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زارتــونك جريــــــدة سيــــــاســــــية أرمنــــــية ZARTONK JOURNAL POLITIQUE ARMÉNIEN February 22- February 28, 2016 Volume #78 Number 115/ English 44 Issue (21,568)
Article Diaspora News Arts & Society PG Syria Focus of Global Conflicts PG American-Armenian Students PG Soundtrack Written by Serj Tankian Conduct Silent Protest in Los Angeles Recorded in Armenia 02 03 for Armenian Genocide Recognition 04 News from Armenia Russia Loans Armenia $200 Million for the OSCE Conducted a Planned Purchase of Weapons Monitoring in The Northern Direction of Martakert
The government of Russia and the government of aircraft missile complexes “Igla-S”, surface service for military-technical cooperation and On February 18, in accordance with the well as by staff member of the Office Peter Armenia signed an agreement to grant Armenia complexes of electronic jamming system Armenian Defense Ministry. arrangement reached with the authorities of Svedberg (Sweden). a loan of up to $200 million for ten years with “Avtobaza-M”, heavy flamethrower system TOS- The loan was used by the Armenian side to the Nagorno Karabakh Republic, the OSCE deferred payments until the beginning of 2018, 1A with transport-loading machines, 9М113М finance up to 90% of the value of each contract Mission conducted a planned monitoring of From the opposite side of the Line of Contact, as Interfax, reported the official website of legal guided missiles, rocket-propelled grenades for the supply of products with settlement in the Line of Contact between the armed forces the monitoring was conducted by Personal information on Thursday, . RPG-26, Dragunov sniper rifles, armored Russian rubles. Advance payments amount to of Nagorno Karabakh and Azerbaijan in the Representative of the OSCE Chairman-in- The loan allocated is for the financing and the “Tiger” cars, engineering tools and means of at least 10% of the value of each contract and northern direction of Martakert, informed Office, Ambassador Andrzej Kasprzyk and his supply of military products from Russia. communication. are implemented by the Armenian side in favor Information and Public Relations Department Field Assistant Jiri Aberle (Czech Republic). According to the document, Armenia purchased The report said that the list may be amended by of the Russian authorized entities in Russian of NKR Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The monitoring passed in accordance with the Russian MLRS “Smerch” and ammunition, anti- mutual written agreement between the Federal rubles. agreed schedule. No violation of the cease-fire From the positions of the NKR Defense regime was registered. Army, the monitoring was conducted by Field From the Karabakh side, the monitoring Assistants of the Personal Representative of mission was accompanied by representatives President Sahagian Received Armenia’s Newly-appointed the OSCE Chairman-in-Office Yevgeny Sharov of the NKR Ministry of Foreign Affairs and (Ukraine) and Khristo Khristov (Bulgaria), as Ministry of Defense. Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Pago Sahagian Gave Corresponding United States
On 15 February President Pago Hovhanissian on assuming the responsible Instructions For Solution of Stepanakert Sahagian received Armenia’s newly- position. appointed Ambassador Extraordinary The meeting touched upon a range of issues and Plenipotentiary to the United States related to providing truthful information Krikor Hovhanissian, Central Information about Artsakh in various US platforms and Problems Department of the Office of the Artsakh deepening the inter-Armenian ties. Republic President stated. NKR foreign minister Garen Mirzoyan was The Head of the State congratulated Krikor present at the meeting. Armenia to Organize Goris Hiking Tours for European Tourists In 2016, European tourists will get number of professional hiking tour guides in familiarized with the mountain trails around the country. Goris town of Armenia. In 2008, several such tour guides from Lia Bakhshinian, President of the Armenian Armenia underwent training in France, and Guides Guild, told NEWS.am. within the framework of the United States “We primarily organize hiking toward [Mount] Agency for International Development Aragats; this is a very popular route,” Competitive Armenian Private Sector (USAID/ Bakhshinian noted. “But now, we are going CAPS) Project. Now, they train the beginners. to acquaint the hiking lovers with Goris.” “The education with this specialty is Since European tourists are less interested expensive,” Bakhshinian explained. “For that in the pristine mountain trails than in the reason, new donor projects would help us a traditional tours in Armenia, there is less lot.”
