SEPTEMBER 28, 2019 Mirror-SpeTHE ARMENIAN ctator Volume LXXXX, NO. 11, Issue 4604 $ 2.00 NEWS The First English Language Armenian Weekly in the United States Since 1932 INBRIEF Foreign Minister Meets Pashinyan, With OSCE Minsk Former Security Group Co-Chairs NEW YORK (Armenpress) — Armenian Foreign Chief Step Up Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan, in New York on a working visit to take part in the 74th session of the UN General Assembly, on September 23 met with War of Words the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Minsk Group Co-Chairs Igor Popov YEREVAN (RFE/RL) — Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, Stéphane Visconti of Nikol Pashinyan and Artur Vanetsyan, the France, and Andrew Schofer of the United States of former head of Armenia’s National Security America, as well as Andrzej Kasprzyk, the Personal Service (NSS) forced to resign last week, have Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office. traded fresh and more bitter recriminations. The sides touched upon the developments fol- Vanetsyan hit out at Pashinyan when he lowing the Washington meeting on June 20, the announced his resignation in a statement current situation of the peaceful settlement process issued on September 16. He said that the of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict and the oppor- latter’s “impulsive” leadership style is not tunities to implement the agreements reached pre- good for Armenia and runs counter to the viously. NSS “officer’s honor.” Mnatsakanyan and the OSCE Minsk Group Co- Pashinyan swiftly rounded on Vanetsyan Chairs exchanged views on the upcoming meeting through his press secretary. His chief of of the Armenian and Azerbaijani FMs, as well as staff said afterwards the former NSS chief touched upon the upcoming actions planned in the co-chairs’ calendar. Dr. Noubar Afeyan (Leo Gozbekian photo) Former Police Chief Making Immigration Great Found Dead YEREVAN (Armenpress) — Former Police Chief of Armenia Hayk Harutyunyan was found shot Again at Tribute to Afeyan dead Monday, September 23, in a home in Bjni, a village in the province of Kotayk, the authorities BOSTON — Immigrants and their unique and vital contributions to the success said. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, left, and of the US economy since the nation’s founding were the dominant themes of a Police received an emergeny call around 23:59, National Security Service Director Artur program paying tribute to Dr. Noubar September 23, Investigative Committee spokesper- Vanetsyan Afeyan, biotech innovator and philan- son Naira Harutyunyan said on Facebook. By Alin K. Gregorian thropist, on Wednesday, September 18, She said officers found Harutyunyan’s body with at the InterContinental Hotel. a gunshot wound to the head. was sacked because the prime minister was Mirror-Spectator Staff The program also was a fundraiser A firearm and a cartridge case were found at the dissatisfied with his work. for the maintenance of Boston’s scene. Traces of blood were also found. Visiting the United States on Sunday, Armenian Heritage Park on the Greenway and it did not disappoint; the roughly Harutyunyan was Police Chief of Armenia from Pashinyan accused Vanetsyan of showing 500 people gathered there raised $700,000. 2003 to 2008. He also served as Minister of Interior “disrespect for the officer’s honor” by mak- Throughout the evening, the phrase “coming together on common ground” before that. ing the “statement against his commander- was stressed. The immigrant theme goes to the heart of the park, which has From 2010 to 2014 he was the head of the in-chief.” “Would an officer do such a become a gathering place not only for Armenian commemorations, but also the Department of Corrections. thing?” he told a news conference held in site of the annual welcome reception for new US citizens who are sworn in at Los Angeles. “Do you know what that nearby Faneuil Hall, as well as other creative programs. means? That means throwing your shoul- see TRIBUTE, page 10 Renowned Chemist der straps into a trash bin.” see PASHINYAN, page 2 Oganessian Receives Biden, Warren, Harris, Honor Pashinyan Uses Charm Offensive YEREVAN (Armenpress) — President of Armenia Gabbard and More Armen Sarkissian on September 24 signed a decree In Historic Los Angeles Address Emphasize Affirmation of on awarding academician Yuri Oganessian with the Armenian Genocide in Order of St. Mesrop Mashtots, the President’s reflections on the momentous trip and on Office told Armenpress. By Taleen Babayan the strong presence of the 200,000-plus Letters in Honor of Speier The renowned academician has been awarded for the great contribution and achievements in the Special to the Mirror-Spectator Armenian-Americans in Los Angeles and the adjacent San Fernando Valley. WASHINGTON — The Armenian development of science. In his keynote address, Pashinyan Assembly of America received letters The president signed the respective decree based LOS ANGELES — Thanking the expressed his gratitude to the Armenian from former Vice President and Senator on a request from Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. Diaspora and encouraging closer ties Diaspora for all its support to help bolster Joe Biden; Speaker of the U.S. House of between Armenia and the diaspora formed the Republic of Armenia and the role they Representatives, Nancy Pelosi (D-CA); the core of the message Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer Sunday, September 22, in (D-NY); Senate Foreign Relations INSIDE Grand Park as up to Committee Ranking Member Robert 15,000 supporters gath- Menendez (D-NJ); California Senators ered to witness the his- Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and Kamala toric first visit of the Harris (D-CA); Massachusetts Senators Portasar Republic of Armenia’s Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Ed Markey Prime Minister, Nikol (D-MA); the leadership of the Pashinyan, to Los Angeles, Congressional Caucus on Armenian Beckons home to the largest Issues - Reps. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), Armenian community out- Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Page 14 side the homeland. and Peter King (R-NY); House Natural Pashinyan, who has Resources Committee Chairman Raul promised to lead the Grijalva (D-AZ); Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA); Republic in a new — and Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan Rep. Jim Costa (D-CA); Rep. Chellie transparent — direction, Pingree (D-MN); Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D- INDEX was met with great fanfare HI); Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD); and Rep. Arts and Living ...... 13 as he addressed the enthusiastic crowd in a played in ushering in a more optimistic TJ Cox (D-CA) emphasizing the impor- Armenia ...... 2,3 symbolic location on the steps of City Hall. future for the country. tance of reaffirming the United States’ Community News...... 5 Editorial ...... 18 “You weren’t there physically but all of record on the Armenian Genocide and Following a cultural performance including International ...... 4 patriotic dances and songs, Los Angeles us were there together in spirit during congratulating Rep. Jackie Speier (D-CA) Mayor Eric Garcetti, flanked by elected those days of protests and we felt your for receiving the Assembly’s Deukmejian local, state and county officials, shared his see VISIT, page 8 see AFFIRMATION, page 20 2 S ATURDAY, S EPTEMBER 2 8 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARMENIA News From Armenia

Mirzoyan Participates in Eurasian Parliament Speakers Meeting NUR SULTAN, Kazakhstan (Armenpress) — The President of the National Assembly of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan met with President of the Federal Council of Austria Karl Bader on September 24 on the sidelines of the fourth conference of the parlia- ment speakers of the Eurasian countries. Expressing satisfaction over the warm and active relations between the parliaments of the two coun- tries, Bader emphasized the importance of the active efforts of the friendship groups for fostering the capacities of the parliaments. Mirzoyan stressed the importance of the ratifica- tion of the Armenia-EU Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement by the Austrian parliament, as well as the role of Austria in launch- ing the dialogue on visa liberalization. According to the Speaker of the National Assembly of Armenia, the two countries have potential for working togeth- er in the directions of strengthening the mechanisms California’s Gov. Gavin Newsom and Armenian Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan sign the agreement while watched by of parliamentarian supervision and developing of the from left, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, California State Senator Anthony Portantino and Diaspora Commissioner Zareh Sinanyan. capacities of the parliaments. Sarkissian Meets with Boeing Delegation California and Armenia Sign Trade YEREVAN (Armenpress) — President of Armenia Armen Sarkissian received the delegation of Boeing International Corporation led by Vice President Agreement Richard Muehlenbeck, on September 20. The meeting touched upon the prospects and NEW YORK — A Framework opportunities of Armenia’s cooperation with the Agreement on Cooperation was signed Corporation. The guests introduced the purpose of between the Republic of Armenia and their visit, stating that currently they observe the State of California in New York on Armenia’s aviation sector and the partnership oppor- September 24 in the presence of Prime tunities. Minister Nikol Pashinyan. The agree- President Sarkissian welcomed the delegation’s ment was signed by Foreign Minister visit to Armenia, expressing confidence that the gov- Zohrab Mnatsakanyan and California ernment and the Corporation will form a prospective Governor Gavin Newsom. According to cooperation. the agreement, Armenia and California The meeting participants also touched upon the will develop comprehensive coopera- presidential initiatives, in particular, the Advanced tion in all areas. Tomorrow (ATOM) initiative on development of sci- Following the signing of the agree- ence and technologies, and on its sidelines the coop- ment, a meeting was held between eration opportunities with leading international Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and technological companies, including Boeing. the Governor of California. The inter- locutors agreed that the signing of Armenian Governor to the Framework Agreement would pro- mote deepening of cooperation and Resign Over Assault development of Armenia-California relations. YEREVAN (RFE/RL) — The governor of Armenia’s Pashinyan noted that California is southeastern Vayots Dzor province, Trdat Sargsyan, one of the centers of the Armenian- announced his resignation early on Tuesday, American community, as well as the September 24, amid an investigation into his possi- most innovative US economy and state ble involvement in a violent dispute that left one man of the art technology, and Armenia is critically injured. interested in further strengthening ties An aide to Sargsyan was arrested over the weekend with one of the most populous states in on charges of assaulting an Armenian army officer the United States. California’s Gov. Gavin Newsom with Armenian Foreign Minister Zohrab during the incident that occurred in the provincial The California governor welcomed Mnatsakanyan capital Yeghegnadzor. Lieutenant-Colonel Ara the Armenian prime minister’s visit to Mkhitaryan suffered severe injuries to his head and the US, noting that the Armenians of remains in a coma. California play a major role in the devel- The interlocutors discussed issues steps. Nikol Pashinyan and Gavin News Mkhitaryan’s relatives and friends say that he and opment of the state and the strength- related to the deepening of Armenia- have also discussed cooperation in the other officers were attacked by a larger group of men ening of Armenian-American ties. California trade-economic cooperation, field of forest fires, agreeing to make that may have included Sargsyan, a claim denied by According to him, California also high- intensification of contacts between the exchange of experience and train- the governor. lights the development of cooperation business circles and expansion of ties. ing more meaningful. In a statement posted on Facebook overnight, with Armenia and implementation of An agreement was reached to intensify Pashinyan invited Newsom to visit Sargsyan insisted that he was at home during the joint programs. bilateral discussions on taking practical Armenia. incident. “I have presented the investigating body with evidence of this fact,” he wrote. “I am confident that there will be an objective investigation and the guilty will be punished.” Still, Sargsyan said he has decided to resign Pashinyan, Former Security Chief Step Up War of Words because he sees the need for “political ethics and political responsibility in the New Armenia.” He PASHINYAN, from page 1 “Hraparak” daily. Pashinyan appointed Vanetsyan as added that his resignation will take effect immedi- “That is disrespectful towards Vanetsyan claimed that following his NSS director two days after the ately after the Armenian military completes large- Armenia’s armed forces,” he said, liken- resignation Pashinyan has been “send- Armenian parliament elected him prime scale war games on October 5. ing Vanetsyan to Soviet generals who ing people to me to ask me to keep minister in May 2018. Vanetsyan quick- “Everyone who places themselves above the law staged a failed coup d’état in August silent for a while so that the situation ly became one of the most influential must be held accountable,” human rights lawyer, 1991. calms down.” “But I can see now that members of his entourage, overseeing a Nina Karapetyants, said in this regard. Vanetsyan hit back at Pashinyan in he is once again breaching understand- number of high-profile corruption inves- Sargsyan, 30, is a member of Prime Minister Nikol equally strong terms on Monday, say- ings and making incomprehensible and, tigations. Pashinyan’s Civil Contract party. Pashinyan and his ing that the premier is misleading in essence, shallow populist state- Pashinyan has not yet publicly close associates have not publicly commented on the Armenians and “again not thinking ments,” he said. explained why he decided to the replace Yeghegnadzor incident. about consequences of his words.” “I insist with certitude: time will tell the NSS chief. His spokesman, Vladimir “Imagine what will happen if I sud- who or what will end up in a trash Karapetian, suggested last week that denly start speaking up without bin,” added the 39-year-old career offi- Vanetsyan might have secret ties to thinking about consequences,” he cer of Armenia’s most powerful secu- Armenia’s former leadership. Vanetsyan warned in written comments to the rity service. strongly denied it. S ATURDAY, S EPTEMBER 2 8 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 3 ARMENIA Armenia, Karabakh Start ‘Strategic’ War Games

STEPANAKERT (RFE/RL) — Armenia and last week the official scenario of the 12-day war lization and rapid troop movements. military bases. He again did not reveal on Nagorno-Karabakh called up thousands of games which Defense Minister Davit Tonoyan Photographs released by Armenia’s Defense Tuesday the total number of personnel involved reservists and put their armed forces on high said will be the most large-scale in the country’s Ministry and Karabakh’s Armenian-backed in the exercises. alert on Tuesday at the start of “strategic” exer- history. army showed scores of soldiers, tanks and Sasun Mikaelyan, the chairman of Armenia’s cises aimed at simulating their joint response to The exercises got underway early in the artillery systems leaving their military bases. Yerkrapah Union of Karabakh war veterans, external aggression. morning with a mock declaration of martial law They are due to simulate combat operations said his organization alone sent more than The Armenian government formally approved by the government followed by a mass mobi- with live gunfire in the coming days. 6,500 men to army recruitment centers. “In Scores of reservists flocked to recruitment case of any aggression, around 7,000 of our centers in Armenia and Karabakh in the fol- men will stand with the army and go to the lowing hours. frontline,” the Armenpress news agency quoted “Such exercises involving thousands of Mikaelyan as saying. [reserve] personnel have never been held The official purpose of the drills is to test the before,” Tonoyan told reporters in Yerevan. “I combat-readiness of troops, provide additional am grateful to everyone because within six training to military personnel and improve the hours thousands of reservists arrived at mili- coordination of military and civilian institu- tary commissariats and mobilization centers … tions. This is supposed to improve the This was unexpected even for me.” Armenian side’s ability to “cope with enemy A senior representative of the Armenian aggression.” army’s General Staff, Colonel Samvel Asatryan, The Azerbaijani military has reported several said many of the reserve soldiers and officers are major exercises this year. The most recent of eager to “quickly join the troops.” He said the them were reportedly held last week and chief of the General Staff, Lieutenant-General involved about 10,000 soldiers. Artak Davtian, is urging them to “maintain calm.” “Everyone will join the army ranks accord- ing to plan,” Asatryan told a news briefing. Tonoyan said last week that the vast majority Lebanese Defense Defense Minister Davit Tonoyan (R) greets reservists called up for military exercises, Sep. 24, 2019. of reservists will be called up for one day while the others will spend up to five days at various Minister Visits Armenia

