MARCH 10, 2012 MirTHE rARoMENr IAN -Spe ctator In Our 8 Volume LXXXII, NO. 35, Issue 4229 0th Y$e2a.r00 NEWS IN BRIEF The First English Language Armenian Weekly in the United States Since 1932 Serge Sargisian Meets Mediators again Visit Karabagh With EC President BRUSSELS, Belgium (Armenpress) — During his visit to Belgium, Armenian President Serge Sargisian met with president of the European Amid More Deadly Fighting Commission (EC) José Manuel Barroso. Afterwards, the two leaders summoned a joint press conference. On the first day of his visit to Brussels, Sargisian YEREVAN (RFE/RL) — met with President of the Belgian Senate Sabine de International mediators have Bethune and representatives of the Armenian orga - toured the Nagorno-Karabagh nizations in the country. conflict zone amid continuing Sargisian also visited NATO headquarters, where deadly skirmishes between he met with NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Armenian and Azerbaijani forces Rasmussen, after which he participated in the that left two Azerbaijani soldiers North-Atlantic Council and Armenia meeting. dead at the weekend. On March 7, Sargisian met with European The US, Russian and French Parliament Speaker Martin Schulz and diplomats co-chairing the Commissioner for Enlargement and Neighborhood Organization for Security and Policy Stefan Füle. Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Minsk Group held talks in Turkish FM Pays Visits Yerevan on Friday, proceeded to Karabagh on Saturday and were Istanbul Patriarchate due to arrive in Baku on Monday. Official sources in Armenia gave ISTANBUL (armradio.am) — Turkish Foreign few details of their meetings with Minister Ahmet Davutoglu paid courtesy visits to President Serge Sargisian and religious leaders here, including one to Armenian Foreign Minister Eduard Deputy Patriarch of Turkey Aram Ateshian. Nalbandian. In a statement, the Davutoglu said the reason for the visits was to fur - Armenian Foreign Ministry said they ther peace in the region. discussed ways of implementing Ateshian said that until the ruling Justice and understandings reached by President Serge Sargisian (right) meets with the US, French and Russian co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Development Party (AK Party) came to power in Armenia’s and Azerbaijan’s presi - Group in Yerevan. Turkey, no ministers or deputies in the country had dents at their last meeting hosted by visited the Patriarchate. their Russian counterpart Dmitry Medvedev in Sochi in late January. counter to the agreements reached at Sargisian and Azerbaijani President Ilham Group Calls for The statement quoted Nalbandian as Sochi.” It did not elaborate. Aliyev pledged to “accelerate the achieve - complaining about recent statements by In a joint statement with Medvedev ment of an agreement on the Basic Boycotting Eurovision Azerbaijani leaders which he said “run issued in the southern Russian city, Principles” of a Karabagh settlement put forward by the Minsk Group co-chairs. They BAKU (Armenpress) — Graham Watson, president said they also told the mediators to contin - of the European Liberal Democrat and Reform ue working with the conflicting parties on Party, has called on the organizers of Eurovision a mechanism for jointly investigating cease - 2012 Song Contest to boycott the contest, to be Schiff Presses Clinton on Armenian Genocide fire violations along the “line of contact” held here. He states: “Together we can announce to around Karabagh and the Armenian- the Azerbaijani government that by denying the Position during Congressional Hearing Azerbaijani border. fundamental rights of their own people, they can - not host the most authoritative cultural event of WASHINGTON — This week, Rep. Adam Secretary Clinton stated that the Armenian see MINSK, page 20 Europe.” Schiff (D-CA), the lead author of the Genocide was a matter of ‘historical According to Azadlig newspaper, a statement on Armenian Genocide Resolution, questioned debate.’ But there is no debate about the the website of the European Movement Secretary of State Hillary Clinton during a facts of the genocide and we urge the International presents the poor state of human hearing before the State, Foreign Secretary to speak plainly about the delib - Armenian Rep. to rights and fundamental freedoms in Azerbaijan. Operations and Related Programs erate mass murder of 1.5 million people,” “European Liberals stand up for human rights Subcommittee on her recent comments said Schiff. “I can’t begin to express how UN Calls Attention and civil freedoms. So, when the world is going to that characterized the Armenian Genocide much anguish has been caused in the celebrate that happy event in Azerbaijan, the liber - as a matter of “historical debate.” Before Armenian-American community and with To Misleading Azeri als and democrats call on Europe to remember the the hearing this week, Representatives human rights activists by the secretary’s atmosphere of fear existing in Azerbaijan,” the Schiff and Robert Dold (R-IL) also sent a comments, and I hope the president will Statements statement reads. letter to Clinton with 60 of their colleagues use the occasion of April 24 to set the asking her to disavow her “historical record straight.” YEREVAN (PanARMENIAN.Net) — The debate” remarks, which she made at a pub - “I will continue to work with colleagues office of the permanent representative of lic town hall meeting, and instead properly from both sides of the aisle to push the Nagorno Karabagh Republic to the United recognize the Armenian Genocide. United States government to recognize the States of America reported that Armenia’s INSI DE “In a town hall she recently held, see SCHIFF, page 20 ambassador to the United Nations (UN), Garen Nazarian, sent a letter on February 24 to the UN Secretary General, protesting the information put out by Azerbaijan Diradour regarding the massacre of civilians 20 years Monograph on Armenian-Turkish ago by Armenians. The letter reads as follows: Running Protocols Published “I regret to note that the representative of Azerbaijan has once again taken an ini - Story on page 8 NEW YORK — Diplomatic History: The Turkey-Armenia Protocols by David L. tiative of circulating misleading and decep - Phillips provides an insider’s account of negotiations resulting in the 2009 Protocol tive information related to the tragic events on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations and the Protocol on the Development of 1992 in the settlement of Khojalu. This of Bilateral Relations between the Republic of Turkey and the Republic of Armenia. delegation has on numerous occasions Published by Columbia University’s Institute for the Study of Human Rights and issued anti-Armenian propaganda and falsi - INDEX the Project on the Future of Diplomacy at Harvard’s Kennedy School, the mono - fications on behalf of Azerbaijani authori - Arts and Living ...... 12 graph is based on interviews with US and Swiss officials involved in the mediation, ties relating to those events. Armenia ...... 2,3 as well as envoys from Turkey and Armenia. It would be most relevant to recall the Community News...... 5 The monograph offers a detailed history of Turkish-Armenian rapprochement appeal of the international community, the Editorial ...... 16 beginning in 2001. It provides a blow-by-blow account of meetings mediated by European Court of Human Rights and International ...... 4 see PROTOCOLS, page 20 numerous human rights organizations, to see STATEMENTS, page 20

Benefit for the Armenian Mirror-Spectator Celebrating 80 Years and Beyond Thursday, May 24, 2012 2 S ATURDAY , M ARCH 10, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARMENIA News From Armenia Yerevan Hails Putin’s Victory National Gallery of In Russian Presidential Vote Armenia to Present Unique Exhibition of Book Art By Tigran Avetisian YEREVAN (Armenpress) — The National Gallery of Armenia will present an exhibition within the YEREVAN (RFE/RL) — Armenia’s framework of the 500th anniversary of Armenian leaders rushed to congratulate Russian book printing. Director of the National Gallery, Prime Minister Vladimir Putin Monday Paravon Mirzoyan, said in an interview that an on his victory in Russia’s weekend pres - original collection of book art will be exhibited in idential election, saying that it will give May. “It will be very large and interesting,” he said. a further boost to Yerevan’s “strategic Mirzoyan also noted that more than 500 exhibits partnership” with Moscow. are kept in the museum, but about 200 works will In a letter released by his press office, be exhibited. President Serge Sargisian said the offi - cial vote results demonstrated Russians’ strong support for Putin’s Vazgen Sargisian’s efforts to “modernize” their country and enhance its “role and influence in Father Receives Medal global processes.” Sargisian also YEREVAN (Panorama.am) — By Defense Minister praised his “invaluable personal contri - Seyran Ohanian’s decree, Zaven Sargisian, the bution” to the strengthening of father of National Hero of the Republic of Armenia, Russian-Armenian ties. President Vladimir Putin Republic of Artsakh Hero Vazgen Sargisian, was “I am confident that further devel - awarded the Defense Ministry’s Vazgen Sargisian opment of our bilateral strategic part - Medal, both for raising a patriotic son as well as for nership will also help to reinforce Putin’s election can serve as a new in four people in Armenia approve of his contributions to the army. peace, security and stability in the impetus to Russian-Armenian political, the current Russian leadership’s track Fittingly, the younger Sargisian would have Caucasus and allow us to not only economic, cultural and other relations,” record. Only 7 percent of Armenians turned 53 last week on the day of the awarding cer- implement long-term economic pro - HHK spokesman Eduard Sharmazanov were critical of the Kremlin. emony. Top military officers from Armenia’s armed jects … but also identify new oppor - said. The Armenian president and prime forces, led by Ohanian, visited Yerablur Pantheon tunities for inter-state cooperation,” Also congratulating Putin was Gagik minister mostly recently met Putin dur - to commemorate the birthday of the late hero. he wrote. Sargisian went on to invite the Russian leader to pay a state visit Tsarukian, the leader of the Prosperous ing separate trips to Moscow last to Armenia this year. Armenia Party (BHK), a junior partner October. Armavia Resumes Flights In a separate congratulatory mes - in the country’s governing coalition. The powerful Russian premier has sage, Prime Minister Tigran Sargisian Like the HHK, the BHK maintains close singled out economic issues in his pub - YEREVAN (PanArmenian.net) — Armavia has said Putin regained the Russian presi - ties with the ruling United Russia lic comments on Russian-Armenian ties resumed flights. According to Armenia dency in an “open and fair contest.” “I Party. made in the last few years. In November International Airports CJSC, Armavia reached an am confident that the existing strategic Tigran Sargisian openly backed the 2010, for example, he thanked Serzh agreement with the Federal Russian Air Transport partnership of our states will receive Russian prime minister’s return to the Sargisian for creating “necessary condi - Agency (Rosaviatsia) regarding the company’s new impetus,” he said. Kremlin last month. “That is also in tions” for Russian firms doing business debts. The ruling Republican Party of Armenia’s interests,” he said. in Armenia. Putin also emphasized the On Tuesday, March 6, Armenia’s Civil Aviation Armenia (HHK) likewise said the The results of a global opinion poll fact that Russia allocated a $500 mil - Department hosted a meeting between representa- Russian election outcome win will released by Gallup last summer suggest lion anti-crisis loan Yerevan in 2009 and tives of Armenia International Airports CJSC and ensure “continuity” in relations that most Armenians would subscribe remains Armenia’s leading foreign Armavia. A decision was made to hold another between the two countries. “Vladimir to this view. According to the poll, three investor. meeting next meeting. “Hopefully, both passengers of Armavia and other airline companies will be serviced properly,” Armenia International Airports CJSC message says. New Armenian Opposition Bloc Forming

Yerevan to Have Small YEREVAN (RFE/RL) — Opposition Democrats for the May 6 parliamentary however. “There is no decision yet,” the Farmers’ Market Stalls leader Raffi Hovannisian appeared to elections. The board meeting on the US-born politician told journalists. have moved closer on Friday to forming issue is scheduled for March 18. Zurabian and other leading members YEREVAN (Hetq) — Yerevan Mayor Taron an electoral alliance with a new opposi - “We welcome our prospective coop - of the new opposition party split from Margaryan this week directed his staff to formulate tion party led by former prominent eration with the Free Democrats party the HAK last year. Among them is a plan to organize a number of small farmers’ mar- member of the Armenian National and hope … that it will have a long-term Alexander Arzumanian, a former for - kets within Yerevan. Congress (HAK). continuation,” Hovannisian said in a eign minister who managed HAK leader The few that exist today do not meet the demand Hovannisian’s Zharangutyun speech at the congress. Levon Ter-Petrosian’s 2008 presidential for fresh produce at competitive prices, he said. (Heritage) party and the Free Free Democrats leaders attending election campaign. Last year, a farmer’s market was set up at the inter- Democrats party have negotiated on the gathering implied that the alliance In his speech, Hovannisian also section of Khandjyan and Komitas Streets and the possibility of such a bloc in recent with Zharangutyun is a done deal. stressed the importance of appeared to have been a success. weeks. Hovannisian said last month “That cooperation already exists and Zharangutyun’s cooperation with the that Zharangutyun will announce a very soon everyone will probably be Armenian Revolutionary Federation final decision at its congress on March informed that the alliance of (Dashnaktsutyun), the other opposition Court Overrules Decision 2. Zharangutyun and Free Democrats is party represented in the outgoing par - To Drop Charges in The congress made no such going to be formed. Everything else is liament. He said his party would also announcement, however, leaving it to just technical issues,” one of them, seek “common ground” with Ter- Toddler’s Death the party’s governing board to decide Ararat Zurabian, said. Petrosian’s HAK in the run-up to the whether to team up with Free Hovannisian sounded more cautious, elections. YEREVAN (Hetq) — On March 2, Aram Hovsepian, a presiding judge at the Armavir Regional Court, overturned the dropping of criminal charges against a hospital where toddler had died on New Year’s day, after reviewing the petition of the boy’s parents. In it decision, the court found that the prosecu- tor’s arguments for dropping the criminal charges were insufficient given the seriousness of the crime. Artashes Setrakyan, 3, was rushed to the Armavir Medical Center on January 1, 2011, where he was diagnosed with acute laryngotracheitis and was transferred to the Surb Astvatzamayr in Yerevan the next day. After four days in a coma, Setrakyan died at the hospital. The parents accused the hospital of malpractice. Initially, the prosecutor’s office had dropped the charges.

Raffi Hovannisian, center, with political allies S ATURDAY , M ARCH 10, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 3 ARMENIA ‘Thinking about Thinking’ Lecture Series at AUA

YEREVAN — On Friday, February 24, lecture. American University of Armenia (AUA)and Machover has been called “America’s most Luys Foundation inaugurated a new lecture wired composer” by the Los Angeles Times series called “Thinking about Thinking.” This and is celebrated for his boundary- series invites speakers who are world leaders breaking compositions as well as for inventing in the sciences, humanities, arts, engineering, new technologies in music industry. As a media, business or social entrepreneurship to founding member of the MIT Media come together with young people, Laboratory in Cambridge, Mass., he has pio - researchers and professionals in Armenia neered the development of hyperinstruments, who welcome thinking differently, unconven - which use technology to extend the expres - tionally and looking at things from new per - sive range of traditional instruments and spectives. The intent of the lecture series is to make active music-making accessible to all, expose students to cutting-edge ideas in from musicians such as Yo-Yo Ma and Prince research, development and scholarship that to children and players of the computer game are changing the face of the world today. Guitar Hero, which grew out of his laborato - The first lecture in this series was present - ry. ed by Prof. Tod Machover, composer and Machover is also renowned for his innova - inventor at the Massachusetts Institute of tive operas, including the “Brain Opera” and Technology’s Media Laboratory, and was the recent “robotic” “Death and the Powers,” titled “Opera of the Future.” During the lec - which premiered last year at the Monte Carlo ture, Machover described how barriers to Opera (under the patronage of Prince Albert musical expression are being overcome II) and is currently on world tour. through new tools and technologies, from Machover spent the day after this inaugur - animated operas to virtuosity simulators like al lecture working with a group of Armenian Guitar Hero, to medical devices that use students, aged 10 through 12, who have used music for rehabilitation and general well his software to compose both symphonic and being. Machover also explained how a new rock music. On Saturday, February 25, they “musical ecology” is developing which links practiced during the day with the Armenian people across generations, geography and Philharmonic Orchestra, who then performed “genius” levels to provide more deeply inte - a concert of the childrens’ music that evening grated and satisfying experiences for individ - at the Philharmonic’s Khachaturyan Hall, in a uals and societies. Tod Machover separate event sponsored by Luys A question-and-answer session followed the Foundation.

Phillips Chides Ankara, Washington over Failed Turkey-Armenia Deal

NEW YORK (RFE/RL) — The United States process as well as events leading up to its effec - be ratified unless Azerbaijan’s sovereignty was Sargisian of helping Turkey thwart genocide deserves its share of the blame for the failure of tive launch by Switzerland in late 2007, several restored.” Erdogan could have ignored the vehe - recognition. recent years’ efforts to normalize Armenia’s rela - months before Serge Sargisian took over as ment Azerbaijani protests had he been “truly “The timing of the announcement galvanized tions with Turkey, according to a renowned US Armenia’s president. Its author coordinated the committed” to the Turkish-Armenian normaliza - opposition among a broad cross-section of scholar who has been actively involved in Turkish- work of the Turkish-Armenian Reconciliation tion, says Phillips. Armenian society, which believed that the Armenian dialogue in the past. Commission (TARC), a US-sponsored panel of Turkish officials have claimed all along that the Protocols would be manipulated by Ankara to In an extensive monograph released by New retired diplomats and other public figures, in protocols make indirect and implicit references to undermine Genocide recognition,” argues York’s Columbia University on Friday, David 2001-2004. Karabagh. An unnamed Turkish Foreign Ministry Phillips. He also faults Yerevan for agreeing to dis - Phillips says that the administration of US The Swiss mediation, fully backed and facilitat - official interviewed by Phillips is quoted in the close the Turkish-Armenian protocols only four President Barack Obama did not do enough to stop ed by Washington, culminated in the high-profile monograph as saying that there was a “gentle - months after they were secretly finalized in April the Turkish government linking parliamentary rati - signing in Zurich in October 2009 of the two pro - man’s agreement” between Ankara and Yerevan 2009. fication of the 2009 Turkish-Armenian normaliza - tocols that commit Ankara and Yerevan to estab - that bilateral ties and the Karabagh dispute “will Like many other pundits, Phillips believes that tion agreements with the Nagorno-Karabagh con - lishing diplomatic relations and opening the be considered in parallel.” James Jeffrey, the for - the protocols can hardly be revived “in their pre - flict. He also calls for a US “policy review” on Turkish-Armenian border. Turkey had closed it at mer US ambassador to Turkey, likewise told sent form.” Still, he says the Turkish-Armenian Armenia-Turkey that would consider the possibility the height of the Armenian-Azerbaijani war for Phillips that the two issues were not quite border can be reopened even without their entry of officially recognizing the 1915 Armenian mas - Karabagh, out of solidarity with Azerbaijan. delinked. into force. “Erdogan can make history by issuing sacres in the Ottoman Empire as genocide. Faced with an uproar from Azerbaijan, Ankara According to Jeffrey, “Obama did not discuss an executive order to open the border and nor - “The United States is also at fault. The Obama subsequently made clear that Turkey’s parliament de-linkage with [President Abdullah] Gul or malize travel and trade as a step toward diplo - administration missed an opportunity to reaffirm will not ratify the protocols until there is decisive Erdogan during his April [2009] trip. Instead of matic relations,” he says. de-linkage of the Protocols with negotiations over progress towards a resolution of the Karabagh affirming de-linkage, Obama was silent on the Phillips also makes a case for continued US NK [Nagorno-Karabagh] when Obama visited conflict acceptable to Baku. The Armenian side issue,” says Phillips. He cites other US diplomats financing of direct contacts between the civil soci - Turkey in April 2009,” Phillips writes. “US offi - denounced that stance, arguing that neither doc - as saying that Washington had a “plan B” in case eties and business communities of the two cials did not accurately assess the level of opposi - ument makes any reference to Karabagh. the Turks refused to unconditionally implement estranged nations. tion to ratification in Turkey.” Sargisian froze the process of Armenian protocol the protocols. But, he adds, “no fallback plan was He goes on to urge the Obama administration “While US influence was essential to signing of ratification in April 2010 and has since repeated - apparent other than convincing Sargisian to sus - to rethink its policy on Turkish-Armenian rela - the Protocols, the Obama administration bureau - ly threatened to scrap the Western-backed deal pend rather than withdraw his signature.” tions and consider “innovative ideas” suggested cratized the follow-up. It should have appointed a altogether. Incidentally, Phillips called for stronger US by US and other experts. ‘Special Envoy for Ratification of the Turkey- Phillips, who is now a program director at pressure on Ankara when he visited Yerevan in “The discussion could consider whether US Armenia Protocols.’ The Special Envoy could Columbia University’s Institute for the Study of February 2010. “Unless the Obama administra - reaffirmation of its Genocide recognition [pro - have played a useful role in maintaining momen - Human Rights, essentially agrees with Yerevan on tion presses the Turks at the highest level, the claimed by President Ronald Reagan in 1981] tum, working the system in Washington, and the issue. “The Protocols included no pre-condi - likelihood of the protocols being ratified in would remove recognition as a bargaining chip, keeping the parties focused on next steps rather tions or linkage to NK,” he writes. “[Turkish Ankara will decrease,” he said at the time. thereby creating conditions more conducive to than pre-conditions,” he says. Prime Minister Recep Tayyip] Erdogan, however, In his monograph, Phillips criticizes Armenia reconciliation,” he says. The 130-page text contains a detailed descrip - established a pre-condition when he went to Baku for agreeing to announce, in a joint statement The monograph reaffirms Phillips’s view that a tion and analysis of the failed normalization [in 2009] and stated that the Protocols would not with Turkey, a “roadmap” to the normalization landmark study commissioned by the TARC from on April 22, 2009, two days before the annual the New York-based International Center for remembrance of the Armenian Genocide victims. Transitional Justice (ICTJ) could serve as a blue - An unnamed senior Armenian official is quoted print for ultimate Turkish-Armenian reconcilia - Monograph on Armenian Turkish Protocols Published as confirming that this was done to make it easi - tion. The ICTJ concluded in 2003 that the er for Obama to backtrack on his campaign Armenian massacres “include all of the elements PROTOCOLS, from page 1 between Turks and Armenians that would pledge to recognize the Genocide once elected of the crime of genocide” as defined by a 1948 Switzerland between May 21, 2008 and advance the goal of reconciliation, building president. United Nations convention. But it also said that February 7, 2009. Signed in Zurich on momentum towards opening the Turkey- “Washington wanted us to announce the the Armenians can not use the convention for October 10, 2009, the Protocols represent an Armenia border and diplomatic recognition.” agreement before Genocide day so President demanding material or other compensation from unprecedented breakthrough in Turkish- Diplomatic History also offers detailed rec - Obama wouldn’t have to mention genocide in his Turkey. Armenian relations. Failure to ratify them is ommendation aimed at intensifying civil society statement,” the official told Phillips. “The Turks “In any event, [genocide] recognition should a significant bilateral, regional and interna - activities, emphasizing commercial cooperation, expected us to say ‘no,’ but we fooled them.” not be an item for negotiations,” concludes tional setback. reviving intergovernmental contact and The Armenian Revolutionary Federation Phillips. “It should not be traded for political con - According to Phillips, “The Protocols are sus - addressing historical issues. Phillips recently (Dashnaktsutyun) pulled out of Sargisian’s coali - cessions. Not only does negotiating recognition pended and cannot be revived in their current presented the monograph to the US tion government just days after the Turkish- dishonor past victims, but it also sends a signal to form. They do, however, contain elements on Department of State and at a congressional Armenian statement. The main opposition, future perpetrators that they can act with impuni - the way forward suggesting cooperation briefing on Capitol Hill. (See interview above.) Armenian National Congress, likewise accused ty when great powers find it politically expedient.” 4 S ATURDAY , M ARCH 10, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR INTERNATIONAL International News Faiths Clash at Jerusalem’s Sacred Site