On 15 February Artsakh Republic President positive developments that are evident in the News from the World Pago Sahagian partook at the meeting of the activity of different structures and subdivisions Stepanakert city administration summing securing the uninterrupted work of the activities carried out in 2015, Central municipal economy deserved an appropriate Information Department of the Office of the evaluation. Armenia Included in United Nations Honor Roll Artsakh Republic President stated. Armenia was included in the 2016 UN Regular Budget as 2016 annual membership The Head of the State underlined that the Honor Roll for paying the regular budget fee. Mayor Souren Krikorian and responsible development of the capital was in the spotlight assessments in full and in time, “Armenpress” The Honor roll includes the countries that officials representing various subdivisions of of the state adding that Stepanakert is the was informed from the Press, Information have paid their regular budget assessments the city administration delivered corresponding visiting card of our state to the outer world. and Public Relations Department of the in full within the 30 day due period specified reports. Pago Sahagian touched also upon the issues Armenian MFA. in Financial Regulation. Only 27 of the 193 In his speech President Sahagian noted that existing in the city giving corresponding In January 2016 the Armenian Government UN states were included in the Honor Roll this the volume of carried out works and the instructions for their proper solution. transferred $150,039 to the United Nations year. February 22- February 28, 2016 P. 02
Syria Focus of Global Conflicts Telephone Interview with Congressman Adam Schiff the war and the fortunes of the embattled Syrian positions from the Turkish territory By Edmond Y. Azadian Assad government. and only set its fighters within the ranks of The Syrian crisis has devolved into a global What the Russian air campaign did was terrorists which continue to infiltrate Syria By Khachig Janoyan disaster fanning the flames of a new cold to destroy Turkey’s plans to create a no-fly from the Turkish border. war. Armenians are affected by this crisis zone inhabited by Syria’s Turkmen citizens Regarding his opinion on certain issues wherever they live, as citizens of the world. armed and trained by Turkey, to create a Come to see that shooting down the Russian related to Nagorno-Karabakh, Syrian But moreover, the war has impacted the mini separatist state on the ground like warplane was only the tip of the iceberg of Refugees and the Genocide, that concern Armenians as a collective group; first it has Northern Cyprus. At this writing, the dreams Turkey’s strategic plans, which run deeper. the Armenian community in Los Angeles. uprooted one of the strongest Armenian of the Turkmen tribes have dissipated and As far as Turkey’s Ottoman ambitions are Below we present the exclusive telephone communities in the Middle East, staunchly the recapture of Aleppo is within the grasp concerned, Ankara is matching its words interview for Nor Or Newspaper with attached to its language and culture. of the government. to the facts on the ground. Wayne Madsen Congressman reports the following on an online journal, Adam Schiff. Secondly, the fallout of the war has touched At the annual Munich Security Conference Strategic Culture Foundation: “The plans by Kh.J. Good Afternoon Congressman Armenian lives as families scramble to seek on February 13, US Secretary of State John Adolf Hitler praising Turkish President Recep Adam Schiff. It is pleasure to talk to you this safe haven in Armenia, Lebanon, Canada Kerry announced that an agreement to Tayyip Erdogan to build military bases in afternoon. With your permission I would like was international donor conference where and elsewhere and their resettlement send humanitarian relief supplies to the Qatar, Somalia, the Republic of Georgia and to record this interview, to be able to publish eleven billion dollars was pledged to help problem becomes a community concern as besieged Syrian cities and a “cessation of Azerbaijan are in keeping with Turkey’s more it in Nor Or Armenian newspaper. the refugees. United States pledged a billion well But the most dangerous outcome of the hostilities” has been reached while Russian aggressive and neo-Ottoman foreign and A.Sch. Hello Mr. Janoyan. Yes it is fine. of that sum. I think we should double our war so far is rising tensions between Russia Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov sarcastically military policies. Turkey is also building its Kh.J. Although currently all the American efforts to protect the population within Syria. and Turkey, their confrontation line running stated that there is a 49-percent chance of first aircraft carrier that will extend Turkey’s people are very involved in the politics of And I think there is an effort that amounts through the border between Armenia and success. naval presence into the Red Sea and Indian Presidential primary elections, debates, to genocide against the Christian and the Turkey. Ocean.” etc., I would like to ask you other questions, Yazidi communities, and those that are not Within other angry exchanges, Russian pertaining to the Armenians. able to escape the violence we need to do Although the command of the Collective Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said that But what is more dangerous is Turkey’s A.Sch. Sure much more to protect those communities Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), the “the world has slipped into a new era of Cold plan to undermine Russia’s influence in the Kh.J. Can you tell me what is the latest and then for those who are displaced and eastern counterpart to the North Atlantic War.” Caucasus, with its nefarious fallout landing situation in Nagorno-Karabakh ? are utterly displaced and are refugees in Treaty Organization (NATO), reassures on Armenia. It is well-known that by now, A.Sch. The situation is very alarming. Armenia, Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan and everyone that none of its divisions will All the warring factions have not yet Turkey has been inciting Tartars in Crimea There is increasing violence along the line elsewhere, we need to make sure they have participate in a potential conflict between signed the agreement and Russia and the against Moscow. Turkish Prime Minister of control, line of contact where you have the resources to eat, get the medicines the two fronts, the recent concentration of US coalition will be allowed to continue Ahmet Davutoglu has announced that “we Azerbaijan’s firing tank shells artillery using they need. And you know Armenia is doing Russian forces in Armenia does not seem bombing the terrorist positions. Since