JANUARY 26, 2019 Mirror-SpeTHE ARMENIAN ctator Volume LXXXIX, NO. 27, Issue 4571 $ 2.00 NEWS The First English Language Armenian Weekly in the United States Since 1932 INBRIEF Trump Congratulates Hrant Dink Pashinyan, Urges Karabakh Peace Assassination WASHINGTON (RFE/RL) — US President Donald Trump stressed the importance of resolving Anniversary the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict when he congratu- lated Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on winning Armenia’s recent parliamentary elections. Marked “Congratulations on your appointment as Prime Minister of Armenia and your coalition’s success in ISTANBUL (Armenpress) — Armenian the December 9, 2018 parliamentary elections,” lawmaker of the Turkish Parliament Trump said in a letter made public by Pashinyan’s Garo Paylan urged the Parliament on press office on January 19. January 18 to deal with the investiga- “The United States supports a prosperous, demo- tion of the murder case of Istanbul- cratic Armenia at peace with its neighbors,” he Armenian intellectual Hrant Dink, wrote. “Together, we can make progress on deep- gazeteduvar reported. ening trade between our countries, strengthening “After being murdered Hrant Dink global security, and combating corruption.” became a symbol of seeking equality, “A peaceful solution to the Nagorno-Karabakh pluralism, democracy and justice in conflict will help these efforts,” added Trump. Turkey. 12 years have passed since his Visiting Yerevan in October, Trump’s national murder, but this case is still not dis- security adviser, John Bolton, said Washington closed”, Paylan said in the Parliament. expects Pashinyan to take “decisive steps” towards Presenting the details of Dink’s mur- a Karabakh settlement after his widely anticipated der, the lawmaker said the state has also victory in the snap elections. Pashinyan should its share of guilt. have a “very strong mandate” to reach a compro- “Hrank Dink has been targeted by mise peace deal with Azerbaijan, Bolton said after nationalists after publishing an article talks with the Armenian leader. in 2004 about Ataturk’s daughter and Pashinyan’s My Step bloc won as much as 70 per- first female fighter pilot Sabiha cent of the vote in the elections. The US Embassy Gokchen which revealed that Gokchen in Armenia was quick to praise the conduct of the had an Armenian origin. That time the vote, echoing its positive assessment by European Turkish General Staff issued a state- observers. ment on this article, Dink also received warning from the Istanbul Governor’s Office,” Paylan said. Crime against see DINK, page 5 Demonstrations on January 19 in Istanbul Armenians in Baku Genocide, Group Says Rediscovering Armenian Heritage in Turkey after Hrant Dink YEREVAN (Armenpress) — The crime against BERLIN — “The question of whether (AGA: Working Group for Armenians in Baku in January 1990 was a geno- after such a complete elimination, after Recognition; Against Genocide, for cide, Larisa Alaverdyan, chair of the Against the By Muriel Mirak-Weissbach Violation of Law NGO, told reporters on January the almost total expulsion and forced Special to the Mirror-Spectator Understanding among Peoples), expatriation of survivors in the succes- opened a commemorative event in 18, adding that during that time people were tor- sor state, the Republic of Turkey, an exis- Berlin on January 19, the 12th tured only for their ethnic identity. tence as an Armenian, subjectively and objectively, is at all anniversary of the murder of Hrant Dink. This question was “Nearly 500 people have been killed; let us not possible, has been my concern as a human rights activist for the theme addressed by the keynote speaker, Miran Gültekin, even talk about what others have suffered. There decades.” This is how Tessa Hofmann, genocide researcher originally from Dersim and now living in Istanbul. was a UN Convention adopted on December 9, and chairwoman of the Arbeitsgruppe Anerkennung e.V see GERMANY, page 5 1948 which is called the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. It has five points relating to the types of crimes for which persons can be held accountable,” she said. She noted that Armenia should initiate a docu- Armenian, Azeri FMs Meet Again ment to acknowledge these events as genocide, that is what they really were. PARIS (RFE/RL) — The foreign minis- between Armenian Prime Minister Nikol development.” But they gave no details. “We do not have a document in Armenia that will ters of Armenia and Azerbaijan acknowl- Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham The mediators said in this regard that call the 1988 Armenian massacres in Sumgait as a edged the need for “concrete measures to Aliyev, it said, adding that such a summit they “underlined the importance of possi- genocide,” Alaverdyan said. prepare the populations for peace” when could “give a strong She said her organization will apply to the they held fresh talks in Paris on impulse to the dynamic of Parliament with the request to adopt a resolution Wednesday, January 16, according to inter- negotiations.” which will name the things accordingly. national mediators. Aliyev and Pashinyan Zohrab Mnatsakanyan and Elmar spoke to each other for Mammadyarov met in the presence of the the first time on the side- US, Russian and French mediators co-head- lines of a summit of former INSIDE ing the Organization for Security and Soviet republics held in Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Minsk Tajikistan in September. Group for the fourth time in six months. There has been a signifi- The press services of both ministers cant decrease in ceasefire Teaching described the meeting, which lasted for violations around more than four hours, as “useful.” They Karabakh and along the said the two sides will hold more “results- Armenian-Azerbaijani bor- The Armenian and Azerbaijani foreign ministers and the co- chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group pose for a photograph in Philosophy oriented” negotiations on resolving the der since then. Paris, January 16, 2019. Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The two leaders talked “The Ministers discussed a wide range of again during another ex- Page 6 issues related to the settlement of the Soviet summit that took place in Russia in ble mutually beneficial initiatives designed Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and agreed early December. Aliyev said afterwards that the to fulfill the economic potential of the upon the necessity of taking concrete mea- year 2019 will see a “new impetus” to the region.” They did not elaborate on those sures to prepare the populations for peace,” Karabakh peace process. initiatives, saying instead that they plan to INDEX read a separate statement released by the In virtually identical statements released meet with Pashinyan and Aliyev “in the Arts and Living ...... 13 Minsk Group co-chairs. after the Paris talks, the Armenian and near future.” Armenia ...... 2,3 Community News...... 6 “During the meetings, the Co-Chairs Azerbaijani foreign ministries confirmed Despite the continuing positive tone of Editorial ...... 18 statements made by Yerevan and Baku it reviewed with the Ministers key principles that Mammadyarov and Mnatsakanyan dis- International ...... 4,5 and parameters for the current phase of the cussed ways of preparing their populations remains unclear whether the conflicting negotiation process,” said the statement. for a peaceful settlement as well as achiev- parties narrowed their differences on how They also discussed a possible meeting ing “security and sustainable regional to end the protracted conflict. 2 S ATURDAY, J ANUARY 2 6 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARMENIA News From Armenia Swedish Parliament Will Not Delay Signing Kocharyan Detention Armenia-EU Agreement, Ambassador Says

Extended YEREVAN (Armenpress) — The Agreement between Armenia and the only hampers the negotiation process YEREVAN (Armenpress) — The Yerevan court on parliament of Sweden will not delay EU, Mirzoyan said he hoped that the but also creates new problems,” January 18 approved the motion to extend the pre- the signing of the Comprehensive and Swedish parliament will ratify the doc- Ararat Mirzoyan said. trial detention of the second president of Armenia, Enhanced Partnership Agreement ument in a maximally short period. Speaking about the developments Robert Kocharyan, for two months, an official of the between Armenia and the European The Speaker also referred to in Armenia, Mirzoyan said, “Our devo- Prosecutor General’s Office Vahagn Muradyan told Union (EU), Ambassador of Sweden Nagorno Karabakh conflict settle- tion to democratic values, protection reporters. of human rights and freedoms cannot “Robert Kocharyan’s pre-trial detention will be be questioned,” he said, hoping for extended for two months, and the motion of the international assistance. defending side on using bail has been rejected,” The Speaker of the Armenian par- Muradyan said. liament also thanked the Swedish for Kocharyan’s attorneys submitted motion to release adopting a resolution recognizing the him from custody on bail on December 26, 2018. Armenian Genocide. Kocharyan was charged on July 26, 2018, over the Congratulating Mirzoyan on being 2008 March 1 case for breaching the constitutional elected Speaker of the National order of the Republic of Armenia. Assembly, Tideström expressed confi- dence that the Armenian-Swedish cooperation will expand in various Three My Step City spheres. The Ambassador emphasized that Council Members the revolution that took place in spring Suspended 2018 in Armenia is perceived in Sweden as key factor for democracy. YEREVAN (Armenpress) — Three members of the Parliament speaker Ararat Mirzoyan, center, with the Swedish delegation Tideström said Sweden values the Yerevan City Council representing the My Step party expansion and strengthening of the bloc have been suspended, Chairman of the Central cooperation with Armenia in various Electoral Commission (CEC) Tigran Mukuchyan said to Armenia Ulrik Tideström said on ment process, noting that the position spheres and is ready to support the during a session on January 22. January 23 at a meeting with of the Armenian authorities is clear implementation of new initiatives. “We have received several proclamations from the President of the National Assembly of on this issue – the settlement is pos- He stressed that the parliament of Mayor of Yerevan by which the powers of City Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan. sible through exclusively peaceful his country will not delay the signing Council members from My Step party bloc Sasha Mirzoyan praised the cooperation means in the sidelines of the of the Comprehensive and Enhanced Katvalyan, Vahagn Grigoryan and Arman between the two countries, particu- Organization for Security and Partnership Agreement between Iskandaryan have been suspended,” the CEC larly highlighting the interactions Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Minsk Armenia and the EU. Chairman said. between the legislatives, mutual visits Group Co-chairs’ format. “It’s difficult The two sides highlighted the role The mandates of these members are given to the and exchange of experience. to negotiate with someone who regu- of the Swedish-Armenian community next candidates of the bloc’s electoral list who are Speaking about the Comprehensive larly makes militaristic announce- for the deepening of the Armenian- the following: Arman Antonyan, Anahit Asatryan and Enhanced Partnership ments and provokes hatred. It not Swedish relations. and Tigran Galstyan. No further details were made public. Latvian, Estonian Gas Prices not to Leaders Send Ex-Minister Denies Increase, Pashinyan Says Pashinyan YEREVAN (Armenpress) — Prime Minister of Corruption Charges Armenia Nikol Pashinyan announced that the Congratulatory Notes authorities of Armenia have agreed with Gazprom Armenia on preserving domestic gas prices, YEREVAN (Armenpress) — The prime YEREVAN (RFE/RL) — Former refuted,” the lawyer told journalists. Pashinyan said in an interview with Ria Novosti on ministers of Estonia and Latvia, Jüri Environment Minister Aram Hakobyan also said that the former January 22. Ratas and Maris Kucinskis, respectively, Harutiunyan denied through a lawyer minister was not allowed to travel “Gazprom sells gas not to Armenia, but Gazprom have sent congratulatory messages to on Friday, January 18, corruption abroad recently, before being indicted Armenia, that’s why our role is [that of an] interme- Nikol Pashinyan on being appointed accusations brought against him by an by the SIS. “Mr. Harutiunyan wanted diary. But we have agreed with Gazprom Armenia Prime Minister of Armenia. Armenian law-enforcement body. to leave the country for the purpose of that gas prices will not change inside the country,” Ratas’ message runs as follows, The lawyer, Karen Hakobyan, said his wife’s medical treatment but his Pashinyan said. “Please, accept my sincere congratula- that Harutiunyan has not fled departure was illegally blocked at the Pashinyan emphasized that it’s very important for tions on the occasion of being appoint- Armenia but refused the government of Armenia to agree on a long-term ed Prime Minister of Armenia. I wish to shed more light on gas tariff. “At the moment discussions are underway you success in the responsible task of his whereabouts after at the Eurasian Economic Union on creating a single ensuring the progress of the reforms in a Yerevan court issued gas and energy market, therefore, we have numerous order to make Armenia a maximally an arrest warrant for issues to discuss,” Pashinyan said. democratic and prosperous country. As him. Nor did Gazprom raised the prices for gas supplied to a country that has passed through a Hakobyan say Armenia from $150 to $165 starting January 1. transitional period, Estonia highly whether his client will After that Pashinyan announced that gas prices will assesses the opportunity to develop surrender to the remain unchanged for consumers. close relations with Armenia in terms of Special Investigative sharing the existing positive experience. Service (SIS) follow- The existing good cooperation ing the court’s deci- ‘General’ Arrested Again between our countries, particularly in sion. the spheres of IT and culture, is a firm The SIS formally YEREVAN (Armenpress) — Former lawmaker ground for deepening bilateral relations. charged Harutiunyan Manvel Grigoryan has been placed under arrest and I am confident that during your tenure on Thursday with held a Yerevan prison. Environment Minister Aram Harutiunyan speaks at a we will expand bilateral interactions in receiving $14 million Earlier the Court of Appeals had issued a news briefing in Yerevan, other spheres and will strengthen those in bribes while in new arrest warrant for former lawmaker Grigoryan, already existing. office in 2008. It reit- the prosecution said. The court has accepted the I hope Armenia will continue devel- erated prosecutors’ recent allegations border checkpoint [of Yerevan’s Prosecutor General’s complaint against an earlier oping relations with the EU, particular- that an Armenian businesswoman, Zvartnots airport,]” he said. decision of a lower court to free Grigoryan on bail. ly in the sidelines of the Comprehensive Silva Hambardzumyan, paid the bribes Harutiunyan served as environment Vahagn Muradyan, head of the department of spe- and Enhanced Partnership Agreement in return for obtaining a dozen mining minister from 2007-2014 and was cial cases at the General Prosecution, said the gen- and the Eastern Partnership. With the licenses from the Ministry of elected to the Armenian parliament in eral was to be arrested on January 22. expectation for a close cooperation I Environment Protection. 2017 on then President Serzh Grigoryan, a former Member of Parliament, was hope that soon we will have the oppor- Hambardzumian made the same Sargsyan’s Republican Party’s ticket. stripped of immunity by parliament in June 2018 tunity to exchange views personally”. claims when she spoke to RFE/RL’s The prosecutors attempted to arrest and placed under arrest in suspicion of illegal pos- Kucinskis said in his message, “I Armenian service (Azatutyun.am) in him in early December. The outgoing session of firearms and grand theft. extend to you my warmest congratula- late October. parliament, in which the Republicans Law enforcement agencies found a private zoo, a tions on behalf of the Government of Hakobyan dismissed the charges as had the largest group, declined to lift car collection, huge amounts of weapons and ammu- the Republic of Latvia on being re- “nonsensical.” “Those licenses were Harutiunyan’s immunity from prose- nition. He was released from custody on a appointed prime minister of Armenia. never of any use to anyone,” he said, cution. 25,000,000-dram bail on December 21, 2018. His It’s a pleasure to see the development of adding that nobody would have paid Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan release sparked outrage in his hometown of cooperation between Latvia and millions of dollars for the right to clearly referred to Harutiunyan when Echmiadzin. Armenia. I am confident that our rela- search for, rather than mine, metals in he stated in late October that law- tions will continue to strengthen for the several potential deposits in Armenia. enforcement authorities have all but benefit of the welfare and prosperity of “I think that the investigation will solved the largest ever known case of our peoples.” continue and these accusations will be bribery in Armenia’s history. S ATURDAY, J ANUARY 2 6 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 3 ARMENIA Pashinyan Engages in Intense Political and Economic Discussions at Davos Forum

DAVOS, Switzerland (Armenpress) — Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan is partici- pating in the World Economic Forum in Davos this week. He participated in many activities and meetings. On January 22, he and president of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev held an informal meet- ing lasting more than an hour about the cur- rent stage of the Karabakh conflict. He did not indicate how well the meeting had gone, but he posted it on his Facebook page. Pashinyan also held short meetings with President of Brazil Jair Bolsonaro, Prime Minister of Luxembourg Xavier Bettel and Prime Minister of Egypt Mostafa Madbouly in the sidelines of the Davos World Economic Forum. Pashinyan and the Brazilian President referred to a number of issues on bilateral agen- da. They praised the friendly relations between the two countries and discussed expanding them. Issues related to the relations between Armenia and Luxembourg were discussed dur- ing the meeting with Bettel. Pashinyan and Bettel highlighted the development of econom- ic partnership and expansion of trade and eco- nomic relations. In that context, the sides underlined the necessity of activation of rela- tions between the Governments of the two countries and implementation of concrete mea- sures. During the meeting with Madbouly, trade was again on the agenda. Pashinyan and Madbouly emphasized the necessity of holding business forums during which the opportuni- Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan meets with Christina Ahmadjian, a member of the Board at the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries ties of implementation of joint investment pro- jects will be discussed. They also discussed negotiations between the EAEU and Egypt on of the EAEU member states. The priority for signing FTA. Mostafa Madbouly noted that he us will be the elimination of those obstacles, expects the support of the Armenian in order we reach a real common economic Government in that process. zone.” Along the sidelines of the forum Pashinyan In addition, Pashinyan met Apple CEO Tim gave interviews to a number of leading interna- Cook. An advisor to the prime minister, Arsen tional news outlets. The Government’s Gasparyan, posted a photo of the meeting on Facebook page informs that Chinese CCGTV, his Facebook page. French Le Figaro and Swiss RTS were among He also met with Christina Ahmadjian, a them. member of the Board at the Mitsubishi Heavy Nikol Pashinyan also attended the Media Industries and then JICA (Japan International Leaders Briefing during which he answered the Cooperation Agency) President Shinichi questions of Business Insider, the New York Kitaoka.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan meets with Apple CEO Tim Cook, center

logical development, and the company’s taking into account the existing great develop- activity can be prospective in this regard. ment potential. Ahmadjian attached importance to the Pashinyan also met with eBay Vice President ongoing processes in Armenia in terms of Cathy Foster. Pashinyan added that the World attracting new investment programs and expressed readiness to assist the Armenian government for establishing ties and cooperation with various Japanese companies. She said she plans to visit Armenia in the future aimed at further cooperation. Pashinyan and the JICA President dis- cussed the process and directions of the agency’s ongoing programs in Armenia, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, left, with President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan as well as the opportunities to deepen the cooperation. PM Pashinyan said the Armenian side Times, German DPA, Russian Ria Novosti and During the meeting with Ahmadjian, is interested in expanding the partner- Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan shares a laugh with Egyptian Daily News. Pashinyan said the Armenian government is ship with the JICA and is ready to take Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, center In the interview with Ria Novosti, interested in cooperating with the Mitsubishi actions to implement new mutually ben- Referring to the priorities of Armenia as the Heavy Industries and its possible activities in eficial programs and outline new coop- chairing country of the Eurasian Economic Armenia. He added that the government’s eration directions. Forum on High Technologies will take place in Union (EAEU), Pashinyan said, goal is to turn the recent political revolution Shinichi Kitaoka said all the ongoing pro- Armenia in October 2019 and invited eBay to “Unfortunately, we have over 60 obstacles in in Armenia into an economic one, and for grams will continue. He noted that the JICA participate in the event. the Eurasian Economic Union that hamper that purpose major and real changes are expert group will soon visit Armenia. Foster expressed her readiness to visit the normal process of integration proce- expected in the economic sector. Pashinyan The officials also attached importance to Armenia to discuss the means of implementing dures. This is due to the domestic regulations said Armenia has great potential for techno- deepening the commercial relations with Japan investment programs in the country. 4 S ATURDAY, J ANUARY 2 6 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR INTERNATIONAL International News