stop the protesters from throwing rocks Third Temple. Many Palestinians believe Levon Aronian Refuses By Daniela Deane onto the Western Wall plaza below, that Jews will not relent in their quest to Judaism’s holiest shrine. Israeli police have the Third Temple built. To Participate in Baku then used stun grenades to disperse the On Sunday, Palestinian Authority JERUSALEM (Washington Post) — All demonstration in the mosque. President Mahmoud Abbas called on Tournament hell’s broken loose at the Old City here A 25-year-old Palestinian man was Arabs and Muslims to visit Jerusalem YEREVAN (Panorama.am) — Azerbaijan’s chess fed- in Jerusalem the past few days. But you killed later Friday by Israeli forces during more to counter what called Israel’s eration has officially filed an application to host wouldn’t know it if you weren’t right a demonstration near a military check - efforts to Judaize the divided city. the international chess qualifying tournament this where it had been happening — at the point between Jerusalem and the West Speaking at the International autumn. However, one of the top players, Temple Mount, Jerusalem’s sacred site Bank city of Ramallah. The demonstra - Conference for the Defense of Jerusalem Grandmaster Levon Aronian of Armenia, has writ- for Muslims. tion was a result of the clashes with in Doha, Qatar, Abbas accused Israel of ten to the body governing chess worldwide, appeal- Tour buses were still parked outside Israeli police on the Temple Mount. “surrounding Jerusalem with an ing to them to have the tournament in a country the Old City on the weekend around The protests came at the end of a Apartheid wall and a band of settle - other than Azerbaijan. Jaffa Gate, near the Jewish and tense fortnight in the Old City. ments in order to isolate the city from The Armenian Chess Federation reported that Christian side, with tourists streaming Two weeks ago, police barred right- its surroundings in the West Bank.“ Aronian had prepared a response to World Chess in, despite the fact that hundreds of wing activists from Israel’s ruling Likud He urged Muslims and Arabs that vis - Federation (FIDE) President Kirsan Ilyumzhinov Muslim worshippers clashed with Israeli Party from accessing the Temple iting “occupied Jerusalem” would and FIDE President Board members. police at the Temple Mount Friday after Mount. Anti-Israel protests erupted at remind the Israelis that “Jerusalem is In his letter, Aronian wrote that the “general Muslim prayers. the Israeli embassy in Amman, Jordan in the cause of every Arab, Muslim and atmosphere in Azerbaijan and continuous tensions Jerusalem’s .35-square-mile walled Old reaction to the attempt to access the Christian.” between our countries make my participation in City, a World Heritage site, is divided holy site. Israel captured East Jerusalem from such a high-ranked tournament in Azerbaijan into four quarters — the Armenian, An extremist Israeli website called Jordan in the 1967 Six-Day War. Israeli impossible. A responsible and important event, Christian, Jewish and Muslim Quarters. “Temple Mount Faithful” has been politicians have consistently insisted such as the Candidates Tournament, requires peace Israeli police said dozens of protesters encouraging religious Jews to go to the that the holy city is the Jewish state’s of mind and special concentration. No circum- barricaded themselves inside the Al- Temple Mount recently to exercise “undivided capital“ although the inter - stances, if they are not chess-related, should pre- Aqsa mosque, which along with the Jewish sovereignty over the religious national community does not recognize vent the grandmaster from demonstrating all of his Dome of the Rock sits atop Temple area. The Web site openly advocates it as such. The Palestinian Authority, in skills. Unfortunately, at this moment no Armenian Mount, after throwing rocks at security destroying any Muslim buildings there turn, regards East Jerusalem as the cap - can find favorable or adequate psychological forces. The police had been trying to to make way for the rebuilding of the ital of any future Palestinian state. atmosphere in Azerbaijan, whereas that is some- thing absolutely necessary. In my opinion, all the participants should be in equal conditions, which is impossible in case of holding the tournament in Azerbaijan. Security guaranties and any kind of Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony Takes Place for additional support cannot be a remedy.” He said he would be happy to participate in any other country. AGBU-AYA Ahramjian Center in Beirut BEIRUT — Attended by hundreds of Armenian Youth of Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) members, community support - Argentina Stages Protest ers and leaders, the opening of the At Azeri Embassy AGBU-AYA Ahramjian Cultural Center took place on January 28. The ceremo - BUENOS AIRES (PanARMENIAN.Net) — On March ny was held in conjunction with the 2, representatives of Armenian youth in Argentina 80th anniversary of the founding of the staged a protest at the embassy of Azerbaijan on AGBU Armenian Youth Association occasion of the 24th anniversary of the Sumgait (AYA). Cutting the ceremonial ribbon pogroms. was AGBU President Berge Setrakian. The building was surrounded by a large number In attendance were Lebanon’s of policemen despite the fact that the Azerbaijani Minister of Industry Vrej Sabounjian; ambassador to Argentina was then back in Baku, Armenia’s Ambassador to Lebanon accompanying Argentine Foreign Minister Héctor Ashot Kocharyan; AGBU Lebanon Marcos Timerman, according to the embassy. District Chairman Gerard Tufenkjian; The action was aimed at drawing the country’s Archbishop Kegham Khatcherian, attention to the Nagorno Karabagh conflict settle- prelate of the Diocese of Lebanon; ment particularly the aggressive statements by the Lebanese Members of Parliament Azerbaijani side, as well as propaganda by Azeri Arthur Nazarian and Hagop AGBU President Berge Setrakian (second from left) cuts the ceremonial ribbon to the embassy with a purpose to distort the actual Pakradouni; Bourj Hammoud Mayor AGBU Ahramjian Cultural Center as, from left, Prelate of Armenians in Lebanon essence of the conflict. Antranig Misirian and Baouchrieh- Archbishop Kegham Khatcherian, AGBU Lebanon District Chairman Gerard Jedeideh Mayor Antoine Bshara; AGBU Tufenkjian, Armenia’s Ambassador to Lebanon H.E. Ashot Kotcharyan and Lebanon’s Central Board member Vasken Minister of Industry Vrej Sabounjian, look on. Nagorno Karabagh’s Yacoubian; AGBU AYA Lebanon Autonomy Will Be Chairman Garo Djeghelian; benefactor Yercho Samuelian and several other grams. She also expressed the hope that and Armenia coordinator, who noted Recognized: Eduard AGBU Lebanon and AYA members. this facility would play its role in society that this center was bound to become On this occasion, welcoming remarks to promote Armenian culture. the hub of the entire local Armenian Sharmazanov were delivered in Arabic by Aida Rizk, Hampig Mardirossian, editor of community. Khosnag , the Stressing in his benediction that the VILNIUS, Lithuania (Armenpress) — A parliamen- AGBU Lebanon establishment of this center was the tary delegation from Armenia, headed by Deputy District continuation of AGBU’s service to the Speaker of National Assembly Eduard Committee organ, Armenian nation, Khatcherian added Sharmazanov, met with the speaker of the emphasized that, that the contribution of Samuelian, Lithuanian Seym (parliament) Irena Degutiene. despite difficul - founder of the Tricolor Fund, reflected The press service of the National Assembly of ties, the true philanthropy. Through a major gift, Armenia said the two sides emphasized bilateral Armenian com - Samuelian had underwritten the costs cooperation between the parliaments of the two munity has main - for furnishing the facility. Appreciation countries. tained its vitality was also expressed to Shahe Degutiene and Sharmazanov discussed issues and continues the Khatchadourian, who had donated not related to Armenia’s integration to the European commitment to only a piano, but assisted in the task of Union. Degutiene expressed her country’s readi- preserve equipping the center, and to Vergine ness, as EU member state, to support Armenia in Armenian identi - Jerejian, who had donated her husband, achieving European standards more quickly. ty. Vahrich’s book collection. The parliamentarians discussed the current Setrakian The Ahramjian Center was built in round of the talks on the settlement of the thanked all who 1953 through a donation by the Nagorno Karabagh stalement. Shjarmazanov con- helped make this Ahramjian brothers to AGBU and was firmed the commitment to reach a solution and project a reality. used as a school for some five decades added that the settlement of Nagorno Karabagh He emphasized by the Prelacy of the Armenian Church must take place in the format of the Organization AGBU Central Board member Vasken Yacoubian, who is also the AGBU’s role of Lebanon. Following the closure of for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) the Board’s Middle East and Armenia Coordinator, addresses in unifying the the school, the facility was transferred Minsk Group. those gathered for the Ahramjian Center opening in Beirut. efforts of all to the AGBU. The structure will now “International recognition of Nagorno Karabagh Armenian organi - house the Khosnag offices, the Vahram as a state has no alternative,” Sharmazanov con- who noted that the intention of the zations in Lebanon. Speaking on behalf Papazian Theater Group, the Amanos cluded. Ahramjian Center was to encourage of the AGBU Central Board of Directors Chapter and youth division, a small youth and to cultivate educational pro - was Yacoubian, the body’s Middle East library, as well as a seated auditorium. S ATURDAY , M ARCH 10, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 5 Community Ne ws

Tree Project ‘Putting’ in Expands Its The Long Hours Is Fun for the Leadership Sarkisians WATERTOWN — Julia Mirak Kew has become the newest advisory board member of the executive committee of the Armenia Tree By Tom Vartabedian Project (ATP), while Tom Garabedian has been hired as managing director. ANDOVER, Mass. — Sarkis and Rita “As the scope and complexity of ATP’s work Sarkisian have found the perfect formula has increased over the past several years, the for perpetual youth in their retirement executive committee has recognized the need years: Run an active business, hire stu - to broaden its management team. These dents and help local charities. changes are intended to develop and strength - Thus far, it is paying dividends for the en a management group that is capable of han - couple as they open their driving range dling the growth and challenges that ATP will for the 17th year and will soon answer face in the future,” notes executive committee the call for ice cream. The fact both are member Anthony Barsamian. into their 70s matters not. Kew joins ATP’s founder and chairperson, On a busy weekend, all 33 stalls are Carolyn Mugar, Nancy Kricorian and Barsamian getting a workout. A putting green is on the organization’s executive committee. Kew mobilized. People are lined up at the win - played an instrumental role in the Mirak Family’s dow for ice cream, slush and hot dogs. It decision to make a leadership pledge to ATP in has become a recreational extravaganza 2005, when her family made a major commit - Revelers show their move on Friday night’s dance at Monroe Night Club. inside a neighborhood setting that has ment to underwrite the establishment and oper - long been their family home on Chandler ation of a large-scale reforestation nursery in the Road. Lori region of northern Armenia. It all started in 1932 when Ovogen “My father Bob, sister, Jennifer and I were AGBU Young Professionals Make Sarkisian came to the United States and looking for an organization that was working in purchased land in Andover to start his Armenia on a larger scale, and we identified ‘Sweet Escape’ to San Francisco farming business. It was hard work, clear - ATP as a good match for the John Mirak ing the land and cutting down all the Foundation established by my grandfather,” Gala Raises $8,500 for AGBU Hye Geen Pregnant Women’s Centers trees by hand. For many years, he farmed Kew said. “We especially liked the fact that SAN FRANCISCO — President’s Day Weekend 2012 brought the 13th Annual the land with his wife and three children, ATP’s programs have a direct impact on the AGBU San Francisco Winter Gala — titled “A Sweet Escape” — as more than 500 as did other Armenians in the area. For neediest people in Armenia, especially children Armenian young professionals from across North America made their way to San these newly-arrived immigrants, it was a who are the beneficiaries of their tree planting Francisco. Hosted by AGBU Young Professionals, Northern California, (AGBU- way of life in this land of opportunity. and environmental education programs.” YPNC), the weekend was the largest gala to date. After his death in 1968, son Sarkis ATP established the Mirak Family The weekend kicked off Friday, February 17, with a welcome reception at the took over the reins and with his wife, Reforestation Nursery in Margahovit Village in Sir Francis Drake in Union Square, where dozens of gala attendees mingled before 2005, and the annual operation of this program the evening event. Monroe Night Club in San Francisco’s North Beach district was has been funded by the Mirak Family. The nurs - the scene of the Friday club night where DJ Raffy and DJ Tigran entertained a packed house of more than 300 young professionals in the new upscale lounge venue. Saturday, February 18 began with a walking city tour of Chinatown and North Beach. The tour, led by AGBU-YPNC treasurer and photographer Greg Nemet, was a hit as around 60 gala out-of-towners and locals alike joined in and learned some local history in the process. Later that night brought the weekend’s signature event, the “Sweet Escape” gala dinner dance in the Green Room at the San Francisco War Memorial Performing Arts Center. More than 250 attendees dined and enjoyed Armenian dancing to the sounds of DJ Raffy. Following the gala an after party was held at Morrac in San Francisco’s Mission District where the party continued with dancing to the sounds of DJ Tigran, and some Middle Eastern fare to keep the celebration going late into the night. Sunday, February 19, brought the Napa Valley Wine Tour, where nearly 120 Armenian young professionals toured some of Napa Valley’s leading wineries. The tour included party bus transportation, tours and tastings at two wineries and lunch. “The success of this year’s Gala exceeded our expectations and we are proud to support such a worthy cause as Hye Geen,” said Steven Cherezian, AGBU-YPNC chairman, and Gala 2012 chairman. “Thank you to all of our attendee’s and donors. They are the reason the weekend was so enjoyable and successful.” The greater goal of raising funds for the Hye Geen Pregnant Women’s Centers in Armenia remained at the heart of the weekend. Thanks to the attendees and Sarkis and Rita Sarkisian of Andover support from donors, AGBU-YPNC raised $8,500 for Hye Geen. keep active by operating a driving range Julia Mirak Kew and hiring students. ery was inaugurated in honor of their parents, Rita, a Syrian immigrant, continued to John and Artemis Mirak, during a visit by Dr. farm the land. Over time, it became a suc - Robert Mirak and his sister, Muriel Mirak- cessful greenhouse operation as families Weissbach, in 2008. flocked here to purchase vegetables and “Our family recognized that ATP’s work is flowers. restoring the environment, but its more than It went well for years until the chains just planting trees. ATP is changing people’s began taking a bite out of their trade. So lives through its job creation and poverty reduc - instead of packing it in, they took their tion programs, and we know this is something 15 acres and turned it into a golfer’s my grandparents would value since they always haven. That was in 1995. Ten years later, taught us to give back,” said Kew, whose grand - they added ice cream. For four years, parents were Genocide survivors from Arapkir. they cultivated a “pick your own straw - Mirak Kew is vice president of Mirak berries” sideline. Properties, a family business that focuses on “We like the open land,” says Rita. “It’s real estate management and development in the all ours and we’re using it to our advan - Greater Boston area. She has a bachelor’s tage. Our pleasure is everyone else’s joy.” degree in economics from Wellesley College It wasn’t easy. At a time when both were approaching retirement, thoughts and an MBA from Babson College. She is a Wine tasting in Napa Valley member of the Armenian International of retooling a business called for Women’s Association. see FUN, page 7 see ATP, page 7 6 S ATURDAY , M ARCH 10, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS

Family Celebrates 102nd Birthday of Centennial Fund Celebrates Eleanor Weymouth Armenian Genocide Survivor Dickranian’s 100th Birthday geous person who had a real spirit of determi - By Sue Scheible nation,” Alan Alemian said. LOS ANGELES — The In Armenian, her name is a term of endear - Arshag Dickranian Armenian ment meaning “Little Star.” School has established a WEYMOUTH, Mass. (Patriot Ledger) — The Alemian still votes in every election and will Centennial Fund to honor the photo card that Asdghig “Starrie” Alemian’s chil - be interviewed by the Weymouth Historical 100th birthday of the school’s dren gave family and friends for her 102nd birth - Society. She has been active in the Armenian benefactress, Eleanor day celebration this weekend shows a bold-look - community in Watertown, and in 2007 she was Dickranian. The Dickranian ing young woman sitting in a tree in 1931 in honored at a State House ceremony recogniz - family has asked that anyone Detroit. ing victims of the 1915 Armenian Genocide. wishing to mark this momen - “She has a wonderfully spirited look,” her Her memory remains sharp for the details of tous occasion consider mak - son, Alan, noted Sunday. those tragic early years, and once she starts ing a donation to the school’s At age 21, Alemian had already experienced talking, the recollections pour forth. But for Centennial Fund. far more heartache and challenges than most Alemian and her family, it is the other aspects “We are so pleased that ever imagine. She was a survivor of the 1915 of her life that she now likes to focus on. Mrs. Dickranian is with us to Armenian Genocide, after losing both parents. That includes her seven children, five still liv - witness the growth and She made a new start in this country when an ing, that she and her late husband, Sarkis, accomplishments of the uncle in Weymouth brought her here from a raised while running Alemian’s Delicatessen in school since it opened more Syrian orphanage. Jackson Square and then Alemian’s Package than 30 years ago. Our gradu - Alemian turned 102 on Thursday and as 70 Store. She has 12 grandchildren, 18 great- ates are distinguishing them - people gathered to honor her long life and her grandchildren and three great-great-grandchil - selves in all professional fields courage, she was in her element. dren. She often works on needlepoint, some - and our current students con - “She’s in party mode and enjoying every thing she learned to do in the Syrian orphan - Eleanor Dickranian celebrates her 100th birthday with tinue to excel and win honors minute of it,” her daughter, Claire Alemian, said age daughters Cindy Norian and Laurel Karabian. in science, sports and scholas - While she no longer tic competitions,” observed lives there, decades of fam - Board Chairman George ily photos fill the rooms, Mandossian. “The contributions in honor of Mrs. Dickranian’s birthday will be used to along with the family enhance these programs and to make certain that our school will be able to continue to pre - piano her daughter Sylvia pare future leaders for the Armenian community.” played. Alemian lives Eleanor Dickranian, along with her late husband Arshag Dickranian, has been an active across the street with her leader in establishing and developing Los Angeles’ Armenian community. Beginning in the daughter, Claire, and she 1930s, they participated in every Armenian cause, especially embracing projects focusing has constant company. She on education, the arts and the church. Their early leadership set the pace for Armenian phil - remains strong and well in anthropy in Southern California and beyond. the neighborhood where Donors to the Centennial Fund will be acknowledged in a commemorative booklet, in a she created her new life in full-page dedication placed in various community newspapers, in the school’s annual report this country. and on its website. To ensure recognition in printed materials, respond by March 12. In 1922, an uncle, Contributions should be sent to the TCA Arshag Dickranian School, 1200 N. Cahuenga Garabed, brought her to Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90038. For additional information, call the school at (323) 461-4377 Weymouth and she has or visit www.dickranianschool.org. lived there ever since, except for two years with cousins in Worcester. At age 16, she married Sherman Expresses Support for US Assistance to Sarkis Alemian, who was Asdghig “Starrie” Alemian turned 102 on Thursday, March 1. On March 4, she celebrated with her five children, from left, Alan, Sylvia, from her hometown, and Javakhk, Commemorates Sumgait Anniversary Stephan, Susan and Claire. they set their sights on building a new life togeth - WASHINGTON — During last week’s House Clinton, who was testifying before the er, working long hours at a Foreign Affairs Committee hearing on the Committee, indicated that she would respond at the home they share. factory and then at their family businesses. Administration’s Budget for Fiscal Year 2013, to Sherman in writing. With a radiant smile and finely-chiseled fea - Within 10 years, they bought their first house Rep. Brad Sherman (D-CA) expressed support Sherman told the Assembly that he also tures, “Starrie” Alemian proclaimed, “I have no and as the years went by, they invested in real for US assistance to the Javakhk region of plans to ask Clinton additional questions for secret!” and burst into a laugh, when asked “the estate, kept the family close by and welcomed Georgia, reported the Armenian Assembly of the record, including US assistance to Armenia longevity question” for possibly the 102nd time other Armenians. America. and Nagorno Karabagh, as well as Turkey’s in the past two days. Then she added, “I never “My mother raised so many children other Sherman, noting the generous US aid pro - ongoing blockade of Armenia. wore makeup, not even at my wedding!” than her own,” Claire Alemian said. vided to Georgia, requested that the Armenian Also, this week, Sherman commemorated the On Saturday, she celebrated for five hours at Her husband died in 1982 at age 82, and her community residing in the Javakhk region of 24th anniversary of the 1988 Sumgait pogrom, The Red Parrot in Hull with five generations, two oldest sons, Edward Jr. and Haig, died in Georgia benefit from such assistance targeted in which Armenians were targeted in good food, Armenian music and dancing. their late 30s. Her other five – Sylvia, Alan, to that area. Sherman relayed his understand - Azerbaijan. In his House floor statement, Although she doesn’t get up and dance any - Susan, Stephan and Claire – remain nearby. ing through the Georgian Embassy that the Sherman stated: “We will not forget the ethnic- more, she clapped up a storm. “My mother has a strong sense of Armenian Georgian government is supportive of assisting cleansing of the Armenians from Sunday morning brought more than 40 fami - identity,” Alan Alemian said, “but she loves this Javakhk and stressed that these efforts would Azerbaijan...We must urge Azerbaijan to cease ly members to her son’s house for breakfast. country and thinks of it as her home. It gave help achieve US strategic goals in the all threats and acts of coercion against the “Our mother has always been a very coura - her safe haven.” Caucasus. US Secretary of State Hillary Republic of Nagorno Karabagh.”

DENNIS M. DEVENEY & SONS Cemetery Monuments GF UiNrEaRgAoL sHiaOMn E James “Jack” Giragosian, CPC Specializing in Mark Giragosian Armenian Designs and Lettering Funeral Counselors 576 Mt. Auburn Street, Watertown, MA 02472, TEL: 617-924—0606 701 Moody St. Waltham, MA 02543 www.giragosianfuneralhome.com (781) 891-9876 www.NEMonuments.com

Telephone (617) 924-7400 Edward D. Jamakordzian, Jr. d/b/a Aram Bedrosian Funeral Home, Inc. Edward D. Jamie, Jr. LicensedFinuNneweYrorak landCNhewaJperseey l Continuous Service By The Bedrosian Family Since 1945 208-17 Northern Blvd., Bayside, NY 11361 Service any hour, MARION BEDROSIAN (718) 224-2390 or toll 558 MOUNT AUBURN STREET PAUL BEDROSIAN any distance WATERTOWN, MA 02472 LARRY BEDROSIAN free (888) 224-6088 S ATURDAY , M ARCH 10, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 7 COMMUNITY NEWS Valor of Vartanantz Reenacted by ASA Students in Radnor

RADNOR, Penn. — The Vartanantz commem - Christianity. As they recited “Deeghnayk oration held at the Armenian Sisters’ Academy Papghasoon,” one by one they shed their (ASA) on February 16 swelled the souls of all exquisite jewels for the purpose of selling them who attended. The Montessori pre-K and to acquire ammunition and other supplies for kindergarten students recited poems and songs the soldiers. The strong sense of collective iden - that championed their Christianity. Fourth, tity in these women was exhibited on stage fifth and sixth graders then reenacted the through their whole-hearted sacrifice for their mood and solidarity of the Armenian people in beloved Armenian men and their sorrow upon 451 AD. Ghevont Yerets, the Armenian priest the soldiers’ death after battle. who encouraged the brave soldiers by blessing Aside from recounting a significant turning them and administering Holy Communion on point in Armenian history, this Vartanantz pro - the eve of the Battle of Avarayr, was revived on gram was inspirational in showcasing how nat - stage by one young Academy student, while the urally academy students channeled the charac - fortitude and fearlessness of Vartan teristics and energy typically attributed to St. Mamigonian, was depicted by another. ASA stu - Vartan and his comrades. These youngsters dents portrayed the heroism of the Armenian anchored the virtues of their fifth-century people of that time and how they resisted the ancestors within themselves, demonstrating Academy students from grades 4 to 6 recreate the historic battle of Vartanantz. Persian efforts to convert them to how each of them has the innate capability to Zoroastrianism. The unwavering commitment become a hero or heroine. Through songs, of the Armenian people to fight Persian assimi - poems, rehearsals and a final recital, they inter - our religion.” orations. He encouraged the students and fam - lation and safeguard their identity was the cen - nalized and embraced what it takes to adhere to Bishop Mikael Mouradian of the Armenian ilies to perpetuate their mother language and tral theme of the performance. one’s identity in the face of adversity. They Catholic Eparchy of the United States and to always carry their Armenian faith and her - Young ASA girls brought to life heroines of learned how making courageous choices and Canada attended the recital along with mem - itage proudly. Principal Sister Emma Armenian history. Although on the outside sacrifices can be challenging, yet have positive bers of the community’s clergy and addressed Moussayan then thanked all the attendees for these princesses and society women were consequences for future generations, and how those gathered at the end of the program. He coming and applauded the students for captur - dressed in colorful attire and bedecked in jew - “losing a battle” can still result in “winning a commended the students for their performance ing the essence of Vartanantz. She also els, on the inside their hearts were unified in war.” As one academy student pointed out, “I and expressed his gratefulness in ASA’s com - expressed her gratitude to faculty members their determination to help their fathers, broth - really felt like it was happening to us and I want - mitment to teach and preserve the Armenian Maroush Nigon and Tamar Panosian for pro - ers, sons and clergy preserve Armenian ed to do all I could to help my friends protect language and heritage through such commem - viding musical and artistic direction. Tree Project Expands Leadership

ATP, from page 5 Garabedian worked as a consulting actuary The John Mirak Foundation supports a num - with Hewitt Associates, retiring in January ber of charitable and education institutions in 2011. He has a the Town of Arlington and in the Armenian degree in mathe - community including the Armenian Cultural matics from Foundation, St. Stephen’s Armenian Bowdoin College, Elementary School, St. James Armenian is a member of Apostolic Church and the Armenian Heritage the Hopkinton Park. Kew has two daughters, Christina and Zoning Board of Alexandra. Appeals and chair Garabedian’s new role as managing director of Hopkinton will include program oversight, staff develop - Commissioners of ment and finance. The addition of Garabedian Trust Funds. will enable ATP’s Director Jeff Masarjian to Garabedian is one focus on development and special projects. “Jeff of the founding Tom Garabedian has been critical to ATP’s development over the family members of past 11 years, and we are counting on him to the Armenian extend ATP’s mission in the area of environ - Church of the Holy Translators in mental advocacy, working with our major fun - Framingham and a trustee of the Armenian ders and planning special projects such as Church Endowment Fund. He is married to recognition of ATP’s 20th anniversary in 2014,” the former Dora Verne Kishibay and they have Barsamian said. three sons: Deran, Berj and Gregory.

‘Putting’ in the Long Hours Is Fun for the Sarkisians FUN from page 5 adults and recall their first job with fondness. extensive planning, engineering, architects, An organization called KIDS (Kids In loans and equipment. It took years and plenty Disability Sports) golfs here on Monday after - of chutzpah . noons at half price. Youth camps converge dur - “Were we doing the right thing?” Sarkis ing the summer months, run by the town’s wondered. “God gave us a nudge and we ran Department of Community Services. Forty with it.” youngsters at a time fill the air with golf balls. A former Red Sox Hall-of-Famer hits balls Business is never short of demand. The sea - here. The late actor Robert Urich (“Spenser for son runs about eight months with hardly a free Hire”) bought his flowers here. Parents of talk day, except for rain. Shagging golf balls at 6 show host Jay Leno were regulars. PGA aspirant a.m. each day and keeping the grass trimmed at Rob Oppenheim comes here to sharpen his all times might have worn a lesser person. swing. “It’s been an endowment for our children,” Deer and pheasants frolic through an opening they concur. “And sacrifice is often called for.” in the woods. Wild turkeys strut along. Nature The Sarkisians celebrated their 50th anniver - has a way of manifesting itself here. sary last year, joined by their two children, It is not so much the clientele who benefit Christine Kourkounian, and Jeffrey, together from this enterprise as the help. The Sarkisians with three grandchildren: Nyree, 8, Petra, 7, have made it a point to hire students. They have and Armen, 5. All play a role in the business. opened the door to kids in high school and col - Both are active members of St. Gregory lege, many of them getting their start in the Church in North Andover, relish their getaways business world. to a second home at Salisbury Beach where “We had one student who was so shy and they enjoy walking the shoreline and joined a withdrawn when he came here,” recalled Sarkis. group of friends for a trip to Armenia in 2006. “Each year, he gained confidence behind that Travel and fitness are high on their social cal - counter. By the time he was a senior at Bentley endar when the occasion permits. University and been working here eight years, But business has its demands in this venture. he became student council president of the col - The season runs eight months with hardly a lege and presiding over the entire student body. free day except for rainy ones. A golf pro is on I like to think we played a small part in his hand to offer lessons. A well-lighted overhead development.” keeps the place open through early evening. Besides the responsibility and maturity, grad - “It has given us a lot of flexibility in our uates have come away with letters of recom - lives,” the Sarkisians maintain. “At a time when mendation. The Sarkisians have been like sur - there is a lot of difficulty in the world, you come rogate parents to many. Nothing hits home here and find peace. We’re blessed in many more than having them pay a return visit as ways.” 8 S ATURDAY , M ARCH 10, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS Politics in the Blood: Charlie Diradour, City Council Candidate in Richmond

Diradour’s maternal grandparents, Stepan and Nazley By Aram Arkun Beducian, were originally from Dersim. Stepan Beducian came Mirror-Spectator Staff directly to Richmond from New York. He arrived with no money, and worked on a merchant marine vessel until he had enough money to bring his wife, who he had left in Beirut for 12 years RICHMOND, Va. — Albert Steven “Charlie” Diradour, an active after the Genocide. The couple lost three children during the real estate developer and public figure, announced his candida - deportations and they started a new family in the United States. cy for City Council on February 8. Diradour has had a long his - Eventually, he started a real estate business. tory of political involvement, including work on a number of cam - According to Diradour, very few relatives survived the paigns of Democrats on a local and national level, and an Genocide and made it to the United States. After they immi - attempted run against Eric Cantor for Congress. He is president grated here, he said, “Both sides of the family worked hard. My of the Lion’s Paw Development Company. parents met when my father was in the restaurant business in The 48-year-old Diradour became interested in politics while the Fan district.” Their family origins in different parts of still a child. He said, “The truth of it is when you grow up in an Ottoman Armenia led to some good-natured banter. Diradour Armenian household, you sit around and drink coffee in the said, “My father always used to tease my mother that ‘my people morning and talk about politics. My mother and father would are city people and you are country people.’” talk about current events. It made me want to know more about Diradour never met any of his grandparents, but he learned how the government works, and how we all fit in.” Diradour conversational Armenian from his parents. When he was a learned a lot from his father, though they may have had differ - young child, he said, “One evening we were in a restaurant. My ing political party affiliations. For example, he said, he was father said something to my mother and somebody asked what taught that “It’s our duty to stand up if something is wrong, he said, so I translated. But it was something not for public dis - point it out and say that it is wrong, and then go further. By that semination. After we got home, my father told me that we should I mean you propose something that is better, a solution rather never translate what we say in Armenian, and secondly, that we than just pointing the problem out.” Diradour also felt that his would speak Armenian at home.” inclusive and pragmatic approach to politics may have something Before the St. James Armenian Church in Richmond was con - to do with his Armenian background. After all, he pointed out, secrated in 1956, many Armenians would attend St. Paul’s “Armenians are good at negotiating, making deals and coming to Episcopal Church downtown. Stepan Beducian was one of those a middle point politically.” Armenians. Occasionally though, an Armenian priest would be After high school, Diradour attended Fordham University in brought to town for a service. In the 1950s, Beducian helped in New York, and then started working in the family real estate the process of establishing a church, but he did not go regular - business. Both of Diradour’s parents were Republicans, but ly, as he already felt at home at St. Paul’s. Diradour became a Democrat. Perhaps it had something to do Diradour as a child would be brought to St. James for major with the times, because in the 1980s most Virginians were feast days like Easter, and came with his family for picnics and Democrats. But there was more to it than that. Diradour said, “I other types of events, but he regularly attended St. Paul’s never felt comfortable calling myself a Republican because I Charlie Diradour Church. He now is a lay minister at St. Paul’s, but he occasion - don’t believe that we should tell people how to live their lives. ally attends St. James. Among other things, he said he helps the For Republicans, at least in the 1980s and 1990s, a lot of social church’s annual Armenian Food Festival. issues were at the fore — and I didn’t agree with the Republican for Richmond City Council in the second district. The district, Recently, in 2009, Diradour became a member of the National stance on any of them.” Among other things, Diradour is a including the Jackson Ward, Carver, Northside and Fan areas, is Ethnic Democratic Coordinating Council, which has a number of strong supporter of a woman’s right to choice concerning abor - one in which his father owned restaurants, and where Diradour other Armenian members prominent in Armenian-American pol - tion. grew up. He lives in the Fan neighborhood now and has his own itics. This body is a wing of the Democratic National Committee, Diradour’s local role models are Virginia Democrats like business, office and many properties there. Diradour feels that which does outreach among different ethnic groups on behalf of Chuck Robb, Douglas Wilder and Mary Sue Terry. He felt they “it is very unique because it is very diverse. You have everything Democratic candidates who need help. are “people who are fiscally conservative and responsible, and from the very wealthy to the working poor. There are students, When asked what role Armenians have to play in the US polit - yet socially they understand that understanding each other is the and residential housing.” ically, he responded, “I would say that all of us in this great coun - first step towards respecting each other as human beings. For Diradour is known in the area because of his work on the Fan try are ethnic, in that all of us have forefathers and foremothers me, being a Democrat means being inclusive, listening and District Association and his leadership in a campaign to oppose who risked it all to get to this great land of opportunity. We all understanding others’ viewpoints.” the construction of a stadium in the Shockoe Bottom neighbor - Diradour volunteered on his first campaign in 1985, helping hood, which would have required the issuance of a $77-million Terry win office as attorney-general of Virginia. In 1986 he bond. He also helped stop the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts worked for Kenneth E. Powell, who unsuccessfully ran for con - from putting up a bright electronic sign on a historic boulevard. gress in Virginia, and then in 1988 worked on Al Gore’s presi - Formally, candidates for councilman are only allowed to run dential campaign in North and South Carolina, Connecticut and on their own records without stating political party allegiance, New York during the primary season. Diradour explained, “I did but of course the public generally knows the leanings of promi - field work, organizing people before there were computers, lap - nent individuals. The second district is a mixed one politically, tops or even cell phones with some change in my truck, a file and Diradour feels a Republican candidate would not have a folder and a rolodex. I loved engaging with people.” chance, as it leans Democratic. He organized local Democrats into phone banks to call identi - Charles R. Samuels, the present councilman, has a back - fied Democratic voters, operate door-to-door campaigning and ground as a Democrat. He has not yet declared his intention to distribution of literature. He also prepared sites for Gore, coor - run again, but probably will be Diradour’s main opponent. dinating with police and secret service and preparing informa - Diradour says that the main difference between him and tion so that Gore would be able to publicly recognize the local Samuels is that he would put his business interests in the hands notables. of an operations manager while in office and give nearly 100 per - Diradour then worked on some local races in Richmond, and cent of his working time to be in constant contact with the peo - a campaign for a seat in the Richmond House of Delegates in ple of the district. Samuels, on the other hand, works fulltime as 1991. He worked for Bill Clinton in 1992 in North and South a lawyer in addition to holding a city council position. Carolina. After this he focused fulltime on real estate, a field Some of the key issues for Diradour in his campaign are more lucrative than politics, for some time. Diradour also com - improving some core services by government such as insuring pleted his college education, obtaining a bachelor’s degree in safety in the neighborhoods, infrastructure like sidewalks, 1999 from Virginia Commonwealth University in, naturally, polit - streets and lighting. He stresses that he is willing to listen to the ical science. people. He does not anticipate the race being an especially Charlie Diradour, his wife Dr. Ann Ritter, and two of their three Diradour lived from 2000 to 2005 in North Carolina because expensive one, and in general the most ever spent on a city coun - daughters of his wife Dr. Ann Ritter’s work (pediatric neurosurgery), but cil race, he thought, was roughly $100,000. after returning to Richmond, he helped on C. T. Woody’s suc - Descendent of Genocide Survivors cessful 2005 race for city sheriff. He served as an advisor for Diradour is descended from Armenians who immigrated to must take a role in political life in some form to help shape our Greek-American William “Bill” J. Pantele on his 2006 city coun - Virginia in the early 20th century. His paternal grandparents, communities, whether local or international or anywhere in cil race, and then his unsuccessful 2008 Richmond mayoral cam - Hagop and Yughaper Diradourian, were originally from Agn, and between for this Democracy to work for all.” paign. Diradour explained his rationale for political involvement they settled in Hopewell, a small city in the Richmond metro - Diradour concluded, “I sort of live in two worlds. I am an at this stage: “Once you become involved in the public arena and politan area. Diradour said that a small group of Armenians, Armenian-American. I’m not an Armenian. I’m an American who you have a real interest in helping people, you realize that if you along with Greeks, Italians and others, came to Hopewell in the happens to be Armenian, with those values drilled into us as are able to help get good people elected, that is your duty.” early 1920s because of the manufacturing jobs there. Hagop Armenians of hard work and family. It’s hard now when there is In 2009, Diradour himself decided to make a run for office Diradourian had graduated from Robert College in no family left that speaks the language or lives the lifestyle.” against a very powerful Republican representative, Eric Cantor. Constantinople and initially came to New Hampshire via New Nonetheless, he is trying to pass something on to the new gen - He was motivated by his feeling that “Eric Cantor represents York. Hagop Diradourian found the climate too cold and wrote eration, and he is already teaching his daughters how to count himself and hardly anyone who lives in the seventh district.” to Armenians and Armenian churches up and down the East from one to 10 in Armenian. And he promises that “one of the After a few months, Diradour realized that he was not getting Coast until he got an answer from Hopewell that the Tubize things that I would work on if elected is to expose more the necessary Democratic support and the odds were stacked Artificial Silk Company would hire his whole family. The Tubize Richmonders to the realities of the Armenian Genocide as the against him, so he pulled out of the race. Company was the successor to a DuPont plant, which manufac - first major genocide of the 20th century.” This year, Diradour said, people came to persuade him to run tured guncotton. The election will take place in November. S ATURDAY , M ARCH 10, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 9 COMMUNITY NEWS

