DECEMBER 22, 2018 Mirror-SpeTHE ARMENIAN ctator Volume LXXXIX, NO. 23, Issue 4567 $ 2.00 NEWS The First English Language Armenian Weekly in the United States Since 1932 INBRIEF Mirror-Spectator’s Archbishop Aykazian Present at Iraq, Syria Annual Winter Break WATERTOWN — This is the last issue of the Genocide Relief and Accountability Act Signing Armenian Mirror-Spectator before its annual winter (OFFICIAL WHITE HOUSE PHOTO BY SHEALAH CRAIGHEAD) break. Publishing will recommence with the issue of January 5, 2019. The offices will reopen on By Aram Arkun January 2. The first issue back will be mailed later Mirror-Spectator Staff than usual because of the postal schedule. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all our readers. WASHINGTON — On December 11, President Donald Trump signed H.R. 390, the Iraq and Syria Genocide Relief and Lukashenko, Putin Had Accountability Act of 2018, in the Oval Office. The goal of the new law is to assist Urged Sargsyan to Cede religious and ethnic groups targeted by Land to Azerbaijan ISIS for mass murder and genocide in the two countries mentioned. It also authorizes MINSK, Belarus (Armenpress) — President of the US government to help bring organiz- Belarus Alexander Lukashenko disclosed in an ers and perpetrators of these crimes to jus- interview on December 14 earlier proposals made tice. Among the high-level dignitaries pre- in 2016 by him and Russian President Vladimir sent, besides the president, were the vice Putin to then-President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan president, various congressmen and sena- for the settlement of the Karabakh conflict. tors, and religious leaders of the persecut- Lukashenko revealed the discussion during a ed communities. Legate and Ecumenical meeting with Russian news media representatives, Director of the Eastern Diocese of the President Donald J. Trump talks with reporters after signing H.R. 390-Iraq and Syria according to Belta. Armenian Church of America Archbishop Genocide Relief and Accountability Act of 2018 Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2018 in the Oval Office “Me and Putin suggested surrendering five Vicken Aykazian, a leader in many of the White House. regions to Azerbaijan,” Lukashenko said, noting American and international ecumenical that the issue was discussed during the 2016 CSTO organizations, was among the latter. summit in Yerevan. Archbishop Aykazian was the only reli- the invitation 3 days ago directly from the time of trial, to speak up on their behalf, “He [Sargsyan] said — if he were to surrender gious leader invited who was based in the White House.” He said that there were 35 and to act to preserve the ancient Christian those territories, Azerbaijan would cut off the road United States, as all the others were from people present at the very beginning, but enclaves in the Middle East. Our objective and will occupy Karabakh. Me and Putin promised the targeted region. Even American church they only asked for some 7 or 10 people to is to ensure that the rights of religious we would deploy our troops and we won’t allow it organizations in general were not invited. go see the president. groups will be preserved, that faith remains to happen. He rejected the offer,” Lukashenko said. When asked how he got involved in this, he It started at 11 a.m., he related, when respected, and that people of faith remain He also revealed Azeri President Ilham Aliyev replied, “I don’t really know. I think the Vice President Michael Pence came to free to perform their obligations without wanted to run a gas pipleline through Armenia to White House knew that I have been very speak to them. Aykazian was asked to per- impediment.” Georgia. and wanted him to speak to Sargsyan to active in defending the rights of the form the invocation and open the meeting. Pence declared that it has always been on get permission but Sargsyan rejected it. Christian minorities and the suffering of He said, “For us, our challenge is to stand the agenda of the administration to not refugees in the Middle East. I just received with these Christian communities in their see ACCOUNTABILITY, page 9 Official Visits Drawing Kocharyan in Jail YEREVAN (Armenpress) — On December 14, Conclusions Human Rights Defender of Armenia Arman Tatoyan met with Robert Kocharyan, the former Three Decades President of Armenia, currently under arrest. “We discussed all issues concerning the jurisdic- tion of the Human Rights Defender. We have pre- After Devastation pared respective inquiries relating the issues that have been raised during the private conversation,” he said. By Alin K. Gregorian “We are also in contact with the attorneys,” he said. Mirror-Spectator Staff Kocharyan had spent two weeks in jail in sum- mer, but was eventually freed. But on December 7, BELMONT, Mass. — On Thursday, a higher court overruled the release and ordered December 13, almost exactly 30 years after him to be remanded into custody pending trial. the devastation of the earthquake in north- Kocharyan is charged with “overthrowing consti- ern Armenia, some of the people who first tutional order” during the 2008 post-election responded to that disaster gathered at the unrest, when clashes between security forces and Vatche Meguerdichian at Alcazar First Armenian Church to share an protesters left 10 people dead during his final days overview of what motivated them as well as as president. He denies any wrongdoing. the logistics of sending aid to their broth- Vatche Delights ers and sisters so far away.The program was cosponsored by the First Armenian Church and the National Association for Armenian Taste Buds and Studies and Research. INSIDE One focus of the evening, the brainchild Ear Drums of retired Boston Globe Pulitzer Prize-win- ning investigative journalist Stephen LOS ANGELES — It’s half past twelve on a Saturday afternoon in Sherman Kurkjian, was not only the disaster and the Christmas Oaks. Extended families are ready to feast on homemade mante and manaish, response, but the changes that resulted kebab and kufteh reminiscent of the fla- from the collision of the need of the people vorful meals of Beirut as they catch up in Armenia and the immediate response Greetings By Taleen Babayan with loved ones. The restaurant is abuzz from people around the world, Armenian Special to the Mirror-Spectator with activity, the phone is ringing off the and non, and how they not only changed Pages 10-11 hook and warm greetings are extended to relations between Armenia and the diaspo- the Armenian regulars while recommenda- ra forever, but possibly put the final nail in tions are made for newbies as eggs are cracked and chicken is grilled on the hiss- the coffin of the Soviet Union. ing stove. He wrote a lengthy piece about the many INDEX The man behind this lively scene, savory food and center of hospitality is Vatche firsts that happened as a result of the Arts and Living ...... 14 Meguerdichian, the international singer who made a name for himself covering earthquake aid heading from the US. (See Armenia ...... 2,3 songs from across the globe with his trademark smooth voice and the longing https://mirrorspectator.com/2018/09/13 Community News...... 6 emotion he injected into each lyric, delivering a glimpse of the sweet yesteryear /the-untold-story-the-earthqVuake-that- Editorial ...... 18 for his loyal audience. shook-armenia-the-relief-effort-that- International ...... 4,5 see VATCHE, page 12 changed-the-world/) see CONCLUSIONS, page 7 2 S ATURDAY, D ECEMBER 2 2 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARMENIA News From Armenia Moscow Clarifies Position on ‘Foreign’ Pashinyan Meets with Military Presence in Armenia

Czech Ambassador, NGO MOSCOW — Russia’s Foreign safety and other sanitary controls on question.” Director Minister Sergey Lavrov referred to its territory. Earlier this year, it “There is a dialogue and desire to Armenian biological laboratories allowed Russian officials to inspect achieve mutual understanding, including YEREVAN (Armenpress) —Prime Minister Nikol donated by the United States when them after Moscow claimed that on the transparency of the biological lab- Pashinyan met with Ambassador of Czech Republic he stressed the need to prevent “for- Washington seems to be running a oratories and the presence or non-pres- to Armenia Petr Mikyska and People in Need NGO eign” military presence in Armenia, a clandestine biological weapons lab in ence of foreign military personnel in Executive Director Simon Pánek on December 14, senior Russian diplomat said on neighboring Georgia. those labs,” Kopyrkin added in reference Pashinyan’s office said. Tuesday, December 18. The Russian ambassador in to Lavrov’s remarks. During the meeting Pashinyan attached impor- Lavrov told a Russian radio station Yerevan, Sergey Kopyrkin, said the Commenting on the remarks, the tance to the continuous development of the on Monday that Moscow and Yerevan Russian and Armenian sides are now Armenian Foreign Ministry likewise Armenian-Czech relations and noted that the are close to signing an agreement engaged in a “constructive dialogue” insisted that Lavrov spoke about the Armenian government is interested in further deep- that will bar third countries from on the work of the labs. bio labs. ening and expanding of economic partnership. deploying military personnel in “I don’t exclude that at some point “The labs belong to Armenia and Pashinyan in particular addressed the govern- Armenia. He spoke in the context of we will reach an overall mutual under- are of a civilian character,” stressed ment’s steps and projects aimed at improving the American bio labs provided to several standing and agreement,” he told a the ministry spokeswoman, Anna business climate, stressing that the Armenian gov- ex-Soviet states in recent years. news conference. “I can’t tell yet what Naghdalian. “As far as Armenia is con- ernment guarantees the security of each investment Armenia has received five such form that agreement could take but cerned, there is no question of mili- project. facilities from the US to boost food any [Russian] ban or diktat is out of tary presence there.” The ambassador congratulated the Armenian pre- mier on the successful early parliamentary election and wished good luck in future activities. Pánek introduced the activities and projects of People in Need noting an adventure tourism devel- Ex-PM Karapetyan Quits Former Ruling Party opment project is underway in Syunik, and a project YEREVAN (RFE/RL) — Former on April 23 immediately after Sargsyan month that Karapetyan will be appoint- on founding a wool processing factory is being car- Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan has resigned amid mass protests against his ed soon to the board of directors of a ried out in Amasia. According to Pánek, 500,000 ended his membership in former continued rule. state-owned Russian oil company, Euros have been invested for each of the projects. President Serzh Sargsyan’s Republican The HHK-controlled parliament reluc- Zarubezhneft. Pashinyan commended the projects and expressed Party of Armenia (HHK), it emerged on tantly chose the protest leader, Nikol Karapetyan lived and worked in the government’s support in successfully fulfilling Tuesday, December 18. them. A senior HHK official, Ruben Tadevosian, said that Karapetyan sub- State to Renovate mitted a written notification to the party leadership several days ago. He Prisons gave no reason for his decision, Tadevosian told RFE/RL’s Armenian YEREVAN (Armenpress) — For the first time in 10 service. years, the government has allocated funds from the Karapetyan already resigned as the state budget for capital renovations in prisons, HHK’s first deputy chairman in late Justice Minister Artak Zeynalyan said at a news con- June, more than one month after ference on December 17. Armenia’s former government was oust- “Around 270 million drams was allocated for capi- ed in what is widely referred to as a tal renovations of draining systems and several other “Velvet Revolution.” parts namely in the Nubarashen, Vardashen and The 55-year-old technocrat took up Sevan correctional facilities. Moreover, the tenders the number-two position in the HHK have already been held and around 100 million has hierarchy shortly Sargsyan appointed been saved and will be returned to the state budget,” him as prime minister in September he said. Supporters take a selfie with Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan at an election cam- 2016. He ran the government until He said that they plan to create healthcare depart- paign meeting in Tegh village in 2017. Sargsyan served out his final presiden- ments in three hospitals of Yerevan and in Vanadzor tial term and controversially became and Goris for medical treatment of convicted prison- prime minister on April 17. Pashinyan, as the country’s new leader Russia from 2011 to 2016, holding ers. Karapetyan remained in government on May 8. Karapetyan has made no pub- senior positions in local subsidiaries of as first deputy prime minister serving lic statements since then. It is thus not the Gazprom energy giant. He managed Pashinyan Eyes under a new, parliamentary system of clear whether he could again engage in Armenia’s Gazprom-owned natural gas government. The former business exec- political activities in Armenia. distribution network from 2001-2010. Eradicating Corruption utive took over as acting prime minister Russian media reported late last The former premier, who put forward an ambitious economic reform agenda In Judiciary during his tenure, announced his deci- YEREVAN (Armenpress) — No former, present or sion to quit the HHK following its poor future official will go unpunished for stealing from showing in the December 9 parliamen- the state, Armenia’s caretaker Prime Minister Nikol Former Armenian Police tary elections. The former ruling party Pashinyan said during a campaigning rally of the My won only 4.7 percent of the vote and Step bloc, the political force he leads, on December will therefore have no seats in 3. Chief under Investigation Armenia’s new parliament. “After the revolution too, whatever officials will Karapetyan topped the list of HHK use their tools or mandate for personal interests will YEREVAN (RFE/RL) — The former lic transport firms in 2015. candidates in the previous parliamen- receive harsher punishment,” Pashinyan told a chief of the Armenian police, Vladimir A statement by the Investigative tary elections held in April 2017. crowd of supporters in Ashtarak. Gasparyan, could be prosecuted for ille- Committee claimed that in the run-up Sargsyan’s party won those polls amid He said that the government will also pay great gally campaigning for the ruling to the 2012 elections Gasparyan offered opposition allegations of vote buying. attention to the judiciary. Republican Party (HHK) ahead of par- to help the troubled businessman if the “There are numerous corrupt judges in the judi- liamentary elections held in 2012, law- latter earns votes for the ruling HHK. ciary. The government has all tools to also carry out enforcement authorities said on To that end, it said, Gasparyan intro- a revolution in the judiciary,” he said. Tuesday, December 18. duced him to police officials and HHK Hayastan All Pashinyan tendered his resignation on October 16 The Investigative Committee claimed functionaries from Abovian so that they Armenian Fund in a maneuver to trigger the process of dissolving the to have obtained “facts” suggesting that “work together.” That amounted to parliament. Gasparyan pledged to help an embat- abuse of power, added the statement. Donations Coming in In accordance to the Constitution, when a prime tled businessman avoid bankruptcy in The committee has not brought crim- minister resigns the parliament must elect a new PM return for his pre-election support for inal charges against Gasparyan, howev- YEREVAN (Armenpress) — The dona- within two weeks. Lawmakers deliberately failed to the HHK. er. It said it has instead sent the case to tions received during the Hayastan All elect a new PM as a formality in order to pave the The businessman owned two com- another law-enforcement body, the Armenian Fund’s November 22 way for dissolution. panies that operated commuter bus Special Investigative Service (SIS), for Telethon 2018 have increased, with Pashinyan took office after massive protests in services between Yerevan and the further investigation. additional donations being received dur- April forced president-turned PM Serzh Sargsyan to nearby towns of Abovian and Gasparyan, who ran the national ing the following period. resign. Charentsavan. The companies started police service from 2011-2018, rejected “Fundraisers and individual dona- The parliament was dissolved by virtue of law on incurring serious losses and eventual- the allegations as “completely false and tions have continued after the November 1. On the same day, President of Armenia ly went bankrupt after he fell out with slanderous” through his lawyer, Tigran November 22 Los Angeles Telethon Armen Sarkissian signed an order on calling early Gagik Tsarukyan, a much wealthier Atanesyan. “I am sure that an objective 2018 too,” Hayastan All-Armenian general election on December 9. entrepreneur leading a major political criminal investigation would refute Fund Executive Director Haykak The incumbent parliament functions until the new party. those claims,” Atanesyan wrote on Arshamyan said at a news conference parliament is elected. Tsarukian’s charity provided free bus Facebook. on December 15. services on the same routes in an appar- Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan Initially, $11,109,633 was raised dur- ent effort to drive his rival out of busi- sacked Gasparyan two days after taking ing the telethon, but the number grew ness. The tycoon acquired the two pub- office on May 8. to $14,115,940 until now. S ATURDAY, D ECEMBER 2 2 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 3 ARMENIA President Sarkissian Attends Inauguration of Georgian President

TEVALI, Georgia — On December 18, a dele- millennia-long friendly and brotherly relations. gation headed by the President of Armenia We are truly brotherly nations. It’s more than Armen Sarkissian was present at the swearing- natural that the president of Armenia is present in ceremony of the newly elected President of here today when Georgia elects a new presi- dent. I congratulate Georgia and the president of the coun- try. I wish Georgia and the new President success for the com- ing years. I am looking forward to working with the President of Georgia.” Within the framework of the event, Sarkissian had brief con- versations with the heads of the delegations present at the cere- mony and a group of guests. Sarkissian in Tbilisi had a pri- vate meeting with the Prime Minister of Georgia Mamuka Bakhtadze. Bakhtadze thanked him for participating in the inaugura- tion and underscored that it was a pleasure to host the Armenian president in Georgia. President Armen Sarkissian with Georgian Prime Minister Sarkissian and Bakhtadze Mamuka Bakhtadze exchanged views on the current agenda of the Armenian- Georgian relations and stressed Georgia Salome Zurabishvili, which took place the importance of enhancing an efficient coop- at the palace of Irakli II in Telavi. eration in a number of areas. They spoke in par- Before the ceremony, Sarkissian, responding ticular about the development of the trade and to questions from journalists said, “Armenia economic relations, cooperation in the areas of and Georgia, as well as our two nations, have education and culture. Nikol Pashinyan Meets with Catholicos of All Armenians