Saudi will stand by our Tartar brothers in Crimea.” sniper fire, where I think there is another something extraordinary, it is not a wealthy very comforting. Arabia and Turkey have been supporting ISIS But Turkey’s initiatives in the Caucasus will casualty in the last twenty four hours. I think country but yet they made these refugees forces, the agreement, at best, seems to be impact Armenia more immediately. Thus, this is Aliyev’s effort to distract his domestic settle. We provided over one million To understand every facet of the Syrian very tenuous. However, encouraged by the continuing to write in Strategic Culture population from internal problems in the dollars of assistance but more is needed, war and its many actors within and without agreement, the United Nations mediator for Foundation, Madsen reports: “The plans country, where places are collapsing, and particularly given the economic conditions its borders with their specific conflicting Syria Steffan de Mistura is working diligently for a Turkish military base in Georgia and this is a way of turning attention elsewhere, in Armenia. So there is international relief interests is a daunting task for any analyst to resume the Geneva talks, by the end of potential future Turkish base in Azerbaijan, but things could easily be out of control, but not yet nearly enough of it. or journalist. There exists one layer of February. That will be another forum in perhaps in the Nakhichevan exclave, and this is why I am urging that we have Kh.J. The one million dollar was granted participants in the conflict overseeing their which opposing forces will clash especially between Armenia and Turkey, has prompted monitoring equipment put in along the line from the United States government to proxies on another level; Turkey, Qatar, when it comes to determining which parties the mainly Armenian population of the of contacts that we can identify Azerbaijan Armenia to help the Syrian refugees?? Saudi Arabia and the US represent one will participate; Turkey is dead set against Georgian regions of Javakhk and Tsolka to violates the peace. Interestingly, Nagorno- A.Sch. It was funding that went from the coalition — one front — in the war, while the participation of Syrian Kurds, which contemplate secession from Georgia and Karabakh has agreed to that technology as United States to United Nations Agency there are internal conflicts within their goals Russia supports. incorporation with Armenia. Armenians has Armenia, but Azerbaijan is resisting and and was disbursed by the United Nations in and political interests. throughout the region have long memories for a good reason, they are the ones who Armenia. Another issue which is undermining about the Turkish Genocide of the Armenian are the aggressors. I have also been urging Kh.J. Thank you very much Congressman The most conspicuous conflict is between the Geneva talks is the reality on the people in the early part of the 20th century.” the administration to speak out against Schiff. I have one more question. the US and Turkey, both NATO allies, yet the battleground. The US and its coalition Turkish plans to destabilize Russia’s Azerbaijani provocation and not talk about Kh.J. This is President Obama’s final first supports the Syrian Kurdish fighters of members are objecting to the power underbelly has alarmed the Russian this in equivalent terms, as if both sides year in office. Do you think he will live up Kurdish YPG militant group, while the latter engendered by the recent advances of legislators who recently came up in the are equally responsible. But this is not the to his campaign promises from 2008 and bombs their position in Northern Syria to Russia for the Assad government. Duma with proposals to abrogate the Kars case, and it is very worrying. It could very recognize the Armenian genocide?? prevent the formation of an autonomous But most ominously, in view of the Treaty of 1921, whose signatories also easily spiral out of control. A.Sch. I am doing everything I can to try to Kurdish enclave on the Syrian side of the battleground successes of the Syrian include Russia and Armenia. The treaty not Kh.J. Yes, that is the sad situation, they persuade the administration to recognize border, which may encourage the PKK government, Turkey and Saudi Arabia have only finalized the border between Armenia are not equally responsible. And they are the genocide of April 24th, to get the which is fighting a war of liberation within threatened to invade Syria with their ground and Turkey, which is still in dispute, but also saying the Armenians are doing as much as president to meet the commitment he made Turkey. A full circle, which seems to contain forces and Saudi Arabia has already moved defined the status of Nakhichevan. If the Azerbaijani’s but they are the aggressors. as a candidate for president. This is an an awful lot of back and forth. some of its assets to the Incirlik base in abrogation is realized, Turkey’s legal leg, as Thank you very much for the effort that you issue that I press the administration every Turkey. a defender of Nakhichevan’s status, will be are trying to do. year but this is the president’s last chance Turkey also openly supports ISIS and Al- amputated, so to speak. A.Sch. I wrote to ambassador Warlick and I think we ought to do everything we can Nusra Front, paying only lip service to its While Turkish Defense Minister Ismet back in September urging him to call out to persuade the president that he should coalition partners fighting these very same Yilmaz has announced on the state-run The other repercussion of the Turkish plan the Azerbaijanis when they are violating the make good on his commitment, it could be terrorists. Turkey’s behavior and intent run Andalou Agency that Ankara was not was the recent visit of Georgia’s Defense cease fire and I hope that is what he will do. part of his legacy. contrary to the US goals, yet Washington considering sending troops to Syria, his Minister Tinatin Khidasheli to Armenia. Kh.J. Now I will go to my next question. Kh.J. And he should not relate the looks the other way. President Obama Saudi counterpart, Mohammad bin Salman Every time Armenians are agitated in Kh.J. About the Syrian Armenians. We interest of the nation with the moral thing of offered the most disingenuous statement Al Saud, has clarified his government’s Javakhk, Georgia’s government appeals to know that the Syrian people are in very bad history when he said that Turkey has its right to stance, noting that their plan is to fight ISIS Yerevan to calm down the situation. And shape and they have millions of refugees, A.Sch. Yes absolutely, and I mean it’s hard defend itself, after the latter, in a gesture and their intent is to topple President