YEREVAN (Armenpress) — A delegation Independence Day Celebrated in Gyumri led by Minister of National Defense of Lebanon Elias Bou Saab arrived in Yerevan on September 19 on an official GYUMRI (Armenpress) — Commemorative behalf of the United States, it is my great if the independence referendum took place 5, visit. and celebratory events marking the 28th pleasure to wish the people of Armenia a 10, 15, 201 years after 1991. Of course, I Following the official welcoming cere- anniversary of the independence of Armenia happy Independence Day. On September 21, have always believed that at all times, no mat- mony, the Lebanese and Armenian took place on September 21 in Gyumri. 1991, the people of Armenia declared their ter when the independence referendum defense ministers met on September 20, In addition, the top officials of Armenia and independence from the Soviet Union. During would take place, our people would say a which continued in an expanded format Artsakh visited the Yerablur military pantheon the past year, the government and people of united “yes” to the independence. I have with the participation of the delegations. in Yerevan on the occasion. Armenia have taken bold steps to broaden never doubted this. But I should state that Greeting Elias Bou Saab, Armenian Armenia’s President Armen Sarkissian, Prime political participation and advance democrat- there have been many people who had Defense Minister Davit Tonoyan praised Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Catholicos of All ic governance. Armenia now has a unique doubts during this period. And eventually, the high-level cooperation between Armenians Karekin II, Speaker of Parliament opportunity to fight corruption consistent the response to this question was given. Armenia and Lebanon and the friendly Ararat Mirzoyan and President of Artsakh Bako with due process, strengthen the rule of law Because I believe that in April-May 2018 a relations between the two peoples oblige Sahakyan visited the pantheon. buttressed by an independent judiciary, and new independence referendum took place in the governments to develop cooperation The officials laid flowers at the graves of attract greater foreign investment. I look for- Armenia, and those 100 thousand citizens, also in the sphere of defense. Tonoyan Sparapet (Commander) Vazgen Sargsyan, ward to continuing our work with Armenia to who went out to the square, the streets, in highlighted the ratification of the agree- Andranik Ozanyan and a wreath at the memor- realize these goals and to build a better Armenia and the Diaspora, came to once ment on defense cooperation signed in ial dedicated to the fallen soldiers. future for the next generation of Armenians.” again say “yes” to Armenia’s independence Beirut in November 2018, which will give The catholicos offered a prayer. In his message to his constituents, Prime with the same determination. It was a refer- new opportunities for the partnership in The declaration of the newly independent Minister Nikol Pashinyan praised the heroics of endum for a new independence, which said the sphere of defense. Armenia gave the start of the Third Republic of the people, especially in light of the Artsakh that during these 28 years the Armenian peo- Tonoyan presented the goals of the Armenia’s history. For 28 years already, the war at the same time. “The Armenian people ple not only have not worn out their will to Armenian humanitarian mission in Syria. bearers of the Armenian statehood are the peo- managed to win thanks to the unity and will. have an independent statehood, sovereignty Bou Saab saluted Armenia’s humanitari- ple of Armenia. This victory was first of all brought by the war and democracy, but also have become more an mission in Syria, noting that such mis- Congratulatory messages were sent by offi- volunteers who voluntarily joined the process decisive, determined, strong. sions are aimed at the establishment of cials from around the world, including Russian of defending the homeland. They conducted “And so today is September 21, September peace. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who wrote: their mission with honor and prevented the 21 of 28 years, and we gathered here to once He also thanked Armenia for the par- “The Russian-Armenian relations, which are eradication of the mother land. And after this a again reaffirm that Armenia’s independent ticipation in the United Nations peace- based on centuries-old friendship and allied much more complex process of state-building state will exist on the universe forever and keeping mission in southern Lebanon. partnership, continue to develop progressively. started.” the Armenian people as a great unity have During the visit he met with President Our countries are effectively cooperating with- He added that during the independence enough will, enough wisdom, knowledge, tal- Armen Sarkissian, Prime Minister Nikol in integration unions at regional and interna- years there have been difficult years. “We saw ent and determination to bear the responsi- Pashinyan and Foreign Minister Zohrab tional platforms.” quite a sad period when there was a time bility of statehood on their shoulders and live Mnatsakanyan. Bou Saab will also visited US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo wrote when almost every day a question was being freely and happily in that statehood as proud the Armenian Genocide memorial com- on the State Department’s website: “On voiced in the media how would be the results citizens of a free country,” Pashinyan said. plex and Mother See of Holy Echamiadzin. Pashinyan saluted the visit of the Lebanese Defense Minister to Armenia the education system to make the system were mainly related to age. That is to say, we and recalled his own visit to Lebanon in Government receptive to reforms,” the minister said. have not cut curricula, which will reduce 2018.He noted that the two peoples are Arayik Harutyunyan informed that other rates. There has been no action in this regard linked with centuries-old friendship and a Raises Teachers’ processes are being implemented to make and there has been no collusion with this vital Armenian community is present in the system effective: introduction of new process, “the minister said, urging the media Lebanon. attestation system, increase of salary related not to give this information. During the meeting the two exchanged Salaries to the results. “We are going to establish a Pashinyan emphasized that one of the views on strengthening partnership in school funding formula where the minimum fundamental goals of the process is to defense spheres, exchange of experience, YEREVAN — On September 5, at a regular threshold for one rate will be 108,000 drams. ensure proper qualification of teachers in implementation of joint projects, referred session of the government was held, chaired I hope we will have it from January. It will schools and the services provided by them. to international and regional security by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. allow us to make the system more pre- “This is an important issue because we challenges. By the decision of the Government, the dictable and not have the big differences that need to make sure that our schools have During his meeting with Mnatsakanyan Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and exist with regard to school funding. That is, sufficiently qualified teachers, and we must the Armenian-Lebanese Inter- Sport will allocate 1.665 billion drams to the financing system will be more equitable. constantly keep our pay rises in order to Governmental Commission session was increase teachers’ salaries by 10 percent this In addition to the pupil, other needs of the address this problem. And we also need to discussed, which is expected to boost the September. The money will be provided by school will be taken into account, such as the have a mechanism to understand how outlining of prospects for enhancing coop- from tax revenues of the state budget. number of classrooms, overcrowding, etc. “ these decisions affect the quality of gener- eration in the defense, political, cultural, As Minister of Education, Science, Culture Pashinyan inquired whether the salary al education, the quality of teacher work. tourism, IT, agriculture and numerous and Sport Arayik Harutyunyan noted, the increase was equally widespread. Of course, we do not consider this growth other sectors. increase in salaries was planned for next year, Harutyunyan confirmed and added that to be revolutionary, but on the other hand, He and his wife participated on but it has been possible to do so since there are false rumors that widespread cuts this is the start of a process that will con- September 21 in the events dedicated to September this year. “This has not happened are being made to raise salaries. “The cuts tinue if we are able to build the right mech- the 28th anniversary of the independence for many years, and it is a good process for were common as they were in the past and anisms to directly relate to quality. “ of Armenia in Gyumri. 4 S ATURDAY, S EPTEMBER 2 8 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR INTERNATIONAL International News Commemoration of the 28th Anniversary Of Armenia’s Independence Day in London Armenia to Open LONDON — The great hall of St. Armenian Church in the UK and around the UK. Embassy in Ethiopia Yeghishe Armenian Church in Cranley Ireland. In the audience one could rec- In his opening statement, the Gardens was packed on Saturday, ognize the Chargé d’Affaires of the Chairman of ACC Arman Abramian YEREVAN (Armenpress) — The Armenian Cabinet September 21, for the Embassy Gagjik Kirakosyan and the stressed the importance of the occasion on September 19 approved a bill on opening an Commemoration of the 28th anniver- staff of the Embassy, the Primate of and conveyed the good wishes of ACC Armenian embassy in Ethiopia, stationed in Addis sary of the independence of modern the Armenian Church Bishop to the Government of Armenia, and all Ababa. Armenians in Armenia and the The opening of an Armenian Embassy in Ethiopia Diaspora. In his turn, Kirakosyan will enable also cooperation with the African Union thanked the organizers, in particular as Armenia doesn’t have any diplomatic representa- the ACC for making this Day a memo- tion in Sub-Saharan Africa, Foreign Minister Zohrab rable Day in the calendar of the British Mnatsakanyan said during the cabinet meeting, stat- Armenian community. He highlighted ing that Armenia currently has an embassy only in the accomplishments of Armenia and Egypt. called for complementarity between the “We reached this stage thanks to our comprehen- Diaspora and the mother country. sive work. This is important both in terms of politi- The highlight of this year’s commem- cal and commercial agendas. We see a great potential oration was the presence of the people’s in this direction,” Mnatsakanyan said, adding that artist Alla Levonyan specially invited deep calculations have already been made and from Armenia for the occasion. She expressed hope that an Armenian Embassy will open inspired the audience with a kaleido- in Ethiopia in the nearest timeframes. scope of songs from the great Komitas Hakob Arshakyan, minister of high technological to her own compositions. industry, agreed that Africa has a big potential mar- At the end, the Bishop Manukyan gave ket, especially in the technology sector. his message of the occasion and closed the commemoration with a prayer. Armenian Weightlifter A special booklet was published for The audience in St. Yeghishe Armenian Church the occasion sponsored by people from Named World Champion all walks of life, amongst them the “M. Damadian” London Chapter of the PATTAYA, Thailand (Panorama.am) — Armenian Armenia. The event organized by the Hovakim Manoukian and the clergy, ADLP-Ramgavar Party – a testimony to weightlifter Hakob Mkrtchyan competing in the 89- British Armenian Community Council members of the ACC Board of the support and deep involvement of kilogram weight category won gold on September 23 (ACC) through its Executive Directors, representatives of the polit- grass roots organizations in the affairs at the World Weightlifting Championships here. Committee was under the auspices of ical parties, representatives of grass of the British Armenian Community Mkrtchyan was named champion with a total of 360 the ACC, the Embassy of the Republic roots organizations, civic dignitaries Council. kilograms. of Armenia and the Primacy of the and fellow British Armenians from all — H. Kouyoumjian The championship is a qualifying event for the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020. Georgia Ambassador Meets Parliament Leader PM Spouse Hakobyan Visits Yaroslav TBILISI (Armenpress) — Armenian Ambassador to Georgia Ruben Sadoyan on September 18 met with Russia for Independence Program Speaker of Parliament Archil Talakvadze, the Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced. The parties touched upon bilateral relations and YAROSLAV, Russia (Armenpress) — of 1991 the Armenian people Artsakh,” Hakobyan said. discussed inter-Parliamentary cooperation agenda, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s expressed their will through a referen- Hakobyan also presented the activi- stressing the scheduled visit of Armenia-Georgia spouse Anna Hakobyan, the chair of the dum to live in an independent, free ties of the My Step and City of Smiles Friendship Group. In this context, the parties under- Board of Trustees of the My Step and and democratic country. And during foundation to the audience. lined importance of the exchange visits and City of Smile charity funds, visited on all these years the Armenian people “The mission of My Step foundation Friendship Group ties. September 19 Yaroslavl, Russia, to par- strived to create a democratic society is to contribute to building a healthy, They also discussed the official visit of the ticipate in a joint celebration of the 28th where all their inalienable rights and educated and inclusive society where Georgian Speaker of Parliament to Armenia. Armenian Independence Day and the freedoms will be protected. One and a everyone will have a chance to discov- 95th anniversary of birth of the late half year ago it was possible to carry er and realize their potential. We seek Charles Aznavour in the Fyodor Volkov EU and Council of Russian Academic Theater. Armenia’s Ambassador to Russia Europe Launch of Anti- Vardan Toghanyan, Armenia’s Corruption Programs Honorary Consul in Yaroslavl Vahagn Khachatryan, Vice President of the YEREVAN (Arka) — The European Union and the Union of Armenians of Russia Council of Europe announced on September 24 the Herman Ananyants, Yaroslavl Oblast launch of the program called “Strengthening the Administration Head Ilya Balanin, institutional capacity to prevent and combat corrup- French envoy to Russia Paul Bertrand tion in Armenia” with a total budget of 850 thou- Barets, Yaroslavl Oblast lawmaker sand euros. Tigran Ghazaryan, My Step founda- According to Mustafa Ferati, head of a Council of tion executive director Hovhannes Europe division in charge of co-operation and com- Ghazaryan and many others were in bating crime against economic activities, the pro- attendance of the event. gram’s duration is three years and its implementa- In his remarks Toghanyan thanked tion is co-funded by the EU (90 percent) the Council Yaroslavl Governor Dmitry Mironov of Europe (10 percent). The program is part of the and Armenia’s Honorary Consul Eastern Partnership program. Vahagn Khachatryan for organizing “The program’s goal is to assist in the development the concert. of strategic steps in the fight against corruption,” “This concert is also dedicated to Ferati said. the 95th anniversary of birth of our Wife of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Anna Hakobyan, in Yaroslav He said the anticipated result is a modernized anti- genius countrymen Charles Aznavour. corruption legislation, improved system for declaring A man who had dedicated his whole property and detecting illegal enrichment, increased life to French culture but was with his out a velvet revolution of love and sol- to create the kind of environment productivity in detecting corruption crimes and life and spirit ties to his historic home- idarity. And today the Armenian gov- where every citizen will be responsible introduction of institutional mechanisms for the land Armenia. A man who with his ernment is working painstakingly to for their own and public welfare. The return of illegally acquired property. cheerfulness and stability proved to build a stable and institutional demo- foundation is carrying out projects in According to Ferati, Armenia needs to step up humanity how one should serve his cratic state,” she said. the cultural, educational, environmen- steps to combat corruption and create appropriate fatherland and people,” Toghanyan “I would like to thank our Russian tal and social protection sectors. The institutional structures. said. friends for the sincere attitude City of Smile foundation’s goal is to Among the priorities for Armenia, he also pointed Hakobyan delivered remarks at the towards the Armenian community provide free medical treatment to chil- out the strengthening of the institute for the protec- event and thanked for the invitation which has become an inseparable part dren and young people up to 25 years tion of whistleblowers, and did not exclude the pos- to visit Yaroslavl, one of the oldest of the oblast during the years. I was of age having cancer in Armenia. 223 sibility of creating a special fund for the sale of con- cities of friendly Russia. happy to know that we have such an children have become beneficiaries fiscated illegally acquired property. “I would also like to express grati- active community where the Saint since the creation of the foundation. tude for organizing the concert dedi- Gevorg Church is functioning, also In August of this year alone the foun- cated to Armenia’s Independence Day the Armenian Sunday school, a youth dation supported 99 children in and the 95th anniversary of birth of organization, a dance group and even receiving medical treatment, medicine Charles Aznavour. In the distant year Armenian football teams – Ararat and and laboratory tests,” Hakobyan said. S ATURDAY, S EPTEMBER 2 8 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 5 Community News

Youredjian Family Los Angeles Foundation Helps Community Seven Gyumri Families Obtain Pays Tribute to Housing Dr. Armen Der LOS ANGELES — Since the beginning of the Kiureghian year, Jack Youredjian and the Youredjian Family Charitable Foundation have offered sup- LOS ANGELES — More than 300 guests port to the Paros Foundation to move seven gathered at the California Club in downtown families from their domiks (metal containers) to Los Angeles on September 7, to pay tribute to modern apartments in Gyumri. Most of these American University of Armenia (AUA) people have spent their entire lives in domiks, President Emeritus Dr. Armen Der Kiureghian first as children following the earthquake, and who served as the fourth president of AUA July later as adults with no other economic oppor- 2014-June 2019. The event raised tunities. over $350,000 and the proceeds will go “My mother, Marguerite Youredjian, spent toward establishing the Armen & Nelly Der years following the 1988 Spitak Earthquake in Kiureghian Endowed Scholarship Fund ear- Gyumri helping hundreds of families who lost Avedisian School students planting trees marked for scholarships to young veterans their homes and family members,” said Jack returning to AUA to continue their education. Youredjian. “Mmy heart breaks when I see chil- The scholarships available through this new dren living in these horrible conditions, and I fund will add another favorable dimension to want to do my part to try and help.” the safe environment AUA provides for young The Paros Foundation’s Purchase a Home Avedisian School in veterans to smoothly transition back to student project has moved a total of 20 families to date, life and continue their studies, build a career, from inadequate wagons, containers and tem- and grow to become responsible citizens of porary shelters into clean, modern and safe Yerevan Receives First- Armenia. apartments in Gyumri. Whenever possible, fam- Co-chairs Lori Muncherian and Arsine ilies are also given needed appliances, furniture Phillips welcomed the guests and following the and additional humanitarian support. Many of Ever LEED Certification invocation by archbishops Hovnan Derderian the families’ children also attend, or are invited and Moushegh Mardirossian, Dr. Mary to attend, the afterschool programs at the Debi Papazian, President of San Jose State Arach Children’s Center, which was launched In Armenia University (SJSU), gave the opening remarks. Papazian applauded Dr. Der Kiureghian for his tireless efforts in many facets of University PARAMUS, N.J. — The Khoren and Shooshanig Avedisian School and administration, making special reference to the Community Center, located in the Malatia-Sebastia District of Yerevan, Armenia memorandum of understanding signed and operated by the Armenian Missionary Association of America (AMAA), has between SJSU and AUA, by which SJSU hosted been awarded a Silver LEED Certification - the first building in the Republic of several AUA students this past summer along Armenia to achieve such an award. with a staff member from student affairs. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is an ecology-ori- Speaking next was Sinan Sinanian, a member ented building certification program run under the sponsorship of the United of the AGBU Council of Trustees and AUA States Green Building Council (USGBC), headquartered in Washington, DC. Board of Trustees. For AGBU as a founding The school was also awarded the LEED Earth Designation, given only to the supporter of the University, he considered AUA very first building project in each developing country to satisfy the USGBC as the most successful investment in Armenia. LEED criteria. A video presentation followed highlighting According to Mahesh Ramanujam, President and CEO of the USGBC, “the the many accomplishments of AUA during Dr. LEED Certification identifies the AMAA Avedisian School as a showcase exam- Der Kiureghian’s tenure, not the least of which Anna Boghosian, her father and her three ple of sustainability and demonstrates the AMAA’s leadership in transforming was the launch and completion of the 100 daughters are all smiles moving into their new the building industry. The USGBC congratulates the AMAA Avedisian School Pillars campaign, the creation of the home. on earning the LEED Certification and thanks you for your commitment to our Entrepreneurship & Product Innovation common goal of building a healthy, sustainable future.” Center (EPIC), the start of three new degree The Avedisian School was founded in 1998 as a tuition free kindergarten for programs, as well as the establishment of the offices of Student Affairs and Counseling. A highlight of the evening were the words of Arman Vardanyan, a veteran who is now a senior at AUA majoring in English and Communications: “Every time I passed by the AUA buildings as a young teenager, I dreamt of becoming a student there one day. Well, dreams come true for those who dream but also take action. I did get admitted to AUA and I am now chasing my dream.” Anna Boghosian, her father and her three When he was still a freshman at AUA, daughters are all smiles moving into their new Vardanyan received the call of duty and had to home. put his studies on hold to serve in the military for two years. He was a soldier during the April 2016 Four-Day-War in Artsakh and served his by and is supported through the Paros country with dignity and honor. Upon return to Foundation. AUA, he was grateful for the warm welcome “The housing crisis continues to effect more and a full scholarship, which made his transi- than 2,000 families in Gyumri. I commend Jack Avedisian School Solar Panels tion back to civilian life so much smoother. Youredjian and his family for their commitment “That is when I felt the sense of belonging to a to help children living in terrible conditions,” community that believes in me and has my said Peter Abajian, Paros Foundation executive students from economically disadvantaged homes. The new K-12 School com- plex includes a Community Center and the Krikor and Beatrice Bilezikian back. I set my mind to study hard to become a director. “Our program goals in Gyumri are two- better citizen of Armenia and also a citizen of fold, to help move as many families from Building and opened on September 1, 2014. It was the dream of AMAA Benefactor and Board Member Edward Avedisian of Lexington, MA to build a the world. AUA has made this possible. I am domiks into apartments as possible; and sec- surrounded and continually inspired by excel- ondly to work diligently through our programs school to honor his Genocide survivor parents, Khoren and Shooshanig Avedisian, who had placed an extremely high value on education throughout lent administrators, outstanding faculty and at Debi Arach to empower many of these chil- staff at AUA, all of which I attribute to the dren to break their families’ cycle of poverty their lives. The School, with a current enrollment of 552 students and 50 Kindergarten students, provides a free education for economically disadvan- tremendous leadership of Dr. Armen Der through academic success, career planning and Kiureghian. On behalf of all my fellow students, vocational training. “ taged children from the Malatia-Sebastia District. It is operated by the AMAA and conforms to the standard of education as set forth by the Armenian and particularly in the name of the growing The Paros Foundation was launched in 2006 number of returning veterans, I extend my and has implemented more than $6.6 million Ministry of Education. see LEEDS, page 12 deepest gratitude to Dr. Der Kiureghian for worth of projects in Armenia through its always staying focused on students.” unique model of philanthropy and community Der Kiureghian’s daughter, Naira, and son, partnership. see DER KIUREGHIAN, page 17 6 S ATURDAY, S EPTEMBER 2 8 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR OBITUARY Actor Sid Haig Horror Film Icon

By Nick Romano

LOS ANGELES (Entertainment Weekly) — Sid Haig (born Sidney Eddie Mosesian), a leg- end of the horror genre from films like “House of 1,000 Corpses” and “The Devil’s Rejects,” died Saturday, September 21, following an unspecified “accident” two weeks earlier. He was 80. In a statement shared on the actor’s Instagram account, wife Susan L. Oberg wrote, “My light, my heart, my true love, my King, the other half of my soul, Sidney, passed from this realm on to the next. He has returned to the Universe, a shining star in her heavens. He was my angel, my husband, my best friend and always will be.” “He adored his family, his friends and his fans,” she continued. “This came as a shock to all of us. We, as a family, are asking that our pri- vacy and time to mourn be respected.” Earlier this month, Oberg wrote on Haig’s Instagram that her husband had been in an Sid Haig (Sidney Eddie Mosesian) (Photo courtesy of NBC Bay Area) accident, but didn’t go into specifics. On September 13, she updated the now-deleted comment by stating Haig was “winning the fight” after taking a “nasty spill.” “The movie that I prepped to make, and was Because Sid, he’s big and burly, and now he’s “The Lords of Salem” and “Bone Tamahawk.” Haig got his start in horror with 1967’s getting ready to start shooting, it was Captain tiny as a skeleton. So, I was like, oh man. I kind In addition to the horror films, he had made “Spider Baby or, the Maddest Story Ever Told.” Spaulding, Otis, and Baby, the three originals,” of realized, yeah, he’s in rough shape.” guest appearances in dozens of television He was then cast in Rob Zombie’s “House of Zombie said. “But three weeks out from shoot- Knowing how important it was to include shows. 1,000 Corpses” as Captain Spaulding and its ing, I got a call from Sid Haig. He had been in Haig in the film, the director added, “Lionsgate Rosario Dawson, who filmed a deleted scene sequel “The Devil’s Rejects.” Haig was meant to the hospital, and he had just had surgery, and was fine with me sort of sneaking him in one in “The Devil’s Rejects,” wrote in the comments have a larger role in this fall’s third installment, he was now recovering in a rehabilitation facili- day to shoot as much as I could. It was on me to Oberg’s Instagram post, “Oh! Dear Sid. You “3 From Hell,” but Zombie told EW that health ty. … I went to see him, and he had changed to make sure that nothing went wrong. So I got will be missed beloved. Grateful to have met and issues prevented him from doing so. drastically from the last time I saw him. him in, I shot everything I could shoot.” worked with you. What a talent and energy Haig also appeared in Quentin Tarantino’s graced this earth. Blessings and love to your “Jackie Brown” and would later re-team with adored family.” the filmmaker on “Kill Bill, Vol. 2.” In his own post, Zombie simply wrote, Charles Gérard Other credits to Haig’s name include “Night “Hurray for Captain Spaulding. Gone but not Noted French-Armenian Actor of the Living Dead 3D” 2007’s “Halloween,” forgotten.”

