Turkish business - to take a stake in the region’s oil and Iran Reaffirms es are working in the north, including gas fields despite furious protests from some of Turkey’s best known banks, Baghdad. It is an agreement Ankara Willingness to Promote ISTANBUL (Financial Times) — The retailers and hotels. hopes will help satisfy its growing Peaceful NKR Settlement Americans won the war, the Iranians Hundreds of trucks a day clog up the hunger for energy and knit the two ter - won the peace and the Turks won the land border between northern Iraq and ritories closer together, a prospect that TEHRAN (Armenpress) — Iran is willing to support contracts. Turkey as a flow of goods makes the enthuses some analysts. the settlement of Karabagh conflict through diplo- Turkey, which blocked the deploy - journey to Kurdish markets. Turkish The booming economic ties between matic channels, said Iranian Ambassador to ment of US troops through its territory products dominate the regional capital Iraq and Turkey, however, have a diffi - Armenia Mohammad Raeesi in an interview with during the 2003 invasion that toppled of Irbil, from the old covered souk to cult political subtext. After the US pull - Mehr News. Saddam Hussein, is emerging 10 years modern showrooms in residential out from Iraq in December 2011, rela - “If the countries involved in the conflict make a on as one of the prime beneficiaries of neighborhoods. tions between Ankara and Baghdad request, the Islamic Republic of Iran is ready to the battle for the Iraqi market. Less obtrusively, other groups are have sharply deteriorated, with Nouri help resolve it peacefully,” Ambassador Mohammad Although Turkey’s relations with carving out markets for themselves. al-Maliki, the Iraqi prime minister, pro - Raeesi told the Persian service of the Mehr News Baghdad are increasingly bitter, its From his base in the southern Turkish nouncing Turkey a “hostile state.” Iraqi Agency in an interview published on Monday. He exports to Iraq have in the past decade city of Gaziantep, Adnan Altunkaya officials say Ankara has been meddling also stressed that the Karabagh conflict is of a soared by more than 25 percent a year, says his family-owned company com - in their affairs, tightening its relations complicated nature, though it is resolvable. reaching $10.8 billion in 2012, making mands two-thirds of the Iraqi diaper with the Kurds and the minority Sunni “Iran is always for the peaceful resolutions of Iraq Ankara’s second-most valuable sector. populations in an effort to undermine conflicts and regional disputable issues and finds export market after Germany. Sales to the country account for 90 the Shia-led government in Baghdad. that all regional issues can be resolved through Ozgur Altug, an economist at BGC percent of the Altunkaya group’s annu - Turkey in turn accuses Maliki of sec - negotiations and cooperation,” Raeesi said. Partners in Istanbul, predicts that as al $400 million exports and have been tarianism. Maliki’s government has According to him Armenia and Iran have friendly Iraq grows richer because of its oil rising by 50 to 60 percent a year for the moved to bar Turkish companies from relations. reserves, demand for Turkish goods will past two years. It has also just taken the further large contracts with Iraqi keep climbing — by more than $2 bil - leading position in the Iraqi olive mar - authorities. TPAO, the Turkish state oil lion a year. Turkish contractors have ket. company, was last year expelled from Two Armenians also been doing rich business, working “Our business with Iraq is increasing an exploration deal in the south of the Wounded in Bomb on about $3.5 billion of construction constantly,” he says. “But of course it is country. projects last year, according to busi - affected by political tension.” “It is a kind of hidden boycott,” says Explosion in Damascus nessmen and officials. In large part, the success story repre - Egeli, while noting that Maliki’s writ One company, Calik Energy, boasts sents Turkey’s return to its natural mar - does not run in northern Iraq. DAMASCUS, Syria (Armenpress) — Two Armenians that it is building the two biggest pro - ket, from which it was shut out since Some exporters worry that Turkish have been wounded in a result of bomb explosion jects in the Iraqi power sector, two gas the 1980s by war, sanctions and insta - goods could also be affected — for now in Christian district of Damascus on March 11. turbine plants in the Mosul and bility. As a neighboring state with an perhaps a third of Turkey’s exports to Damascus resident Nazaret Elmadjianj said that Karbala regions, earning more than industrial base, rich agricultural heart - the Kurdish north are sold on to the fortunately, the two wounded Armenians, with the $800 million from the Iraqi government lands and businessmen undaunted by rest of Iraq, and many Turkish compa - last names Mirzakhanian and Husikian, did not suf- in the process. challenging environments, Turkey has nies have their eyes on the Iraqi market fer serious injuries. They have already been dis- While Iran is seen as the most influ - advantages others find hard to match. as a whole. charged from the hospital. ential outside power in Iraq today, on “I have sold Turkish goods around “There will be less construction and Two mortar shells fell on Monday in Bab Sharqi Baghdad’s streets Turkey’s presence is the world and the easiest market is fewer exports this year,” says Ercument area in Damascus, causing the death and injury of more visible than that of any other Iraq,” says Serif Egeli, a prominent Aksoy, chairman of the Turkish-Iraqi several Syrian citizens. country, with everything from malls to Turkish businessman who has been Business Council. He argues that now A source at the Damascus Police Command told furniture stores to pavement bricks traveling to the country for 40 years. there is a rare opportunity for Turkey, SANA Syrian news agency that a mortar shell fell bearing a Turkish trademark. “We have the same tastes: In other since if the country becomes more sta - behind the shops on the way to al-Dweilaa and But it is the Kurdish-governed north countries you have to make goods to ble competitors from around the world killed three citizens and injured 28. that accounts for the bulk of Turkey’s local standards, but in Iraq you just will flood in. Another mortar shell fell in Tishreen Stadium business, absorbing about 70 percent of label them in Arabic and they sell “Turks are used to risky situations,” during a football match, causing the injury of a Turkey’s exports to Iraq. In contrast, immediately. And logistically no one Aksoy says. “But when it becomes a number of players and administrative staff. Ankara’s relationship with the rest of can compete with us.” normal country without security issues, the country is becoming more poiso - With Iraq’s Kurdish region seeking the U.K. will be there, the Dutch will be ANCA Protests Azeri nous, with political disputes leading to reduce its dependence on Baghdad, there and our figures will go down Baghdad to hold back on giving new the relationship with Turkey may soon again.” Ambassador’s Anti- government contracts to Turkish move to another level — but one that is At present, however, tensions are groups. hardly immune to risk. increasing over Turkey’s plans to invest Armenian Remark at As Ankara’s economic and diplomat - Turkey has been negotiating a deal in the northern Iraqi energy sector. Maliki says such an agreement would AIPAC Conference be unconstitutional. The United States WASHINGTON — The Armenian National warns that a deal in defiance of Committee of America (ANCA) officially registered TCA London Chapter Hosts Discussion Baghdad could further splinter Iraq, a protest earlier this month with the American push Maliki closer to Iran and shut off Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) regarding On ‘Who Is an Armenian’ Turkish companies from 80 percent of remarks by Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to the United Iraq’s markets. States Elin Suleymanov, at the organization’s LONDON — The Kensington Library central hall was packed on February As Francis Ricciardone, US ambas - recently concluded annual conference. 22, with British-Armenians who had come from all over England and Wales, sador to Ankara, told Turkish media According to news reports, Suleymanov, during a to attend the Panel Discussion on “Who Is an Armenian.” recently: “If I was a Turkish producer . . breakout session at the AIPAC Policy conference The chairperson of the Tekeyan Cultural Association, Dr. Hratch . I certainly wouldn’t want to jeopardize titled “New Allies: Israel and the Caucasus Kouyoumjian, in his introductory remarks, focused on two episodes in my access to those consumers.” Region,” warned supporters of Israel not to “fall Armenian history that could shed some light on “Armenianness:” the words under the influence of pro-Armenian lobby uttered by King Tigranes the Great when facing the Roman legions, and David (Funja Guler in Ankara contributed groups.” of Sassoun when confronting the enemy king of Misr in battle. Kouyoumjian to this report.) In the March 7 letter, ANCA Executive Director asked, “Do arrogance, haughtiness and fair play, reflect traits in the Armenian Aram Hamparian explained, “Strengthening the character?” relationship between the United States and Israel The first panelist was Prof. Bert Vaux of King’s College, Cambridge, a spe - need not involve support for dictatorial regimes. cialist on the Armenian language and its many dialects. He gave a Power More than Nor should supporting Israel require providing a Point presentation of the conceptual and empirical view of the issues that platform for those, like Ambassador Suleymanov, define ones ethnicity and origins. who engage in the very sort of hateful, conspirato- This was followed by a presentation by the Primate of the Armenians in the 40,000 Visit rial rants that have, for far too long, been used to UK and Ireland Bishop Vahan Hovhanessian, who presented the Armenian demonize Israel and her supporters worldwide.” Church’s point of view. He said Armenians have been almost defined by their Hamparian asked AIPAC to “reevaluate the moral Church and Christianity for the past 1,500 years. The third speaker was Ani in 2012 and practical dimensions of your organization’s Ambassador Manuel Hassassian of the Palestinian Authority. He talked about association with Azerbaijan’s war-mongering the perception of Armenians in the Middle East. He stressed the importance ISTANBUL (Hetq) — A Hurriyet news President, Ilham Aliyev, a dictator who, echoing of Armenians in the societies they live in and that through their involvement article reports that 43,657 visitors trav - the venomous Holocaust-era rants of Adolf Hitler in politics, sciences and trades are well known to the peoples of the region. elled to the ancient Armenian city of against Jews, has announced openly that, ‘all the Finally, Hovan Simonian of the University of Southern California discussed Ani, almost double the number that vis - Armenians of the world’ are his enemies.” the evolving perception of the “Armenian” from Ottoman to present times. He ited in 2011, 23,400. He added that Aliyev, by saying that “Armenia as discussed identity as defined by language or religion and said the fact that Kars Culture and Tourism Manager a country is of no value... it is actually a colony, an many Hamshens, for example, kept their identity unlike other communities Hakan Doganay said there were a total outpost run from abroad, a territory artificially cre- because they were relatively isolated even though they had converted to of 21 main cultural treasures in Ani. “In ated on ancient Azerbaijani lands,” was “attacking Islam. fact, we call Ani an iceberg because we Armenia’s very right to exist in language chillingly The task of moderating was handled ably by Prof. Sossi Kasbarian of know there is a lot to discover and exca - similar to those who seek to destroy Israel.” Lancaster University. She periodically summed up what had been discussed vate at Ani,” he said. and ensured a smooth transition from one speaker to the next. A question- Doganay added that if excavations are and-answer session followed the panel discussion. completed at the site, it could become one of Turkey's top tourism sites. 4 S ATURDAY , M ARCH 16, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Community Ne ws

St. John’s Armenian Saintly Women’s Church Celebrates Day Observed in 90th Birthday of Fr. Massachusetts Diran Papazian CHELMSFORD, Mass. — Sts. Vartanantz Church of Chelmsford hosted a statewide SOUTHFIELD, Mich. — An upbeat throng of Saintly Women’s Day observance earlier this almost 400 well-wishers crowded the Cultural month, with a service and program commemo - Hall of St. John’s Armenian Church, for a festive rating the oil-bearing women at Jesus’s tomb. four-hour celebration of the 90th birthday of Fr. Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diran Papazian, pastor emeritus, following Diocese of the Armenian Church of America church services on Sunday, February 17. (Eastern), presided over the day’s activities. The party was organized by Diran Papazian’s Following a service in the sanctuary on daughter, Elise, with the support of his son and Saturday, March 2, some 100 guests gathered daughter-in-law, Garo and Donna Papazian, of for a dinner and program organized by the Holden, Mass., his brother and sister-in-law, Drs. Chelmsford Women’s Guild. Participants includ - Dennis and Mary Papazian, of Woodbridge, ed clergy and Women’s Guild members from Conn., his niece and her husband, Louise and the following Massachusetts churches: Holy Dr. Haig Yardumian of St. Petersburg, Fla., Fr. Trinity Church of Cambridge, St. James Church Garabed Kochakian, pastor of St. John’s, and a of Watertown, Church of Our Saviour of host of parishioners and former parishioners Worcester and the Armenian Church at Hye from near and far. Pointe of Haverhill. In addition, Women’s Guild The badarak was celebrated by the Rev. members from Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Church Hratch Sargsyan, pastor of St. Gregory of Nareg of Providence, RI, and the pastor of Holy Translators Church of Framingham, Mass., took Armenian Church of Cleveland, Ohio, a parish The Goris Project completed. which Fr. Diran Papazian served for several part in the commemoration. years while on leave from St. John’s. Sargsyan’s Keynote speaker Mary Anne Sahagian, Essex firstborn, Mare, is the honoree’s goddaughter. Probate and Family Court First Justice and a Large arrangements of flowers for the occa - Sts. Vartanantz Church parishioner, reflected sion were sent by the Oulubegian/Nahabedian LCO Renovates 16th- on how her faith had guided her throughout families of Arizona and the Saints Joachim and her career and how it helped her handle diffi - cult cases surrounding children and families. Century Shikahogh Sahagian also spoke of her grandmother’s Village Church influence on her as a child, and described per -