ECHMIADZIN —Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan visited the Mother See of Holy Echmiadzin on December 14 and met with Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians. With His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians. Welcoming Pashinyan, the Catholicos of All Armenians said: “We are glad to wel- come you again at the Mother See of Holy Echmiadzin. Taking advantage of the oppor- tunity, we would like to convey our congratulations to you as a successful organization of elections, which was highly appreciated by representatives of observation missions, as well as for the impressive results recorded by the “My Step” alliance in the elections. Our people once again expressed their confidence in you, their hopes, expectations and expectations, their progress in the safe and peaceful life. “We know that our country faces many problems, challenges and challenges that require the unity of our world-spread children, our social and political forces, consoli- dation of our national potential, strengthening of solidarity, tolerance, forgiveness, by which we must have the opportunity to lead the centuries-long dreams and dreams into reality, with all our joint efforts, with all of us in solidarity. We are confident that this high consciousness of our nation should strengthen every individual of the nation to unconditionally invest in the homeland’s construction, the cherished and sacred work of the homeland’s progress. Our Church should also put forth all its efforts to strength- President Armen Sarkissian with former French President Nicolas Sarkozy, left, at the inauguration of en the national unity, to unite our people’s potential, and to use all the opportunities President Salome Zurabishvili that we can also record our success in life. We wish you success in the implementation of all your homeland programs and dreams.” Request for Arrest of Former Great House of Cilicia Deputy Premier Denied Delegation Visits Pashinyan YEREVAN (Armenpress) — A court of general jurisdiction of Yerevan has denied the motion by investigators requesting to arrest Armen Gevorgyan, a former Secretary of YEREVAN (Armenpress) — Prime Minister of “Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia has Security Council and a former Deputy Prime Minister of Armenia. Armenia Nikol Pashinyan received on Monday, also sent a written message from the spiritual “The court rejected the arrest motion,” Gevorgyan told reporters outside a court- December 17, a delegation that had arrived rep- center of the Diaspora and conveyed congratu- room on December 14. resenting the Catholicos of Great House of lations to you and the entire Armenian people, Noting that a fair decision has been made, he nevertheless said that he “will con- Cilicia Aram I. wishing that in the future all the works will be tinue proving his innocence.” Greeting the members of the delegation, accomplished with the same success, leading Former Secretary of Security Council Armen Gevorgyan’s lawyer Erik Alexanyan Pashinyan recalled with warmth his visit to Armenia to new heights under your leader- earlier had said they expected a fair outcome and justice of the judicial proceedings. Antelias, Lebanon this year and the meeting ship”, he said, handing the written message of Gevorgyan is currently under investigation and investigators were seeking his arrest with the catholicos, during which issues of pan- the Catholicos to Nikol Pashinyan. pending trial. Armenian importance were discussed. Nikol Pashinyan thanked for the congratulations Yesterday Alexanyan told reporters that the main argument of investigators is that Member of the delegation included Bishop and the warm wishes, conveying his warm greet- Gevorgyan will obstruct justice if not placed in custody. Shahe Panossian noted that the delegation has ings to Aram I and our compatriots in Lebanon. “We will dispute both conditions of the arrest and the grounds. But if the court arrived in Armenia on behalf Catholicos Aram I Panossian informed Pashinyan that the rules that grounds and conditions exist for his arrest we will file a motion for an alter- to congratulate Nikol Pashinyan on the suc- Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia plans to native measure of restraint, bail,” Alexanyan said earlier. cessful results of the parliamentary elections. pay a visit to Armenia in January 2019. The lawyer said they won’t file a peremptory challenge for the judge because there are no grounds to do so. Gevorgyan maintains innocence and denies the charges. As reported earlier, the Special Investigative Service (SIS) has pressed additional charges against Gevorgyan: assisting the overthrowing of constitutional order, bribery Check us out at and money laundering. www.mirrorspectator.com 4 S ATURDAY, D ECEMBER 2 2 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR INTERNATIONAL International News Aurora Humanitarian Initiative Issues Call to Action To Fill ‘Humanitarian Void’ at Global Forum

Armenia Continues To BERLIN — Global humanitarian cian in the Nuba mountains in Sudan ther highlighted that human security activists and organizations gathered at where human aid is currently restricted. must be prioritized in international law Side With Russia At the Aurora Dialogues in Berlin on He further explained that his experience and that European countries can no December 11-12, to discuss and identify has helped him better understand the longer hide at the side lines of humani- United Nations solutions to some of the world’s most need to foster a strong connection tarian catastrophes happening around YEREVAN (RFE/RL) — Underscoring its continu- prevalent humanitarian challenges. The between humanitarian activists and Europe. ing close ties with Russia, Armenia has again voted event titled, “Humanity in a Fragile those affected by humanitarian crises. Ruben Vardanyan, Co-Founder of the against a United Nations resolution criticizing World — Partnering for Change” The opening panel, titled, “A World Aurora Humanitarian Initiative, told Russian actions in and around Crimea. focused on discussions about the on- Under Pressure,” saw panelists decry participants that the biggest challenge The latest resolution adopted by the UN General going refugee crisis, displacement and the increasing pressure placed on in the world today is indifference. “We Assembly Monday, December 17, voices “grave con- migration, conflict scenarios and the humanitarianism work. Cem Özdemir, are currently living in a world which is cern” over the Russian military buildup in Crimea growing trend of populism, the IDeA Member of the German Bundestag, becoming increasingly polarized — this and calls on Russia to end its “temporary occupa- Foundation told Armenpress. stressed that European democracies are is fueled by a lack of trust and misinfor- tion” of the Ukrainian region. It also demands the The Aurora Dialogues, moderated by currently threatened by the rise of illib- mation,” he said. “In today’s society, it is release of Ukrainian sailors and warships seized by international broadcaster Nik Gowing, eral regimes. “Liberal democracies are becoming increasingly important to col- the Russian military last month. began with opening remarks from under threat,” Özdemir said. laborate and build a network of people The non-binding resolution was backed by 66 coun- Joachim Rogall, President and CEO of “Unfortunately, we have more and more you can trust. Personal ties are key and tries, including NATO and European Union member the Robert Bosch Foundation and countries that are threatened by illiber- I am extremely glad to see that this states. Ruben Vardanyan, Co-Founder of the al regimes. What is happening in the year’s Aurora Dialogues has once again Nineteen other nations, including Russia, Aurora Humanitarian Initiative and was world is because we allowed it. We can brought together outstanding represen- Armenia, Belarus, Cuba, Venezuela and Syria, voted followed by a conversation between be the same people to stop this. One tatives doing exemplary work in the against it. Two other members of the Russian-led Dorothee Nolte, editor of the German country alone cannot make a difference, field of humanitarianism. Thank you for Collective Security Treaty Organization — but the EU collectively can make a dif- being part of the Aurora movement and Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan — abstained. ference.” for bringing hope and helping to pre- Ukraine’s President Petro Poroshenko hailed the Day two of the Aurora Dialogues serve the future of humanity.” US-sponsored resolution as “yet another important began with a discussion on “Humanity The Aurora Dialogues concluded with step towards the de-occupation of Crimea.” For its in a Fragile World.” Ambassador a “Call to Action” by Catena, who in his part, Russia criticized it and thanked the 19 states Wolfgang Ischinger, chairman of the impassioned address referenced the mis- for siding with Moscow. Munich Security Conference and former sion of the Aurora Humanitarian Armenia’s stance was consistent with its voting German Ambassador to the US and UK, Initiative which uses the experiences of record at the UN and other international organiza- called for each state to be responsible the Armenian Genocide to empower tions. Yerevan has usually opposed measures critical for raising its voice against injustice. modern day humanitarian heroes to of Russia, the South Caucasus state’s leading ally. “We in the EU and Germany have pro- help those in urgent need of basic Those include a 2014 General Assembly resolution vided a catastrophic picture of our humanitarian aid and continue the cycle that that condemned Moscow’s annexation of Crimea inability to deal with what has been the of giving internationally. In his call to and upheld Ukraine’s sovereignty over the Black Sea worst humanitarian crisis in decades, action, Dr. Catena, declared, “Just as peninsula. The then Armenian government’s deci- the war in Syria,” he said. “We looked Armenians rose from victims to human- sion to vote against it angered Ukraine, which Joachim Rogall away. But even if you look away you are itarian donors, the Aurora community recalled the Ukrainian ambassador in Yerevan in still guilty. If you can do something and should emulate that and take humani- protest. you choose not to, then you are guilty.” tarian action and fill the humanitarian Armenia’s current leadership has not changed that media outlet Der Tagesspiegel and Dr. Ischinger added, “We have seen a void.” policy. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has repeat- Tom Catena, who was announced as the depreciation of international law and The Aurora Dialogues was held in edly pledged to keep his country allied to Russia Chair of the Aurora Humanitarian the resulting erosion of trust already partnership with The Global since he swept to power in a democratic revolution in Initiative on the first day of the forum. having a devastating effect. We need to Perspectives Initiative (GPI), the May. Catena spoke of his first-hand experi- reinterpret international law into a German Federal Foreign Office, Roland ence seeing how conflict can ravage com- direction that protects humans and citi- Berger Siftung, Robert Bosch Siftung, munities, as the only permanent physi- zens and not dictators.” The panel fur- EY and UNICEF. Italy Embassy Organizes Conference on Armenian Genocide Former Non-Profit President Pleads Guilty to Scheme to ROME (Armenpress) — Through an initiative of Conceal Foreign Funding of 2013 Congressional Trip the Armenian Embassy in Italy, a conference titled “Memory of the Armenian Genocide and Prevention WASHINGTON — The former presi- of Genocides” was held in Rome earlier this month. dent of a Texas-based non-profit plead- The conference was organized on the occasion of ed guilty on December 10 for his role the 70th anniversary of the Convention on the in a scheme to conceal the fact that a Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of 2013 Congressional trip to Azerbaijan Genocide and the Universal Declaration of Human was funded by the Azerbaijan govern- Rights. ment. Armenian Ambassador to Italy Viktoria Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Baghdasaryan in her remarks stated that although Benczkowski of the Justice more than 100 years have passed since the first Department’s Criminal Division, US genocide of the 20th century, today’s crimes against Attorney Jessie K. Liu for the District of ethnic and religious groups based on identity show Columbia and Assistant Director in that the world is not free of this disgusting phenom- Charge Nancy McNamara of the FBI’s enon. Washington Field Office made the “This is another signal to the international com- announcement. munity that the threat of genocides and crimes Kemal Oksuz, aka “Kevin Oksuz,” 49, against humanity is not eliminated yet and requires and previously a resident of Arlington, united and consistent efforts of the international Va., pleaded guilty to one count of devis- structures, states and civil society”, the Ambassador ing a scheme to falsify, conceal and said. cover up material facts from the US Kemal Oksuz She also touched upon Armenia’s initiatives in House of Representatives Committee on high international platforms on preventing geno- Ethics. Oksuz will be sentenced on cides and the importance of international condem- February 11, 2019 before US District Oil Company of Azerbaijan Republic Section, Assistant US Attorney David nation and recognition of the Armenian Genocide. Court Judge Tanya S. Chutkan for the (SOCAR), the wholly state-owned Misler and Will Mackie of the National “Such crimes against humanity require common District of Columbia. national oil and gas company of Security Division’s Counterintelligence actions by the international structures and the civil- According to admissions made in con- Azerbaijan, and then concealed the true and Export Control Section. Assistance ian community. It’s worth to mention that the caus- nection with his guilty plea, Oksuz lied source of funding, which violated House in the investigation was provided by es of the repetition of genocides and crimes against on disclosure forms filed with the travel regulations. Trial Attorney Amanda Vaughn of the humanity are the absence of unity, vigilance and con- Ethics Committee prior to, and follow- A five-count indictment was returned Public Integrity Section, Assistant US sistency to recognize and condemn genocides,” she ing, a privately sponsored Congressional earlier this year in the US District Court Attorney Jonathan Hooks and former said. trip to Azerbaijan. Oksuz falsely repre- for the District of Columbia and ordered Assistant US Attorney Michelle Viktoria Baghdasaryan added that Armenians, as a sented and certified on required disclo- unsealed in September. Oksuz was Bradford of the District of Columbia. people who survived genocide, feel a moral responsi- sure forms that the Turquoise Council recently extradited from Armenia where Trial Attorney Natalya T. Savransky of bility for raising the issue of prevention of genocides. of Americans and Eurasions (TCAE), he was detained by authorities, pur- the Criminal Division’s Office of A number of other political, cultural figures, pro- the Houston non-profit for which Oksuz suant to a warrant that was issued for International Affairs handled the extra- fessors and Armenian community representatives was president, had not accepted funding his arrest. dition request to Armenia. The Office also delivered remarks during the event. for the Congressional trip from any out- The investigation was conducted by of International Affairs, along with the side sources. Oksuz admitted to, in the FBI. The case is being prosecuted US Department of State and cooperat- truth, orchestrating a scheme to funnel by Trial Attorney Marco Palmieri of the ing Armenian authorities provided sub- money to fund the trip from the State Criminal Division’s Public Integrity stantial assistance with the extradition. S ATURDAY, D ECEMBER 2 2 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 5 INTERNATIONAL Former Michael Flynn Business Associates Indicted in Turkey Lobbying Case

Flynn and Kian also commissioned a lengthy York with a pair of Turkish ministers to discuss By Adam Goldman and Mark Mazzetti dossier titled “Fethullah Gulen: A Primer for the campaign against Gulen, the indictment Investigators,” which was written by Thomas said. Neer, a former F.B.I. agent. Sign Up for On Politics With Lisa Lerer ALEXANDRIA, Va. (New York Times) — Two received a total of $530,000 for its work. Alptekin is a Turkish businessman close to A spotlight on the people reshaping our poli- former business associates of Michael T. Flynn, “The defendants sought to discredit and dele- Erdogan and helped finance the project. The tics. A conversation with voters across the President Trump’s first national security advis- gitimize the Turkish citizen in the eyes of politi- indictment said that as part of the scheme, country. And a guiding hand through the end- er, have been indicted as part of a federal inves- cians and the public,” the indictment said. Alptekin used his company — a Dutch firm less news cycle, telling you what you really need tigation into Turkey’s secret 2016 lobbying Kian appeared in court on Monday but was called Inovo BV — to conceal that Turkey’s gov- to know. campaign to pressure the United States to expel released after the hearing. His lawyer declined ernment was behind the payments. Days before the 2016 election, Alptekin a rival of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. to comment. Prosecutors said that he faces up According to the indictment, Turkey’s gov- complained to Kian that the project had not Charges against the two former associates, to 15 years in prison and Alptekin up to 35 ernment asked the United States in July 2016 “publicized enough negative information” Bijan Kian and Ekim Alptekin, were unsealed years. to arrest and extradite Gulen, whom Turkish about Gulen. Six days later, Flynn published on Monday, December 17, in an Alexandria, Va., Alptekin’s current location is unknown. officials have accused of trying to overthrow his op-ed. courtroom. The two men were indicted last Through a spokeswoman, he denied the Erdogan in the military coup earlier that In 2017, after the lobbying effort was week as part of a conspiracy to violate federal charges, claiming that he never lied to the month. exposed, Flynn and Kian filed additional disclo- lobbying rules, and Alptekin was also charged F.B.I., and that Turkey did not participate in the The Justice Department rejected Turkey’s sures acknowledging that the Gulen project with making false statements to FBI investiga- project. request, the indictment said, because it had not “could be construed to have principally benefit- tors. The investigation into Turkish lobbying met “the legal standards for extradition.” ed the Republic of Turkey.” They detailed pay- The indictment is further evidence of a broad began in 2016 after Flynn — a former general The secret lobbying effort appears to have ments to other people and firms associated crackdown on unregistered foreign lobbying and businessman who was advising Trump’s begun shortly afterward. Prosecutors said that with the Gulen project. growing from the inquiry by Robert S. Mueller political campaign — wrote an op-ed article for on July 29, 2016, Alptekin sent an email to Kian When he pleaded guilty last December to III, the special counsel who has investigated for- The Hill newspaper on Election Day attack- saying that he had met with a Turkish govern- lying to F.B.I. agents working on the Russia eign flows of money from Ukraine, Turkey and ing Fethullah Gulen, a cleric living in ment minister who was interested in exploring investigation, Flynn also admitted to prosecu- other countries devised to manipulate decision- Pennsylvania whom the Turkish government a lobbying campaign against Gulen. tors that he had repeatedly violated laws requir- making in Washington. Mueller referred the has accused of helping instigate a failed coup. They called the effort the “Truth Campaign” ing firms to register their work on behalf of for- Turkey case back to prosecutors in Northern The article called Gulen a “radical Islamist” and later “Operation Confidence.” eign clients. Virginia. and a “shady Islamic mullah.” The Justice In another email to Kian and Flynn, Alptekin Earlier this month, Mueller’s prosecutors The indictment said that the two men sought Department began examining whether Flynn said he had several meetings with a pair of issued a sentencing memorandum saying that to conceal that Turkey was directing the work, and his company were working as paid lobbyists Turkish ministers in Ankara. “I have a green Flynn had provided “substantial help” in sever- and that cabinet-level Turkish officials approved for Turkey. Kian helped engineer the lobbying light to discuss confidentiality, budget, and the al unspecified but continuing investigations. It the budget for the project and were given regu- project, which involved trying to persuade scope of the contract,” the email said, according is believed that the Turkey inquiry is one of lar updates by Alptekin about the campaign’s members of Congress that Gulen ought to be to the indictment. these investigations, since he had direct knowl- progress. Flynn’s firm — Flynn Intel Group — extradited. One month later, the three men met in New edge of different aspects of the inquiry. The Turks in Germany Who Defeated Denial