PARIS (AFP) — Noted French-Armenian actor Charles Gérard died on Thursday, September 19, in Paris. He was 96. He was born in Istanbul in 1922. He appeared in several of the films of direc- tor Claude Lelouch and was a great friend and collaborator of Jean-Paul Belmondo. Recognizable by his singular nose — broken by Jean-Paul Belmondo during their first meet- ing on a boxing ring in 1948 — Charles Gérard, whose real name was Gérard Adjémian, was first a director in the 1960s (“The Man Who Betrays the Mafia,” and “The Enemy in the Shadows”) before becoming an actor in the 1970s, in “Le Voyou” by Lelouch. He made about 20 films with him as well as with Claude Pinoteau (“The Slap”), Philippe de Broca (“The Incorrigible”), Henri Verneuil (“The Body of My Enemy”), Francis Veber (“The Toy”), Claude Zidi (“ The Animal “), Georges often played alongside him, notably in Lautner (“ Flic or thug “,” The Guignolo “) and “L’Incorrigible”, “L’Animal” or “Cop or Fabien Onteniente (“ Turf “). thug”. He also shared a passion for sports, box- A close friend of Jean-Paul Belmondo, he had ing, but also football and tennis.

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ABOVE: Rep. David Schweikert (R-AZ) and Rep. Paul Gosar (R-AZ): BELOW Rep. Stephen Lynch (D- MA), Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD), and Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA)

Los Angeles Pays Tribute to Dr. Armen Der Kiureghian

DER KIUREGHIAN, from page 5 and the AUA Development team. “It’s hard to Sebouh, added a personal touch to the evening put into words what I am feeling tonight,” he when they talked about their father’s dedica- said. “I want to thank the Board of Trustees tion to AUA. “A defining characteristic of my and all my colleagues at AUA for the amazing father has been his readiness to roll up his five years. We accomplished so much, but I sleeves and make sacrifices when his homeland must say that my greatest joy came from the needed him,” noted Sebouh. “At the graduation interaction I had with the students and alum- party, I was amazed at how students were com- ni.” He proceeded to give a brief history of peting with each other for an opportunity to when he and Dr. Mihran Agbabian visited take selfies with him. Throughout my years in Armenia after the 1988 earthquake and met both undergraduate and graduate schools, I’ve with Yuri Sargsyan, Rector of Yerevan never seen students so excited about their uni- Polytechnic Institute who said the best thing versity president,” added Naira. the diaspora could do for Armenia was to estab- A surprise guest appearance was made by lish an American-style university Armenia. Armenian jazz pianist Vahagn Hayrapetyan “With the help of many people including who entertained the attendees with beautiful Louise Manoogian Simone and later Stepan musical renditions. Next at the podium was Dr. Karamardian, we requested assistance from Lawrence “Larry” Pitts, chairman of the Board UC’s President David Gardner. The affiliation of Trustees of AUA. Pitts said that the Velvet with UC provided vital academic and adminis- Revolution had shifted the country toward a trative guidance including management of our new path and that, “AUA has become the pre- endowment. I am proud to be a co-founder of mier university in the region under Dr. Der AUA as well as its fourth president,” he said. Kiureghian’s leadership.” Among the many “AUA is now internationally known and has stu- accomplishments of the University during Dr. dents from 25 countries.” Der Kiureghian’s tenure, Pitts acknowledged Dr. Karin Markides, the new president of the continued support of those gathered and AUA concluded the evening by saying that she many other donors that have grown the “AUA was honored to take on the role, and thanked endowment from $19.8 million to $61.6 mil- everyone for attending the banquet and sup- lion.” porting AUA, especially the Veteran’s Dr. Pitts then invited Dr. Der Kiureghian and Campaign. “I am deeply honored to take on this his wife Nelly on stage where he presented torch, to lead the university to have the great- them with a beautiful sculpture by Michael est impact in Armenia we possibly can. I want Aram and a book of testimonies by many AUA to thank Armen for doing everything possible faculty, staff, and students. to make this a smooth transition, so valuable Noticeably overwhelmed, Der Kureghian for me but even more valuable for the stu- thanked members of the organizing committee dents.” 8 S ATURDAY, S EPTEMBER 2 8 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS Pashinyan Uses Charm Offensive in Historic LA Address

VISIT, from page 1 change. We have the right to strong presence,” he said. “That victory showed be counted among the leaders that one country and one people that is ready of the democratic movements for change can achieve that.” in the world as a result of the He reflected on the difficult times in Armenia Velvet Revolution and just as following its independence 30 years ago when the diaspora stood shoulder to hundreds of thousands left the country to shoulder in the revolution search for economic opportunities outside of that happened in Armenia, the their homeland, “not because they wanted to diaspora will also stand by the but because they had to work in order to live.” economic revolution happen- He acknowledged the significant role the ing in Armenia.” Diaspora played in helping Armenia survive He invited more investment during those days of hardship, helping create from the diaspora in Armenia, “vast improvement” in Armenia. He cited the reassuring them that they Tumo centers and smart centers that were won’t “encounter the same established in Armenia through the invest- corruption” since “it has been ments provided by the Diaspora. rooted out.” Pashinyan spoke of the significant ties He encouraged all to collab- between the diaspora and Armenia and how orate to help Armenia. “Let’s they have created vast improvement in helping work for the benefit of modernize Armenia, including the early eco- Armenia and Artsakh build nomic assistance of Kirk Kerkorian and the friendly relations with neigh- Lincy Foundation that rebuilt the roads and bors. enhanced transportation in the country. He sin- He also said that the coun- gled out ”the evidence of Tumo centers and try needs to make more of an smart centers which were created in Armenia effort to make inroads to Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, his wife and state and Armenian dignitaries through the investments provided by the entice investments from Diaspora. I cite this example of the dynamic around the world. He said that relationship to show that our gathering today is all 10 million people of Armenian background LA, State Officials Join Pashinyan another manifestation of this new stage where around the world can help develop the country. “We are proud to have Armenian men and Armenia is no longer seen as an object of In the wake of the Velvet Revolution, Pashinyan women scholars, cultural and political leaders,” humanitarian assistance because today in added, the country’s profile has somewhat been said Garcetti, alluding to his own ethnic back- Armenia there’s a republic that has been estab- raised. ground, born to a Mexican father and great-grand- lished and the proud citizens are the ones who “I’ve been told there is more interest in parents who were Russian-Jewish immigrants. now govern. Now it is not just to survive Armenia now since the revolution and we have “You made Los Angeles what it truly is, a City of through the humanitarian assistance but to developed this new slogan, dear compatriots, Angels, because in times of division and hatred, build up his or her abilities through the sweat that it’s cool to be Armenian and together we everyone belongs here and every Armenian feels of their brow and his or her enthusiasm.” have to make it even more interesting and even Los Angeles is their second home because you He added, “The time has come that the dias- cooler to be Armenian,” Pashinyan added. belong to this state.” pora investors take another step and think “Armenians have a great history, a great Garcetti reaffirmed his support not only of about making economic and financial invest- past, and a great present,” said Pashinyan, Armenian-Americans but for recognition of the ments in the Republic of Armenia, to make who reiterated the words of Barouyr Sevag in Armenian Genocide that is widely commemorated wealth in Armenia and make Armenia wealthy. his poem, “We Are Few But We Are Called throughout California and particularly Los And I hope that this day will signify that Armenians.” Angeles, as thousands “walk arm in arm to say never again and make sure that every lie is met with truth when we gather on the streets to speak the truth.” “We will always defend you here in Los Angeles,” said Garcetti. He touched upon solidarity between the United States and Armenia and the new opportunities in Armenia thanks to the election of Pashinyan. Nikol Pashinyan addresses the crowd. “With this prime minister, a new day of sun- shine, democracy and openness has come to Armenia,” said Garcetti. “It’s time for us in Los achieved this new dawn in Armenia’s democratic Angeles to visit, invest and support the new governance. Armenia so it rises into a new era of progress Rep. Adam Schiff highlighted that Los Angeles under the leadership of this prime minister.” is the capital of the Armenian Diaspora and he is In his reflections, Los Angeles Councilman Paul “proud of the strong relationship between the Krekorian, the first Armenian-American elected to United States and Armenia.” the Council in 2010, and who spearheaded the “I have watched with enormous interest and Prime Minister’s visit, along with Los Angeles hope the democratic revival Armenia has experi- County Supervisors Kathryn Barger, remarked enced from the Velvet Revolution and the peace- that independence, freedom and democracy can- ful transition of power and free and fair elections not be achieved overnight and is an “ongoing that show the strength and resilience of Armenia’s struggle that all of us must continue to fight.” democracy,” said Schiff, who reaffirmed his com- “The velvet revolution led by His Excellency mitment to “advocate” for Armenia and to ensure was one of the brightest, most optimistic most its security and prosperity. Crowds listen to Pashinyan. exciting moments in that long struggle and it not Schiff acknowledged the 28th anniversary of only transformed the Republic of Armenia’s independence and its Armenia but inspired successes while also recognizing the “ever-present everyone around the threat” from the bordering countries of world who strives for Azerbaijan and Turkey. democratic governance,” “I’m confident the strength and determination said Krekorian, asserting of the Armenian people, who have survived and the importance of carry- thrived across centuries,” he concluded. ing on an ancient culture The American and Armenian National Anthems and history. “Our nation’s were performed by The Rose and Alex Pilibos survival has depended on Armenian School choir. Clergy in attendance millions of ordinary included Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate Armenians who have of the Western Diocese, Archbishop Moushegh passed onto each genera- Mardirossian, Primate of the Western Prelacy, and tion a national identity, Reverend Joseph D. Matossian of the Armenian commitment and a pro- Evangelical Church said the Invocation of the found faith and culture event. that has enriched the There was some opposition to Pashinyan’s world since before the presence, including protestors of the Amulsar Egyptians built their first project, green-lit by the government of Armenia pyramid.” that permits its largest foreign investor, Lydian, Krekorian stated that to begin development of the gold mine despite Pashinyan understood the potential environment and health impacts. the power of the Azerbaijan, which had earlier protested Armenian nation and Pashinyan’s scheduled speech in Grand Park, those “unsung heroes” of may be tied to airplanes that flew above the Crowds listen to Pashinyan. the past and those of rally with anti-Armenian banners in relation to today, who together Karabakh. S ATURDAY, S EPTEMBER 2 8 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 9 COMMUNITY NEWS Food Security in the Landlocked Country of Armenia

FRESNO — On the 30th anniversary of its “We now germinate the seed in our country able domestic seed production that could meet founding in Fresno, the Armenian Technology and supply local grain growers with the highest local climatic requirements and planting needs. Group, Inc. (ATG), through its office in Armenia, quality seed available for Armenia’s climate. Over the past two decades ATG had built its seed officially registered its latest high-yielding, high- Needless to say, over the years we experimented inventory reserve, however, several times due to quality wheat seed variety with Armenia’s Seed with some 250 seed varieties, several of which seed shortage or drought, distributed its seed Inspection and Quality Control Service. The seed already have been registered and start with ATG supplies to the growers to sow their farms was bestowed the name Arthazar, in memory of acronyms. These are in circulation but, certainly, Currently, ATG again is in the process of re-build- the founding chairman of the group, Dr. Arthur we had to select the best seed for the legacy of ing Armenia’s Seed Bank with locally generated O. Hazarabedian, D.V.M. (1930-2003). Dr. Hazarabedian,” said Mekhitar Grigoryan, seeds. The selection of the seed is the result of years head agronomist of the group. As the project evolved with technical advisors of research during which ATG’s staff in Armenia “This is homage to the vision that Art and his James Bouder, PhD, Mark Goodson and Roger set up trial plots in numerous locations through- colleagues had for the people of Armenia. By Culver joining the group, the organization out Armenia. The idea was to ensure that each sharing Arthazar wheat seed with the grain embarked on applied science methodology in set- wheat seed variety was suitable for planting in growers we are spreading Art’s spirit and hope in ting up trial plots in seven growing zones in the various growing or climate zones of Armenia Armenia’s heartland. We congratulate our staff Armenia and Artsakh. ATG took it on its own in and, most importantly, would secure larger quan- for their dedication in continuing the organiza- carrying out the Research & Development tities of harvest per acre, while generating high- tion’s mission,” said Varoujan Der Simonian, process to select the most suitable and high er incomes for the growers. executive director of ATG. yielding seed varieties with the potential of “This is simply our gesture to express our grat- For a landlocked country like Armenia, food securing highest economic return on investment. itude to Dr. Hazarabedian and his group who, security is an integral part of national security. These trial plots were scattered up to 30 loca- despite having their own different professions, This issue becomes more apparent when Gagik Mkrtchyan with Mekhitar Grigoryan of tions each year. Over the past 30 years some 300 focused their attention on the most vulnerable Armenia’s geo-economic situation is taken into ATG, documenting the characteristics of one of selected wheat, alfalfa, corn and other seed vari- segment of our economy,” stated the originator account. Since its inception in 1989, the found- the wheat varieties in the border village of eties obtained from International Maze and of the seed-naming concept, Gagik Mkerchyan, ing members ATG rebuilt Armenia’s agricultural Varagavan, one of 320 villages in which ATG Wheat Improvement Organization (CIMMYT), director of the ATG Foundation in Armenia, who infrastructure by placing their greatest emphasis has been active since its inception. ICARDA and other entities, were tested and only was spearheading the project. “The notion that on securing the country’s wheat consumption upon selecting the most suitable ones, made needs. these varieties available to the grain growers. While Armenia was part of the Soviet Union, their means, in 1995 world expert in the wheat The trial plots became the foundation upon some 80 percent of its grain consumption was seed production, Dr. Warren Kronstad, Curt De which the Seed Multiplication Program was being imported from Ukraine and Russia. Louche, PhD and Dr. Richard Newberg, who had launched. The USDA Foreign Agricultural Independence and the economic blockade, since significant contribution in India’s Green Services was a major contributor in this endeav- then, made such transactions much more diffi- Revolution, drafted the strategic map for ATG to or. The seed producers association was formed cult and costly. Dependence on other countries follow in increasing wheat production in composed of ATG affiliated farmers.. for grain to feed its own people made Armenia Armenia. One of the key components is to insure “We follow the process by extensive trial of much more vulnerable, while affecting, at the the sustainability of the program was to propa- those varieties over a two years period. We carry same time, its overall economic and political bar- gate the breeder seed in consecutive years and all the risks, and only after ensuring the best gaining strength. thereby germinating foundation, registered, cer- seed varieties suitable for producing results at a Hamlet Khachatryan of the Seed Inspection and Reflecting on 30 years of service to the people tified followed by common seed prior to making given region, only then we make the seeds avail- Quality Control Service, inspecting the crop of Armenia, Der Simonian said, “We pay homage the harvest available to grain growers to be sown able to seed producing association members.” prior to harvest at ATG’s Armavir fields. A.T.G to all the ATG board members and technical advi- for milling or general consumption. states Grigoryan, who remembers fondly work- initiated and funded the Inspection Services in sors: Dr. Arthur Hazarabedian, D.V.M., Dr. The people of Armenia appreciate the support ing with the founding members in planting the 2002, to ensure that a higher standard of seed that they receive from friendly countries during would be produced and marketed to grain Robert Bushnell, Dr. Leon Garoyan, Dr. Jack first fields. growers. Morse, Don Tounjes, Monte Bell, Roger Benton natural disasters or economic blockade. “With the official registration of the new with an onlooker, and the local agronomist, However, in order for a country to sustain eco- Arthazar wheat seed variety, we are pleased the Mekhitar Grigoryan, who planted the first wheat nomic and social stability, particularly during cri- Seed Inspection and Quality Control is function- Dr. Hazarabedian initiated in Armenia saved and alfalfa seed fields and trial plots near the epi- sis, she must be in position of producing sub- ing. Once our office makes the new variety avail- thousands of lives during the early years of inde- center of the earthquake-devastated city of stantial amount of its main food supply and be able to the local grain growers, we anticipate it pendence, to say the least, and which continues Spitak.” capable of feeding her population. will generate higher production yield and to re-building the country’s Seed Bank,” added The support of US government entities was Subsequently establishing a seed bank is a increased of farm family income,” said Dr. James Mkrchyan. substantial during the following years. Through vitally important component of having sustain- Reynolds, president of ATG.