Assad. because of Armenia’s fragile relations with including Armenians, and some of them for us to speak with the moral authority that of grand bravado and provocation, in Two contradictory and incoherent goals Georgia (the only major transit land with the went to Armenia, some went to other we need to against the genocide that is November shot down a Russian warplane which can only be uttered by a medieval rest of the world) the Armenian government places. Is there any plan from the United going on against the Christians and Yezidis across the border in Turkey, which alarmed potentate. has no choice but to keep the lid of the States of America to help these refugees? I now in Syria and Iraq, if we are unwilling to many other NATO allies. Should this latter plan be implemented, the aspirations of the Javakhk Armenians. As know through United Nations and charitable recognize other genocides. So I think it is Turkish and Saudi governments will face off we can see in the interconnected web of organizations help is reached to the Syrians. very important for United States, I think it Now this fragmented coalition is facing Russia in Syria. world politics, many seemingly unrelated I was part of SARF, Syrian Armenian Relief is very important for all citizens, particularly the Syrian government of Bashar al-Assad, issues have strategic links. Fund, for two years, representing ADL for those of the survivors of the genocide to which is supported by Russia, Iran and Commenting on this plan in the February 13 (Armenian Democratic League). We were have their government acknowledge what Hezbollah forces from Lebanon. edition of Ha’aretz in Israel, Svi Barel writes: The conflict in Syria and its global worried as how to help the refugees, and happened to their families. So I am urging More than 250,000 people have been killed “Saudi intervention in a war without any repercussions impact Armenia on many with our efforts we were able to extend a the president to do this. I try to make this in Syria and 7 million have been displaced, guaranteed military or diplomatic gains for levels and many ways. We may not be able hand to them, to survive. first. I have been doing so with his staff as flooding the European shores and creating the kingdom — without a clear exit strategy to cope with some of those impacts but Kh.J. What is the United States plan to well. tensions within the European Union. — may be a dangerous gamble.” being aware of those dangers, we can at help these refugees? Is there any plan in Kh.J. Thank you very much Congressman, least be armed. their mind, through United Nations or other for this opportunity, and may God Bless you. Russia’s direct involvement in the conflict Turkey, an ally of Saudi, is itching to confront charitable organizations? A.Sch. And for you as well. and its air campaign have turned the tide of Russia, although thus far it has bombed The Armenian Mirror-Spectator A.Sch. Yes. In fact just this week there Nor-Or Tight US Presidential Race: Good News for Armenian-Americans
G o v . Neurosurgeon Ben Carson (Michigan): No 2014 from ANCA; By Harut Sassounian doubt on it veracity. Instead, Armenian-Americans should ask John Kasich (Ohio) statements on Armenian issues. — During his tenure in the House of Now that the two major political parties presidential candidates for their positions on — Received ratings of C, D, and F from ANCA Businessman Donald Trump (New York): No Representatives (1991-2007), he supported have begun holding Primaries to select more pressing issues such as: during most of his tenure in the House of statements on Armenian issues. a variety of Armenian issues, including the their nominees for this fall’s Presidential 1) Allocating more foreign aid to Armenia Representatives, 1983-2001; Here are the records of the two Democratic Genocide Resolution, in 1996, 1997, and elections, Armenian-Americans are weighing and Artsakh (Karabagh); — Cosigned letters to Pres. Bush and Soviet presidential candidates on Armenian issues: 2000; the merits of the eight remaining candidates. 2) Promoting US trade with Armenia; leader Mikhail Gorbachev supporting Secretary of State Hillary Clinton (New York) — Cosigned letters to Pres. Bush urging I would like to propose that from now on 3) Pressuring Turkey to lift its blockade of Artsakh’s independence in 1991; — As Senator, cosigned letters to Pres. him to recognize the Armenian Genocide in Armenians refrain from asking presidential Armenia; — Cosponsored the Armenian Genocide Bush urging him to recognize the Armenian 2002, 2003, and 2004; candidates whether they would recognize 4) Demanding that Turkey return the Resolution in 2000; Genocide in 2005 and 2006; — As Senator, he cosponsored in 2012 two the Armenian Genocide once elected. There confiscated Armenian churches to the — As Governor, issued a proclamation in — Cosponsored Resolutions on the Armenian Resolutions on the Armenian Genocide are two problems in posing such a question: Armenian Patriarchate of Istanbul; 2012 to celebrate Armenian Independence Genocide in 2006 and 2007; and Return of Armenian Churches by Turkey. 1) Armenians should know from previous 5) Condemning Azerbaijan for its repeated Day. — As Presidential candidate in 2008, made a The polls and results of the early Primary disappointing experiences that they cannot threats and attacks on Armenia and Artsakh; Sen. Ted Cruz (Texas) promise to recognize the Armenian Genocide; elections indicate that no candidate trust promises made by most politicians. 6) Supporting the independence of Artsakh. — Received a C- rating from ANCA in 2014; — Later in 2008, spoke at a Turkish Cultural in either party is likely to have an 2) There is no need to ask for such a promise Once elected, officials would want to satisfy — In 2015, issued statement on the Armenian Center banquet in New York City in the overwhelming majority in the Primaries since the Armenian Genocide has been some of these demands in order to maintain Genocide and cosponsored the Armenian presence of then Prime Minister Erdogan; and the November elections which would repeatedly recognized by the various branches the support of the Armenian community Genocide Resolution. — During an official visit to Yerevan in 2010, encourage the candidates to be more of the US government for many years: during their future campaign for reelection. Sen. Marco Rubio (Florida) placed a wreath at the Genocide Monument, accommodating to all voters, including 1.a) Document submitted by the US Here are the records of all six Republican — Received a C rating iтn 2012 and B in which the US Embassy in Armenia called a Armenian-Americans. government to the World Court in 1951; presidential candidates on Armenian issues: 2014 from ANCA; “private” act, even though