PASADENA, Calif. — On February 15-17, the Union International de Organisations Terre et Culture (UIOTC)/ Land and Culture Organization (LCO) chapters from France, the United States, Armenia and the United Kingdom held this year’s annual meeting at the Armenian Center of Sourp Hagop Church in Geneva, Switzerland. The board discussed the successful completion of its 2012 projects and plans for the upcoming 2013 campaigns. Also during the weekend, members of the Swiss-Armenian community attended a fundraising dinner and cultural program at the Armenian Center for a presentation about the OTC/LCO Rev. Fr. Diran Papazian mission and its projects. During the 2012 summer campaign, more than 50 volunteers from Armenia, Canada, England, France and Nagorno Karabagh worked on two sites. One group From left: Milka Jeknavorian, Archbishop Khajag Anne Armenian Church of Palos Heights, Ill., went north to the Shirakamut village, near the epicenter of the 1988 earthquake, Barsamian, Judge Mary Anne Sahagian, and which Papazian also served for many years. to work on the renovation of the historic seventh century Tchitchkhanavank Rev. Khachatur Kesablyan. Fr. Diran Papazian’s daughter, Elise, Monastery, and another group went south to finalize work on the 1771 Sourp arranged for a continuing pictures slideshow Astvatzatzin Church near the pagan-era caves in Old Goris as part of the Goris- that was projected on the big screen, illustrat - Vienne sister city project which started in 2009. sonal faith experiences. She added that women ing many aspects of his life, which included his This summer LCO will launch a new project in the village of Shikahogh (sheg play an important role in carrying forward the wife, Yeretzgin Rosalie, his son, Garo, his daugh - hokh/red soil) in the southern Syunik region near the city of Kapan and near the mission of the Armenian Church and serve as ter, Elise, and numerous in-laws and friends. Armenian-Azeri border. It is located by the dense Shikahogh State Reserve, role models for their families. Entertainment was provided by violinists Armenia’s second largest forest reserve. Volunteers will live in the village while ren - Remarks were also made by Milka Harry Hovakemian, who played Armenian ovating the 16th-century Sourp Stepanos Nakhavegah Church which has inscrip - Jeknavorian, chair of the Chelmsford Women’s melodies. The honoree, himself, sang an emo - tions from the 13th century. The church is in a state of collapse from years of Guild chapter; Parish Council Chair Carol tional rendition of Eem Yerke (My Song), when neglect during the Soviet era. Work will also continue at the Tchitchkhanavank Hildebrand; and Zita Butler, vice chair of the he spoke, which brought tears to many eyes. site. Women’s Guild Central Council. The Primate of the Diocese, Archbishop This summer’s campaign dates will be July 22 to August 18. As LCO volunteers “It is inspiring to see women of faith from our Khajag Barsamian, sent a message in which he experience first-hand living in a rural Armenian village setting, they work on the parishes come together in prayer and fellow - historical restoration project during the week and discover historical Armenian ship,” said the Rev. Khachatur Kesablyan. “We see PAPAZIAN, page 7 sites on the weekends. not only learn from the example of the pious women at Christ’s tomb, but also from the many dedicated servants of the Lord among us today.” Barsamian expressed his gratitude to the Chelmsford Women’s Guild for organizing Saturday’s commemoration (the luncheon was served by the Men’s Club). “May God continue to strengthen our Women’s Guild chapters across the Diocese,” he said. “Following in the example of the oil bearing women, they bring the light of Christ into our homes and commu - nities.” On Saturday evening, the Primate met with members of the Parish Council and Diocesan delegates to review recent and upcoming parish activities. Barsamian also outlined resources available from the Diocese for the parish’s vari - ous ministries. On Sunday, March 3, Kesablyan celebrated the Divine Liturgy, with Barsamian presiding. A 40th-day requiem service, or karasoonk, in memory of the Very Rev. Ghevont Samoorian followed services. Goris’ Sourp Astvatsadzin Church Pre LCO Renovation In his sermon, Barsamian spoke about the Rev. Diran Papazian, left, and Elise Papazian period of Great Lent, emphasizing see WOMEN, page 5 S ATURDAY , M ARCH 16, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 5 COMMUNITY NEWS Los Angeles Armenian Community Prepares to Honor Richard Hovannisian at March 16 Banquet

LOS ANGELES — The Friends of the UCLA Foundation, including the current president, Los Angeles County Commission for Women; ceremony. Armenian Language and Culture Studies this Hermineh Pakhanians. several representatives of the Armenian After Speros Vryonis, UCLA professor emeri - week announced the program details of its One of the world’s most renowned Armenian Educational Foundation; and Ara tus of history, introduces Hovannisian, the upcoming annual banquet on March 16, at the scholars, Hovannisian will receive the Narekatsi Khachatourian, editor of the English edition of Narekatsi Medal will be presented to the hon - Armenian Society of Los Angeles Hall, at which Medal in recognition of his outstanding achieve - Asbarez. oree, who will then deliver his acceptance Prof. Richard Hovannisian will be honored with ments as a historian, teacher and defender of “For the past several months, the Friends of remarks. the Narekatsi Medal of Achievement. the Armenian cause. the UCLA Armenian Language and Culture The evening will conclude with the blessings In the run-up to the banquet, the Friends Dignitaries and community leaders partici - Studies have gone to great lengths to organize of Archbishop Hovnan Derderian. held a champagne brunch in appreciation of pating in the event will include, among others, an extraordinary banquet program, one which At press time, a limited number of tickets to donors who have supported the UCLA Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the promises to stand out with its prestigious roster the banquet were still available, the Friends of Armenian-Studies program. During the brunch, Western Diocese; a representative of of speakers and memorable presentations,” said the UCLA Armenian Language and Culture which was held on March 3 at the residence of Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate of Prof. S. Peter Cowe, head of UCLA’s Narekatsi Studies said. Chair in Armenian Studies. “The program will also comprise some surprises which are certain to delight the attendees. In short, I think this eagerly awaited event has all the makings of a High School Students’ truly magnificent and unique celebration.” The banquet will kick off with a reception Scholarships Available and book exhibit, beginning at 6 p.m. in the foyer of the dining hall. The exhibit will feature BOSTON — The Armenian Women’s Hovannisian’s many publications, including The Educational Club is announcing four Republic of Armenia series and the proceedings $1,000 scholarships and is now accepting of the landmark “Historic Armenian Cities and applications from high school senior boys Provinces” project. and girls entering a four-year college in The main program will start at 7 p.m., when the fall of 2013. banquet co-chairs Ani Aivazian and Hilda Applicants may be male or female, must Fidanian will introduce the evening’s mistress be of Armenian descent and be accepted of ceremonies, Alice Petrossian. at a four-year college or university for the Following the dinner, which will commence current year. They must be seniors at a with the blessings of a representative from the greater Boston high school who are Western Prelacy, remarks will be delivered by United States citizens or hold a resident Petrossian; Hasmig Baran, president of the alien card. Winners of the $1000 scholar - Friends of the UCLA Armenian Language and ships will be selected on the basis of their Culture Studies; and Cowe. academic record and financial need. Later in the program, a short video docu - Students may request scholarship appli - mentary on the life and achievements of cation forms by calling Araxie Manjikian Supporters and Friends of the UCLA Armenian Language and Culture Studies at the March 3 cham - Hovannisian will be shown, and congratulatory at 781-937-0515. Applications are due by pagne brunch. remarks by Prof. David Myers, chairperson of April 30, and the scholarships will be the UCLA History Department, will be con - awarded in June. veyed. The Armenian Women’s Educational Missak and Nairie Balian in Altadena, the atten - the Western Prelacy; Armen Hovannisian, vice One of the highlights of the event will be an Club was founded some 75 years ago for dees learned of the fast growth in the number chair of the Armenian Bar Association; Alice onstage interview between the honoree and the purpose of providing scholarships to of undergraduate and graduate students seek - Petrossian, former president of the Association Khachatourian. Subsequently there will be an college students, first in the Middle East ing to specialize in Armenian Studies at UCLA, of California School Administrators, chief acad - artistic interlude, featuring a violin perfor - and for the past 30 years in the United and, accordingly, the ongoing need to support emic officer-deputy superintendent of the mance by Mari Haig, with piano accompani - States. Started by a group of Armenian the expansion of the curriculum and faculty. Pasadena Unified School District, assistant ment. immigrant women, who wanted to sup - Among supporters attending the brunch were superintendent of the Glendale Unified School Next to take the podium will be Armen port education, the Club has awarded representatives of the Armenian Educational District, and currently a commissioner on the Hovannisian, the honoree’s son, who will speak over $100,000 in scholarships to young about “Hovannisian the Man.” The younger people of Armenian heritage. Hovannisian’s address will lead into the award

Saintly Women’s Day Observed in Massachusetts

WOMEN, from page 4 Later on Sunday, Barsamian joined a group the parable of the Unjust Steward, which was of ACYOA Juniors, led by Kesablyan, on a visit observed on March 3. to the parish’s most senior member. The group He reminded the faithful to be good stewards of surprised Tatios Tom Magarian with a cake and the church. birthday wishes on his 99th birthday. The Primate also spoke about the life of the Barsamian said a prayer for Magarian and late Samoorian and the special role he played in blessed him on this special occasion. the Chelmsford parish. The visit was organized by Kesablyan as part “Fr. Ghevont was one of the earliest of the ACYOA’s ongoing effort to visit elderly American-born Armenians to enter the priest - parishioners. hood of our church,” Barsamian said. “In many “Our visit with Mr. Magarian was a touching ways he showed that a new generation of our ending to an enriching weekend,” said people, born in a new land, could indeed feel at Kesablyan. home in an ancient heritage. Through his “The Primate’s visit always injects our com - efforts, he even managed to bring that heritage munity with new energy. It is in this spirit of to others — as he did most visibly through this renewal that we look forward to the Glorious church, Sts. Vartanantz Church in Chelmsford, Resurrection of Our Lord.” which he affectionately called ‘Little Ani.’”

The Saintly Women’s Day service at Sts. Vartanantz Church in Chelmsford. 6 S ATURDAY , M ARCH 16, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS Service Armenia Announces Summer Program

BERKELEY, Calif. — The Paros Foundation’s aid,” Said Peter Abajian, executive director of and the application form can be found at more information, contact Peter Abajian at Service Armenia Program has announced their the Paros Foundation. www.paros-foundation.org/armenia2013. For [email protected]. April 1 application deadline for participation in Throughout the program, participants will the 2013 program. The program will run from tour historic, religious and cultural sites June 24 to July 23 and will facilitate young peo - throughout Armenia and Artsakh with experi - ple to travel and tour Armenia and Artsakh, enced, English-speaking staff and guides. Safe while engaging in service projects benefiting accommodations and transportation combined Armenia and its people. with cultural and educational activities will be “Following the successes we experienced in provided. The program is open to both 2012 with both groups of Armenian and Armenian and American young people wishing American young people working on service pro - to participate in this program. Knowledge of jects in both Yerevan and in the regions, we the Armenian language is not required. Join us look forward to summer 2013. Participants will and create a lifetime of great memories and be working on renovating school classrooms friends. and distributing shoes and other humanitarian More information including photos, video

OBITUARY Hasmig Goulian The 2012 Service Project participants and children following a shoe distribution in the Armavir Region NEW YORK — Hasmig Goulian was born on arettes for sale and helped raise her younger sister. June 6, 1934 in the Havlabar section of Tbilisi, She excelled in school and in her studies. She Georgia. was accepted to the university and subsequent - She was born to parents who were orphaned ly moved to Armenia to continue her higher by the Armenian Genocide. education. She had a clear and powerful Life was difficult for the poor in Tbilisi and singing voice and at one point, even considered ENNIS M. EVENEY & ONS things got progressively worse as World War II a career as a singer. D D S loomed. After the war, life was even more She loved to perform and often gave lectures Cemetery Monuments about Armenian poets and artists. She was highly proficient in Armenian and Russian and Specializing in translated short stories, poems and a novel Armenian Designs and Lettering titled Elfi. She wrote and left behind countless notebooks and papers filled with her thoughts 701 Moody St. Waltham, MA 02543 and musings. She was a regular contributor to local publi - (781) 891-9876 www.NEMonuments.com cations and was passionate about literature and books, writing for Nor Or and Baikar . She was also a member of the Executive Committee of the ADL New York-New Jersey Armenagan- Telephone (617) 924-7400 Hovspeian Chapter. She worked as a librarian, where her enthu - Aram Bedrosian siasm for all things intellectual was fully used. She was an educator. She immigrated to America in 1970 with her Funeral Home, Inc. husband, two children and her in-laws. In the Continuous Service By The Bedrosian Family Since 1945 aftermath of a divorce, she raised her two small children while working. She taught at the Los MARION BEDROSIAN Angeles Public School System in the late 1970s 558 MOUNT AUBURN STREET PAUL BEDROSIAN and quickly moved into private Armenian WATERTOWN, MA 02472 LARRY BEDROSIAN Hasmig Goulian schools. This past summer she was invited to an invi - tation-only teachers’ conference in Armenia. oppressive. In effect, their mother raised There, she was recognized for her dedication Goulian and her siblings because the father and knowledge, by Armenia’s representative to would be gone for long stretches of time with the United Nations, Ambassador Garen his work as a military policeman. Nazarian. She helped her mother and older brother to Funeral services were held on February 23 GF UiNrEaRgAoL sHiaOMn E make some extra income by sewing and rolling cig - at St. Vartan Cathedral. James “Jack” Giragosian, CPC Mark J. Giragosian Funeral Counselors Azadouhi (Katcharian) Boyamian 576 Mt. Auburn Street, Watertown, MA 02472, TEL: 617-924—0606 www.giragosianfuneralhome.com WATERTOWN — Azadouhi (Katcharian) Boyamian died on March 5. She was the wife of the late Stephan Boyamian. Azadouhi Boyamian was born in Aleppo, Edward D. Jamakordzian, Jr. d/b/a Syria. Her parents, Kevork and Seroun, were from Zeytoun. Instead of submitting to Turkish authorities during the Armenian Genocide, they enlisted as Fedayees (Tchetchen) and Edward D. Jamie, Jr. fought their way to Aleppo under the leader - ship of Aram Pasha. Like her parents, she and ServiFng uthne eentrirea Alr mCenhiana Cpomemlu n ity her husband Stephan regularly attended the Any Hour • Any Distance • Any Location Karasoun Manook church in Aleppo and sup - Call (718) 224-2390 Toll Free (888) 224-6088 ported it in multiple ways. They passed that her - itage down to their children. Bus. Reg. 189-06 Liberty Ave., Hollis, NY 11412 The Boyamian family followed a similar path Consultation Office: 217-04 Northern Blvd., (Suite 23), Bayside,NY 11361 to that of many Armenians of the Middle East: a gradual movement to the West. First they moved to Lebanon, where they lived for a decade. After the loss of her husband, Azadouhi Azadouhi (Katcharian) Boyamian Armenian Students’ Association of America, Inc. permanently moved to Watertown. She devel - oped a circle of friends, regularly attended St. ASA Journalism Internships for 2013 James and volunteered in the kitchen. Church, Watertown, on Saturday, March 9. Two 6-week internships She leaves her children, Iskohie Boyamian- Interment was in Wildwood Cemetery, Weekly stipend of $150 Beshlian of Winchester, Avedis Boyamian and Winchester. his wife Houry of Winchester, Mary Expressions of sympathy may be made to St. Working at two leading English-language newspapers in the United Goudsouzian and her husband Dr. Nishan of James Armenian Church, 465 Mount Auburn States and Canada The Armenian Mirror-Spectator Winchester, Sossy Derian and her husband St., or St. Stephen’s Armenian Elementary and The Armenian Weekly Arman of Lexington and Hagop Boyamian and School, 46 Elton Ave., Watertown, MA 02472. Visit our website at [email protected] for further information his wife Araxie of California; 12 grandchildren For more information or to light a candle in and 13 great-grandchildren. her memory, visit and application form Services were held at St. James Armenian www.giragosianfuneralhome.com S ATURDAY , M ARCH 16, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 7 COMMUNITY NEWS St. John’s Armenian Church Celebrates 90th Birthday of Fr. Diran Papazian