Ladder 133 25 Years for Dragging Store Owner to Death JEFFERSON, N.J. (Daily Record) — A land - tending to a customer. the two dozen relatives and friends of the vic - Fundraiser scaper who dragged the owner of the Getty Both DiGiacomo and the judge noted how tim and apologized but said her son is “a kind, Mart in Jefferson to his death with an SUV after Fedo told police he stole because he felt the pro - loving, caring, gentle person.” She also said he Brings in Much shoplifting lottery tickets was sentenced Friday prietor was disregarding him. successfully completed a six-month drug reha - to 25 years in prison. Fedo paid for his cigarettes and got into his bilitation program in the past, though drugs Support for Cory Murat Ambaroglu, the son of victim Nisan SUV but the victim followed him, realizing were not suspected to be part of the incident Ambaroglu, 65, gasped and choked back his items were shoplifted. on June 25. Garabedian tears as he described how his father only want - Fedo had admitted that Ambaroglu The judge, who ordered that Fedo must serve ed “the American dream” for his family and grabbed onto him and onto the driver’s side at least 85 percent of the 25 years before parole PROVIDENCE, R.I. — A fundraiser held cheerfully helped anyone who turned to him for of the SUV and he accelerated while trying to consideration, said Fedo had multiple chances in honor of Cory Garabedian, who recent - aid. push him away. He drove onto Route 15 to prevent the tragedy. ly suffered devastating injuries in a car “This act was senseless and brutal. He must south; the victim lost his grip and was run “You knew that he was hanging on to the accident, provided good news, as it far have felt my father under his wheels. He didn’t over by a rear tire. car. You could have not put your foot to the exceeded the goals that were set. More stop,” Murat Ambaroglu said of defendant Fedo told the judge he never intended to hurt gas pedal. You could have just thrown the than 125 supporters showed up and Ronnie Fedo’s actions on June 25. anyone and that he prays for the victim and his items out the window,” the judge said. “This raised close to $10,000 for the Friends of When he became too overwhelmed by emo - family every day. man was doing nothing but protecting his Cory Fund that has been established in tion to finish reading his victim impact state - His mother, Susan Lally, stood in front of own business.” his name. ment to Superior Court Judge Stuart Ladder 133, the host restaurant, donat - Minkowitz in Morristown, county Assistant ed all the food. Supporters included Prosecutor Brian DiGiacomo took over, before Garabedian’s friends from all three a cousin of the victim read a statement on Armenian churches, his large family, behalf of Nisan Ambaroglu’s widow, Nayda. United Armenian Fund Contributed including those from Worcester, friends of “What I miss the most is Nisan’s company,” his grandfather, Charlie, and business the wife’s statement said. “I cannot hug him, or $33.3 Million of Aid to Armenia in 2011 associates and friends of his Uncle Harry, kiss him or tell him I love him.” She said her as well. husband had nearly saved enough to buy a GLENDALE — The United Armenian Fund delivered to Armenia a grand total of $632 mil - Garabedian had celebrity status that home but burying him and keeping the conve - (UAF) contributed a total of $33.3 million of lion worth of relief supplies on board 158 air - night, as people were lined up to speak nience store and gas station afloat with him assistance to Armenia during fiscal year 2011, lifts and 1,942 sea containers, as of September with him. gone have wiped out their savings. including $28.6 million worth of mostly medi - 30, 2011, the end of UAF’s last fiscal year. The owner of the restaurant, Richard Fedo, now 34, pleaded guilty in January to cines and medical supplies and $4.7 million to The UAF is the collective effort of the Angell, made just one request of the aggravated manslaughter of the Paramus resi - renovate six schools in the earthquake zone, Armenian Catholic Eparchy, Armenian General guests — to tip the waitresses. However, dent and business owner who was of Armenian according to the latest audit of its financial Benevolent Union, Armenian Missionary one of the waitresses refused to take the descent and emigrated to this country 12 years statements. Association of America, Armenian Relief money, but participants of the fundraiser ago with his family from Turkey. The UAF devoted less than 1 percent of its Society, Diocese of the Armenian Church of insisted she accept it. Fedo, a resident of the Lake Hopatcong sec - total revenues to administrative expenses, allo - America and the Prelacy of the Armenian The admission tickets were also donat - tion of Jefferson, went to the Getty Mart to buy cating the remaining 99 percent to assisting the Apostolic Church of America. ed by Hopkins Press. a pack of cigarettes and wound up swiping a people of Armenia and Artsakh, according to For more information, contact the UAF office few scratch-off lottery tickets and an energy the audit. at 1101 North Pacific Ave., Suite 204, Glendale, drink while Ambaroglu was delayed outside During its 22 years of operations, the UAF CA 91202.

OPEN HOUSE MARCH 18, 2012 from 1:00pm ² 3:00pm

Preschool, Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle School

A ccr edited by the New England A ssoc iaton i of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) AISN E Member

Come and find out about our: ™ Dedicated, certified and experienced teachers and staff ™ Strong English, Armenian and French language programs ™ Small class sizes ™ Family-oriented atmosphere ™ Safe, peaceful and spacious campus ™ Library, Computer and Science Labs ™ Religious Education ™ Music Program ™ Athletic Program ™ After School Program ™ Outdoor Playground ™ Involved parentV· committee ™ Extracurricular Activities ™ Full-time, Part-time Day Care

20 Pel ham Road,Lexing ton, MA 02421 T el :781-861-8303 Registration orf academ ic year 2012-2013 runs from March18 to May 31,2012

www.arm eniansistersacadem y.org

ADVERTISE IN THE MIRROR-SPECTATOR 10 S ATURDAY , M ARCH 10, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS Armenian Sisters’ Academy Celebrates 30th Anniversary in Style

Keghiayan began the program by presenting By Lalig Musserian the mission and history of the school, followed by an overview of recent school accomplish - ments and investments by Vice Principal Mayda BOSTON — “I watch the growth of spirit in Melkonian. Melkonian highlighted that the the children who come to my class,” wrote school holds membership in two different William Saroyan in “The Human Comedy.” accreditation organizations, New England There were no more appropriate words to Association of Schools and Colleges and the describe the sentiment of the teachers and the Association of Independent Schools of New guests gathered on February 11, at the England. Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel in Boston to cele - Andonian offered words of inspiration to brate the 30th anniversary of the Armenian those gathered and a slide show took everyone Sisters’ Academy (ASA) of Lexington. The event down memory lane, remembering all those that raised close to $90,000 for the school. walked through the school’s doors over the There were more than 200 guests and digni - past 30 years. In his keynote presentation, taries at the black-tie-optional event, including Ambassador Rouben Shougarian conveyed the Ambassador Rouben and Lilit Shougarian, Very message that Armenian schools are an asset not Rev. Raphael Andonian from the Holy Cross only for the families they directly serve, but also Armenian Catholic Church in Belmont and Rev. for the future of Armenian communities more Arakel Aljalians from St. James Armenian broadly. He concluded by pointing out the col - Church of Watertown. lective responsibility of Armenian community Boston-based Armenian artist Daniel for supporting schools such as the Armenian Varoujan Hejinian was also in attendance. Sisters’ Academy in order to continue the mis - Middlesex County Sheriff Peter Koutoujian, sion they embarked upon so long ago. who has three children at the school, served as The school’s academic success is directly master of ceremonies for the evening. Guests linked to its noteworthy faculty and staff. included alumni, the parents of alumni, parents Accordingly, an important part of the evening’s From left, Very Rev. Andonian, Sr. Aghvita Der Ghougasian and Sr. Cecile Keghiayian of current students, teachers, staff and friends program included formal recognition of each and supporters of the school from across the teacher and staff member for their numerous Boston-area Armenian community. years of service and dedication to the school. Following dinner and a cake-cutting ceremo - The Parents Committee, as well as several The evening’s formal program was launched A live auction raised more money, with ny, the Ellie Berberian Band from Montreal, members of the school’s Advisory Board, by the singing of the American and Armenian guests bidding on several items, including Canada, provided multilingual entertainment worked tirelessly to plan this event. The ASA national anthems by Ani Zargarian, lead singer Boston Harbor cruises, lithographs by French- for the evening, with renditions of old favorites school administration appreciates all those who for the Arev Armenian Folk Ensemble and an Armenian painter Karzou, a pair of diamond and new songs, enticing guests onto the dance worked to make the evening a success. ASA alumna herself. ASA Principal Sr. Cecile earrings and a painting by Hejinian. floor.

Teaching faculty and staff received recognition awards.

From left, Jacqueline Kebabjian, Shakeh Chaglassian, Zovig Kojanian, Sylvie Meguerditchian, Sr. Cecile Keghiayian delivers the opening Former Armenian Ambassador to the US Rouben Carineh Avakian and Katrina Glorikian remarks. Shougarian S ATURDAY , M ARCH 10, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 11 Ne w York M E T R O AAHPO Co-Sponsors Career Day Event on Fordham Campus

NEW YORK — More than 100 people attend - Americans, give serve their communities.” ed Career Day on Friday, February 17 at them guidance and Dr. Harold Takooshian, supervisor of Fordham’s Lincoln Center campus as inform them of Fordham’s Armenian Society, has overseen Armenian-American students listened to lead - internship opportu - Career Day since its inception two years ago ing Armenian professionals give advice and nities.” and hopes it will continue on for years to come. speak about their personal experiences in the Organizers of “We have many Armenians today excelling in working world. the event wanted different fields such as medicine, law, education Hosted by the Fordham Organizational to create a network and technology,” said Takooshian. “The Leadership program and Fordham Armenian of support and Armenian youth are so career-oriented, the Society and co-sponsored by the Armenian mentorship, as Armenian professional associations naturally American Health Professional Organization many of them had see mentoring as a high priority.” (AAHPO) and the Armenian Engineers and faced difficulty The welcoming committee included Katrina Scientists Association (AESA), the event also when breaking into Selverian, president of the Fordham Armenian garnered the support of other distinguished their professional Society, Malvina Mardirosyan, advising alumna, Armenian professional organizations, including fields and believe and Grant Petrosyan, advising alumnus. All the Armenian Assembly of America (AAA), that this mentoring three were involved in the organization process Armenian Bar Association (ABA), Armenian event will help alle - of the mentoring program and noted the impor - General Benevolent Union (AGBU), Armenian viate challenges for tance of an event like this for Armenian stu - Youth Federation (AYF), Armenians in Finance the current genera - dents. and Banking and the Armenian National tion. “I truly appreciate the time and effort the Science and Education Fund (ANSEF). “Many of us mentoring committee and all of the speakers Armenian professionals working in diverse came from different devoted to assisting and advising us young pro - fields from finance to engineering to law to countries and stud - fessionals,” said Petrosyan, who is currently in healthcare spoke to attentive and engaged stu - Dr. Tsoline Kojaoghlanian, a member of AAHPO who serves on the Board of ied and worked law school. “With their help, guidance and dents who were intrigued to learn more about Directors, speaks to participants about her profession and experiences. hard to succeed in knowledge of their respective industries, the the possible career paths they could pursue in various profes - younger generation will certainly achieve their the near future. A theme echoed throughout sions,” said chair - goals more efficiently and effectively.” the evening by participants was to “do what decision to earn her MBA and continue her man of Career Day, Dr. Vahan Tanal, who was “It was amazing to be with so many suc - you love and to love what you do.” Each speak - career working in marketing strategy. As a representing the Armenian Engineers and cessful Armenian professionals who were er noted the importance of having a passion for Canadian, she offered to talk to international Scientists of America. “The least we can do now eager to lend a helping hand to our younger one’s chosen field of work, since it consumes a students in attendance about student visas and is to share our knowledge and experience with colleagues,” said Dr. Larry Najarian, presi - significant amount of an individual’s life. work permits, and help guide them through the young Armenians. We need to promote, assist dent of AAHPO. “The students were wonder - Suzy Davidkhanian spoke about her career process. and support young Armenians in their educa - ful and enjoyed an incredible opportunity to path working in public relations for a financial “Everyone who participated in the program tion in reaching their full potential and better network with us.” services company for five years followed by her was very energetic and spirited,” said Davidkhanian. “The key take-aways for me were to be flexible and not to give up on your dreams.” Ekmekcioglu to Speak Students not only had the opportunity to About Armenian Women hear advice, they also had the chance to partic - ipate in a mentoring session in the second por - And Children during tion of “Career Day’s” program, which gave stu - dents the opportunity to speak with presenters And after Genocide about their work and ask any questions they had. A variety of industries were represented NEW YORK — Dr. Lerna Ekmekcioglu including architecture, computer science, edu - will give a lecture titled “A Climate for cation, physics, chemistry and interior design. Abduction, A Climate for Redemption: The program concluded with a presentation by Armenian Women and Their Children AGBU of scholarship and internship opportuni - During and Immediately After the ties for students. Genocide,” on Wednesday, March 21, at Co-chair of Career Day and AAHPO board 6:30 p.m., at Knox Hall 207, Columbia member, Dr. Garbis Baydar, said the event was University, 606 West 122nd St. (between a successful one and he had received positive Broadway and Claremont Avenue). The feedback. lecture is sponsored by the Middle East “We [AAHPO] wanted to sponsor this event Institute at Columbia University, the because it is in our mission to foster healthcare Armenian Center at Columbia University and education in the tri-state area,” said Baydar. Dr. Larry Najarian, president of AAHPO, which co-sponsored “Career Day” and the National Association for “We wanted to educate young Armenian- Armenian Studies and Research (NAASR). Ekmekciolgu’s talk will focus on two processes. The first is the forcible incorpo - ration of Armenians into Muslim house - holds and orphanages during World War I. Ekmekcioglu will elaborate the histori - Sponsor a Teacher in Armenia and Karabagh 2012 cal reasons that enabled Ottoman politi - cians to conceive such a policy and the Ottoman Muslim society to successfully implement it. Second, she will discuss Since its inception in 2001, TCA’s ‘Sponsor post-war Armenian attempts to rescue the kidnapped. She argues that this effort a Teacher’ program has raised over $518,000 remained extremely inclusive whereby rape victims, former concubines and wives and reached out to 4,064 teachers and as well as their (technically) Muslim chil - dren were treated as full-fledged school workers in Armenia and Karabagh. Armenians. This administrative policy, however, did not necessarily reflect the victims’ and their relatives’ perceptions of £ who could, after 1915, belong to the Armenian nation and who would have to K Yes, I want to sponsor teachers in Armenia and Karabagh to continue be left out forever. helping them to educate the children, our future leaders. I would like to have Ekmekcioglu is the McMillan-Stewart the teacher’s name and address. Career Development assistant professor of K $160 K $ 320 K $ 480 K other $ history at the Massachusetts Institute of ————————— Technology. She received her undergrad - Name uate degree from Istanbul’s Bogazici Address University and her PhD in history and City State Zip code Middle Eastern and Islamic studies from Tel: New York University. In 2010-11 she held a post-doctoral fellowship in the Armenian Make check payable to: Tekeyan Cultural Association – Memo: Sponsor a Teacher 2010 Studies Program of the University of Mail your check with this form to: Michigan. Currently she is revising a book TCA Sponsor a Teacher titled Surviving the New Turkey: 5326 Valverde, Houston, TX 77056 Armenians in Post-Ottoman Istanbul, 1918-1935 . Your donation is Tax Deductible. 12 S ATURDAY , M ARCH 10, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Arts & Living