the ribbon on Under these circumstances, my suggestion 2.b) Resolutions adopted by the House of Gov. Jeb Bush (Florida) — Voted for passage of the Armenian the wreath carried the inscription: “From to the Armenian-American community is to Representatives in 1975 and 1984; — Traveled with his son on a humanitarian Genocide Resolution in the Senate Foreign Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton”; refrain from making an early commitment 3.c) Pres. Reagan’s Proclamation referring to mission to Armenia on Dec. 24, 1988, shortly Relations Committee in 2014; — In 2012, as Secretary of State, referred to any candidate. The decision as to the Armenian Genocide on April 22, 1981. after the earthquake;— Issued an Armenian — Cosponsored the Armenian Genocide to the Armenian Genocide as “a matter of whom to support can be made later as Furthermore, the continued pursuit Genocide proclamation on April 7, 2006; Resolution in 2015; historical debate,” contradicting her earlier the presidential race gets tighter and the of genocide recognition — when it has — Received the Friend of Armenians Award — Cosigned letter to Pres. Obama urging clear stand on this important issue. candidates get more desperate for votes! been already recognized — would simply in 2013 from the Eastern Diocese of the him to recognize the Armenian Genocide in Sen. Bernie Sanders (Vermont) undermine its acknowledgment and cast Armenian Church. 2015. — Received an A+ rating in 2012 and C in www.TheCaliforniaCourier.com February 22- February 28, 2016 P. 03
Diaspora News
USA Austria Cartoons Worth a Thousand Words American-Armenian Students The centennial of the Armenian Genocide The cartoon depicts Erdogan recalling last year brought forth a welcome yesteryear’s attempt on the life of Pope avalanche of political activism, books, John Paul II by Turkish citizen Mehmet Ali Conduct Silent Protest in scholarly and journalistic reports, Agca. conferences, community projects, music, Also included in Perspectives from Exile theatrical performances, visual arts are an interview with Kasbarian conducted Los Angeles for Armenian presentations, and civic and religious by Bartel, photos of the exhibition, highly commemorations. informative articles by Kasbarian about the history and consequences of the Genocide Recognition One such event was the multi-exhibition Genocide and its denial, and the artist’s To increase public awareness of the 1915 series “Kiss the Ground” (Yergurbakootyoon), statement. Armenian genocide, the Occidental Armenian which featured Perspectives from Exile—22 Kasbarian’s cartoons have appeared in Students Association (ASA) held a silent political cartoons by author, journalist, more than twenty-five Armenian and non- protest Ton February 10 in the Johnson activist, and cartoonist Lucine Kasbarian of Armenian publications and websites, Student Center quad, “Armenpress” was New Jersey and Massachusetts. including Foreign Policy Journal, Zartonk, informed from the official website of the Women’s International Perspective, Massis college. Fourteen other Armenian-American Weekly, Veterans Today and Keghart.com. Student participants wore duct tape over their creative people participated in the “Kiss mouths with words such as “denial,” “justice” the Ground” exhibition, which explored Kasbarian’s political cartoons reaffirm the or the names of their murdered ancestors. memory, loss and culture, and was held validity of the opinion of many critics of They also held signs that either called for a at the Cambridge School of Weston, “modern” Turkey that the rulers’ mindset divestment from Turkey or demanded that Massachusetts. has not changed from that of the Ottomans certain world governments no longer ignore and the Young Turks. the genocide. thing because the United States is allies An offshoot of the exhibition is Kasbarian’s Students across the country held similar with Turkey,” Ripsime Biyazyan (senior), Perspectives from Exile—a 110-page In a year which saw Turkey’s continued demonstrations Thursday to increase copresident of ASA, said. illustrated volume that includes a foreword oppression of its indigenous minorities and awareness of the genocide committed by ASA aims to inform the public that denying by Curator Todd Bartel, a visual arts journalists; its shooting down of a Russian the Republic of Turkey in what was formerly the Armenian genocide is a major human teacher and the director of the Cambridge military jet; Ankara’s continued denial of Armenian land during World War I, which also rights concern. School’s Thompson Gallery. the Armenian Genocide; its president’s pushed people off their lands. In particular, “I believe that this next generation is going support of ISIS and aggression into Syria the grassroots movement hopes to pressure to have a completely different mindset about The volume’s incisive political cartoons and Iraq, not to mention his numerous the Turkish government to admit to the human rights,” Najarian said. “Socially, a lot explore topics such as Armenian Genocide inane pronouncements, Kasbarian’s genocide, which it has repeatedly denied. of things are different with our generation.” denial, reparations, Turkish and Azeri Perspectives from Exile provides some “It’s important for us to try and unify and get Najarian went on to express a sense of hope belligerence and NATO indifference to the much-needed relief from the oppressive the same message out there,” Lisa Najarian about what the future holds for the Armenian Armenian Cause. insanity and criminality pouring out of (senior), co-president of ASA, said. “A lot of community as a whole. Ankara. ethnic minorities, you don’t hear about them “We feel more empowered to make change Just one of Kasbarian’s cartoons produced with genocides. So right now, the more people and we don’t feel like we’re a part of the during the Genocide centennial year, titled This publication deserves wide distribution know, the more we can do.” establishment,” Najarian said. “We feel more “Threaten the Pope,” spotlighted Erdogan as it is undoubtedly a significant The U.S. government also does not formally powerful and more united than we have dreaming about the fate of Pope Francis contribution to the published observances recognize the Armenian genocide. before so that is going to be what will push us after Erdogan threatened the latter for of the Centennial of the Armenian “It’s a sort of humanity over politics to achieve what we want to achieve.” acknowledging the Armenian Genocide. Genocide. Beirut - Lebanon RA Minister of Diaspora Hranush Hakobyan participated in final forum of the Armenian Genocide Centennial Near East and Middle East Regional Committee in Lebanon came together to fight for recognition and around the world and attached