dent, who first told him about the crimes com- usual argument, that one couldn’t use the term said it was above all “thanks to the struggle of By Muriel Mirak-Weissbach mitted by the Young Turk regime against the genocide for events occurring prior to its hav- the SKD” that the resolution passed. In Special to the Mirror-Spectator Armenians. Like many Turks who first learn ing been coined as a juridical term, and November 1999 the SKD had gathered signa- about the genocide when they come to reviewed the work done by Raphael Lemkin, tures from more than 10,000 Turkish citizens Germany, he decided to look into it, and his which led to the UN Genocide Convention. and sent the petition to the Turkish parliament BERLIN — Since June 2, 2016, the German research quickly proved the case. Moved by the demanding that it recognize the Bundestag (Parliament) has been counted moral responsibility to act on this new knowl- genocide in accordance with the among those political institutions worldwide edge, he set up the association with the com- 1948 UN Convention, but the that have officially recognized the Armenian mitment to get Turkey to recognize the geno- petition was returned by mail, Genocide. The names of the parliamentarians cide, and the first petitions began to circulate. unopened. So, in April 2000, the associated with launching the initiative and Ertem and his associates soon thereafter SKD together with the Berlin- organizing the political muscle to force it organized a visit to Armenia, which was to based Working Group through are known. But if those individuals become an annual event every April 24. On his Recognition (AGA), delivered the served as midwives, they were not the ones to first visit, he was asked by his hosts why he set petition to the German conceive the idea. In the beginning was a small up the SKD, considering the policy of denial Bundestag, demanding that it group of Turkish citizens living in Germany that reigned in Turkey. He answered with an recognize the genocide and urge who came together in an association called anecdote about an old Shi’ite wise man. The Turkey to follow suit. Of the Soykırım Karsıtları Dernegi (SKD), the Society man lived as a farmer with his family, at the foot 16,000 signatures of German res- against Genocide. At the beginning of of a mountain, and his sons had been urging idents, 10,000 were Turkish citi- December, they observed their 20th anniver- him to move to a region with more sunlight, for Dogan Akhanlı zens, and support came from sary in Frankfurt and they had good reason to the crops. The man refused, and instead he prominent individuals worldwide. celebrate. began to dig at the base of the mountain every In closing, Akhanlı recalled the The festivities took place in a community cen- day. In response to queries, he explained that by Since then, he said, there is no question among proposal he had launched in the Paulskirche ter where some members had held birthday par- digging, he was preparing to move the moun- researchers that this was genocide. So, it is address in 2011, that Germany expand working ties or wedding receptions. There were Turks, tain; if he did not complete the task in his life- wrong to talk about some “Armenian question.” through its history, to include other atrocities Armenians, Greeks, Arameans, Kurds and time, his sons would continue it, and after Akhanlı noted, “The response to the so-called committed during the colonial period. He had Germans, young and old, there was music, sung them, their sons. And so on, until the mountain ‘Armenian question’ of the last century was also proposed the creation of an Action in all the languages, and dancing, and a buffet had been relocated. “We have broken the annihilation. At present there remains only the Reconciliation Service for Peace (Aktions monopoly on the genocide,” Ertem said. “The Turkish question: Turkish denial of the geno- Sühnezeichen Friedensdienste-ASF) for Turkey. situation inside Turkey is tough, to be sure,” he cide, Turkish defamation of the diaspora, The ASF, founded by the Evangelical Church in said, “but we are moving mountains.” Turkish arrogance and lack of respect for the 1958, has been active as a peace organization, Dogan Akhanlı was the guest speaker. The victims and their descendants.” promoting reconciliation in dealing with the lega- German-Turkish author has been jailed and per- It was thanks to the diaspora, he continued, cy of Nazism, and had a major impact on secuted repeatedly by Turkish authorities, most that the fight for recognition continued and Akhanlı’s own development. Although there are recently a year ago when he was arrested in sustained the memory of the victims. “And yet,” individuals in Turkey eager to collaborate, the Spain on Turkish orders and released only after he said, “when I came to Germany in the begin- difficulty, the speaker explained, lies in the fact an international mobilization. As a result of this ning of the 1990s as a refugee, I had only a that, without genocide recognition on the part of harassment, his fame as an author has been vague idea of the dimensions of the Young Turkey, there are no institutional forces ready to enhanced and his books are selling well. Turks’ violence.” At the time no books on the act. One organization that has pursued peace His address filled out the story of the SKD subject were available in Turkey, and only in work, he said, is Anadolu Kültür, and it has come and its significance, He recalled that in a speech that decade did some works appear, those pub- under assault since the failed coup attempt in he was invited to deliver on April 24, 2011 at lished by Belge in Istanbul, and German books 2016. Its founder Osman Kavala sits in jail. Ali Ertem speaking at a Seyfo (Assyrian the Paulskirche in Frankfurt, at the annual like those by Taner Akçam. It was in that peri- “But nevertheless,” he concluded, “we have a Genocide) event genocide commemoration event, he had char- od that he met Ali Ertem and the other found- core group, the SKD, which is fighting indefati- acterized the SKD as the pioneer in the process ing members of the SKD, who “were the first gably and uncompromisingly against racism of coming to terms with the genocide against people in Germany, perhaps worldwide, who and anti-Semitism, against current and histori- with everything from mezze to baklava. Ali the Armenians and Aramaeans. Akhanlı said named by name the crime against the cal violence, which has made an admirable con- Ertem, the founder and chairman of the SKD, that “denial of the genocide and expulsion of Armenians and openly pronounced it.” He tribution to reconciliation and which is cele- told the members and guests that he had decid- the Armenians and Aramaeans and Pontus recalled the series of meetings, exhibitions, brating its 20th birthday today.” ed to throw away his prepared remarks and to Greeks was not only a social phenomenon round table discussions and readings that the On a personal note, Akhanlı said this “associ- speak from the heart. To summarize the expe- inside Turkey.” Outside the country, intellectu- SKD organized, thus bringing together for the ation of solidarity work” had had the “magical rience of his association, he began with the als with a Turkish background, even those com- first time the successor generations of the per- effect of saving me from the jaws of arbitrary question of why the organization was founded. mitted to working through past history, shied petrators and the survivors. and arrogant power and made it possible for me Many years ago at Bochum university he met away from using the term genocide — until Yet it took a good 20 years before the to be here with you and to celebrate. Heartfelt the Armenian Mihran Dabag, then also a stu- Hrant Dink’s murder in 2007. He cited the Bundestag would pass its resolution. Akhanlı thanks!” 6 S ATURDAY, D ECEMBER 2 2 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Community News

Mark Hoplamazian of Maud Mandel Hyatt Hotels on Airbnb Named Williams And Why Stupid Questions Are Smart College President WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Williams College announced recently the appointment of Maud By David Gelles S. Mandel, dean of the college and professor of history and Judaic studies at Brown University, as its 18th president. She will succeed Protik NEW YORK (New York Times) — Mark (Tiku) Majumder. Mandel will begin her tenure Hoplamazian, the chief executive of Hyatt at Williams on July 1. Hotels, has worked for one family for the bulk As dean at Brown, Mandel has been deeply of his professional career. involved in efforts to advance diversity and He attended Harvard College and got his inclusion, including promoting programs to fos- M.B.A. at the University of Chicago. After short ter retention for historically underrepresented stints at First Boston and the Boston students in the STEM fields. She also led a col- Consulting Group, he joined the Pritzker fami- laborative process with students and staff to ly’s sprawling business empire in 1989. open the First-Generation College and Low- Inside the Pritzker organization, Income Student Center (FLi Center), the first Hoplamazian got an intense and varied intro- center at any Ivy League school to be dedicat- duction to business, working closely with Jay Heghine Movsesyan visiting Massachusetts 911 center (courtesy Heghine Movesyan) ed to first-genera- Pritzker, the family’s influential patriarch, on tion students. companies including Hyatt Hotels and the “The committee industrial behemoth Marmon. found Maud’s pas- But in the years after Mr. Pritzker’s death in Education Champion sion for liberal arts 1999, a family feud erupted, and it fell to education infectious Hoplamazian and his team to dismantle the and her commit- Pritzker empire and try to appease warring fac- Heghine Movsesyan Helps ment to deepening tions. Eventually, Hoplamazian was made and enhancing inclu- C.E.O. of Hyatt. sion and diversity This interview, which was condensed and Vanadzor Students stirring,” says edited for clarity, was conducted at the Hyatt Ngonidzashe Centric Times Square in New York City. WATERTOWN — People always seem to seek Munemo, Williams’ What did your parents do? By Aram Arkun more uplifting and inspiring stories in the holi- day season. Consequently, the story of Heghine associate dean for I grew up outside of Philadelphia. My father Mirror-Spectator Staff institutional diversi- ran a landscaping business. My mom never Movsesyan is quite appropriate and rewarding. ty and member of Maud S. Mandel worked outside the home, so she was the glue Overcoming a variety of challenges in life, the Presidential of our family. But I kind of lived a couple of dif- Heghine has created a free afterschool school program for children in her native Search Committee. ferent childhoods, because my father passed city of Vanadzor, the capital of Lori Province of Armenia, and recently was in the In her scholarship, Mandel examines the away when I was 13. My life hit an inflection United States on a two-week trip to gather more information for her work. ways policies and practices of inclusion and point. My whole focus on school shifted after Movsesyan discovered while young that she had a talent for languages. Her exclusion in 20th-century France have affected my dad passed away. I was the youngest of five mother paid for private lessons by selling the family’s heirlooms. In 2006, she grad- ethnic and religious minorities, most notably kids, my dad had been the breadwinner, and I uated the No. 8 Anoosh Mathevosian School in Vanadzor, which itself is a mani- Jews, Armenians and Muslim North Africans. became hyper-focused on “How are we going to festation of the good deeds of the school’s namesake philanthropist in the United Her work has won support from the National live and survive?” States, and entered Vanadzor H. Toumanyan State Pedagogical University. She Endowment for the Humanities, the American What was your first job? graduated with honors, focusing on the English language and literature and then Council of Learned Societies, and the American In the landscaping business, there are many earned a master’s degree in pedagogy in the fields of foreign language and litera- Philosophical Society, among others. different things you can do even as a kid — tak- ture in 2012. Her dissertation was titled “The Aftermath of ing ivy cuttings and planting them in little peat Movsesyan now can speak many languages, including Armenian, Russian, Genocide, Armenians and Jews in 20th Century pots to let them grow, digging trees, a lot of English, German and French, and can read some Latin, Arabic, Italian and Urdu. France.” physical work. That’s what I would do for sum- She said, “The more languages we know, the more capable we are in a changing A strong proponent of the liberal arts, mers and on weekends from the time I was 10, world. I would like to speak to each person in his own language.” Mandel established the Brown Learning or even younger. I was driving tractors and She applied for a job in the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Republic Collaborative, aimed at strengthening student trucks when I was 13, 14 and 15 years old. of Armenia, and after taking the necessary examination and taking part in inter- learning in the core competencies of a liberal Is that legal? views, became one of only five people arts education. No. In fact, when I was 15, the first time I chosen out of 240 applicants. Her lan- Mandel earned a BA from Oberlin College ever drove a truck on the road there was an guage skills in particular were a great in 1989 and completed a PhD from the amazing blizzard. It was 1978, I’ll never forget asset. She began work in August 2014 University of Michigan in 1998. After coming it. It hit the whole East Coast. My brother had at the Emergency Preparedness to Brown as a visiting assistant professor in a contract to clear snow at this huge parking lot Services in Vanadzor. This is the equiva- 1997 she joined the university’s faculty per- area, but he needed someone to drive one of the lent of 911 in the United States. She manently in 2001, rising to professor of his- trucks over there to have it be available. He responds to emergency calls, does trans- tory and Judaic studies in 2014. During this said, “Just get in the truck. I know you can drive lation and interpretation, and registers time, she also held leadership roles in the it, because you’ve been driving around the nurs- disasters. university’s Department of History and the ery. Just follow me.” We get on the road, and Movsesyan knew that in Vanadzor, Program in Judaic Studies. She became dean there was so much snow, and I’m driving ille- the public schools were not as good as of the college in 2014. gally at that time. The good news is, there was they were in the Soviet period. Tutoring “Both inside the classroom and as a senior nobody else on the road. was necessary so that students could academic leader, Maud Mandel’s impact on the How did you wind up joining the Pritzker advance and get higher education. The undergraduate experience at Brown has been organization? same teachers from the public schools nothing short of transformative,” says Brown A friend of mine was working with them, and would charge money for afterschool University President Christina Paxson. “Maud I got a call from him. He said, “So we’ve decid- lessons, but the poor could not afford is a deeply knowledgeable higher education ed that we’re going to probably hire someone of this. She felt bad and wanted to create a leader, a relentless champion for undergradu- your experience level. Why don’t you come in free tutoring program. ates and a truly inspiring colleague. We have and meet Jay?” I show up, and sitting at the Heghine Movsesyan with Steven She said, “First of all, I wanted to been fortunate that she has made Brown her table was Jay, the head of the machinist union Greenberg (photo: Aram Arkun) teach English, because it is an interna- home for the last two decades, and I commend at Eastern Airlines and his lawyer. Eastern was tional language. In Armenian, you need Williams College on its outstanding selection in bankruptcy, and so they were there pitching to take an exam in English if you want for its next president.” Jay on stepping in to take over the airline. At to enter nearly any university. We wanted to start with English, but it turned into Mandel’s husband, Steve Simon, and chil- the end of that first meeting, Jay hands me the a school.” She invited several dozen students to her home, an apartment on the dren, Lev and Ava, will join her when she box of information they brought, and this was seventh floor of a Soviet-era building, and implemented the program Reach Out arrives at Williams College this summer. on a Tuesday. He said, “Why don’t you come and Touch the Stars. The students began receiving top marks of 10 out of 10 in “I have always known that Williams was an back on Friday and tell me what you think we English in school, while in Russian and Armenian they only were getting 7s and extraordinary institution, and I’ve had the plea- should do?” I didn’t know anything about air- 6s. Peace Corps Volunteers helped teach in her program. sure over the last few months as I’ve engaged lines, and I knew even less about bankruptcy. Movsesyan related that the parents were shocked and began asking for other in this process to really learn much more about That was my interview. subjects to be taught, and therefore Armenian classes were added. Peace Corps why Williams occupies this spot,” Mandel says. So what happened? volunteer Steven Greenberg, in Vanadzor doing youth and community “And it is in that process that I have become so I came back on Friday, and I fumbled around, see SHEIKHA, page 8 deeply drawn to this opportunity. I am excited I guess, well enough for him to say, “O.K., the to lead this extraordinary campus into the next see AIRBNB, page 8 phase of its development.” S ATURDAY, D ECEMBER 2 2 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 7 COMMUNITY NEWS

school and took part in the woodworking class themeffort, but “just to catch the conversation community to bring out what we could accom- Drawing when the quake hit. that went on by hundreds of people” respond- plish,” Kasparian said, adding praise for the “There was a roaring from the earth, like a ing to the tragedy. Najarians’ leadership. Conclusions Three demon or a huge animal,” he recalled, saying Najarian, Kasparian and Michele Simourian Michele Simourian spoke about the efforts that the room’s glass cabinets shattered and the each recalled their reactions to hearing about she coordinated for the Armenian Missionary metal tools clanged against each other, adding to the quake and their desires to help. Association of America. She recalled that the Decades After the otherworldly cacophony. He, his brother and Najarian was already involved with Armenia organization’s leader, the late Rev. Movses the rest of the class made it out with difficulty, as she had been supporting efforts in Karabakh Janbazian, put out a call to the faithful and Devastation he recalled, as the floor was shaking both verti- for independence and helping people there who asked them to help, after visiting the devasta- cally and horizontally, making progress difficult. had been brutalized by the Azeri government in tion and seeing for himself the extent of the CONCLUSIONS, from page 1 “There were three shakes,” he said. Once Baku and Sumgait. need. Simourian coordinated with Elizabeth The program featured a trio of women who they left the building, they looked back to see it In fact, the morning of December 7 she and Agbabian on the West Coast, to help children had taken part in organizing the first wave of had all collapsed. her husband, George Najarian, had placed a full- and orphans. aid. They were Dr. Carolann Najarian, who had Even more difficult, he said, was seeing some- page ad in the New York Times promoting The Armenian groups were supported by an founded Armenian Health Alliance, Elaine one on the eighth floor of a nearby apartment Karabakh’s independence from Azeri rule. advertising campaign led by Ed Eskandarian of Kasparian who cofounded the Armenian building shout for help. As he and other stu- Soviet Secretary General Mikhail Gorbachev the storied Arnold Communications (later Children’s Milk Fund under the aegis of the dents were looking around to see if someone was in New York and the ad was supposed to Arnold Worldwide Partners), which “started to Armenian Missionary Association of America, could help, they looked back at where the build- get his attention. The morning of December 7, blitz for funds.” and Michele Simourian, who also headed up ing was, but “suddenly the building was gone then-Speaker George Keverian of the According to a story in the Washington Post, the relief projects for the Armenian Missionary and you could see blue sky.” Massachusetts House also had planned to have in the immediate aftermath of the earthquake, Association of America. (Her husband’s involve- His family was lucky to have all three children a press conference to draw attention to the $26 million was raised in the US from organi- ment at her urging was explored in the second and parents survive, but Demoyan added, “you Azeri pogroms. zations and individual, Armenian and non- part of the program.) saw death everywhere. It was the first time I But, as Najarian recalled, “everything changed.” Armenian. The Armenian community in the US Remembering Harrowing Times saw death up close.” The press conference instead turned to one raised a total of $40 million. An ABC “World News Tonight” report from He got especially emotional when he recalled about the most intense earthquake to have hit Armenia happened to be in a closed empire December 8 opened the program, with the late the death of his young cousins. Their bodies any Soviet republic. behind the Iron Curtain. However, a confluence anchor Peter Jennings narrating the scenes of were identified by their shoes and their little “The need was huge, beyond anything we of powerful friends of the Armenian communi- utter devastation in northern Armenia. fingers were still stained by ink from the day’s could have comprehended,” she said. ty in the state, including George Keverian and Next, a video was shown of a brief interview lessons. Boston was home to the first wave of help Sen. Edward Kennedy, were able to break down between Kurkjian and Hayk Demoyan, the for- Aside from the overwhelming sadness of directed at Armenia. The telephone company a lot of barriers. Strange bedfellows in the deliv- mer head of the Armenian Genocide Museum- their brethren, he said the citizens of the city brought banks of phones to the Najarians’ home ery of aid to Armenia included the notorious Museum-Institute in Yerevan. and Armenia in general were mourning the loss and then to rented offices, for fundraising. arms dealer Sarkis Soghanalian, who lent his Demoyan and his family lived in Gyumri and of the crew of the Yugoslav plane that crashed Kasparian, of the Milk Fund, spoke about the plane to Najarian for the delivery of 90,000 he recalled how his mother warned him and his on its way to deliver aid. help of local medical staff and also the sincere pounds of supplies. brother, both of whom were in the same grade, Phone Banks and Disbelief response of many who wanted to help children, Football Friends in High Places to be careful on December 7 as she had had a Kurkjian stressed that the program did not many orphaned now, receive nutrition. The panel left, and Kurkjian invited John bad dream. They walked the 15 minutes to attempt to present all the figures involved with “I want to thank all of you. It took a whole Simourian to sit and tell his story about how he managed to deliver one of the first batches of medical aid to Armenia, with the help of friends Vernon R. Loucks Jr., CEO of Baxter International medical supplies company and Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, whom he joked was the only Democrat he had ever voted for, ever since they were teammates playing football (badly) on the Harvard team. With great charm and self-effacement, Simourian recalled how his wife, Michele, urged him to contact his “good friend,” Loucks, to see if he could donate medical supplies. He quipped that he had not seen Loucks since their college days, when Simourian played for Harvard and Loucks for the rival Yale team for four years. They had formed a close friendship and had remained in touch, though they had not suc- ceeded at seeing each other in person. Christmas Donations “I hadn’t seen him since 1957,” he recalled. Herman Hintiryan, Oak Park, MI $500 John and Roxie Maljanian, Newington, CT $100 He had left messages over the years and Donald and Barbara Tellalian, Newton, MA $500 Richard and Gail O’Reilly, Winchester, MA $100 received and sent letters, but they had never connected, even on the phone. Elizabeth Aprahamian, Northville, MI $500 Parsegh Kartalian, Glendale, CA $100 Once he called Loucks in December 1988, Tekeyan Cultural Association, Detroit Chapter, $500 Richard McOmber, Rumson, NJ $100 everything changed. “I called him that morning. Carolann Najarian, E. Orleans, MA $500 Karekin and Maria Movsesian, Paramus, NJ $100 To my surprise, he picks up the phone,” Parsekian Foundation, South Boston, MA $300 Anna Marie Norehad, Glenview, IL $100 Simourian recalled. Hagop Sarkissian, Watertown, MA $300 James Tashjian, Westborough, MA $100 He was going to ask the Baxter executive to Avedis and Houry Boyamian, Winchester, MA $300 Warren and Mary Melikian Haynes, New York, NY $100 help send medical aid to Armenia and to his sur- prise, he learned that his old friend had just Daniel and Ludmila Sahakian, State College, PA $300 Noyemi and Hagop Isnar, Haworth, NJ $100 suggested doing that very thing during a meet- Carl Bazarian, Amelia Island, FL $300 George Haroutunian, Stoneham, MA $100 ing with the company’s executives. Karekin Arzoomanian, New York, NY $250 Doreen Bilezikian, Osterville, MA $100 With breathtaking speed, Loucks delivered Aram Bedrosian Funeral Home, Watertown, MA $250 Lucine Mardirosian Harvey, Windermere, FL $100 his report and lined up his donations, letting Charleen Mosesian Onanian and Peter Onanian Weston, MA $250 Anoush Balian, West Newton, MA $100 Simourian know that he would need to find three planes for the delivery of the dialysis Yervant Chekijian, Watertown, MA $250 Edmond Y. Azadian, West Bloomfield, MI $100 machines and 60 visas for the American spe- Hagop Vartivarian, Mahwah, NJ $200 Dr. Dennis and Dr. Mary Papazian, San Jose, CA $100 cialists who would administer the treatments. Stephen Philibosian Foundation, Indian Wells, CA $200 Robert Kalian, Shaker Heights, OH $100 Loucks said that according to his reports, after Ernest Barsamian and Sonig Kradjian, Boca Raton, FL $200 Dorothy and Terrance Martiesian, Providence, RI $100 an earthquake, dialysis machines are vital. Stephen Kurkjian, Manomet, MA $200 Margaret Ahnert, Fort Lauderdale, FL $80 Visas and planes heading to a Soviet republic Varter’s Oriental Rugs, Belmont, MA $200 Bruce Ohanian, Winchester, MA $80 were no easy feat, yet another Simourian friend, Kennedy, played a vital role. “Ted and I played foot- Ruth and Wilford Swisher, Newington, CT $200 Grace Pinajian, Wyckoff, NJ $80 ball at Harvard,” he said. “We kind of hit it off.” Nelson and Anna Tabirian, Winter Park, FL $200 Vahan and Anoush Chamlian, Fresno. CA $80 “I have never voted for a Democrat in my life, Armenian Missionary Association of America, Paramus, NJ $200 Sarah Hagopian, Lynnfield, MA $80 with one exception: Ted,” he quipped, drawing Heratch and Sonya Doumanian, Chicago, IL $200 Edgar Mosesian, Haverhill, MA $80 chuckles. “I called him and said we need three Arlene Avakian, Boca Raton, FL $200 Sue Mirakian, Cleveland, OH $80 planes and 60 visas. He asked where do you want the planes?’” Dikran Meguerditchian, Lexington, MA $120 Edward Mesrobian, Waltham, MA $50 The planes carried $2 million worth of equip- Toufayan Bakery, Ridgefield, NJ $100 Van and Mary Aroian, Worcester, MA $50 ment, many in use even today. The 60 Baxter Harry and Janice Mazadoorian, Kensington, CT $100 Armen and Brenda Shahinian, Franklin Lakes, NJ $50 staffers stayed for nine months. Sarkis and Ruth Bedevian, Wyckoff, NJ $100 Haik Biglari, Huntsville, AL $50 Simourian and his friend Loucks kept in Osep and Nadya Sarafian, Northville, MI $100 Richard and Ann Tarvezian, Watertown, MA $50 touch after that. When Simourian thanked Aram Sethian, Monrovia, CA $100 Sophie Garvanian, Albuquerque, NM $50 Loucks for his help, the latter responded, “This was the most important thing I have ever done Charles Tateosian, Walnut Creek, CA $100 Apkar and Arpie Potookian, Waltham, MA $40 in my life.” John and Anita Wolohojian, New York, NY $100 Naomi Zeytoonian, Racine, WI $25 Kennedy also helped make possible the land- Berge Tatian, Stoneham, MA $100 Karen and Mihran Aroian, Austin, TX $25 ing of Soviet military transport planes at Berdj Kiladjian, Winchester, MA $100 Stephen and Dorothy Masoian, Cranston, RI $25 Andrews Air Force Base for loading supplies Jacob Pilibosian, Arlington, MA $100 George Maksian, Englewood Cliffs, NJ $25 headed to Armenia. “Ted said, ‘I don’t want to see this [news of Jack and Eva Medzorian, Winchester, MA $100 Art Zareh Luledjian, Monroe, CT $20 the assistance he provided] anywhere.’ I kept it a secret until he died,” John Simourian said. 8 S ATURDAY, D ECEMBER 2 2 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS Education Champion Heghine Movsesyan Helps Vanadzor Students