Members of Armenian Mafia Arrested in France PARIS (news.am) — On January 18, some 200 offi- cers from the French Gendarmerie, with on-the-field support of Europol, targeted suspects across France believed to be part of a Eurasian mafia group com- posed mainly of Armenian individuals involved in large-scale poly-criminal activities, including ciga- rette smuggling, extortion and money laundering. More than 27 house searches were carried out in Rennes, Gap, St. Etienne, Nancy, Strasbourg, Haguenau, Reims, Chalon-Sur-Saone, Paris, Nantes, Limoges and Brest, Europol said in a statement. As a result, 21 suspects were arrested, including an individual believed to be a high-ranking member of this mafia group. Some 23 000 in cash were € seized at the premises, alongside over 2 000 packs of cigarettes, 23 kg of raw tobacco and 6 weapons. Activists Gather for a demonstration: “Justice for Hrant Dink! Justice for 1.5 Million Genocide victims!” At right, by microphone, Ali Ertem. The sting follows a lengthy investigation support- ed by the Spanish and the German authorities look- ing into the activities of this criminal network. The suspects used a special modus operandi were cars were used a mean of payment for further criminal Justice for 1.5 Million plus 1 actions.

UK Ratifies Armenia-EU concrete demands the SKD has been By Muriel Mirak-Weissbach making and will continue to make. First, Partnership Pact a full investigation must be conducted Special to the Mirror-Spectator LONDON (Armenpress) — The United Kingdom to shed light on the background leading has ratified the Armenia-European Union to Hrant Dink’s murder and who was Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership FRANKFURT — On January 19, was extinguished in accordance with responsible. This is the demand for jus- Agreement (CEPA) on January 18, UK Ambassador Germans, Turks, Armenians, Kurds, the genocidal tradition of Turkey. His tice for Hrant Dink and the 1.5 million to Armenia Judith Farnworth said on Twitter on Greeks and others gathered in several murder “is the continuation of the 1915 genocide victims. Secondly, the immedi- January 21. German cities to render homage to the genocide,” and thus the slogan, “1.5 mil- ate recognition of the genocide against “Delighted to confirm UK ratification of EU- memory of Hrant Dink, on the 12th lion + 1.” The reason he was assassinat- the Armenians, Assyrian-Aramaeans, Armenia Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership anniversary of his death. In Frankfurt, a ed, she continued, lies in the fact that he Ponto-Greeks and Yezidis – as well as Agreement”, the Ambassador said. demonstration took place at a central named the genocide by name, breaking the Dersim genocide. Thirdly, Erdogan Armenia and the European Union signed the CEPA location near the historic St. a taboo in Turkey. must halt all massacres and human in Brussels on November 24, 2017. The Agreement Catherine’s Church. Members of the At the same time Hrant Dink fought rights violations against Kurds and has been ratified by 10 countries – Armenia, Soykırım Karsıtları Dernegi (SKD), the for an honest dialogue and reconcilia- other groups, and free their imprisoned Bulgaria, Denmark, Estonia, UK, Lithuania, Latvia, Society against Genocide, organized the tion, in the context of a democratic representatives. Finally, while the SKD Luxembourg, Malta and Poland. vigil which gathered a hundred people. society he hoped would come into welcomes the June 2016 resolution of Under the slogan, “Justice for 1.5 mil- being, and guarantee equal rights for the German Bundestag (Parliament) lion victims of genocide, justice for minorities, for people of different reli- which recognized the Armenian geno- Belarus Ambassador Hrant Dink,“ the demonstrators carried gions and nationalities. Although he cide, it demands that the German feder- photos of the murdered AGOS journal- received death threats repeatedly, he al government implement the conclu- Meets Lukashenko ist as well as other activists currently was denied protection by the Turkish sions of that act, by including study of MINSK, Belarus (Armenpress) — Armenia’s new jailed in Turkey. Candles and flowers lay state, which led the European Court the genocide in school curricula and Ambassador to Belarus Armen Ghevondyan present- on the ground among the photos and of Human Rights to rule in 2010 that introducing a national holiday in com- ed his credentials to President Alexander texts. Turkey was thus co-responsible for his memoration. Lukashenko on January 21. After greetings by SKD founder Ali death. The demonstration in Frankfurt may “Armenia has been and remains a reliable partner Ertem, members of the group read out The SKD has been following the legal have been modest in size, but appear- for Belarus, with whom we are tied with multi-pur- statements in German and in Turkish, proceedings these 12 years, in which ances are deceptive. It is ideas that mat- pose cooperation, including in the Eurasian explaining why they had gathered and proxies have been put on trial while ter, and the people committed to trans- Economic Union and the Collective Security Treaty what they were protesting. The group those responsible for the order to kill lating them into reality. The SKD was Organization,” President of Belarus Alexander has held such demonstrations every have remained concealed. The conclu- the group that initiated the political Lukashenko said at the ceremony. year since his murder, alongside thou- sion drawn is that Turkish intelligence campaign that eventually led to the his- Lukashenko emphasized the goal of enhancing sands of activists, in Istanbul, and world- services, gendarmerie and police are toric resolution passed in the German commercial cooperation, which is a part of the rela- wide. They were commemorating a very among the complicit. The consequences parliament. (See Armenian Mirror- tions with Armenia, and also readiness to participate special person. of such actions, said the SKD represen- Spectator, December 20, 2018, The in any project that would interest Armenian part- Why Hrant Dink Was Killed tative, are that Kurds and other minori- Turks in Germany Who Defeated ners, including in Armenian territory. The Armenian citizen of Turkey, ties today are being victimized, and anti- D e n i a l , father of three children, was an intellec- Semitism is also on the rise. www.mirrorspectator.com/2018/12/20 tual, the SKD representative said, who What Is to Be Done /the-turks-in-germany-who-defeated- Kazakh Official Praises was “a voice for the voiceless” whose life In closing, the speaker read out the denial/) Close Ties with Armenia ASTANA, Kazakhstan (Armenpress) — The State of the Republic of Kazakhstan Gulshara Abdykalikova met with Armenian Ambassador to Kazakhstan Gagik Ghalachyan, on January 22, Kazinform reports. Abdykalikova noted that Kazakhstan and Armenia enjoy close historic and cultural ties. Productive cooperation is being carried out within the Eurasian Economic Union, the Collective Security Treaty Organization, the Commonwealth of Independent States and other bodies. Abdykalikova congratulated the ambassador on the recent parliamentary elections in Armenia and expressed confidence that the activities of the new staff of Armenia’s Parliament will positively affect the further strengthening of the bilateral coopera- tion. He said cooperation between the two countries within the EAEU boosts the development of eco- nomic ties. In 10 months of 2018 trade turnover between Kazakhstan and Armenia totaled $10.4 mil- lion, demonstrating a 19.5-percent increase.

Photographs and candles S ATURDAY, J ANUARY 2 6 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 5 INTERNATIONAL Rediscovering Armenian Heritage In Turkey after Hrant Dink

GERMANY, from page 1 Armenianizing” them. For generations they The event took place in the Democracy and bore the stigma of being “converts,” “hea- Human Rights House in Berlin, and was thens” or “the uncircumcised.” For genera- attended by Armenians and Germans, mem- tions, they preserved the memory of the bers of the Dersim Cultural Community, the wrongdoings perpetrated, confiscation, theft, Berlin Armenian community, and representa- plundering and worse. Attempts later to regain tives from the Armenian Embassy, among oth- stolen land and property were unsuccessful, ers. defeating hopes of reorganizing as a communi- What Is an Armenian? ty. But before Gültekin developed the theme, The interviews document a process of drawing on his personal experience as a accommodation to the local majority popula- Turkish citizen of Armenian descent, Hofmann tions, whether Arab or Kurd, Turkish or Zaza- suggested it would be important first to ask Sunnite. And the resulting multiple identity what Armenian identity really is. It is not an could appear in one extended family, with eth- easy question to answer, since longstanding nic Armenians alongside Syrian orthodox, or discrimination and persecution often lead to Sunni Muslims, some speaking Turkish, others cultural, linguistic and religious assimilation, speaking an Iranian dialect, and so forth. “what we sociologists call multiple or fluid The question of religion is key, given the role identities,” she said. it has played in Armenian history, blending To illustrate the concept, Hofmann drew on with ethnicity to constitute identity. Most Islamized Armenians, Hofmann reported, in Diyabakir and elsewhere, do not seek a return to Christianity, and the obstacles placed in the path of those who do are immense. The popu- lation of “hidden” Armenians is also politically From left, Tessa Hofmann, Miran P. Gultekin and Asa Tetik (translator) diverse. Hofmann’s own view is that under such conditions “the descendants of Armenian genocide survivors in Turkey are far from con- went to church. We had Turkish names and es. In this process, many residents discovered stituting a nation or a reserve that can be were Muslims…Alevites. This is a confession of their Armenian heritage, and it was often a retrieved to re-Armenianize Western Armenia, Islam but not really accepted as such in Turkey traumatic experience. as some nationalists speculate.” Instead, they and is mistrusted.” His father had given the “Imagine,” he said, “a child who has grown provide the “sad proof” of Raphael Lemkin’s children Turkish names and after his parents up in an environment where ‘Armenian’ is an definition of genocide, whereby the survivors migrated to Germany, the rest of the family insult, and then learns that his parents are are robbed of the possibility of belonging to moved to Istanbul and took up residence in an Armenian. That is hard to accept. There are still the group that has been eliminated. Armenian neighborhood; but they still did not people who cannot accept this. Their parents To Be an Armenian go to church or attend an Armenian school. have become Armenians again, and go to “Armenian identity is very closely associated church and the son goes to the mosque. Miran P. Gultekin Gültekin’s presentation was aptly titled, “Can with religion,” he confirmed, and “the idea that Imagine such a situation, not only with respect One Be an Armenian in Turkey Today?” He someone who is not a Christian cannot be an to the religion but to the culture.” estimates that there are 60,000 Armenians liv- Armenian is very widespread.” Thus, there was The most important development was that the book by Avedis Hadjian, Secret Nation: The ing in Turkey, mainly in the capital. From its no real access to the community, “it was impos- their stories became known to a broader pub- Hidden Armenians in Turkey, which appeared founding, Turkey has denied and persecuted sible for Islamized Armenians to speak up with lic, as books and documentaries appeared, the last year. The lengthy study is based on inter- ethnic and religious diversity, targeting in par- a loud voice and say they were Armenians.” result of the work of hundreds of journalists views the author conducted with people who ticular non-Muslims. And even if there are no From Assassination to Rediscovery who visited Dersim. This all happened, he said, had at least one Armenian ancestor, who relat- concrete attacks, “one cannot say that we are All that changed dramatically with Hrant at a time when Turkey “was still relatively ed their experiences in the period between free to develop.” Dink’s murder, which ushered in a new era. democratic.” 2011 and 2014. In a historical review, he detailed what “The 19th of January is the day on which, for Associations were formed, people began to First, the number of such people, “hidden” Armenian life looked like before 1915, with me and other Armenians who had been forced commemorate the genocide, in Diyarbakir a or “crypto-Armenians,” is not really known. If large communities, 20,000 in Dersim for exam- to live as Muslims for years, this new era church was reopened, Armenians let their iden- Jakob Künzler spoke of 132,000 Cristian ple, who often constituted the majority popu- began.” He said they felt as though a family tities be known. But in Dersim the situation is orphans in 1919 and Johannes Lepsius esti- lation, as in his native Mazgirt; and they had member had been killed; “the bullet hit pre- different. “Everyone there knows by now that mated the Islamized Armenians that year their own schools and churches. In the geno- cisely that place that we had been trying to we are Armenians,” he said, “But it is impossi- amounted to 200,000, American archive cide, Armenians could perhaps survive if they hide and cover up in silence.” The habit of not ble to live there as an Armenian. There are nei- records refer to 95,000 in 1921 throughout converted or went into hiding, especially con- talking about events was broken. “I went to the ther churches nor can one speak Armenian in Anatolia. Author Hadjian reckons there were cealing their identity. He gave his own family funeral and took part in the demonstrations,” public.” Although they can purchase land, and hundreds of thousands of Armenians forced to history as an example: “In Dersim everyone he said. “Then I decided to change my name attend Armenian schools that already exist, convert from 1915 on, with the aim of “de- knew that we were Armenian, but none of us and went to the court. I changed my religion they cannot build new ones. So Istanbul and became a Christian. I went to the remains the center of active Armenian life. Patriarchate of the Armenian Apostolic Church Gültekin stressed the subjective problems in Istanbul and was baptized.” The fact that his experienced by the community; in the current family stood by him was crucial, and his wife, political climate, Armenians are under extreme Hrant Dink Assassination son, brother and even a 70-year-old uncle also emotional stress and often fear that persecu- were baptized. tions could begin again at any time. Younger The process was anything but easy. Many people want to emigrate and many researchers Anniversary Marked told him he had made a mistake. He became have abandoned their work due to the hostile the target of threats and insults. Most shocking atmosphere. Nonetheless Gültekin expressed DINK, from page 1 was the fact that he didn’t feel accepted in the his confidence in a better future and the hope He noted that the Turkish officials and media also contributed to the intensification of Armenian — with the exception of the editorial that the next generations will have a happier nationalist moods against Dink. board at Agos newspaper. Gültekin studied life. The Parliament of Turkey, however, rejected Paylan’s demand and proposal to investigate Armenian, travelled to Armenia and took lan- One crucial problem he described concerns and contribute to disclosing the case. guage courses there, and over the years gradu- the church. He said that many Armenians who A commemorative event dedicated to the 12th anniversary of the murder Dink took place ally has gradually become accepted as an have started to search for their relatives and on January 19 in front of the offices of Agos periodical, where he was killed in 2007. Armenian, but still has never been able to their lost identities, have experienced difficul- Commemorative events were also organized in other Turkish cities, as well as in assume leading positions in Armenian institu- ties when they try to get baptized. They are not Germany, the US and Belgium. tions. always welcomed by the church representa- The Turkish Journalists Association (TJA) Chair Turgay Olcayto has said, “Hrant Dink Gültekin was convinced that it was not only tives. As he put it, “anyone who has at least offi- was a value for the society because of his belief in democracy and human-focused works” a matter of identity but also a political question cially lived as a Muslim for many years cannot in a statement commemorating the 12th anniversary of the murder of the journalist. of his basic democratic rights. In fighting for in their view enter the church.” For this reason Olcayto said, “In the 12th anniversary of Dink’s departure as a result of a treacherous one’s identity, it is not merely a matter of decid- often Armenians travel to Armenia or to attack, we commemorate him with love and yearning,” and added, “Hrant Dink, who made ing to be an Armenian rather than a Kurd. Europe to be baptized. efforts for years for togetherness and friendship of Turkish and Armenian peoples, was a Rather, it is cultural values that are fundamen- In an exchange following the presentation, value for the society because of his belief in democracy and human-focused works.” tal. “We did not feel we belonged to Muslim one Armenian asked what must have been on Posts and comments on their page included: culture,” he said; “there was a sense of empti- the minds of many others: “If even after a hun- “We want the judicial process to conclude as soon as possible” ness.” In his attempt to reawaken an identity dred years, repression and persecution contin- “Frankly, I wonder if the circles which made Hrant a target for hitmen by spreading hate that had lain dormant, he started to talk about ue, in an attempt to eliminate the Armenians, speech feel the slightest pang of conscience.” it. “I began to talk about what no one wanted why don’t they simply leave Turkey?” “For 12 years, there is no hope in the lawsuits in terms of justice being served. We want to discuss. I told everyone. Journalists came Fundamentally, Gültekin replied, it is a fact and expect the ongoing trials, which were postponed to March, to conclude as soon as pos- from all over the world. Directors came. I told that the Armenians, whether “hidden” or not, sible. them all my life story.” have their homeland there; that is where their “Hrant Dink was our colleague, friend and a proficient, human-focused journalist who Out of this effort, he and his family and ancestors lived and where their dead are defended peace in every platform. We have never forgotten him. The pain is in our hearts friends set up an association, which became a buried. And they don’t want to give it up. all the time. We hope that media targeting journalists, artists and intellectuals will not be source of inspiration. Others followed their (Full texts of both speeches can be found at: allowed to do this hereafter. Rest in peace, good person.” example, they had themselves baptized, went http://www.aga- to church, celebrated Easter and so on. In online.org/event/detail.php?locale=de&eventI Dersim they started Armenian language cours- d=170.) 6 S ATURDAY, J ANUARY 2 6 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Community News