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK 10 S ATURDAY, S EPTEMBER 2 8 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS Making Immigration Great Again at Tribute to Afeyan

TRIBUTE, from page 1 England; Irish International Immigrant Center; In his remarks, honoree Afeyan singled out for Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee praise his Swedish-born wife, Anna, his partner Advocacy Coalition and Refugepoint. in his philanthropic endeavors, and expressed Kahvejian serves on the board of the his hopes for his four children. International Institute of New England. “My kids are descendants of an Armenian The representatives, when singled out, father and a Swedish mother. They are 100 per- received thunderous applause. cent Armenian, 100 percent Swedish and 100 Afeyan added his praise to the organizations that percent American,” he said. were recognized for their work and especially the A special guest at the program was Dr. Vartan timing of the recognition “at a time they are very Gregorian, the president of the Carnegie much needed.” Corporation of New York, Afeyan’s partner at “I congratulate them and thank them for the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative, as well as being here,” he said. an immigrant himself. Gregorian is the former president of Brown University as well as the Focusing on the Park New York Public Library. In her opening comments, Barbara Tellalian, Afeyan noted that he was especially delight- a tireless fundraiser for the park and the wife of ed to have Gregorian there. “There is really no it’s designer, architect Donald Tellalian, said the word to describe what he is. He serves as a role park — as well as the evening — “was dedicated model and mentor to me. I look up to him even to what connects us, celebrating the American though he is half my size,” he said, eliciting immigrant experience.” chuckles. “I bow to his heart, his mind and to Next, Armenian Heritage Foundation his legacy.” James Kalustian, Founding President, Armenian Heritage Foundation; Board Chair, Rose Kennedy President James Kalustian brought a congratu- Afeyan, the founder and CEO of Flagship Greenway Conservancy with Cindy Fitzgibbon, emcee (Leo Gozbekian photo) latory message from Gov. Charlie Baker. (Baker Pioneering, one of the Boston area’s biggest and Walsh, as well as Middlesex County Sheriff venture capital firms specializing in biotech and Peter Koutoujian were honorary chairs of the life sciences, said that his phenomenal success Afeyan also spoke at length about the Aurora pleted his PhD in biochemical engineering in banquet.) had its roots in his immigrant experience, Humanitarian Initiative that he, Gregorian and MIT. He received the Golden Door Award in He praised the park on three levels: It is a adding that it was no surprise so many innova- Russian-Armenian entrepreneur Dr. Ruben 2017 from the International Institute of New beautiful public space, a park rich in symbolism tors are immigrants. Vardanyan had founded four years ago, and its England in recognition of his contribution to and a place that celebrates the immigrant expe- “The immigration experience includes hope, mission to express gratitude for the help the US as a foreign-born American. rience. optimism, fear, uncertainly, struggle, leaving, Armenians received in their darkest hours. It shows that life, hope and opportunity tri- adaptation, courage and above all, the feeling of “We need to leverage what we have gone Bringing People Together umph over tragedy and despair, he said. being uprooted and being rootless,” he said. through to help other people,” he said. “We The program featured as emcee WCVB’s “Noubar, like so many immigrants who sur- Cindy Fitzgibbon. The Maine-born and respect- vived the Armenian Genocide and their descen- ed longtime meteorologist on Boston area tele- dants triumphed [over tragedy] and the world is vision stations, praised the park as a “really wel- a far better place for the contributions of our coming place for all people.” honoree,” Kalustian said. Representing the city of Boston was Marty He praised Afeyan and his family for giving Hernandez, head of the Mayor’s Office of back to the community. In honor of their dona- Health and Human Services. He thanked the tions to the park, he presented Afeyan with a organizers on behalf of Mayor Martin J. Walsh, miniature version of the split rhomboid dodeca- adding, “We thank you for bringing the park to hedron abstract sculpture that is the center- us and keeping it. The park symbolizes our piece of the park. (Each year the two halves of diversity. Boston is a city built by immigrants.” the sculpture are pried apart and reconfigured He also said that according the most recent in a new way, to symbolize leaving the past and statistics, 29 percent of the population of the creating a new life.) city is foreign born. He added that the new- The park was opened on May 22, 2012 with comers bring in hundreds of millions of dollars a celebration that included then Gov. Deval in taxes to the city and state. Patrick and an official delegation from He called the park as a “community partner” Armenia. for the city, one which gives an arena to immi- The park is a unique collaboration between grants to “tell their stories.” the state and a private group, the Armenian Hernandez and many of the other speakers Heritage Foundation, which has created the stressed that in the current anti-immigrant park and is tasked with maintaining it. A total mood, it was important to hold just such a pro- of $3 million has been deemed necessary by the From left, Raffi Afeyan, Taleen Afeyan, Anna Afeyan, Noubar Afeyan, Alex Afeyan (Leo Gozbekian gram and discuss the “common purpose and foundation for the maintenance to go on in per- photo) shared values” of all people. petuity; of that total, $2.1 million has been Hernandez added: “I am proud of what this raised thus far. country has become. My grandparents came to Several political leaders were present at the “What is good about immigrants is that they find heroes that are helping people. It follows this county and [so did] my mother. They set us program, including Middlesex County District are the ultimate founders; they are the founders the works that exactly caused us to be saved. up on the path to success. I am the first gener- Attorney Marian T. Ryan, Koutoujian, former of a new life. That is a huge, huge advantage. These are folks that come from Myanmar, “They are innovators,” he added. Burundi, South Sudan. It is the notion of grat- “That is why the city has progressed. itude in action.” Thousands of firms in this country’s history have Gratitude, he said, is the ultimate “renewable been founded by immigrants,” he said. “When resource,” infecting giver and receiver positively. you are uprooted and unrooted, it is a very dif- He also noted the organization’s ferent feeling,” leading to survival and revival. #AraratChallenge, a global crowdfunding cam- During his talk he asked the first-, second- or paign aimed at supporting those in urgent need third-generation immigrants in the audience to of basic humanitarian aid around the world. rise. “That is 99 percent of the room standing,” Afeyan was born in Beirut and his family later he said. “To the rest of you, thanks for welcom- moved to Montreal, Canada. He did his under- ing us.” graduate work at McGill University and com-

Celebrating! Park’s Newest Benefactors - Megan (third from left) and Ron (2nd from right) Hovsepian with their family with Noubar Afeyan. (Leo Gozbekian photo)

ation in my family to go to college. We should Registry of Motor Vehicles head and Secretary tell that story, especially now.” of Labor Rachel Kaprielian and California State It was a message reiterated by Dr. Avak Assembly Member Adrin Nazarian. Kahvejian of Flagship Pioneering, who was Short films were shown about the park and chair of the benefit. Kahvejian introduced and the evening’s honoree. recognized the representatives of the five dif- At the conclusion of the event, Afeyan said, “I Marty Martinez, Mayor’s Office of Health & Human ferent organizations serving immigrants and am happy that the occasion brought this many Dr. Avak Kahvejian (Leo Gozbekian photo) Services, City of Boston. (Leo Gozbekian photo) refugees: The greater Boston Immigrant people out to support the Armenian Heritage Defense Fund; International Institute of New Park.” S ATURDAY, S EPTEMBER 2 8 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 11 COMMUNITY NEWS Autism Awareness Event Organized by Tekeyan Metro LA Chapter in Glendale

GLENDALE — On September 12, the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles for over 30 Tekeyan Cultural Association Metro Los years. Konialian-Aller presented behavioral Angeles chapter joined forces with the modifications, treatment modalities and Armenian American Medical Society (AAMS) resources for supporting autism. and the Armenian Autism Outreach Project The event was warmly accepted by the com- (AAOP) to present an informative event called munity and attendees had the opportunity to Autism Awareness: Diagnosis, Testing, meet and greet members of the Armenian Supportive Care and Resources. The event was Autism Outreach Project and obtain informa- held at the Glendale Public Library. Parents, tion regarding future events, support groups educators, staff and community members and contact information. Attendees were also attended this public event to learn about autism, its development, challenges and the individuals and organizations that assist in sup- porting families with autism challenges. Autism is a lifelong complex neurodevelop- ment disorder, with biological roots thought to be present at birth, which continues through adulthood. Autism can affect any child and fam- ily from any race, ethnic or socioeconomic group anywhere in the world. Research indi- cates that early identification and interventions From left, Talene Hachikian, Dr. Tamar Nazerian-Chorbadjian, Dr. Talin Babikian, Dr. Ani tailored to each child’s strengths and needs can Khatchadourian, Dr. Sonia Konialian-Aller, Hasmig Karayan result in significant positive outcomes for many children with autism. Talene Hachikian served as master of cere- Angeles chapter, while Hasmig Karayan was the monies on behalf of the Tekeyan Metro Los chair of the Tekeyan organizing committee. Keynote speakers included developmental- behavioral pediatrician Dr. Tamar Chorbadjian, who serves as the director of the High Risk Infant Follow-Up Clinic and Assistant Division Head of the Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics at Kaiser Permanente Baldwin Park. Chorbadjian began the series of lectures introducing and characterizing autism. Dr. Ani Khatchadourian, the next keynote Dr. Tamar Nazerian-Chorbadjian during her pre- speaker, focused on describing some of the eval- sentation uations and testing applied in her practice to diagnose autism. Khatchadourian, a neuropsy- chologist, is the founder and clinical director of able to connect with the clinicians after the lec- Dr. Ani and Associates in Pasadena. ture presentation and elaborate further with Following Khatchadourian’s presentation, Dr. questions. Talin Babikian, board-certified clinical neu- The event marked an important need for ropsychologist and Associate Clinical Professor autism awareness to be highlighted in our com- in the Division of Child and Adolescent munity and allow for understanding and con- Psychiatry at UCLA and Associate Director of nection among individuals and families strug- UCLA’s BrainSPORT program, spoke about co- gling with this daily challenge. morbidities associated with autism and high- Konialian-Aller remarked that the Tekeyan lighted some treatment and alternative per- Cultural Association provided “a comprehen- spectives. Hasmig Karayan, chair of the Autism Awareness sive panel of excellent presenters, with excellent Talene Hachikian, master of ceremonies, during The evening concluded with AAOP represen- program expressing thanks to the four speakers coverage of the important pieces of informa- her welcoming remarks on behalf of the Tekeyan tative Dr. Sonia Konialian-Aller. Konialian-Aller on behalf of the Tekeyan Metro Los Angeles tion, from all angles. There was so much good chapter Metro Los Angeles chapter is a developmental psycholinguist and licensed and helpful information; and the audience was Speech-Language Pathologist practicing at so attentive.” 12 S ATURDAY, S EPTEMBER 2 8 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS Avedisian School in Yerevan Receives First-Ever LEED Certification in Armenia

LEEDS, from page 5 Certification were visionary at a time when come. Our family is proud to have been able to “The United Nations Development “The idea of the Avedisian School and Yerevan was ‘on its knees’ with water and ener- help make the School a beacon in Armenia for Committee (UNDP) was also impressed by the Community Center came from the American gy shortages.” sustainability, energy conservation, pollution Avedisian School,” added Youatt. “A site visit by and German Missionaries working in Western The School’s construction process intro- control and environmental education and a UNDP representative during the School’s con- Armenia who provided free tuition and board duced a new construction culture in Armenia responsibility.” struction and a meeting with Mr. Avedisian left for students during the mid-19th and 20th cen- by keeping all of the local and international The Armenia Tree Project (ATP), an organi- the representative with a very positive impres- turies,” said Avedisian. “My mother was one of environmental laws and standards. The School zation headquartered in Watertown that has sion of the visionary, yet practical, energy effi- those fortunate enough to receive this educa- achieved LEED credits for meeting require- been working to protect Armenia’s environ- cient design of the Avedisian School. The tion. We decided to bring that same concept to ments of applying efficient heating, ventilation ment since 1994, also collaborated on the envi- UNDP subsequently provided some material the present but with an ultra-modern building and air conditioning systems, introducing a ronmental education curriculum at the support for the construction and saw the pro- based on sustainable energy in the Yerevan unique system of solar hot water, using proper Avedisian School which helped secure the ject as inspirational for other countries and Valley where pollution was out of control and polyurethane thermal insulation levels, apply- LEED Certification. One of the School’s pro- cities addressing similar challenges as those high incidences of cancer had been noted for ing efficient LED lighting and a proper archi- jects, funded by the ATP, has been the green faced by the School.” many years. After being invited to a meeting tectural design with correctly selected windows roof gardens which feature grasses, trees and The students at the Avedisian School have with the United Nations Development Program and walls. The School also used light colors on vegetables planted atop the building which pro- greatly benefitted from the healthy and sus- in New York, our sustainable energy expert, the roof, developed lots of green areas around vide insulation, lower heating and cooling tainable environment at the School, where they Armen Gharibyan, and I were provided funding the School which reflect the solar irradiation as costs. It is also used as a hands-on teaching tool attend classes in math, language, science, geog- to visit the new UN European Headquarters nature, installed rainfall collection areas under- for conservation as the students help care for raphy, computers, art, music, crafts and physi- Building in Copenhagen to see if we could get ground, recycled concrete waste to make con- the plants and observe their growth. cal education. They have exceled in many areas some new ideas from their massive ecological crete tiles, and used environmentally friendly “My first visit to the Avedisian School was in helping the School win many awards, including masterpiece. As it turned out, Armen knew at materials for finishing, indoor air quality and 2009 when I visited the old campus in Malatia- national chess and debate competitions. The least as much as their experts and we returned natural lighting. Sepastia,” said Ms. Papelian. “Despite the chal- School has also won several prestigious awards to Yerevan with renewed confidence in including 1st place in Nationwide the project. Today, the Avedisian Russian Language Competency, 1st School’s new approach to building place in Nationwide French using sustainable energy has captivated Competency and a Gold Medal for Best both the government and the public so School Administration. Since 2015 the much so that an entire industry is grow- Avedisian School has had 62 students ing rapidly and providing many good graduate from the high school. This paying jobs for those working in the year all of the 31 graduates have been industry. What started as a small step admitted to higher educational estab- to the future, combined with over 300 lishments, including American sunny days a year in Armenia, provides University of Armenia, French the catalyst for Armenia to achieve over University of Armenia Foundation, 50% of its energy needs in the next ten University of Foreign Languages, years. That, I am confidant, will be Pedagogical University of Armenia, another first in the world. A major ben- Engineering University of Armenia, efit will be a great reduction in cancer Armenian State University of rates since the CO2 reduction will pro- Economics, Armenian Medical vide for much reduced pollution. Add to University, Armenian Conservatorie, that the joy of seeing Ararat for most of Yerevan State University and Russian- the daylight hours will make my day Slavonic University. and yours for sure.” “The Avedisian School has also ben- Joseph Zeronian, EdD, former efitted from the LEED Certification in President of the AMAA Board of terms of being the most unique envi- Directors during the building of the ronmentally friendly building not only Avedisian School in 2014, said, “It is in Armenia but also in the whole South gratifying to see the Avedisian School Caucasus Region,” said Melanya gaining honors in the Motherland. The Avedisian School new building Inauguration Day Geghamyan, Principal of the Avedisian School has met and exceeded the School. “The whole building is an envi- hopes and dreams of its founders and ronmental laboratory. The students the Board of the AMAA that endorsed its estab- “The Avedisian School is a source of great lenges posed by the unfortunate state of the have been taught how to differentiate between lishment.” pride for the AMAA in Armenia for many rea- building, Avedisian School Principal Melanya litter and recyclables, classify garbage into spe- The Avedisian School’s building team includ- sons,” said Dr. Nazareth Darakjian, president of Geghamyan ensured that the students excelled cial bins for paper, plastic and litter, how to save ed senior technical advisor/architect Ronald the AMAA’s Board of Directors. “The standard in every area. I also learned on that trip that water, and plant and care for trees and plants Altoon, Architect Isahak Nersisyan, of education is very high in comparison to one of the School’s science teachers had due to the green roofs. Because of the LEED Construction Manager Faraj Yeretsian, LEED other schools in the area and the School pro- received training on environmental education Certification and the Eco Project implemented Consultant/Solar Energy Design and vides an education tuition free in an area that from the Armenia Tree Project and was incor- at School, the students learn about composting Implementation Consultant Dr. Armen houses families with modest means. Almost all porating it into her lessons. When I was an and how significant it is to take advantage of Gharibyan, LEED Consultant AJB Inc., of the graduates have pursued higher educa- AMAA Board member, I was involved with enriching the soil with the principle of ‘zero Conservation Advisor Dr. Kenell Touryan, tion in the local colleges and universities. At the plans for the new campus and we had many dis- waste.’” AMAA, LEED and USGBC Liaison Richard same time, the Avedisian School building serves cussions on how to develop a green school. The AMAA-Armenia Representative Harout Youatt and Legal Counsels Peter Kougasian, as a lesson to Armenia’s architects and design- building itself is a huge component – it had to Nercessian added that “as a Christian organiza- Esq. and Jeanmarie Papelian, Esq. ers on how to build a structure that is beautiful be environmentally friendly of course, but Mr. tion, the AMAA cares deeply about the envi- “From start to finish, this was a concerted and yet efficient in the use of energy and nat- Avedisian and Principal Geghamyan also felt ronment and protecting God’s land and team effort,” said Altoon. “Every role was essen- ural resources. This is of utmost strategic that the students should be engaged in learning resources. The Avedisian School and tial, every challenge met head on. Armenia, importance for a country that must import to preserve and protect the environment. Community Center educates our students under the Soviet system, was unaccustomed to sources of energy from other countries. Our Today, five years after the new campus about environmental issues both academically addressing environmental or sustainable design congratulations and special thanks to Ed opened its doors, we can observe that it truly is and practically and encourages them to adopt issues so we were faced with many challenges. Avedisian and Ron Altoon for this accomplish- a green school. More than 400 trees and shrubs eco-friendly habits and promote them among When Mr. Avedisian approached me about ment.” surround the campus, many planted by the stu- their families and friends. The AMAA’s trail- working on this project, I suggested that we Funding for the LEED Certification process dents with support from the ATP. Students blazing efforts at the Avedisian School have accept the challenge to design the School to was generously provided to the AMAA by the plant and care for vegetables on one of the helped promote environmental awareness become LEED Certified. This was not an easy John Mirak Foundation of Massachusetts. The School’s green roof areas. They also create com- among the students and serves as an inspira- task to be sure. Mr. Avedisian became the cham- Mirak family’s Foundation has committed to post from cafeteria scraps, recycle paper, and tional model to other schools and organizations pion of the LEED Certification goal. He advo- preserving Armenia by funding organizations compete to see who can make the most creative throughout Armenia.” cated for this to the AMAA Board and sustained that focus on issues surrounding the environ- art from discarded items. The ATP recognizes “The AMAA salutes the pioneering insight of his commitment throughout the process. After ment, the welfare of children, autism, poverty the Avedisian School as a prominent partner a remarkable group of project owners and pro- our very challenging LEED journey, we have reduction and education at all levels. school – whenever ATP wants to pilot a new fessionals who rose above the cost and con- fulfilled our original vision. Not only have we “When we were approached by Ed to help program or project in its environmental educa- struction considerations to be the good stew- achieved LEED Silver, but also LEED Earth.” fund the new School, he gave us several nam- tion curriculum, Principal Geghamyan wel- ards of the Creator in securing the LEED “The LEED Certification shows how the ing opportunities,” said Julia Mirak, Trustee of comes our educators. And, it is great fun for stu- Certification and the LEED Earth Designation Avedisian School fits into the global sustain- the John Mirak Foundation. “Many of them dents to visit ATP’s nursery in Karin Village and for the Avedisian School,” said Zaven Khanjian, ability movement and how the AMAA is an involved funding infrastructure or playing plant trees each spring. It is fitting that the Executive Director/CEO of the AMAA. “We important innovator and leader not only within fields, but the idea of funding the LEED Avedisian School has received the first LEED have been entrusted with the welfare of our Armenia but within the region and globally,” Certification process was immediately attrac- Certification in the region. It sets the example planet. The Benefactors, the AMAA Board and said Youatt. “Mr. Avedisian played a very impor- tive to us. Not only would it help the current for how schools can help develop the next gen- Administration and the faculty and students of tant role in the transformation from the imme- students and faculty by providing a more invit- eration of environmental stewards. the Avedisian School are taking good care of diate post- Soviet era to the present. His broad ing atmosphere in which to learn and teach, but Congratulations to the team who made this cer- Armenia’s ecology while they toil to provide an vision for rebuilding Armenia’s entire educa- the systems that were being proposed would tification happen. I am proud to be associated environmentally sustainable Homeland for the tional system and his early focus on LEED enhance the neighborhood for generations to with such a fine institution.” enjoyment of generations to come.” S ATURDAY, S EPTEMBER 2 8 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 13 Arts & Living