PAPAZIAN, from page 4 He sent a special blessing on the late return. I want to honestly say that today has The festivities continued for another hour observed that to have lived for nine decades is Yeretzgin. been one of the great highlights of my life, an with the many guests, a multitude of genera - a great milestone, but in Papazian’s case, it has Messages were read by MC Gregory Jamian experience worthy to be treasured and remem - tions touched by Papazian’s ministry, lining up an added significance since he is truly a living from son, Garo, brother-in-law Dr. Dennis R bered, in the company of all my loving friends to share stories, express their love, and offer a part of Armenian church history in America. Papazian, granddaughter Nicole Papazian, who from multiple generations. Thank you for being special hug to the honoree. In those formative years, the Primate contin - wrote a poem, the pastor and parish Council of here and thank you for your love and eagerness As Dr. Dennis Papazian said in his remarks, St. Gregory of Nareg Armenian Church, and a to participate.” “I’m sure that God looks down upon this gath - proclamation from the Mayor of Southfield, the He closed the festivities with an Armenian ering today and says, ‘Well done my good and Hon. Brenda Lawrence. song regarding the meaning of life. faithful servant, I am proud of you.’” Speakers included Sargsyan, Kochakian and Elise Papazian, who wrote and read the follow - ing short poem: Strength of the solid mountains Knights of Vartan Ani Lodge Performs calmness of the quiet seas, True wisdom from the many ages, Play for Vartanantz Day all the patients of eternity. Song sung with sincerity, WASHINGTON — Last month, the Knights of Mamigonian, Richard Vann as Ghevont Yeretz and Genuine humor full of spice, Vartan Ani Lodge #21 and Daughters of Vartan sister Seda Gelenian as the narrator. More than 150 Tender talks with loyal personality, Dikranouhi Otyag held two events to mark the people attended the performances, including the A comforting soul, with kind twinkling eyes. annual Vartanantz Day celebration. On Sunday, school children. February 3, the Hamasdegh School at Soorp “The Knights of Vartan have a special role in Fr. Diran Papazian made the final remarks. Khatch Armenian Church hosted the Knights educating each generation of Armenians about Rev. Fr. Diran Papazian and Fr. Garabed With his own, and inimitable humor, he said “I and Daughters of Vartan for the first perfor - the courage and sacrifice of the Armenians who Kochakian have awaited this day with inpatient impatience, mance of a play on the historic Battle of fought and died against overwhelming odds in excited excitement, eager eagerness, and with Avarayr. The following Sunday, February 10, the Battle of Avarayr so that today Armenians anticipated anticipation for almost a whole life - the Shnorhali School at St. Mary Armenian can worship and live as a free and independent ued, serving the Armenian Church was not time, a period of 90 years, counting from the Church hosted the second always easy for the pastors and their families. very moment of my birth, when I opened my performance of the play. Yet, exemplary clergyman like Papazian and his eyes to the light of God’s wonderful world.” The Dikranouhi Otyag devoted spouse rose above the obstacles and “I didn’t want to miss this moment and then hosted the receptions at blazed a worthy trail for others to follow. regret it . . . . Time which passes can never both churches and provid - ed gifts for the school chil - dren. “It was a great educa - tional opportunity for our Shnorhali school children to see an important part of Armenian history present - ed in an entertaining way with great taste and enthu - siasm,” stated Rev. Hovsep Karapetian, pastor of St. Mary Armenian Church. “The history and events surrounding the Vartanantz battle has Persian King Hazgert II receives Armenian Princes Vartan and Vassag. inspired many generations to keep the spirit of Armenian patriotism and treasures of our people,” Bournazian said. Apostolic faith unshaken and alive.” Armenians commemorate Vartan The play featured brother Nishan Dulgerian as Mamigonian’s legacy, who died in the Battle Persian King Hazgert II, Ani Lodge Commander of Avarayr on May 26, 451 AD on the Avarayr From left, Lucy Merzian, Dr. Harry Kezelian, Souren Gozamian, Margaret Gozmanian, Rev. Fr. Jake Bournazian as Prince Vassag of Syunik, Taniel plain in Vaspurakan. 66,000 Armenian rebel Diran Papazian,Gary Gozmanian and Dyana Kezelian Koushakjian as Armenian Army General Vartan soldiers, driven by a desire to save their reli - gion, Armenian culture and their way of life, fought against 260,000 Persian soldiers. Although the Persians were victorious on the battlefield, the Armenian soldiers inflict - ed heavy casualties on the Persians. In the Battle of Avarayr, 38,000 Armenian sol - diers were killed and 1,036 captured, and 130,000 Persian. Armenian resistance contin - ued in the decades following the battle, led by Vartan’s successor and nephew Vahan Mamigonian. The Armenians were eventually guaranteed religious freedom by Shah Peroz I in 484 AD.

Entertainment Fridays and Saturdays 8 S ATURDAY , M ARCH 16, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Ne w York M E T R O 25th Anniversary of Azeri Pogroms in Sumgait Commemorated at Diocese lating Armenians, stealing their possessions need for a cultural center in the community Azeri mobs started pogroms against the By Florence Avakian and burning their apartments on February 27, here so that “our children from the Russian and defenseless Armenians in Sumgait, Kirovabad 1988, as Azeri police stood by and did nothing. Azeri areas can stay Armenian. Let us unite, and Baku. “These barbaric pogroms were simi - Many in the international and Soviet media and help our children stay Armenian,” she lar to the ethnic cleansing of one and a half mil - NEW YORK — On the 25th anniversary of called the atrocities a genocide. Electricity and again repeated with passion. lion Armenians in 1915. The result was that in the Azerbaijani massacres of Armenians in telephone service had purposely been cut off. It The cultural part of the program provided the early 1990s Armenia’s entire border became Sumgait, Kirovabad and Baku, a solemn was a planned and organized massacre, and solace and delight from the gravity of the event. a battlefield with the destruction of schools, memorial service was held for the Armenian homes and hospitals.” victims at St. Vartan Cathedral. It was followed At the United Nations and with the Minsk by a commemorative program in Kavookjian Group, Armenia continues to work for its Auditorium, with Diocesan Primate rights, he stated. “Azerbaijan should be prose - Archbishop Khajag Barsamian presiding. The cuted for its war crimes against human rights. program was sponsored by the St. Gregory the And the United Nations should also make sure Illuminator Mission Parish of Brooklyn, where that such crimes do not happen in other parts many of its members are Armenians from of the world.” He revealed that in New York and Azerbaijan. Washington, DC, Azeri groups have been post - The morning Divine Liturgy had been cele - ing propaganda advertisements with their well- brated by the St. Vartan Cathedral dean, the known lies on Khojaly and the 1915 Genocide. Very Rev. Mamigon Kiledjian. A memorial ser - “This breeds xenophobia. It is necessary that vice was conducted by the Primate at a special we are united to discourage such propaganda. altar as the congregants held lighted candles in The interests of Armenia and the diaspora are memory of the brave victims. The soulful intertwined. We have to inspire each other so Lenten Badarak chants were sung by the Pianist Diana Vasilyan and young violinists perform the world will know the true story.” Cathedral choir under the direction of Khoren Before giving the benediction, Barsamian, in Mekanejian, with organ accompaniment by his closing remarks, referred to the symbolism Florence Avakian Russian troops and doctors had been told not With great feeling, poet Hripsime Harutyunyan, of the Prodigal Son who became depraved Following the church service, the program in to intervene. Several Russian soldiers fainted in Armenian, recited her own works, “You have through free will. “Such atrocities come from Kavookjian Auditorium commenced with after witnessing the brutalities. Finally, a day asked a Question,” “The Armenians who have free will,” he said. “We remember our brave prayers by Barsamian, and opening remarks by later, Soviet President Gorbachev sent tanks been Massacred,” “The Spirits of the Killed martyrs and we pray that people with this kind the event’s organizer, Dr. Svetlana and armored vehicles to stop the unspeakable have come to Judge” and “Truth.” of brutal behavior will return to God, like the Amirkhanian, who spoke of the gravity of the atrocities. But thousands of Armenians had Several of Komitas’ compositions were Prodigal Son, so that it does not happen.” occasion, and the need for remembrance, so already been killed. shared. Pianist Diana Vasilyan played Dzirani Addressing the Armenians from Azerbaijan, he that such horrors can be prevented. “The doors Andrei Sakharov, the human rights activist Dzar , and directed eight young violinists who said, “We feel your pain because we are mem - are still closed, but maybe one day the families who had been a recipient of the Nobel Peace delighted the audience with Hoy Nazan . The bers of the same home.” of the victims will be able to put flowers on Prize, stated, “After the massacres in Sumgait, soulful Giligia and Groong were offered by The Primate remembered the thousands of their graves,” she said with obvious emotion. no one can dispute that Nagorno Karabagh is Jenny Sarian and Margarita Tersyan, respec - Armenians who came to the United States A documentary film detailing the brutal hor - not Armenian.” tively, both of whom had also sung the after the Genocide, made homes, raised fami - rors with graphic pictures of the mutilated and In a soul-searing account, Juletta Grigorian, American and Armenian national anthems, lies, and built St. Vartan Cathedral. “This dying Armenians in Sumgait and Baku was speaking in Armenian, related the testimony of accompanied on the piano by Vagharshag church is for all people from different parts of shown. It related how organized Azeri mobs a Baku witness. “Girls were raped as fathers Ohanian, at the start of the program. the world. Armenians have to show their had received the addresses of the Armenians, were forced to watch. In Kirovabad, Armenians Keynote speaker Armenia’s Ambassador to strength in Armenia, Artsakh and the diaspo - and yelling “Death to Armenians,” went on ram - were herded into churches which were set on the United Nations Garen Nazarian related that ra,” the Primate stressed. “Our voices will be pages from door to door with axes, machetes fire. And in Sumgait, babies were thrown out of 25 years ago, following peaceful and constitu - heard if we stay strong. Let us go forward to and guns, stabbing, raping, shooting and muti - windows.” To the rapt audience, she urged the tional pleas by the Armenians of Karabagh, justice and unity.” 98th Anniversary Commemoration Arof thme enian Genocide Friday, April 19, 2013, 10:30 am Keynote Speech House of Representatives Chamber • Massachusetts State House Ambassador John Evans

At noon, participants are invited to march to Joint Senate/House the Armenian Heritage Park for additional remarks, music and a brown bag lunch. Resolution Recipient: For more information contact: Senator Will Brownsberger 617-722-1280 Donald Tellalian Representative Jon Hecht 617-722-2140 Architect of the Representative Dave Rogers 617-722-2400 Armenian Heritage Park Representative John Lawn 617-722-2304 Lalig Musserian, Coordinator 617-319-2651

Buses will be leaving at 9:00 am from St. James and St. Stephen’s Churches (Buses generously provided by the Knights of Vartan) S ATURDAY , M ARCH 16, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 9 Ne w York M E T R O Holy Martyrs Church Hosts Literary Evening