U. of Michigan Devotes Californian Launches Evening to Charents Drive Demanding British ANN ARBOR, Mich. — The Armenian Studies Museum Return Bust of Program at the University of Michigan has orga - nized an evening devoted to the poet, Yeghishe Anahit to Armenia Charents, to be held at the International Institute on Tuesday, March 13, at 4 p.m. LOS ANGELES (Hetq) — More than 500 The event will begin with the showing of a California Armenians have signed a petition film by Shareen Anderson on Charents, pro - demanding that a bronze head of the goddess duced in 2009. The film will be followed by a Anahit now in possession of the British lecture by one of the specialists on Charents, Museum be sent to Armenia. Prof. Azat Yeghiazaryan of Yerevan. The petition was launched by Gevorg “Yeghishe Charents became known in Martirosyan who, as a student in England, often Armenian literature as a poet of revolution. visited the British Museum and viewed the Really the theme of revolution was one of the bronze head on display. central topics in his poetry. Yet in this lecture I While Martirosyan said he thanks the British consider revolution more widely than events for preserving this priceless Armenian artifact, such as the October revolution and Civil War. he said he believes that the bust must be relo - In the worldview of Charents and a great num - cated to Armenia’s Museum of History. ber of writers of his generation in Russia and Armen Ashotyan, Armenia’s minister of other countries, revolution was not only a solu - Education and Science, has launched a similar tion to social problems, but a beginning of a campaign to get the bust to Armenia. new humanistic civilization. And this aspect Martirosyan says that he tried to get in touch was more essential, than social problems,” stat - with Ashotyan in order to inform him of the ed Yeghiazaryan. “He hated the past. He was California petition. He noted it is vital for the not interested in present so much. But he minister to reach out to the young people in the dreamed about the future as something bright Arsenal Center for the Arts diaspora for the campaign to be effective. and beautiful for all the men.” Ashotyan’s initiative was not well received in From 1999 to 2008, Yeghiazaryan was director Armenia. Many say that Armenia has no legal of the M. Abeghyan Literature Institute of the recourse to demand the return of the bust and Armenian National Academy of Sciences. Since 2008 he has been serving as head of the Armenian Charles Mosesian’s Legacy language and literature chair, Slavic University of Armenia. His most recent publications include Charents and History, Academy of Sciences, Honored at Arsenal Yerevan, 1997; Poetics of the Epics “Sasna Tsrer” (Daredevils of Sassoun), 1999; Armenian Literature of 20th Century: Personalities and Center for the Arts Problems, 2002; Modern Armenian Literature. An Outline of History, 2004; Nineties: Criticism and WATERTOWN, Mass. — The Arsenal Center for the Arts pays tribute to the late Publicism, 2005; Organ of History. Yeghishe Charles Mosesian at its annual benefit Saturday, March 24. The evening’s program Charents. Tigran Mets, 2007; Daredevils of Sasun. will feature a 16-piece big band performing original arrangements of classic Poetics of an Epic. 2008, and This Skilled, Genius Broadway favorites on the stage of the Charles Mosesian Theatre. In addition, arts Man from Lory (about the works of Hovhannes critic Joyce Kulhawik will present the Charles Mosesian Award for Support of the Tumanyan), 2009. Arts to brothers Bruce A. Beal and Robert L. Beal of the Beal Companies. Anahit Yeghiazaryan is a leading scholar in the field The Charles Mosesian Award for Support of the Arts is given annually to an indi - of Armenian literature. vidual or corporation that exemplifies Mosesian’s commitment to the arts, the arts The lecture, to take place in room 1636 of the community and the Arsenal Center. It was established last year in honor of the cen - that it never belonged to any Armenian govern - International Institute on campus, is titled ter’s fifth anniversary. ment in the first place. Others have cited the “Charents and Revolution.” It is open to the Like the late Mosesian, this year’s recipients are community leaders who promote futile attempts of Greece to have the British public and will be recorded for later viewing on the importance of the arts through word and deed. The Beal brothers are fourth- Museum return the Elgin Marbles. the website of the Armenian Studies Program generation owners of a family-run commercial real estate company that was started The bronze head was found in 1872 in the town (www.ii.umich.edu/asp). by their great-grandfather in 1888. The Beal Companies are deeply involved in the of Sadak (ancient Satala) in northeastern Turkey greater Boston commu - and was purchased by the British Museum. nity, including several Martirosyan responds to the nay-sayers by cit - Armenian Soirée Celebrates philanthropic and arts ing the example of Egypt, which has success - organizations through - fully fought for the return of some 5,000 cul - Cultural Ties between out New England such tural artifacts from around the world, 400 of as the Boston which came from the British Museum. Armenia and France Symphony Orchestra, the Harvard art muse - BOSTON — Despite their geographic dis - ums and the tance, France and Armenia have been close for French Designer Didier Department of centuries. From the alphabet Denis Diderot Contemporary Art at published in 1765 to the numerous French Parakian to Present at Museum of Fine Arts, personalities of Armenian descent, including, Boston. India Fashion Forum singers Charles Aznavour and Sylvie Vartan, The early support of film director Francis Veber, former Prime Charles Mosesian MARSEILLE, France — Didier Parakian, a Minister Edouard Balladur, etc., the two cul - played a pivotal role in famous fashion designer hailing from this city tures have shared a rich history. founding the Arsenal has given the fashion world an internationally- In honor of this exchange, the French Center for the Arts. His renowned eponymous label since 1989. Cultural Center (FCC) has teamed up with the $1-million gift helped Mediterranean, colorful and sensual, every cre - Armenian Library and Museum of America launch the center’s ation of Parakian is inspired by the designer’s (ALMA) to organize an Armenian soirée as building campaign. Armenian background, ethnicity and sophisti - part of 2012’s Francophone Celebration in Mosesian’s leadership cation. He will present his collection at the New England. The event will take place at the made the difference, India Fashion Forum 2012 March 13 to 15, in French Cultural Center, 53 Marlborough St., inspiring others in Mumbai, India. on Wednesday, March 21, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Watertown and the sur - This luxury brand uses embroideries, pearls, This event will feature a one-night-only exhi - rounding area to lend lace and stunning prints with an eye for detail bition of the FCC’s collection of photographs their support to create on comfortable fabrics of unmatched quality, to by Canadian-Armenian photographer Yousuf what is now a flourish - evoke the Parakian style, making the collection, Karsh. The prints, donated to the French Charles Mosesian ing arts center. be they dresses, tops, skirts, pants, jeans, jack - Cultural Center’s founder, Georges F. Doriot, This year’s benefit, ets, scarves and cardigans, unique. by Karsh himself, portray French, Swiss and “Big Band Meets Broadway,” begins at 6:45 p.m. with a reception, followed by the Parakian has also launched three compli - Canadian personalities. concert at 8 p.m. featuring the music of Gershwin, Porter, Berlin, Rodgers and Kern mentary brands: Anathéa by Parakian, Carlopik Armenian hors d’oeuvres and French wine in a program led by celebrated saxophonist Larry Monroe, with veteran vocalist and DP Jeans. Anathéa by Parakian offers will be served throughout the evening. Donna McElroy. trendy and fashionable plus-size women’s cloth - This event is presented with the support of Proceeds support the Arsenal Center for the Arts programming and scholarships. ing. Carlopik was launched in 1995 to give the Québec Government Office in Boston and For tickets and more information, visit www.arsenalarts.org. expression to a more urban look and offers a the Consulate General of Canada in Boston. colorful and sensual line for everyday wear. DP For more information, contact Jeans was launched in 2000 and is aimed at www.frenchculturalcenter.org. younger consumers. S ATURDAY , M ARCH 10, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 13 ARTS & LIVING

The Gathering Place Focuses on Armenian Social Club of Shanghai at Turn of Century

SEATTLE, Wash. — On May 15, Coffeetown grant experience during a time of momentous Press will release The Gathering Place: Stories change in Asia — from the end of World War I from the Armenian Social Club in Old to the exodus of Europeans from China. Shanghai ($13.95, 216 pages, ISBN: 978-1- Says Sergoyan, “I was inspired to write The 60381-123-1), a collection of stories compiled Gathering Place by two photographs given to from interviews with Armenians who immigrat - me by my mother. The first was a family por - ed to Asia during the first half of the 20th cen - trait taken circa 1920. I did not recognize any tury. of the five people. My mother was not sur - A hundred years ago, Armenia, within the prised and explained that it was the only Ottoman Empire, became the site of continuous group photo of my father’s family that sur - border conflict, political intrigue and sporadic vived. I realized then that my father had not wars between the Turks, the Persians and the spoken of his family or how they had migrated Tsarist Russians. Early in the 20th century, across all of Asia and settled in the Orient. these regional conflicts erupted into bitter polit - There was a deep tragedy associated with their ical and ethnic “cleansing” that decimated the experience that he did not want to share. I country and nearly destroyed the population became determined then to interview him and living there. The causes and magnitude of the get as much information as possible. That led ethnic killing that took place during and after me to interview others as well. I noticed that World War I are still debated and disputed in many of the stories revolved around the Turkey and Armenia today. Armenian Social Club in Shanghai — the sub - In times of calamity or economic distress, a ject of the second photograph. My hope is that small percentage of people (about 2 percent) these stories will also help others to personal - are willing to leave family, home and their coun - ize the immigrant experience in the Orient try of origin to set up businesses in exotic or between the two World Wars, a subject that foreign lands. The 2-percenters and undocu - has had little attention.” mented immigrants whose stories appear in Sergoyan holds degrees in aeronautical and The Gathering Place made the arduous trek mechanical engineering and has been involved across Asia to gather in the exotic city of Old in the aerospace industry for more than 40 Shanghai, where they joined a social club in the years. This book is his first non-technical publi - city’s Old International Settlement. Their trav - cation. Sergoyan and his wife live in Mukilteo, els coincide with war, economic depression, rev - Wash., with family nearby. For more informa - olution, banditry and military occupation dur - tion on the book, visit ing the most turbulent period in modern histo - Sergoyan.coffeetownpress.com. ry — a period that covers what some call the The Gathering Place is currently available for Modern Dark Age — the first half of the 20th pre-order on Amazon.com. After May 15, it will century. The personal histories in The also be sold on Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.de, Gathering Place offer a fresh take on the immi - Amazon.fr and Amazon Japan.

Greek-Armenian Guitar Virtuoso Iakovos Kolanian to Perform in Watertown

TEKEYAN CULTURAL ASSOCIATION WITH ADL WATERTOWN, Mass. — The Boston chapter Agustin Barrios (Pomegranate Music). of the Hamazkayin Armenian Educational and Kolanian has performed with every major INVITES YOU TO THEIR Cultural Society is presenting Greek-Armenian orchestra in Greece and Armenia, as well as classical guitar virtuoso, Iakovos Kolanian, in select appearances in Europe, North America concert at the First Parish of Watertown at 8 and the Middle East. He currently resides in ANNUAL GOURMET p.m. on Friday, March 30. Athens, where he balances teaching and tran - Based in Athens, Greece, Kolanian is consid - scribing along with his various performance ered one of leading classical guitarists of his engagements around the world. generation. Born to an Armenian father and In 2011, he was awarded the Komitas medal Greek mother, Kolanian is best known for hav - in Yerevan for his ongoing contributions to DINNER DANCE AND ing expertly transcribed folk songs from both Armenian culture. sides of his ethnic heritage. In his spare time, Kolanian volunteers his Of his recent album, “Iakovos Kolanian Plays time giving gratis master classes in Armenia to Mikis Theodorakis,” (Legend Classics), underprivileged youth. He currently holds the PROGRAM Theodorakis raved that Kolanian “achieves post of guitar department director at the technical and expressive perfection.” In Contemporary Music Education Conservatory Soundboard Magazine , Albert Kunze pro - of Athens. CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF TEKEYAN ’S CULTURAL claims of Kolanian, “his tone is beautiful, his During the March tour, Kolanian will perform AND EDUCATIONAL MISSION IN ARMENIA playing sensitive” in describing “Shoror” the works of Komitas, Bach, Barrios, Mario (Pomegranate Music), a collection of Armenian Guiliani, Leo Brower, Antonio Lauro and his folk music transcribed for classical guitar. Other own transcriptions of Armenian folk music. recordings include collections by J.S. Bach For further information or tickets, visit the HONORING MAN OF THE YEAR (Legend Classics) as well as masterworks by Hamazkayin website. Mihran Hoplamazian

ENTERTAINMENT BY VIOLINIST HARRY HOVKIMIAN AND HIS ENSEMBLE

SATURDAY , A PRIL 14, 2012 AT 7 PM OPEN BAR • M EZZA AND GOURMET DINNER $75/ PERSON

JOIN US AT ST. J OHN ’S ARMENIAN CHURCH CULTURAL HALL 22001 N ORTHWESTERN HIGHWAY , S OUTHFIELD MI 48075

FOR TICKETS , CALL : ARA BELIAN AT (248) 200-8030 DIANA ALEXANIAN AT (248) 334-3636 PAM COULTIS AT (248) 646-7847

TO BENEFIT KOMITAS CHOIR OF ST. J OHN ’S ARMENIAN CHURCH , T EKEYAN SPONSOR A TEACHER PROGRAM AND THE ORPHAN ’S HIGHER EDUCATION FUND IN ARMENIA . Iakovos Kolanian 14 S ATURDAY , M ARCH 10, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARTS & LIVING

17th century was out, they had established new their greatest weakness. Various reasons have confessional commitment. It was not unusual ones further afield — in Tibet, China and the been advanced for their sharp decline in the for merchants in Spanish-held territory (such as Philippines. Their ingenious use of a Russian late 1740s. While the Armenian successfully Manila) to convert to Catholicism and then to Silk route for transporting silk from Persia to survived the collapse of the Safavid dynasty and revert to the Gregorian Armenian faith as soon Europe led to settlements in Astrakhan, Kazan, the Afghan occupation of Isfahan in 1722, the as they were back in Persia. The great St. Petersburg and Moscow. In the early 18th rapacity of Nadir Shah was too much for them. Shahrimanian family, which settled in Venice, century, they even crossed the Pacific and Faced with exorbitant taxation and the threat the home of the Catholic Armenian Mkhtarist extended their web to the New World. of torture and execution during his visit to congregation, in 1698, and was elevated to the In contrast to the European trading compa - Isfahan in 1747, they started to emigrate. New ranks of both the Austrian and the Italian nobil - Routes nies, which had military support, the New Julfa never recovered. But, Aslanian claims, ity, converted definitively to Catholicism, but Julfans set up their even without the despite the hostility this aroused in New Julfa, stations peacefully. atrocities of Nadir its members appear to have retained ties with Their neutrality Shah, the community the Persian community. The New Julfans in By Alastair Hamilton enabled them to cir - Book Review could hardly have sus - Spain, Italy and France had no hesitation about cumvent the boycotts tained its success. Its frequenting Catholic churches in the absence of imposed on one size would ultimately churches of their own, and in Cadiz, they went On the south bank of the Zayandarud, oppo - another by the From the Indian Ocean to the have prevented its so far as to patronize the local religious confra - site Isfahan, the former Safavid capital of Europeans and to act Mediterranean: The global expansion, and it ternity of the Brotherhood of Jesus the Persia, the frescoed Armenian cathedral, the as go-betweens in the trade networks of Armenian would have been pre - Nazarene, based in the Church of Santa Maria, churches and the merchants’ houses still testify East among the vented its expansion, where they had a chapel. Rome, certainly, By to the existence of one of the most prosperous Spanish, the English merchants from New Julfa. and it would have pressed for conversion and dispatched mission - mercantile communities of its time. In 1604, the and the French. Also Sebouh David Aslanian. 392 pp. been unable to com - aries to Isfahan, but in New Julfa, Aslanian Persian ruler, Shah Abbas I, destroyed the city in contrast to the University of California Pres, $49.95 pete with the English shows, the true Catholics remained an exiguous of Julfa, on the Aras, just north of the present Western organiza - Distributed in the UK by Wiley, 34.95 East India Company minority. Iranian border, and deported its population. tions, but like those later in the century. From the Indian Ocean to the The suburb of Isfahan the Armenians finally of the far larger com - pounds 978 0 520 26687 2 One of the most Mediterranean is fascinating book. Aslanian came to inhabit was known as New Julfa. The munities of Multani interesting features of has been tireless in his consultation of archival merchants of the old city were already success - Indians and the New Julfan mer - sources in India, Armenia and Iran, throughout ful purveyors of raw Persian silk, and that was Sephardic Jews, the New Julfan firms were chants is their relationship with the Armenian Europe and even in Mexico. Most of the mer - the commodity in which they and their descen - based on the patriarchal structure of the Church. The church of New Julfa, which initial - chants’ letters are written in the archaic Julfan dants specialized, under the Shah’s protection, extended family, their agents bound by the ly retained its jurisdiction over the Armenian dialect, still “nearly incomprehensible to most in their new homeland. Within an astonishingly terms of the commendas, strict contracts of communities in India and continued to supply Armenians,” which the author is one of the few short time, they established an international which the trust resulting from familiarity was the churches in the East with priests, played an scholars to understand. One might regret, how - network of extraordinary dimensions. In many an essential component. The merchants of New important part in holding the New Julfans ever, the publisher’s choice of an Armenian of the existing Armenian communities, the Julfa, however, formed a relatively small com - together, in providing them with information typeface for the quotations; it hardly does jus - immigrants from New Julfa were soon predomi - munity, probably numbering some 30,000. This, often vital for their trade, and in cementing the tice to that handsome alphabet. nant — in Venice, Livorno, Amsterdam, London, Sebouh David Aslanian argues in From the trust, on which their network rested. Yet many (This review ran in the Times Literary Aleppo and, above all, in India — and, before the Indian Ocean to Mediterranean, was to be Armenians proved remarkably flexible in their Supplement on February 17.)

Novel Portrays Intriguing Connection between Holocaust and Genocide Armenian Research Center It is later revealed that Leyla is the grand - States to recognize the Armenian Genocide. At UMich./ Dearborn By Daphne Abeel daughter of Sultan Abdul Hamid, and her hus - Fritz states, “The Turkish Blueprint for Genocide Publishes Translation of Special to the Mirror-Spectator band has had ties with Hitler’s Nazi regime. was also the blueprint used by Nazi German to Satie, the daughter of Siran who first exterminate over six million Jewish people during Bois de Vincennes acquired the house, is married to Fritz, a lawyer World War ll. Hitler did not come up with the plan Blueprint for Genocide. of German descent and the novel traces his of extermination and the plans to build the Jewish DEARBORN, Mich. — The Armenian By J.F. Paulsen. 411 pp. efforts to track down the evidence that proves death camps on his own. Hitler simply followed the Research Center at the University of that the Nazis devised their blueprint for the plan already created and used by Turkey. In Michigan-Dearborn will publish the In his first and self-published novel, Jeffrey F. Holocaust after being made aware of the cir - exchange for sparing Turkey from destruction and English translation of the short novel of Paulsen has woven a family saga that is also a cumstances of the Armenian Genocide. occupation during World War II. Hitler borrowed exile, The Bois de Vincennes , by one of kind of detective story that involves the linked In addition to the metal box with the Lueger, Turkey’s plan for genocide as he considered it to be the prominent Armenian-French authors, history of the Holocaust and the Genocide. Fritz and Aram, a member of the extended the perfect plan.” Nigoghos Sarafian. Paulsen is not Armenian, but is married to an Armenian family, discover a bunker under the The twists and turns of the plot are inter - Originally published in Armenian in Armenian and has drawn upon the stories of his cottage with a room that contains blueprints spersed with accounts of many holiday gather - 1947, the work is best known by its wife’s family to tell a tale that tantalizes the that lay out the design of Auschwitz, the Nazi ings at the cottage, where the families celebrate French-language title, which has been reader with its hints of explanation of the truth death camp. There are additional documents, their Armenian culture and history and enjoy retained in this English translation. and origins of both the Holocaust and the one of which quotes Hitler’s much repeated feasts of Armenian food. Ably translated by Christopher Armenian Genocide. comment about the Armenians. The novel is both fanciful and also propagan - Atamian, this novel introduces to the The novel is set in Michigan on the shores of Once these materials are discovered, the fam - distic, in the sense that it asserts many tenets English-speaking world, the mind of one Lake Huron, where an Armenian family has a ily agonizes over whether to reveal what they of the Armenian Cause. The text ends very of the Armenian Diaspora’s most complex weekend and summer cottage that serves as a have found. A further discovery, a letter in much in the present with President Obama’s writers. The book also features an intro - gathering place for their extended clan. Armenian, leads them to believe that there is at refusal “to do the right thing” and recognize duction by Prof. Marc Nichanian, who dis - In August 2004, several of the children find a least one other document, which would prove the Armenian Genocide. cusses Sarafian’s intellectual world. metal box in which they eventually discover a the intentions of the Turks to annihilate the Paulsen has been an international lawyer for In this book readers see the effect of German Lueger. The cottage, once owned by a Armenians. 25 years. His wife, Diane, also a lawyer, is exile caused by the Armenian Genocide Senator Klausner, of German descent, was The story is drawn out over several years and the Armenian and it is through his acquaintance on Sarafian. He lived in Paris from 1923 passed on to Leyla and Ulrich, who then insist - text is studded with small essays regarding the his - with her extended family, that he gathered to his death in 1972 and was a member of ed upon giving it to the Armenian family. tory of the Armenians and the refusal of the United much of the information for this book. the Menk (“We”) group of Armenian- French writers who attempted to renew and redefine (in part through their epony - mous journal) Armenian identity in its Lenten Recipes: new diaspora setting. This book is in some measure a way for Sarafian to come to terms with his own exile and the exile Armenian Potato Salad of the Armenian people in general. It is also an extended meditation in and on (Haygagan Kednakhuntzori Aghtsan) the Vincennes Woods, a park just outside Paris, where he spent time in solitary con - templation. INGREDIENTS: Atamian is a New York-based writer, 1 pound small new potatoes filmmaker and producer. The Bois de 4-5 scallions, chopped Vincennes is his first published, book- 1/4 cup minced dill length translation. Salt and freshly-ground black pepper to taste The book’s publication was subvented Garnish: Sliced tomatoes and cucumbers through a grant from the Ajemian Foundation, in memory of Robert PREPARATION: Ajemian. 1. Boil potatoes, just until tender. Drain, rinse with cold water, peel and set aside to cool. The Bois de Vincennes (ISBN 978- Cut them into thin, round slices. 1934548-02-8 or 1-934548-02-2) is dis - 2. Mix together in a bowl scallions, dill, salt and pepper. Stir in potatoes. Refrigerate at tributed by Wayne State University Press Entertainment Fridays least one hour before serving. and can be purchased from national chain 3. Turn potatoes into a flat dish, heaped in a mound. Garnish rim with tomatoes and and Saturdays booksellers, special ordered from smaller cucumbers. bookstores or ordered from major online Yields: four servings retailers. The retail price is $20. Note: If you prefer, do not peel the potatoes. S ATURDAY , M ARCH 10, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 15 ARTS & LIVING Helene Pilibosian Autobiography Explores Armenian-American Experience