Arpi Sarafian Anthology Armen Edgarian’s Published by Tekeyan Photopainting Solo Cultural Association Exhibit Coming to GLENDALE — Arpi Sarafian’s 235-page anthology, Endless Crossings: Reflections on Armenian Art and Culture in Los Angeles, has La Cañada, Calif. just been published by the Tekeyan Cultural Association of the United States and Canada as part of its ongoing publication series. By Aram Arkun In a wide-ranging and diverse mix of essays Mirror-Spectator Staff published over a span of over 30 years Sarafian explores the complexities of the immigrant LA CAÑADA, Calif. — In Armenian circles, experience. In a new definition of reality, she many know Armen Edgarian as a graphic contends, survival requires the negotiation of designer. He has done freelance designing for several worlds. “Ethnic” is past its definition of various departments of the Eastern Diocese of the clash of two cultures. the Armenian Church of America and St. Indeed, deconstructing the ethnic/main- Nersess Armenian Seminary in New York for stream polarity, that is removing several decades, and has prepared the ads and Armenianness, and by extension any other eth- mailings for the new Tekeyan Cultural nicity, from opposition to the “System,” may Association (TCA) Metro Los Angeles chapter. just be the only hope for survival, if at all pos- His full-time job is a Financial Publishing sible, for Armenians in the diaspora. The Specialist, meaning that he does graphic design author would like to see the hyphen dropped production work for a financial company, and from Armenian-American (as well as from he has worked for prestigious firms like the Chinese-American, Mexican-American or from Wall Street Journal Custom Studios and Hearst any other hyphenated American) as it creates a Magazines. But his heart is in his personal art, hierarchy which inevitably leads to the valuing and his first solo exhibition of mixed media of the so-called “majority” culture and the belit- photographs, called Urban Transitions, opens tling of the “other,” the “lesser” culture. Saturday, October 5 at Stephanie’s Gallery in A rich and vibrant culture like that of the La Cañada, California. The TCA Metro Los Armenians is capable of continual renewal and Angeles chapter is supporting this event. cannot but find its way into the mainstream. Rima Pipoyan Born in Iran, Edgarian lived in Spain for two Thus, rather than deplore the gradual loss of years, and came to the US when 22 years old. our ethnic identity, While he was in Spain, he met an Iranian pho- we could help make ‘When I Am Creating, I Feel Like I tojournalist by the name of Bruce Shahidi, who “ethnic” a relative introduced Edgarian to photography by show- term with no stigma attached to it. Am Not on the Earth’ The book includes reviews of the works YEREVAN — I have known dancer and choreographer Rima Pipoyan for more of literary figures than 10 years. Together we have participated in modern dance lessons and I have such as Leon Zaven watched more than a dozen of her per- Surmelian, Peter formances. She is one of the few young Najarian, Micheline By Artsvi Bakhchinyan professionals who always says some- Aharonian Marcom, Special to the Mirror-Spectator thing new in our art and about whom Aris Janigian, Garin you will not say “promising” anymore, Hovannisian, Tina Demirjian, David Kherdian; as she has justified all hopes one after artists Kardash Onnig and Seeroon Yeretzian; another and is never being satisfied of what she has achieved. Like many artists musicians Arpine and George Pehlivanian; and who are constantly in search of creativity, she does not care about archiving her various theatrical performances, art exhibits work. and conferences. Dear Rima, let’s start our conversation with the opinion of Lithuanian ballet Sarafian holds a PhD from the University of figure Jurijus Smoriginas. “I have often noticed that interesting choreographers Southern California and a BA and MA from the come not from great dancers, but from so-called mediocrities.” As a dancer and American University of Beirut. She was a lecturer choreographer do you agree with him? in English Language and Literature at the Actually he was right, I totally agree. California State University, Los Angeles, from 1978 Today, many world-famous choreographers to retirement in 2014. Sarafian has also taught at and dance teachers prove the truth of these the California State University, Dominguez Hills words. In my opinion, the dancer, lacking Armen Edgarian and at Loyola Marymount University. the ideal ballet body or skills, is starting to She has published articles in the Armenian think more, to work more, to study more to ing him photographs he took in Iran and in Observer, the Armenian Mirror-Spectator, achieve the perfection that the given art places all around the world. Edgarian said that Ararat quarterly, Armenian International requires. By doing so, he gains deeper he still has the first photograph Shahidi Magazine, Virginia Woolf Miscellany, knowledge, which later he is being able to showed him. Publication of the Modern Language pass it in a more accessible way to his Edgarian majored in photography and com- Association, Journal of the Society of pupils, students, students, or artists. In my puter graphics at the Pratt Institute in Armenian Studies, and the Los Angeles Times. opinion this is the way to become a good Brooklyn, New York, and graduated in 1996. Her anthology is available through Abril dance teacher, and to become a good chore- Though he took painting classes, he decided to Bookstore in Glendale (email noor@abril- ographer you need to have a vivid imagina- focus on photography and design, and his pho- books.com). For more information about the tion and talent. And most of all, one should tographs in New York were of a more tradi- Tekeyan Cultural Association’s publication have love, great dedication, and boundless tional variety. He had participated in two or series, contact its North American headquar- diligence. Rima Pipoyan three group shows. Edgarian exclaimed that ters ([email protected]). I have not gone the easy way as a dancer, “This [present] show is major and life-changing but I am happy and grateful for the chal- for me! I found my medium and I am going to lenges I have encountered in my creative life - they have polished and shaped me continue doing it. Hopefully, it will excite peo- as an artist, as a director, as a thinker, as a human being in general. I was still a 14- ple as well who look at this art and see some- year-old student at the State Choreographic College when I handed out my first bal- thing different.” let libretto on paper, which remained on paper, and I began to compose dances Edgarian explained further: “The reason I since I can remember. Who knows, if everything in my life were ideal and easily am having this show is that I moved to Los accessible, I probably would not have done anything Angeles. Almost every subject that I have in the And even if you never wore pointe shoes, you still perform in modern dance show is from Los Angeles. The Los Angeles performances. area is not like New York. It is just suburban Although I still dream of dancing “Giselle,” at any rate today I am free to stage houses, with no subjects for me to photograph. and dance whatever I want. I cannot live without creativity and I value my “free- So I ended up going around all the new con- dom” very much. My love for classical ballet has not changed since childhood. Now, struction sites that are happening in downtown I appreciate it even more, but there was a moment in my life when I realized that Los Angeles. Most of the subjects are from the ideas I had could not be expressed only by the movements of ballet and classi- those boarded up wooden boards around new cal dance. The movements automatically came into me, born mainly through impro- construction sites where people come and put visations. Of course, for me it was important to take master classes from modern up posters, and somebody comes and puts up a see RIMA, page 15 Arpi Sarfarian poster on top of that. Then the building see EDGARIAN, page 17 14 S ATURDAY, S EPTEMBER 2 8 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARTS & LIVING Reclaiming Our Ancient Heritage Portasar (Göbekli Tepe)

By Adriana Tchalian Special to the Mirror-Spectator

During my first visit to Armenia, I expected to find a rugged and muscular terrain, given the steady diet of cliched images I had consumed over the years of one very famous, snow-capped mountain range. What I found instead was a mild and feminine landscape where ribbons of smooth terrain are topped with delicate, cream-colored hills set against lush valleys. Even mighty Ararat appeared painterly, if not feminine, underneath the Anatolian sun. Vincent Van Gogh would have liked paint- ing this delicate landscape, I thought to myself, seeing flecks of Japan in its eastern terrain. Could the Armenian Plateau be, as some have described, the navel of the world? Detail from Portasar, a “Vulture Stone” Enter Portasar (the navel of a mountain), better known as Göbekli Tepe (potbelly hill), a prehistoric magnum opus built by hunter-gatherers dating back to the Pre-Pottery Neolithic have been sacrifices and feasting going on. etching of what appears to be a woman giving birth, and period (ca. 10th-9th millennia BC). Considered the oldest Two iconic T-shaped pillars, measuring as high as 16 feet tall another featuring a large aperture (seven to eight inches in megalithic monument in the world, this UNESCO World and weighing as much as 10 tons each, were constructed from diameter) that may have symbolized a womb, with archaic rep- Heritage Site is located in the historic Armenian Plateau, locally-sourced limestone and erected in the middle of the resentations of human legs. An additional example includes approximately 35 miles north of the Syrian border and rough- structure. These giant pillars, some with anthropomorphic fea- the so-called Vulture Stone, an etching featuring gruesome ani- ly ten miles northeast of Urfa (Sanlıurfa). tures, are encircled with a stone wall that’s interjected with a mals and insects that may have corresponded to constella- It’s also a mere 25 miles from the ancient city of Haran, men- smaller set of T-shaped pillars. tions. tioned in the book of Genesis as the place where Abram (later According to Andrew Curry of the Smithsonian Magazine, Perhaps it’s this level of perception that eventually led the called Abraham) settled for a time after emigrating from Ur of much of Portasar is yet to be discovered. Only 5 percent of the builders of Portasar to transition into a proto-farming society. the Chaldeans, an epic journey that would take him all the way 22-acre site has been excavated. It’s estimated that the area But as Schmidt explains, this shift from hunter-gatherer to to the promised land of Canaan. contains at least sixteen additional megalithic structures that farming may have brought about the downfall of this megalith- Portasar is perched above a thousand-foot-diameter mound have yet to be dug up. ic site. It’s believed that the site was deliberately buried as this overlooking what was once a fertile plain. At first glance, its Portasar is set in Upper Mesopotamia, an area nested with- new farming technology was being implemented in the region. circular construction is reminiscent of England’s Stonehenge in the Fertile Crescent, also known as the Cradle of Later on, nearby settlements of Boncuklu Höyük (ca. 8500 (ca. 2500 BC). But unlike Stonehenge and all other prehistoric Civilization. This region includes parts of Turkey, Syria, Iran, BC) and Çatal Höyük (ca. 6000 – 5900 BC) would become monuments, including Armenia’s Karahundj (ca. 5500 BC) Iraq, Lebanon, Israel, Jordan, and Egypt. The term – Cradle of important centers of agricultural activities. and Metsamor (ca. 5000 BC), Portasar is said to be the world’s Civilization – typically conjures up images of ancient One of the most interesting aspects of Portasar is its seem- first “temple,” this according to German archaeologist Klaus Mesopotamian empires dotting the Tigris and Euphrates cor- ingly unapologetic view of nature, something that really comes Schmidt who excavated the site from 1996 to 2014. ridor, not to mention those along the Nile. This crescent- through in its artifacts. Like so many other prehistoric sites – To summarize Schmidt, Portasar breaks all the rules of how shaped landmass has given birth to many “firsts” in human the caves of Lascaux (ca. 15,000 – 13,000 BC) and Chauvet an early hunter-gatherer society is supposed to behave. history. The ancient Sumerians (ca. 5000/4500-1750 BC), for (ca. 15,000 – 13,000 BC), just to name a few – many of the ani- According to a standard model of prehistoric human develop- instance, invented everything from writing to geometry; they mals depicted at Portasar were not used for food. Instead, ment, religion and, by extension, its architectural vernacular, domesticated animals and developed irrigation for agriculture, these creatures seem to be showcasing their gruesome traits, arrives on the scene after the invention of farming, not before. among many other originations. perhaps as a testament to nature’s dark and destructive But Portasar turns that model on its head by building monu- According to Harvard archaeologist Ofer Bar-Yosef, agricul- attributes. mental structures before the onset of farming. ture began in south-eastern Turkey and northern Syria (part By sharp contrast, many contemporary artists have taken a Portasar’s circular megalithic structures were likely used for of the Armenian Plateau). But many of Bar-Yosef’s contempo- much softer view of nature, perhaps in fear of being labeled funerary purposes and other notable observances. It’s believed raries disagree with his claim, citing that agriculture originat- offensive, given nature’s inevitable identification with women that the site was set apart from mundane, day-to-day activities, ed in multiple locations within the Fertile Crescent. (à la mother nature, etc.). This, coupled with a relativist mind- much like Stonehenge (ca. 2500 BC) and nearby Durrington Nevertheless, Bar-Yosef maintains that honest-to-goodness set where everything is meaningless and there is no Truth, etc. Walls (a circular structure made of timber, ca. 2600 BC). agriculture (one that combined crops and livestock) developed has resulted in empty art galleries on any given weekend. But According to Schmidt, there is no evidence of dwellings found once, and then proliferated into other parts. prehistoric sites, like Stonehenge, are bustling with tens of at the site. Hence, it’s very likely that the builders of Portasar The hunter-gatherers who built Portasar seemed to possess thousands of tourists from all over the world, eager to witness lived in a nearby settlement and travelled to the sites on a remarkable cognizance about life – be it zoological, anatom- its timeless vernacular where meaning and purpose still pre- notable occasions. Numerous animal bones uncovered at ical, celestial, et al. This is evident in the artifacts and relief side as important ingredients in life, in art. What’s more, these Portasar, as well as Durrington Walls, suggest that there may sculptures found at the site. For instance, there’s a stylized ancient sites attract not just the learned few, but people from all walks of life who’ve been stirred by its style and substance. Ironically, many centuries later, the people of the Armenian Plateau would be the first nation in the world to adopt Christianity (301 AD). Perhaps this was partly due to their age- old understanding of nature as something more than just a benevolent force – Christ as the antidote to nature.