SHEIKHA, from page 6 school. Today there are 100 students, and these oral, and grammar, as well as crisis manage- When Greenberg’s cousin, Gerald Appelstein, development, met her when she was starting are no longer just students from poor families, ment, at her school. Other teachers give lessons learned of the school, he donated a transforma- the school in 2014. He suggested that she as the elite of the city also send their children. on Armenian language and literature, arts, tional sum of money. A new planning and sup- should also teach critical thinking and execu- There are four paid teachers and the rest are human rights, first aid, and issues of civil port team called Armenica was created, with tive function skills, as he noticed this lacking in volunteers. defense and safety in emergency situations. Movsesyan, Greenberg, Appelstein and the lat- the Armenian educational system. He said, “I The school’s official name is the Heghine Movsesyan said that the emphasis on emer- ter’s partner, Estela Margarita Arco-Blaustein. had become aware that even though I was deal- Sheikha School. Sheikha is the feminine form gency situations was necessary because unfor- Armenica stands for Armenia plus America, to ing with many, many smart people, when a of sheikh, and, Heghine said, refers to the tunately they were frequent in Armenia. continue to provide high-quality education in problem would arise, they did not have a rubric ancient notion that the prince must do philan- She said, “We have classes even for 7-year-old Vanadzor. The school at present is registered as to deal with them.” He and other Peace Corps thropic work of his own will. If you do not share, children on earthquakes. Parents ask why do a non-governmental organization (NGO), volunteers brought Movsesyan appropriate what you have otherwise will be taken away you make such a difficult curriculum, but I say Heghine Sheikha Children’s Advocacy NGO, English-language source materials. from you. that if an earthquake happens, it will not say with Movsesyan as president and her sister Jane Teaching these skills was as simple as giving stu- Movsesyan tutors and manages the school for that you are a 7-year-old child, go away.” There as executive director. was an earthquake in May 2018 scoring six on Greenberg and Appelstein coordinated the Richter Scale. Heghine said, “The 7-year-old Heghine’s two-week November visit to Boston child not only protected herself but knew what and New Jersey/New York, which is her first to do and gave advice to her grandparents.” trip to the United States. Greenberg had not Movsesyan spoke about the goals of her seen her since he left Armenia two years ago. school, declaring: “We know that high-quality Heghine said, “I came to the US to be trained, education is nothing but a perquisite to devel- to learn more about the US educational system opment. Our goal is to promote education in and to expand new horizons for our children.” Armenia for leadership development and life She visited educational specialists at the skills, cultivating creative thinking in our stu- Waldorf School in Lexington and the Meridian dents. We try to do the best for them because Academy in Jamaica Plain, which have child-cen- children are diamonds and we should keep tered approaches toward education. She spoke them in a safe place. Education is a weapon in with the person who runs the Middlesex the cycle of life and nowadays, life is challeng- College World Language program, to see what ing.” Most importantly, she said, “We want our they do with students. After visiting Harvard students to be the ideal that they want to be.” University, Heghine decided to have as a goal Heghine said that the school has two children that one of her alumni will eventually attend it. with disabilities at present and they are treated The visit also included emergency services Students of the Heghine Sheikha School (courtesy Heghine Movesyan) no differently than the other students. She said, work, so she became the first specialist from “We believe in the power of every single child Armenia to go to the “Turret,” the operations or person with disability or handicap, so our division of the Boston police containing its 911 dents money for paying for something, like a taxi, free, while the 911 center, recognizing her ped- school doors are open to everyone.” communications center. She went to the and asking them how much change they should agogical and organizational abilities, has The curriculum is always being expanded, but Brookline Incident Command Center, where the bring back. Usually children were not given such reduced some of her responsibilities like chess maintains an important place in it. Some police showed her how their emergency system challenges in Armenia. Movsesyan applied this answering emergency calls, and instead asked of her students took part in the Armenian works. Heghine later compared it with the sys- approach to everything, forming teams and people her to focus more on educational projects for National Olympics, and one, Vahe tem back home, stating that “in Armenia, we do in charge of various parts of the class. the children of Armenia. She works one 24-hour Hovhannisyan, took first place. Movsesyan said have some computers but not as much as it Greenberg said that they raised around shift and then rests for three days. She has that he is one of the top students who wants to here, because of lack of finances. We sometimes $1,000, the amount necessary annually to pro- some opportunity even during the 24 hours to continue his education abroad and come back still have to use paper and pen.” vide the costs of transportation of the students work on the school since the school is in her to make his own contribution in Vanadzor. Aside from providing Heghine firsthand infor- to and from the program, pencils and paper, work building now. Movsesyan goes to other Movsesyan seems to have the qualities of a mation on American educational and emer- snacks and other incidental expenses. schools in the area to give training talks on good diplomat as well as a good teacher and gency service techniques, and culture, the US Anecdotal evidence of the school’s success emergency situations. organizer. She keeps in touch with the leaders trip had one more happy result: Gerald spread, so that both the topics taught and the Her own school has classes from 1 to 7 p.m., of Vanadzor city and Lori Province without Appelstein announced that he would fund the numbers of students increased. four days a week, with Friday, Saturday and being involved in political issues. She received a school’s expenses for two more years to allow it Even Movsesyan’s boss at work, a colonel in Sunday off. However, the children can call to medal of recognition from the previous presi- time to become self-sustaining. For updates on emergency services, requested that his children ask questions on the days off, and Movsesyan dent of Armenia, Serzh Sargsyan, but everyone the school, see https://www.facebook.com/ come to her school and two rooms were offered said, “They treat teachers like their parents.” understands that this was not due to politics Heghine-Sheikha-Childrens-Advocacy-Ngo- for free in the 911 center of Vanadzor for the Movsesyan teaches English, both written and but a function of the office of the presidency. 263212510492839/

Mark Hoplamazian of Hyatt Hotels on Airbnb and Why Stupid Questions Are Smart AIRBNB, from page 6 this.” It was very, very, very challenging. There in front of the entirety of the family and lead You use the word empathy a lot. What are kid’s not a complete idiot.” Jay elected not to was lots of internal opposition. the meetings. I did that for five successive years you getting at? move forward with it. It was really a lesson in perseverance. I had to until I left to go join Hyatt. We’ve focused a lot of time and attention on When you joined the Pritzker organization, say, “No, actually, I believe in this, and I think I mindfulness as a key capacity. In order to prac- what did they have you do? can get this done. I’m going to compel myself to It was pretty intimidating in some ways. I tice empathy, you have to be present, and one Their portfolio was very wide and broad. But get it done even in the face of a whole bunch of came into the business, and I was pretty igno- great vehicle to being present is to be mindful. it was a tiny organization, so the stuff that I was opposition.” Ultimately it was a very successful rant. I knew a lot about the financial and tax Mindfulness became the central element of our involved with was everything from selecting deal. And my position in the organization structure of Hyatt because I had helped put the wellness investment. Miraval and Exhale, our members of management teams to negotiating changed after that. When you walk through company together in the whole family reorgani- two brands that we bought, their foundations operating contracts for businesses and then that barrier, you have a different sort of posture zation. But I didn’t really know the business; I are around mindfulness, a mindful approach to with a lot of other people. didn’t grow up in the business. That level of nutrition, yoga, fitness, you name it. You were there when the Pritzker family ignorance was super powerful because it just let To me, first and foremost, I want people to be sort of unraveled. me ask a whole bunch of stupid questions, present, to be able to engage and really glean In the case of the Pritzkers, I describe them which served me extremely well. Those simple what’s going on with someone. Don’t be so as sort of like communists in some ways questions often led to interesting discussions focused on executing the checklist and the ser- because it was definitely a collective effort. about why we do certain things the way we do, vices that you’re supposed to provide to them Jay’s whole philosophy was: I’m here helping and that led to changes. But it was organic as that you’re skipping over what’s really going on the entirety of the family advance. It wasn’t opposed to me coming in thinking that I knew with that person. about my personal wealth versus others’. In better. It was actually the result of inquiry. A LinkedIn reader, Billy Byrne, asks how fact, the whole structure was a complicated What’s the biggest challenge facing the that focus on empathy translates to your cor- trust structure for the benefit of all the fami- hotel industry today? porate culture. ly members. The sharing economy is one. Of course, It’s actually one of the things that we can do That is really the fundamental thing that Airbnb is like the poster child for that because that is maybe not unique to our industry, but changed when the food fight hit. The assertions they have grown so quickly. The lesson for us powerfully enabled by our industry. That is, were about lack of transparency and under- in Airbnb when they first started was that a lot bringing people with low skill sets into a voca- Mark Hoplamazian standing how all this stuff actually worked. of what that customer experience was about tional path that allows them to advance and Most family-owned companies fall apart after was the attractive human interface between a have a career. One of the key problems in the the third or fourth generation because you guest and a real human being on the other United States, and actually this is a global phe- doing financing. It was like up and down the have people who are involved in the business, side, not a trained professional. But the com- nomenon, is you have a large and growing num- functional dimensions and across many differ- and then a whole bunch of people who aren’t. pany has evolved. No longer is it typical that ber of people who are essentially disenfran- ent businesses. It was great, diverse kind of What was your role in the whole affair? you’re renting Aunt Millie and Uncle Ed’s chised. They’re young people who are out of business experience. Our group was responsible for mapping out apartment, but it’s Industrial Apartment school and out of work. To me, this is the area How did you develop as a leader during this how we were going to unwind the entire port- L.L.C. #5 with 45 units in a building. It’s of focus that we should apply ourselves to from time, especially given that the organization folio. We were holding these family meetings become very institutional. a philanthropic effort, but also from a fulfill- was pretty small? where all the principal beneficiary groups were I think Airbnb spurred a lot of focus around ment of our purpose perspective. Bringing There was a highly complicated deal that we coming together. There were more lawyers in purpose and empathy and care as the corner- more and more people out of that community did in joint venture with an Israeli company to the room than there were family members. It stone for why we existed, and from that per- into our industry is something that we’re launch a new business jet. Wildly complicated was like having the first annual meeting of an spective I think it’s been great, because that’s focused on. transaction. It was my deal. Jay basically said, enterprise that was three generations old at been tremendously beneficial in leading the “Go see if you can make something work out of that time, and I was the M.C. I had to stand up company since then. S ATURDAY, D ECEMBER 2 2 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 9 COMMUNITY NEWS Technology and Education Connect Fresno and Yerevan Through Visionary Action