BAYSIDE, N.Y. — On Saturday, February 23, spoke about Dagdelen’s contributions to the Church of the Holy Martyrs of Bayside, NY, Armenian learning. hosted a literary evening honoring longtime “Her essays are full of good counsel and educator and author Vosgi Dagdelen. philosophical thought,” Balikjian said. “She has Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the a positive outlook on life and she strives to be Diocese of the Armenian Church of America optimistic in the face of challenges.” (Eastern), presided over the gathering, which Born in Sepastia not long after the Armenian drew 240 people. Genocide, Dagdelen moved with her family to The program featured readings from Istanbul as a child. She attended both the Dagdelen’s recently published book, Esayan and Getronagan Armenian schools, and Yerazankee Baher Gyankees Dareeneren later studied French at a local university. While (Periods of Dreams from the Years of My Life) still pursuing her studies at the university, she — a collection of essays about her life as a began her teaching career at the Esayan School, teacher in Istanbul and New York. where she went on to serve as a teacher and administrator for 35 years. In 1955, she married Dr. Vahrij Dagdelen and the cou - ple had a daughter, Aghavni Rita. They moved to New York in 1979, where Dagdelen taught at the Holy Martyrs Vosgi Dagdelen poses for a group photo with guests. Armenian Day School, and gave regular talks at various Diocesan parishes. oree with an Armenian alphabet carpet crafted the Esayan-Getronagan Alumni of New York. Her essays and articles in Armenia. Remarks were also made by Mrs. Collaborating organizations include the have appeared in Marmara Dagdelen’s daughter, Rita Aghavni. Mrs. Constantinople Armenian Relief Society, the and Arev Daily, among other Dagdelen expressed her gratitude to her family New York chapters of the Hamazkayin publications. Yerazankee and to the community for their support of her Armenian Educational and Cultural Society Baher Gyankees Dareeneren work, and presented guests with signed copies and the Tekeyan Cultural Association, Hye- is her first book. When it was of her book. Doon, Armenian-American Support and published in Istanbul in The evening was organized and sponsored by Educational Center and Tibrevank Alumni. Vosgi Dagdelen is presented with a surprise birthday cake in cele - 2012, a celebratory event was bration of her 90th birthday. organized by the Esayan and Getronagan schools there. A video of that gathering was “Events like these nourish our Armenian shown at the February 23 evening in Bayside. VOATV Holds Second Anniversary Fundraising spirit,” said Barsamian. “Vosgi Dagdelen, with Other program highlights included a piano her love of the Armenian heritage and lan - performance by Artur Ipek and a surprise birth - Gala Honoring Three Armenian Cultural Icons guage, is an inspiration to all of us.” day cake for Dagdelen’s 90th birthday. Fr. Arto Khrimian, president of the Esayan- Abraham Malkhasyan, parish pastor, congratu - NEW YORK — The Board of Directors of the cake, to all those who attend the banquet, to Dr. Getronagan Alumni, served as the master of lated Dagdelen. Voice of Armenians TV NY’s (VOATV NY) held Raffy and Shoghag Hovanessian for their con - ceremonies. Community member Zivart Archbishop Barsamian presented the hon - its second anniversary fundraiser and gala, on tinued support, and all the viewers in the Balikjian read excerpts from the book and March 2, at The Palisadium in Cliffside Park, NJ, United States and around the world, and last drawing more than 300 guests. The atmosphere but not least she expressed especial gratitude to was joyous, festive, elegant and warm. Kocharian for his volunteer commitment. Since its debut in 2011, under the direction VOATV NY’s Second Anniversary Fundraiser of executive producer and host Karine and Gala honored intellectual and cultural fig - Kocharyan, and co-producer Haik Kocharian, ures from our community including Zarminé VOATV NY has provided informative political, Boghosian, the principal of Holy Martyrs educational, and cultural news and programs Armenian Day School, an educator, writer, com - about the lives of Armenian Diaspora in the munity leader and Armenian Radio contributor; New York Tri-state area. VOATV also created Dr. Herand Markarian, a playwright, director and continue to build an online video archive and actor; Harut Sassounian, a writer, public documenting the diverse activities of our com - activist and the Publisher of the California munity. Courier . In addition, VOATV NY reaches global audi - Musical entertainment was provided by Elie ences in Armenia, Russia, Europe and the Berberian and his Band from Canada. Elie and Middle East, among others, via its Internet his band were exceptional in their passion, tal - streaming technology and partnerships with ent and creativity. The audience danced the leading television stations in Armenia. night away admiring Elie’s penetrating voice Karine was elated and expressed heartfelt and talent of Armenian traditional as well as gratitude to the first Chair Levon Temiz, and modern songs. the current chair Dr. Aram Cazazian and the Special gratitude to the Board of VOATV-NY: able Planning Committee members that worked Cazazian (chair), Hagop Vartivarian and Alex tirelessly for almost a year, to all those who sup - Sarafian (VP), Margaret Ghazarian (secretary), ported the VOATV, to those who donated items and members of the board Alice Movsesian, Dr. for the auction (which was a huge success, and Ani Kalayjian, George Khorozian, Lucyn all 24 valuable and unique items were sold), to Jamgotchian, Yelena Nersesyan, Haiguhi Sunset Florist for donating the flower arrange - Megerian, Anna Bruno-Loshigian, Maggie ments that dressed each table so tastefully, to Hajjar, Karine Abrahamyan, Louisa Kubikian Keremo Bakery for their delicious anniversary and MaryLynda Bozian.

Karine Kocharyan, center, with the celebratory cake and guests. 10 S ATURDAY , M ARCH 16, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Arts & Living

Armenian in America AIWA Presents Book of Photographs to Be Presented in Boston Reading from New

BOSTON — Hamazkayin Armenian Play for Women’s Educational and Cultural Society and Tekeyan Cultural Association Boston chapters present History Month “Armenian American Contributions to Humanity After the Genocide” and “The Program Armenian in America,” a photographic journey through the Armenian-American landscape of BOSTON — For its annual commemoration of the 21st century by Stepan Partamian. The pre - Women’s History Month in March, the sentation will take place Thursday, April 18, 8 Armenian International Women’s Association p.m. at the Armenian Cultural and Educational (AIWA) will present a dramatic reading from a Center, 47 Nichols Ave., Watertown. Admission new play, “Women of Ararat.” is free and open to the general public. A drama set between 1965 and 1975, The Armenian in America , a volume of pho - “Women of Ararat” relates the stories of a tographs documenting Armenian identity multi-generational family of Armenian women across the United States, was published in Los who survived the Armenian Genocide, came to Angeles. America and lived outside of Boston. Featuring close to 600 photographs with cap - “Although sad in content, the play is also tions, The Armenian in America has been in humorous and lighthearted in the way the the making for the past four years. The volume ‘Women’ relate to one another,” commented is the work of Partamian, who traveled playwright Judith Boyajian Strang-Waldau. throughout America in search of Armenian Written to com - landmarks and establishments, as well as public memorate the signs containing Armenian references. Genocide’s Starting in 2009, when the project was upcoming 100th announced, Partamian meticulously researched anniversary in the destinations he was to document and Author Zaven Khanjian at The book signing 2015, the play is embarked on successive road trips which designed to edu - encompassed most of the continental United cate those who States. In addition to his preliminary research, may not know of the author met with members of the Armenian this period in his - communities in various states, both to gain TCA Hosts Book Dedication tory and also to fresh insight into local histories and gather fur - make viewers ther information on Armenian landmarks wor - Of Zaven Khanjian’s Book more mindful and Judith Boyajian Strang- thy of inclusion in the book. responsive to Waldau Partamian ended up taking thousands of those around the photographs of Armenian sites and signs, which On Aleppo globe who are or have been victims of political were eventually distilled into The Armenian in injustice. America — a full-color, 184-page volume. GLENDALE —The dedication of the book Haleb, Arachin Gayaran (Aleppo, the The story is based on the author’s family his - “The main reason that this project came First Station) by Zaven Khanjian was held on March 3, by the Tekeyan Cultural tory and spotlights the multiple effects of the about is that I’m not interested in the mere Association’s Los Angeles Chapter with a capacity crowd at the Armenian Society of Armenian Genocide on its survivors, children, preservation of Armenian culture, but rather Los Angeles Center. and grandchildren living in the United States. believe in nurturing and celebrating its creative The program was emceed by Vache Semerdjian of The reading, to be followed by a discussion, energies, its wonderful potential,” Partamian the Tekeyan Cultural Association (TCA), who will take place on Sunday, March 24, at 3 p.m. said. “While we Armenian-Americans claim to explained that the reason that the association pub - at the Armenian Cultural Foundation in be proud of our long history in America, most lished Khanjian’s book was due to the candor as well Arlington. The talented cast includes Nancy of us don’t know the first thing about Armenian as dynamic style of writing, which captivates the read - Tutunjian Berger, June Murphy Katz, Judy communities beyond the cities or counties in er. During the program, Semerdjian read excerpts of Davis, Jennifer Guzelian Flanagan, Joy Renjilian which we live, let alone communities in far- letters by admirers of Khanjian’s books from different Burgy and Sofie Refojo. flung states. As I discovered in the past four parts of the world. “Recently we’ve seen a number of Armenian years, there is a breathtaking diversity of Architect and musicologist Hrant Agbabian, who is women authors who have written dramas about Armenian life in the United States.” currently working on ceramic sculptures, presented various aspects of the Armenian Genocide and “I sought to document the dazzling tapestry Khanjian’s biography in English with a refreshing its aftermath,” commented Barbara of Armenian-American culture not only given style. He admitted that even though they went to the Merguerian, director of AIWA’s Archives and the fact that, amazingly, no one had yet same schools, although at different times, they had the Women’s Information Center, the sponsor of attempted a project of this type, but because I Vatche Semerdjian, emcee same teachers, he couldn’t compare his Armenian the reading. She cited Joyce Van Dyke’s wanted to share the multifaceted nature of our with Khanjian’s. Agbabian said that Khanjian had “Deported/a dream play,” Adriana Sevahn cultural footprint with fellow Armenians, the graduated from the American University in Beirut Nichols’ “Night Over Erzinga” and Bianca young generation in particular,” Partamian con - with a degree in business administration. He had met his wife, Sona, during a Bagatourian’s “March,” among others. tinued. “Collectively, Armenians suffer from Chanits youth group conference in Kessab, moved to the United States in 1979 and “Drama provides unique perspectives for either the superiority complex of a glorious set up a broker-realtor office in 1987. Agbabian summed up that Khanjian “as a man exploring the many facets of genocide, and has past, or the inferiority complex of a victimized who breathes and lives as one devoted to his people.” the potential to reach large audiences who nation. My hope is that, through an initiative Lena Bozoyan, chairperson of the Armenian Relief Society of Western USA (ARS) might not otherwise be receptive,” she like The Armenian in America , our compatri - Regional Executive, started by saying that today we are all “Halebtsis.” She provid - observed. ots will form a clearer idea of the extent of our ed insights on Khanjian’s leadership style describing him as cautious yet bold, bal - “Women of Ararat” is first play by Judith presence and accomplishments in this land, and anced, impartial and wise, and a leader who inspires hope, and calms nerves when Boyajian Strang-Waldau. The recipient of rightfully feel a sense of shared achievement.” confronting challenges. degrees in piano and vocal performance as The Armenian in America comprises pho - Bozoyan explained the role of the ARS ahead of the formation of the Syrian well as in arts management, she has served in tographs of Armenian institutions and establish - Armenian Relief Fund (SARF), and praised Khanjian’s role in leading as chairman the marketing and development departments ments such as churches, schools, community cen - of the Executive Committee (since August 2012). Even though she is from Lebanon, of the Metropolitan Opera, Carnegie Hall, ters, and businesses; landmarks such as statues, her mother is from Kessab, so she spent many summers in Kessab. When she read Circle in the Square Theatre in New York, khachkars (stone crosses), Genocide monuments, the book, particularly about Kessab, she was truly moved, and would understand Olympia Dukakis’s Whole Theatre in war-veteran memorials, and various memorial why those who are from Aleppo are so excited about the genuinely connecting to Montclair, NJ, and most recently the New plaques; and public signs such as Armenian street the stories in the book. England Conservatory. and highway names; and even Armenian flags Accompanied by pianist Ruzanna Vanessian, tenor Raffi Kerbabian’s voice res - With a studio of 40 piano and voice students, placed in front of public buildings. onated in the hall as he sang three favorites, the last one being Tercheyie Mdkov Strang-Waldau currently chairs the Harvard Partamian’s photographs reveal a wealth of Doon (metaphysically flying home), which rang true about the rush of memories, Musical Association’s High School Achievement factoids about Armenian-American history. In which were being evoked by Khanjian’s writings. Awards scholarship program. She has one Ocala, Fla., for instance, the author came across He was followed by Sona Khanjian, the author’s wife. Her presentation was the daughter, Victoria, and lives in Sherborn with two Armenian churches facing each other, one highlight of the evening, as she read the “Homenetmen Vasbouragan” chapter in a her husband, Paul, dogs Rosie and Atticus affiliated with the See of Antelias and one with lively, descriptive and musical style. Finch and her cat Pavlova. the See of Echmiadzin. Although the two Archbishop Mousheg Mardirossian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy, recalled that The public is invited to attend the reading of churches remain Armenian-community-owned, with his experience on the Armenia Fund board, where Khanjian had served, he “Women of Ararat” free of charge. Further both are rented to non-Armenian congrega - knew that the latter was suited for the top SARF job, particularly since the author information about the play or about AWIA’s tions, indicating that Armenian church services was so concerned about the situation in Syria. Mardirossian quoted the Bible verse programs to increase the visibility of Armenian are no longer held in these houses of worship. “Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and said of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in women is available by contacting the AIWA In California, Partamian came across the town see ALEPPO, page 12 office at 65 Main St., Watertown, MA 02472; of Yettem, the only one in the United email: [email protected]. see PRESENTATION, page 11 S ATURDAY , M ARCH 16, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 11 ARTS & LIVING Zoryan Has Productive 2012, with Multiple Books and Programs