Works Cited

Curry, Andrew. “Gobekli Tepe: The World’s First Temple?” Smithsonian Magazine. Smithsonian.com, November 2008. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/gobekli-tepe-the- worlds-first-temple-83613665/. “Göbekli Tepe.” UNESCO: United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. UNESCO World Heritage Center, 2018. https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1572/. Haughton, Brian. “Gobekli Tepe - the World’s First Temple?” Ancient History Encyclopedia. May 04, 2011. https://www.ancient.eu/article/234/. III, Jones, Ronnie. “Gobekli Tepe.” Ancient History Encyclopedia. May 07, 2015. https://www.ancient.eu/Gobekli_Tepe/. Mark, J. Joshua. “Sumer.” Ancient History Encyclopedia. April 28, 2011. https://www.ancient.eu/sumer/. Kleiner, Fred S. Gardner’s Art Through the Ages: A Global History. 13th ed. Vol. 1. Boston, MA: Thomson Wadsworth, 2009. The Bible. New King James Version. Zimmer, Carl. “How the First Farmers Changed History.” The New York Times, October 17, 2016. Portasar at night https://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/18/science/ancient- farmers-archaeology-dna.html. S ATURDAY, S EPTEMBER 2 8 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 15 ARTS & LIVING Rima Pipoyan: ‘When I Am Creating, I Feel Like I Am Not on the Earth’

RIMA, from page 13 Ministry of Culture of Georgia, and they also We do not even have a special stage for dance in this question, but I can never find a clear dance specialists, studying Asian martial partially financed my contemporary ballet per- in Yerevan. answer. I can only say that there are no clear arts, philosophy, religion; they helped to fur- formance “Sinful Passions” based on I have heard that we have a theater of chore- rules for me to create; the mind, the music, the ther refine, strengthen and substantiate my Beethoven’s music, which took place marking ography in the ground floor of our choreo- time, the possibilities of the body inspire and knowledge and movements. It is also very the jubilee of ballerina Maria Divanyan’s stage graphic college. Such a the- important when you are trying to find your own activity. The performance premiered in July ater would seem to be the style, to discover your world; this is one of the 2015 at the Alexander Spendiaryan National most suitable place for mod- major points of modern dance art. The freedom Academic Opera and Ballet Theater. ern ballet performances... that I lacked in classical ballet, modern dance To develop modern dance, one should not This theater, which was gave to me. just copy styles, techniques, but change mind- established by our eminent I remember your “La vita nuova,” a contem- sets. How ready is Armenia for a change in choreographer Maxim porary ballet performance at the X Theater mentality when it comes to dance? Martirosyan at the time, is Festival in 2013, and we were all upset when Yes, the important thing is the mind; if the unfortunately in a hopeless the jury gave the first prize to an alumni’s ten- mind is ready, the body easily obeyed. I used to state and is on the verge of minute performance, which much inferior to have amateur dance groups, and I noticed that closing. It could have been a yours. people over the age of 20, who have never danced great platform for developing Art is a field of subjective perceptions, and and have developed minds, can easily perceive contemporary dance art in since the jury members had nothing to do with and reproduce new movements. Sometimes it is Armenia, educating new gen- dance or ballet art, at best they could only say very interesting to look at and follow people who erations and presenting our whether the performance touched their heart have no physical training or dance instructions. art to the international com- Rima Pipoyan or not. Frankly saying, not winning a prize did One can also learn and even get almost the same munity. not affect me, after a while we were awarded the aesthetic that a trained body has. After all, mod- Classical dance has its fixed Artavazd Prize, one of the highest awards in the ern dance was created by people who wanted to positions, postures, movements. In modern dictate me. When I put on a performance for a Armenian theatrical field, but it did not change express their thoughts in mature age without hav- ballet, the creator is free. But I have always certain female dancer, all my work is being anything in our creative life. ing a ballet educated body. People always call me wondered how modern dance movements are based on the image, skills, and peculiarities of If I remember correctly, “La vita nuova” asking if I have a permanent group where they created: does the music t give birth to them? her. While staging a performance I put the was partially funded by the Georgians. can come and learn modern dance. How can I When I was in Berlin, the Germans asked me emphasis on music, but it is the subject that Yes, it was staged with funding from the have such a group? the same question. Many people are interested often comes to my mind the first, and I start searching for relevant music, which is a much more complicated process. Don’t you think traditional Armenian dance movements can also interestingly live a new life in contemporary dance performances? Of course they can, and it is only appreciated. For example, in the presentation of “Medieval Images,” which was my diploma thesis, I tried Recipe Guest Recipe to reproduce the positions, gestures and move- ments depicted in our miniatures in a new way, by combining them with classical dance ele- ments. I also love doing the opposite - inventing new movements under traditional Armenian music and stage them in a new approach. However, what is typical of our traditional dances – twists of wrists, shoulder movements, so-called springs, etc., I have not yet tried to include in my performances. Maybe in the future I will make such an attempt. by Christine Vartanian Datian You have been on constant tours lately and have received numerous invitations from dif- ferent countries to stage and perform. What is Cheese Blintzes with Honey and Jam your activity here in Armenia and what are Vintage Press Chef Creates a Delicious Brunch Dish your goals? Recipe and photo contributed by David Vartanian, The Vintage Yes, in recent years the invitations fortunate- ly (and maybe unfortunately), are so many that Press Restaurant in Visalia, Calif., named one of America’s in my workplaces they jokingly say “you have Best Chefs.* become a mirage, you appear in our eyes occa- sionally.” Because of my absence, I had to leave BATTER the State Institute of Theater and Cinema 3/4 cup all-purpose flour where I had been teaching for seven years. 3 tablespoons sugar My “A Woman before Decision Making” solo 1/4 teaspoon salt received invitations from over 10 countries and 2 eggs was presented in over 30 different cities, partic- 1-1/4 cups milk ipating in prestigious festivals and competitions 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons melted butter around the world, receiving numerous awards. 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract In Italy, Poland, Croatia, Germany, I present- ed my “Hello, Kitty” performance, which I will PREPARATION present in Moldova this November. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the dry ingredients. Set aside. I was in Venice in May-June this year; I was In a medium size bowl, combine the eggs, milk, 1/4 cup butter and the vanilla. Whisk the egg mixture into the dry ingredients until invited by the prestigious Venice International smooth. Heat a crepe pan over medium heat. Brush the pan with part of the remaining butter. Pour in an ounce and half of the batter. Biennale to stage a performance with seven Tip the pan slightly to spread the batter. Brown the crepe on one side and then turn it over. Remove the crepe from the pan. dancers selected specifically for this project. Continue until all batter is used. After two months of work, the performance called “What If” was premiered at the Piccolo FILLING Arsenale Theater in Venice. The audience and 3/4 cup ricotta cheese critics enthusiastically accepted the perfor- 3/4 cup mascarpone cream cheese mance. The “Self-portrait” solo dance that I recently staged and which I perform myself, 2 tablespoons honey went on tour in Belgium, Germany and was also Zest of one orange a great success. 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract In November, I will travel to Spain to start a Powdered sugar new project as a producer and dancer. I have 1/4 cup each of 2 varieties of jam many programs related to Armenia. But one of my dreams right now is to stage Stravinsky’s PREPARATION “The Rite of Spring” at our Opera and Ballet Mix the ricotta, mascarpone, vanilla, honey and orange zest together in a bowl. Theater and form a repertoire of contemporary To assemble crepes: In the center of each crepe, place a heaping tablespoon of the filling. Fold the edges in on each side and then ballet performances. I hope that we will perform fold the top and bottom sides of crepe over to form a rectangle. it here next spring, with the talented composer Now heat a large skillet over medium heat and brush with melted butter. Place the crepe in the pan and cook for approximately 30 and conductor Alexander Iradyan, who has seconds on each side. Place crepes on warm plates, dust with powdered sugar and garnish with choice of jam. enthusiastically agreed to head the orchestra. We also intend to invite a Ukrainian choreogra- The Vintage Press is one of Central California’s most elegant dining experiences. If you are in Visalia, plan to visit the Vintage Press pher, a leading soloist from the Kiev Academic Restaurant for an incomparable Sunday brunch, lunch or dinner. Wine Spectator writes it has "one of the best wine lists in the Theater and Kiev Modern Ballet Artyom world," while Fodor's raves it is "the best restaurant in the Central Valley," and the L.A. Times applauds it as "a bastion of culinary Shoshin, who will work and perform in a one- merit." act modern ballet with Komitas’s music. Still so much! *Best Chefs America features premier chefs that have been nominated and recommended by their peers in the culinary field. And I have no doubt that, despite all sorts of difficulties you will fulfill all them quite suc- cessfully. Good luck, dear Rima, to all your projects – both close and distant! 16 S ATURDAY, S EPTEMBER 2 8 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARTS & LIVING CC AA LL EE NN DD AA RR

617- 926-2562, ext.103 or email ghabeshian@armenian- honoring Bruce Newell as the “Parishioner of the Year,” MASSACHUSETTSARIZONA museum.org. Members $15. Non-members $20. 12:30 p.m., Charles and Nevart Talanian Cultural Hall, 145 NOVEMBER 2-3 — ARMENIAFest at St. Apkar OCTOBER 2 —Joint Sts. Vartanantz – Hye Point Golf Brattle Street, Cambridge. Save the date; details to follow. Armenian Apostolic Church. Weekend food and cul- Outing at the beautiful Butter Brook Golf Club in OCTOBER 27 — Sunday Cultural Series: Popular Songs tural festival featuring traditional Armenian foods, bever- Westford. Proceeds to benefit scholarships to Diocesan by Armenian Composers Performed by renowned ages, exhibits, music and dance performances. 8849 E. youth programs. 10 a.m. Shotgun start. Golfers with all singers Arthur Ispiryan from Yerevan and Nara from Cholla St., Scottsdale. skill levels most welcome. Single players will be grouped California 2-4 pm, Armenian Museum of America Adele into foursomes. $150 for Golf, lunch, and Dinner. $165 & Haig Der Manuelian galleries, 3rd floor, 65 Main Street, will include 25 raffle tickets. Awards dinner to follow golf Watertown, MA. Please join us at the Armenian Museum CALIFORNIA outing at Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Church, 180 Old as we welcome renowned singers Arthur Ispiryan from NOVEMBER 23 — Armenian EyeCare Project Gala. Join Westford Rd., Chelmsford. For registration and sponsor- Yerevan and Nara from California as they perform popu- the Armenian EyeCare Project for its annual Gala cel- ship information, please contact Steve Sarkisian at 978- lar sons by Armenian composers. Special appearance by ebrating another year of great accomplishments in 808-2820, [email protected]. Aram Satian, the president of the Composer’s Union of Armenia. Held at the beautiful Balboa Bay Resort in OCTOBER 7 — St James Men’s Club Dinner Meeting - Armenia and Composer Maestro Konstantin Petrosian. Newport Beach, CA at 6:30pm. Evening begins with social hour and mezza at 6:15 PM and dinner at 7 This performance is presented by Armenian Museum of stunning cocktail reception and silent auction followed p.m., St James Armenian Church Charles Mosesian America and the Composer’s Union of Armenia, and by an exquisite five-course dinner, live Armenian music by Cultural and Youth Center - Keljik Hall, 465 Mt. Auburn sponsored by the Dadourian Foundation. Special appear- the Hosharian Brothers Band, an exciting live auction and Street, Watertown. Guest speaker Dr. Myron Allukian, ance by Aram Satian, the president of the Composer’s more! Tickets are $450/person if reserved by Oct. 10; public health expert and the former Dental Director of Union of Armenia and Composer Maestro Konstantin $500/person after Oct. 10; and $250/person for those the City of Boston for 34 years. The title of Dr Allukian’s Petrosian. Members free. Non-members free with $15 age 35 & under. All proceeds to benefit the AECP’s many presentation is Healthy is Wealthy: How to Live a Healthy Museum admission. sight-saving programs in Armenia. To RSVP or for more and Longer Life, which is a discussion of health care in NOVEMBER 1,2 — NAASR Grand Opening and Gala. information, call 949-933-4069, email info@eyecarepro- the United States with an emphasis on what individuals, Friday, November 1 – Grand Opening & Ribbon ject.com or visit eyecareproject.com/gala families, and society can do to help ensure healthier Cutting, NAASR Vartan Gregorian Building, at NAASR’s lifestyles and healthier lives. He will also discuss the new world headquarters, 395 Concord Avenue, Belmont, impact on our lives by the US health care system and big MA. Saturday, November 2 – NAASR 65th Anniversary CONNECTICUT business. Dr. Allukian is currently the President of the Gala, at the Royal Sonesta Hotel, Cambridge. 6 pm OCTOBER 24 — Book presentation by Adrienne G. Massachusetts Coalition for Oral Health and Vice Chair of Reception, 7 pm Dinner and Program. Honoree Dr. Alexanian, editor of her father’s memoir Forced into the Oral Health Working Group. He has been called “The Vartan Gregorian, president of the Carnegie Corporation Genocide: Memoirs of an Armenian Soldier in the Social Conscience of Dentistry”. Mezza and a Losh Kebab of New York; Master of Ceremonies David Ignatius, Ottoman Turkish Army, University of Connecticut’s Office & Kheyma Dinner $17/person. Ladies invited. For addi- columnist for the Washington Post and novelist; of Global Affairs, UConn, Hartford, Hartford Times tional information call the St James Church office at 617- Featuring renowned soprano Isabel Bayrakdarian, accom- Building, Room HTB 210 – 10 Prospect Street, Hartford, 923-8860 or call Hapet Berberian at 781-367-6598. panied by the Borromeo String Quartet, performing a from 5 to 8 p.m. For information: (860) 486-5184 or OCTOBER 13 — Sunday Cultural Series! Traditional program of songs by Komitas. Further details to follow. [email protected]. Book sale/signing during reception Armenian Dance Lessons. 2-4 pm, Armenian Museum NOVEMBER 8 and 9 – Annual Autumnfest Bazaar prior to the presentation and after. All proceed from the of America Adele & Haig Der Manuelian galleries, 3rd sponsored by the Armenian Church at Hye Pointe, at sale of the books will be donated. floor, 65 Main Street, Watertown. On the second Sunday our new location 1280 Boston Road, (Rte. 125) Haverhill, of every month, join experts Gary and Susan Lind- Friday 12 – 7 pm and Saturday 12 – 7 pm. Lamb, Losh, FLORIDA Sinanian for a workshop on Armenian dance. Gary and Chicken Kebab and Kheyma. Dinners served all day. Susan have collected over 100 village dances and shared Pastry table, Armenian cuisine, gift baskets, raffles for DECEMBER 7 — Saturday, 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. The these with the community for the last 42 years. Learn cash and prizes. For more info, visit www.hyepointear- Women’s Guild of St. David Armenian Church in Armenian dances performed at American picnics and tra- menianchurch.org or call (978) 372-9227. Take Rte. 495 Boca Raton, invites all members, spouses & friends to ditional dances from the old country. Members free. N to exit 48, bear right at the end of the ramp. their Annual Christmas Luncheon & Fashion Show at the Non-members $12. Register online (https://www.arme- NOVEMBER 9 — Armenian Women’s Welfare Wyndham Deerfield Beach Resort, 2019 NE 2nd Street, nianmuseum.org/museum-events )or call Education Association, Annual Luncheon, Saturday, 12 - 4pm, Deerfield Beach, FL, to enjoy an afternoon of fellowship, Coordinator, Garin Habeshian at 617.926.2562 Ext. 103 Belmont Country Club, 181 Winter Street, Belmont. delicious food, and exciting fashion provided by Mario OCTOBER 19 – NOVEMBER 9 — Fall Studio Art Classes NOVEMBER 16 — St. Stephen’s Armenian Elementary Pucci, among others. For reservations (deadline Nov. Armenian Museum of America Adele & Haig Der School 35th Anniversary Celebration. Keynote speak- 29th) and additional information, please call Diane Manuelian galleries, 3rd floor, 65 Main Street, er: Dr. Diran Apelian, Professor of Engineering & Former Azarian (401) 556-3886, Ginny Kyvelos (781) 789-9169, Watertown. Young artists will be inspired by objects on Provost, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Distinguished or the church office (561 994-2335. display in the galleries to refine their individual artistic tal- Professor, UC Irvine. Entertainment: singer Artur DECEMBER 13, 14, & 15 — Friday, Saturday, & Sunday ents. Projects such as painting from observation, design- Hakobyan (Mister X). Emcee: Lisa Gulesserian, Ph.D., - Friday - 6pm to 10pm; Saturday - 9am to 10pm; ing Armenian calligraphy, and pottery decoration will be Harvard’s Preceptor on Armenian Language & Culture.@ Sunday - 1pm to 6pm; - St. David Armenian Art & Food presented. Members $96. Non-members $120. For more The Westin Hotel Waltham-Boston. 6:30pm Cocktails / Festival, 2300 Yamato Road, Boca Raton, FL. Join us for info and to register visit https://www.armenianmuse- 7:30pm Dinner and program. More to follow… an afternoon of delicious homemade Armenian food, um.org/classes, or call Education Coordinator, Garin DECEMBER 6 and 7 — Friday and Saturday, Trinity fun, fellowship, raffles, and children’s activities while you Habeshian at 617-926-2562, ext. 103. Christmas Bazaar, Friday, 12 noon-9 p.m., Saturday, shop for Christmas gifts at our vendors. For more infor- OCTOBER 18-19 — St. James 72nd Annual Bazaar, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Holy Trinity Armenian Church of Greater mation, call the church office at 561-994-2335. Delicious Armenian Food and Pastries. Silent Boston, 145 Brattle Street, Cambridge. For further infor- Admission is free and there is ample parking on the Auction, Attic Treasures, Booths and Vendors. Raffles, mation, contact the Church Office, 617.354.0632. church grounds. Children’s Activities, and more. Friday and Saturday. DECEMBER 15 — Christmas Holiday Concert – Erevan Details to follow. St. James Armenian Church – 465 Mt. Choral Society and Orchestra, 3:00 p.m., Church MASSACHUSETTS Auburn St., Watertown. For more information contact Sanctuary, Holy Trinity Armenian Church of Greater 617.923.8860 or [email protected] or visit Boston, 145 Brattle Street, Cambridge, MA. Save the SEPTEMBER 29 — Sunday, 6 p.m., the screening of www.stjameswatertown.org. date; details to follow. For further information, call the “The Stateless Diplomat,” a documentary by Mimi OCTOBER 19 — The Armenian Missionary Association Church Office, 617.354.0632, or email [email protected]. Malayan on the heroic life and legacy of Diana A. Apcar of America (AMAA) 100th Annual Meeting Banuqet (1859-1937), Armenia’s Honorary Consul to Japan in celebrating the Armenian Evangelical Church. Westin MICHIGAN 1920 at Mosesian Center for Arts, Watertown. Hotel, Waltham, 70 Third Ave., Watlham. 6 p.m. recep- Organized by the Armenian Cultural Foundation and co- tion, 7 p.m. Dinner, $125. RSVP by October 5. Tickets OCTOBER 26 — Kef Time Keghi IV 6:30 p.m. Saturday, at sponsored by Amaras Art Alliance, Arlington and sponsorships available online at amaa.org. Checks St John Armenian Cultural Hall, Southfield, headlined International Film Festival, co-Armenian International payable to the Armenian Missionary Association of with Traditional Keghetzi Pagharch feast, full buffet dinner Women’s Association, Armenian Museum of America, Ameirca, and mail to 31 W. Century Road, Paramus, NJ with dancing, music by the Keghi All-Star Armenian Band. Armenian Women’s Welfare Association, National 07652 Reservations call Laura Negosian Lucassian at 248-376- Association for Armenian Studies and Research, Project OCTOBER 19 — The Vosbikians are coming to the 3794 or email at [email protected]. Donation: SAVE Armenian Photograph Archives, and Tekeyan Merrimack Valley. The Armenian Friends of America Adults $45, Children under 17, $20. Cash Bar. Mail checks Cultural Association. The tickets will be available in the proudly present their Annual HYE KEF 5 Dance, featuring to Karen Nigosian, 21919 Michigan Ave, Dearborn. MI Dorothy and Charles Mosesian Center for the Arts The Vosbikians. The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Andover, 48124 Checks payable to Nor Keghi Association. Proceeds through the following link: MA. Tickets Purchased before 9/13/19 will include the to support continuing renovations at public schools and https://web.ovationtix.com/trs/pe/10450012 Great Venue, Outstanding Buffet, The Vosbikian Band community projects in Nor Keghi, Armenia. Supported by OCTOBER 2 — Food Tasting with Dr. Mari Firkatian, and 5 Free Raffle Tickets Adults $75.00 & Students 21 & parishioners of the four Armenian churches in Greater 6.30 p.m. reception, 7 p.m. lecture and tasting. under $65 Specially priced AFA Rooms available through Detroit. Armenian Museum of America Adele & Haig Der 9/17/19. For Tickets and more information, Contact: Lu NOVEMBER 16 — The Knights of Vartan, Nareg- Manuelian galleries, 65 Main Street, Watertown. Sirmaian 978-683-9121 or Sharke’ Der Apkarian at 978- Shavarshan Lodge #6 and the Daughters of Vartan, Professor of History and Armenian cook, Firkatian will 808-0598 Visit www.Armenia-FriendsofAmerica.org Zabelle Otyag #12 will celebrate their respective 100th demonstrate traditional Armenian recipes from her book, OCTOBER 20 — Annual Banquet of Holy Trinity and 70th organization anniversaries. Featuring: Kevork Home Again. Tasting and Q & A to follow. Books will be Armenian Church of Greater Boston, Celebrating the Artinian and his All Star Band at St. Mary’s Cultural Hall, available for purchase. To RSVP, call Garin Habeshian at 58th Anniversary of the Consecration of Holy Trinity and continued on nexty page S ATURDAY, S EPTEMBER 2 8 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 17 ARTS & LIVING Armen Edgarian’s Photopainting Solo Exhibit Coming to La Cañada, Calif.