FRESNO — The forces of Armenia and the Kiureghian described how the tragedy inspired beneficial” for participating students of As a history major, Avedis Khatchadourian Diaspora merged on Friday, December 7, in an Dr. Mihran Agbabian and himself to propose a Fresno State and AUA, who have formed appreciated his time studying in Armenia at event hosted by Agrian Inc., an agricultural Western style academic institution in Armenia. great friendships. AUA last summer. “I was able to see for myself technology company headquartered in Fresno, Dr. Stepan Karamardian would later join their “The interaction between the two schools so much of what I had read about in my histo- California, with offices in Yerevan Armenia, to initiative. enriches the lives and educational experiences ry books,” said Avedis, who enjoyed his courses benefit the American University of Armenia Selected by the National Academy of of the students,” said Der Kiureghian as he pre- and instructors throughout the semester. “The (AUA), a leading academic institution in the Sciences to survey the damage, Agbabian and sented symbolic gifts to Georgeann and Tracy. teachers combined their lessons with multiple country. Der Kiureghian arrived in Armenia a week after Attesting to the beneficial results of the excursions so I was able to understand far more Owners of Agrian, Nishan and Andriana the earthquake and were “deeply affected” by exchange program, three former Fresno State about Armenia and the rest of the world than I Majarian, have enjoyed a long-standing fruitful the destruction and vowed to make a difference. participants attended the event with their par- ever had before.” relationship with the University, stemming from Soon after, they wrote a proposal to establish ents and spoke highly of their studies in Khatchadourian remarked that he thought the opening of their Yerevan branch in 2004 an American-style university in Armenia. Since Armenia. he would visit Armenia later on in his life but that focuses on web-based tools for agriculture, all three were affiliated with the University of Stephen Gonzalez, who was an AUA Spring was happy he was able to travel there as a col- and since then have steadily employed AUA California, they forged ties between the two uni- 2018 study abroad participant, said he was lege student. “I am extremely grateful to the graduates both in California and in Armenia. versities, a relationship that continues today. proud and grateful to be in Armenia, particu- Kashian Family Foundation that gave me the “We are so impressed by the work AUA is “AUA was a constructive response to that larly at a time when the country underwent a chance to go to Armenia and study at AUA doing in Armenia,” said Nishan Majarian, co- calamity,” said Der Kiureghian. “The University transformation during the Velvet Revolution, because this was an opportunity of a lifetime,” founder and CEO of Agrian. “We did our initial became a forward-looking and positive reaction which enhanced Stephen’s experience even fur- said Khatchadourian. recruitment at AUA because of the quality of in the face of the devastating earthquake.” ther. Spending a career in public education, Dr. students as well as their competent English lan- Since its establishment, it has been a priority “I thank the Kashian Family for allowing me, Lawrence Pitts, chairman of AUA’s Board of guage skills and most of the candidates we Trustees, elaborated on AUA’s academic sys- recruited are still with us today.” tem, which was influenced by the University of Nishan Majarian remarked that the compa- California, where Dr. Pitts served as Provost ny’s goal was to have a qualified, educated and Executive Vice President of Academic workforce that could help “build the foundation Affairs. “UC has a merit-based admission policy of Agrian in Armenia.” This was made possible that offers essential financial support and AUA by the partnership with AUA and its alumni, has followed the same model,” said Pitts. “AUA who have made a positive and lasting impact on admits students based on academic skill, which the company. creates a highly valued environment of quality Andreh Gaspar, director of development at of classes and students as well as student suc- Agrian in Yerevan, and his wife, Arpi, were pre- cess after graduation.” sent at the event and shared their thoughts on He spoke about the freedom of expression at Agrian and AUA, their alma mater. AUA and the “remarkable phenomenon” of the Emphasizing the significance of the Velvet Revolution, which gave way to AUA University in his life, Andre explained that the alumni to assume high-ranking positions in the institution was where he gained the knowledge new government. and skills to allow him to excel in his current “AUA has accomplished what the initial profession. “AUA provided me with the educa- founders wanted the University to achieve, tion I needed to become a valuable contributor including Western style education, values of in a global economy,” said Andre, who noted academic knowledge, discussion and trans- that Agrian employs 30 AUA alumni. “Agrian parency,” said Pitts. “This is what AUA has helps support many families in Armenia by pro- brought to Armenia and it is now reflecting viding secure jobs.” these values in the alumni who are serving Reflecting on her time at AUA, Arpi said that senior positions in the country.” she spent the “most memorable and life-chang- Looking towards the future, Pitts said that ing years” as a student there. “I was able to AUA will continue to support education in the make all my dreams come true by receiving a science and technology fields because it is a fast quality education and learning from the inspir- growing industry in Armenia and its products ing professors and students,” said Arpi, who From Left: Dr. Armen Der Kiureghian, Nishan Majarian, Andriana Majarian, Dr. Larry Pitts can be exported digitally, opening up a “world met Andre at AUA. “We both studied hard to of opportunity.” get the education we needed to stay and work “Education is at the forefront and the best in our motherland and make it a better place for AUA to help finance the education of its stu- a non-Armenian, the chance to go to Armenia investment, in my judgment, that can be made for us and everyone else.” dents. Der Kiureghian stressed the importance and study a culture that has had a lot of influ- in Armenia by contributing to the American Arpi was able to attend AUA on scholarships of raising funds for scholarships in order for ence in the San Joaquin Valley,” said Stephen. University of Armenia,” said Pitts. and achieve her educational and professional AUA to continue its need-blind admissions poli- “I have a lot of Armenian friends and learning The evening concluded with a silent auction goals without a financial burden on herself or cy and attract the best and brightest students their culture and their history in their home- of an original William Saroyan watercolor paint- her parents. “I distinctly remember the day I in Armenia, regardless of their financial capaci- land while walking on ancient soil was an amaz- ing that sold for $6,000 to Nishan and Andriana received the Balian Award for Best Student, ty. ing feeling.” Majarian. The work, which was created in which covered my tuition for the whole year,” “We have a rigorous program of scholarships Fresno, California, and is dated December 2, said Arpi, who is a General Manager and Chief where more than half of our students receive Visiting Armenia 1969, reflects the creativity of the Pulitzer Technology Officer of the Armenian branch of financial aid,” said Der Kiureghian, who noted Although he was born in Armenia, Yervand Prize and Academy Award winning author, play- NMX Global Software Inc., as well as a lecturer that the University’s operating expenses are Boyajyan moved to California at a young age wright and artist. The painting was generously in the Computer and Information Science pro- covered through donations. “It is essential that and always had a desire to return. Through the donated to AUA by the William Saroyan gram at AUA. “At that moment I realized that I students receive some form of aid so all eco- Kashian Family Foundation’s partnership with Foundation, headquartered in San Francisco to came much closer to getting where I wanted to nomic strata are represented at AUA” AUA, he was able to do so as a study abroad support AUA projects in Armenia. be in my life.” participant in Spring 2018. “We thank our wonderful hosts, Nishan and Arpi acknowledged the significance of donors Pillar Program “I am grateful to the Kashian Family Andriana Majarian, for bringing the Fresno who helped her overcome financial challenges, Foundation for giving us the opportunity to Armenian community together to learn more while receiving a college education and the far- Der Kiureghian highlighted two AUA donor experience Armenia through such a unique about AUA,” said Dr. Der Kiureghian. reaching impact education has on Armenia’s programs in particular, one serving as the foun- educational opportunity,” said Yervand. “My “Hopefully many more will be inspired to visit development. dation and the other as the future. The 100 time in Armenia and at AUA was memorable our campus and become involved with the “AUA gave my husband and I the skills, the Pillars of AUA program, which is nearing its and made a lasting impact on me.” American University of Armenia.” knowledge and the opportunity to have fulfill- completion, gives donors the chance to be part ing jobs and to secure a better future in of an elite club who contribute $50,000 over a Armenia, thanks to the donors who realize the five year period in unrestricted gifts that can be importance of having educated people in our used where the University determines is most Iraq, Syria Genocide Relief and Accountability country,” concluded Arpi. needed. While introducing AUA President Dr. Armen The “Yes, Armenian Women Can!” campaign Act Signed, Archbishop Aykazian Present Der Kiureghian, Nishan said he was “grateful was created to build a special endowment to for the leadership of AUA” and the progress he support Armenian women in the STEM fields of ACCOUNTABILITY, from page 1 Aykazian had the chance to convey greet- witnessed in the country over the years. science, technology, engineering and mathe- forget the sufferings of the minorities of the ings from an Armenian friend of the former. “We see so many great young people who matics. Middle East. Mark Green, administrator of In response, the president said that the want to change the world and don’t want to “Technology in Armenia is advancing and we the United States Agency for International Armenians are “intelligent people, hard- leave Armenia to do that and I think that’s real- have many smart female students, especially Development spoke, as did five or six others, working people.” Aykazian also had talks ly exciting,” said Nishan. “Dr. Der Kiureghian from the rural areas, who will benefit from including White House counselor Kellyanne with various congressmen and officials on gave us a great tour of AUA and it’s a beautiful these scholarships and become part of Conway and Carl Anderson, Supreme Armenian issues, including concerning state-of-the-art building filled with so much Armenia’s advancement,” said Der Kiureghian. Knight of the Knights of Columbus, the Turkey. energy and excitement.” “Women are an untapped resource for Catholic fraternal benefit society which was Aykazian, in addition to his positions with Nishan noted that his favorite place in the Armenia’s rapidly growing IT sector.” an early supporter of the new law. the Armenian Diocese, is president and the world is experiencing the view of Mount Ararat He then thanked the Kashian Family Afterwards, the guests had lunch together moderator of the Christian Churches from Armenia, an image he remembers from his Foundation, that for years has provided and continued their conversations, Aykazian Together, member of the executive commit- childhood. “Growing up I always saw the paint- scholarship opportunities for students from said. Both Republicans and Democrats were tee of the National Council of Churches, the ing of Mount Ararat in my grandmother’s California State University, Fresno (Fresno present, as the law is sponsored by executive committee of the Church for house and that dream of seeing Mount Ararat State), to spend a semester abroad at AUA. Representatives Chris Smith (R-NJ) and Middle East Peace, the central and executive in person has now become a reality for He noted the presence of the Kashian Family Anna Eshoo (D-Calif.). Eshoo is of Assyrian committees of the World Council of Armenians around the world.” Foundation President Georgeanne White and and Armenian heritage. Churches, and chair of the finance commit- Recognizing the 30th anniversary of the dis- Vice President Tracy Kashian, elaborating on At the photo opportunity with Trump, tee of the World Council of Churches. astrous earthquake in Armenia, Dr. Der the partnership that has been “extremely 10 S ATURDAY, D ECEMBER 2 2 , 2 0 1 8 S ATURDAY, D ECEMBER 2 2 , 2 0 1 8 11

May the Joy, Blessings and Spirit of With gratitude for the joy your Thank you for the complete coverage of Merry Christmas Christmas be with all of us, all high-quality paper and excellent historic events in Armenia. throughout the year! articles bring to us Ruth and Wil Swisher Detroit Tekeyan Chapter Stephen Kurkjian Newington, CT Richard and Ann Tarvezian Manomet, MA Watertown, MA Diana Alexanian President Detroit, MI

Happy Holidays to my relatives Blessings at Christmas and the Wishing You beautiful moments, Merry Christmas and a Happy and and friends New Year treasured memories and a Happy Healthy New Year New Year George W. Haroutunian Mary and Warren Haynes Toufayan Bakery, Inc Stoneham, MA New York Varter’s Oriental Rugs Ridgefield, NJ Isguhi, Arlette, Adam Shirinian Belmont, MA

Remembering my parents Krikor and Esgoohe Maksian and my siblings Peace on Earth Anna, Bobby and Aza Maksian- Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays to family and friends Gadarian. Merry Christmas. The Aprahamians Edward Mesrobian Naomi Zeytoonian George Maksian Northville, MI Waltham, MA Racine, WI New York

Wishing all our relatives and friends 2018 a Happy Holiday and Healthy A Joyous Year Ahead for Everyone We wish our families, friends and Mirror-Spectator readers and Blessings at Christmas and Merry Christmas and the New Year Happy New Year New Year supporters a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Richard and Gail O’Reilly Shenorhavor Nor Daree yev Sourp Dzenoont! Winchester, MA Mary and Warren Hayes Edmond and Nora Azadian Stephen and Dorothy Masoian New York, NY West Bloomfield, MI Cranston, RI Alin, Aram, Mark, Hasmik and Cristina

On behalf of the Armenian Missionary Peace to all in the Diaspora and Peace on Earth Merry Christmas to our friends Merry Christmas and Happy Association of America, I would like to Best wishes for 2019 in Armenia New Year wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! We appreciate all you for Donald and Barbara Tellalian Jack and Eva Medzorian the AMAA and the community at large. Heratch and Sonya Doumanian John and Roxie Maljanian Newton, MA Winchester, MA Hagop and Maria Vartivarian Chicago, Ill. Newington, CT Mahwah, NJ Zaven Khanjian Paramus, NJ

For nearly a century you have not only provided Best Wishes for a Very Merry May you enjoy good health and accurate and timely information about Armenia and Happy New Year and We wish all the blessings and Armenians, but you were also the gruel that along Peace for the World 2019 Christmas and a Happy New Year happiness this Holiday Season with the Armenian Church have held us Armenians Merry Christmas promise of the Christmas Season. together. Thank you and best wishes for your contin- Jacob Pilibosian ued success. Mr. and Mrs. Herman Hintiryan Carl Bazarian Charleen Mosesian Onanian and Providence, RI Amelia Island, Il Drs. Dennis and Mary Papazian Ernest M. Barsamian, MD, Sonig Kradjian and Family San Jose, CA Peter Onanian Boca Raton, FL West Bloomfield, MI Weston, MA

We wish all of you good health and happiness. Merry Christmas and Joyful Greetings on the Holy Birth Merry Christmas and I look forward to each issue of the MS. God Bless the World Wish you all the best! Happy New Year and Blessings in the New Year. Happy New Year Thanks for keeping me informed! Art Zareh Luledjian Avedis and Houry Boyamian Osep and Nadya Sarafian Sarkis and Ruth Bedevian Harry and Janice Mazadoorian Monroe, CT Winchester, MA Sophie Garvanian Northville, MI Wyckoff, NJ Kensington, CT Albuquerque, NM 12 S ATURDAY, D ECEMBER 2 2 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS Vatche Delights Taste Buds and Ear Drums

VATCHE, from page 1 Cyprus and Iran, Vatche arrived with his family pare the dishes,” said Vatche. The timing was of both worlds — Vatche as a pioneer in the inter- For those aching for the sound and the taste in Los Angeles in 1981. He put his AUB degree fortuitous, as the style of music transformed in national music scene and Adiss’s stronghold in of the Mediterranean, Alcazar is the place to be to good use, working in accounting, but heeded the early 2000s and he took a step back to focus the Armenian language. They bonded and trust- as a never-ending revolving door of customers the words of those close to him who encouraged on his restaurant with his undivided attention. ed each other’s musical inclinations in the satisfy the taste buds of all ethnicities, attest- him to return to singing. “The whole landscape of music changed recording studio as Adiss gave “carte blanche” ing to its success. Vatche says both singers and “I started performing at a small restaurant in around that time,” said Vatche, who saw a red to Vatche to arrange and record the music, restaurateurs have elements of engaging with Pasadena called the Gypsy,” related Vatche. The flag when technology and computer applica- delighting listeners with their duets, including an audience and entertaining — one through owner was his friend from Lebanon and urged tions began taking over music production. “The Karoun Karoun and Hayastan. the ear and the other through tastebuds. him to sing in the venue during the weekends. market for my style of Estrada international In honor of the album’s release, the duo orga- Hitting that notion home is a sign that hangs “After my start there, the gigs started coming in music started fading.” Instead of selling out and nized a Christmas dance, a sold-out concert above the kitchen that declares: Without because the audience liked the variety of songs playing a style he did not feel came from within, pushing themselves to finish the much-antici- music, life would B (be flat) as a crystal I sang.” he decided the time was ripe to concentrate on pated album within a month while working up chained cross dangles over the passionate They liked it so much so that fans began to food. to 20 hour days. words of the owner. ask for his albums, which encouraged Vatche to “Music is my first love and passion and I was “The album was very successful and people A prominent singer, particularly during the enter the studio. Pursuing professional vocal blessed to make a living out of it,” said Vatche, kept asking us when we would record volume height of his success in the 1980s and 1990s, training and refining his knowledge of eight lan- who opened his current location in Sherman 2,” said Vatche. “We enjoyed working together Vatche provided the soundtrack to the lives of guages, he recorded his first album in Los Oaks five years ago. “I feel very good that I and that is an album I will always feel very proud so many Diasporans — displaced for a second Angeles in 1983 to much fanfare. The volume excelled in two things in my life, both music and of.” round after the Armenian Genocide from was comprised of international songs once cuisine, and it gives me so much satisfaction More guests enter Alcazar while greeting the those very communities they sought refuge in recorded by prominent French, Italian, Persian, that I never feel like I am working.” singer-restaurateur as “Chef Vatche,” including a — Iraq, Iran, Lebanon and Syria, to name just American and Arabic singers, as well as newly Although he has his hands full expanding his business owner from next door who comments a few. penned English and Armenian songs for his restaurant, Vatche has his finger on the pulse of on how delicious and fresh the manaish is and As the Armenian communities in the Middle audience that immediately “embraced” him in music and is encouraged by the next generation mentions to the knowing guests that Vatche is a East faced upheaval and instability, they made the Los Angeles community. of Armenian musicians, who are fusing tradi- musician and to find his songs on YouTube. their way to Los Angeles, the weather perhaps “People went to record shops in Hollywood tional and modern elements into their composi- While Vatche’s music came to light through similar to the Mediterranean climate. But the and the owners would call me up and say the tions. live performances and recorded albums, it is influx of immigrants, like those before them, albums are selling and they wanted more,” said “The last 10 years or so rabiz music became through this digital age that he is rediscovered, were reminiscent and in search of their culture Vatche. As he continued to record hit albums in mainstream, a style I didn’t like listening to or over and over again, as his voice transcends the — and Vatche was able to fill that void. He succession, he turned towards larger venues, the singing,” said Vatche. “But right now I’m seeing decades, genres, ethnicities and generations. brought that regaled life, the Paris of the Middle pinnacle of which was headlining a show at the new talent from Armenia who are reviving folk “I think my music is timeless because the East, back to the displaced, giving them a flavor MGM Grand in Las Vegas in 1986 to an audi- music with that Estradaian touch we had in the songs I sing are timeless,” said Vatche. “My goal of home, from thousands of miles away. ence in the thousands, where he was accompa- 1950s and 1960s, while utilizing technology to has always been to reintroduce these songs in a His array of songs, ranging from French to nied by an 11-piece band and 15 dancers. He fol- come up with something respectable.” different shell.” Italian to Arabic, had roots particularly in the lowed this achievement with another colossal Vatche has always encouraged and welcomed His audience eagerly awaits his return to the Golden Age of Lebanon where the cosmopolitan performance at the Tropicana Hotel in Atlantic collaborations with other artists, understanding studio to see what Vatche, whose nostalgic voice city attracted stars and tourists from around the City. Vatche continued to expand, building a stu- the importance of humility and partnership not and gusto remains intact, will come up with world — Brigitte Bardot in one corner, Omar dio in his home in order to record and produce only for the good of the community but for the next. In the meantime, they will settle for a Sharif in the other. The city was offering the in an independent space, arrange his own music enhancement of music. A prime example of this handmade Mediterranean meal from the legend finest food, music and beaches on the surface and play all of the instruments himself, creating partnership is when two Armenian music idols himself. while a war rumbled in the capital’s underbelly as authentic a musical album as possible. came together, Adiss and Vatche, to record their To learn more about the restaurant, visit among the factions, sects and outside influ- The covers of his compositions, originally album of duets, “From the Heart,” in 1993. http://www.al-cazar.com. To see and hear some ences. It was during this multicultural apex in sung by greats including Joe Dassin to Adamo to “Adiss became an icon as an Armenian singer of Vatche’s songs, visit Beirut’s history that Vatche first emerged as a Peppino Gagliardi to Demis Roussos, evoke nos- and he wanted to show that he could sing in https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oH34p4M popular voice, paving the way for his future as a talgia that may at first have captured audiences, other languages too,” said Vatche. At the peak of gUuw&list=PL3mNbH958lISjN3hREZ4GE75m beloved pop icon. but as they continued listening, they discovered their respective successes, they merged the best LmaxkmoJ As a youngster growing up in this culturally the distinct voice and persona behind these rich time, Vatche attended the Lebanon updated covers. Evangelical School for Boys, where he was fix- “Musicians and music critics recognized I was ated on rock and roll, listening to Deep Purple, doing covers but adding colors of my own,” said Donation Elvis Presley, Stevie Wonder, Elton John and the Vatche. “People would say they looked forward Beatles, as well as the international crooners to seeing how I would arrange the songs with Annie Simonian Totah of Washington, DC, donated $500 to the Armenian Mirror- Charles Aznavour and Enrico Macias. He tuned my own creativity.” . into Armenian singers as well, appreciating the Perhaps what drew listeners to Vatche’s Spectator influences of Ardashes Avedian, Gyorky records went beyond the lyrics and the instru- Minassian and Adiss Harmandian. mentation; they symbolized a deeper meaning of Gravitating naturally towards music, Vatche survival for the scattered Armenians, unifying picked up a guitar and started teaching himself their multilingual and layered existence through Nardolillo Funeral Home chords as he strummed on the strings. Pursuing his music. Est. 1906 his musical inclinations, he soon formed a band As Vatche’s popularity continued to grow, so called The Dreams and their songs served as the did his memorable performances. He recalls one John K. Najarian, Jr. backdrop for the trendy and fashionable in particular when he was invited to sing in Rhode Island’s Only Licensed Armenian Funeral Director nightlife of Beirut — from Le Paon Rouge at the Beirut alongside Barry White in the 1980s, not- Phoenicia Hotel to the Beachcomber at the ing that it was an “honor” to share the stage 1278 Park Ave. Cranston, RI 02910 (401) 942-1220 Coral Beach Hotel. Vatche was immersed in an with the legendary Grammy Award-winner at an 1111 Boston Neck Rd. Narragansett, RI 02882 (401) 789-6300 inspiring musical milieu. Armenian wedding that lasted until sunrise. “Bands from Italy would play at these venues Alcazar Is Born www.nardolillo.com and I would sometimes be invited to perform Completing his goals with music, Vatche was alongside them,” said Vatche. “I learned a lot ready to unveil another passion of his and in from them but when they left during the civil 2000 opened up the Middle Eastern restaurant war, I took over.” Alcazar in Encino, California. For years his While his father initially felt that a music friends urged him to establish his own culinary career was too risky a venture to pursue, he gave space because they knew he loved to entertain, his blessing once Vatche proved himself acade- was “selective” about cuisine, and would provide mically and passed his baccalaureate, receiving the best experience to his customers. F UNERAL H OME high grades and earning acceptance to the pres- “I felt it was time to have something else in my Giragosian tigious American University of Beirut, where he life,” said Vatche. “I always looked ahead and I James “Jack” Giragosian, CPC graduated with a degree in business administra- was aware singing could not last a lifetime.” He Mark J. Giragosian tion. performed at fewer events and began to learn Funeral Counselors Leaving Beirut about the restaurant industry, teaching himself 576 Mt. Auburn Street, Watertown, MA 02472, TEL: 617-924—0606 But soon, the situation in war-torn Beirut about the business. www.giragosianfuneralhome.com became too precarious, and following stints in “I knew the taste but I worked on how to pre-