special activities in chronological order.” attended the traditional Tyarndarach ceremony condemnation of the Armenian Genocide and importance to the international media forum Concluding, Minister Hranush Hakobyan of lighting a bonfire at the Mayravank (Main elimination of the consequences,” she said. titled “At the Foot of Ararat”. The minister touched upon the creation of a Pan-Armenian Monastery) of Antelias. The minister mentioned that the RA Ministry presented the television programs devoted Council. “Unquestionably, the State Commission On February 14, the participants took part of Diaspora had developed the program called to Armenia and the Armenian Genocide that on Coordination of the events dedicated to the in a Holy Mass and laid flowers in front of the “Events Dedicated to the 100th Anniversary were shown, the artistic and documentary 100th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide Martyrs’ Chapel. of the Armenian Genocide for the Years 2011- films that were screened and the books that became a brilliant format or coordinating 2017” and had provided information about the were published in various countries, as well as the partnership between Armenia and the The first session of the second day was program to the regional committees. The RA the efforts that were made against the spread Diaspora. Today, it is clear that Armenians, who moderated by Sarkis Najarian and included Ministry of Diaspora held several community of misinformation and the anti-Armenian are reawakening, have a tremendous amount speeches by Vrej Ter-Martirosian from Isfahan, On February 13-14, the Armenian Genocide events, carried out political and advocacy propaganda. of potential, and the Pan-Armenian Council Bishop Grigor Chiftjian from Tavriz and Supreme Centennial Near East and Middle East Regional actions and held cultural events and church can become a major platform for gearing that Archimandrite Mesrob Sarkisian (UAE), who Committee held a forum summing up the ceremonies with the diplomatic representations Summing up the results, Minister Hranush potential in the right direction. The weight, presented the activities that had been carried events held last year. The forum was held of the Republic of Armenia, Diaspora Armenian Hakobyan congratulated the participants decisions and recommendations of the Pan- out within their respective communities. under the high patronage of His Holiness Aram organizations, pan-Armenian and religious of the forum on the 25th anniversary of the Armenian Council will seem more reliable and I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia and organizations. The ministry also organized many Independence of the Republic of Armenia and will become more applicable, if the Council Among other speakers from Lebanon were hosted in the hall of Cilicia Museum of Antelias. forums, meetings and conferences, established the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic, mentioning includes representatives of Armenia, Artsakh representative of the ARF-D Central Committee The first session of the two-day forum was museums, created monuments and cross- that the 100th anniversary of the First Republic and the Diaspora and if the issues on its and MP Hagop Pakradouni, Silva Liparitian convened on February 13 and was held stones and named squares. There were also is ahead and that all Armenians must celebrate agenda become the priorities of all Armenians (Armenian General Benevolent Union), Hagop with the participation of RA Minister of various kinds of community events, including those glorious holidays with renewed unity and that were approved during the 5th Armenia- Kerkerian (Social Democrat (Hunchakian) Diaspora Hranush Hakobyan, RA Ambassador torch-lit marches, a tree-planting ceremony, a more achievements. Diaspora Conference.” Party), Sevag Hagopian (Armenian Democratic Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Lebanon candlelight vigil, exhibitions, festivals, concerts, Liberal Party (Ramgavar)), the Very Rev. Raffi Ashot Kocharyan, leaders and members of the commemorative events, literary and artistic Afterwards, the minister talked about the future Minister Hranush Hakobyan expressed gratitude Msrlian, assistant of the Patriarchal Diocese Armenian Genocide Centennial Near East and events, plays, film screenings, sporting events actions. “With the experience that we have to the members of all the Committees for their of the Armenian Catholic Community of Beirut, Middle East Regional Committee, clergymen and more. gained and by combining our resources, we will dedication and the time and money that they Bishop Kevork Asadourian and leader of the and members of political parties. continue to prepare for and mark the 101st, spent to do the tremendous job that they did in Armenian Diocese of Lebanon, Bishop Shaheh The minister also mentioned exclusively 102nd and all the other anniversaries of the their countries of residence. Panossian. Before the session, the participants visited the significant events such as the canonization of Armenian Genocide with renewed momentum Chairperson of the Armenian Genocide Aram Bezigian Museum, which is devoted to the martyrs of the Armenian Genocide, the Holy and activity. The proposal of the President of Centennial Lebanon Central Committee Seta Minister Hranush Hakobyan and Shahan orphans of the Armenian Genocide and located Mass that Pope Francis I served at St. Peter’s the Republic of Armenia to reinforce the “Never Khdshian presented the initiatives that have Kantaharian delivered their closing speeches. in the “Trchnots Bouyn” (Birds’ Nest) orphanage Basilica of the Vatican, the official April 24th Again” movement and make Armenia become been held in Lebanon. The RA Minister of Diaspora presented Seta of Gibeil. ceremony commemorating the victims of the the frontrunner in the international arena in Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Khdshian with the passport of a citizen of the Armenian Genocide at the Tsitsernakaberd terms of genocide can become objectified, if of the Republic of Armenia Ashot Kocharyan Republic of Armenia granted by the decree of Vice-chairman of the Armenian Genocide Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex, the we create an “International Genocide Research expressed gratitude to the Armenian community the President of the Republic of Armenia. Centennial Lebanon Central Committee Shahan global forum entitled “Mankind against the Center”, which will deal with examining and of Lebanon for the partnership and briefly talked After the forum, the RA Minister of Diaspora Kantaharian delivered his opening speech, Crime of Genocide”, as well as the opening of synthesizing legal, historical and international about the participation and contributions