EDGARIAN, from page 13 sition that may be Cubism in some parts. It is of [Pablo] Picasso, I see [Joan] Miro, I see compositions on walls, and then, mainly in management paints over it or rips it up. This a mixture of everything that I have been touches, subjects and forms. Not that I am black and white. He was a teacher, but he did creates subjects for me, and every day I go interested in art, the history of art, in fine exactly copying them. Some compositions are photography. I see a little bit of that in my and try to see what changes and I take pic- arts. Somehow it is coming back to me, the like other photographs but it has turned into work, if it is black and white, if it is just solid tures.” things. What I can say is that throughout all In this downtown area, Edgarian said, all these years you look at these artists, and it the advertising for music groups, theaters comes out some way in your work. Aha, it and events are posted on these walls, and looks a little bit like that, it looks a little bit people put graffiti or other posters on it. This Miro, like this person or that person.” becomes his canvas. Some more artists whose work Edgarian Edgarian likes to call what he does now likes include Kurt Schwitters, Robert photopainting. He said, “The thing with the Rauschenberg, Wassily Kandinsky, Francis posters and the paint, people come and do Bott and Manabu Mabe. Concerning graffiti. It is just the combination of every- Armenian influences in his work, Edgarian thing that creates something new. I get real- noted that there might be a little of Arshile ly close. I really zoom in to a section of a wall Gorky. and then photograph that. What happens is After noting his influences, Edgarian that I am getting closer and closer and clos- stressed that “nobody can say that, oh, what er to my subject. Before, I used to take a pho- I do is unique and nobody else does it. There tograph, let’s say, of a door in the Village or is no such thing.” in New York.…Now I get closer and take a pic- He has previously stated that, “I learned to ture of the lock that is on the door. This is observe the ordinary and appreciate beauty the comparison. I get closer to those papers, everywhere…. Every landscape, patterns of the colorful textures on the wall, the wooden light, color, texture and still life simultane- board itself, the paint that the management ously morphed into an abstract image. It was puts over it so it wouldn’t be an eyesore for as as if the whole world had exploded into the public. Just a combination of everything, form, color and design that all began with a it has become this array of colorful and yet photograph. … I am hoping that by pho- beautiful compositions that you pass by and tographing what I see with my distinct vision don’t notice. Then you look closely, and you and then transforming the static image with see that there is so much going on.” painterly technique, I might create something Edgarian first takes a photograph, and that is different, deliberate and yet sponta- then makes digital changes to it. He then neous. It is every artist’s humble hope that, uses a process called emulsion transfer to in this way, the image points to deeper truths place the digitally prepared image on paper, and the viewer’s heart opens to the insight!” wood or other substances. First, the files are The spark for the present exhibition was printed on a transparency film. The ink on that, Edgarian said, “I am here and I can’t this film gets released through a certain just produce work and do nothing about it.” chemical to whatever substrate, paper, wood, There will be between 30 and 35 works exhib- etc., that you choose, so that the image is ited. The sizes are either 30 inches by 40 now on that object. Edgarian then puts paint, inches or 24 by 36 inches. The size is deter- water colors, soft pastels, acrylic, dry lines or mined by the size of the transparency film. chalk on the paper or wood to emphasize the The exhibition has something for everyone, lines or color and give it a bolder, more live- for as its description notes philosophically, ly look than just a flat photograph. He said the the original subjects of Edgarian’s art that this gives the image a little more texture, encompass “all the elements of light, color and added, “That is why I don’t frame my and design found in formal art, but existing work—because I don’t want anything touch- only for a short time before eroding entirely. ing it. I want to have that connection Transitions that so powerfully evoke the slide between the photo and the viewers, so they from order to chaos—like life itself!” can see the little details and the texture cre- ated by this transfer and the stuff I add to it.” He defined his style as follows: “I would say “Anchor,” by Armen Edgarian For more about Edgarian, see https:// it is more like my way of Expressionism. I www.armenjohndesign.com/. The opening of don’t know how else to describe it. That is his exhibition will be at 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. on the closest I can come up with. That is what way that I am doing the photography right my way of doing it.” October 5 at Stephanie’s Gallery, 466 Foothill I see and what I interpret, from what I see. … now. Sometimes I see other photographs, “[Aaron] Siskind,” Edgarian said, “was one Blvd., Unit C, in La Cañada, Flintridge, CA (tele- It can be Expressionism; it can be abstract. other masters, other painters, I see a little bit of my favorite photographers. He pho- phone 818 790-4905, email info@stephanies- Sometimes it has to do with just the compo- of [Wassily] Kandinsky, I see a little bit maybe tographed ink on the wall, or sometimes just gallery.com)

presentation. All proceeds from the sale of the books will be donated to St. Nersess Armenian Seminary. CC AA LENDARLENDAR RHODE ISLAND SEPTEMBER 29 — The Armenian Historical Association of Rhode Island (AHARI) will host an afternoon with Susan Lind-Sinanian, renowned museum curator and for sale and signing. educator at the Armenian Museum of America as she MICHIGAN OCTOBER 12, 13 — The Tekeyan Cultural Association’s presents her upcoming book. Sunday. Refreshments Mher Megerdchian Theatrical Group will present 12.30 p.m., lecture at 1 p.m. Attendees are invited to from previous page “Caught in the Net,” a comedy in one act, directed by bring their own family textile treasures with them for an 18100 Merriman Rd, Livonia. This is a fundraiser Harout Chatmajian. Oradell Elementary School, 350 “Antiques Road Show” style evaluation. AHARI, 245 Dinner/Kef Dance to celebrate Knights and Daughters as Prospect Ave., Oradell. 8 p.m. on Saturday and 4 p.m. on Waterman St., fifth floor conference room, Providence. well as a chance for future members to observe how our Sunday. Tickets $35 and $50. Performed in Armenian OCTOBER 20 — The Cultural Committee of Sts. Sahag community puts our heritage on display. All proceeds to with English subtitles. For tickets call Marie (201) 745- and Mesrob Armenian Church, Providence Presents fund renovation of school gymnasium, Knights of Vartan 8850 or Talar (201) 240-8541. Meet With The Doctors - Questions & Answers. We invite #106, Elementary School, Yerevan, Armenia. For OCTOBER 25 — Banquet Honoring Dr. Taner Akcam everyone to avail themselves of this opportunity and Reservations Contact: Laura Lucassian, (248) 376-3794, Abajian Hall St. Leon complex Fair Lawn, NJ “Meet with our Armenian Doctors” Dr. Herman Cost $75 per person, $40 after 9:30 pm Sponsored by Knights & Daughters of Vartan- Under the Ayvazyan Internal Medicine. Topic: New Trends in Auspices of His Grace Bishop Daniel Findikyan, Primate. Primary Care Medicine. Ara Boghigian, Moderator. NEW JERSEY For Reservations please call Sona Manuelian 551-427- Sunday, 12:30 p.m., Hanoian Hall, 70 Jefferson St., 8763. $125 p.p. early reservations recommended. Providence. OCTOBER 2 — Mimi Melkonian, author and educator, Nightingales: True Stories of Escape, Hope and NEW YORK Resilience, a compilation of Syrian refugees’ stories flee- Calendar items are free. Entries should not be ing a country in the midst of a civil war. 7 p.m. Pitkin NOVEMBER 15 – Book presentation by Adrienne G. Education Building, Room A-104, Bergen Community Alexanian, editor of her father’s memoir Forced into longer than 5 lines. Listings should include con- College, Paramus Campus. Free and open to the public. Genocide: Memoirs of an Armenian Soldier in the tact information. Items will be edited to fit the Co-hosted by the Tekeyan Cultural Association-Greater Ottoman Turkish Army - Fordham University Armenian space, if need be. A photo may be sent with the New York, Armenian International Women’s Association Society, Fordham University, 113 West 60th St. N.Y., N.Y. listing no later than Mondays at noon. New Jersey Affiliate and the Daughters of Vartan. Light 10023 – Room 602 – 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. For information refreshments will be serviced and books will be available – [email protected] Book sales/signing following the 18 S ATURDAY, S EPTEMBER 2 8 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMENTARY

COMMENTARY Mirror Pashinyan Extends Golden Bridge Spectator To Diaspora

diaspora to Armenia. He certainly won the hearts of the major- By Edmond Y. Azadian ity. Pashinyan’s populist approach won him tangible results in EstablishedEstablished 1932 1932 Armenia. He actually used that method to overthrow a well- Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan assumed power in May 2018 entrenched regime and took over. But how effective this prac- AnAn ADL ADL Publication Publication by riding on a wave of populism that he had generated. tice can prove to be in the diaspora remains to be seen. The dias- On September 22, he tried to extend the momentum of that pora does not have a government, it does not even have a struc- populism to the diaspora, delivering a masterful speech in Los ture that can hold the parts together. At best, Pashinyan’s hold Angeles. His speech stretched beyond celebrating the 28th on power can be a virtual one and that is of an ephemeral nature EDITOR anniversary of the independence of Alin K. Gregorian Armenia, covering some fundamental

ASSISTANT EDITOR issues affecting Armenia and Armenians Aram Arkun around the world. Although these days the Pashinyan ART DIRECTOR Marc Mgrditchian administration’s revolving door of defec- tions can compete with those of President Trump, betraying some insta- bility at the helm, the prime minister was able to capture his audience through his charisma and seriousness of intent. SENIOR EDITORIAL COLUMNIST: Edmond Y. Azadian In the first place, his speech was a resounding tribute to the diaspora, CONTRIBUTORS: acknowledging in detail endeavors to Florence Avakian, Dr. Haroutiun support Armenia’s revival. Perhaps he Arzoumanian, Philippe Raffi Kalfayan, went too far, saying that without diaspo- Philip Ketchian, Kevork Keushkerian, ran help, Armenia could not survive. Harut Sassounian, Hagop Vartivarian, Then, he went on to build block by Naomi Zeytoonian block the golden bridge that he wants to CORRESPONDENTS: extend from Armenia to the diaspora and vice versa. Armenia - Hagop Avedikian Boston - Nancy Kalajian He expressed his gratitude for the Los Angeles - Taleen Babayan humanitarian relief programs that the Berlin - Muriel Mirak-Weissbach diasporan organizations have delivered to Armenia and turning the tables, he Contributing Photographers: Jirair Hovsepian proposed to convert the humanitarian programs to “utilitarian” ones by invest- ing in Armenia. Thus, his recommenda- tion was “enrich Armenia and enrich The Armenian Mirror-Spectator is published yourselves.” weekly, except two weeks in July and the first Touching on some sensitive issues, he week of the year, by: tried to gloss over the dire situation of Baikar Association, Inc. emigration, giving a positive spin to the 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 movement. Telephone: 617-924-4420 He said that many citizens were forced FAX: 617-924-2887 to leave Armenia in order to seek gainful employment in differ- which can dissipate easily, if it is not nourished regularly. And that nourishment must be based on learning the true nature of www.mirrorspectator.com ent countries, to support their families back home. the diaspora. E-Mail: [email protected] His treatment of the issue of repatriation was also put in a positive light. His earlier contention asking for growth in Thus far, the diaspora has been a cash cow for the For advertising: [email protected] Armenia’s population to five million had raised some eyebrows, Armenian government and that status was generated by therefore this time repatriation was formulated differently. naive patriotism on the part of the diaspora. But at this junc- Rather than anticipating or encouraging an inward migration, ture, both parties have arrived at a more realistic approach he extended the moral frontiers of Armenia around the globe, that could serve as a sound basis on which the prime minis- encompassing all ten million Armenians as virtual citizens of the ter is hoping to expand. SUBSCRIPTION RATES : homeland. This year, it was a novel idea by the Pashinyan administration Then he further expanded on the issue of pan-Armenianism. to hold the independence celebrations in a depressed region of Referring to his statement on August 5 in Stepanakert, he stat- Armenia, namely Gyumri. Next year, and the year after, other U.S.A. $80 a year ed that no matter in what country Armenians reside, they have regions will be highlighted. Yerevan’s growth came at the to support Armenia and Artsakh, but not at the expense of their expense of the other regions. This policy aims to bring uniform Canada $125 a year host countries. They should feel duty-bound to improve and development throughout the country. strengthen the friendly ties between those host countries and At the end of his speech, he issued a challenge to Diasporan Other Countries $190 a year Armenia. Armenians to come and celebrate the New Year in Armenia. All in all, Pashinyan’s statement was well structured, offering The response to this appeal may be a good yardstick to mea- credit and consideration to all contributions extended from the sure the impact of Pashinyan’s spirited speech. © 2014 The Armenian Mirror-Spectator Periodical Class Postage Paid at Boston, MA and additional mailing offices. ISSN 0004-234X LETTERS POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Armenian Mirror-Spectator, 755 Mount Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472 Other than the editorial, views and opinions Candidates Offer Recognition Platitude but No Sincerity expressed in this newspaper do not necessarily reflect the policies of the publisher. To the Editor: that Obama, as President, would keep his world apologizing for the so-called “sins” of As the saying goes “Fool me once, shame word by recognizing the Armenian Genocide. the West, he certainly didn’t “step up to the on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.” As the We all know how well that worked out…or plate” to keep his promise to our people. community should recall, when former more to the point… didn’t! Here we go again…Recently I was sent a President Obama was campaigning, he swore Barack Obama, who, by all indications does- newsletter stating that Candidate Biden is Copying for other than personal use or up and down that he would recognize the n’t speak any foreign languages, employed the promising to recognize the Armenian internal reference is prohibited without Armenian Genocide referring to it as a Armenian words “medz yeghern” to describe Genocide. Keeping the aforementioned in express permission of the copyright “moral” issue and not a political one. He even the horrific events of 1915 instead of calling mind, all I can say is that everyone should owner. Address requests for reprints or denounced former politicians for using politi- it the Armenian Genocide, words that only remember whose legacy he wants to promote back issues to: cal considerations as an excuse for not recog- President Ronald Reagan said. While standing if elected. Plainly said, Biden like Obama is nizing it. Based on that fake promise, our next to Erdogan at a press conference, and in peddling false promises and no Armenian Baikar Association, Inc. organizations were in lock step encouraging response to a question as to how he would organization should promote his false narra- 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472- Armenians to vote for him. A letter was also characterize the Armenian Genocide, Obama tive or any other candidate’s. 1509 publicly disseminated by high profile promi- stated that everyone knows his “views”. For Adrienne Alexanian nent members of our community confirming someone who sanctimoniously toured the New York, NY S ATURDAY, S EPTEMBER 2 8 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 19 COMMENTARY