Aranosian Family Donation ENNIS M. EVENEY & ONS The Aranosian Family has donated $5,000 in support of the Armenian D D S Mirror-Spectator for providing coverage of news affecting the Cemetery Monuments Armenian community. Specializing in “Your organization is doing a wonderful job providing Armenian news Armenian Designs and Lettering and we thank you for all the efforts. We are proud to have such 701 Moody St. Waltham, MA 02543 a fine Armenian newspaper.” (781) 891-9876 www.NEMonuments.com 13 S ATURDAY, D ECEMBER 2 2 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 14 S ATURDAY, D ECEMBER 2 2 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Arts & Living

INTERVIEW ‘American Mirror’ Wins Fabrique Du Cinema International Award ROME —The fourth edition of Fabrique Du Cinéma Awards took place on Saturday, December 15, where the winners were announced at the Teatro India. “American Mirror,” directed by Arthur Balder and produced by David Shara, rose as winner of the Best International American-Armenian Documentary award, being the only US- production to garner an accolade in the international competition. The project Teacher, Poet and stars Susan Sarandon and Tigran Tsitoghdzyan. Translator Raffi The Canadian “The Grizzlie,” by Miranda de Pencier won Best (Ralph) Setian Supervisor Kathryn Barger with Museum Executive Chairman Berdj Karapetian International Feature Film. The ceremony, conducted by Italian actors Laura Adriani (“Blame Freud,” “Questi jorni”) and Riccardo Festa, pre- By Artsvi Bakhchinyan sented also rising stars of Italian cinema Special to the Mirror-Spectator Celebrating Differences with accolades, such as Sara Serraiocco, who won Best Italian Actress for Mr. Setian, we first met a century ago (in “Traveling with Adele” and Gianni 1990), while I was a third-year student at And Heritage at LA Zanasi, director of the surprising and Yerevan State University (YSU). That was a innovative feature film, “Too Much difficult transitional time in the history of Grace,” won the Best Italian modern Armenia. The world around us was Museum Gala Experimental Film award. rapidly changing; and you were the first for- Director Mario Martone, who intro- eign professor who came to YSU to present duced the trailer of the soon-to-be- lectures on American literature. Your classes HOLLYWOOD — The wide scope and visionary initiative of the Armenian were unprecedented for us because you uti- American Museum and Cultural Center of California was highlighted during its lized maps and other visual materials to Inaugural Gala on Sunday, December 9, at the Ray Dolby Ballroom in Hollywood, enhance your lectures on literature. How was as more than 1,000 supporters, community leaders and public officials gathered on your experience in teaching at an Armenian the heels of the museum’s Groundbreaking Campaign launch. university during the last years of the Soviet The objective of the evening was to Union? raise awareness and funds to bolster the Well, first of all, on a personal level, it was a By Taleen Babayan ambitious one-of-a-kind project that will great satisfaction for me to finally be able to Special to the Mirror-Spectator be a world-class cultural and educational come to Armenia and teach at the university center. The mission of the structure will level. My position at YSU as a Senior Lecturer be to foster understanding of the diversi- was the result of a teaching fellowship which I ty in America by conveying the Armenian-American experience. The museum will was awarded through the Fulbright-Hays pro- feature a permanent Armenian exhibition, traveling multicultural exhibitions, per- gram administered by the Department of State forming arts theater, a learning center, archives, a café and a gift shop, in order to in America. Little did anyone know at that time be accessible to the general public that appreciates history and cultural ethnicities. that the USSR was going to collapse while I Serving as Master of Ceremonies, Fox 11 Morning News Anchor and Reporter was in Soviet Armenia. In any case, it was a Araksya Karapetyan expressed support for the “landmark” project in her remarks and stressed the importance of carrying on a legacy. particularly challenging period in the life of Arthur Balder receiving the award our people in the homeland. However, I great- “Armenian-American leaders had a vision of how to pass on our heritage and ly enjoyed my contacts with hundreds of stu- that’s how the idea was born,” she said. “The museum will bring people together dents and dozens of colleagues at YSU. I was and celebrate the rich tapestry that makes up what this rich country is about.” Born and raised in Armenia, Karapetyan spoke of her journey to Southern released “Capri Revolution (in competi- particularly gratified that some students who tion at the 75th Mostra di Venezia were not even specializing in English would California and her rise in the media industry, while always preserving her Armenian heritage, ultimately seeking to do the same for the generations to come. 2018), presented the Best International attend my lectures at the university. Living Documentary Award to Balder, who conditions were somewhat dark and grim; yet “My roots are firmly planted in my homeland as is my heart,” said Karapetyan. “My connection is strong all these years later.” praised “Italian cinema and directors as I always had good attendance in all my classes. among his all-time favorites.” I have fond memories from that period in my She spoke of the significance of upholding the Armenian people and culture and that it is everyone’s “responsibility to carry on our story.” Two-time Academy-award winner Paul life, when I made new acquaintances and Haggis, president of the Fabrique Du friends, like yourself, Artsvi. Karapetyan acknowledged the hard work and effort it takes to pass on a legacy but stressed the “duty” to instill the Armenian culture and that the museum will Cinéma Awards Jury 2018, highlighted Before meeting you, I was aware of you as “the extraordinary quality of the more an American-Armenian poet writing in be a “physical reminder” of that. “Despite being all over the world we must never forget who we are and where than 1,400 films submitted.” Haggis, English. But you were also writing poems in the screenwriter of such iconic movies Armenian, which was unusual for the poets we come from,” said Karapetyan, remarking that the museum’s doors will be open to anyone who loves history. “Everyone will have a place to embrace their roots as “Crash” and “Million Dollar Baby” of your generation. This equal literary mas- said he was intrigued by the talent of tery of both languages is a rarity among and heart and that’s what this Museum will be all about.” Following a touching video presentation, “Nation of Builders,” that featured the filmmakers ready to breakthrough inter- American-Armenians. How did you manage Fabrique Du symbolic structures around the Armenian Diaspora that have served as key gath- nationally” and thanked to gain this ability? Cinéma organization “for its generosity ering places for Armenians, Museum Executive Chairman Berdj Karapetian deliv- The answer to this question of yours would inviting me to preside over such an ered his message. require me to provide you with a mini-autobi- incredibly wonderful event.” Thanking the event organizers, volunteer committee and expressing appreciation ography, which would be too lengthy for an Fabrique Du Cinéma has become one to the leadership of the Board of Trustees, Karapetian underscored the deeper interview of this sort, I think. But please allow of the most influential Italian maga- meaning of the museum. me to present a few pertinent facts which zines since its inception, focused on cin- “The Armenian American Museum is more than a museum,” said Karapetian. “It’s might provide a sort of explanatory outline of ema, specifically the “new Italian cine- a museum about everyone who came to California and made it what it is today.” my background. First of all, even though I was ma, directors and actors.” born in the US (in the state of Massachusetts), see GALA, page 15 see SETIAN, page 16 S ATURDAY, D ECEMBER 2 2 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 15 ARTS & LIVING Celebrating Differences and Heritage at LA Museum Gala

GALA, from page 14 He spoke of the Museum as a learning facili- ty where people can learn about the Armenian history and where they can learn to “prevent recurring injustices.” Karapetian stated that the aim of the muse- um is to enrich the community and inspire peo- ple to promote mutual understanding of one another’s cultures. Above all, the Museum will bring together the youth, who will safeguard the Armenian people. “Let’s build our museum in the name of our young people,” concluded Karapetian. Senate President pro tem Toni G. Atkins said it was honor to be present at the Gala and expressed her thanks to the members of the Armenian-American community for their uni- fied efforts in “today’s divisive world.” She applauded the efforts of the Glendale Sen. Anthony Portantino City Council for their “incredible contributions in turning the Armenian American Museum a reality.” “You are planting a seed kernel of under- standing,” said Atkins. “We all have stories to Performer Alene Aroustamian share and we are all a part of a bigger family and I thank you for what you have taught me about Armenians.” Center of California as its official landmark pro- museum come to life and offer a meaningful Award presentations were made to California ject in 2014, a total of a $4 million commitment space for conversation.” State Assemblymember Adrin Nazarian, was made from the State of California. In a sur- Entertainment was provided by singer Alene California State Assembly Speaker Anthony prise announcement, Los Angeles County Aroustamian with musical partner Vahan Rendon, California State Senator Anthony J. Supervisor Kathryn Barger delivered a $1 mil- Bznuni. The Flag Ceremony was conducted by Portantino, California State Senate President lion check for the Armenian American Museum the AGBU and Homenetmen Scouts and the and Cultural Center. National Anthems were sung by the Glendale Reflecting on his High School Choir under the direction of Grace honor, Senator Sheldon-Williams. The Opening Prayer was led Anthony Portantino by the museum’s Board of Trustees Co-Chairs, referred to the including Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Museum as a “won- Primate of the Western Diocese, Archbishop derful project” and Moushegh Mardirossian, Primate of the noted that Western Prelacy, Bishop Mikael Mouradian, of Glendale Mayor Zareh Sinanyan California has the the Armenian Catholic Eparchy in the United largest Armenian States and Canada, and Reverend Berdj population outside Djambazian, of the Armenian Evangelical please visit https://www.armenianamerican- Armenia, a fact that Union of North America. museum.org/ should be “celebrated For more information about the Armenian Photos by Shahe and Sahag Melelian and appreciated.” American Museum and Cultural Center, (Arka Photography) “The story of the A r m e n i a n - Americans should be told,” said Portantino. “I share Assemblymember Adrin Nazarian this honor with the community that wel- comed me and it’s pro Tempore Emeritus Kevin de Leon and the my job to help in any way I can.” Glendale City Council, including Mayor Zareh He expressed his thanks to the ongoing sup- Sinanyan and Councilmembers Ara Najarian, port of the Armenian-Americans and their part- Paula Devine, Vartan Gharpetian, and Vrej nership. Agajanian. The Glendale City Council was “You don’t do this work to get honored,” said instrumental in dedicating land in Glendale for Portantino. “You do it because it’s the right the historic project, marking Glendale Central thing to do.” Park as the future home of the museum. As a member of the early planning stages of “We are proud to support the Armenian the Armenian American Museum, Nazarian American Museum and it is a great honor for secured the initial $1 million within the the City of Glendale to be the future home of California State Budget “to help build a beauti- the world class cultural and educational cen- ful museum in the heart of Glendale.” ter,” said Mayor Sinanyan, who spoke on behalf “The museum will be a cultural campus that of the Glendale City Council. empowers individuals to embrace diversity,” Since the Armenian Genocide Centennial said Assemblymember Adrin Nazarian. “I am Committee Western USA adopted the grateful to have been an honoree at the Four co-chairs conducting the opening prayer. Armenian American Museum and Cultural Inaugural Gala and look forward to seeing the

Master of Ceremonies Araksya Karapetyan Glendale HS Choir and Homenetmen Scouts Senate President pro Tem Toni Atkins 16 S ATURDAY, D ECEMBER 2 2 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARTS & LIVING An Interview with American-Armenian Teacher, Poet and Guest Recipe Translator Raffi Recipe (Ralph) Setian SETIAN, from page 14 Corner did not begin speaking English as a child. In our home Armenian was the only language spoken between children and parents. And this practice continued throughout my life. I by Christine Vartanian Datian Never spoke English with either my father or my mother. I began to learn English only after entering public school when our family relocated to California. (There were no regu- lar Armenian schools anywhere in the USA at that time.) So I attended free American schools where all the instruction was con- ducted in English. But I always loved to Persimmon Walnut Raisin Cookies speak Armenian. During my last year of study in senior high school in my hometown of Pasadena, California, all my American class- mates were applying for admission to various universities all over the country; but I had heard about a Collège Arménien (Nichan Palandjian Jemaran) in Beirut, Lebanon, where it was possible to enroll at that time (1959) as a boarding student. The Armenian Contributed by Relief Society (ARS) was offering special Mrs. Alice Vartanian scholarships to young American citizens to go to that institution to master the Armenian INGREDIENTS literary language and become immersed in 1 cup persimmon pulp (from 2-3 persimmons), skins Western Armenian culture. Well, I applied for removed, pureed that scholarship; I was accepted; and there- 1 cup granulated sugar after I spent two very intense years of study 1/2 cup shortening or unsalted butter, at room tem- at the Jemaran (the school which had been perature established by Levon Shant and Nikol Aghbalian decades before). 1 large egg, beaten Upon returning to the USA (1961), I con- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted tinued my independent readings in modern 1 teaspoon baking soda Armenian literature. But later I enrolled as 1 teaspoon vanilla an undergraduate student at UCLA 1 teaspoon cinnamon (University of California at Los Angeles), 1/2 teaspoon salt majoring in English, but also doing a minor 1/2 teaspoon orange or lemon zest in Armenian. (In those years Dr. Avedis 1/2 teaspoon each ground cloves, nutmeg and ginger Sanjian was my teacher, the chair holder in 1 cup coarsely chopped walnuts Armenian Language and Literature.) Then 1 cup raisins or chopped dates several years later I matriculated as a gradu- 1 cup dark chocolate chips ate student in Armenian Studies at Columbia University in New York City, eventually earn- Preparation ing an M.Phil. degree (Drs. Nina Garsoian Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease two baking sheets and set aside. and Krikor Maksoudian were my teachers.) In large bowl, cream the sugar and the shortening until fluffy. Add the egg and mix to combine. Add the flour, baking soda, vanilla, cinnamon, salt, zest, cloves, nutmeg, and ginger, and mix to combine. You have lectured all around the world: in Add the persimmon puree, nuts, raisins, and chocolate chips, if desired. North America, in the Middle East, in Drop by the rounded spoonful on baking sheet and bake until cookie top springs back when touched, for 12 to 14 minutes. Africa, and in Asia. Are there any peculiari- Remove cookies from oven and cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. ties that you can explain about teaching the same subjects to university students in dif- Note: This recipe can easily be doubled. Also, once cooled, dip half the cookie in melted dark or white chocolate and sprinkle with chopped nuts. Dried ferent cultures? cranberries, dried cherries, chopped pecans or almonds may be added to this recipe. Or use 2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice to replace the cinnamon, Indeed, there are differences! I have taught cloves, nutmeg and ginger for this recipe. Cookies may be glazed with orange or lemon glaze, if desired. English, linguistics, and American literature Yield: About 3 dozen cookies in numerous foreign countries: France, Lebanon, Syria, Egypt, Kuwait, Gabon, China, For health and nutritional information on persimmons, go to: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/persimmon-nutrition-benefits. For recipes, go and of course... Armenia! And the students to:http://www.californiagrown.org/blog/perfect-uses-for-persimmons/ everywhere are different — not only in their attitudes towards learning, but also in their varying degrees of initial knowledge of the English language. Arabs, for example, are very open and voluble in classroom situa- of English, nevertheless, teaching Armenian the differences are the most interesting! aged or pessimistic in this regard. Times are tions; they like to talk, to joke, and to pose language, literature, and history in Venice Some peoples are more open and hospitable changing; media are not what they used to questions. Chinese students are, on the other has been the most fulfilling job in my long than others. Some cultures encourage com- be. It is encouraging, however, to see that hand, reluctant to speak out in class, but they academic career. This course is unique in so petition more than others. Some societies younger writers and scholars are translating are very attentive and diligent in performing many ways. With 25 to 40 students every breed creativity and allow greater freedoms and publishing entire books from Armenian the tasks required of them. One thing that I summer from nearly a dozen countries, one- of all sorts to their citizens. The greater into English. This is a trend that I expect will can assert with no hesitation is that I have third of whom are non-Armenian, it is a plea- Family of Man is a wonderful mosaic. continue. enjoyed teaching everywhere that I have sure and a challenge to teach students from lived; and students have almost always been 18 to 80 years of age. It is like a mini-UN! And You have translated several Armenian If I am not mistaken, you were one of the kind and helpful toward me, the foreign I have made so many new friendships over poets into English, for example, Zahrad and first diasporan Armenians to purchase a teacher! the years, with both students and colleagues. Krikor Beledian. The Armenian community residence in Armenia, soon after the col- Indeed, I sometimes think that I have learned in the USA is quite large and scattered all lapse of the USSR. You continue to visit We met again in 2005 as colleagues at the more from my students than they perhaps over the country; and there are many Armenia regularly. And you lived in Yerevan Intensive Summer Course in Armenian have learned from me! American-Armenian writers who create lit- during those dark and difficult years at the Language and Culture in Venice, Italy. And erature. But there is no longer any perma- beginning of the third Armenian republic. since that time we have been teaching every On many different occasions you and I nent platform — that is, a journal — where Having lived in various countries, how August in this city built on the water. You have had the pleasure of meeting each other their work might be published. Raft disap- would you characterize living in Armenia as have been teaching Armenian language, lit- in Armenia, France, Italy, and the USA. peared long ago; and the Ararat quarterly compared to other places? erature, and history in this annual program And I have always been delighted with your (which was the oldest and most respected for nearly a quarter of a century. How extensive knowledge of different countries publication of its kind in English) has also I purchased that apartment in Yerevan as a would you characterize your experiences and cultures. You seem to have been able to ceased to appear, even in its Internet ver- sort of personal commitment to myself—to over the past 25 years? adapt to different life styles and adjust to sion. Don’t you think that our Armenian lit- affirm my ties to the land and its people. It is This teaching post has been, indubitably, new living conditions — no matter where erature needs to be translated and better an ineffable pleasure to stroll in the streets of the most gratifying pedagogical experience of your fate has taken you. represented for readers in the English- the capital and hear my maternal tongue spo- my life. Even though I have lived and traveled Yes, Artsvi, you are right. In many ways speaking world? ken all around me. Each time I arrive in in so many wonderful countries as a teacher human beings are the same everywhere. But Yes, I agree. But we must not be discour- Yerevan I feel like I am coming home. S ATURDAY, D ECEMBER 2 2 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 17 ARTS & LIVING CC AA LL EE NN DD AA RR