of the and the participants of the forum visited the after which leader of the Armenian Diocese of the Komitas Museum-Institute in Yerevan and issues and, based on research, will present the embassy. Residence of the Catholicos and met with His Tehran, Archbishop Sepuh Sarkisian moderated the Aram Bezikian Museum devoted to the necessary suggestions for preparing for and Holiness Aram I, who praised the activities of the session. orphans of the Armenian Genocide in Lebanon. holding global forums. A global forum devoted Afterwards, Dr. Nora Bayragdarian talked about Minister Hranush Hakobyan, Chairperson of the The Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia to refugees’ issues is being organized this year. the lawsuit that His Holiness Aram I has filed Armenian Genocide Centennial Lebanon Central RA Minister of Diaspora Hranush Hakobyan took an exclusively daring step, appealing to Panel discussions need to be organized in the against Turkey in relation to the case of the Committee Seta Khdshian and the participants delivered an extensive speech. Through a the Constitutional Court of Turkey with the regions as well. I believe that by combining the Catholicosate of Sis and the steps that have of the forum and emphasized that the lawsuit slide show, the minister presented the events demand for the return of the residence of the efforts of all Armenians, we can provide the top been taken. Representative of the information for the Catholicosate of Sis “was not an issue and activities that had been carried out on the Catholicosate in Sis (located in the territory of universities of the world with more professionals unit of the Catholicosate of the Great House about a land parcel, but a political issue.” occasion of the Centennial of the Armenian the historic Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia) and and encourage the preparation of experts of Cilicia, Supreme Archimandrite Housig On February 15, the RA Minister of Diaspora Genocide in different parts of the world, the properties of the Catholicosate. (Turkologists, Kurdologists, Ottomanologists, Mardirosian talked about the steps that the had meetings with His Beatitude, Catholicos- particularly in the countries of the Near East political scientists, international law experts, Catholicosate has taken. Patriarch of the Armenian Catholics of the and the Middle East, as well as the achieved Out of the events dedicated to the Centennial international affairs experts and historians), and Great House of Cilicia, Father, Krikor-Bedros XI outcomes and the future actions. of the Armenian Genocide, the Minister of Armenian communities need to encourage the Maral Nercessian (Jordan), Archbishop Shahan Kaproyan and President of the World Council of Diaspora particularly set aside the forums, youth and help them receive such education. Sarkisian (Syria), Deputy Vardkes Mahdessian Armenian Evangelical Churches, the Very Rev. Hranush Hakobyan attached importance to the conferences, roundtables, seminars and Communities have compiled and accumulated (Cyprus) and Roobik Karapetian (Tehran) gave Meguerditch Karagyozyan. activities carried out by the State Commission lectures that were hosted in 30 countries and a tremendous amount of memoirs, materials speeches devoted to the activities that had been on Coordination of the events dedicated to the sparked great reactions, as well as research, and documents that need to be elaborated carried out within their respective communities. 100th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide publication of books and the various kinds of and published in various collections, as well as By the proposal of Yeghig Jerejian, the attendees chaired by the President of the Republic of events and initiatives carried out by the state publish the works and articles of foreign state issued a special statement on behalf of the Armenia and the 61 Armenian Genocide and non-governmental organizations of foreign and political figures, genocide scholars and participants of the reunion-meeting, conveyed Centennial regional committees in 50 countries countries. artists in a series and try to create a library/ a welcome speech and expressed their support around the world. “All sectors of Armenians were The Minister of Diaspora also attached archive to make the 100-year-old materials to their Syrian-Armenian compatriots who are mobilized, including Armenians in Armenia, importance to the advocacy efforts that complete. It is necessary to sort and publish the currently living and working in dire conditions. Artsakh and the Diaspora. All Armenians Armenian and foreign media outlets made materials that you have accumulated and your At the end, the participants of the forum February 22- February 28, 2016 P. 04
Arts & Society Soundtrack Written by Serj Tankian Recorded in Gulbengian Foundation Armenia Announced Audio Music written by Serj Tankian for Jivan Avetisian’s new film “The Last Inhabitant” is recorded in Armenia. National Philharmonic Documentary Competition Orchestra of Armenia, headed by artistic director and principal conductor Eduard Topchian, and Hover” State Chamber Choir, headed by artistic director and conductor Sona Hovhannisian, are involved in the recording of the music. “The long years of work and caring team was needed to carry out the film. All participants were united by love towards the film. Rather long and hard work was carried out. The filmmaking is fully completed. The audience will judge the quality of the film,” director Jivan Avetisian said in the interview with reporters, “Armenpress” reports. According to him, along with Serj Tankian they worked for 2 months on creating the soundtrack. “It seems that we have lived together with the characters’ every day and the framework of this year’s “Golden Apricot” people. Numerous incidents happened to Armenian Communities Department the context of diaspora. episode. Serj composed perfect and brilliant International Film Festival. people that are of universal importance. So of the Calouste Gulbengian Foundation, The proposals will be assessed by music and I am very grateful to him. To be The film is about people who have fallen they must be noticed and told… the sound collective Terra do Som and the Razmik Panossian (Director of the Armenian sincere, if he did not like the scenario, he from a lost paradise into hell but are saved World-known Iranian actor Homayoun Portuguese public national radio R T P/Antena Communities Department, FCG), Antena 2 would not compose a soundtrack for it. He by love, virtue, and selfsacrifice. It introduces Ershadi, Sandra Daukšaitė, Armenian actors 2 are announcing an audio documentary and the sound collective Terra do Som. said that the movie will give him wings in order the events of 