for so long.” you through the newspapers, has very little to do with the Werfel responded on Dec. 23, 1932 from Vienna: “Let me actual novel. The scene I am referring to, the contents of first briefly tell you the story of the formation of my which have become known to you through the newspapers, Armenian novel. Since the war, I have been to the Middle East has very little to do with the actual novel. A multi-volume twice (for several months) – the first time in 1925, the second work like yours will project a gigantic and magnificent paint- My Turn time in 1929. In Damascus, I had a shocking experience with ing of the Armenian destiny, with ten thousand details. While Armenian children, which, to some extent, made an epic plan mine, I hope, will be a story limited to a certain region and a By Harut Sassounian virulent in me, which already existed since I first heard of small fragment of people. The emphasis will be more on the these things; perhaps just after the war. I do not know for mythical-human side rather than the Armenian cause. exactly how long. Oftentimes, in my method of writing, the Lastly, I am surprised about the muffled suspicion that Armin Wegner Asked Franz Werfel dramatic or epic plans grow in the darkness for many years sounds from certain lines of your letter. Not to Write his ‘40 Days of before they are strong enough to entice me to work. (I wrote You are suggesting that I had heard of your correspon- the Verdi novel part time in 1911 and completed it in 1923.) dence with the Prussian Academy and Paul Zsolnay Musa Dagh’—Part IV In the case of my Armenian novel, I started studying and Publishing House, and might have been inspired to write my sketching only last year. Of course, the work progressed rapid- Armenian novel. In fact, I entered the meeting room of the This is the fourth and final installment of a four-part ly during the summer, and today I have already finished more Poets Academy for the first time in my life 14 days ago, and, series and exchange between Armin T. Wegner and Franz than half of my book. (around 400 printed pages.) as far as publishing correspondence is concerned, my own Werfel in 1932. Be that as it may, I naturally like to acknowledge your pri- stuff is already annoying enough. Of course, I do not know your own connection with Asia mary concern and bow to you for being an eyewitness. But is it possible that you seriously believe that the facts of Minor, and I can be fooled by guessing it. Strangely, I have However, I am almost reluctant to point out that there is no your work could stimulate my choice of substance and put found that the Jewish soul, in the frame of German and material legitimacy in the field of poetry [creative writing]. you off your work? You are a poet and, therefore, you know Prussian characters, makes them better able to imagine than You indicate it several times in your letter. There are, perhaps, that it is not us who choose the substance, but the substance the majority of German poets can, that this Asian soul usual- ‘personal’ substances that may belong to the peculiarity of a chooses us. Nothing is more sensible to me than that every- ly stands much further away and stays more alien to the particular writer – the World War, with all its chapters, of thing I write is essential, i.e., dictated from within. descendant of the European crusaders. This probably has its which the Armenian tragedy is one, may by no means count Until yesterday, from your books I had only the beautiful deep foundation in the law of antagonism. on these substances. Fairly considered, you have in your great volume ‘The Face of the Cities,’ which I admire and love very I have no right to ask you to give up your project. That experience and your fateful connectedness, a tremendous much. Unfortunately, I haven’t read any of your prose. Since probably wouldn’t help much either. But you will certainly advantage over me, who cannot create his work based on I work a lot, I read almost no novels or short stories. I just got not be grateful to me if I, who from the first moment of our experience, direct exposure, grasp of senses, but only from the mail with your open letter to Wilson. The real glow of meeting, passionately loved and venerated your poetic work, imagination, inventiveness and thus some historical docu- your words deeply moved me. ask you to consider all my thoughts, which I submit to you ments. With such a competition, therefore, the worry should Please do not overestimate the rivalry of our works. They here. Precisely because I appreciate you, not only as a writer, be far more on my side. go different ways. but I also know the depth of your humanity, I can do so with But I believe, dear Wegner, that we can both be very calm, For me, and globally, you are a great authority on the Armenian a clear conscience. Perhaps it will cause you to drop an unfin- because our works will certainly be completely different. Mine cause, through knowledge, experience, and connectedness. This ished project that has barely begun, or to go beyond to design uses documented facts of only one single episode that covers was shown to me in just the few pages I went through yesterday. a shorter novelistic study, as it originally began? a few pages in the Alster collection of Lepsius. The episode The glow of these pages, however, also suggests that your pub- I need not emphasize the immense gratitude and the deep serves me as the framework for a universal human happen- lisher cannot be unhappy, even when another, be it a layman or reassurance that would fulfill me, having the opportunity to ing, for a symbolic development, for figures purely invented, artist, tries to serve the same mission.” complete and market my work without fear of competition. it is not an end in itself but only an occasion. Nor will there Fortunately, Franz Werfel was not dissuaded by Wegner to Truly, I cannot give up my project, which has become my mis- be much talk of atrocities and massacres in my book. I will set give up his plans to write “The Forty Days of Musa Dagh.” On sion from my deepest, profound experience, for which I have aside all the documentary stuff. The human destiny of the the other hand, Wegner published only the first volume of his sacrificed laborious years of toil under the greatest hardships invented characters alone will be important. The scene I am planned four-volume book, depriving the world of his pre- and struggles, and for the sake of it, stood in the background referring to, the contents of which have become known to cious eyewitness accounts of the Armenian Genocide. US Hopes Security Gamble with Turkey in Syria Will Pay Off

Two months after Ankara threatened to launch an operation Washington hopes that it can thread the needle of pleasing tecting Turkey security concerns and taking those into account into northern Syria, where US forces are present, the US and Turkey and the SDF by removing the SDF from the border with- while at the same time maintaining the [Defeat] ISIS campaign.” Turkey seem to be working closely on a “security mechanism” out ending up with a Turkey military operation on its hands that The US says that its initial steps include an area along the bor- that supposedly seeks to fulfill Turkey’s concerns about Syria. would alienate the SDF partnership. der from Tell Abyad to Ras al-Ayn. The word “initial” indicates On Saturday, the sixth aerial overflight by the US and Turkey In short, the US goal increasingly appears to be to get the SDF more is to follow. The US says it has talked with Turkey, and that took place in eastern Syria. Under the “security mechanism” to keep fighting ISIS in one part of eastern Syria, while other “we have an understanding of where the initial steps will occur.” that was announced in parts of eastern Syria are quietly cleared of the SDF. But will However, Washington refuses to provide numbers or guidance August, the US and that be enough for Ankara, or is it only phase one before Turkish on how far the security mechanism will go. By Seth J. Frantzman Turkey work together troops move into northern Syria anyway? The SDF Twitter The September 18 news conference indicated the security with military to mili- account says the SDF is committed to both defeating ISIS and mechanism could result in Turkish forces moving into northern tary teams in Turkey the US-backed security mechanism. “The work continues to Syria in areas from which the Kurdish People’s Protection forces that coordinate these flights and other issues in northern Syria. remove fortifications in the areas that concern Turkey.” have been removed. According to the statement, the US is set- US Maj.-Gen. Eric T. Hill, commander of the anti-ISIS cam- There is no evidence Ankara is pleased. Instead, it likely thinks ting up local forces but doesn’t want a security vacuum to result. paign, said these overflights were important for “all involved.” that more threats will get it a larger role in northern Syria, and “That may ultimately result in needing more forces that we The problem for the US is that it has limited forces on the it understands that eventually it will create daylight between the would work with, with Turkey and others, to address,” the state- ground in eastern Syria, and is trying to simultaneously balance US and the SDF, damaging the SDF partnership and forcing the ment said. several challenges. First, it wants to continue the mission to US to choose between Ankara and eastern Syria. The US says it is “inserting US military and Turkish military defeat ISIS. This has been successful because of the partnership For now, the SDF is vacillating in the hope of preventing a into an area to execute patrols, aerial reconnaissance, and in with the Syrian Democratic Forces, a group that includes Kurds Turkish military operation. In January 2018, the SDF watched some cases removal of fortifications.” The US also provides a and others in eastern Syria that the US has helped train, assist as Turkey took over Afrin and 160,000 Kurds were made home- monthly report to Turkey about supplies, including arms and and advise during the war on ISIS. The SDF liberated Raqqa in less while Syrians from other parts of Syria were settled in Afrin, vehicles, sent to eastern Syria. But the US says that it is con- 2017, and in the spring of 2019 ISIS was finally defeated in its changing the demographics of the historically Kurdish area. The vinced “as we work with Turkey, the idea of a Turkish incursion last stronghold near the Euphrates River. But ISIS sleeper cells SDF knows that enabling, even by policy errors, another Afrin into Syria has gone down substantially.” remain a threat. in eastern Syria would be seen as a monumental betrayal by Time will tell if the US-backed security mechanism is a way for Second, the US faces a continuing problem in Al-Hol camp, locals who helped defeat ISIS. Turkey to achieve a permanent military presence in northern where tens of thousands of ISIS supporters ended up after the But the cards are stacked against the SDF. The Trump admin- Syria, or just a way to delay another crises with Ankara and keep defeat of ISIS. The camp’s residents are becoming increasingly istration wanted to withdraw from Syria in December 2018. To US partners fighting ISIS. For now, it appears that the mission radicalized as they use their ability to move freely within the buy time, commanders noted that ISIS wasn’t defeated. The only to defeat ISIS is increasingly focused on trying to manage a com- camp to reorganize ISIS cells and support ISIS. way the SDF can continue its role is to be seen as essential to plex relationship with Turkey, and that the US is becoming more Meanwhile, other ISIS male members held in detention in defeating ISIS. It is essential. But can it be used to fight ISIS in involved in the minutiae of who controls what at the level of the eastern Syria remain without trial because their home countries one area and removed from other areas? local councils. will not take them back, and the eastern Syrian authorities The US European Command is pleased with the joint work by Given the US record at trying to manage state-building and linked to the SDF have not found a way to constitute war crimes Turkey, seeing it as a way to reduce tensions between Turkey these kinds of controversies elsewhere, it would be surprising if trials for the ISIS perpetrators. Hill called the issues in Al-Hol a and the US. In a September 18 briefing, Chris Maier, director of the security mechanism doesn’t merely put off deeper questions “wicked problem,” according to a tweet by the Special the Defeat-ISIS Task Force, discussed the security mechanism. for the next few months until a new crisis emerges. Operations Joint Task Force. The US says it has made a bilateral agreement with Turkey, There doesn’t seem to be any way to both satisfy Ankara’s view A third challenge for the US is placating Turkey, which con- and established a joint operations center in southern Turkey. and continue to get the SDF to fight ISIS. In the long term, tinues to threaten to launch a military operation in eastern Through this, the US gets the SDF to remove fortifications while Ankara understands the more it pressures the US, the more the Syria. Despite the US overflights and getting the SDF to destroy it conducts aerial flights and ground patrols with Turkey. The US will work with Ankara, and the more the SDF will come to real- defensive fortifications in areas in eastern Syria, Turkey US says that it is now training more local security forces in east- ize it is fighting to keep Raqqa safe while being asked to hand over President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that his country could still ern Syria, and working for the “safe, voluntary and dignified” other parts of eastern Syria to another Afrin-style incident. act if a “safe zone” is not established in Syria. Turkey once again return of refugees. Should the SDF provokes a crisis with the US, it will be seen says its “preparations” for an offensive are complete, and that Turkey has declared it wants to resettle in eastern Syria one as an unreliable partner, accused of working with Damascus and the US is moving to slowly to pave the way for Turkey’s safe million Syrian refugees now in Turkey. The US was asked at the fueling Turkey’s claims for northern Syria. For ISIS sleeper cells, zone that will extend 32 km. into Syria. September 18 meeting if Turkey will eventually control the “safe nothing could be more pleasing than to watch this policy chaos Rather than respond to the constant threats and claims the zone” it demands. The US said it was working on a military unfold two years after losing Raqqa. US is aiding terrorists, the US seeks to work more closely with arrangement that ensures security. “As to the longer term impli- (This article originally appeared in the Jerusalem Post on Turkey. cations for the security mechanism, we remain focused on pro- September 22.) 20 S ATURDAY, S EPTEMBER 2 8 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR

Biden, Warren, Harris, Gabbard and More Emphasize Affirmation of Armenian Genocide in Letters in Honor of Speier AFFIRMATION, from page 1 ward to continuing to work with you in the supporting efforts to bring recognition to the a front seat at Congresswoman Speier’s tireless Award for Public Service. The letters were sent future.” genocide.” advocacy supporting US-Armenia relations. to the Armenian Assembly for its 2019 National “It is a great joy that I join the Armenian “As you gather for the Armenian Assembly of During her ten years in Congress, Advocacy Conference and Gala, which was wide- Assembly’s 2019 National Advocacy Conference America’s 2019 National Advocacy Conference Congresswoman Speier has led the charge to ly attended by Armenian American leaders and in congratulating my colleague and Gala, it is my distinct honor and gives me reaffirm the United States’ recognition of the activists from throughout the United States. Congresswoman Jackie Speier for her enduring tremendous pride to extend a heartfelt and Armenian Genocide, and pushed for aid fund- “The United States must reaffirm, once and commitment and support for the Armenian well-deserved congratulations to my colleague ing for Armenia. Just this year Congresswoman for all, our record on the Armenian Genocide. American community and U.S.-Armenian rela- and dear friend, Congresswoman Jackie Speier. Speier was successful in providing Armenia As a co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on tions,” Senator Kamala Harris said. “Jackie and Jackie embodies and epitomizes the values we with an additional $40 million in democracy aid Armenian Issues, Congresswoman Speier has I also understand the importance of recogniz- all hold so dear – she is a fighter, a survivor and funding. I am pleased to see her fervent advo- been an unfailing champion on this important ing the Armenian Genocide. I am proud to be a tireless advocate for truth and justice. There cacy be recognized,” Rep. Chellie Pingree stat- issue. We must never forget or remain silent an original cosponsor of Senate Resolution is no one more deserving of being honored by ed. about this horrific and systematic campaign of 150, which ensures that American foreign poli- the Armenian Assembly with the Deukmejian “In addition to her critical work on issues extermination that resulted in the deaths of 1.5 cy appropriately reflects and acknowledges the Award for Public Service,” said Senator Ed important to the Armenian American commu- million Armenian men, women, and children horrors of the Armenian genocide. When it Markey. nity, Congresswoman Speier has also been a and the mass deportation of 2 million comes to crimes against humanity, we can “Jackie is a legislative force on so many crit- strong and passionate leader for women’s Armenians from their homes,” former Vice never be silent – we must always speak uncom- ical issues facing our country. The Armenian rights. From her efforts to end the epidemic of President Joe Biden wrote. “I’m proud to join fortable truths about the past, lest we repeat it.” community is truly lucky to be able to call her sexual assault in the military and on college the Armenian Assembly of America in honoring “I also commend Jackie for her leadership in a friend and fellow Armenian. We are so fortu- campuses, to closing the gender pay gap, the Congresswoman Jackie Speier’s steadfast com- securing robust aid to help protect free and fair nate to have such an amazing ally in the House Congresswoman has been a powerful champion mitment to advancing U.S.-Armenian relations. elections, the rule of law, and good governance fighting every day to deepen the longstanding for women during our time in Congress,” she Representative Speier has demonstrated incred- across Armenia. Her efforts represent a power- friendship between the United States and added. ible leadership in Congress on issues ranging ful bipartisan consensus in Congress to affirm Armenia, properly recognize the Armenian “As an Armenian-American, [Jackie Speier] from women’s rights and national security to our shared democratic values with the people Genocide and for every issue critical to has championed the United States-Armenia global human rights and the support of free of Armenia. I am certain that with Jackie’s con- Armenian Americans and Armenians all over relationship throughout her years as a public and fair democracy. The people of California tinued leadership in Congress, we will only the globe,” he continued. servant from her time as a County Supervisor and the American people are fortunate to have strengthen U.S.-Armenian relations moving for- “It is a joy to join you in celebrating my in northern California through her tenure in her fighting for justice and equality at home ward and continue building a better future for friend and colleague, Congresswoman Jackie the California Legislature, and now as a senior and abroad – the world is truly better for it.” our children and ourselves,” Harris added. Speier, as she receives the Deukmejian Award member of the House of Representatives. She “Please accept my warmest greetings as you “Please accept my heartfelt congratulations for Public Service: a wonderful tribute to an has helped advance humanitarian assistance to gather for the Armenian Assembly of America’s to the Republic of Armenia on its 28th anniver- iconic leader of our beloved state of California!” Armenia and Arsakh, steadfastly supported Advocacy Conference and Gala,” Senate sary. As a member of the Senate Armed House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said. Congressional affirmation of the Armenian Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer stated. “I Services Committee, I have worked closely with “Congresswoman Speier has been a persistent, Genocide, and promoted projects to bring would like to spotlight this year’s honoree. I am colleagues such as Representative Jackie effective champion of the United States- together American and Armenian civil societies. proud to acknowledge Congresswoman Speier Speier, who is a great friend to the Armenian Armenian relationship for decades, and her I have seen, first-hand, the impact U.S. engage- for her dedicated and passionate work in the people and who I am honored to call my col- leadership has been critical in forging ever- ment has meant to Armenia and the region,” Armenian community and for her commitment league and friend,” Senator Elizabeth Warren stronger ties between our governments and Rep. Tulsi Gabbard told the Assembly. to strengthening United States and Armenia said. “Like California, Massachusetts is blessed people.” “Today, young Armenian-Americans can look relations.” with a strong and vibrant Armenian communi- “We would like to start by congratulating to her example of determination and dedication Senate Foreign Relations Committee ty. As a Senator from the Bay State, I have con- our colleague, Co-Chair of the Congressional to America and the communities she has and Ranking Member Robert Menendez said, “It is sistently supported robust assistance to Armenian Caucus, Congresswoman Jackie continues to serve. It is the same spirit that a moral imperative for us to recognize the atroc- Armenia and a peaceful resolution to the con- Speier from California for receiving the Public brings you together today – from across the ities committed against the Armenian people flict in Nagorno-Karabakh. Importantly, I have Service Award for her exemplary leadership and country – to make your voices heard in the hall during the Armenian Genocide, and I will take affirmed the Armenian Genocide, which is an long-standing support of Armenian issues. Her of Congress. Your activism empowers the every opportunity to advocate for American atrocity that the world must never forget. I support of a democratic Armenia aligns with Armenian Assembly to continue its mission of recognition of the genocide. I proud stand with believe that if we do not recognize the horrors America’s fundamental values, as well as the promoting public awareness of the important the Armenian-American community on many of the past, we risk those horrors being repeat- Assembly’s mission,” Reps. Frank Pallone, Jr., issues impacting Armenian-Americans and critical issues, such as fighting for continued ed in the future. That is why I am an original Gus Bilirakis, Adam Schiff, and Peter King ensuring Congress take an active role in build- humanitarian support for the people of cosponsor of a bipartisan Senate resolution wrote. “As leaders of the Congressional Caucus ing stronger bridges between America and Nagorno-Karabakh.” that recognizes the Armenia Genocide and on Armenian Issues and strong supporters of Armenia,” she continued. “Congratulations to you on being honored at encourages widespread education of this the Armenian American community, we look In addition to elected officials in the House the Armenian Assembly of America’s 2019 tragedy. I was honored to speak at the forward to continuing our special relationship and Senate, the President of the Republic of National Advocacy conference & Gala!” Senator Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day centen- to advance our shared values.” Armenia, Dr. Armen Sarkissian, and the Prime Dianne Feinstein said. “California is lucky to nial ceremony in April 2015 at the Armenian “As her colleague on the Congressional Minister of the Republic of Armenia, Nikol have such a passionate leader, and I look for- Heritage Park in Boston, and I will continue Armenia Caucus, I have been fortunate to have Pashinyan, extended their congratulations.