in establishing himself in the new world was his arrest and near death, with honesty and Reviewed By marriage following a “courtship by mail” to forthrightness. These are stories that many Dr. Mary A. Papazian Yeghsa Haboian, a young Armenian woman would want to keep hidden, and, I would bet, who had settled in Gardannes, France. many of her Armenian readers never knew of Although she spends some time telling her them. Yet Pilibosian sees them as critical to her In My Literary Profile: A Memoir , Helene parents’ moving stories of survival and renewal, intellectual and emotional development as a Pilibosian, long-time editor of the Armenian Pilibosian’s story is not primarily a story of the person and a poet. And thus she shares them in Mirror-Spectator , has written a personal and Armenian Genocide, nor of the experiences of an honest, direct and unapologetic style. These intimate memoir in which she charts her own those who would survive the tragedy. In fact, things happened to her — and thus they shaped literary development over the course of a full while the book contributes to the growing body her. and active lifetime. Some of what she tells will of survivor literature, it is primarily the story of What strikes the reader throughout the nar - be familiar to her readers; other details of her the next generation. She, a child of survivors, rative is the love and support Pilibosian personal experiences and development will sur - provides the details of the Genocide to lay the received throughout her life — especially from prise all but her closest friends. foundation to explain her own experiences and her husband — that enabled her to overcome The daughter of Genocide survivors and of those of other members of the next generation these challenges and lead a productive and the first generation born in America, and the communities they built. In this way, this prosperous life, one in which she never ceased Pilibosian looks back on her life growing up essay more aptly shares in the tradition of Peter exploring the world of ideas and emotions, and in Watertown, Mass. Coming of age in the Balakian’s Black Dog of Fate (1997), among one in which she never stopped giving. While middle of the last century, she expresses mul - others. this memoir is clearly her story, it is in no way tiple threads of influence, from the emerging While many figures wander in and out of self-centered or narcissistic. Rather, it strikes Armenian community in Watertown to her the narrative . . . from friends and family this reader as an honest attempt at self-under - experiences as a student in the Harvard members, to teachers, professors and even standing, and one that she hopes will provide Extension School, her mature years as a wife intellectual figures whom Pilibosian came to strength, comfort and encouragement to those and mother and finally to her evolution in know not in person but through their writ - met while traveling with her husband to his who read her work ... whether in the form of her later years as a writer and poet who is ings, the story really is about Pilibosian her - native Lebanon or in Europe to visit family this personal narrative or through her several constantly seeking her voice, which is anoth - self. The many quotations from authors, members and fellow Armenians. Still others volumes of poetry. It is, ultimately, a story of er word for her own self-identity. Pilibosian’s artists, writers, teachers and thinkers, such were caregivers, psychologists and physicians survival and healing made possible by love and “literary memoir,” which she publishes as Arshile Gorky, Prof. Howard Mumford who supported her through a nervous break - the transformative quality of poetry. through a micro-press, Ohan Press, that she Jones, the poet Paul Engle, that she presents down in her 20s and through other health established with her husband, Hagop, is the provide a taste of those who influenced her issues later in her life. (Dr. Mary A. Papazian, newly-appointed pres - story of her life, and in it her attempt to intellectual and artistic life. Pilibosian came In writing this memoir, Pilibosian bares her ident of Southern Connecticut State understand the influences that led to her to know many of these individuals while she deepest secrets. She tells the story of her strug - University, wrote this review in the Journal of growing identification as a poet and writer. was a student studying humanities at the gles with depression, as well as the shock treat - the Society for Armenian Studies , Volume This story of self-discovery and growth is Harvard Extension School. Others were lead - ments she underwent, her weeks in hospitals 19:2, and it is here reprinted with the permis - clear, direct and honest ... and it is a story ing Armenian intellectual figures whom she under the care of a psychiatrist, her cardiac sion of the editors.) that reminds us that we need never stop learning and developing. Narrating her story more or less chronologi - cally, Pilibosian begins with her early years as “the second daughter of Khachadoor or Archie and Yeghsa or Elizabeth Pilibosian” (p. 1). In the very way she represents her parents through their dual Armenian and American CC AA LLEENNDDAARR names, Pilibosian underscores her own duality as a representative of the first generation of hyphenated Armenian-Americans growing up under the influence of the stories of the gener - ation of Genocide survivors. Her efforts to understand and interpret this duality underlie the entire narrative, as do her efforts to place MASSACHUSETTS her experiences within the American cultural development of the 20th century. The tension MARCH 31 — AGBU New England District Presents: Per forming between the two strands is more acute in the Artists in Concert, 8 p.m. Under the artistic direction of mezzo- years before her long and seemingly fulfilling soprano Solange Merdinian and conductor Aram Demirjian, the inau - marriage to Hagop Sarkissian, an immigrant gural program will feature young Armenian artists who are recipients from the vibrant Armenian community in of scholarships from AGBU in the performing arts. They will perform Beirut, Lebanon, who enabled her to bridge the the works of both Armenian and non-Armenian classical composers. gap between her two worlds. Details to follow. Pilibosian’s early years were typical of that of MAY 24 — Celebrating 80 and Beyond, Benefit for the Armenian many immigrant Armenians — and indeed many Mirror-Spectator. Royal Sonesta Hotel. Details to follow. immigrant Americans from many other cultures and countries — in the first half of the 20th cen - MICHIGAN tury. And thus in its particulars, her memoir exudes a kind of universality. She tells the story APRIL 14 — Tekeyan Cultural Association and ADL present of her father’s survival during the Armenian Annual Gourmet Dinner Dance and Program, celebrating 20 Genocide, where “On the death march he had years of Tekeyan’s cultural and educational mission in Armenia. been taken from his mother, his brother and his Honoring Man of the Year Mihran Hoplamazian. Entertainment by two sisters by a Kurd who sold him to another violinist Harry Hovkimian and his ensemble. 7 p.m. Open bar, mezza Kurd for a goat” (p. 4). He escaped this captivi - and gourmet dinner, $75/person. For tickets, call: Ara Belian (248) ty four years later and fled to an orphanage in 200-8030, Diana Alexanian (248) 334-3636 or Pam Coultis (248) Aleppo, Syria. Ultimately, he came to America, 646-7847. At St. John’s Armenian Church Cultural Hall, 22001 joining his father in Whitinsville, Mass., and set Northwestern Highway, Southfield. To benefit Komitas Choir of St. out to make a life for himself. An important step John’s Armenian Church, Tekeyan Sponsor a Teacher Program and On March 31, singer Sibil, will perform, along the Orphans’ Higher Education Fund in Armenia. with the Shushi Armenian Dance Ensemble, at 200 Hackensack Ave., Hackensack, NJ, pre - NEW JERSEY sented by CARS. For information, call Hilda (516) 496-0248, Margit (914) 686-0840, Adi MARCH 31 — CARS presents Armenian singer Sibil from Istanbul (973) 761-1544. Tickets, depending on seats: at 7 p.m. Special guest performance by Shushi Armenian Dance $50, $30 and $25. Ensemble. Bergen County Academics, 200 Hackensack Ave., Hackensack. For information, call Hilda (516) 496-0248, Margit (914) 686-0840, Adi (973) 761-1544. Tickets, depending on seats: $50, $30 and $25. MAY 19, 2012 — HMADS Gala Dinner Dance. Details to follow, June Tekeyan Cultural Association Mher Megertchian Theatrical 25. HMADS 30th Commencement Exercise at 8 p.m., Kalustyan Hall. Group’s “The Flatterer,” by Hagop Baronian, a musical comedy. 3 OCTOBER 28 — Save the date. The Armenian American Support p.m., Cardozo High School, 57-00 23rd St., Bayside. Tickets: $35 and and Educational Center, Hye Doon, celebrates its 35th anniver- $25. For info, call Bertha, (718) 423-8523. sary. Felician College, Lodi. With the participation of Akh’tamar APRIL 28 — Rebirth Concert: dedicated to the 20th anniversary of Dance Ensemble and other talented guest performances. Details to both the Armenian National Military and Armenia’s membership to follow. the United Nations. Organized by the Tekeyan Cultural Association of NY/NJ. With the participation of renowned artists from Armenia and NEW YORK the Philharmonic Symphonic Orchestra of Rhode Island, to take place at 8 p.m.; the Merkin Concert Hall of Kaufman center, 129 West MARCH 11 — Holy Martyrs Fundraising Committee sponsors 67th St., New York City. Save the date. Details to follow. 16 S ATURDAY , M ARCH 10, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMENTARY

T HE A RMENIAN COMMENTARY Mirror- Armenian Jerusalem in Limbo

The treasures and properties accumulated over the centuries are Spectator By Edmond Y. Azadian the gifts of the Armenian people entrusted to the Brotherhood, who are supposed to act only as the custodian of that wealth. But very few spiritual leaders have realized that role; most of them have Two Armenian patriarchs in vegetating states — one in Istanbul acted as if they owned the holy places. and the other in Jerusalem — do not augur well for the Armenian That is certainly not a criticism directed toward any particular Church in general. Those two patriarchates are major hierarchical patriarch or brotherhood. Established 1932 seats within the structure of the Armenian Church and they are A case in point was another historic crisis erupted in 1914, just both paralyzed by a tragic stroke of nature. But what is more trag - before World War I and the Armenian Genocide. At that time the An ADL Publication ic is the eerie silence reigning throughout the Armenian world Jerusalem Patriarchate was under the tutelage of the Armenian about these two alarming situations. Both patriarchates are situat - National Central Council in Istanbul, which decided to dispatch a ed in countries where there is no love lost for the Armenians. delegation headed by two prominent leaders to resolve the crisis. EDITOR In the case of Istanbul Patriarchate, the community proved to be One of those leaders was Archbishop Malachia Ormanian, himself a Alin K. Gregorian ineffective in steering to a normal situation when it was revealed historic figure as a former patriarch and maker of history through

ASSOCIATE EDITOR that Patriarch Mesrob Mutafian was incurably incapacitated. Two his masterful studies on the history of the Armenian Church and its Aram Arkun different proposals were submitted to the Turkish government: to theology. The other leader was Vahan Tekeyan, a world-class poet elect a new patriarch or to elect a coadjutor patriarch to run the and a public figure of impeccable integrity. ART DIRECTOR affairs of the Patriarchate. The authorities preferred the stalemate, Marc Mgrditchian As soon as the delegation arrived in Jerusalem, Archbishop which benefited Bishop Aram Ateshian, with a poor standing in the Ormanian connived with the clergy of the Brotherhood to make the PRODUCTION community but in a good position to contribute to Turkey’s politi - presence of Tekeyan irrelevant. Then the war started and every - Dilani Yogaratnam cal agenda. thing fell into further disarray. In the case of the Jerusalem Patriarchate, the handwriting was on This is an endemic problem; every time a higher body tries to the wall. The aging Patriarch Torkom Manoogian had already failed exercise some authority to put the house in order in Jerusalem, the SENIOR EDITORIAL COLUMNIST: more than once to defend the patriarchate’s interests in some real clergy gang up and they declare their fierce independence, with an Edmond Azadian estate deals, and it was very obvious that he could further compro - arrogance that “we know better.” mise the Patriarchate’s properties against the sharks vying for CONTRIBUTORS: But that bravura is exercised only against Armenian authority, lay Florence Avakian, Elizabeth Aprahamian, those valuable pieces of property. or spiritual. When it comes to any ruling authority, the brotherhood Daphne Abeel, Dr. Haroutiune Armenians have lived in Jerusalem from time immemorial. In 95 is docile and pliant. That is where we lose. Arzoumanian, Taleen Babayan, Prof. BC, Jerusalem became part of Tigranes II’s empire. But the The Russian church in Jerusalem benefited tremendously from Vahakn N. Dadrian, Diana Der Patriarchate was established in the seventh century (638 AD) when Moscow even during the Soviet period. But our clergy are loath to Hovanessian, Philip Ketchian, Kevork the Caliph Umar Ibn Khattab proclaimed Abraham I, senior bishop encourage any protective move by the Armenian government or Keushkerian, Sonia Kailian-Placido , of the Armenian Church, as the patriarch of the Armenian Church even by the Supreme Spiritual head of the Armenian Church or any Harut Sassounian, Mary Terzian, Hagop and the leader of the Eastern Orthodox denominations (Assyrian, other entity. Vartivarian, Naomi Zeytoonian Coptic and Abyssinian) to neutralize the authority of the Greek This overreaction to any outside advice or help is protected by a CORRESPONDENTS: Orthodox Patriarch Sophronius. It is no coincidence that another law, which governs the holy places. That law was promulgated in Muslim ruler, namely Fatih Sultan Mohammed, helped the creation 1852 through a decree by the Ottoman Sultan Abdul Majid, known Armenia - Hagop Avedikian Boston - Nancy Kalajian of the Istanbul Patriarchate, after he conquered that city in 1453, as the Status Quo, which regulates the rights, privileges and the Philadelphia - Lisa Manookian exactly with the same political motivation, i.e. to neutralize the authority of different religions. The law has been exercised by the power of the Byzantine church. Of course, Armenians benefited Ottoman, British Colonial, Jordanian and Israeli authorities. Contributing Photographers: Jacob Demirdjian, Harry Koundakjian, Jirair from these rivalries, but they gained the perpetual hostility of Greek On the one hand, it protects different religions and entities Hovsepian Orthodox Church, even to this day. Incidentally, recent rapproche - against encroachments by the ruling powers and on the other hand ment between Israel and Cyprus (and by extension Greece) might it leaves the destiny of a huge wealth in the hands of a beleaguered further fuel the Greek Patriarchate’s churches rivalry with the Brotherhood. Armenians in the Holy City. The last few years there was talk to convince the St. James The Armenian Mirror-Spectator is published But Armenians do not need foreign enemies. They are perfectly weekly, except two weeks in July, by: Brotherhood to plan a smooth succession, as the Patriarch’s health capable of destroying themselves and their institutions. was deteriorating. During the last year, a convocation of the Baikar Association, Inc. It is believed that after the 1948 partition, there were 16,000 Brotherhood was cancelled twice. Its major agenda was to elect a 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 Armenians living in Jerusalem. That number reached 25,000 at its coadjutor patriarch. Telephone: 617-924-4420 peak. Today, their count is less than 1,000. One can rightfully ask This tricky succession requires an amendment to the FAX: 617-924-2887 if these people felt secure and enjoyed the prospects of prosperity Patriarchate’s by-laws, and one was prepared. However, the pro - www.mir rorspectator.com in the “only democratic country in the Middle East,” why they crastination of the Patriarch led to the present impasse. E-Mail: editor@mirrorspectator .com would seek opportunities in far away lands. Today the Grand Sacristan of the Patriarchate, Archbishop For advertising: [email protected] The answer to this question appeared in one of the Israeli papers Nourhan Manoukian, has assumed the responsibility of running (Ha’aretz) by a reporter named Nir Hossan who wrote: day-to-day operation of the Patriarchate. “Jerusalem’s Christian community increasingly feels under Unfortunately, the Patriarch’s recovery is not in the cards. There assault, and that is especially true for Christians living in Jewish is a worldwide silence, which is very dangerous. The candidates who SUBSCRIPTION RATES : neighborhoods. Priests in the Old City, especially Armenian priests can succeed and stabilize the situation do not seem interested. On U.S.A. who must often transit the Jewish Quarter, say they are spat on the other hand, candidates who are ready to ascend the throne and 2nd Class $75 a year daily.” emulate the late Patriarch Yeghishe Derderian’s extravagant 1st Class $120 a year Spitting may yet be the least offensive act against the Armenians, Canada lifestyle are ready to seize the opportunity. Air Mail $125 a year who are sitting on a gold mine, in terms of property they own. The It is not only the material wealth of the Patriarchate that is at creeping appetite of the Jewish settlers and developers will eventu - stake, but also its cultural and historic treasures. The attempted All Other Countries ally expropriate the Patriarchate of its real estate holdings, under sale of 28 illuminated manuscripts at Sotheby’s in London some Air Mail $190 a year Display advertising r at e: $7 per column inch the benevolent eyes of the Israeli authorities. years ago is still a searing memory. Turkish and Israeli authori - Yet, against these raging appetites, we have a comatose and mori - ties also keep a watchful eye on the archives of the Istanbul bund Patriarch and a divided Brotherhood unable to manage its Patriarchate transferred to Jerusalem for safe keeping during affairs. World War I. They contain incriminating documents about the Although the smallest of the quarters in Jerusalem, along with Genocide. © 2011 The Armenian Mirror-Spectator Jewish, Christian and Muslim quarters, the Armenian Quarter cov - Jerusalem is everybody’s concern and, yes, every Armenian’s busi - Periodical Class Postage Paid at Boston, MA ers one-sixth of the Old City. But the Patriarchate also owns prop - ness. The Brotherhood needs to reach out to the world Armenian and additional mailing offices. erty outside the limits of the Old City, which it has notoriously mis - community, over and beyond the Status Quo provisions and elect a managed over the centuries. worthy successor and also enlist the cooperation of real estate and ISSN 0004-234X Armenians have sporadically faced “Jerusalem crises” alarming financial experts to salvage our legacy in the Holy Land. POSTMASTER : Send address changes to The the world Armenian community to run for rescue, but then, trans - Let us pray for the good health of our ailing Patriarch but above Armenian Mirror-Spectator, P.O. Box 302, parency and accountability are not in the lexicon of the all let us pray for the endangered future of the Jerusalem Watertown, MA 02471-0302 Patriarchate. Patriarchate, which is in limbo. Other than the editorial, views and opinions expressed in this newspaper do not necessarily eflect the policies of the publisher. LETTERS Dating back to 1933, Reader Loves the Mirror-Spectator

Copying for other than personal use or To the Editor: I don’t know his name and whether he is alive, but I wanted internal reference is prohibited without express permission of the copyright My name is Lucy Tufenkjian, and, in 1933, your reporters attend - thank him. owner. Address requests for reprints or ed a production of “Anoush,” performed by Union City Armenian I’ve seen later productions done by older performers, and now I back issues to: School children. Mrs. Siranoush Katchaznuny was our teacher. She have a DVD by Parseghian studios. To see this I don’t believe I was Baikar Association, Inc. chose me to play the part of Anoush. I was only 15 years old, and able to perform at 15 years old. 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 now I am 94 years old, and for the first time, I found on my com - Just thought I could let you know how I appreciate your paper. puter a copy of the article and was very happy that the “reporter” — Lucy Tufenkjian Jamie was very complimentary. Tamarac, Fla. S ATURDAY , M ARCH 10, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 17 COMMENTARY