TORONTO — This past year was a productive integrated history. As Prof. Roger W. Smith, reports from German consular officials in the Boston University and was co-sponsored with the one for the Zoryan Institute. With the publica - chair of Zoryan’s Academic Board, has written, Ottoman Empire to the Foreign Office in Berlin Kenosian Chair in Modern Armenian History tion of five books in three languages as well as “Only the comparative approach can yield care - describing in sometimes graphic detail the and Literature and the National Association for two academic journals, the running of its 11th fully delimited generalizations about the nature unfolding genocide of the Armenians and is a Armenian Studies and Research. Armenia has annual Genocide and Human Rights University and mechanics of genocide as a general problem devastating indictment of both German and signed laws and treaties on the rights of children Program with participants more than 10 coun - of humanity.” Turkish behavior. and education, including the 1989 UN tries, and co-sponsoring an insightful lecture on • Earlier in 2012, the translation and publi - The late Mehmet Ali Birand, a respected Convention on Rights of the Child, but imple - the essential rights of children in Armenia, the cation of a new book by noted author Rifat Bali Turkish journalist, had this to say, “Its message mentation has proven more difficult. Institute continued its systematic efforts to pro - was accomplished. Model Citizens of the State: is, ‘Since the Turks won’t do it, let us do it.’ Hovannisian gave the example that by law, chil - mote truth and human rights internationally. The Jews of Turkey during the Multi-Party They should see these documents and under - dren with disabilities are supposed to be regard - • A new Italian language edition of Samuel Period provides an exposé of the treatment of stand the facts we have. They should be con - ed equally, but in practice many disabled children Shahmuratian’s The Sumgait Tragedy: the Jewish community in Turkey from 1950 to vinced that we are not acting as their enemies, are institutionalized and kept away from their Pogroms against Armenians in Soviet the present, their fight against anti-Semitism, but trying to explain an incident.” It has been homes and families. She noted that a conserva - Azerbaijan. Volume I: Eyewitness Accounts. the struggle for their constitutional rights, and translated into an extremely comprehensible tive estimate of poverty levels experienced by The edition was prepared by Pietro Kuciukian the attitude of the Turkish state and society and beautiful Turkish by Belge Publishing Armenian children puts 26 percent below the and published by Guerini e Associati of Milan towards these problems. The author describes it House. Obviously it has taken years. It is an poverty line. Hovannisian explained that while and marks the ninth language that Zoryan’s as an attempt at uncovering the truth behind extremely important and expensive there are an adequate number of kindergartens work has been published in. For three days in “the rosy narrative that was repeated over and study...Without going into detail, if you read the and schools, most are neglected and poorly fund - February 1988, the Azerbaijani city of Sumgait over by the leaders of the Turkish Jewish com - book and look at the documents, if you are a ed. She illustrated the desperate situation of became the arena of pogroms against the munity, as well as by Turkish intellectuals, person who is introduced to the subject many families in Armenia, where husbands are Armenians. The Sumgait tragedy was a brutal, politicians and historians.” The book describes through this book, then there is no way that forced to leave the country to find work and organized attempt to block a political solution how, during the first four decades of the you would not believe in the genocide and jus - mothers struggle to feed and clothe their chil - to the peaceful demands of the Armenians of Republic of Turkey’s existence, the Jewish com - tify the Armenians. Even if you are an expert on dren, sometimes requiring them to put a child Mountainous Karabagh for self-determination. munity had similar problems, fears and reac - the subject, or have researched what went on into a boarding school away from their family. These events marked the beginning of a pre - tions as the Armenian and Greek minorities. from the Turkish side, again, you will be con - The lecture concluded with a question and meditated plan to depopulate Azerbaijan of There was a marked shift in the 1970s, howev - fused. You will have many questions.” We at the answer segment and calls for members of the Armenians, and eventually of Russians and er, as successive Turkish governments obtained Institute appreciate this recognition from a well- Armenian Diaspora to aid their countrymen in Jews. the cooperation of Turkish Jews to convince respected Turkish journalist and hope that the homeland. The book is a compilation of interviews con - American Jewish lobbies to actively support more dialogue between our two cultures can be •In August, 22 students from Armenia, ducted by Armenian journalist Samuel pro-Turkish measures, including fighting opened in this civil and informed manner. Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Germany, Turkey, and Shahmuratian with Sumgait survivors immedi - against Armenian Genocide resolutions in the •Nearly 11 years in the making, Judgment at the US completed the 11th annual Genocide ately after events in February 1988, while the US Congress, excluding the Armenian Istanbul: The Armenian Genocide Trials is a and Human Rights University Program, run by memory was fresh. The Italian version provides Genocide from the Holocaust Museums in study of the Armenian Genocide as document - the International Institute for Genocide and the reader with an abridged version of the inter - Washington and Los Angeles, prohibiting ed through the Ottoman Special Military Human Rights Studies (A Division of the views, making it an excellent text for Italian papers on the Genocide from being presented Tribunal. This is the first joint publication by Zoryan Institute) in partnership with the readers. This new version also arranges the at Israeli Holocaust conferences, etc. This book the two most internationally renowned scholars University of Toronto. Prof. Joyce Apsel is the interviews into thematic chapters, making them serves as a valuable case study of how on the Armenian Genocide — Professors new course director and there are three new easy to navigate and providing those who are Realpolitik distorts the truth and how coercion Vahakn N. Dadrian, an Armenian, and Taner scholars on the faculty this year: Dr. Shaké new to the subject with more context. This edi - by the powerful contributes to the violation of Akçam, a Turk. It is the first time the complete Toukmanian of York University, who covered tion includes the preface from the English edi - collective human rights. known documentation of the trial proceedings the psychological trauma of genocide; Dr. Israel tion by human rights activist Yelena Bonner, •Ragip Zarakolu, a distinguished publisher in is being provided in English and the first time Charny of the Institute on the Holocaust and and from the French edition by human rights Istanbul and a renowned champion of human information from the Ottoman newspapers of Genocide (Jerusalem), a leading expert on geno - activist, French politician and co-founder of rights, has collaborated with the Zoryan Institute the era have been utilized to reconstruct these cide denial; and Dr. Maja CatiC of the Canadian Médecins Sans Frontières, Bernard Kouchner. to lay down one more building block on the foun - proceedings. Judgment at Istanbul adds a new Forces College, specialist in genocide in the • The Asia Minor Catastrophe and the dation of a common body of knowledge for perspective to the historical and moral studies Former Yugoslavia. Ottoman Greek Genocide: Essays on Asia Turks and Armenians. Zarakolu, despite being of the Genocide and serves as a legal case study To order a Zoryan publication, write to Minor, Pontos, and Eastern Thrace, 1913–1923 jailed by the Turkish government in October of the Armenian Genocide. [email protected]. is a compilation of innovative papers given by dis - 2011, has continued his efforts to bring out the In the fields of Diaspora Studies and tinguished scholars at two academic conferences historical truth about the Armenian Genocide. In Genocide Prevention, the Zoryan Institute con - organized by the Asia Minor and Pontos Hellenic January, Belge Yayinlari, Zarakolu’s publishing tinued the publication of its two journals, Research Center in Chicago, edited by George N. house, released the Turkish edition of The Diaspora: A Journal of Transnational Studies The Armenian in Shirinian, Zoryan’s executive director. This book Armenian Genocide 1915-16: Documents from and Genocide Studies and Prevention: An and its careful treatment of the Greek experience the Political Archives of the German Foreign International Journal, three issues per annum. America Book to Be within the broader genocide of the Christian Office, compiled and edited by Wolfgang Gust •In November, Zoryan co-sponsored a public Presented in Boston minorities in the Ottoman Empire aims to fill a and published originally in German. The original lecture by Armine Hovannisian, JD (UCLA gap in the scholarly literature on the Greek book was the product of some ten years of devot - School of Law), executive director of Junior PRESENTATION, from page 10 Genocide and is one of the first to treat the geno - ed research, editing and translating overseen by Achievements of Armenia and founder of the States with an Armenian name. In Connecticut, cidal experiences of the Armenians, Assyrians, Wolfgang and Sigrid Gust. It is an extensive NGO Orran, titled “Poverty and the Rights of he photographed a sign of the Antranig and Greeks in a comparative manner and as an selection of some 218 telegrams, letters and Children in Armenia”. The lecture took place at Ozanian Memorial Highway, as well as the memorial stone of Haroutune Daghlian, a physi - cist with the Manhattan Project who had acci - dentally irradiated himself in 1945. While in Virginia, Partamian searched for the grave or a memorial of Martin the Armenian, one of the first settlers of the Jamestown Colony. As the author’s search turned up nothing, he looked for and found an extraordinary-looking tree and dedicated it to Martin the Armenian, comment - ing that, just like the Armenian people, the tree would grow and wither, but certainly give rise to new shoots. The publication of The Armenian in America comes on the heels of a series of books by Partamian documenting the contri - butions of Armenians to American Civilization. In Yes, We Have and its sequel, Yes, We Have Too as well as an Armenian version, titled Ayo, Menk enk , Partamian has documented the con - tributions of hundreds of Armenian-Americans to their adopted homeland, in fields ranging from science, technology, and literature to poli - tics, journalism, and sports. Partamian said that just as proceeds from the sale of the Yes, We Have series have helped fund the publication of The Armenian in America, proceeds from the sale of the latter volume will benefit his next major project, the making and publication of The Armenian in the World . A sweeping photographic survey of Armenian institutions, landmarks, and signs across the entire globe, The Armenian in the World will be published just before April 2015, in honor of the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. The Armenian in America, priced at $40, will be available for purchase at Armenian book - stores and online at TheArmenian.com. 12 S ATURDAY , M ARCH 16, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARTS & LIVING TCA Hosts Book Dedication CC AA LLEENNDDAARR ALEPPO, from page 10 whom is no guile!” (John 1:47) and described Khanjian, who puts forth is best abilities as an archetypal Christian Armenian “in whom is no guile.” The Prelate wished for the return of peace to Aleppo. Historian Dr. Vahram Shemmassian pre - sented Haleb, Arachin Gayaran, discussing MASSACHUSETTS the many important aspects of the book, MARCH 16 — Clarinetist Narek Arutyunian, the young clar- highlighting customs, traditions and culture inetist who dazzled the audiences last year at the Armenian in Armenian life in Aleppo in the era covered: Night at the Pops, returns to Boston next weekend for a special life near the “Gare de Baghdad” station, the concert with the Longwood Symphony, performing Carl Maria Armenian Evangelical Emmanuel school that von Weber’s thrilling Clarinet Concerto No. 2, 8 p.m., Jordan the author attended, the special figures such Hall of the New England Conservatory, 30 Gainsborough Street, as the Arab ice cream vendor, and the way Boston. Tickets and information: www.longwoodsymphony.org, the local Arabs treated the Armenians. Of or call (617) 987-0100. special importance was how the author’s APRIL 19 — Armenian Genocide Commemoration at the State father, Vazken Khanjian, a custom furniture House, 10 a.m., House of Representatives Chamber, builder, treated books and periodicals with Massachusetts State House. At noon, participants are invited to such reverence that wrinkling an issue was march from the State House to the Armenian Heritage Park for reason for punishment. additional remarks, music and a brown-bag lunch. Keynote Shemmassian covered different aspects of speaker will be former US ambassador to Armenia, John Evans. life in Aleppo the family traditions where chil - Donald Tellalian, architect of the Armenian Heritage Park, will dren sat with adults around the heaters lis - receive a joint Senate/House resolution thanking him for his tening to their stories. He noted that many of Clarinetist Narek Arutyunian, who dazzled the audi - efforts. Free buses will leave at 9 a.m. from St. James and St. these precious traditions and customs have Stephen’s Armenian Churches in Watertown, courtesy of the ences last year at the Armenian Night at the Pops, been regretfully discarded in today’s society Knights of Vartan. For more information, contact coordinator returns to Boston next weekend for a special concert and called to revive them. Lalig Musserian at (617) 319-2651. with the Longwood Symphony, performing Carl The professor also noted that Arab charac - Maria von Weber’s Clarinet Concerto No. 2, 8 p.m., ters are presented in a positive way and that Jordan Hall of the New England Conservatory, 30 the book covers commentary about the polit - NEW HAMPSHIRE Gainsborough Street, Boston. Tickets and informa - ical life, such as upheavals of the 1960s, APRIL 6 — Spring Dance Featuring Armenian and American when Armenians, particularly ARF leaders, tion: www.longwoodsymphony.org, or call (617) Music; 7-11 p.m. at the Ararat Armenian Congregational were prosecuted, jailed and killed in Syria. 987-0100 Church, 2 Salem St., Salem. All ages welcome. Tickets $15, avail - He considered the 226-page book one worthy able at the door. For info, email [email protected]. to be translated into Arabic and English, con - gratulated the author and wished that he continue to publish new works. Fr. Hovsep Hagopian, who was represent - ing Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America, Western, congratulated the author for doing everything with faith and love, and Aleppo represents. read the Western Diocese Primate’s congrat - The program ended with Rev. Dr. Vahan ulatory letter. Arch. Derderian wrote that the Tootikian’s prayers. About 350 people who book portrays the author’s religious and were in attendance had a chance to obtain national feelings, and urges all of us to con - autographed copies of the book. tinuously apply our actions as application of The following churches, charities and orga - our nationalistic convictions. nizations came together to form the Syrian Zaven Khanjian, the author, said that he Armenian Relief Fund: Armenian Catholic was humbled by all the presentations, and all Eparchy in North America; Armenian the talk was about a place, where people Evangelical Union of North America; Western were born and grew up and the credit Diocese of the Armenian Church; Western belongs to that place called Aleppo. He had a Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of long list of people whom he thanked for their America; Armenian General Benevolent various contributions including providing the Union; Armenian Missionary Association of hall; publishing, editing, formatting and pre - America; Armenian Relief Society of Western senting the book; and the audience. He U.S.A.; Armenian Democratic Liberal Party; thanked his wife, Sona, for being so support - Armenian Revolutionary Federation-Western ive and all the sacrifices that she continues to U.S.A.; and Social Democrat Hunchakian make for him. Khanjian wrapped up his mes - Party-Western U.S.A. The web site address sage by reciting a poetic description of what follows: www.SyrianArmenianReliefFund.org.

From left, Vatche Semerdjian, Hrant Agbabian, Sona Khanjian, Zaven Khanjian, Lena Bozoyan and Zaven Khamjian S ATURDAY , M ARCH 16, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 13 COMMENTARY

T HE A RMENIAN COMMENTARY Mirror- The Demise of a Cultural Icon

tually causing him to commit suicide in 1999. On the contrary, Spectator By Edmond Y. Azadian Hakobian’s pessimism has a submissive fatalism, accepting the realities of life as they are, as desolate as they may be. The material Hakobian’s soul was made of was derived from When an artist attains a ripe age and continues to create and the historic land of Armenia, yet somewhere in the philosophi - to surprise his fans, people forget their mortality for a moment cal eternity, his soul meets that of Georgia O’Keefe, because and begin to believe that the artist in question is there forever, both are the masters of extracting so much emotion, so much Established 1932 he or she is the journeyman of the eternal, of course, until he brooding out of isolated desert landscapes. An ADL Publication or she faces the inevitable. Hakobian’s art has relentlessly undergone development; he I had that feeling when I heard Picasso had died. I thought always has been on the threshold of a new vision, a daring jump eternity had collapsed and destroyed the traveler of that unend - into unexplored vistas.