Homebuilder Trump Signs Hovnanian, Facing Elie Wiesel Years-Old Debt, Genocide And Could Get Stock Atrocities Delisted Prevention Act Into Law By Keith Larsen NEW YORK (The Real Deal) — Hovnanian WASHINGTON — President Donald Enterprises, one of the country’s largest home- Trump signed the Elie Wiesel Genocide builders, took on loads of debt to acquire com- and Atrocities Prevention Act, a ground- panies and land more than a decade ago only to breaking genocide prevention law on see the housing market collapse in 2008 and January 15, overwhelmingly adopted by property values tumble. the Senate and House, which codifies Today, the New Jersey-based firm, which earlier measures, including those imple- includes K. Hovnanian, faces the risk of being mented by the Obama Administration, delisted from the New York Stock Exchange as and puts in place a set of clear policies it continues to struggle with that debt. and processes to prevent new atrocities. The company said it will seek shareholder “The ANCA welcomes the President’s approval at its annual meeting on March 19 to signature on the Elie Wiesel Genocide Prof. Daniel Altshuler conduct a reverse stock split in order keep it on and Atrocities Prevention Act, and the exchange. thanks all the legislators who spearhead- Hovnanian’s stock needs to stay above $1 in ed and supported this landmark biparti- order to meet the NYSE’s listing requirements. san genocide prevention measure,” said The stock closed at 75 cents on Monday, ANCA Executive Director Aram Visiting Academics January 14. Hamparian. “As Armenian Americans — The homebuilder’s troubles pertain to long- descendants of the survivors of the standing issues from the financial crisis. From Armenian Genocide — we are particular- Offer a Philosophical the late 1990s until around 2006 it was in a buy- ly gratified to see a measure signed into ing mode and its debt piled up, according to the law that speaks to transitional justice, Wall Street Journal. The company’s troubles are criminal accountability, and the moral Approach in Armenia also piling up, now that some experts predict imperative to apply the lessons of past genocides in seeking to prevent new atrocities.” YEREVAN — What is philosophy and why does it matter? The genocide prevention measure was When asked, a group of philosophers and linguists who have volunteered their spearheaded by Senators Ben Cardin (D- time for a free, world-class intensive summer session in Yerevan for the past three MD), Todd Young (R-IN), and Thom Tillis years replied in an email: “We think that (R-NC) in the Senate and by philosophy, like poetry, mathematics, Representatives Ann Wagner (R-MO) and By Alin K. Gregorian etc., is intrinsically valuable. In fact, we Joe Crowley (D-NY) in the House during Mirror-Spectator Staff think it is among the most valuable of the previous Congress and received human pursuits. If we don’t try to broad bipartisan support. It enjoyed answer questions like ‘Can we be free broad-based support from genocide and when we are always subject to laws of nature,’ or ‘What is the difference between atrocities prevention organizations with right and wrong?’ and ‘Why are we here,’ well, then, why are we here?” the Friends Committee on National But they admit that the benefits of the field extends beyond the world of ideas. Legislation at the forefront along with “The study of philosophy is also intrinsically valuable because it dramatically over 70 grassroots groups, including the improves one’s critical thinking skills. Many studies have shown that university stu- ANCA and In Defense of Christians. dents who major in philosophy and then enter the workforce after graduating The law states that U.S. must regard have higher mid-career salaries than students from almost any other major. And Hovnanian Enterprises’ CEO Ara Hovnanian the prevention of genocide and other for students who want to continue their educations beyond their undergraduate (Credit: Fox) atrocity crimes as a core national securi- degrees, philosophy majors outperform just about every other kind of major” ty interest and moral responsibility. To when it comes to standardized tests, they add. that end, it calls for the creation of a task The Yerevan Academy for Linguistics and Philosophy (YALP) is a summer pro- housing sales to continue to slow in 2019. force to strengthen State Department gram in linguistics and philosophy sponsored by the volunteer faculty from Because of that debt, Hovnanian was unable to efforts and assist other agency efforts at around the world, and hosted by the College of Humanities and Social Studies at make large acquisitions at a time when home- atrocity prevention and response. The the American University of Armenia (AUA). builders were buying up land at distressed prices. law also calls for the training of Foreign The purpose of YALP is to provide an opportunity for students to develop their When sales rebounded and demand for starter Service Officers “on recognizing pat- knowledge and skills, possibly with a view toward applying to doctoral programs homes rose significantly, it couldn’t capitalize. terns of escalation and early warning in philosophy or linguistics (including programs in the US and Europe). The company had a total of more than $1.1 signs of potential atrocities, and meth- In 2018, there were 66 students from 20 countries, including Russia, Scotland, billion in senior outstanding debt as of October ods of preventing and responding to the US, Iran, Turkey, the UK, Switzerland, Poland and Finland. There were also 31, 2018, according to its filing with the atrocities, including conflict assessment many students from the AUA that participated. At the end of the program, Arevik Securities and Exchange Commission. Its total methods, peacebuilding, mediation for Anapiosyan, the deputy minister of education and science of Armenia, participat- revenue was $1.9 billion at the end of October. prevention, early action and response, ed in the closing ceremony. One bright spot today: Hovnanian saw an and appropriate transitional justice mea- uptick in home deliveries, which ticked up 2.4 Founding YALP sures to address atrocities.” percent to 1,829 in the fourth quarter, from 1,787 As part of the new provision, the YALP was started by four people: Professors Daniel Altshuler (Hampshire a year ago, according to its earnings release. President is required to transmit a report College), Arshak Balayan (American University of Armenia), Ned Markosian Hovnanian’s financial issues got more com- to Senate and House Committees on (University of Massachusetts,Amherst) and Susanna Melkonian-Altshuler (a doc- plicated in 2017, when the company borrowed Foreign Affairs and Appropriations, offer- toral student at the University of Massachusetts,Amherst). Professors Maria money from hedge fund Solus Alternative Asset ing a review of countries and regions at Baghramian from the University College Dublin and Paul Boghossian from New Management to pay off some of its other debts, risk of atrocity crimes, the most likely York University, have supported the initiative since its founding. as it neared payment deadlines. Solus then sold pathways to violence, specific risk fac- For Melkonian-Altshuler, starting YALP and volunteering every year simply a number of credit default swap contracts on tors, potential perpetrators, and at-risk make sense. that debt, including to Blackstone Group sub- target groups. “I’m Armenian. I know that there are ways in which I can help my country and sidiary GSO Capital Partners. The law also calls on the State doing so makes me very happy. I also know that given Armenia’s past as a Soviet With Hovnanian in need of a refinancing, Department and the U.S. Agency for nation, Armenians tend to be strong at math and logic which makes them perfectly GSO stepped in as a potential new lender, but International Development to support eligible for the sort of philosophy and linguistics that we do,” she said. with one major condition: GSO needed programs and activities to prevent or The program is going to be bigger this summer, she said. Hovnanian to default on some of its debt so it respond to emerging or unforeseen for- “I think this upcoming summer will be special: the number of YALP participants could reap millions in profits from its credit eign challenges and complex crises grows from year to year and although we founded the school only two years default swap contracts with Solus. overseas, including potential atrocity see YALP, page 7 This triggered Solus’ lawsuit in which it crimes. accused GSO of engaging in illegal market manipulation. The lawsuit was settled in May without Hovnanian needing to default. S ATURDAY, J ANUARY 2 6 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 7 COMMUNITY NEWS Visiting Academics Offer a Philosophical Approach in Armenia

YALP, from page 6 ther, at the Ph.D. level (either in Armenia or the region. dents at AUA would have a chance to meet and ago and although we don’t have funding, we are elsewhere), and they will have mentors from The trio reached out to Balayan and eventu- receive instruction from world-class scholars as expanding in various ways: more and more YALP who will be able to help them in that pur- ally the program was born. well as meet international students. renowned linguists and philosophers express suit.” Boghossian, from NYU, was department chair Baghramian also praised Balayan for his both interest in participating in YALP as teach- for 10 years, from 1994 to 2004, a period dur- efforts. “His initial invitation to Yerevan, which ers and visiting Armenia. They spend their own Visitors from the Diaspora ing which the Department of Philosophy under- came when we were both spending some time money for doing this. The interest from our stu- The idea for the program dates back to 2013, went a big expansion. He is currently Silver in Harvard, was the spur for my involvement dents increases too: we get more and better when Markosian and Baghramian traveled to Professor of Philosophy at NYU and director of with the project of bringing analytic philosophy applicants every year, some of them are not Yerevan, both for the first time. They were invit- its Global Institute for Advanced Study. He was to Armenia. His energy, enthusiasm and dedi- only from Armenia and the region but also from ed to visit Yerevan State University (YSU) by elected to the American Academy of Arts and cation fills me with hope for the future of Sciences in 2012. Armenia and it is that sense of hope and pur- The child of Armenian Genocide survivors pose that I bring back with me,” Baghramian who had escaped to British Mandate Palestine said. in 1921, he was born in Haifa and left Israel at The Dublin-based Baghramian’s father was age 15 for Canada and eventually got his doc- born in Armenia. As a 7-year-old, he, together torate at Princeton. He taught for several years with his parents and younger sister, had to at the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor escape to Iran in 1922. He and his family never before moving to New York University in 1992. overcame the sense of loss of caused by this When asked why Boghossian donated his forced uprooting. She added, therefore, “I grew time to YALP, he said, “I guess my parents did up with an emotional attachment to the idea of a good job of instilling in me a sense of obliga- homeland that never was. Once the distant tion to help the Armenian nation in whatever dream of Armenia became a reality, I felt I need way was within my power.” to contribute to its development in ways that In addition to lecturing at YALP, Boghossian are within my powers and capabilities.” said he serves on the Educational Policy She expressed her pride with YALP’s growth. Committee of the Board of Trustees of the “The Summer Institute has been going from AUA. “I was approached to take this on by the strength to strength and we have a truly impres- Board’s chair, the former Provost of the sive line-up of linguists and philosophers for University of California, Larry Pitts, a distin- YALP 2019. I am very excited about working guished neurosurgeon. I remember thinking: If with new colleagues and also spending time this man, who has no antecedent emotional with the faculty from the previous years. But connection to Armenia is giving of his time, above else, I also look forward to teaching and The students outside the AUA how can I possibly say no?” talking to the students who are the main reason Another motivation, Boghossian added, was for these trips,” she said. the hope to “meet some talented young Baghramian left Iran in the 1970s to pursue Europe and the US. We are talking here about Arshak Balayan, then a lecturer at YSU, to give thinkers whom we could trust to move Armenia her studies and received a PhD in philosophy of non-Armenian Europeans and Americans,” she a series of lectures to philosophy students at to a brighter future. I am always inspired by the logic from Trinity College Dublin. She is cur- added. YSU and AUA. energy, enthusiasm and hunger for understand- rently professor of American Philosophy and Melkonian-Altshuler was born in Yerevan and The two visiting scholars returned in 2015 ing of the students at YALP.” the head of the School of Philosophy at when she was 6, in 1993, her family immigrat- for more lectures and after spending more time He singled out Balayan, the only Armenia- University College Dublin. She is also a member ed to Germany. She is in the process of trans- with students, were convinced that the demand based faculty member, for his efforts. “I first of the Royal Irish Academy. ferring to a different PhD program in the US, was there for a more formal program. met him when I visited Armenia in 2004 to give She has published regularly both books and one with a strong focus on the philosophy of They approached Paul Boghossian of New a series of lectures at Yerevan State University, articles related to intractable disagreements mind and the philosophy of language. York University to participate in what they were Her husband, Daniel Altshuler, is an enthusi- calling the “Autumn School of Philosophy.” He astic founding member of the group. agreed, and was joined by several other schol- “I think it’s important to expose students ars from around the world, many non- interested in linguistics to Generative Grammar Armenians. — a kind of theoretical approach to linguistics Another concern for the scholars was that that is currently not offered in Armenia. The philosophy and linguistics majors in Armenia approach uses the scientific method to studying were unaware that often in the US students the core properties of language, which is has who are admitted to a PhD program are fully been incredibly fruitful in the last 50-plus years. funded for their entire graduate careers. On the Armenian is understudied in theoretical lin- other hand, Armenian students are not well- guistics, so not only do I have the chance to positioned to apply for PhD programs in places teach students, but also encourage them to like the US, even if they decide to give it a try. research Armenian from this perspective. On a parallel track with Baghramian, Armenian may offer important insight that has Markosian had been championing teaching stu- so far been overlooked in the linguistics com- dents in Armenia, especially after 2015; one of Prof. Julian Schlöeder (Linguistics, University of Amsterdam) Prof. Ned Markosian munity,” he said. his graduate students was Susanna Melkonian- Some of the relationships continue beyond Altshuler. He talked about the idea of a summer the summer, Altshuler said. “As one example, school in Armenia with Susanna and her hus- as a Fulbright Senior Specialist. He was at the and relativism as well as on contemporary Mariam Asatryan has developed a fascinating band, Daniel. They thought that, given the close time a junior lecturer there. He has been a tire- American Philosophy. project on Armenian tenses, beginning at connections between analytic philosophy and less force for bringing analytic philosophers to Markosian noted that at UMass Amherst, he YALP. Last semester, she came to visit UMass, linguistics, it would be a good idea to create a Armenia, to introduce this critical style of often has a number of Armenian-American Amherst, in the US to continue working on her summer school in linguistics and philosophy, to thought in contrast with the dogmatic undergraduate students. “It is nice, when speak- project. My colleagues and I learned a lot from take place in Yerevan, with the goal of provid- Marxism/Leninism that had dominated ing informally with some of those students, to her visit,” he noted. ing opportunities to the talented students from Armenian philosophy for the preceding 70 be able to tell them stories of my visits to Altshuler himself was born into a Jewish fam- years. In important ways, YALP is the direct Armenia. Many of them have not yet had a ily in Russia. The family fled to the US as outgrowth of his tireless efforts over the years.” chance to visit Armenia, and they often become refugees in 1989. He received his doctorate in Balayan studied philosophy at Yerevan State wicked psyched to go after hearing about the linguistics at Rutgers University and has been University. He said, “The Philosophy depart- wonderful times I have had there, and the won- teaching at Hampshire College in Western ment at YSU follows continental traditions, but derful people I have met,” Markosian said. Massachusetts full time since 2015. I was interested in analytic philosophy from my “Besides that, it is always helpful to teach a Another nearby participant in YALP is first years at YSU. I taught philosophy at group of students that’s different from one’s Markosian, who teaches at the University of Yerevan State University from 2009 to 2016. I regular student population. I learn as much Massachusetts, Amherst. have taught philosophy at the American from the students in Yerevan as they learn from Markosian said he volunteers his time to University of Armenia since 2013. My main me.” YALP because “I believe it is a worthy and interests are in philosophy of science and Markosian’s family descends from survivors extremely important cause. From my perspec- ethics.” of the Genocide. Born in New Jersey, he went to tive, as a philosopher, it is clear that there are He expressed his pride in YALP. Oberlin College in Ohio, and received his PhD many brilliant students in Armenia who deserve “This is one of the best ways to use my time. from UMass-Amherst in 1990. to have more opportunities than they would I take development of philosophy in Armenia to otherwise have to pursue their interests in phi- be my main professional goal. Development of Applying to YALP losophy beyond the undergraduate level.” linguistics and especially of philosophy can and For students interested in applying to YALP He added, “We will all have a wonderful time will have a profound and lasting impact on this summer, the deadline for applications is teaching and learning philosophy and linguis- other social sciences and eventually on society,” April 10. They can fill out the application at tics, the cause of furthering analytic philosophy Balayan added. https://www.dropbox.com/s/srq7kpx2tz1fzaw in Armenia will be advanced (and similarly for “I very much hope to have another success- /ApplicationFormYALP%202019.docx?dl=0 linguistics), and a tremendously talented group ful summer school of linguistics and philoso- The completed application should be sent to of students (mainly from Armenia, but also a phy. We already have a large community of [email protected] few from other places) will have a chance to YALP participants. Hopefully we will manage to The program is free. Students are responsi- explore an academic discipline (either philoso- use YALP 2019 for strengthening and expand- ble for their lodgings and transportation. phy or linguistics) in ways that would otherwise ing that interdisciplinary and international com- YALP is actively seeking contributions to help not be available to them. In some cases, those Prof. Paul Boghossian munity,” he noted. defray as much of the cost as possible for the students will decide to pursue their studies fur- Balayan said he was also happy that his stu- students. 8 S ATURDAY, J ANUARY 2 6 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS Dr. Tara Andrews Receives Sona Aronian Armenian Studies Book Prize from NAASR