MASSACHUSETTSFLORIDA Armenian people and protecting the environment. Mezza and a Losh Kebab & Kheyma Dinner NEW JERSEY JANUARY 20-27, 2019 — Armenian Heritage Cruise $16/person. Ladies invited. For additional information OCTOBER 25, 2019 —SAVE THE DATE. Honoring Dr. XXII 2019. Western Caribbean Cruise aboard the Royal call the St James Church office at 617-923-8860 or call Taner Akçam. Abajian Hall St. Leon Armenian Caribbean’s Allure of the Sea. Traveling to Nassau, Hapet Berberian at 781-367-6598 Complex, Fair Lawn. Sponsored by Knights and Cozumel, Roaten, Costa Maya. Cabin Rates, starting from MARCH 2, 2019 — St. Stephen’s Armenian Elementary Daughters of Vartan, Under the Auspices of Primate Very $949/person based on double occupancy, including port School (SSAES) PTO will present its annual fundrais- Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan. charges and ACAA registration fee. Government rates of er. We hope you can join us in support of SSAES for an $137.45 are additional. Armenian entrainment, evening of food, drinks, art, music and fun! 7 to 11 p.m., Armenian cultural presentations, Armenian Festival Day, Sanborn House, 15 High St., Winchester. SSAES is a NEW YORK Tavlou and Belote Tournaments and much more. Call 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. All donations are tax- SEPTEMBER 22 — January 13, 2019 – ARMENIA! at the Travel Group International at 1-561-447-08750 or 1-866- deductible. For additional information and sponsorship Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. Armenia! is 447-0750 ext. 108, contact person Janie. please e-mail: [email protected]. Note: This event is 21+. the “first major exhibition to explore the importance of APRIL 25, 2019 — Holy Trinity Armenian Church of Armenians and their remarkable achievements in a glob- Greater Boston Presents The Dr. Michael and MASSACHUSETTS al context…” https://www.metmuseum.org/exhibi- Joyce Kolligian Distinguished Speaker Series: tions/listings/2018/armenia JANUARY 7, 2019 — St. James Men’s Club Dinner Anthony Ray Hinton, Author of The Sun Does Shine: Meeting - social hour and mezza at 6:15 PM and din- How I Found Life and Freedom on Death Row, ner at 7:00 PM, St James Armenian Church Charles “Surviving Criminal Justice in America.” Charles and Mosesian Cultural and Youth Center - Keljik Hall, 465 Mt. Nevart Talanian Cultural Hall, 145 Brattle Street, Calendar items are free. Entries should not Auburn Street, Watertown, MA. The speaker will be Cambridge MA 02138. Reception and book signing to be longer than 5 lines. Listings should Jeanmarie Papelian, Executive Director of the Armenian follow talk. Open and free to the public. For further include contact information. Items will be Tree Project. She will present ATP’s strategy to use trees information, contact the Holy Trinity Church office, edited to fit the space, if need be. A photo to transform a village in Armenia. ATP is working to help 617.354.0632, email [email protected], or log onto create an Armenia that is clean and green, with a respect www.htaac.org/calendar/event/622/. may be sent with the listing no later than for people and planet. ATP is proud to stand out as the SEPTEMBER 18, 2019 – SAVE THE DATE! Mondays at noon. only non-profit organization dedicated to using trees as a InterContinental Hotel, Boston. Extraordinary Benefit means of improving the standard of living for the for Armenian Heritage Park’s Endowed Fund for Care.

Folk Traditions of Yore for the New Year

New Book Bloodied, But Unbowed are symbolic too, because bread being a prod- By Lucy Joulfayan- uct of wheat which symbolizes prosperity, con- Tells a Personal Story of Survival Yeghyayan tinuation, regeneration and life, had to be included, the dried nuts and fruits are the har- LOS ANGELES — A new book by Alice Nazarian, Bloodied, But Unbowed: A vest of nature, and by including them nature Memoir of the Ashur & Arshaluys Yousuf Family, has just been released by Nineveh The articulate Armenian ancestors have was being honored, as for the honey, it was Press. weaved folded layers of unique folk traditions meant to bring sweetness to the mouth of the In this memoir, author Alice Nazarian tells the story of her parents and family in the and colorful mythology dating older than many family members, meaning, be nice and positive shadow of the Armenian/Assyrian Genocide. Her father, Ashur Yousuf, a prominent of the gods in prehistory let aside many of the towards each other, specifically the “daughters- Assyrian intellectual and professor at Euphrates College in Kharpert, Turkey, became a modern nations!!! in-law” would be nicer while addressing the victim of the Genocide in 1915. Her mother, Arshaluys Yousuf, heroically struggled on Fortunately, “rituals” filled their lives. And, “older” in-laws… and thus was the Dari Hats. after her husband’s death, raising their six children while helping educate countless what was considered a religious ritual, at the A young girl under her 8th spring (a symbol young children in orphanages and schools in the Middle East. time, we now consider a rich mythological ele- of purity), would knead a piece of dough with The memoir comprises a narrative of the turbulent life of Arshaluys and a section devot- ment in our surviving cultural heritage. wheat flour, while the relatives sang and said ed to writings by and about Ashur Yousuf. This English translation, while faithful to the The ancient Armenian calendar recognized prayers to the lord, this bread was prepared original Armenian, contains the Navasart as the start of the New Year, without milk or butter, then shaped in a way some new material and an Navasart happened in August, and it lasted for that some Khoriz filling would conceal the ran- updated genealogy of the 10 days. It was based on the ancient Armenian domly placed coin(s) in it, and before baking it, descendants of Ashur and Lunar calendar, and when “Amanor” the deity some honey, walnut, raisins and other fruits Arshaluys Yousuf. of festivals/festivities was combined to our New would decorate its surface. Traditionally, this Alice Nazarian was the Years’ tradition, a unique, prehistoric set of cul- Dari Hats would be brought to the table right fifth child of Ashur and tural traditions started... and continued, even after dinner and before the games started, at Arshaluys Yousuf. In addition after our nation adopted its new God, new cal- the New Year’s gathering, or on the next morn- to this memoir, she wrote endar with the 365 days including the lapse ing when the family gathers for breakfast, this numerous articles, poems, year, and the New Year’s Eve became December gathering is symbolic too. Starting with the and lectures. She was well- 31, New Year’s Day January 1. And, here we are elder (recognizing the hierarchy was a sacred known in Aleppo, Syria, as an still practicing many of our beautiful, ethnic cul- tradition in our patriarchal society), the family educator and director of tural traditions. For example: Dari Hats is one members would cut a piece by hand, knives and plays. Having lived most of of the names given to the special Gata like other sharp instruments were avoided as they her life in Aleppo, she immi- bread prepared especially for this occasion. On symbolized cutting, breaking and dividing a grated to the United States in December 31, we wish well to everyone, we “whole.” Whoever found a coin in their piece of 1967. She died in Los pray for a fresh start and we hope for success the Dari Hats would be considered the lucky Angeles in 1976. and prosperity in the New Year, we wish it for person of the New Year. This person was sup- Ishkhan Jinbashian is a liter- ourselves and our loved ones, and in order to posed to keep the coin in his purse, because ary translator. His works materialize the New Year related wishes and they believed that it would bring “Good Omen” include translations of novels, hopes, a little drama, a symbolic ritual, was cre- to the person bearing it! poetry, and memoirs by Hagop ated, which the majority of us call Dari Hats Pari Dari, Pari Dari Hats, Pari Hats, Pari Nor Oshagan, Shahan Shahnur, and its making, the specific elements involved Dari Zareh Vorbuni, Yeghishe Charents, Mikayel Shamtanchian, Armen Anush, and Aram Sahakian. Jinbashian lives in Los Angeles. Nineveh Press publishes new books and reprints old and rare books and periodi- Bloodied, But Unbowed: A Memoir of the Ashur and cals concerning Assyrian lan- Arshaluys Yousuf Family AUTHOR: Alice Nazarian | guage, literature, history and TRANSLATED BY: Ishkhan Jinbashian. PUBLISHED culture. BY: Nineveh Press. PRINTED BY: Lulu, Morrisville, The books can be pur- NC, USA 2018. 5.5 x 8.5 in (14 x 21.6 cm), 426 pages chased from: www.nineveh- PUBLICATION DATE: November 2018 | ISBN: 978-91- press.com 984101-9-8. PRICE: $19.99 Taking part in the Navasart celebrations 18 S ATURDAY, D ECEMBER 2 2 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR

COMMENTARY Mirror Is Kocharyan the Bellwether of Spectator Armenian-Russian Relations? Aliyev that “Vladimir Putin sends his warm regards. He values By Edmond Y. Azadian your personal relationship, which helps to boost our strategic partnership, very highly.” Ms. Zakharova added insult to injury when she was asked EstablishedEstablished 1932 1932 While Armenians are carried away with euphoria following about Putin’s reluctance to issue a congratulatory message and An ADLAn Publication ADL Publication the peaceful December 9 elections, which placed the victory of retorted, “That looks like a woman asking a man, ‘do you love the Velvet Revolution on legislative tracks, it seems a potential me?’” crisis is brewing in Armenian-Russian relations. While Moscow is maintaining a deafening silence, it should be When Armenia’s second president, Robert Kocharyan, was noted that all of Armenia’s so-called strategic allies at the first incarcerated in July then released by court order, he had Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) and CSTO have adopted the EDITOR Alin K. Gregorian received a congratulatory message from Russia’s President same stance. While CSTO is supposed to serve as a counter- Vladimir Putin. The Russian president had demonstrably sig- weight to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), its ASSISTANT EDITOR naled that Kocharyan’s well-being mattered to him. It looks like members, unlike NATO members, are at each other’s throats or Aram Arkun the signal was not missed by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan disagree on all issues except when they decide to oppose camp, which chose the same venue to send a message to Russia Armenia, all in unison. ART DIRECTOR Marc Mgrditchian that Kocharyan’s case was a domestic issue and that Armenia, While President Putin seems visibly disturbed and has decid- as a sovereign country, would not bargain away its independent ed to observe total silence, another villain is in action — Belarus judiciary with any power. Thus, Kocharyan was put in jail once President Alexander Lukashenko. again, two days before the parliamentary elections took place It seems that this Cold War relic has assumed the role of this month. attack dog for the alliance and thus far, his attacks are directed SENIOR EDITORIAL COLUMNIST: Some people interpreted the action as a measure to induce at Armenia. Incidentally, Belarus and Kazakhstan are Armenia’s Edmond Y. Azadian fear before the elections, while others connected it to souring official strategic allies, but they have unabashedly promoted Armenian-Russian relations. Yet others thought Kocharyan Azerbaijan’s interests within the alliance and the region. CONTRIBUTORS: deserved what he got as the culprit who ordered the shooting When the alliance held one of rotational sessions in Yerevan, Florence Avakian, Dr. Haroutiun deaths of protestors on March 1, 2008, following the presiden- President Nursultan Nazarbayev did not even bother to attend. Arzoumanian, Philippe Raffi Kalfayan, tial election which brought Serzh Sargsyan to power. Lukashenko is lobbying angry accusations and vulgar taunts at Philip Ketchian, Kevork Keushkerian, Pashinyan and his team are not naïve; they knew what they Pashinyan: “We are not the ones who created the scandal in the Harut Sassounian, Hagop Vartivarian, were doing and they had already calculated the repercussions. election of the secretary of CSTO. If Nikol Pashinyan were a wise Naomi Zeytoonian The evidence of their awareness was the leaks of phone conver- person, we would resolve this question in a quick manner.” CORRESPONDENTS: sations between the security authorities and Pashinyan about On the other hand, he announced unilaterally that the issue Armenia - Hagop Avedikian another case which repre- of the election of the secre- Boston - Nancy Kalajian sents a different dimension tary general has been Los Angeles - Taleen Babayan affecting Armenian- resolved at the session held in Berlin - Muriel Mirak-Weissbach Russian relations, that of St. Petersburg. Stanislav Zas, the Belarus candidate, was to Contributing Photographers: Yuri Khachaturov. Jirair Hovsepian Khachaturov was the succeed Khachaturov as sec- secretary general of the retary. Pashinyan publicly Collective Security Treaty refuted this statement Organization (CSTO), and because decisions within the The Armenian Mirror-Spectator is published his term extended through alliance are reached through weekly, except two weeks in July and the first 2022. He was charged on unanimous consensus and week of the year, by: November 2 with “over- Armenia has not lent its sup- Baikar Association, Inc. throwing Armenia’s consti- port to that alleged election. 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 tutional order” during the Lukashenko’s verbosity has Telephone: 617-924-4420 same March 1, 2008 extended to a variety of FAX: 617-924-2887 response to protestors. issues, away from www.mirrorspectator.com The officials have Kocharyan’s incarceration E-Mail: [email protected] expressed their apprehen- and Khachaturov plight. He For advertising: [email protected] sion that sacking has touched upon the Khachaturov may ruffle weapons system called some feathers in Moscow Polonez Multiple Launch but they are being ordered Rocket System, sold by to carry through the oper- Lukashenko’s government to ation. And indeed, the Azerbaijan, and from there he SUBSCRIPTION RATES : reaction was harsh; has taken another leap into Armenia was blamed for an easy solution for the hurting the prestige of Karabakh conflict. He has U.S.A. $80 a year CSTO. But that was also a blamed Armenia for refusing self-inflicted wound a “generous” offer that he Canada $125 a year because the secretary of had made in 2016 in Yerevan, Other Countries $190 a year CSTO has a vantage point of observing and reviewing all the mil- by asking Armenia to cede 5 regions to Azerbaijan, without any itary operations in that alliance. counter action, only assuring that Belarus and Russia could If the consequences of the action were indeed evaluated, the introduce peacekeeping forces to prevent Azerbaijan from tak- net gain for the country has yet to be divulged. ing over the rest of Karabakh. After observing his erratic politi- © 2014 The Armenian Mirror-Spectator The chorus of robotic and supine media is applauding this cal conduct, the last thing Armenia should do is to give credence Periodical Class Postage Paid at Boston, MA move as a courageous demonstration of the country’s indepen- to Lukasheno’s assurances. and additional mailing offices. dence. The mood is somber in Armenia. Commentators are worried ISSN 0004-234X Pashinyan is riding high on a wave of popularity. People are about where this standoff may lead. For better or worse, a his- enjoying all the freedoms that he has promised through the toric fact has been established that it is in the interest of Russia Velvet Revolution. But any group or any media outlet which to guarantee the existence and the security of Armenia. Of POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The inflates his sense of infallibility will not be doing a favor to course, there are other voices that advocate leaning towards the Armenian Mirror-Spectator, 755 Mount Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472 Pashinyan nor to Armenia. West or even joining NATO, oblivious of the Georgian experi- ence and the fact that Turkey is a powerful player in NATO. Other than the editorial, views and opinions Today Armenia is in a standoff with Russia. Following the expressed in this newspaper do not necessarily December 9 elections, the US State Department and the lead- Turkey has occupied 30 percent of Cyprus since 1974 without reflect the policies of the publisher. ers of Europe all congratulated Pashinyan for his landslide vic- repercussions. Recently, it grabbed some land from Syria and tory and there is unanimous approval for the democratic stan- just three weeks ago, a Turkish general threatened to destroy dards exercised during those elections. President Putin, who another ally, Greece, in four hours and NATO has yet to speak congratulated Serzh Sargsyan in 2017, the very next morning against the comment. after the election, has kept silent thus far. This silence resonates One of those pundits, who writes under the pen name Sarkis Copying for other than personal use or louder than any message that the Kremlin is not pleased with Arzruni (incidentally these people are called “grant eaters” in internal reference is prohibited without the results of the election, nor does it approve of the direction Armenia), has advised that there is no need to panic. Rather express permission of the copyright of the policies that the Pashinyan government is pursuing. than waiting and wailing about why Putin has not extended his owner. Address requests for reprints or After a week of silence, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson congratulations, let us take comfort in the fact and jump ship. back issues to: Maria Zakharova made a curt statement that Russia was “dis- Now that Armenia has resolved one of its major domestic posed to constructive dialogue” with Armenia, without any con- problems, a new, very serious foreign policy complication has Baikar Association, Inc. gratulatory message, while Sergey Lavrov, the Russian Foreign popped up which may undermine our hopes and Armenia’s 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472- Minister, on a state visit to Baku informed Azeri President Ilham drive to security and prosperity. 1509 S ATURDAY, D ECEMBER 2 2 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 19 COMMENTARY