EDITOR ing journey. His early depictions of ordinary people gradually gave way to Alin K. Gregorian I experienced the very same feeling upon hearing about the loss his experiment with tailors’ dummies, which were humanized to of painter Hakob Hakobian (Hagopian), who at the threshold of express love, sadness, dancing, remembering, etc. His paintings ASSISTANT EDITOR 90, still surprised his fans with a new and refreshing phases of his also depicted simple instruments, ordinary objects with power - Gabriella Gage art. I was also overcome with intense emotions as he was very ful messages. His fragile eggs against the threatening teeth of much a part of my life. While still in Egypt, he had shared many pliers depict the frail feature of human lives versus iron logic of ASSOCIATE EDITOR collective art shows with my wife, Nora, and we had come to trea - destiny. His headless crowds feature another message about hor - Aram Arkun sure his friendship, his art, his wisdom and his inexorable quest rors of the nuclear age. ART DIRECTOR about the destiny of the Armenian people and Armenia. Hakobian was a gentle person and an even gentler artist, yet Marc Mgrditchian I will never forget one evening in 1962, his grueling questions he could tear your heart apart with his symbolism on Armenian on life in Armenia, as I had just returned from Yerevan, after my history; his painting depicting a herd of sheep, heads against a first trip there, with mixed feelings. We were walking for miles wall in the summer heat, while one slaughtered sheep hangs on SENIOR EDITORIAL COLUMNIST: along Cairo streets and I was trying to convey my reservations a pole. The herd is “sheepishly” resigned to its destiny. Edmond Azadian about the limitations of artistic freedom behind the Iron The last stage of Hakobian’s art was to move from the canvas Curtain, trying to tread on a fine line, mindful of my principles to metals to animate simple instruments. After painting instru - CONTRIBUTORS: of supporting Armenia under any condition. ments with loud human messages, he actually resorted to work - Florence Avakian, Elizabeth Aprahamian, Hakobian was already an upcoming artist with a solid reputa - ing with the metals themselves, which he collected form junk - Daphne Abeel, Dr. Haroutiune tion and his wife, Marie, was the foremost dress designer in yards and turned into tiny sculptures, each one with an artistic Arzoumanian, Taleen Babayan, Prof. Egypt. They both had opportunities to settle in Europe or North expression. He then would cast those molds into large and Vahakn N. Dadrian, Diana Der Hovanessian, Philip Ketchian, Kevork America. impressive sculptures. The last time I visited his studio, he had Keushkerian, Sonia Kailian-Placido , As we parted late that night, I was convinced that he had already 300 tiny sculptures. It is ironic that he was planning his Harut Sassounian, Mary Terzian, Hagop understood my subtle message that Armenia was not yet for first large-scale sculpture exhibition for March 19 in Yerevan. Vartivarian, Naomi Zeytoonian him. He was not only an artist, but an articulate writer. He pub - Little did I know that soon he was moving his family to lished many essays which appeared in a voluminous book in CORRESPONDENTS: Armenia. “After all, it is our homeland,” he said, “no individual, 2006. They feature his observations, sharp criticism and ques - Armenia - Hagop Avedikian no matter how talented, can be greater than his nation. We are tions about Armenian history, as well as artistic life in Armenia Boston - Nancy Kalajian destined to share the fate of our homeland.” and in the diaspora. He would lash out against ugly develop - Philadelphia - Lisa Manookian Hakobian, an unassuming person and the personification of Berlin - Muriel Mirak-Weissbach ments of Armenian life with a sharpness no one would else humility, never expected rewards and glory as he settled in would dare to express. Contributing Photographers: Armenia, first in the city of Gumri (Leninakan), where he was He was tormented about the destiny of the Armenian people. Jacob Demirdjian, Harry Koundakjian, Jirair inspired to create immortal landscapes. Later, he moved to the Hovsepian “What happened to us, where are our traditional values?” he capital, Yerevan. would ask almost in tears. He would satirize, sometimes the Hakobian’s art radiates a universal sadness. He was a medita - political immaturity of our leaders and everyone accepted his tive artist and he was first misunderstood in Armenia. One of his comments with reverence, knowing they came from inner tor - The Armenian Mirror-Spectator is published early paintings featured a poor neighborhood in Gumri, where ment and introspection, rather than personal motives. weekly, except two weeks in July, by: chickens were roaming free and colorful laundry was hanging to The economic conditions in Armenia bothered him tremen - Baikar Association, Inc. dry. The critics in Armenia jumped on him as a result, to force dously. “My paintings are selling well and I have a comfortable 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 on the artist the straightjacket of “socialist realism,” interpret - life. But I am embarrassed to go into the street and look into the Telephone: 617-924-4420 ing that the artist was sad and despondent under capitalist rule, eyes of the ordinary people who are miserable in rampant pover - FAX: 617-924-2887 and now that he had arrived at the “socialist paradise,” he opted ty.” www.mir rorspectator.com for brighter colors and an optimistic outlook on life. During my last visit, he showed a large painting depicting a Hakobian remained true to himself and continued his trade - E-Mail: editor@mirrorspectator .com forest of Armenian skulls, his grandparents included. Right in mark philosophical concept of art and, indeed, he achieved fame the middle of the painting is Ataturk’s notorious racist motto: For advertising: [email protected] and recognition. In 1986, he was awarded the coveted prize of “Happy is the person who claims to be a Turk,” in Turkish. the Artist of the Soviet Union and in 1988, he was invited to join “I would like to donate this painting to a museum,” he said. the USSR Academy of Fine Arts. Later on, he was twice award - “This is my message to my people and this is my message to SUBSCRIPTION RATES : ed the prize of Artist of the Republic of Armenia. Although he humankind. Let everybody know that this is the only contribu - was fond of subdued colors, Hakobian became the rainbow tion of Turks to human civilization.” bridging the diaspora to Armenia. He was among the constella - Last November, as I took my leave from his studio, Hakobian, U.S.A. $80 a year tion of Egyptian-Armenian artists who repatriated to Armenia, accompanied by his wife, walked me to the door, saying, “Don’t at great personal risk, to contribute to the development of artis - forget to visit us the next time you are in Armenia.” I replied, Canada $125 a year tic life in Armenia. The other members of that group were world- “How could I forget since every visit to you is a pilgrimage for renowned coloratura Gohar Gasprarian, opera singers Mihran me, when I get to enjoy intellectual discourse and artistic nov - Other Countries $190 a year Yergat, Armineh Tutunjian and Anna Nishanian, artist Arakel elty?” Badrik, intellectuals Hagop Aramian, Hagop Triantz, Garnik I did not know that this was to be my last pilgrimage to Stepanian and others. Hakobian. © 2011 The Armenian Mirror-Spectator Hakobian had a characteristic style with a penchant for econ - The artist was a man of dignity and humility. He was extremely Periodical Class Postage Paid at Boston, MA omy of colors. His monochromatic landscapes hide so many modest. He never clamored for fame and celebrity status. Yet, his and additional mailing offices. hues that the painting begins to “speak.” Dead tree trunks humility propelled him to the peak of fame. The Armenian gov - ISSN 0004-234X emerge from nowhere like skeletons to tell the stories of the cen - ernment has decided to bury Hakobian’s remains in the National turies. Pantheon. He will be in good company, with Aram Khachatourian, POSTMASTER : Send address changes to The Hakobian has always reminded me of the French expression - Martiros Saryan, Minas Avetisian, William Saroyan Paruyr Sevak, Armenian Mirror-Spectator, P.O. Box 302, Watertown, MA 02471-0302 ist painter Bernard Buffet, without the latter’s bitterness and Silva Kapoutikian and the other creative minds of the Armenia sarcasm. Clearly cynicism and sarcasm in Buffet ran deep, even - nation. May his tormented soul rest in peace. Other than the editorial, views and opinions expressed in this newspaper do not necessarily eflect the policies of the publisher.

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Justice should be done to the contribution to the national self- Caucasian Islamic army led by Turkish General Khalil Pasha and By Maj. Gen. Hayk Kotanjian determination dissident movement represented by Paruyr Caucasian Tartar gangs. Hayrikyan and Ashot Navasardyan, as well as the Karabagh This fact is symptomatic as it reflects the essence of the policy underground which was forced to wage a national-liberation of destructing the trust between the peoples as a fundamental As a participant of the political process related to the Karabagh struggle under the military dictatorship regime established by basis of conflict resolution and lasting peace between the national-liberation movement since February 1988, I consider it Baku and Moscow authorities in Karabagh after the anti- Azerbaijani and Armenian peoples. Baku authorities attach spe - my duty as a politician, military diplomat and political scientist to Armenian pogroms and the punishment of pogrom-makers in cial importance to the distortion of the information on the speak of the anniversary of the Karabagh national-liberation Baku in January 1990. It is hard to overestimate the political- Armenian Genocide in the Ottoman Empire. The state propagan - movement, having overcome the colonial stranglehold of the diplomatic, political- intelligence role of the Nagorno-Karabagh da of disrespect to the memory of 1.5 million slaughtered Soviet and post-Soviet Azerbaijan over the rights and freedoms of Government-in-exile acting in Moscow in 1991 during the failure Armenians is beyond the framework of separate publications. We the Artsakh Armenians, who at present are successfully building of Perestroika and the loss of the USSR control over its own ter - can exemplify as a case of rude falsification of the history of the their democratic state. ritory and monstrous in its disruptiveness combined might of the Eastern Transcaucasia the efforts of political “balancing” the Peaceful civil movement for the protection of the Artsakh superpower. In 1991, the government-in-exile functioning in genocidal crimes against the Armenian population in the early Armenians’ rights in the process of Perestroika and Glasnost Moscow in strictest secrecy rendered invaluable services to 20th century with the non-existent “genocide against the became a challenge to the inertia of the Stalinist system not rec - Armenia and Artsakh to be promptly warned of impending inter - Azerbaijanis.” In 1998 a decree by the President of the Republic ognizing the priority of individual and collective human rights, nal and external threats to their existence. Here it is appropriate of Azerbaijan “On the genocide against the Azerbaijanis” was ignoring the aspirations of ethnic minorities which were arbi - to emphasize the merits of April-December 1991 Minister of issued on the basis of these falsifications. The representatives of trarily driven by the will of the “father of peoples” to the mini- National Security of the Government-in- exile Marius Yuzbashyan Baku intellectuals themselves in the narrow circle of trust speak empires of the Soviet Azerbaijan type. The Armenians responded and Minister of Justice Yury Barsegov in protecting the security ironically of this disgraceful and dangerous way of political “con - to the pogroms — following the democratic expression of will of interests of the Nagorno-Karabagh Republic and Armenia. solidation of the Azerbaijani people” against the Armenian and the Artsakh people — organized by the Azerbaijani authorities in The role of the last Communist leaders of Armenia, Vladimir Russian peoples. They know that in the early 20th century there Sumgait, Kirovabad and Baku with a law-governed referendum in Movsesyan, Stepan Poghosyan, Aram Sargisian and Sergei actually were massacres of the Armenians in Transcaucasia com - Artsakh that recorded the adamant will of its people to freedom. Badalyan in ensuring a bloodless handover of power was vital. mitted by the expeditionary corps of the Ottoman Turkey and its In the political-legal sense, the Nagorno-Karabagh Republic is The repulsion of external military aggression of Azerbaijan henchmen in the region represented by the Transcaucasia established as a result of the referendum on the basis of the against the self-determined Artsakh highlighted the constellation Tartars, and the resistance by the Armenians as well in the future USSR Law of the Perestroika period “On Procedures for of brilliant commanders who punished the aggressor by creating — in response to the pogroms of the Armenian civilian population Regulation of Issues Related to Separation from USSR the Defense Army of the Nagorno-Karabagh Republic and built a in Sumgait in 1988, and in Baku in 1990. Republics” during its effectiveness — before signing the Alma-Ata system of military security of the Republic of Artsakh and the An example of fooling its own people and attempts of misin - Declaration on the official dissolution of the Soviet Union. Republic of Armenia. Among them the names of Vazgen forming the political circles of the world community is the gen - Another feature of the Karabagh referendum is that the Azeri Sargisian, Serge Sarigisian, Vazgen Manukyan and Vahan erously financed campaign of Baku regime falsifying authorship minority in compliance with the aforementioned USSR Law was Shirkhanyan, Generals Norat Ter-Grigoryants, Gurgen of mockery of the corpses of victims of the Khojaly tragedy. The involved in the preparation of the referendum, although conse - Dalibaltayan, Christopher Ivanyan, Hratch Andreasyan, Anatoly details of this provocation as a tool of political struggle for power quently boycotted it on the orders of the Baku authorities. This Zinevich should be mentioned. In the battles for freedom of in Baku were freshly stated in the famous interview of the is evidenced by the saved documents of the Referendum Artsakh Generals Samvel Babayan, Seyran Ohanyan, Arkady Ter- Azerbaijani President Ayaz Mutalibov to the Czech journalist Commission. The establishment of the legitimate Artsakh Tadevosov, Yuri Khachaturov, Artyusha Harutyunyan, Mikayel Dana Mazalova. The Armenian side has all the evidence that the Republic as a result of areferendum held in accordance with the Harutyunyan, Leonid Martirosov, Vitaly Balasanyan, Manvel corpses were in the vicinity of the city of Agdam, which then was USSR legislation during Perestroika became a milestone in the Grigoryan, Movses Hakobyan and others are distinguished in in the area of responsibility of the Azerbaijani authorities, under fight of the international community against colonialism, and the conducting the defense. The hero of the Karabagh national-liber - the control of their military forces, and the physical contact of the forerunner of the process of law- conforming implementation of ation movement Leonid Azgaldyan became notable in the transi - Armenians with the dead bodies in order to mutilate them was the right to free self-determination of the peoples in East Timor, tion stage from fedayeen national resistance to the creation of not possible. Montenegro, Kosovo and the South Sudan. World practice shows combat units of special mission unit type under the auspices of The international community focuses on the frequent criticism that in this way — without intervention of the metropolis — the the Army of Independence established by him. The significant of the Azerbaijani authorities in connection with the connivance right of peoples to self-determination of Bangladesh, Eritrea, East role of the Armenian Diaspora representatives such as Monte of the legislation and the practice of bribing the foreign public Timor, Montenegro, and now also in the South Sudan were Melkonyan, Zhirayr Sefilyan and others should be mentioned in officials and international organizations engaged in the settle - implemented through the expression of free will at referendums repelling the aggression. ment of the Karabagh conflict and demonstrating tolerance to exactly among the self-determining peoples, and not the popula - The fundamental divergence of principles and trends of forma - the facts of such political corruption. tion in their former metropolises represented by Pakistan, tion of the political cultures of the Republic of Artsakh and What are the guidelines for the peaceful resolution of the Ethiopia, Indonesia or Yugoslavia — Serbia and Sudan. Republic of Azerbaijan requires attention. In the case of Artsakh, Karabagh conflict? Over the past years, a new generation has grown up in the it is the targeted promotion of democratic statehood preparing Appreciating the importance of the OSCE Minsk Group activi - democratic and independent Artsakh Republic, born in a free itself for integration into the family of democratic entities of inter - ty co-chaired by the three permanent members of the UN country indivisibly linked with a thousand-year-old national his - national law. In the case of Azerbaijan, it is the formation of an Security Council — the RF, the US and France — in preventing a torical and cultural heritage, and integrated into the world com - anti-democratic dynastic dictatorship propagating in the society new war in Karabagh we should draw the attention of all the munity of free nations. the cult of personality of the Aliyev family, and a systemic fascist stakeholders to the path of realistic policy, which can lead to a From the height of the independence of Artsakh, achieved Armenophobia with the falsification of the region’s history aimed lasting peace between Armenia, Nagorno Karabagh and through heroic political struggle, and then through the feat of the at territorial claims and justification of future aggression against Azerbaijan. It passes through the recognition of the legitimacy of repulsion of colonial Azerbaijan’s aggression, a number of figures its neighbors. The symptoms of hyper-chauvinism of the Aliyev 1991 referendum and independence of the Nagorno-Karabagh emerge who have made a special contribution to the national- regime is expressed in the glorification of Ramil Safarov — who Republic by Azerbaijan. The participants of the confidential nego - democratic liberation of Karabagh and the protection of its sover - murdered a sleeping colleague — an Armenian officer at the tiations based on the results of the Karabagh war of 1992-1994 eignty. I consider it my duty to note among them the first flagship- NATO international training program. This provocation by the witnessed that the former President of Azerbaijan Heydar Aliyev leaders of the struggle for freedom of Karabagh Genrikh Azerbaijani authorities aimed at undermining the participation of with his Armenian counterparts was also inclined to the possi - Poghosyan (head of the Nagorno-Karabagh Autonomous Oblast the three permanent members of the UN Security Council — bility of such an effective resolution of the conflict. and the first popularly elected Soviet party leader, by whose efforts Russia, the US and France — in the format of the OSCE Minsk The preparation of the Azerbaijani, Armenian and Nagorno- the Oblast petitioned the Kremlin to withdraw from Azerbaijan Group co-chairs in the peaceful resolution of the Karabagh con - Karabagh populations for the recognition of the Nagorno- SSR in 1988), Arcady Manucharov (chairman of the Krunk flict — has been condemned by the authorities of all the three co- Karabagh Republic, as well as for parallel negotiations among the Committee), Vachagan Gabrielyan (chairman of the Nagorno- chair countries. Republic of Azerbaijan, the Nagorno-Karabagh Republic and the Karabagh Autonomous Oblast National Council) and Artur The mentality continues, with the persecution and public mass Republic of Armenia on the status of some territories of the Mkrtchyan (the first speaker of the Parliament of Artsakh — chair - burning of books by Azerbaijani writer Akram Aylisli. In his novel Nagorno-Karabagh Republic’s security zone — to guarantee the man of the Supreme Council of the Nagorno-Karabagh Republic). Aylisli dared to truthfully describe along with the peace and good security of the population and sustainable development of all the The role of the spiritual leaders of the Artsakh national-libera - neighborliness of the Armenians and Caucasian Tartars in the three independent States — could be a factor in the establishment tion movement is invaluable, represented by the Catholicos of All Nakhichevan city of Agulis also the cruelty of Turkish and of lasting peace and security in the South Caucasus and its inte - Armenians Vazgen I, intellectuals Abel Aghanbekyan, Viktor Caucasian Tartars against the peaceful Armenian population of gration into the international community. The key to the efficient Hambardzumyan, Henrik Igityan, Zori Balayan, Silva Kaputikyan, Nakhichevan and Baku. The official reaction accusing him of use of the “smart power” in the Karabagh conflict resolution first Sergei Hambartsumyan, Sergo Mikoyan, Andrei Sakharov, Galina treachery was like the worst traditions of Nazi Germany. The par - can become the re-orientation of the Azerbaijani leadership’s posi - Starovoitova, Lyudmila Harutyunyan, Rafael Ishkhanyan, allels between the fires of the books by Heine, Mann, Freud, and tion from the arms race and territorial claims to the Nagorno- Hrachik Simonyan, Rafael Ghazaryan, Rafael Papayan, Remarque burned by the Nazis of Hitler’s Germany and the pub - Karabagh Republic and Armenia — based on the falsification of the Konstantin Khudaverdyan, Lendrush Khurshudyan, Razmik lications of the people’s writer and honored artist of Azerbaijan history of indigenous peoples of the South Caucasus, and manip - Navasardyan, Karen Yuzbashyan and the leader of Artsakh are obvious. ulation of the certain norms of international law — to a realistic Diocese Archbishop Pargev Martirosian and others who crafted The policy of fomenting anti-Armenian sentiment currently is compromise for a comprehensive resolution of the conflict in the the value and philosophical foundation of the future Nagorno- not limited only to fooling the Azerbaijani people, but also is interests of peace between the Armenian and Azerbaijani peoples. Karabagh Republic. exported to the international community. The denunciation of The success of such “reset” will be conditioned by increasing The activity of such heralds of mass peaceful democratic xenophobia against the Armenians — with the attempts of manip - security cooperation among Russia, the US and France, as well actions as Igor Muradyan and Zhanna Galstyan in consolidation ulatively involving the Jewish Diaspora in negative anti-Armenian as between them and all the three parties to the Karabagh con - of the Armenians in Artsakh and Armenia around the Karabagh sentiments, nurtured by the head of the neighboring state — is flict — the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Nagorno-Karabagh movement is of great importance. The services of Robert symptomatic. It is his decree on the establishment of the geno - Republic and the Republic of Armenia, which share the respon - Kocharian, Serge Sargisian, Arkady Ghukasyan and Bako cide memorial complex that actually canonized the untested ver - sibility before their peoples and the international community for Sahakyan in the state-building of Artsakh democracy are sion of the perpetrators of the mass death of people buried in the the security and sustainable democratic development of the extremely significant. With all the contradictions of some politi - excavated graves in North Azerbaijan and their national and reli - South Caucasus. cal steps taken by the authorities of the first Republic of Armenia gious affiliation. The colleagues from Israel and the Jewish The key to the readiness of the Armenian party for the peace - on the threshold of a complex and largely unexpected challenge Diaspora are resentful that the head of Azerbaijan includes in the ful resolution of the conflict is the recent reelection of Serge of reestablishment of the independent Armenian statehood, the state protocol the visits of the Jewish organizations leaders to the Sargisian, who is experienced in balanced cooperation with all contribution of Levon Ter-Petrosian, Vazgen Manukyan, Babken memorial built allegedly on the remains of the Jews killed by the the main actors interested in peace and security building in the Ararktsyan, Ashot Manucharyan and others to the Karabagh Armenians, but in fact — on the graves of the Armenians killed in South Caucasus. national-liberation movement should be noted. expeditionary raid into the North Azerbaijan in 1918 by the continued on next page S ATURDAY , M ARCH 16, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 15 COMMENTARY