South America and over hundreds of years it might Here is my poem: Artist Feels even be more. I also read this poem at “The Tribute To Our I Am Sailing On A Raft Of My Bones Ancestors Of The Middle Passage,” which takes place Quivering fingers are a sign annually in Coney Island as a memorial to all the Quivering fingers are a sign of life Solidarity with Africans that died during the slave trade in the Atlantic, Stretching up through the concrete coffins which is the largest graveyard in the world. At the memorial after the cultural presentations everyone Pressing on my breasts Haitian Quake goes to the ocean to put flowers in the water while peo - Come closer ple drum and dance. Breathe your caring into me In 1791 the Haitians planted the seeds of the first So that I can inhale the sunrise successful slave rebellion in the Americas and in 1804 Victims It is so hard for us to breathe became the first post-colonial independent black-led nation in the world. But Haitian independence came at Mother Earth is also suffocating under a high price because France demanded 150 million millions of tons of real estate developers rape concrete By Anoush Ter Taulian francs. It took Haiti more than120 years to pay off this We are cracking, exploding, tumbling debt, which greatly impoverished the country. Now Releasing into each other becoming many Haitians are demanding France return this extort - Scattered parts of an infinite universe After the 2010 Haitian earthquake, I ed money. The Haitians have had little chance for self- thought of a friend who was under the rub - determination because foreign powers have been sup - ble for three days before she was rescued porting corrupt politicians to gain control over Haiti’s Inside my eyelids oceans roar during the 1988 Armenian earthquake in resources. The US boycotted Haiti and didn’t recognize I am sailing on a raft of my bones Spitak. In solidarity with the Haitian earth - the Haitian government from 1804 to 1865.The US In the choppy sea I can see 250,000 Haitian bone rafts quake victims, I wrote the poem “I Am invaded Haiti in 1915 because they wanted to dominate Guided by the luminous skeleton parts the region under the Monroe Doctrine. The US military Sailing On A Raft Of My Bones,” which Sunk deep in the Atlantic, of the 100 million I read at many Haitian benefits and on stayed until 1934 after the US had taken over the bank - Africans killed in the Middle Passage A Haitian radio always mentioning how in ing systems, stole the gold and changed the constitu - 1915 while the US was invading Haiti, the Ottoman tion so foreigners could own property. Our bones fuse together, the yearning, returning Turks were committing the 1915 Armenian Genocide. Tectonic Shifts: Haiti Since The Earthquake , edit - Crashing on the shores of the motherland I also said that Armenians had nothing to do with slav - ed by Mark Schuller and Pablo Morales, discusses the While the daily unnatural disasters Caused by ery in America and in fact during the Genocide many impact of foreign intervention on Haiti. Now two Conquerors - Genocide, Slavery, Poverty continue Armenian women were forced to become slave brides of years after the earthquake there are still over a mil - In an instant your life can change for the worse the Turks. When I mentioned that Turkey denies the lion homeless living in squalid tent camps, while aid Armenian Genocide and doesn’t want to pay repara - organizations like the Red Cross are not accountable In an instant your life can change for the better tions, many of the African-Americans I talked to felt to the aid recipients. Bill Clinton’s founda - Ayibobo Ayiti, Hail to the Spirits the US denies the African Holocaust and does not want tion contracted a company that was being sued for Successful slave rebellion, Voodoo Queen, 1st Black to pay reparations. formaldehyde in trailers it sold FEMA after Hurricane Republic Katrina instead of using a local firm to create job in I started doing research on the African Holocaust Ayibobo Ayiti shackled to corrupt governments (Maafa). I went to the Shomberg Library in Haiti. Grassroots Haitian organization like Ligue Backed by US imperialism, but Ayiti you are still fragrant Harlem where the librarian said the Maafa took place Feminine (Feminine League) and SOFA have orga - during the trans-Atlantic slave trade (1562-1807) with nized themselves to do things like distribute food and With the spirit of justice and resistance estimates of 40 to 100 million deaths. When I asked her help protect women from violence in the camps, but Ayibobo Ayiti Hail to the Spirits how there really could have been 100 million deaths, they don’t have the funding they need. Meanwhile Hail to the Spirits she said that many Africans died during capturing or there needs to be a class action suit against the Red deportation and sometimes whole ships of slave Cross to show where all the money has gone and cargo sank during the Middle Passage. Also, she said there needs to be a system where the disaster victims (Born in California, the author is an artist who has also the numbers include the slave trade to Central and themselves have a say in aid distribution. participated in Karabagh’s struggle for independence.)

Khojali Demos in Istanbul Show True Colors of Turkish Government

ly covered-up verdict, when the presiding “Agri Mountain (Mount Ararat) will be your “The Turkish nation has absolutely nothing By Raffi Bedrosyan judge declared: “No evidence of organized graves,” “Let Armenia be wiped out,” “No to be ashamed of its past history, not in murder, even though I sense there is a deep more quiet to the Armenian lies” and so on. Turkey, not in the Balkans, Azerbaijan nor organization behind the murder,” the “trai - The French were also remembered, as rolls Kazakhstan!” While Prime Minister Recep The posters were placed throughout torous” Turks had poured into the streets of toilet paper marked “Sarkozy toilet paper” Tayyip Erdogan insists on a historic commis - Istanbul, Turkey, on all prominent billboard carrying these dreaded signs declaring them - were distributed to the protesting crowds… sion to investigate the 1915 events, and the locations and in subway stations, more than selves to be “all Armenian, all Hrant,” And yes, there were also some messages US State Department parrots the same posi - a week before the planned event in Taksim demanding justice, demanding the state to about the Azeri Khojali victims. But it was tion, the minister of interior already knows Square in the center of the city: “Don’t ever face its past. apparent that the rabble-rousers were more the truth and has announced the conclusion be deceived by Armenian lies!” This was the In the meantime, the French who had pre-occupied with hatred toward Armenians’ of the investigation. call for a protest march on February 26, to believed in the Armenian lies for a long and traitorous Turks’ 1915 stand, grief and It seems that the ever-changing Turkish commemorate the 20th anniversary of the time, had gone one step further, again justice demands for Hrant. The Khojali inci - state policy on how to deal with the 1915 Khojali massacre of Azeris by the Armenian about a month ago, and dared to pass a law dent was just the instrument to vent hatred events, is changing again. The evolving offi - forces during the Karabagh conflict. about the Armenian lies, which proposed to and anger. cial position over the past 90 years, which Who organized the event? Who financed punish anyone who denied these lies. In The event could have been regarded as ranged from complete silence to historic the - it? Why now all of a sudden, after 20 years of fact, a Turkish minister, ironically the one routine, as another one of the regular and ses of “Armenians never lived in Turkey,” silence about Khojali in Turkey? responsible for European Union accession spontaneous anti-Armenian hate shows so “Armenians massacred Turks,” “Armenians It appears that the purpose of the event talks, had decided to challenge this law by common among the Turkish people, brain - and Turks killed each other during the war,” and answers to these questions go back quite declaring that there was never a “so-called” washed with the racist Ittihadist ideology for “Armenians were only deported on the east - some time, back all the way to 1915. Yes, Armenian Genocide and had gotten into several generations. Usually, the elite “brain - ern war front,” “Armenians died of hunger 1915 again, dreaded by the Turks, about trouble by Swiss authorities, who continued washers” stay hidden behind curtains during and disease” and so on, now seems to be which the Armenians keep on spreading lies to believe in these lies. these events. But during this event, the “Armenians committed genocide.” Of course, non-stop, lies that most of the world outside Therefore, the time had come for the “real” brainwashers did not see the need to hide. the other new thesis is that “the French also Turkey believes in, and what is even worse, Turks to act — to show the “traitorous” The governor of Istanbul attended the event, committed genocide.” But there are also two lies that many Turks have also started to Turks, and the rest of the world, that they and it became obvious that the multitude of official positions which seem not to change believe in. And these lies have got to be will not be deceived by these lies, that only expensive posters on city-owned billboards much, no matter how contradictory they are stopped before it is too late, before more they know the truth, and that they will make were financed or subsidized by the city gov - with each other, and no matter who controls Turks get deceived by Armenians, before the sure the Armenians will also stop lying and ernment, using taxpayers’ money, including the Turkish government, whether it is the upcoming 100th commemoration of the learn the truth, or else… And the posters the Armenian community of Istanbul. But state or the deep state, military or civilian, 1915 events. Until recently, if you spread came out on February 26, in Taksim Square even more remarkable at the February 26 leftist or rightist, Ittihadist or nationalist, sec - these lies in Turkey you would get labeled as in central Istanbul, with the following event was the presence of the Minister of ular or moderate Islam. These are “Denial: a “traitor,” convicted for “insulting humane messages, addressed to the Interior of Turkey, who was at the forefront We never committed genocide, we never hurt Turkishness,” get beaten up or jailed, or Armenians and the “traitorous” Turks: of the rally, with statements instigating any Armenians” and “Threat: But if you keep worse, if you happened to be named Hrant “You are all Armenians, you are all hatred and discrimination against the on with genocide claims, you know we have Dink, you would be silenced with a bullet to Bastards,” “Today Taksim, tomorrow Armenians. After defining Armenians as killed in the past, and if necessary, we will kill the back of your head. But many Turks have Yerevan, we may suddenly come there one “blood suckers, heartless, pitiless murder - again.” The “threat policy” also applies to for - now started believing these lies, and have night,” “Grey Wolves are here, Where are the ers,” he continued that “The spilled Azeri eign countries, such as stopping trade or started empathizing with the Armenians, Hrants? (Grey wolf is the symbol of the ultra - blood is Turkish blood, and as long as the closing bases. with Hrant, even carrying signs declaring, nationalist/ racist Turks),” “Grey wolf Ogun Turkish nation lives, we will seek revenge for If Prime Minister Erdogan is serious about “We are all Armenians,” “We are all Hrant.” (Hrant’s killer),” “Grey wolf Catli (mobster this spilled blood.” And then, he must have showing that his regime is different than the Just a month ago, when the trial of Hrant ordered by Turkish state to go after remembered the real objective of the event, past, he would start by asking for the imme - Dink’s murderers ended with a preposterous - ASALA),” “Hrant’s bastards cannot scare us,” and somewhat relevantly announced that, diate resignation of his interior minister. 18 S ATURDAY , M ARCH 10, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMENTARY A New Kind of Armenian-Turkish Reconciliation

covery of Armenian heritage often came as a shock to these members belong to communities often understood to be in By Jennifer Manoukian grandchildren and forced them to reevaluate the way they perpetual conflict with one another: understood themselves and their relationships to their com - I like this diversity very much because my two families, munities. Armenian and Kurdish, mutually respect each other. For In October 2011, the newly-renovated Sourp Giragos These painful recollections are nevertheless interspersed example, when my mother visited my Armenian family, we Armenian Apostolic Church reopened in Turkey’s south - with bittersweet indications — obvious only in hindsight — would always make them a prayer rug. And my mother, dur - eastern province of Diyarbakir. Among the hundreds gath - of the past their grandparents kept hidden from view. One ing Christian holidays, would always make a meal for the ered to celebrate its first mass in more than 90 years were granddaughter recalls that her grandmother preferred to be occasion. This proves that it’s completely possible for the local men and women who had chosen the occasion to be called Satenig rather than Süreyya, the Turkish name on two cultures to cohabitate. Communication and common baptized into the Armenian Apostolic Church. Raised as her identity card; only when talking about her grandmoth - ground is all that is needed. Sunni Muslims, these men and women were the children er to an Armenian friend did she realize that Satenig was, Another grandchild shared a similar experience: and grandchildren of Armenians who had converted to in fact, an Armenian name. Another grandchild remembers In our family, there are Syriacs, Armenians and Muslims. Islam to escape persecution in the waning days of the coloring eggs with her grandmother every year in the early My aunts — my mother’s sisters — married Syriacs and live Ottoman Empire. spring, entirely unaware, at the time, of the insight it gave as Syriacs. My sister married an Armenian. As for my mater - Living in a society that glorified cultural homogeneity into her grandmother’s Christian upbringing. nal grandparents, they are still Muslim and pray five times and in a country that still bore the scars of its Ottoman a day. It is a mix of different lifestyles. past, the first generation of converts often kept their Grappling with Latent Armenian Identity These stories are models of exceptionally productive Armenian heritage hidden from their children. They inte - The grandchildren — raised as Turks, Kurds or Alevis, understandings of identity. Rather than being used as a grated into the communities around them and adopted, at speaking Turkish, Kurdish, or Zaza, and practicing, to vary - way to create divisions among people, these families see least outwardly, a new language, religion, culture and iden - ing degrees, Sunni Islam or Alevism — reacted to the news identity as a personal code that provides comfort and a tity. of their grandparents’ Armenian heritage in ways represen - sense of belonging, but that resists politicization and Less encumbered by the fear that silenced their parents tative of the diversity among them. Most took the opportu - spurns the idea of boundaries and limitations. and grandparents, the grandchildren of these Armenians nity to read more about Armenians; a great number of have recently begun to dig into their family histories and to grandchildren cited the work of novelists Migirdiç Implications for the Armenian Diaspora discuss their backgrounds with a kind of pride uncharac - Margosyan, Elif Shafak and Kemal Yalçin as fundamental in The struggle to formulate identity is not foreign to teristic of previous generations. humanizing an unfamiliar yet vilified group of people. Many Armenians living in the diaspora, who are also exposed to This growing trend in Turkey that values multicultural also began to read about Ottoman Armenian history, and in a variety of different cultures and identities from which to identities — and, in the process, exposes the absurdity of the process, challenged the depiction of Armenians as choose. The accounts of these grandchildren are in fact purity as a cultural ideal — rails against the Turkish nation - wicked traitors, which had been instilled in them at school quite relevant to diasporic experiences and provide an alter - alist model of identity that has become familiar to those and in their larger society from an early age. native approach to Armenian identity construction, which who follow Turkish politics. But it is not the government Some grandchildren were intrigued by the religious piece encourages a kind of inclusivity that does not often char - that is fostering change; it is members of the civil society of their Armenian ancestry, which prompted them to study acterize Armenian communities. who are taking the matter of identity into their own hands. the intersections between Christianity and Islam or, like The Armenian Diaspora today is composed of descen - These themes have been most notably explored through those baptized at Sourp Giragos last October, to convert to dants of Ottoman Armenians who, despite having lived in personal accounts of the grandchildren of converted the faith in which their grandparents were raised. exile for almost a century, still feel a close connection to Armenians. In examining the impact that the discovery of Although the conclusions that each grandchild drew their heritage; in some cases, they continue to speak Armenian ancestry has had on their own identity construc - from his or her discovery varied considerably, each was Western Armenian, a linguistic branch distinct from the tion, the grandchildren attest to the possibility of multiple compelled to reflect on his or her identity and how this new one spoken in the Republic of Armenia today. Scattered in belongings. This is a concept that unhinges the common revelation would impact it. For some, their grandparents’ large part across Europe, the Middle East and the adversarial depiction of Armenian and Turkish nationalism past had no effect on how they conceived of their identity. Americas, the people who comprise the Armenian diaspora advanced by states and leaders and inspires a more fluid, One grandchild reflects: “I was born in Turkey. I am have, to varying degrees, retained aspects of their ancestral inclusive understanding of identity, where both Turkish Turkish. I am Muslim. Should I, all of a sudden, become culture while at the same time participating in the societies and Armenian elements can coexist within an individual. Armenian and go to Yerevan?” Or: “Up until today, I have in which they were raised. never felt Turkish, Kurdish or Armenian, even after learn - Despite what seems to be fertile ground for the develop - Crypto-Armenians: Then and Now ing of my family’s history. I don’t identify with any of these ment of dual identities, Armenians in the diaspora have While the international community is well acquainted nationalities. I don’t want to be attached to anywhere.” internalized the idea that identity fusion makes their with the plight of Armenians driven from Anatolia in 1915, The absence of a single, dominant identity and the sig - Armenian experience somehow inauthentic. A hierarchy of it has only been in the past decade that attention has been nificance of multiculturalism are themes repeated in a sig - “Armenianness” — based on the degree to which a person focused on the Armenians who stayed in Turkey — known nificant number of accounts. After an initial period of crisis adheres to a perceived, yet undefined paragon of ethnic per - as “crypto-Armenians,” “Islamicized Armenians” or, more and uncertainty, many of the grandchildren came to value fection — is born from these feelings of inauthenticity. This disparagingly, as “leftovers of the sword.” belonging to an eclectic mix of communities: “I have hierarchy is dangerous because there is no ideal way to Although a small fraction of the pre-1915 Armenian com - Armenian, Kurdish and Turkish cultures. I know all of them understand identity or the factors that influence it; the sole munity preserved its language and culture in Istanbul after well and I am the product of what they represent. But I requirement is for it to have value to the individual. For Turkey’s founding in 1923, most Armenians who remained don’t know how to respond when one asks me if I am some, language may be the most important building block; in Turkey faded into the social fabric of rural towns and vil - Turkish, Kurdish or Armenian. I am a bit of all three.” This for others, it may be food, religion or music. lages across Anatolia. But, in recent years, these men and emphasis on multiple affiliations illustrates a flexible, more Identity is personal, but it becomes public when people women are being pulled from obscurity with increased inclusive understanding of identity — a break with the pre - create an environment welcome only to those who sub - momentum, thanks in part to the 2004 publication of vailing nationalist conceptualization that so often attempts scribe to the same brand of identity. General feelings of Fethiye Çetin’s memoir, Anneannem [My Grandmother]. to place people into neat categories that do not represent exclusion from the Armenian community are illustrated in In this groundbreaking text, Çetin — a Turkish human reality. a comment from Behçet Avci, one of the grandchildren bap - rights activist and lawyer best known abroad as legal coun - tized at Sourp Giragos last October: “We have been ostra - sel for the family of slain Turkish-Armenian journalist Hrant Hybrid Identities cized by both Sunni Muslims and Armenians. It is a very Dink — recounts her grandmother’s personal history. Her There is something hopeful to be said about a generation emotional moment for me and I’m a bit upset because grandmother, born Heranoush to an Armenian family, was that can see beyond artificial constructs of nationhood and unfortunately we do not belong to either side.” taken from her mother and siblings by a Turkish gendarme has the confidence to formulate identities based on its own Understanding that identity is not static, but rather that during the death marches in 1915. She was renamed Seher, individual experiences. After successful attempts by their it is evolving — constantly being defined and redefined — was raised as a Turk, and repressed all memory of her grandparents to assimilate into the dominant culture, and would encourage others to see the value in multiple belong - Armenian past until the very end of her life. desperate attempts by their parents to conceal any sugges - ings, ease feelings of alienation and eliminate the idea that Çetin’s pioneering account reverberated across Turkey, tion of their otherness, these grandchildren are bravely there is a certain kind of ideal Armenian identity for which resonating particularly with families who had uncovered rejecting their society’s taboos by acknowledging and, in to strive. similar stories in their own personal histories. In some many cases, embracing their Armenian ancestry. In his The accounts of the grandchildren in Les petits-enfants cases, My Grandmother prompted these families to discuss interview, one grandchild eloquently comments on the dan - can teach the diaspora that hybrid identities are not corro - their Armenian ancestry openly and without shame, leading gers of identity suppression so common in past genera - sive or threatening; they enrich one another and, most to the publication of another unparalleled work, written tions: importantly, they represent reality. Egyptian-Armenian, with Ayse Gül Altınay, Torunlar [The Grandchildren], pub - I don’t wish for anyone to hide their true identity or to American-Armenian, French-Armenian, Syrian-Armenian, lished in French as Les petits-enfants . mask past errors. I think that people become much more Argentinean-Armenian are hyphenated identities that Les petits-enfants is a series of personal accounts by 25 extremist when they hide their pasts and protect them - describe lived experiences and should be appreciated rather grandchildren of converted Armenians, originally published selves by diverting attention. [Bülent] Ecevit, wanting to than tinged with guilt. in Turkish in 2009 and translated into French by Célin erase his Kurdish origins, became a Turkish nationalist The accounts in Les petits-enfants also implicitly encour - Vuraler in 2011. In these interviews, the grandchildren politician; my uncle, hoping to make people forget his age readers to view each person as an individual with his or piece together what they know about their grandparents’ Armenian ancestry, immersed himself fervently in Islam. her own complex identity and not as a representative of a childhoods and families, explain how their grandparents People who are sure of themselves would not exist in such country or a culture. They show us that prejudices wear were integrated into Sunni or Alevi communities, and contradiction. away with personal contact, with time and, most impor - describe their relationship with them. The shift towards self-acceptance is promising because it tantly, with knowledge. The grandchildren were forced to The startling, often brutal way that the grandchildren dis - indicates that identities no longer need to be understood as come to this realization abruptly, but by learning from their covered their grandparents’ Armenian ancestries, rattling mutually exclusive. One granddaughter, who considers her - stories, both Turks and Armenians can come to this real - whatever clear conception they had of their identities up self a devout Muslim and has chosen to wear the hijab, cel - ization more gradually by transcending the hostility fueled until that point, is a key feature of each account. For exam - ebrates the fact that she is not a “pure Turk” and credits by the nationalist rhetoric on both sides and seeing one ple, one grandchild, the celebrated poet Bedrettin Aykin, her converted Armenian grandmother with teaching her another as individuals above all else. remembers first learning of his family’s past unexpectedly about the faith. She shows us that a variety of seemingly when a friend’s mother referred to his mother as “the irreconcilable identities can coexist harmoniously with one young infidel,” leading him to question his mother about another. (This commentary originally appeared in jadaliyya.com. their origins. Having been treated as a secret within their We see this emphasis on coexistence again in the It appeared in the Mirror-Spectator last week, but because families and a source of shame within their society, the dis - accounts of grandchildren with extended families whose several errors crept in, we are reprinting it.) S ATURDAY , M ARCH 10, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 19 COMMENTARY