BELMONT, Mass. — The National Association guage in the field of Armenian Studies and sometimes-underrated for Armenian Studies and Research (NAASR) translations from Armenian into English. The influence that the announced recently that Dr. Tara Andrews of 2018 award was for a book published in 2017. Armenians had (and the University of Vienna has been awarded the Andrews was given the prize for her mono- continue to have!) on 2018 Dr. Sona Aronian Book Prizes for graph Matt’eos Urhayec’i and His Chronicle: the world around them, Excellence in Armenian Studies. History as Apocalypse in a Crossroads of even while maintaining NAASR’s Aronian Book Prizes were estab- Cultures, published by Brill as part of their their distinct culture lished in 2014 by the late Dr. Aronian and Dr. “The Medieval Mediterranean” series. The and identity through a Geoffrey Gibbs, to be awarded annually to an book is the first ever in-depth study of the his- time of tumultuous outstanding scholarly works in the English lan- tory written by Matteos, also known as change.” Matthew of Edessa (also called Urfa or Urha), Andrews became pro- around the turn of the twelfth century and an fessor of digital humani- eyewitness to the First Crusade and the estab- ties at the Institute for lishment of the Latin East. History at the University In announcing the Aronian Award, NAASR of Vienna in 2016. With Director of Academic Affairs Marc A. a Bachelor of Science in Mamigonian remarked that “we are very glad Humanities and to bring greater attention to Dr. Andrews’ Engineering from the important contribution,” and that “it is espe- Massachusetts Institute cially meaningful for NAASR as we have long of Technology (1999), been aware of the great value of Matthew’s and the degrees of Chronicle to scholars.” NAASR was the co-pub- Master (2005) and lisher (with University Press of America) of the Doctor (2009) of first English-language translation, by Dr. Ara Philosophy in Byzantine Dostourian, of the Chronicle, published in and Armenian studies 1993 as Armenia and the Crusades: The from the University of Chronicle of Matthew of Edessa and repub- Oxford, her dual scien- lished by NAASR with revisions in 2014. “It is tific training as well as exciting to see this important historical source her professional experi- being explored in such a rewarding manner,” ence in the software noted Mamigonian. industry has provided Andrews, via email, commented that “it is valuable and rare per- gratifying, not only to have the recognition of spectives on the use of the significance of Matthew’s Chronicle, but digital and computation- also to have the attention drawn to his time al methods in humani- Tara Andrews and place. I hope, through this book and ties domains. Andrews’ through ongoing work, to bring to light the fields of expertise Matteos Urhayeci cover include the history and historiography of the OBITUARY Christian Near East in the tenth to twelfth cen- scripts (stemmatology), and reflection on the turies, the application of computational and implications of employing digital media and statistical methods for reconstruction of the computational methods in humanities con- Paylag Aharonian copying history of ancient and medieval manu- texts. Tekeyan, ADL, AGBU Activist

GLENDALE, Calif. – Paylag Aharonian, born many years. He also served as secretary of the January 2, 1928 in Beirut, Lebanon, passed AGBU chapter of Tripoli and remained active in away on January 15 in southern California after the ADL. He taught from 1947 to 1966 in a short illness. His parents, Minas and Ardemis Tripoli’s Armenian National School. F UNERAL H OME Aharonian, were natives of Kharpert. At a very In 1966 he and his family moved to Beirut, Giragosian early age, the family moved from Beirut to where he taught at the local Vahan Tekeyan James “Jack” Giragosian, CPC Tripoli. Paylag graduated the Nubarian School. From 1966 to 1979 he served as exec- Mark J. Giragosian Funeral Counselors Elementary School, and went to Catholic mid- utive secretary of the AGBU AYA Antranig- dle school. In 1943 he left to Cyprus to contin- Sevan Chapter and played a fundamental role 576 Mt. Auburn Street, Watertown, MA 02472, TEL: 617-924—0606 ue his education at the Armenian General in the creation of the Zabel Movsesian Center www.giragosianfuneralhome.com Benevolent Union (AGBU)’s Melkonian for AYA in Sin-e-Fil. He served various execu- tive roles in the Mihran Damadian Chapter of the ADL in Beirut in this period. During the Lebanese civil war from 1976 to Telephone (617) 924-7400 1979, he was a member of the United Body of the Lebanese Armenians and played a role in helping Armenian victims. Finally, the difficult Aram Bedrosian situation in Lebanon led to he and his family emigrating to the United States in 1980. Funeral Home, Inc. In Los Angeles he served as the executive secretary of the Tekeyan Cultural Association Continuous Service By The Bedrosian Family Since 1945 (TCA)’s Beshgeturian Center Construction MARION BEDROSIAN Committee from 1980-81, and then served as 558 MOUNT AUBURN STREET the publication manager of the newspaper Nor PAUL BEDROSIAN Or until 1997. He was active in the ADL WATERTOWN, MA 02472 LARRY BEDROSIAN Western Region, being elected in 1981 as a member of the District Committee for two years, and helping to set up the ADL Kersam Aharonian and Hampartzoum Karayan chap- Educational Institute. While there he also ters. He also participated in the establishment Nardolillo Funeral Home became a talented soccer player. of the Pasadena-Glendale TCA chapter. Est. 1906 In 1947 he returned to Tripoli with the goal The funeral service took place on January 19 of repatriating to Soviet Armenia. Unable to at Burbank’s St. Leon Armenian Cathedral, John K. Najarian, Jr. accomplish this, he started teaching in the and the burial followed at Glendale’s Forest Rhode Island’s Only Licensed Armenian Funeral Director Armenian National Khrimian School for the Lawn Cemetery. Survivors include son Ara AGBU in Tripoli. Aharonian and wife Diane, daughter Arpy 1278 Park Ave. Cranston, RI 02910 (401) 942-1220 In 1949 he entered the ranks of the Ghanimian and husband Chahe, grandchildren 1111 Boston Neck Rd. Narragansett, RI 02882 (401) 789-6300 Armenian Democratic Liberal Party (ADL) and Tamar Ganimian, Rita and Andre in 1951 married Mari Hovsepian, daughter of Saroukhanian and children, Zohrab and Karine www.nardolillo.com Tripoli’s Armenian priest. They had two chil- Ganimian, Dr. Shiraz Ganimian, Alex dren, Ara-Karekin and Arpy. He continued to Aharonian; and the entire Aharonian, play soccer in various local Arab teams as well Hovsepian, Bilemjian, Keshishian, Ghanimian, as Armenian ones. Depanian, Darian and Yousoufian families and CHECK US OUT In 1953, he became chairman of the Tripoli friends. chapter of the AGBU Armenian Youth mirrorspectator.com Association (AYA) and ran this organization for S ATURDAY, J ANUARY 2 6 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 9 COMMUNITY NEWS Primate Makes New Year Visits to Youth and Elders

NEW YORK — In his role as leader of the tions. On Friday, January 11, he traveled to the Martyrs Armenian Day School (HMADS) in Center, residents spoke with the Primate and Eastern Diocese, the Very. Rev. Fr. Daniel Hovnanian School in New Milford, NJ, and the Bayside, NY. received his blessing. The Primate met with Findikyan began the Diocesan Primate’s annual Armenian Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in As part of each visit, the Diocesan Primate members of the staff of both institutions and dis- New Year’s visits to regional Armenian institu- Emerson, NJ. On January 17, he visited the Holy officiated over the Home Blessing service, tradi- cussed their recent accomplishments. tionally performed at the start of the New Year. Accompanying Findikyan on his various vis- Students at both the Hovnanian School and its were Fr. Diran Bohajian, Fr. Daniel HMADS sang, recited poems, and spent time Karadjian, Fr. Abraham Malkhasyan, Fr. Arakel talking with and learning from the Primate. Vardazaryan, Dn. Arman Galstyan, and Dn. At the Armenian Nursing and Rehabilitation Eric Vozzy.

The Very. Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America, Eastern, gives books to a young student from the Holy Martyrs Armenian Day School in Bayside, NY. New Prelate Honored with Gala in New York

both lungs, beckoning us forward with the By Florence Avakian promise of a new sunrise, heralding a new day, Presenting a book to a young student at the Hovnanian School so that our entire people may be revived by the unifying grace of the Holy Spirit”, the Primate NEW YORK — More than 375 admirers of the said. This prophetic message garnered a huge new Prelate of the Eastern Prelacy, Archbishop ovation. Anoushavan Tanielian, gathered on Sunday, Dr. Ara Chalian, speaking on behalf of the Decmeber 2 at the Terrance on the Park ball- Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF), room. The attendees had come in from several recounted the endearing and inspiring qualities East coast states as well as from Chicago, of “young Anoushavan, the people’s hoviv” who Detroit, Canada, Paris and Lebanon. like Nersess Shnorhali “went on a journey of The Prelate, elevated from Bishop to introspection”. Where are we today, and where Archbishop in an encyclical by Catholicos Aram will we go, he asked. I of the Great House of Cilicia, had celebrated “Our church, our organizations and our fam- the Holy Badarak at the St. illuminator’s ilies will not survive on their own. It is our Cathedral in New York that morning to an over- responsibility,” he said with special emphasis. flowing assemblage. Chairman of the Executive Council Jack At the banquet hall, following a sumptuous Mardoian, Esq., paid tribute to the “new spirit” reception, the attendees filed into an elegant in the Prelacy even though the work is the ballroom decorated with white and lilac flowers same. “I see a joy that cannot be replicated, a gracing the tables, the colors symbolizing the love that Srpazan shows for all Prelacy com- clerical rank of the Prelate. munities, a spirituality and a mission for all of Tanielian voiced the invocation, after which us to go forward together.” Susan Chitjian Erickson, Secretary of the And to the delight of the audience, soloists Executive Council and Chairperson of the Vagharshak Ohanyan and Anahit Zakaryan Banquet Committee, warmly welcomed the sang several songs, with Archbishop Yeghise guests and led a celebratory toast to the hon- Tourian’s Yete Zis Danis being a special favorite. oree. Also sharing her musical talent was violinist What was especially impressive about this Svetlana Mkrtchyan. event was that there was no head table. The In an emotionally delivered spontaneous mes- more than a dozen priests present each sat at sage, Tanielian, symbolizing his work focus of separate tables with the people, a directive of “Love in Action”, stated “wherever there is love, the Prelate, symbolizing his closeness to the there is paradise discovered. We are not start- people. ing anything new. What is new is our approach, The Very Rev. Mesrop Parsamyan, represent- our understanding.” ing the Eastern Diocesan Primate, the Very “I will approach my mission with a new Rev. Daniel Findikyan who was traveling out of dynamism of the successful work of my prede- state, read the Primate’s inspiring message. cessors with faith and prayers,” declared the Calling Danielian “a fellow churchman and Prelate with emphasis. longtime friend, the Diocesan Primate “I want to bring the fire of love into our daily expressed his respect and admiration for the life, and especially focus on the youth, work for many honors and achievements of the Prelate. our people’s sustenance of a healthy mind and “Your devotion to the Christian mission of the body, and rediscover our identity as Americans, Armenian Church is plainly evident in the per- Armenians and Christians,” he declared to a sonal integrity and humility which are the abid- standing ovation lasting several minutes. The ing characteristics of your ministry.” singing of Cilicia by all present ended the joy- Recounting the recent elections of both the ous and celebratory occasion. Eastern Primate and Eastern Prelate, Artsakh Representative Robert Avedissian, Findikyan said he “sensed the hand of God” stated that “in this crucial period for the behind these simultaneous developments. Armenian people, we are blessed to have some- “I pray that it signals that the Divine one like Srpazan who spares no effort to make Physician is ready to heal the body of our Armenia, Artsakh, our community and our church, restore its ability to breathe freely with church strong and proud.” 10 S ATURDAY, J ANUARY 2 6 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS Semonian Family, Knights’ Ararat Lodge Partner with Rotary International to Bring Water to Remote Village in Armenia

BILLERICA, Mass. — A little effort going a very long way The pipeline is the only source of water for the village, is being seen in the tiny Armenian village of Arpunq, thanks running some two and a half miles both above and below in part to the financial generosity of the late Ararat Asbed ground. It feeds water faucets that are located outside of the Robert “Bob” Semonian from Ararat Lodge No. 1. A modest homes. There is no indoor plumbing in Arpunq, $10,000 donation from a trust established by Bob which means that all toilet facilities are also outdoors in the Semonian, who passed away in 2016, is being used to help form of outhouses. Other uses for the grant money include bring pristine running water to a remote village near the roofing of the local school, family bedding at a cost of $50 southern shores of Lake Sevan, replacing on old, inoperative per bed, and bee hives for a number of families. Soviet era asbestos pipe. At the January Knights and Daughters dinner, Asbed Arpunq has some 120 homes with a population of about Leon Semonian was honored for his generosity by Lodge 660 people. The project was spearheaded by Asbed John and Otyag members as well as Asbed and Middlesex County Peterson of Ararat Lodge No. 1 and Clayton Carlisle, both Sheriff Peter Koutoujian and David Muradian, Republican of members of the Billerica, Massachusetts Rotary Club. They the Massachusetts State House of Representatives. both addressed the members of Ararat Lodge No. 1 and Koutoujian thanked Leon and Paul Semonian for their Arpie Otyag No. 9 at their January 14 dinner in Watertown. generosity and then presented Leon with a proclamation It is the Billerica Rotary Club that requested and received a from his department, acknowledging their philanthropy. Global Grant from Rotary International for the project, Muradian also presented a proclamation citing the gen- whose total cost is $52,000. erosity of the Semonians on behalf of the people of Asbed John Peterson, of the Billerica Rotary Club Massachusetts. Leon Semonian then took a moment to approached Asbed Leon Semonian, co- trustee of his broth- thank those who had honored him, saying that his late er Bob’s estate, along with Paul Semonian, Bob’s nephew, brother Bob would have been very proud of what was being for assistance. They agreed to donate $10,000 of the done in Armenia with his Trust funds and pleased to have $17,000 local contribution required by Rotary International, played a small role in making it happen. From left, Sheriff Peter Koutoujian, Leon Semonian and state Rep. David which triggered the Rotary’s matching contribution to com- — Asbed David Medzorian, Ararat Lodge No. 1 Muradian plete funding for the project. All photos by David Medzorian

From left, Asbed Argishti Chaparian, Asbed John Peterson, state Rep. David Muradian, Leon Semonian and Sheriff Peter From left, Asbed John Peterson, Asbed Leon Semonian, Sheriff Asbed Leon Semonian and state Rep. David Muradian share a Koutoujian Peter Koutoujian and state Rep. David Muradian light moment. S ATURDAY, J ANUARY 2 6 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 11 COMMUNITY NEWS AUA Celebrates a Milestone: 100 Pillars of AUA Campaign Completed