in Turkey and acknowledges the facts of the Armenian Genocide victims. By condemning Leylekian for ostensibly Genocide without using that term because Turkish law defaming Oran-Martz in an editorial, the judge has chosen penalizes those who recognize the Genocide. to deny him free speech, especially a journalist’s right to In a shocking verdict last month, the court found express his views in an opinion column. Surely, the French Leylekian guilty, ordering him to pay a total of 7,500 euros judge knows the difference between an opinion piece and My Turn ($10,000): 4,000 euros to Oran-Martz for moral damages, a news item. Furthermore, the judge ignored the public and 3,500 euros for court costs, despite her evasive and prosecutor’s request not to file criminal charges against By Harut Sassounian irrational testimony during the proceedings. She had lost Leylekian and to refrain from sentencing him. an earlier court case after suing Jean-Paul Bret, the mayor It is ironic that while the French-Armenian community is of Villeurbanne, who had requested that she acknowledge trying to penalize genocide deniers, an Armenian is being Bizarre Court Verdict: French- the Armenian Genocide before agreeing to include her in sued by a denialist Turk. This topsy-turvy state of affairs Armenian Guilty of Defaming a his party’s candidate list. She refused and withdrew from makes the best case as to why the French government the race. In that verdict, the court referred to the Turkish should pass a law banning genocide denial. Turkish Denialist! state’s “vast program of denialism — powerful, perverse and While Oran-Martz gave incoherent answers in court, fre - sophisticated” — a sentence later quoted by Leylekian in his quently irritating the judge, Leylekian provided clear, con - The Empire Strikes Back, not in a science fiction movie, editorial. cise and convincing arguments in his defense. This is why but in a French court! Three prominent individuals testified in court on his guilty verdict was completely unexpected. Could it be For several years, the French-Armenian community has Leylekian’s behalf: Francois Rochebloine, a French that the long arm of Turkish influence-peddling has been trying to pass a law to penalize Armenian Genocide Parliamentarian; Yves Ternon, renowned expert on geno - reached into the French judicial system? denial, similar to the law that sanctions Holocaust denial. cide and denial; and Hilda Tchoboian, former chairwoman After losing her first lawsuit against the mayor of Even though the French Parliament and Senate have of the European-Armenian Federation for Justice and Villeurbanne three years ago, Oran-Matz vowed to contin - approved such a law, and both President Hollande and for - Democracy. Oran-Martz was accused by Leylekian of taking ue her legal battle by announcing that this was “only the mer President Sarkozy have supported it, the Armenian part in a protest by the Turkish extremist Grey Wolves first round.” It is imperative that the verdict against efforts have been aborted by powerful Turkish political and group against an Armenian Genocide Monument in Lyon, Leylekian be reversed through an appeal filed by a compe - economic circles. France, and signing a petition against the law on genocide tent, high-powered lawyer in order to right this miscarriage Turning the proposed law on its head, Sirma Oran-Martz, denial. Testifying on behalf of Oran-Martz were: Murat of justice and put a stop to more anti-Armenian lawsuits by a French citizen of Turkish origin, had filed a lawsuit in Erpuyan, director of Paris-based ATA Turquie Association; Turkish denialists. France against Laurent Leylekian, a French-Armenian, for Maxime Gauin, a French researcher working at a denialist The French-Armenian community should not remain defamation of character. Leylekian, former editor of think tank in Ankara; Alain Mascarou, a retired French silent, but express its outrage in the strongest possible France-Armenie magazine and former executive director teacher who knew the plaintiff in Ankara and her husband, terms against this unjust verdict and demand that the of the European-Armenian Federation for Justice and Jean-Patrick Martz. judge be disciplined for violating French laws and insulting Democracy, had written a sarcastic editorial titled, “Martz Hopefully, Leylekian would be vindicated when he the memory of Genocide victims. Attack” in the magazine’s website, denouncing attempts to appeals this outrageous verdict. Clearly, the judge has It is high time Armenians show some resolve to defend transplant Turkish denialism to French soil. Ironically, made a mockery of French justice by siding with a geno - their rights in France and elsewhere, particularly on the Oran-Martz is daughter of Prof. Baskin Oran who resides cide denialist, while punishing a descendant of Armenian eve of the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide! Albert Sharuryan: A Genuine Scientist and Human Being