appeal the adopted bill to the Constitutional Council. reportedly too ill to attend the session. Ironically, while the Turkish government was announcing a The Constitutional Council’s eight remaining members boycott of French companies, a Turkish group was hiring a ruled on February 28 that the bill penalizing genocide high-powered French lobbying firm to assist in the hunt for denial approved by the Parliament and Senate was uncon - signatures. Azerbaijan joined in this sinister lobbying effort stitutional because it violated French laws on freedom of My Turn by inviting six French senators to Baku to collect their speech. rewards for having signed the appeal! By hook or crook, This was a shocking decision for two reasons: 1) Several By Harut Sassounian the Turkish authorities and their French surrogates suc - members of the Constitutional Council violated the law ceeded in enticing 142 of more than 900 members of the themselves by sitting in judgment on an issue in which French legislature to file an appeal with the Constitutional they had a clear bias or conflict of interest; and 2) They Constitutional Council’s Council on January 31, 2012. ruled the genocide denial bill to be unconstitutional sup - Scandalous Rejection of French Clearly, this was an unacceptable intrusion into France ’s posedly because it restricted free speech, while leaving domestic affairs. Rather than allowing the Turkish ambas - intact another law that penalized denial of the Holocaust. Genocide Bill sador to pressure members of the legislature to sign the The Council members failed to explain why penalizing appeal to the Constitutional Council, France should have denial of the Armenian Genocide was a restriction on free - Armenians in France and throughout the world reacted expelled him for violating his diplomatic mandate. Turkey dom of expression while penalizing denial of the Jewish with utter indignation against the Constitutional Council’s should not be permitted to dictate French laws. Holocaust was not! All genocide victims merit equal pro - scandalous decision rejecting the genocide denial bill. The Constitutional Council is a hodge-podge of 11 retired tection under the law. There should be no double stan - The National Assembly and Senate recently adopted a individuals of various backgrounds. It includes two French dards! bill that would set a penalty of a year in jail and $60,000 presidents, two judges, three legislators, and four govern - Unlike the United States, France has several laws that fine for anyone denying the genocides recognized by the ment officials. A major controversy erupted when a French restrict freedom of expression. Why is that when it comes French government. France officially recognizes the Jewish newspaper revealed that several members of the Council, to punishing deniers of the Armenian Genocide, the Holocaust and the Armenian Genocide. including its chairman, had serious conflict of interest Council members all of a sudden become staunch defend - Even though the bill did not specifically mention the problems in reaching a fair decision. Some had made prej - ers of free speech? Armenian Genocide, the Turkish government did every - udicial statements on this issue while serving in the legis - French Armenians should take up all legal and political thing short of declaring war against France to undermine lature, others have business ties with Turkey, and most measures to reverse the Council’s unfair and illegal deci - its adoption, thereby identifying itself as the perpetrator of shockingly, one of them, Hubert Haenel, is a member of the sion. They could file a lawsuit with the European Court of one of the two genocides. After failing to block the adop - Bosphorus Institute — a French-Turkish “think tank” that Human Rights against the Constitutional Council as well as tion of the bill by the two chambers of the French legisla - lobbied against the genocide denial bill. introduce a new bill in the French legislature. ture, Turkey and Azerbaijan , its junior partner in the crime Under such scandalous conditions, most Council mem - Since the two leading French presidential candidates of genocide denial, left no stone unturned to have the law bers should have disqualified themselves from sitting in have pledged to bring up this bill again after the upcoming declared unconstitutional. judgment on this issue. After these embarrassing disclo - elections, this issue will not go away until a law is adopted Turkey applied all kinds of pressure on French legislators sures, two Council members withdrew from deliberating on penalizing Armenian Genocide denial. Turkey must not be to collect the necessary 60 or more signatures needed to the genocide bill and former President Jacques Chirac was allowed to export its denialist policies to European shores. And the Racism Button of the Day Was Pressed

members? were left out of the interview. Be answer. Thus, Turkey working together with By Azad Alik that as it may, nothing was easier than Azerbaijan sought to internationalize its accessing the website of Ulker. According to Turkey working together response to April 24 commemorations taking his website, “He has worked as a planner and place for the past five-six years and to the Two weeks ago in an article written with educator in the training and strategy units of reaction to the verdict reached in the Hrant Silva Bingaz, titled “April 24, 2011,” we the Turkish Armed Forces. He has been a with Azerbaijan sought to Dink murder trial. That is, the state, which asked the civil society establishments member of the faculty of the Academy of up to now had tolerated commemorations, engaged in disseminating information in National Security. He has been in 20 coun - decided to clamp down and appealing to the Turkey about the Armenian Genocide, how tries for study and investigations and has par - internationalize its response usual nationalistic and racist sentiments, as were we to approach a situation, when one ticipated in conferences and symposia.” That in the last 100 years, planned to extend its side was commemorating the events of April is, Mesut Ulker has been a central figure in will from the state level to the streets. What 24, while on the same day the other side the higher circles of the state apparatus and to April 24 commemorations took place last Sunday clearly shows how killed Sevan Balikci, an Armenian conscript continues to maintain his ties with it as a denial of the past in Turkey will be played out in the military. In particular, we had pointed political operative. There is an important taking place for the past five- in the future. out that the law adopted in France punishing point in the Radikal article. It does not reveal While these events were taking place, the denial of genocides would cause racist the source who financed the posters. I Azerbaijan has intervened to stop the show - repercussions that thought it was important to find out about six years and to the reaction ing of “Grandma’s Tattoos,” by Suzanne were cause for con - the financing of the billboards that flooded Khardalian in the FilmMor Festival, and OPINION cern and asked the whole city and the cost of full-page adver - Azerbaijan News Agency has asked whether how it could be tisements in the New York Times and other to the verdict reached in the or not the organizers of the festival have dealt with. We had papers. But apparently the sources are unim - obtained the permission of the Turkish gov - written this message two weeks ago, howev - portant because financing has not been diffi - ernment to show the film. What a coinci - er last week with posters appearing all over cult. When the state pushes the racist but - Hrant Dink murder trial. dence! Istanbul stating “Don’t Believe The ton, identities of persons or financing stops We also should not forget the coverage Armenian Lies,” we saw that the Armenians being an issue. In fact, in the demonstration given by TRT, the state television, to the were being targeted wholesale by racists. for the Hodjali, professionally-made placards this demonstration. Even if the minister Hodjali demonstrations, and also remember While wondering who had printed these announced: “Armenian Murderers,” “You all resigns, what remains scary is the widespread that the mainstream newspapers represented posters, we learned from the Radikal news - are Armenians. You are all bastards,” “One presence of the mentality he represents. in yesterday’s events as a “commemoration” paper that a group called “Volunteers for the night, suddenly we will come upon you,” It appears that preparations for this cam - of Hodjali. To publish news such as the commemoration of the Hodjali [Khojali] Armenian! Don’t be mistaken. Our patience paign started in January during a visit of the Hurriyet newspaper has, that “the Hodjali Genocide” was responsible, and we read the has a limit!” Apparently, demonstrations had friendship group of the parliamentarians of massacre was protested,” or as Sabah news - interview of Mesut Ulker who was a member been planned in 60 cities including Baku, Azerbaijan in Turkey. In responding to the paper in its front page, “The Hodjali account of the group. The news report was not Brussels, Paris, Munich and Kyrenia French law and the calls made to Turkey to will be settled, ”and Milliyet ’s report, written signed. Simple questions such as: Who is (Cyprus). In Istanbul, the call of the Minister face its past the two countries agreed to by Musa Kesler, comparing the demonstra - Mesut Ulker? How long has this volunteer of the Interior, Idris Nail Sahin, for revenge unite and to support each other as the100- tion to “festive May Day celebrations” is not group been in existence? And who are the showed the support of the government for year anniversary of 1915 was approaching. only a cover up for racism but becomes a part They agreed to give a belligerent and racist of it, to become its instigator. This is not the first time the government has pushed the racism button. We have not forgotten how the events of September 6-7, 1955 were planned and implemented. If we Notice to Contributors do not, by using existing political and social structures, oppose the racism that is being The welcomes articles, commentaries daytime telephone number. fanned, we would face a much worse situa - Armenian Mirror-Spectator and community news from our readers. In order to assure the accurate — Deadline for submission of all articles and advertising is noon on the tion when the one hundred year anniversary and timely publication of articles submitted, please note the following Monday of the week of publication. of 1915 approaches. One does not have to be policies: — Photos will be published without charge at the discretion of the edi - a soothsayer or a doomsday prophet to pre - — All articles submitted should be typed, double (or triple) spaced and tors and art director. Photos will be returned only if a self-addressed dict this. The history of the last 100 years printed in a type size large enough to be clearly legible (10 point or and stamped envelope is included. and the pride felt for that history guarantees larger). Submissions that do not conform to these specifications will be — The will publish only one article about an upcoming organiza - M-S what the future promises to be. assigned lowest priority. tional event. For major special events, exceptions may be made only — Articles sent by fax are acceptable, and e-mail submissions are by special arrangement with the editors. (Azad Alik is a blogger. His website is encouraged. — Telephone numbers, ticket prices and other details (at the discretion http:azadalik.wordpress.com. The article was — All submissions should include the name of a contact person and a of the editors) will not be included in press releases. published on February 28. The translation from Turkish is by A. Maranci.) 20 S ATURDAY , M ARCH 10, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Armenian Genocide: The French Constitutional Council’s Mistake

the vote. Before that, however, he did have the tion is not so very high as we are told and, in any of the facts.” A discredited Council, even if it is By Bernard-Henri Levi time to produce a report deploring the fact that case, not this Supreme Court à la française so constitutional, is not the guardian of truth, and, the first law, that of October 2001, recognizing highly spoken of. We may remind ourselves that fortunately, the decision it has just taken cannot the Genocide, “undermined bilateral economic it has taken several liberties with Article 3 of the judge in advance the outcome of a battle the his - The power belongs to the law. exchanges” between France and Turkey; order of November 7, 1958, defining its opera - torians of genocides have long since won. And to the institutions of the Republic. • Such as attorney Jacqueline de tional rules and demanding that its members Not, I have said it a hundred times, the battle Thus the Constitutional Council’s invalidation Guillenchmidt, prevented from voting as well “swear” to “carry out their duties” with all for I don’t know what “memorial laws,” the of the law voted by the two Houses aiming to due to her signature, in 2008, of the famous “impartiality,” to “keep its deliberations and specter of which is brandished before us every penalize the denial of genocides is, in the eyes of appeal of Blois “for the freedom of History” votes secret,” to “take no public position” and time. the law, and until the same two Houses recon - (whose love of freedom, by the by, does not go “to give no consultation concerning the ques - But the battle for recognition of the radical sider it, the last word. so far as to demand that Ankara release Ragip tions relevant to the competence of the singularity of occurrences of genocide — these Nonetheless. Zarakolu, the Turkish editor incarcerated for Council.” events are characteristic of modern times. Respect for the constitutional State and its having published works by historians denounc - And it is especially not forbidden to encourage A law for humanity. rules should not blind its citizens to a certain ing the systematic extermination of the those the ballet of interests and influence A law for the respect of these very rare truths, number of facts that are rather disturbing. Armenians); around this noble cause that is the truth has led the transgression of which is a threat to each of These include, for example, the pressure exert - • The ineffable Michel Charasse, former min - to despair; it is not forbidden to hope that the us, because they aim at the heart of the human ed by representatives of Turkey before submis - ister under Mitterrand, whose reputation for last word will not be that of the partisans of a race. sion of the case to the Council, and the busloads “wisdom” is not particularly well established, free speech who have already given themselves A just and eminently universal law we count of nationalist demonstrators gathered beneath and whose hostility to the text was a matter of away, in their haste, the day after the vote, to on the next president, whoever he may be, to the windows of the French Senate, demanding common knowledge at the time the negationist requalify the Armenian Genocide as a “mas - put back on the agenda. the right to quite freely violate the memory of lobby began its campaign; and sacre” and request “historical commissions” (This commentary originally appeared in the the dead and the honor of the survivors. • The President of the Council and no less (we’ve seen it all before) to establish the “reality March 6 edition of the Huffington Post.) The amazing letter of January 30 is signed by hilariously entertaining Jean-Louis Debré who, one of the magnates of the CAC40, named, for as Mayor of the city of Evreux in 2006, went so the occasion, “co-president of the scientific com - far as to have an inscription mentioning the vic - mittee,” of the main Franco-Turk pressure tims of genocide sawn off a plaque honoring Schiff Presses Clinton on Armenian Genocide group, the Institut du Bosphore: in it, M. de Franco-Armenian friendship. Castries, who is also the boss of Axa insurance And I am not mentioning the conditions of During Congressional Hearing company, implored the legislators to resist the the submission of the case, which, in the opin - SCHIFF, from page 1 request of French citizens of Armenian origin. ion of several jurists, could amount to abuse of Armenian Genocide and facilitate redress to the victims.” And the very composition of the Council, procedure. In the letter to Clinton, Schiff and his colleagues noted that her “historically inaccurate whose impartiality, wisdom and distance, imper - The point, I repeat, is not to call into question description of the Armenian Genocide as an open question, in addition to the offense it rep - ative when confronted with a deliberation of the principle of a decree that, like every decision resents to Armenian Americans and other victims of genocide, provides American encour - this nature, were seriously damaged by a series of every republican body, is reputed to be agement to the Republic of Turkey in its shameful campaign of denial.” It also notes that, as of stands opportunely recalled by the irreverent authorless and transcending motifs, virtues or, a senator, Clinton joined with then-Senator Barack Obama in writing a letter explaining to French weekly, Le Canard enchaîné . unfortunately, the absence of virtue of those President George W. Bush that the Armenian Genocide was a “systematic and deliberate cam - • Such as former Senator Haenel, the “wise who have inspired it. paign of genocide perpetrated by the Ottoman Empire in 1915... The victims of the Genocide man” whose affiliation with the Institut du But the policy of spreading confusion in peo - deserve our remembrance and their rightful place in history... It is in the best interests of our Bosphore has never been a secret and who, for ple’s minds is such that it is by no means for - nation and the entire global community to remember the past and learn from these crimes this reason, was prevented from participating in bidden to recall that this high body of delibera - against humanity to ensure that they are never repeated.”

Mediators Visit Karabagh Amid More Deadly Fighting

MINSK, from page 1 “We also discussed the situation on the Line The mediators discussed the issue with of Contact,” Robert Bradtke, the US co-chair, The Armenian Karabagh President Bako Sahakian in told reporters in the Karabagh capital. Stepanakert on Saturday. But they gave no Later on Saturday the Azerbaijani Defense details of that discussion. Ministry reported that two of its soldiers were shot dead overnight at the westernmost section of Azerbaijan’s long border with Armenia. It Mirro r-Spe ctator said Azerbaijani troops stationed there came under intense automatic gunfire from Armenian Rep. to UN Armenian army positions. YES, I would like a 1 – year subscription to The Armenian Mirror-Spectator. The Armenian Defense Ministry blamed the Calls Attention Azerbaijani side for the incident. “The ceasefire USA /Second Class Mail $75.00 CANADA /Air Mail $125.00 regime is always violated by the Azerbaijani USA /First Class Mail $120.00 To Misleading Azeri side,” the Regnum news agency quoted min - istry spokesman Davit Karapetian as saying. J THE SUBSCRIPTION IS FOR ME Statements Azerbaijani news agencies reported that NAME another Azerbaijani soldier was gravely wound - ADDRESS STATEMENTS, from page 1 ed early after a truck driven by him hit a land - CITY STATE ZIP release the Azerbaijani journalists and mine at a frontline section northeast of human rights activists who had questioned Karabagh on Monday. the version of the Azerbaijani government The Armenian-Azerbaijani truce violations J THE SUBSCRIPTION IS A GIFT FOR: regarding Khojalu events. appear to have been the main focus of the medi - NAME Armenia reiterates its position, according ators’ activities in recent months, reflecting to which progress in the negotiations for the their concerns about the possible resumption of ADDRESS peaceful settlement of the Nagorno Karabagh large-scale hostilities and the parties’ lingering CITY STATE ZIP issue depends, inter alia, on the establish - differences on the basic principles of Karabagh ment of tolerance and restraint from hate peace. Please make check payable to: The Armenian Mirror-Spectator and mail to: propaganda. The Azeri initiative does not Aliyev and Sargisian reportedly came close to 755 Mt. Auburn Street, Watertown, MA 02472-1509 bode well for such objectives.” overcoming those differences when they met in Nazarian requested to the UN secretary another Russian city, Kazan, last June. All payments must be drawn on US banks general that the present letter and the Prospects for a near-term solution to the attached statement of the Foreign Ministry of Karabagh conflict have dimmed since then. the Nagorno Karabagh Republic, in response Forthcoming elections in Armenia and to the letter of the representative of Azerbaijan are widely seen as another impedi - Azerbaijan, be circulated as an official docu - ment to a breakthrough in the protracted peace ment of the General Assembly, under agenda process. SUB SCRIBE items 35 and 39, and of the Security Council, Bradtke insisted in Stepanakert, though, that the Nagorno Karabagh Ministry of Foreign the difficult search for a mutually acceptable Affairs press service reported. peace deal will continue despite the elections. For Your Internal News of Armenia Log on to www.AZG.am TODAY! In English, Armenian, Russian and Turkish