LOS ANGELES and YEREVAN — A glass wall seen an influx of qualified shines under the Yerevan sun in the lobby of and talented female stu- the Paramaz Avedisian Building, one of the dents from the rural areas, newest and most striking additions to the many of whom are study- American University of Armenia’s campus. As ing computer science on students walk to and from classes past this hon- scholarships, like Alisa orary wall every day in an environment abuzz Martirosyan, a freshman with academic activity, they recognize the com- majoring in computer sci- mitment of the 100 individuals and organiza- ence. As a child, tions from around the world who have dedicat- Martirosyan often played ed themselves as donors to the only US-accred- with a Rubik’s cube and ited, independent institution of higher learning her interest in the combi- in the Caucasus. nation puzzle could have The names of the 100 Pillars of AUA, a mile- easily waned as she fol- stone campaign that recently came to a suc- lowed a routine lifestyle in cessful close, were etched one by one on the her hometown. She was glass wall dedicated to these collective group of emboldened, however, visionaries who remain actively engaged with when she was accepted AUA and its students. These donors possess a into AUA and received aid strong belief that they are investing in the to complete her college future of Armenia through every single one of education, committing the 2,000 students at the University and the herself to becoming a bio- many more to come with their own hopes and medical engineer, which dreams, who will enter through AUA’s doors, she calls a “powerful” pro- marking the beginning of their journey toward gram. At AUA she has AUA students pose enthusiastically in the front of the 100 Pillars of AUA Honorary Wall impacting their home country. already acquired “a lot of It was only three short years ago when the knowledge as the school decision was made by the senior leadership of teaches us to think and solve problems not only professor of business and management at AUA, “AUA professors triggered our critical minds AUA to gather a foundation of supporters, aptly in the field but in life.” spearheads the Entrepreneurship and Product and encouraged reflective thinking, giving us named “pillars,” who would buttress the finan- “Studying at AUA significantly changed my Innovation Center (EPIC), a cutting-edge facili- knowledge and skills to finally bring the need- cial future of AUA in order to allow current and personality,” said Martirosyan. “During my ty on AUA’s campus which serves as an incuba- ed changes to our country,” said Anapiosyan. “I future generations to benefit from the academ- studies at the university, I have become more tor for students who are developing their start- can only envisage that Armenia from now on is ic institution with the goal of one day con- goal-directed and persistent in reaching my per- up ventures. Since its founding three years ago, on the road towards democracy and I cannot be tributing towards the development of the home- sonal goals and those of Armenia’s.” many of EPIC’s students have become champi- more proud that we have moved from imitating land. Fellow computer science major Liana ons in competitions around the world. In an reforms to actually performing them.” President and co-founder of AUA, Dr. Armen Harutyunyan remarked that AUA helped devel- atmosphere of entrepreneurship and collabora- “We became Pillars so our children can be Der Kiureghian, was present at this meeting op the “core foundation” of her college educa- tion, students have the ability to tap into their proud of their homeland when generations of and understood the importance of identifying a tion and allowed her to become a more “self-suf- potential in the first-class facilities and work- students graduate from such a prestigious insti- core group of University supporters. ficient individual.” spaces, programs and events. tution,” said Kurken and Armine Alyanakian, “We thought they would literally be Pillars in “The experience that AUA provided me with Los Angeles-based Pillar Sara Chitjian saw who are advocates of AUA’s Western style, mul- the sense that they would care deeply for the enabled me to adapt to any condition and envi- the potential of EPIC and its novel approach, tilingual education. “Every student that gradu- University and shoulder some of the urgent ronment,” said Harutyunyan, a freshman. “AUA and generously established an endowment to ates from an educational facility with such a financial needs,” said Der Kiureghian. He noted contributed greatly to the development of my secure the operations of the Center. philosophy will form the backbone of the that the aim was to have Pillars’ donations be professional proficiency and I plan to share that “I feel Armenians have the ability to create nation.” unrestricted so the University could direct the in a way that will benefit my society.” something very unique because they have that In addition to the recognition and the fulfill- funds to where it was most needed. Ultimately, This is exactly why donors see AUA as the type of brain,” said Chitjian. “When someone ment of contributing to Armenia from the the contributions would ease the immediate gateway to strengthening Armenia through its asks who made a great invention, I want the ground up, Pillars receive regular impact financial needs of AUA and focus more on long- people. The 100 Pillars, who come from around response to be that an Armenian made it.” reports from AUA to see the positive changes term goals, such as bolstering the endowment, the globe with diverse backgrounds, all under- Over the years, Kouchakdjian has seen the that occur through their donations and are also establishing competitive programming, hiring stand that the academic institution is the most evolution of AUA and has been a participant invited to exclusive opportunities, such as the renowned faculty, enriching the library qualified to lead the next generation towards in its growth since the time of its founding. Pillar Tour with award-winning professor Dr. resources, promot- Along with his wife Hasmik, as Pillars, they Gregory Areshian, who guides participants into ing continued have both upheld the University and its stu- unique areas throughout Armenia. During the education for staff dent body. three-day tour, Pillars have the chance to expe- on campus, and “I witness how the funds raised by the Pillars rience the historic regions of Ararat, Aragatsotn building modern program expands the reach and capacity of the and Vayots Dzor, the site where Areshian and and technological- faculty to engage and address the challenges of his team found the world’s oldest leather shoe ly advanced facili- Armenia through research and policy recom- and winery — dating back over 6,000 years — ties for the mendations,” said Kouchakdjian. “AUA has per- while serving as co-director of the National University’s com- haps the greatest concentration of individuals Geographic Society-funded project. Select AUA munity and the and expertise in Armenia for providing guid- students are invited along to work during the general public. ance in the design and implementation of forth- Pillar Tours, which Areshian encourages so the The plan coming policy, reforms, and opportunities in “pillars have the opportunity to see our most worked — AUA’s the new Armenia.” important product of AUA, which is our stu- endowment more This “New Armenia” materialized in April dents.” than tripled dur- 2018, when thousands of citizens took to the Though the 100 Pillars of AUA campaign has ing this period streets during the Velvet Revolution to call for successfully concluded, the work is not yet fin- ensuring the uni- a new and more transparent government that ished for the students nor the university. versity’s financial would have the best interests of its citizens at Looking forward, AUA will continue to remain health, without heart. Many of the demonstrators were them- communicative with its core group of donors compromising its selves AUA students and alumni, ready to have while creating more visionary plans. high-quality of AUA graduates seek to better their lives, the lives of their families and the liveli- their voices heard and become a part of the “This elite group of donors have remained education. In fact, hood of Armenia. direly needed change in their birthplace. It was steadfast Pillars and the University will always the school thrived this desire to have a hand in shaping Armenia’s depend on their support, engagement and under the guid- future that AUA’s students stepped up — includ- advice in order to uphold AUA’s mission,” said ance of the 100 Pillars of AUA campaign. success that will reverberate throughout all ing Sergey Sarukhanyan, who is a recipient of Der Kiureghian. “Symbolically, the university is Through the unrestricted funds scholarships regions of the country through education and the Edward and Eleonore Aslanian Endowed supported on their shoulders.” increased — allowing nearly half of AUA’s stu- knowledge. Scholarship, who remarks that his scholarship “Contributions from the 100 Pillars dents to be rewarded some level of financial aid “We need to empower the young men and gift played a “significant role” in his life. Campaign gives AUA the freedom to pursue its — as did support for faculty and staff develop- women in the country to receive the best edu- “My goal is to serve the communities in strategic priorities and explore new directions ment. It also fostered the growth of practical cation possible so that they can progress and which we practice and live,” said Sarukhanyan. that could be very important for the advance- and relevant programs, including the launching lead the country in the right direction,” said “The skills and knowledge gained at AUA will ment of the University,” said Dr. Varduhi of three new degrees: MS Strategic Pillar Isabelle Dokouzian. “I believe that AUA help me represent people who cannot afford Petrosyan, Dean of the Gerald and Patricia Management, BS in Engineering Science and does a remarkable job in preparing the future legal representation as I plan to become a fully- Turpanjian School of Public Health. “And BS in Data Science. leaders of Armenia.” fledged member of the society and the advancement of AUA usually means advance- “The Pillars’ association with AUA enhances Linda Kay Abdulian, the president and CEO Armenian community.” ment of its alumni, who strengthen Armenia the momentum and integrity of the institution of the National Raisin Company, another one of Sarukhanyan will be following in the foot- and make leap development a possibility.” and gives us a stronger sense of responsibility AUA’s Pillars, based in Fowler, Calif., acknowl- steps of accomplished alumni before him, a As AUA continues to grow, the University is to serve the homeland,” said Der Kiureghian. edges that “an investment in education pays the number of whom are serving in the post-Velvet preparing for its next chapter and broadening Serving the homeland is the mission of AUA’s best dividends.” Revolution government, including Secretary of its horizons. founders and the university’s donors. As the Providing a high caliber education has always the Armenian Security Council, Armen “With the new developments in Armenia, we leading academic institution in Armenia, AUA is been a priority for AUA and that is achieved not Grigoryan (PSIA ‘11), Deputy Minister of need new developments at the university,” said always at the helm of progress and advance- only through motivated students, but through Education and Science Arevik Anapiosyan Der Kiureghian. “We have the foundation ment. Its leaders also understand the signifi- leading professors in their respective fields who (PSIA ‘08) and Deputy Governor of the Syunik through our Pillars and now we want to con- cance of educating not only those in the are opening students up to a larger landscape, District Hermine Hambardzumyan (PSIA ‘03). tinue to grow and advance.” nation’s capital, but throughout the country, particularly in the technology field. Pillar Dr. Four members of the newly elected parliament particularly in the villages. The University has Michael Kouchakdjian, who also serves as a are AUA graduates. -Taleen Babayan 12 S ATURDAY, J ANUARY 2 6 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS

Merdinian School Welcomes Arayik Harutyunyan, Minister of Education and Science of Armenia

accompanied by John Shirajian, president of Armenian By Louisa Janbazian Engineers and Scientists of America (AESA), Jirayr Abrahamyan, president of the Alumni Association of the Polytechnic Institute of Armenia, and Dr. Vardan Gevorkyan. SHERMAN OAKS, Calif. — On Wednesday, January 16, The students greeted Harutyunyan in the Aram and Arayik Harutyunyan, Minister of Education and Science of Anahis D. Boolghoorjian Hall of the School singing the song the Republic of Armenia, visited the Merdinian School, Dukhov, whose name those supporting the Velvet Revolution in Armenia had adopted. After Principal Lina Arslanian’s welcoming words and Armenian language teacher Aline Shirajian’s introduction about the background of the School, Rev. Serop Megerditchian, Merdinian Board member and Pastor of the Armenian Cilicia Evangelical Church of Pasadena, greeted the minister and the guests and talked about the significance of the educational work and the mission of the Armenian Evangelicals world-wide – in the Diaspora and in Armenia, highlighting Armenian Missionary Association of America’s (AMAA) Khoren and Shooshanig Avedisian School in Yerevan. Harutyunyan addressed the students and answered ques- tions directed to him by some of the students regarding the education and the school system in Armenia, and conclud- ed his remarks emphasizing the importance of the Armenian schools in the Diaspora. The students presented a few patriotic songs dedicated to Yerevan, which was great- ly appreciated by the Minister. The program ended with a prayer by Megerditchian. A reception followed the program in the faculty lounge, where Faculty and Board members Rev. Serop Megerditchian escorts Arayik Harutyunyan, RA Arayik Harutyunyan addresses the students. continued their conversations with the guests in an inti- Minister of Education and Science mate atmosphere. New England Knights of Vartan Join Together to Welcome New Members

NEW BRITAIN, Conn. — Instead of “With a Little Help From My Friends”, it was “With a Little Help From My Brothers” as some 30 Knights of Vartan members representing four New England lodges spent the afternoon of January 19 in New Britain, Connecticut, to attend and for some, participate in the degree ceremonies that brought three young Asbeds into the organization. Hosted by Gamsaragan Lodge No. 27 from Hartford, the ceremony brought together mem- bers from Hartford, as well as Ararat Lodge No. 1 in Boston, Arshavir Lodge No. 2 in Worcester and Avakasz Lodge Lodge No. 35 in North Andover, Mass. The ceremony was held at the Masonic Temple in New Britain and presided over by former Grand District Representative Thomas Dabakian. A number of out of state lodge members also participated in the ceremo- ny, including Rev. Stephen Baljian, Pastor of St. Gregory’s Armenian Apostolic Church of Merrimack Valley. Rev. Stephen Baljian is the son of NS Der Antranig Baljian of Ararat Lodge No. 1 and Pastor of St. Stephen’s Armenian Apostolic Church in Watertown. Prior to the Degree Ceremonies, the Knights The Knights of Vartan members, new and long term, who participated in the Connecticut gathering. Photos by Asbed David Medzorian, Ararat Lodge were treated to lunch prepared by Gamsaragan No. 1 & Asbed Mark Harutunian of Gamsaragan Lodge No. 27 Asbed John Kasparian. Installed as new Asbeds in the Knights of Vartan were Krikor Norsigian and Rodolfo Valentini of Gamsaragan Lodge No. 27 and Andrew Kibarian of Ararat Lodge No. 1. – David Medzorian, Ararat Lodge No. 1

Grand District Representative Thomas Dabakian S ATURDAY, J ANUARY 2 6 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 13 Arts & Living

DJ Art Laboe, 93, From the Forgotten Spins Oldies to Link Pages of History: Inmates and Family The Life and Times Of Mari Beylerian By Russell Contreras

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (AP) — It’s approach- By Arpine Haroyan ing 9 p.m. and Art Laboe adjusts the micro- phone as Sister Sledge’s We Are Family ends. A century ago there were Armenian women “And now it’s time for you to call up for those who were raising their voices and speaking goodnight dedications,” Laboe announces. boldly about issues ranging from marriage to “Hello?” a young girl says. “I want to dedicate public service. A century ago, there were this to my dad that’s in Lancaster (prison) and strong, fearless Armenian women, who were I miss tonight ... I just want to say, Dad, I love establishing their own magazines and journals you no matter where you go...” She dissolves and providing a space for young women. A cen- into tears. tury ago, there were Armenian women fighting The 93-year-old DJ based in Palm Springs, for their rights and women’s education. credits one group of listeners for keeping him But a century later, they are mostly forgot- on the air after 75 years: family members who ten... want to send messages to loved ones in prison. Mari Beylerian, a writer, feminist and public Every Sunday on his syndicated show “The figure, is one of the least known intellectuals Art Laboe Connection Show,” his baritone from Western Armenia. A victim of the 1915 voice calls on family members to speak directly Armenian Genocide, she was a role model and to inmates in California, Arizona or Nevada. an educator for thousands of Armenian women Sometimes, Laboe reads parts of letters written from different parts of the world. She was by inmates. mainly known for her women’s magazine It’s a role Laboe says he feels honored to play. Elizabeth Romhild Ardemis. Considered to be the first women’s “I don’t judge,” Laboe said in an interview periodical in the Armenian world, Ardemis cov- with the Associated Press at his Palm Springs ered topics on Armenian women’s liberation studio. “I like people.” and more. He often tells a story about a woman who Danish, Armenian and Thai Who Was She? came by the studio so her toddler could tell her There is scarce information about Mari father, who was serving time for a violent crime, Beylerian’s life. Although she was well known “Daddy, I love you.” Artist Elizabeth Romhild during her lifetime thanks to her journal, her “It was the first time he had heard his baby’s name and activities were mostly forgotten after voice,” Laboe said. “And this tough, hard-nosed the Armenian Genocide. It is said that Mari was guy burst into tears.” Draws on World Culture one of the two women (along with Zabel Born Arthur Egnoian in Salt Lake City to an Yesayan) who was arrested with over 200 hun- Armenian-American family, Laboe grew up dur- YEREVAN/BANGKOK — I have known artist Elizabeth Romhild since 2003, dred Armenian intellectuals on April 24, 1915. ing the Great Depression in a Mormon house- when she visited Armenia for the first time with her mother and brother. Since that Her fate remains unknown still today. hold run by a single mom. His sister sent him his year I followed the creative activity Beylerian was born in 1880 in of this talented artist with unique Constantinople (Ottoman Empire) and received By Artsvi Bakhchinyan style. My friendship continues with her education at the Esayan School. She later Special to the Mirror-Spectator this warm-hearted, charming lady, returned to her school as a teacher. Some who made a very generous contribu- sources state that she continued her education tion to my life by sponsoring the in the Pera Studio (Pera was a district in publication of my voluminous study, The Armenians in World Cinema, published Constantinople). As a young student, she start- in 2004 in the Armenian language. I dedicated this study to her. ed writing for a newspaper called Arevelk Elizabeth Romhild (née Davidian) has lived and worked in Bangkok, Thailand, (East) under the pseudonym Calipso. Beylerian since 1988. At the age of 26, she began painting realistic portraits, later moving on was full of enthusiasm, and keen to be a part to seascapes and landscapes, figures of women, and animalistic images. Her art- of the Armenian liberation movement. Soon work is part of private collections in several countries around the world, including she decided to join the Hnchakian Party. The in Denmark, Germany, Switzerland, Holland, Italy, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, leaders of the party decided the she was very Hong Kong, Australia, and the United States. young to be a member and assigned her to be According to the artist’s official web page: “Romhild’s artwork has traveled the media correspondent of the party. In 1890, through many phases on a continuous road of self development and discovery. she participated and covered the Kum Kapu Gradually her art became bolder and more simplified in her portrayals of the female demonstration organized by the Hnchakian subject both in the two-dimensional form of her painting and the three-dimension- Party against the Armenian patriarchate. In al forms of her bronze sculptures. Throughout her long artistic career, Romhild has 1895 she became one of the organizers of the continued to defy her boundaries with an ever expanding range of work that peaceful Bab-i Ali demonstrations in reflects her quest to deeper self discovery.” Constantinople against the Turkish govern- Dear Elizabeth, you have lived in Thailand for many years. Your paintings and ment, which called for the implementation of sculptures are extremely colorful and exotic. Is this the influence of the country the May Reforms. The Turkish Government of your residence? sentenced her to death in absentia as Mari I believe my surrounding influences my art style. But I also feel the choice of escaped to Egypt. Art Laboe as a 14-year-old color I use is more emotional or temperament-related, which gives the work char- Soon, she started teaching at Alexandria’s acter. Armenian School and in 1902 founded the For one period, you used to draw mostly female figures. And recently we see first radio when he was 8 years old. The voices monthly periodical Ardemis. In her article often animals in your paintings. What attracts you more in objects for painting and stories that came from it enveloped him. about Ardemis, Lerna Ekmekcioglu mentions and sculpting? “And I haven’t let go since,” Laboe said. that Beylerian married revolutionary Avo A few years back, I was fascinated by the wild life in the African savannah, explor- He moved to California, attended Stanford Nakashian shortly after arriving in Cairo. ing the animal characters, as I would with humans. Later exploring further led into University and served in the US Navy during In 1908, after the Young Turk revolt that a rawer and darker side, inspired by African masks and warrior face paints. World War II. Eventually, he landed a job as a restored the Ottoman Constitution, Mari Are you a part of a Thai artistic community? radio announcer at KSAN in San Francisco and returned to the Ottoman Empire and started I have a few Thai artist friends, but I do not belong to any artistic community adopted the name Art Laboe after a boss sug- teaching at the Armenian school in Smyrna here. Thai artists tend to be either very political or traditional in their art style. In gested he take the last name of a secretary to (later Izmir) and later at the Yevdokia any case I prefer working alone. sound more American. Armenian School. She also published a literary How we can define you — an artist of Armenian-Danish origin residing in But it was when Laboe worked as a DJ for collection of her own work called Depi Ver Thailand? KXLA in Los Angeles where he gained fame. (Upward) until her death in 1915. Yes, I always call myself a Danish-Armenian artist living in Bangkok. Laboe was one of the first DJs to play R&B and Please tell us about your ancestors - both Armenian and Danish. Ardemis rock ‘n’ roll in California and is credited by My father Zaven Davidian, was an Armenian from Julfa, Isfahan, and met my scholars for helping integrate dance halls Founded in Alexandria, Egypt, Ardemis, a Danish mother in Denmark while he was working with a Danish engineering com- among Latinos, blacks, Asian Americans and monthly literary periodical was published until pany called Kampsax. He built the Trans-Iranian Railways, designing most of the whites who were drawn to his multicultural 1904 and was popular among Armenian important bridges. My mother is Danish-born, Gerda Davidian (Erritzoe). After musical line up. women not only from Armenia, but from the see ROMHILD, page 14 By 1956, Laboe’s afternoon show became the Diaspora as well. Before publishing the period- city’s top radio program. ical, Mari sent her husband to Echmiadzin to see LABOE, PAGE 16 see BEYLERIAN, page 15 14 S ATURDAY, J ANUARY 2 6 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARTS & LIVING Danish, Armenian and Thai Artist Elizabeth Romhild Draws on World Culture ROMHILD, from page 13 marrying my father, she moved to Iran, and was fully integrated into the Armenian family and culture, speaking fluently both Persian and Armenian. Your childhood partly took place in Iran, in an Armenian milieu. What did that give you? I was born in Denmark, but my childhood years were spent in Tehran, with my Armenian family. I attended both Armenian and Persian schools, before moving abroad to study. I met my Danish husband Peter Emil Romhild in Tehran in 1978, when he was working there with a Danish company just before the revolu- tion in 1979. Both the Armenian and Persian cultures are very rich, and unconsciously are a strong part of my creativity. What about your children? Peter and I have two children. Wenja was born 1990 in Bangkok, and named after Peter’s older sister. She lives in Copenhagen and is a makeup artist and cosmetologist with an artist’s soul, after having studied at a well-known Danish fashion design university. Henrik was born in 1990, also in Bangkok, and named after my brother. He studied busi- ness strategic design management at Parsons in NY, recently got married to Adrianna who is Mexican American, and the two of them are currently living in Bangkok as newly- weds. Are you in touch with Armenians in Thailand? What can you tell about them? Yes, there is a small Armenian community here in Bangkok, mainly from Lebanon or Syria, who we meet at social functions, and some are close friends. Do you believe in “national in arts?” Is it possible to notice some Armenian or Danish motifs in your works? If yes - how? I guess subconsciously I have my “national” signature in my colors. Without intending it, the Armenian flag color is visible in my bold color paintings. The blue which was an inspira- tion in the early ’90s, when I saw a deep blue glass bowl with bright colored oranges, and was the beginning of my Woman and Orange series, and of course the ardor red, which is also in the flag…. I feel the Persian miniature is also visible in my women with their large eyes, with their untold stories. Have you any special Armenian inspira- tions? Music, for instance? Music is always a great inspiration. I love clas- sical and sometimes melancholic tunes, to reach my deeper self in art. I do not have any specific Armenian music that inspires me, but the Armenian national duduk (specially played by Djivan Gasparyan) is now used by many other composers and musicians, including sound- track. I like eclectic music. Another favorite rhythm is the Armen Chakmakian cheerful Gypsy Rain, where I see my signature whimsical piano keyboards (now also in my designs) danc- ing together. What were your best impressions from your visit to Armenia? There were of course many joys visiting beautiful Armenia with its rich cultures. But most of all was the feeling to be in a place you have never been before, and where every- thing was in Armenian, even the fasten seat belt sign on the plane. And I could read and understand. You have been to Armenia twice, in 2003 and 2004. Your friends in Armenia, including myself, are eager to organize your personal exhibition in the country of your ancestors, but this seems to be a rather difficult project. I would be very happy to have exhibited my work in Armenia, but unfortunately the logis- tics both ways seems to be the main issue….. and also very expensive. Let us hope for wealthy sponsors appreciat- ing art and the connections between Armenia and Diaspora! And what are your current inspirations in fine arts? Having completed my art circle, meaning exploring my inner self in art, I am back into my well known whimsical female characters, in operatic costumes and theatrical staging, which comes naturally for me. S ATURDAY, J ANUARY 2 6 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 15 ARTS & LIVING From the Forgotten Pages of History: The Life and Times of Mari Beylerian