The first years after his study was devoted to journalism Grikor Zohrab in these pages. By Aram Yelahyan and from 1962 till his death Sharuryan turned to literary activ - The next and the last work by Sharuryan was Grikor Zohrab ity and teaching, being a professor at Yerevan State University. in the Memoirs and Statements of the Contemporaries , pub - The literary heritage of Albert Sharuryan is notable: he is the lished in 2006. Maybe his ancestral roots caused Albert Sharuryan to choose author of a wide range of books and texts, including volumes Sharuryan is also the author of other works and translations the sphere of the Western Armenian literature and to serve it on Srbuhi Tyusab, Petros Duryan, Misak Mesarents, Daniel and more than 200 articles. during his for half a century. His parents were orphans who Varujan and Grikor Zohrab. “The Luminous Man from Yerevan” is the title of the article immigrated in 1915 from the villages Narek and Paykhner on In 1996 Sharuryan published the scientific and investigative about Sharuryan printed by reporter and publicist Sergey the southern bank of lake Van, famous for the Narek huge work titled The Chronology of Grikor Zohrab’s Life and Bablumyan in his book titled Far and Near . There he writes: Moanstery, home of the tomb of St. Grigor Naregatsi Literary Activity , thanks to the encouragement of Catholicos of ‘’The beginning of the ’90s of the last century Yerevan was and his prayer-place. Maybe he inherited kindness All Armenians Karekin I. noticeable also for one thing, that, it was easy to get acquaint - and decency from this saintly place. Sharuryan was one of His Holiness was acquainted with Sharuryan’s works from ed with the professors in the queues for bread where everybody those persons in whom genuine scientist and decency are the Catholicosate of Antelias and in 1995 in Echmiadzin he got was equal but not alike each other. The extraordinary person - joined: unfortunately, such couplings are rare nowadays. to know him personally. Sharuryan spoke about his first meet - ality and decency of Sharuryan was expressed even here, in this Albert Sharuryan was born in the year of 1931. He would ing with the Catholicos in the Veharan. His Holiness had asked limited area for the daily bread. And while he appears as if out have been 82 on March 10. him if he had visited the Mother Cathedral that day and getting of nowhere and unexpectedly rose the atmosphere of mutual The name Albert was chosen by his father, an affirmative answer went on asking if he had prayed. compromise and understanding. At first I thought that the rea - who thought that the name in Armenian means red fortress. Sharuryan had replied: “Your Holiness, I don’t know how to son was only in the fact that Sharuryan was known in that The son was hardly 10-years-old when together with his studies pray but I asked God first of all to guide my children and grand - block of houses. at school he started to help his father in transporting the mate - children in their hardships, then to help those who are in need, Sharuryan had no special demands for his own benefit and rials and selling wooden things in order to earn the daily bread and then at the very end if he wishes to assist me.” lived modestly. He had his own system of evaluation and was for the family. The years of World War II were especially hard “That is the utmost right prayer,” was the reply of the indifferent to high positions. Sharuryan was one of those rare when the care of the family was on his shoulders because his Catholicos of blessed memory. intellectuals whose lectures were attended by the students of father was in the battlefield. From those times Sharuryan The publishing house of Holy Echmiadzin also published other specialties as well as from other universities as they were remembers the tragedy when a boy of his age trying to run Grikor Zohrab, Pages from the Diary of a Traveler . getting not only scientific information but also cordiality and away with the stolen piece of bread in his hand had fallen under In 1994 Sharuryan’s monographic work titled From the love. This writer is one of those lucky students. the wheels of the tram. Pages of Grikor Zohrab’s Life and Literary Heritage received By some providence during his lifetime Sharuryan in the sta - During the years at school Albert Sharuryan already chose Hamazkayin Award and was published in Beirut. tus of a friend, schoolmate or colleague was in touch with many his specialty and in 1949 went to the philological faculty at the In 2001-2004 was published the Full Collection of Grikor people well-known to all us who had left and are still leaving Yerevan State University. The years at the university as it was Zohrab’s Works . This book was highly evaluated. The six vol - their traces in the national, culture and scientific life, are par - typical for the people of his generation passed in self-sacrifice umes of about 3500 was a great performance in the Armenian ticipating in writing of the contemporary history. And I think and sometimes he and his friends wounded their fingers and literary world, where one can discover another Zohrab — the there is no need to innumerate their names here but I am sure put some salt on the wounds in order to stay awake national promoter and statesman, publicist, intellectual, hus - that Albert Sharuryan has given a part, let it be a small part and study the whole night. band and friend. In a word we see the whole face and merit of from his illumination to those people due to which their deeds have become kinder or at least less evil. Sharuryan was a happy man. He was thankful to God for hav - ing a good family and beloved work. “A human needs these two things to be happy,” he used to say. The only thing which he Karabagh Minister Speaks on Anniversary of Artsakh Liberation Movement wished and could never realize was to see all his grandchildren together which were impossible as his elder daughter lived far from previous page Developing Armenian National Security Strategy in the Context abroad. (Maj. Gen. Hayk Kotanjian, is a former government minister, and of Regional Security Architecture of the South Caucasus mono - Later after his death this wish was fulfilled in an artificial holds a doctorate in political science. Twenty five years ago, hav - graphs developed correspondingly under the auspices of the way: when looking closely at the family photo one can notice ing returned from the long-term mission to the Afghan war as a Center for Methodology in International Relations Research of the that the photo of the elder granddaughter is added later. Member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Diplomatic Academy, MFA, USSR-RF (1990-92) and the Institute Albert Sharuyan died on January 22, 2007 at one of the hos - Armenia, he was on the scene of the Sumgait pogroms, conduct for National Strategic Studies of the US National Defense pitals in Yerevan after undergoing surgery. His life was pro - talks with the Azerbaijani side and organized a voluntary University (2003-2004). Doctor Kotanjian was a Visiting Scholar at tracted for four days with the help of medical equipment. The exchange of 3,000 Baku Armenians with 3,000 Azerbaijanis — the Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University (US, 2010) doctors were amazed. By staying alive he only wanted to make residents of Armenia’s Hrazdan Region — providing property and a distinguished Visiting Professor at the Institute for National possible the already scheduled visit of his son with his elder rights of the contingents being exchanged. Kotanjian as an Strategic Studies (US, 2011). General Kotanjian is a Member of daughter. Inspector under the First Secretary of the Central Committee of the CSTO Academic-Expert Council. From April to December May be one day Albert Sharuryan’s the the Communist Party of Armenia during Perestroika coordinated 1991, on the threshold of the collapse of the USSR, Kotanjian was only unfulfilled dream will become true in a natural way also, political analysis and elaborations on the Karabagh movement. He the acting Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Nagorno-Karabagh and when all his grandchildren will manage to gath - is the author of Ethnic Politics of Conflict and Consensus: Government-in-exile in Moscow. This article originally appeared in er together — he will surely visit them from Heaven. Civilization Aspect of National Security and Guidelines on Azg.) 16 S ATURDAY , M ARCH 16, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Armenian Modern Art Great Hakob Hakobian Dies

HAKOBIAN, from page 1 version of Armenian national identity. The road Hakobian was born in Egypt to parents who is a symbol that carries a special meaning to the had fled the Armenian Genocide. He was edu - Armenian people. It illustrates the history of cated at the Melkonian Educational Institute in frequent and forced resettlement that shaped Cyprus. He left Egypt for Soviet Armenia in Armenian identity. The mathematical precision 1962, staying there until his death. of Hakobian’s art is perhaps as important for its His art is currently part of a new exhibition of understanding as the symbols he uses. The road Soviet and contemporary art from Central Asia and the pole are present in most of Hakobian’s and the Caucasus that opened just four days landscapes in both his early and late periods.” before his death at the Sotheby’s auction house Hakobian was also featured in the 2009 film in London called “At The Crossroads: “Armenian Exile” by Canadian- Contemporary Art From The Caucasus And Armenian Hagop Goudsouzian. “I also don’t Central Asia. know what Armenian means,” he tells the cam - Henrik Igityan, founder of the first Museum era, “yet I am Armenian. It wasn’t my decision. of Modern Art in the USRR once described It’s nature’s decision, a decision that took thou - Hakobian’s art “quite accesible, while demand - sands of years.” ing deep penetration and complexity,” accord - The analysis also states, “The horizontal flat - ing to Sotheby’s catalogue notes on Hakobian ness and openness of the space of landscape written by Sabina Sadova. “Hakobyan intro - reveals an almost Renaissance mathematical duced a new facet to Armenian art, a facet that study of perspective mixed with Japanese ele - makes him powerful from colorists.” ments in the construction of depth. Space in More from Sotheby’s catalogue notes: Hakobian’s works appears as a vacuum, a sharp “His palette is calm and dominated by muted “The Road to Echmiadzin,” 1970, Museum of Modern Art, Yerevan contrast to the sunlit expanses and fresh air of ochres and brown hues. His linear, mostly verti - Saryan’s works. This vacuum is perhaps one of cal calculated compositions convey feelings of the most important features of Hakobian’s art.” displacement, nostalgia and muteness. though the feelings expressed by his works inti - exude a very contemporary feel.” (Reports from ArmeniaNow, Ianyan Hakobyan’s motifs contain none of the tradition - mately reflect the feelings of Armenians towards “…there is a language of symbols that the Magazine, Sotheby’s and PanArmenian.net al Armenian elements as established by Saryan, their land and their turbulent past. His works artist develops in order to construct his own were used in this story.)

New Board Installation and Initiatives for 2013 Announced at APS Meeting STUDIO CITY, Calif. — The Armenian terly networking mixers in Downtown, Matigan, president in 2006, who introduced recognized Richard Diradourian as the new Professional Society (APS) Los Angeles, Hollywood and Glendale. Other events includ - Vram Gorjian and honored him on behalf of 2013 Past President’s Chairman. installed its new Executive Board and ed an exclusive art show in the studio of world- the Past Presidents Council as an honorary The evening concluded with heartfelt wishes announced events for 2013. The annual instal - renowned artist Yuroz that included a private past president for his years of work supporting from a dedicated pool of guests who were lation event was held on Friday, February 1 at tour of his artwork and studio. He encouraged the organization and committee. Although not encouraged to continue their support as men - the Bistro Garden. Guests included past presi - growth within the organization through con - officially a past president of the organization, tors, leaders, and dignitaries of the APS. dents, supporting and new members, as well tinued support and member initiatives and con - he has been the treasurer of the Past Additional information about The Armenian as family and friends of the Executive Board. cluded by introducing the 2013 president, Presidents Council for many years. He was Professional Society and upcoming events is Angelo Ghailian, 2012 APS president, start - Taline Hanna. awarded the Past President’s pin. Matigan also available at [email protected], www.apsla.org. ed the evening’s program stating the mission Hanna, who had been serving on the statement of the APS and its outlook for Executive Board for two years, took the podi - growth in 2013 and the coming years. Ghailian um as the president. She recognized the new welcomed the supporters, thanking them for members of the APS and thanked the past Nova Southeastern University Actively Fundraising their continued support and recognized the presidents and returning members for their past presidents who were in attendance. A attendance at the installation dinner. Hanna For Armenian Genocide Studies number of past presidents were in attendance announced the newly added chair positions FUNDRAISING, from page 1 such as Shahan Minassian, Robert Matigan, which are the Banquet Committee chair led by framework for genocide studies and genocide prevention, and establish a separate degree program, Betty Jamgotchian, Haig Minassian, Harry Natalie Panossian and the Event-Coordinating or at least a concentration in master’s and doctoral programs. We are not quite there yet.” Markarian, Garo Minassian and Dr. Vaughn chair led by Eddie Grigorian. The interest in Armenia came about through research into modern genocide. Marshall Gregor, the founder of the APS. Hanna congratulated the candidates for the points out that “as Dr. Campbell demonstrates in his research, the Armenian Genocide is a Ghailian recognized his board and thanked Executive Board of 2013. Each member’s out - blueprint for the genocides of the 20th and 21st centuries. You see all the factors here mir - them for all their support and for leading a suc - standing accomplishments in their academic rored in later genocides, so you can learn a lot about prediction and prevention by studying cessful year in 2012. Then, Ghailian recapped achievements and professional careers were this genocide.” In this sense, Marshall said, in-depth studies of the factors leading up to the the year’s events marked by a well-attended outlined as cheers rang from guests. The Armenian Genocide can be quite useful. The approach at NSU is an activist one, so graduate Professional of the Year banquet, joined by the Executive Board of 2013, who were nominated students want to learn what can be done for prevention. Armenian Engineers and Scientists of America by the Council and approved in accordance At the moment, the Armenian Genocide is a component of the courses on genocide being in November, honoring Dr. Vaughn Gregor with the APS by-laws, comprise of Hanna as offered. It does not have a faculty member whose research specifically has been on the with the Lifetime Achievement Award and the president, Lily Kazarians as the first vice presi - Armenian Genocide and does not offer Armenian language classes, but it has hosted relevant Victor Hambartsumian Award. He also high - dent, Ani Petrossian as the second vice presi - guest speakers and lectures. For example, author Margaret Ajemian Ahnert, author of the lighted other sold-out events such as the quar - dent, and Antreas Hindoyan as the Treasurer. memoir A Knock at the Door, spoke there in 2008. Dr. Seta Khajarian was selected as a returning Not only does NSU want to expand its genocide studies programs, but it also wants to Scholarship Chair. expand their Armenian component. At the moment, Marshall said, “A lecture series on issues Hanna officially accepted to serve as the connected to the Armenian Genocide or the early modern genocides is something we are con - Deukmejian Honored at President for 2013 and promised to maintain sidering. We could bring in people without making a faculty line available. We would like to APS traditions of Armenian fellowship in its make more resources specific to the Armenian Genocide available to our students.” However, Ethics Seminar non-political, non-sectarian stance, and its sup - due to financial difficulties, she stated that “whether we could get a full faculty position with - port in fostering of higher education in young out additional funding available is unclear.” LONG BEACH, Calif. (Gazettes.com) — Armenians. Hanna also thanked the new board Marshall added, “We are actively seeking funding. It would be a dream to be able to hire Former Governor George Deukemejian was members and shared her excitement of candi - someone whose specific academic background is in Armenian Studies.” honored earlier in March by the Ukleja Center dates!. Armenian language courses would be possible too, if funding was sufficient to hire an inde - for Ethical Leadership during a recent seminar guest indulged in conversation over coffee pendent faculty member for this. at the Hyatt Long Beach. and dessert, Hanna outlined the initiatives of Marshall is not worried about any potential interference from the Turkish government. She Deukmejian received the 2013 Nell and John enhancing the APS and offered a tentative said, “It is hard to envision resistance from a foreign government reaching what we are doing Wooden Ethics in Leadership Award at the sem - schedule of events for the upcoming year. here at Nova SU in the curricular area, though I know it can happen. In any case, we are inar entitled “Leading the Ethical The schedule included multiple networking poised to move ahead at this point.” Organization” which featured Deukmejian as opportunities, educational lectures during NSU has a grant proposal pending with one Armenian foundation, and is looking at other the keynote speaker. dinner parties, community service at grant sources as well as private donor funding. The university has a definite time frame in In addition to the award, Deukmejian Armenian institutions, the traditional events mind. Marshall explained that “the firm curricular framework that I would like to establish received a check for $10,000. of the APS such as the past Presidents luau should really be announced at the one hundredth anniversary of the Genocide. That would “George Deukmejian epitomizes the spirit of and the famous fireworks finale at the be the most appropriate time for a new outreach program or a firm faculty member.” the Nell and John Wooden Ethics in Leadership Hollywood Bowl, and the annual Professional There is at least one prominent Armenian-American already involved with NSU who would Award,” said Louise Ukleja, chair of the Ukleja of the Year Banquet. be supportive of such programs. Marta T. Batmasian is a member of the Board of Governors Center’s advisor board in a release. “Like the The APS will also focus its efforts to coordi - of the H. Wayne Huizenga School of Business and Entrepreneurship at Nova Southeastern. Woodens, the Governor has chosen to lead a nate with the other Armenian organizations in Furthermore, she and her husband in the past donated a large memorial to the Armenian purposeful life guided by principles of integrity, order to develop stronger ties with the com - Genocide, which stands at the entrance of the school. respect and trust.” munity in pursuit of increased visibility and Marshall concluded, “We are an attractive host for this sort of thing. We have a working Deukmejian, a long-time resident of Long esteem. The APS will concentrate on a men - program already. Our program in conflict resolution is available fully on line. The university Beach served as Governor from 1983 to 1991, toring program that will be instrumental in fos - is young and is able to move in the direction of where there is a need for learning. We have having previously served as attorney general, tering young college graduates with contacts identified the Armenian Genocide and genocide in general as an area of critical importance senator, and in the California State Assembly. and skills sets to excel in their desired profes - to learn about.” He has his B.A. from Siena College and JD sions. degree from St. John’s University Law School. The evening came to a close by Robert