ernment’s position. or anyone else! Back in September of 2018 when Turkish President Recep Furthermore, on an issue so vital to all Armenians world- Tayyip Erdogan was visiting Baku, he repeated once again his wide, no Armenian official should make a unilateral decision preconditions for establishing relations with Armenia: “We on matters that relate to Turkey. This is the major mistake want good relations with our neighbors but solving the that was committed by President Serzh Sargsyan and it is My Turn Karabakh problem is the absolute precondition for Turkey to hoped that the Pashinyan government will not repeat the improve ties with Armenia.” Erdogan also mentioned his same mistake, at a time when Armenia’s new leaders are By Harut Sassounian opposition to Armenia’s pursuit of the international recogni- encouraging the integration of Diaspora Armenians in home- tion of the Armenian Genocide. On December 11, 2018, an land affairs. Erdogan spokesman repeated the Turkish preconditions once Meanwhile, Azerbaijan continues to pressure Turkey not to Turkish Preconditions Should be again in response to Pashinyan’s suggestion. open its border with Armenia until the Artsakh conflict is Countered By Armenian It is ironic that instead of Armenia putting preconditions on resolved in Baku’s favor. Consequently, Presidents Ilham Turkey before agreeing to establish diplomatic relations, Aliyev of Azerbaijan and Erdogan of Turkey, by their intran- Preconditions Turkey is the one demanding that Armenia comply with its sigence, ironically are the ones preventing Armenia from preconditions. One would think that Armenians as victims of reaching an agreement detrimental to its own interests. Armenia’s Acting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan Turkish barbaric mass killings would be demanding that On a related matter, the Turkish Anadolu News Agency announced last week that his government is ready to estab- before establishing relations, Turkey acknowledge the falsely reported that during a meeting with Turkish journal- lish diplomatic relations with Turkey, however, without any Armenian Genocide and make adequate restitution for the ists, the Acting Foreign Minister of Armenia Zohrab preconditions. enormous human and material losses! Such preconditions on Mnatsakanyan had referred to the Armenian Genocide as This announcement came as a surprise to most Armenians Turkey are a trump card in the hands of Armenians which “unpleasant events.” who were hoping that Pashinyan will not repeat the mistake they should use as a bargaining chip. Unfortunately, several Armenian media members repro- of former President Serzh Sargsyan who advocated for 10 In my opinion, Armenia’s repeated begging of Turkey to duced the Turkish distortion of the Armenian Acting Foreign years the ratification of the Armenia-Turkey Protocols which establish diplomatic relations and open its border is embar- Minister’s words. Some even criticized him believing that he were intended to establish diplomatic relations between the rassing and reveals the Armenian side’s weakness. had in fact characterized the Armenian Genocide as “unpleas- two countries and open their mutual border. However, the Furthermore, Turkey would be the one benefitting from ant events.” Protocols included a number of unrelated issues such as the opening its border with Armenia, inundating the country The spokeswoman of Armenia’s Foreign Ministry, Anna establishment of a historic commission to study the Armenian with cheap Turkish products. As it is, Armenian markets are Naghdalyan, set the record straight by stating that the Acting Genocide. The Turkish government, under pressure from full of Turkish products imported via Georgia to the detri- Foreign Minister had not said such a thing and that the Azerbaijan, demanded that Armenia first make territorial con- ment of small scale Armenian manufacturers. The opening of Anadolu News Agency had misrepresented Mnatsakanyan’s cessions on the Artsakh conflict before ratifying the the border with Turkey would be the death knell for many words. The spokeswoman told Hay Dzayn news that Anadolu Protocols. President Serzh Sargsyan was forced to reject this Armenian businesses. had already apologized and corrected its error. precondition and annulled the Protocols earlier this year. One reason frequently mentioned by Armenia’s officials for This is yet another lesson to Armenians who give inter- The proposed Protocols had created a major dispute offering to establish relations with Turkey and open the mutu- views to the Turkish media, expecting their statements to be between the previous Armenian government and most al border is the hope that such a gesture would make accurately reported. Having followed the Turkish media for Armenians worldwide. After coming to power in May of this Armenia look good in the eyes of the world and make Turkey decades, I can state that those who agree to be interviewed year, Pashinyan repeatedly announced that he would focus on look unfriendly and hostile by rejecting the Armenian offer. by a Turkish journalist should be warned that their words resolving Armenia’s internal problems such as bribery and Turkish leaders, however, never care what the world thinks would be distorted. Once an altered interview is published, it corruption, and would not change the country’s foreign poli- of them. They act in the best interests of their country regard- is too late to complain by claiming that that’s not what they cy. Hence Pashinyan’s recent announcement that Armenia is less of the opinions or criticisms of others. Likewise, had said. The best way to ensure that an Armenian’s com- ready to establish diplomatic relations with Turkey without Armenia’s leaders should defend the interests of their coun- ments are not distorted is not to give an interview to the preconditions is simply the continuation of the previous gov- try without trying to appease Russia, France, United States Turkish media!

that her great-grandmother was a survivor of the Armenian Genocide. As the film unfolds, it becomes clear that Maya embod- ies the conflict. Her turbulent, mixed emotions represent oppo- Turkey’s The Other site poles of the debate in Turkey regarding the crime: one that suffers and the other that denies. She goes to Armenia to par- ticipate in the 100th year commemoration of the genocide and to explore her conflicted identity. Aside from being a universal Crimes in story involving identity and conflict, and the film explores how Side of the genocide’s effects ripple down the generations for both Armenians and Turks. Historically, Hizmet participants would either support the Turkish state’s narrative of denial or stay quiet about the topic. Afrin Discussing the issue publicly was taboo. But Erdogan’s brutal witch-hunt against the movement in Turkey has led many par- Home ticipants to question state narratives on various issues, including QAMISHLE, Syria — Turkey’s President Erdogan was furi- the Armenian Genocide. A growing number of participants now ous when the US announced the creation of a Border fully recognize that the crime did actually happen. Many are even Security Force made up of 40,000 Syrian Kurdish fighters courageous enough to say so out loud in public. (YPG) to patrol the By Ismail Akbulut Back to the film screening… Turkish-Syrian border and guard against the Special to the Mirror-Spectator More than 80 people, including many Turkish-Americans, By David L. Phillips packed the film screening at the Multicultural Mosaic Foundation. Islamic State (ISIS). In One could observe in the audience many surprised faces and a fit of pique, he vowed N A TWEET fired off earlier this month, Turkish soci- expressions. Other even teared up as the film moved them. to attack Afrin, an oasis of tranquility in northwestern Syria, ologist Yahya Mustafa Keskin from Abant Izzet Baysal Mkrtchyan herself was also in the audience and stayed for a and then pivot east to create a security belt along Turkey’s University took aim at journalist Hayko Bagdat — who Q&A following the screening. The noted filmmaker was nervous border with Syria as far as Iraq. Erdogan was true to his word. has Armenian roots — by mockingly referring to him as at first about showing such a film to an audience with many On January 20, 2018, Turkish war planes started their the “remains of the sword.” This might seem cryptic for Turkish-Americans, but was welcomed on stage with immense bombardment of Afrin, launching an ethnic cleansing cam- the average English speaker, but Keskin was insulting applause. She acknowledged that despite many screenings of the paign aimed at expelling Kurds from their homes and replac- Bagdat’s family as the lucky ones who managed to sur- film across many countries, this was the first time it’s been ing them with Arab refugees in Turkey. Turkish armed forces vive the 1915 Armenian Genocide carried out by the shown to an audience with so many Turks. Many questions were were joined by the Free Syrian Army (FSA), a jihadist militia I Ottoman Turks. Keskin then drove his point home by with Al-Qaeda and Al-Nusra affiliations. Attacks intensified directed to Mkrtchyan about her feelings when she landed in saying that Turks have never committed any genocides. Turkey and how she was treated there. over 58 days killing hundreds of civilians — Kurds, Christians Author Jason Stanley argues in his recent book How Fascism She said she was puzzled and uncertain when she arrived and Yezidis — and displacing more than 300,000 people. Works that fascist regimes, especially ones with a history of atroc- there for the first time. She felt as if she had, “I am Armenian” I recently interviewed survivors of the Afrin operation ities, always emphasize a mythical narrative that portrays its own labelled on her forehead. She was especially surprised when who described a systematic campaign of state-sponsored ter- past as morally pure and free of tarnish. Today’s Turkey not only someone referred to her in Turkish as “yavrum,” or honey, the ror, aiming at ethnic cleansing and changing Afrin’s demog- denies its role in the Armenian Genocide, but is in the midst of car- same way her grandmother would call her. raphy. Afrin was an oasis of tranquility in Syria’s bloody civil rying out atrocities against its own citizens, according to many aca- One highlight of the evening was when a woman in the audi- war, until Turkey’s unprovoked attack. demics and politicians. Today’s victims are Turkey’s marginalized ence who identified herself as Turkish admitted that she recently Turkish forces and their jihadi proxies committed genocide and dissidents: liberals, leftists, Kurds and, most notably, participants discovered that her ancestors were Armenian. Her parents made crimes against humanity, as defined by the Geneva Convention of the Gulen Movement (GM), or Hizmet. her believe growing up that she was either Turkish and Kurdish. (August 12, 1949). It conducted indiscriminate bombing of civil- Members of Hizmet were once accepted as legitimate players The audience also noted that the film promoted understand- ian settlements, massacring members of an ethnic, denomination in Turkey’s complex body politic until the movement ran afoul of ing for the narratives and realities on both sides. It shows the lev- and belief group. It violated the Geneva Convention of January current Turkish President Erdogan, who now refers to them as els of denial on the Turkish side, borne out of ignorance, conve- 12, 1951, which makes collective punishment a crime (Article 1) terrorists. Hizmet members are publicly demonized, have their nience, or fear of retaliation by the Turkish government. On the and criminalizes violence against national, denominational and assets and wealth confiscated, and their passports revoked. Armenian side, the film illustrates the pain and trauma that religious communities (Article 2). Many have been and are tortured, abducted and even murdered. Armenians are still suffering through today as a nation. According to the Democratic Syrian Council (DSC), 157 While participants of the GM are enduring these heinous The heinous witch-hunt in Turkey against participants of the civilians were killed by Turkish forces and their jihadi affili- atrocities in Turkey, GM participants active at the Colorado- Gulen Movement are experiencing the pains of murder and ates, including 56 women and 46 children. Among the 448 based non-profit Multicultural Mosaic Foundation made a his- oppression first-hand. The film screening was simply a first step civilians injured are 104 women and 155 children. YPG tried torically meaningful and courageous gesture last month by in trying to heal very old wounds. It’s a symbolical gesture, state- to defend the people but were helpless against overwhelm- screening the film “The Other Side of Home.” ment, and opening by participants of Hizmet. ing air power, losing 525 fighters. More than 300,000 civil- Made by the award-winning filmmaker Naré Mkrtchyan, the There’s a lot more work to be done by members of the move- ians fled Afrin for Til Rifat and Shehba regions. movie center on a Turkish woman named Maya, who discovers ment and beyond. see TURKEY, page 20? 20 S ATURDAY, D ECEMBER 2 2 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR

education and women were required to wear a the groundwork for criminal prosecution either Turkey’s Crimes in Afrin veil. Yazidi people were forcibly Islamicized and in a domestic court or an international tribunal. required to attend religious services. Those who Official, semi-official and civic Truth resisted were beheaded. Yezidi women and chil- Commissions (TCs) could be established to doc- TURKEY, from page 19 injuring 12 (February 9). dren were subjected to harassment and rape. ument events. A TC would seek to establish the Persons I interviewed recounted the grue- Bombing Kaxire village of Mabata (March 2). During our meeting, people displaced by the facts and recognize the experience of victims. some carnage of elderly and disabled, killed One civilian died and 5 were injured. conflict broke into tears and pleaded to go The Self-Administration of North and East while struggling to depart the city. A mother Bombing the village of Berbene in Raco hit- home. They demanded justice. In fact, victims Syria or a well-respected NGO in the region, wept when remembering her daughter’s death. ting a convoy of civilians (March 5). Three civil- have a right to justice, according to the Geneva such as the Rojava Center for Strategic Studies, A surgeon described routine amputations of ians lost their lives and 9 civilians were injured. Conventions and principles of the Rome could take the lead. limbs mutilated by Turkish munitions. The DSC Eight civilians were wounded and three died Statute. They also have the right to “Truth,” a Afrin’s crimes can also be remembered confirms that the Turkish state has: from a mine explosion near Ferferiye village full accounting of Turkey’s crimes. through special projects that enshrine memory, •Targeted groups in violation of Article 7 of (March 6). The Rome Statute is clear on the matter of creating public dialogue and opening civic the 1998 Rome Statute, which established the Two civilians died and four were injured in a state responsibility. It affirms that, “It is the spaces. These could include photo exhibitions, International Criminal Court. mine explosion in Meydanke Beldesi (March 7) duty of every State to exercise its criminal juris- as well as theater, art, video, traveling exhibi- •Issued summary judgments leading to exe- A mine explosion in Gimrok, Babat province diction over those responsible for international tions, and Web-based platforms. A Genocide cution. killed 2 civilians (March 13). crimes.” Consistent with the principle of state Museum could assemble various materials •Committed torture and murder, booty and Near the village of Bediñe in the town of responsibility, the Government of Syria should telling the story of Afrin. plunder. Raco, 4 civilians were injured while a civilian investigate and prosecute Turkish perpetrators The perpetrators, including the Turkish state •Killed prisoners of war and mutilated bod- lost his life due to a mine explosion (March 13). and their jihadi proxies. and its terror proxies, should be identified and ies. War planes bombed Afrin city center, killing If Damascus is unwilling or unable, the inter- held accountable, including those with com- •Violated women’s rights, through kidnap- 8 civilians and injuring 18 civilians (March 14). national community could set-up a commission mand responsibility. Deterring Turkey’s future ping and abuse. War planes bombed Afrin city center, killing of inquiry to gather facts and recommend a aggression is also an urgent priority, given •Abducted children and took hostages. 6 civilians and injuring 5 people (March 15). criminal investigation. The commission’s work Erdogan’s threat to expand operations. James The attackers also burned books, documents, A convoy carrying civilians in Mehmudiyaki would address events over a specific period of Jeffrey, the US Special Envoy for Syria, recent- historical artifacts, and destroyed sacred places, neighborhood was attacked, killing 38 and time and geographic area. ly testified that it is “unacceptable” for Turkey such as the historic temple of Eyn Dara. They injuring 47 civilians (March 16). The United Nations Human Rights Council to attack US-allied Kurds in Syria. US Special destroyed the Yazidi Union Center, as well as A mine explosion killed 4 civilians in the vil- (UNHRC) is the best body to establish a com- Forces are establishing 5 posts along the water treatment and storage facilities. lage of Tirinde (March 18). mission of inquiry. If not the UNHRC, the Turkey-Syria border as a trip wire against Journalists and medical workers were targeted. The Afrin campaign served no strategic pur- Council of Europe (CoE) could take the lead. aggression. All these actions violate international human pose. Erdogan prosecuted Afrin because he The CoE initiative could support cases brought US engagement is critical. If the US does not rights and humanitarian law. believes that the YPG is a branch of the PKK, to the European Court of Human Rights with defend the Kurds, and ultimately create condi- Following are examples of crimes committed Kurdish militias who have fought the Turkish backing by a resolution of the European tions for their return to homes in Afrin, by Turkey and forces under its command state for decades, demanding greater political Parliament. Northern Syria will become a bloodbath for against civilians in Afrin over a 58-day period, and cultural rights. There were few if any YPG The UN Human Rights Commission codified which the US will share responsibility. beginning on January 20, 2018: in Afrin before Turkey’s attack. the right to truth in a 2005 resolution, which (David L. Phillips is Director of the Program Bombing a chicken farm in the village of Survivors testify that the campaign intended obligates the state authority to investigate on Peace-Building and Rights at Columbia Enabke (January 21). Eight family members lost to “Turkify” Afrin and change the region’s human rights violations, provide information University’s Institute for the Study of Human their lives. demography. In addition to forcibly displacing on official investigations, inform individuals of Rights. He served as a Senior Adviser and Bombing the village of Der Belut (January the people of Afrin from their homes, students the fate of missing or forcibly displaced rela- Foreign Affairs Expert at the State Department 23). Four civilians died and 5 were injured. were forced to carry a Turkish flag and the JFA tives, provide “mortal remains” of the victims, under Presidents Clinton, Bush, and Obama. Bombing Koble village in the Shrawa district forced children to appear in videos thanking and disclose the identity of violators. The mem- His recent book is titled – The Great Betrayal: (January 28). Eight civilians from the same fam- Erdogan. Kefer Cene District was completely ory and stories of victims must be recorded How American Abandoned the Kurds and Lost ily were killed and 7 were injured. Arabized through the settlement of gang mem- through accounts by witnesses, family, and the Middle East. This column originally Bombing the borough of Esrefiye in Afrin bers and 4,000 families. At least 300 families of other survivors.. Data on war crimes would lay appeared on the website Politurco.com) (January 31). One child died and 21 civilians, JFA members were relocated to the village of including women and children, were injured. Kefer Sefre. Others JFA members and their fam- FSA members under Turkish control dese- ilies were settled in the Ikbis and Moska vil- crated the dead body of Kurdish female fighter, lages, in the district of Shiye and Cindirese. Emîna Mustefa Umer (February 1). Plundering of private homes was widespread. Attacks on the borough of Basutté (February Street names were translated into Turkish and 9) killed one child and injured 9 civilians. Arabic. Civilians who remained in Afrin were Bombing a convoy of civilians, killing one and forced into madrasas offering radical religious

Turkish Police Raid Kurdish Opposition HQs, Arrest over 50 Women

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) — Turkish police on tors on the grounds party members and Monday, December 10, raided the local head- activists were “members of a terrorist organiza- quarters of the opposition People’s Democratic tion.” Party (HDP) in the Kurdish provinces of The raids that came in the evening hours saw Diyarbakir and Batman, arresting at least 53 the arrest of 26 in Diyarbakir and 27 in people, almost all of them women, who were on Batman, among the first group an 80-year-old a hunger strike in solidarity with political pris- woman, Kurdistan 24’s Turkish language ser- oners. vice wrote. Hundreds of police officers and armored vehi- A short video the HDP shared on the party’s cles surrounded the HDP’s local branches in official Twitter feed showed a tense standoff the two cities, before entering the buildings to between sitting women and police officers wait- carry detentions ordered by Turkish prosecu- ing for orders to detain them. The detentions are not the first in this recent wave of a now years-long crackdown as earlier Pashinyan Sends this month police took nine people from HDP’s branch in the Mediterranean city of Mersin into Condolences to custody. A jailed Kurdish lawmaker, Leyla Guven, Macron in Connection launched the hunger strike in prison more than four weeks ago, demanding the Turkish state With Strasbourg Attack ends its policy of isolation on Abdullah Ocalan, YEREVAN —Prime Minister Nikol the imprisoned founder of the Kurdistan Pashinyan sent a telegram of condo- Workers’ Party (PKK). lences to the President of the French Ocalan, who serves a life sentence on the Republic Emanuel Macron on the occa- Imrali island in Turkey’s inland sea of Marmara sion of the terrorist attack in Strasbourg. for nearly two decades now and still holds large The message reads:”With deep sorrow political leverage, has been held incommunica- I learned about the Strasbourg do since 2016, the last time a family member Christmas Market shooting, a terrorist visited him. The last time Turkish authorities act that hit France, causing casualties allowed him a meeting with his lawyers was in and injuries. 2011. “I express my deep and sincere condo- Guven, who was elected an MP for the lences to you, the French people and to Hakkari Province in June 2018 elections while the families of the victims, wishing in detention, was arrested almost a year ago at patience and patience. At this difficult the beginning of Turkey’s invasion of the Afrin time Armenia and the Armenian people region in Syrian Kurdistan due to her com- stand by friendly France.” ments to the media condemning the assault. The “terror-related” case against her is pending trial.