BEYLERYAN, from page 13 and remember that the greatest satisfaction according to Mari, should know how to engage ing patriotic and educated children who would see Catholicos Mkrtich Khrimyan and ask for and the greatest joy consist of perfect fulfill- young girls and inspire their young hearts and serve for the good of their country. Mari criti- support. Khrimyan Hayrik liked the idea of a ment of responsibility.” natures. Avo agrees with her, writing: “We don’t cized the traditional family structure, “gerdas- women’s periodical and helped Beylerian with have idealist girls because in the schools we did tan,” noting that poor Armenian girls were new fonts. Moreover, he gave some of his writ- Education not give them any target to follow, and in the often pressured by their mothers-in-law without ings and asked to donate all the profit from the In one of her editorials, Beylerian first dis- house, the only thing a girl hears is that ‘she any right to raise their children the way they publication for the newspaper. cussed how the concept of an educated woman will become a bride.’” wanted. The main purpose of the publication was to was perceived by society. “She is a woman but she waits for instruc- raise awareness about women’s rights and pro- “Heart, mind, education, not a thought was Employment tion. She waits for them to acquaint her with mote women’s education. Ardemis was also fos- spared to these. It was considered shameful for As an established journalist and teacher, her responsibility. She is a mother, but she tering philanthropic activities. Beylerian, the a woman to say an educated or progressive Beylerian was keen on motivating her readers waits to be taught how to care for her child. She chief editor of the magazine, with her feminist has a family but she waits to be shown how to editorials, progressive thought and wit have the manage her household.” ability to amaze readers even today. Beylerian believed that families should have a The magazine was an open platform for any nuclear structure and mothers should have woman who wanted to express herself and was their special role without any interference from a powerful way to reach different social classes their relatives. Motherhood gave women and allow everyone to debate and openly talk greater status than men. Beylerian was confi- about women’s issues. The various articles pub- dent that women were protectors and lished in the magazine by ordinary Armenian guardians of “reason and sense,” while men women came from cities like Tbilisi, Moscow, were prisoners of “passion and sense.” Kars, Nor Jugha, New York and Paris. Famous Woman had to be prepared for marriage. writers and public figures such as Vahan They have to be adults to understand their Tekeyan, Yeghia Demirjibashian, Zaruhi responsibilities and the life they were entering. Kalemkaryan and American journalist Alice Mari believed that ill-timed marriages for young Stone Blackwell wrote articles for Ardemis. girls were great misfortunes and she spared no In her book, A History of Armenian Women’s effort in the pages of her magazine to educate Writing 1880-1992, Victoria Rowe (2009) iden- and awaken young Armenian women. tifies four main topics the periodical covered: “By an unforeseen and cruel fate, the inex- women’s rights, education, motherhood and perienced and naive Armenian woman is thrust employment. These were the most essential out of her country and her beloved home and issues Armenian women had been facing for is forced to inhospitable shores, where every- centuries. Some of these issues, such as thing looks harsh to her — the air, the earth, the women’s right to education and employment or water, manners, customs and language. In mind woman’s right to make decisions in her family and spirit, she is completely unprepared and are still relevant in 21st century Armenia. unable to digest outside ideas, unable to cor- rectly ponder, to see clearly, to judge rightly, Women’s Rights and is susceptible to deception by a pretty Beylerian touched upon the issue of women’s Mari Beylerian speech or a tender glance. It is understandable rights in several editorials, calling for justice that she cannot, without moral injury to herself, and empowerment of the Armenian woman. take on indiscriminately any sort of work. We She believed that western feminism was not word. A woman who could read and write was to not just be housewives, but to also study, believe that above all else she should work in a compatible with the Armenian reality. She considered a new type, outside of her place and start their own careers and stand equally next career with definite regulations and rules...” argued that Armenian women first needed to sex, an unnatural mannish creature who other to Armenian men. Almost all the issues of demand “natural rights,” (their right to have woman looked upon with bitterness and as Ardemis discussed the importance of a woman’s Motherhood their own opinion, to make decisions and con- scandalous.” career, especially in early-20th century One of Beylerian’s strengths was that she trol their fate) and then raise questions about At the end of 19th century, this stereotype Armenian society. In one of her editorials she combined all the important roles of a woman their role in the country’s socio-political dis- started to break down as Armenians under- argued that one of the reasons for a woman’s and thoroughly explained each one. While dis- course. In her editorial titled “A Glance Into the stood that the nation needed educated girls in low status within the family is because she sim- cussing motherhood, she did not reject the idea Past of the Armenian Woman,” Beylerian open- order to have educated mothers. The concept of ply does not earn money. Beylerian believed of women’s employment, or when talking about ly spoke about the harsh realities of the mother- educator became more popular and that throughout time, economic factors highly education, she did not state that a woman’s Armenian woman’s daily life, criticizing hus- many girls started to attend school. However, affected the way women were being perceived main goal is to get an education and become a band-wife relationships and a women’s status Beylerian was not happy with the educational within society. She writes: “Until now women’s scholar. Beylerian’s ideal woman was one who within the family. system and continued criticizing it through her employment was seen as something alienating, was educated, had a family, knew how to “Family life was hell for the Armenian in the editorials. She believed that instead of giving weakening. This is a rooted prejudice. People express herself, knew her rights and had her past. She was forced to be a shadow, nothing knowledge, schools taught girls how to play are hungry, but do not allow their women to input in the development of her nation. more. It was considered shameful for a young piano or speak French. In other words, educa- work. They still perceive it as an insult to their In the pages of Ardemis, one can find an arti- man to speak openly, friendly and lovingly to tion made them selfish women who were not manhood.” cle devoted to Countess Mariam Tumanyan, his wife. If he dared to, those around him would capable of thinking. At the age of 12, boys were able to work and who is introduced as a great example of an call him effeminate. He would be reproached One of the writers of the publication, Avo help their fathers, thus becoming a helping active Armenian woman who changed percep- and insulted by them. If he had something also wrote for Ardemis. In a three-part article hand for the family. According to Beylerian, it tions, and was a role model for younger gener- important to say to his wife, he did so without published in the magazine titled Activities of was one of the reasons they were always wel- ations. The author notes that Armenian women looking at her face.” Young Armenian Women Since Graduation, he comed in the family. As for having a girl, par- started to break stereotypes, and from humble Beylerian’s language is very easy to under- severely criticized Armenian girls, calling them ents were always worried since they knew that and modest housewives they transformed into stand as she took everyday realities and “com- lazy and not willing to commit to their nation. to prepare her for marriage, they had to give socially active women. The article lists pelled’ Armenian women to finally see, analyze In her memoirs, Countess Mariam Tumanyan, a her a decent dowry. Moreover, a birth of a girl Tumanyan’s activities and praises her as a and demand justice. In her editorial “Zavagy” member of Tbilisi’s elite at the end of the 19th was shameful for a bride. Mari mentioned that young entrepreneur. The author is amazed by (The Child) she even wrote a short manifesto and turn of the 20th centuries expressed the this was not typical only to Armenians: “hatred her initiatives to help the immigrants from dedicated to Armenian women’s rights. same criticism and disappointment in young towards girls was common in Asian nations.” Western Armenia who had fled the slaughter, “We, Armenian women, see more hardship girls who were not interested in studying. According to Beylerian, one of the solutions her input in the theatrical and cultural life of and tyranny than others. Civilization has barely Avo writes: “We have opened up schools, to this problem was employment for women. Tbilisi, as well as her charity salon evenings for weakened our chains of slavery. And the provin- even in the remote corners of villages, but we Women would be treated equally and valued the Armenian elite. cial Armenian woman still sobs under the same forgot to implant the kind of soul that was nec- like men if they earned money and shared the Besides Mari’s progressive and liberal editori- load of hardship… essary to manage those schools. We did not burden of the family. “Employment is our sal- als, Ardemis was also a great source for inspira- We are moderate in our demands, although care about the needs and practical obligations vation,” Mari writes in one of her editorials. tion and education for women from various recognizing that we have equal rights, we agree of Armenian girls to their social class, to their Mari stressed that Armenian women already classes. In Ardemis one could find letters from to moderate them. We struggle fiercely against nation, and to their motherland.” worked very hard in their households; they pre- readers across the world, articles about the these prejudices which have plagued us for cen- Mari also thought that the educational sys- pared meals, cleaned, dried fruits, took care of western world and feminism, reports about new turies and today threaten our well-being. tem was not capable of producing strong and the children, sewed beddings, did laundry and book publications or various events. It was also We demand to have the right to love com- fearless girls. Interestingly, several years before even helped their husbands in the fields when a platform for sharing educational short stories pletely and freely; we have the right to choose the genocide she writes in one of her editorials: there was a lack of workers. However, because and poems. Ardemis was a small world of a without coercion and with a free will our life’s they were not being paid, their labor was not great thinker. partner, whose heart is tied to our own. “It is time for education to strengthen our valued as work. A century later, no one remembers Mari We have the right to speak freely and reveal girl’s minds and hearts. They need practical Beylerian connected the need for employ- Beylerian and Ardemis. We have to honestly ask our bold opinions about all issues having a classes to prepare them, using real life exam- ment with the political situation in the ourselves — how can we change society and bearing on communal life and we demand that ples, to go along life’s path, so that the wind Armenian provinces. Being in exile herself, she make women’s voices heard, if we do not know our opinions be taken seriously and our ideas does not carry them here and there and evil talked about the importance of women’s women like Mari? She was a role model for respected. events and massacres don’t take advantage of employment as a way to earn a living wherever thousands of Armenian women a century ago, We are free in our family life, free and inde- their weakness and throw them to the ground.” fate would take them. but she still is an inspiration and from now on, pendent in our activities and thoughts, free to Mari foresaw the future of many orphaned “A great thinker once said: Give me your she will not be forgotten. pursue whatever idea or goal that is beautiful to girls for whom an education could provide the mothers and I will give you a nation. Ardemis’ us. In short, we are free in everything that is best tools to take care of themselves. Instead of goal must be to prepare girls, wives, and moth- (This article originally appeared on EVN pure and free from prejudice, and we allow that teaching girls how to be pretty “ladies,” ers for the day when it can be said with pride - Report’s website: which is ethical and does not damage the work Beylerian would suggest teaching them their here are your mothers, give us the nation.” https://www.evnreport.com/arts-and- of raising the next generation. responsibilities to their parents, homeland, and Motherhood, the sacred role of the Armenian culture/from-the-forgotten-pages-of-history-the- Beyond this limit we will not pass. We volun- nation. However, she recognized that Armenian woman had its special place in Mari’s Ardemis. life-and-times-of-mari-beylerian) tarily and with love remain in our sacred role schools lacked skilled teachers. A great teacher, Armenian women had an important role in rais- 16 S ATURDAY, J ANUARY 2 6 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARTS & LIVING Art Laboe Spins Oldies to Link Inmates and Family ‘Roupen Herian: Rescuer of Armenian LABOE, from page 13 Over the decades, Laboe maintained a fan Orphans’ Program base, especially among Mexican-Americans who Hosted by TCA Los followed him from station to station. He start- ed getting calls from inmates’ family members Angeles Chapter in the 1990s on his syndicated oldies show. Current and former gang members were some ALTADENA, Calif. — The Tekeyan of his most loyal fans. Cultural Association Metro Los Angeles “Here is someone who gave a voice to the Chapter will host a bilingual program titled most humble of us all through music,” said “Roupen Herian: Rescuer of Armenian Lalo Alcaraz, a syndicated cartoonist and tele- Orphans” on Sunday, February 17, 2019 at vision writer who grew up listening to Laboe in 5 p.m. at the Tekeyan Center in Altadena. San Diego. “He brought us together. That’s Boston-based scholar Aram Arkun, execu- why we sought him out.” tive director of the Tekeyan Cultural Over the years, the syndicated show on Association of the United States and Sunday has aired in California, Nevada, Arizona Canada and assistant editor of the and New Mexico. Armenian Mirror-Spectator, will serve as In 2015, iHeartMedia’s KHHT-FM (92.3) the keynote speaker and, with the help of dropped Laboe’s syndicated oldies show after illustrations, present the fascinating life of the station abruptly switched to a hip-hop for- Roupen Herian, who was entrusted with mat, sparking angry protest in Los Angeles. the herculean task of locating kidnapped “Without Art Laboe, I’m So Lonely I Could Armenian women and children. Cry,” wrote essayist Adam Vine. Laboe later Herian was born in Tokat sometime returned to the Los Angeles airwaves on anoth- DJ Art Laboe between 1868 and 1872, but after gradu- er station. ating the local Armenian school, left to Alex Nogales, president and CEO of the Los engage in commerce in Constantinople. He Angeles-based National Hispanic Media likes of Smokey Robinson, The Spinners or crowd. I mean, they look scary,” Nogales said. left for the United States in May 1895, pos- Coalition, said generations of Latino fans still Sunny & The Sunliners. “Then Art comes out and they just melt. They sibly due to the oppressions of Sultan attend Laboe-sponsored concerts to hear the “I see these really tough looking guys in the love him.” Abdul Hamid II and his regime. Herian immigrated to Boston and later moved to New York City. He became a suc- cessful businessman, while continuing to be deeply involved in Armenian political activities. In 1916 he carried out a secret war mission for the British government. Herian helped arrange the transporta- tion of the 1,200 Armenian-Americans who Recipe joined the Armenian Legion, which suc- cessfully defeated the Turkish and German forces at the Battle of Arara in Palestine in September 1918, and himself later enrolled as a legionnaire. Herian served as the director of an infir- Corner mary in Egypt for the legionnaires, and par- ticipated in an abortive expedition to help by Christine Vartanian Datian the besieged city of Hajin. He also played a