1988-89. The film is connected Sos Janibekian, Kevork Malikian, Naira competition on the theme Music and voyage: The deadline for applications is the 6th of to create,” jivan Avetisian added, mentioning with Artsakh and Sumgait tragedies which Muradian, Babken Chobanian and many Armenian stories. March 2016. Applications should be sent to that the film’s premiere will be held within left an imprint on the fates of thousands of others star in the film. This international call welcomes proposals [email protected]. for a podcast in a setting related to the For more details please consult the Dr. Nora Arisian Translates and Releases Armenian experience and musical creation in regulations and guidelines. First Book About Gomidas in Arabic Smithsonian Institution Historian and translator, Dr. Nora Arisian as excerpts from Hrant Kevorkian’s book “To has released the Arabic version of the Breath and Live with Gomidas”. The article book “Gomidas and Armenian Music” in “Living Martyr” from Vartan Vartanian’s book Interested in Datev Revival Damascus, report Hayern Aysor’s sources. “Eternal Traveler” has also been translated. This is the first book about Gomidas in The music for the book was edited by Arabic and contains 11 studies and articles director of Syria’s symphony orchestra, Program selected from various books, including the Maestro Misak Baghbudarian who, in his translated versions of several studies from preface, encourages the young musicians of Robert Atayan’s book “Gomidasian” such as the Arab World to take the path that Gomidas the study entitled “The Musical Heritage of took and document Armenian folk music. Gomidas”, Muradian’s “Gomidas’s Evaluation The 160-page book was translated by Nora of Yegmalian’s Liturgy”, Tahmizian’s “Issues Arisian who, in her preface, wrote that the on the Study of Armenian Spiritual Songs” book is dedicated to the 100th anniversary and more. The book also includes the of the Armenian Genocide and to the 80th translated versions from Khachig Safarian’s death anniversary of Gomidas. Arisian also book “Gomidas the Marvel”, including the voices hope that the book, which presents articles entitled “Problems with Deciphering Gomidas the genius and the person who Notches”, “Gomidas and Russian Music” embodies Armenian culture and history, will and “Gomidas and Kurdish Music”, as well serve as a contribution to Arabic literature. “La Boheme” Ballet Devoted to Charles Aznavour’s Life to be Presented in the Fall The life and career of legendary French- Armenian singer Charles Aznavour will be presented in a one-act ballet. In an interview with “Armenpress”, ballet master of the Alexander Spendiarian National Academic Theater of Opera and Ballet Rudolf Kharatyan informed that the Theater is rehearsing for a Representatives of U.S. Smithsonian around the Church, the restoration of our old new ballet. Institution visited Datev Monastery and got traditions. We are filled with hope, that the “The songs of Charles Aznavour will acquainted with Datev Revival program. regional community young couples’ united lie at the core of the “La Boheme” ballet, visit to the Church at Diarndaraj celebration which will be a 40-minute ballet presenting According to statement disseminated will become a tradition”, said Michael Charles Aznavour’s career. The ballet will by IdeA Foundation, U.S. Smithsonian Vartabet Gevorgian. include the most famous songs. Although all Institution Representatives’ visit took place of Aznavour’s songs are famous, it was very within USAID’s My Armenia cultural tourism “We have organized this celebration for hard to make selections,” Rudolf Kharatian development project. the second year and we aim to make it a mentioned. According to the ballet master, tradition. Events that have national cultural the ballet will present the entire course of IDeA Tourism Projects Manager Armine elements are interesting for the tourists as development of Aznavour as an artist, how Israelian said, that Tatev’s region has serious well and we hope that it will become a unique he met Edith Piaf and what he went through. opportunities to develop cultural tourism. celebration in coming years and will boost the According to Kharatian, the Theater will Abbot Michael Vartabet Gevorgian fulfilled tourism flow to this region during not so high present the ballet in the fall of 2016. blessing service for the newly married on tourist season”, noticed Datev Revival Project February 14 in Tatev Ministry. Manager Hayk Tutunjian.
Diarendaraj (Drndez) has been celebrated Smithsonian Institution was founded ‘Be Armenian’ a New Armenian Themed in a special way in Datev for the second in 1846. It is the world’s largest museum year, with the initiative of IdeA’s Datev and research complex, which includes Revival program. A concert was held for the 19 museums and galleries, the National Mobile App newlyweds and guests as well as a reception, Zoological Park and nine research facilities. which became the symbol for the 100th a photoshot opportunity with national anniversary of the genocide. costumes. Smithsonian Institution has 6400 From here the ‘Be Armenian’ project employees including 500 scientists and grew. Shortly following the “Remember and “These events contribute to the unity 5500 volunteers. Demand” collection, more Armenian themed wallpapers were added representing the Armenian culture and language. The selection of wallpapers for the ‘Be ZARTONK receives material from around the world and in many languages. Our Armenian’ application were not a coincidence, Liberal principles advocate §Freedom of speech¦ as a mainstay of our beliefs; as they each represent a feeling of a right to consequently the subjects and ideas presented will not necessarily reflect our point a homeland. Careful thought was taken to of view. ensure that each collection featured in the All published material is reviewed, however, we rely on the kind understanding of ‘Be Armenian’ application would represent our audience when grammatical and spelling mistakes are missed. And in some The ‘Be Armenian’ project began shortly entitled “Remember and Demand,” were the very best of Armenia. The ‘Be Armenian’ rare cases, correction of submitted material is purposely not addressed, if it changes before the 100th anniversary of the Armenian created to commemorate this event. The application is currently available for download the implied context of the author. genocide. The first collection of wallpapers collection featured the Forget-Me-Not flower, at the Apple Store.
جريـدة سياسية أرمنـية رئيــــــــس التحريــــــر: سيفاك اكوبيان Editor in Chief Sevag Hagopian زارتونك تصدر عن شركة شيراك الصحافية )ش.م.م.( المدير المسؤول: إيلي الحاج Director in Charge Elie Hajj
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