Rice, Eggplant and Lamb

INGREDIENTS 1 cup white rice (long-grain, basmati or jasmine) 1 medium eggplant, cut in 1" cubes 1 large onion, chopped 3-4 tablespoons olive oil 2-3 large cloves garlic, minced 1 medium green or red bell pepper, seeded, chopped 1 pound lean ground lamb 1 cup canned garbanzo beans, washed and drained 2 1/2 cups low sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth 1/2 cup tomato sauce 1/4 cup tomato paste role in the defense of the Cilician city of 1/4 cup parsley, chopped Dört Yol (Chork-Marzban). 1 tablespoon each lemon juice and chopped fresh mint leaves As representative of the Armenian 3/4 teaspoon salt General Benevolent Union (AGBU), 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano Egyptian Armenian Relief, and [Armenian] 1/4 teaspoon each black pepper and allspice United Orphan Care, with additional finan- Paprika, Aleppo pepper or cayenne pepper to taste cial support from the Armenian Church, the Armenian Democratic Party (predecessor of 1/2 cup ricotta cheese the Armenian Democratic Liberal Party), 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese various other Armenian relief organiza- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese tions, and, most strikingly, many individual Armenian or Greek yogurt and sliced red onions and cucumbers as garnish Armenians who themselves barely had enough money to live after the Genocide, PREPARATION Herian tried to rescue kidnapped Armenian Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. woman and children from Bedouins, Turks, Combine the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese in a bowl and mix. Set aside. Kurds and their harems. Using his adept In a large pot, sauté the onions, garlic and bell pepper in olive oil until the onions are tender. Add the eggplant, lamb and garbanzo beans, toss, and language skills, Herian disguised himself as cook until lamb is lightly browned. needed as an American missionary, British Add the broth, tomato sauce, tomato paste, parsley, lemon juice, chopped mint, and spices, bring to a low boil, and cook for 10-12 minutes on medium official or Bedouin, primarily in the Aleppo, heat until bubbly. Der Zor and Mosul regions, to carry out his Pour into a prepared casserole dish, and top with the cheese mixture. Bake for one hour or until lamb and rice are tender. Remove from oven and let mission. Despite threats of death and rob- set 10 minutes before serving. bery and facing great resistance from those Serve with yogurt and sliced red onions and cucumbers on the side. who did not want to easily relinquish Serves 6. Armenian women and children from their hold, Herian remained valiant. Herian used *Christine's recipes have been published in the Fresno Bee newspaper, Sunset magazine, Cooking Light magazine, and at http://www.thearmeni- persuasion, money and sometimes threats ankitchen.com/ to rescue Armenian women and children from their captors. continued on next page S ATURDAY, J ANUARY 2 6 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 17 ARTS & LIVING CC AA LL EE NN DD AA RR

MASSACHUSETTSCALIFORNIA MASSACHUSETTS NOVEMBER 16 — St. Stephen’s Armenian Elementary School 35th Anniversary Celebration. 6:30 PM FEBRUARY 9 — Ara Dabandjian Quartet of Element MARCH 2 — St. Stephen’s Armenian Elementary Cocktail Reception, 7:30 PM Dinner and Program. The Band, Saturday, 8 PM Dinner, 9:30– 10:30 p.m. Ara School (SSAES) PTO will present its annual Westin Waltham - Boston, MA $150 per person. Dabandjian Quartet of Element Band. 11 p.m. fundraiser. We hope you can join us in support of International Singer Koko Hayitian. Phoenicia Restaurant SSAES for an evening of food, drinks, art, music and NEW JERSEY • 343 N. Central Ave, Glendale. Admission •$80 • fun! 7 to 11 p.m., Sanborn House, 15 High St., FEBRUARY 9 — The Tekeyan Cultural Association of www.tekeyanla.eventbrite.com. Contact • The Tekeyan Winchester. SSAES is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organiza- New York, under the aegis of the TCA Board of Metro LA Chapter at [email protected] for group seat- tion. All donations are tax-deductible. For additional Directors of the US and Canada, will present a ing. Tickets must be pre-purchased. • No tickets will be information and sponsorship please e-mail: Valentine’s Dance featuring international Armenian sold at the door. [email protected]. Note: This event is 21+. singer Andre. The Elan, Lodi, NJ. Tickets are $125 before FEBRUARY 17 — Lecture by Aram Arkun of Boston, APRIL 5 — Friday, City of Smile Boston Friends will host February 2, and $150 after, while tickets for young pro- Executive Director of the Tekeyan Cultural Association an evening to benefit children with cancer in fessionals are $100. To reserve seats, visit https://ticket- of the United States and Canada, on Roupen Herian: Armenia. Special guest Anna Hakobyan, the City of stripe.com/TCA ValentinesDayDinnerDance. For further “Rescuer of Armenian Orphans.” Sunday, 5 p.m. at the Smile Charitable Foundation’s Honorary Chair, wife of information and seating, write to [email protected] Tekeyan Center in Altadena. Sponsored by the Metro LA Armenia’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, at the Westin or call 917-238-3970. Tekeyan Chapter. Waltham Hotel for her inaugural visit to Boston. The City May 18 — SAVE THE DATE! St. Nersess Armenian Seminary APRIL 4 and 7 — One of the opera world’s hottest of Smile Charitable Foundation is based in Armenia pro- invites you to A Celebration of Gratitude & Hope, honor- stars, Alessandro Safina, will bring in his pop-opera viding financial support to children with cancer. In addi- ing His Eminence Archbishop Khajag Barsamian and to USA during his upcoming concert tour in April. Safina tion, the foundation is dedicated to training doctors to Bishop-elect Fr. Daniel Findikyan. 6:30pm. Old Tappan appeared with Elton John, Cher and Jennifer Lopez for provide the best cancer care in treating oncological and Manor, Old Tappan, NJ. For more info, please go Queen Elizabeth’s 73rd Royal Variety Performance. He hematological diseases. To learn more about the City of to www.stnersess.edu. also performed for the Pope, sang duets with Andrea Smile Charitable Foundation, visit www.cityofsmile.org. OCTOBER 25, 2019 — SAVE THE DATE. Honoring Dr. Bocelli, Sarah Brightman, and Rod Stewart. Safina when Tickets-$150 each. For reservations, contact Taner Akçam. Abajian Hall St. Leon Armenian he performed Elton John’s “Your Song” with actor Ewan [email protected] 617/921-8962 or Complex, Fair Lawn. Sponsored by Knights and McGregor for the Oscar-nominated soundtrack of [email protected] 781/883-4470. Deadline to Daughters of Vartan, Under the Auspices of Primate Very “Moulin Rouge.” Safina will be accompanied by Victor RSVP is March 22. Tickets will not be sold at the door. Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan. Espinola and the Forbidden Saints. The tour will also fea- Cocktail Reception/Cash Bar - 6:30pm, Dinner and ture Armenian Duduk Soloist and Classical Clarinetist Program - 7:30 p.m. Mher Mnatsakanyan and Bassist Hova Burian will take APRIL 25 — Holy Trinity Armenian Church of Greater NEW YORK part. Official FaceBook Page: Boston Presents The Dr. Michael and Joyce APRIL 9 — One of the opera world’s hottest stars, https://www.facebook.com/ AlessandroSafinaUSA/ Kolligian Distinguished Speaker Series: Anthony Alessandro Safina, will bring in his pop-opera Official Promo Video: https://www.youtube.com/ Ray Hinton, Author of The Sun Does Shine: How I rhythms to USA during his upcoming concert tour in watch?v=DHHKpxTCSSY The performance will be held Found Life and Freedom on Death Row, “Surviving April. Safina appeared with Elton John, Cher and Jennifer at City National Civic in San Jose on Thursday, April 4. Criminal Justice in America.” Charles and Nevart Lopez for Queen Elizabeth’s 73rd Royal Variety (Times 8:00-9:30pm) Talanian Cultural Hall, 145 Brattle Street, Cambridge Performance. He also performed for the Pope, sang https://www1.ticketmaster.com/event/1C005554CB5A77 MA 02138. Reception and book signing to follow talk. duets with Andrea Bocelli, Sarah Brightman, and Rod 78 Dolby Theater in Los Angeles on April 7. (Times 8:00- Open and free to the public. For further information, Stewart. Americans first became familiar with Safina 9:30pm) https://dolbytheatre.com/events/details/alessan- contact the Holy Trinity Church office, 617.354.0632, when he performed Elton John’s “Your Song” with actor dro_safina email [email protected], or log onto Ewan McGregor for the Oscar-nominated soundtrack of https://www1.ticketmaster.com/alessandro-safina-with- www.htaac.org/calendar/event/622/. “Moulin Rouge.” Safina will be accompanied by Victor victor-espinola-the-forbidden-saints/event/ MAY 3 – 117th Diocesan Assembly Gala Banquet – V. Espinola and the Forbidden Saints. The tour will also fea- 3B005546FA735928 Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan, Primate, presiding. Boston ture Armenian Duduk Soloist and Classical Clarinetist Marriott Burlington. Hosted by St. James Armenian Mher Mnatsakanyan and Bassist Hova Burian will take Church in Watertown. Save the Date – Details to Follow. MASSACHUSETTSFLORIDA part. Official FaceBook Page: JUNE 28 – July 10 – St. James Armenian Church 7th https://www.facebook.com/ AlessandroSafinaUSA/ Pilgrimage to Armenia. Led by Fr. Arakel Aljalian. Join Official Promo Video: https://www.youtube.com/ APRIL 11 — One of the opera world’s hottest stars, us and Discover the Land of our Ancestors. All are wel- watch?v=DHHKpxTCSSY The performance will be held Alessandro Safina, will bring in his pop-opera come. Registration deposits due March 1; Full Payment at Beacon Theater in New York on Thursday, April 9th. rhythms to USA during his upcoming concert tour in due April 1. For full details visit www.stjameswater- (Times 8:00-9:30pm) April. Safina appeared with Elton John, Cher and Jennifer town.org/ armenia. https://www1.ticketmaster.com/alessandro-safina-with- Lopez for Queen Elizabeth’s 73rd Royal Variety SEPTEMBER 18 – SAVE THE DATE! InterContinental victor-espinola-the-forbidden-saints/event/ Performance. He also performed for the Pope, sang Hotel, Boston. Extraordinary Benefit for Armenian 3B005546FA735928 duets with Andrea Bocelli, Sarah Brightman, and Rod Heritage Park’s Endowed Fund for Care. APRIL 28- Sunday at 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Armenian Stewart. Americans first became familiar with Safina OCTOBER 19 — The Vosbikians are coming to the Genocide Commemoration at Times Square, NYC when he performed Elton John’s “Your Song” with actor Merrimack Valley. The Armenian Friends of America Sponsored by : Knight & Daughters of Vartan, AGBU, Ewan McGregor for the Oscar-nominated soundtrack of proudly present their Annual HYE KEF 5 Dance, featuring ADL-Ramgavars. Armenian Assembly of America, ANCA “Moulin Rouge.” Safina will be accompanied by Victor The Vosbikians. The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Andover, and Armenian National Council Espinola and the Forbidden Saints. The tour will also fea- MA. Tickets Purchased before 9/13/19 will include the ture Armenian Duduk Soloist and Classical Clarinetist Great Venue, Outstanding Buffet, The Vosbikian Band Mher Mnatsakanyan and Bassist Hova Burian will take and 5 Free Raffle Tickets Adults $75.00 & Students 21 & Calendar items are free. Entries should not be longer than part. Official FaceBook Page: under $65 Specially priced AFA Rooms available through 5 lines. Listings should include contact information. Items https://www.facebook.com/ AlessandroSafinaUSA/ The 9/17/19. For Tickets and more information, Contact: Lu will be edited to fit the space, if need be. A photo may be performance will be held at Fillmore Miami Beach in Sirmaian 978-683-9121 or Sharke’ Der Apkarian at 978- sent with the listing no later than Mondays at noon. Miami on Thursday, April 11th. (Times 8:00-9:30pm) 808-0598 Visit www.ArmeniaFriendsofAmerica.org

‘Roupen Herian: Rescuer of Armenian Orphans’ Program Hosted by TCA Los Angeles Chapter from previous page Church (Eastern) and adjunct assistant professor at He was a moving and effective speaker who par- New York University, among other past posts. He ticipated in fundraising activities in the United has written a number of articles on Cilician States, France, the Ottoman Empire and Egypt with Armenians in the modern period. the intent to rescue more women and orphans. His Also participating in the program are the untimely death in Cairo, Egypt on July 7, 1921 pre- dancers of the Patille Dance Studio of Pasadena, vented him from fulfilling those plans. under the direction of Patille and Cynthia Keynote speaker Arkun is a graduate of Albarian. Princeton University and has a master’s degree in Roupen Herian made many personal sacrifices to international relations from the University of serve the Armenian people, in part by means of the Pennsylvania and a C. Phil. degree in Armenian his- Armenian Legion, Armenian Democratic Party and tory from the University of California Los Angeles. AGBU. Herian remains a great patriot and hero of He has been editor-in-chief of the AGBU Ararat the Armenian nation, whose bravery, determina- quarterly, director of the Krikor and Clara Zohrab tion and sacrifice led to the rescue of countless Information Center of the Diocese of the Armenian Armenian orphans and women. 18 S ATURDAY, J ANUARY 2 6 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMENTARY

COMMENTARY Mirror Symbolism and Realism in the Spectator Karabakh Issue ty with the Karabakh people’s right for self-determination By Edmond Y. Azadian becomes a legal nonstarter. But even Armenia’s friends, Russia and Iran, give credence to Azeri claims. The international community has always imagined a resolu- EstablishedEstablished 1932 1932 Since the ceasefire of 1994 between Azerbaijan and Karabakh tion for the conflict based on a scenario in which one or both An ADLAn Publication ADL Publication the world Armenian community has been locked in a political parties suffer from political weakness. At this time, unprece- roller coaster. Every summit meeting between the two sides, or dented rallies are taking place in Azerbaijan for the release of any hopeful announcement by major powers, raises hopes for a jailed Azeri bloggers and journalists. It seems that the move- settlement, yet the conflict continues on, with the same intensi- ment is out of control and Aliyev’s administration is incapable of ty. What is more alarming is the contradictory announcements containing it. The Panama Papers and the Malta Laundromat EDITOR Alin K. Gregorian that emanate from different camps. have embarrassed the dynastic Aliyev regime internationally. On After every meeting, the Organization for Security and the other hand, the Kremlin had always treated Azerbaijan with ASSISTANT EDITOR Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Minsk Group co-chairs, repre- kid gloves. But the controversy between Baku and Moscow has Aram Arkun senting the US, France and Russia, come up with assurances taken a serious turn over the recent bad treatment of Russian that “concrete discussions” had taken place, only to be refuted citizens of Armenian origin in Azerbaijan. ART DIRECTOR Marc Mgrditchian by Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev who says that he will not Armenia, in its turn, has presented a similarly problematic sit- be satisfied with anything less than the return of Karabakh uation to the powers-that-be. The Velvet Revolution, which (Artsakh) to Azeri rule and not only that, but he is ready to con- ostensibly had the single goal of overthrowing the previous quer Armenia proper as well. regime, also has impacted its international relations, particular- Those bellicose statements are discounted as rhetoric for ly with its Moscow standoff and its extension of the Velvet SENIOR EDITORIAL COLUMNIST: domestic consumption, but they do not contribute in any way to Revolution to Karabakh, when Karabakh is at war and any insta- Edmond Y. Azadian building confidence or inspiring any hope for a real, peaceful set- bility may prove fatal. Despite that delicate situation, there were tlement of this intractable conflict. That is why people in some demotions among the military brass. Fortunately calls to CONTRIBUTORS: Armenia meet all positive announcements regarding Artsakh also replace the civilian government in Karabakh died down Florence Avakian, Dr. Haroutiun with indifference or skepticism. when the current president, Bako Sahakyan, announced that he Arzoumanian, Philippe Raffi Kalfayan, There is a new announcement this week about hopeful steps will not seek reelection. Philip Ketchian, Kevork Keushkerian, taken at an OSCE-sponsored January 16 meeting in Paris with Another sticky point was Pashinyan’s announcement that Harut Sassounian, Hagop Vartivarian, the participation of the foreign ministers of Armenia and Karabakh should be a party to negotiations. Unfortunately, he Naomi Zeytoonian Azerbaijan, Zohrab Mnatsakanyan and Elmar Mammadyarov, did not stop there and he went on to state that Armenia is not CORRESPONDENTS: respectively. authorized to negotiate on behalf of the Karabakh government. Armenia - Hagop Avedikian The positive tone of the group’s announcement is reinforced That statement is a double-edged sword; by forcing the parties Boston - Nancy Kalajian by a statement from Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, to treat Karabakh as an independent entity at the negotiation Los Angeles - Taleen Babayan who indicates that Armenia must respond in kind to the positive table it may also mean that Karabakh is on its own before the Berlin - Muriel Mirak-Weissbach announcements coming from Baku. international community, weakening its bargaining position. Following the recent elections in Armenia, Contributing Photographers: Jirair Hovsepian the new government was challenged to sign a pact with the Karabakh administration about assisting each other in case of aggression against either party. That motion was tabled The Armenian Mirror-Spectator is published after a seasoned statesman, Andranik weekly, except two weeks in July and the first Kocharyan objected. Kocharyan has served as week of the year, by: deputy minister of interior and deputy minister Baikar Association, Inc. of defense in the past. He is extremely articulate 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 and he can be considered as the most serious Telephone: 617-924-4420 asset of the young government. FAX: 617-924-2887 Armenia faced another diplomatic row with www.mirrorspectator.com another friend, namely Iran. Damage control E-Mail: [email protected] was able to prevent the controversy from pro- For advertising: [email protected] gressing further, after tarnishing the new administration’s foreign policy. Shock waves were sent through the news media when one of the young deputies in the parliament repre- senting Pashinyan’s My Step Party, Hayk Konjoryan, had a slip of the tongue when in his SUBSCRIPTION RATES : speech he stated that Armenia is surrounded by What the OSCE announcement says is that the two peoples authoritarian governments like Turkey, of Armenia and Azerbaijan have to be prepared for the outbreak Azerbaijan and Iran. Of course, no one has any doubt that Iran U.S.A. $80 a year of peace. That statement, all along, has served as a code word is ruled by an authoritarian government, but that kind of a state- ment in the parliament about the only country in the region Canada $125 a year for concessions. And concessions are only expected from the Armenian side. friendly to Armenia sounded awkward. Although the said Other Countries $190 a year When Pashinyan was asked what compromises Armenia is deputy apologized and admitted it was a slip of the tongue, the ready to accept, his answer was: “We have to learn what media made a major issue of it, because the incident had coin- Azerbaijan is offering.” cided with another occurrence, which the media interpreted as a rebuke. Indeed, the chief of staff of the Iranian army, Maj. Gen. © 2014 The Armenian Mirror-Spectator Armenia’s Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan has announced that there are red lines for Armenia: the security of Mohammed Bagheri, was visiting Baku and at a meeting with Periodical Class Postage Paid at Boston, MA the Azeri Minister of Defense Zakir Hasanov stated that and additional mailing offices. the people in Karabakh and its final political status. Jean-Baptiste Lemoine, secretary general of the OSCE, made Karabakh belongs to Azerbaijan and that Iran supports that ISSN 0004-234X a cautious statement: “All the participants express their sincere country’s territorial integrity. gratitude to both foreign ministers for their intensive negotia- The news item ricocheted form Baku to Tehran and Yerevan. tions and their efforts towards creating a positive atmosphere.” Finally, the military attache at the Iranian embassy calmed down POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The nerves and said the general’s statement was not a rebuke Armenian Mirror-Spectator, 755 Mount Auburn There is no word about the understandings reached at the St., Watertown, MA 02472 meetings of St. Petersburg, Vienna and Geneva toward curbing against the parliament speech. It was a reflection of Iran’s stan- dard policy. Other than the editorial, views and opinions border incidents in the interim. It is true that after a brief meet- expressed in this newspaper do not necessarily ing in person between Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Iran itself has faced a territorial claim from Azerbaijan and the reflect the policies of the publisher. President Aliyev in Astana, incidents on the Nakhichevan border latter’s former president, Abulfaz Elchibey, almost went to war with Armenia have subsided. to “liberate” Northern Azerbaijan from Iranian rule. In fact, Iran An equivocal statement by President Aliyev may also be inter- feels safer and more comfortable when Karabakh joins Armenia, preted as a positive sign; he has blamed the previous regime in which would extend the Iranian-Armenian border, at the Armenia for its intransigence and has taken credit for himself expense of the Iranian-Azeri border. Copying for other than personal use or that he has contributed to the downfall of that regime. At this time, Armenia is facing more negotiations as a summit internal reference is prohibited without All the parties which have a stake in the Karabakh conflict between Pashinyan and Aliyev is being planned. Armenia’s express permission of the copyright hide their self-interest under the guise of international law. Foreign Ministry is tight lipped about the outcome of the Paris owner. Address requests for reprints or meeting and therefore Armenians are perfectly justified if they back issues to: Karabakh has never been an integral part of Azerbaijan’s terri- tory. It was lopped off Armenia by Stalin and given to don’t raise their hopes at this time. In the Caucasus, preparing people for peace is an ominous Baikar Association, Inc. Azerbaijan. And based on that historic fact, Armenia’s con- tention is that Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity is not being vio- symbol which cannot be taken as a realistic chance for a fair set- 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472- lated. Therefore, to juxtapose the principal of territorial integri- tlement. 1509 S ATURDAY, J ANUARY 2 6 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 19 COMMENTARY

Jakarta, [Indonesia] where he stopped as part of a global Another Turkish journalist was less fortunate. Hamza goodwill tour. The Indonesian army and secret service Yalçin, who had escaped to Sweden, was arrested at Turkey’s raided a school where an event was planned in order to request to Interpol in 2017 during his visit to Spain. He was detain him at Turkey’s request, but he managed to leave released after two months following pressure from the gov- Indonesia for Romania. On his return trip to the US, ernments of Sweden and Germany. My Turn Kanter was detained on May 20 at Henri Coanda “We welcome the Spanish government’s decision, which International Airport in Bucharest because his passport shows respect for international law,” Reporters Without By Harut Sassounian was reported to have been cancelled by the Turkish gov- Borders stated. “Hamza Yalçin’s release sends the Turkish ernment. The NBA star was subsequently released after government a clear message that Interpol should not be used the US government and NBA officials intervened on his for the political purpose of pursuing journalists who have fled Turkey Abuses Interpol to behalf. He remains a staunch critic of Erdogan for his abroad.” Extradite Regime Opponents rights violations.” Shortly after the failed coup in July 2016, Turkey made In a Washington Post op-ed column, Kanter wrote: “Anyone more than 60,000 Red Notice requests to Interpol. Red Turkey and several other repressive governments are who speaks out against him [Erdogan] is a target. I am defi- Notices are only for people accused of serious crimes, and increasingly abusing their membership in the Interpol to nitely a target. And Erdogan wants me back in Turkey where Interpol’s constitution calls on countries not to use the sys- harass and punish their opponents. Interpol or the he can silence me.” Kanter told Newsweek that the Turkish tem for political ends and to act within the spirit of interna- International Criminal Police Organization, composed of 194 President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is “the Hitler of our centu- tional human rights standards. Turkey, China, Russia, and the countries, focuses on fighting transnational crimes. ry.” According to ESPN, the Turkish government requested UAE, are in blatant violation of these regulations, stated the Although Interpol’s charter forbids the pursuit of individu- Interpol last November to have more than 80 people arrested Foreign Policy magazine. als for political, religious, military or racial reasons, several in other countries and extradited to Turkey! In an April 2017 resolution, the Parliamentary Assembly member states continue to abuse the power of the Interpol to Several other Turkish dissidents have barely escaped the of the Council of Europe called on Interpol “to continue pursue their opponents. Turkish government’s long reach through the Interpol. Last improving its Red Notice procedure in order to prevent The most recent case is the Turkish government’s demand October, Turkey requested that the Interpol arrest and extra- and redress abuses even more effectively.” Johann Bihr, to Interpol to have Enes Kanter, an NBA basketball player of dite Can Dundar, the former editor of Cumhuriyet newspaper, the head of Reporters Without Borders’ Eastern Europe Turkish origin, arrested and extradited to Turkey by placing and Ilhan Tanir, editor of the Ahval news website. “I have not and Central Asia desk, stated that “dozens of Turkish jour- his name on Interpol’s Red Notice list. Kanter declined to join killed anyone, run a cartel, robbed a bank or done anything nalists have had to flee abroad since the coup attempt in his team, the New York Knicks, to fly to London for an NBA else to warrant a global manhunt,” Tanır wrote. “The Turkish Turkey in July 2016. But like other exile journalists all game. He said that he was wrongly charged by the Erdogan government is pursuing me for my activities as a journalist.” over the world, they are now threatened by political manip- government as a “terrorist” and feared that he may be assas- Ragip Zarakoglu, a journalist, author, publisher, and ulation of Interpol. The reforms begun by Interpol must sinated by Turkish agents in London. human rights defender, was placed on Interpol’s Red Notice now be completed as a matter of urgency so that it is bet- Abdullah Bozkurt wrote in the Turkish Minute website, list to be arrested and extradited to Turkey. He is currently in ter able to guard against abusive requests from Turkey and on May 19, 2017, Kanter “barely escaped arrest while in Sweden, safe from Erdogan’s clutches. other repressive states.”

clashes with Pashinyan, when the latter was an opposition dialect his mother tongue and Russian his primary formal lan- From Behind activist who helped organize the protests against Sargsyan’s elec- guage. “All the paperwork in Armenia was naturally done in tion in 2008. Kocharyan depicts Pashinyan as a ruthless politi- Armenian, and that seemed like a catastrophic challenge to me,” cian whose unhinged rhetoric and irresponsible behavior led to Kocharyan admits. bloodshed. “The purposeful manipulation of the masses and the The book has been widely panned in Armenia. Levon Bars, Armenia’s effort to create an atmosphere of hate resulted in an uncontrol- Barseghyan, a prominent Pashinyan ally who chairs the board of lable and destructive energy of the enraged crowd,” Kocharyan the Shirak State University in Gyumri, suggested that those who writes, singling out Pashinyan as “a main actor behind the riots even bothered to read the book ought to seek medical attention. Former President in front of the city hall that resulted in casualties.” In the scenes That was a common theme in social media reactions; one user leading to the bloodshed, he repeatedly describes Pashinyan as rhetorically asked readers of the book, “Do you guys have noth- “controlling the crowd.” ing else to do? Have you read all of Jamie Oliver?” referring to the Releases Memoir The book omits, meanwhile, the story of Poghos Poghosyan, prolific British TV chef. the man beaten to death in 2001 by Kocharyan’s bodyguards in Others criticized Kocharyan’s decision not to write and publish a downtown Yerevan restaurant. The story has shaped the former the book in Armenian. “Why the hell is the book in Russian?” By Grigor Atanesian president’s public image in Armenia one commenter asked. “Why the as not only a strongman but a “mur- hell was it published in a Russian derer,” an accusation repeated by his publishing house, printed in a ORMER PRESIDENT ROBERT KOCHARYAN, wide- many opponents, including Russian printing shop?” ly despised in Armenia and currently being held in a Pashinyan. (One of the bodyguards Among those mentioned in the Yerevan jail, has released a memoir in which he takes involved in the killing eventually book, Aram Sargsyan, who served shots at his current nemesis, Prime Minister Nikol went on trial and was sentenced as prime minister under Kocharyan Pashinyan, and praises his one-time Azerbaijani coun- to two years of probation, spending between 1999 and 2000, has been terpart Heydar Aliyev. no time in jail). the most high-profile figure to Kocharyan left office in 2008 and largely dropped More illuminating are Kocharyan’s respond. In a Facebook post, out of public view. But since the coming to power last descriptions of his encounters with Sargsyan challenged Kocharyan’s F year of Nikol Pashinyan, Kocharyan has reemerged as world leaders. He is cautious about account of the 1999 shooting in the bête noire of the new government. He was arrested on saying much about those still in office, parliament, in which eight people charges related to the violent breakup of protests in 2008 over like Russia’s Vladimir Putin or were killed including speaker of par- the election of his successor, Serzh Sargsyan; as such he is the Azerbaijan’s Ilham Aliyev. He opens liament Karen Demirchyan and first post-Soviet leader ever to face trial. up more, though, about those retired then-prime minister Vazgen Now, with the new autobiography, Kocharyan has yet again or dead. Russia’s Boris Yeltsin is Sargsyan, Aram Sargsyan’s brother. managed to insert himself into Armenia’s public conversation. described as a commanding and In the book, Kocharyan denied the The book, Life and Freedom: Autobiography of the Ex- authoritative figure, but a bull in a rumors that persist to this day that President of Armenia and Karabakh, was written in Russian and china shop. Bill Clinton is an exem- he was somehow behind the attack, published in Moscow. Kocharyan has said he began the book plary, deeply informed statesman. describing the death of Vazgen, a before last year’s “Velvet Revolution,” but that he finished it while George W. Bush is primitive, distract- close friend, as a personal loss. in jail. ed and disengaged; Jacques Chirac is But Aram Sargsyan challenged As with most politicians’ memoirs, it offers a heavily subjective ever-interested, a pleasure to work the account and listed questions view of his life in politics, from the late 1980s — when he first with, understanding every nuance. that Kocharyan should have gained prominence as one of the leaders of the Karabakh Perhaps the single most com- addressed in the book. “If you were Armenians’ independence movement — until 2008. Self-aggran- pelling part of the book is friends, why is that even your book dizing even by the standards of the genre, the book portrays Kocharyan’s account of his many con- doesn’t hide your disgust towards Kocharyan as an apolitical leader, a talented manager who never versations with Azerbaijan’s former people from Vazgen’s circle? … Why sought power but was always invited and cajoled, able to manage leader, Heydar Aliyev. Aliyev, Kocharyan claims, not only was is there no recording of your negotiations with the villains? Why any crisis and to discipline and rebuild a government and a ready to recognize Karabakh as a part of Armenia, but spoke did you decide, while the investigation was under way, that is nation. frankly with him about many other topics, sharing his frustrations should be conducted on the level of the municipal police?” More than anything else, the book reads as socialist realism: with his domestic opposition and even touting the idea of passing Whatever its weaknesses, Life and Freedom is nevertheless a Kocharyan is constantly engaged in everyday constructive work, power onto his son. Kocharyan’s account of the failed 2001 Key valuable piece of nonfiction. Kocharyan’s obsession with imaging making unpopular but wise decisions and resolving a series of West peace talks portrays his Azerbaijani counterpart as backing himself an alpha male crisis manager, projected on almost every crises. His enemies are, by contrast, invariably ill-intended out of the initial agreement under pressure from his family, an page of the book, is important for understanding of Armenian schemers driven by greed and self-interest. account Kocharyan claims has been privately confirmed to him by political reality, as it reflects many Armenians’ view that a nation- He confesses to a lack of understanding of economics and Ilham Aliyev. But overall, the elder Aliyev’s image in this book is al leader should be a workaholic strongman. And if Kocharyan finance, but claims that his outstanding memory, learning ability positive, one of an experienced and wise statesman and at the himself has long fallen out of favor with the people, this style of and dedication have been enough to compensate. He writes same time a witty and engaging interlocutor. leadership nevertheless remains popular, as evidenced by many about his interest in psychology, and the book is replete with pop- Kocharyan also allows for a few other admissions that would Armenians’ admiration for Putin. Even Pashinyan, with his per- psychology clichés. Encounters with opponents are portrayed as normally constitute sins in Armenia’s mainstream nationalist dis- formatively energetic style and frequently violent denunciations a clash of characters in which Kocharyan’s strong personality course. He confesses to never believing in God and is open about of his opponents, at times echoes this image, regardless of his per- inevitably defeats his opponent’s indecisiveness. Cooperation his poor command of the literary Armenian language, a recurring sonal differences with his predecessor. with his allies, on the other hand, is never anything but a smooth topic in the chapter describing his move to Armenia as prime min- and amicable process. ister in the late 1990s. “I had difficulties with writing and read- (Grigor Atanesian is a freelance journalist who covers Kocharyan does touch on some of the most notorious chapters ing in Armenian,” writes Kocharyan, who, like many Karabakh Armenia. This analysis originally appeared on the from his career. In one episode, Kocharyan details his earlier Armenians of his generation, considers the local Karabakh eurasianet.org website.) 20 S ATURDAY, J ANUARY 2 6 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR

Thousands Rally in Baku Calling for Release of Political Prisoners

BAKU (RFE/RL) — Thousands of demon- A resolution was adopted at the end of the geted with a new charge late last month, just strators took to the streets of the Azerbaijani demonstration calling for all political prisoners to weeks before his expected release from prison. capital, on January 19, to call for the release of be freed and that activists who were detained on He is accused of “resisting a representative of a jailed anticorruption blogger and other peo- the eve of the protest action also be released. the authorities with the use of violence danger- ple they consider political prisoners. Rally organizers said about 100 activists had ous to [the representative’s] health and life.” The protesters taking part in the sanctioned been detained by police ahead of the demon- Huseynov himself and several other political rally in Baku demanded President Ilham stration, with most of them still being held. prisoners have started hunger strikes in protest. Aliyev’s government release Mehman Huseynov Azerbaijani officials reject the notion that Huseynov is already serving a two-year prison and other political prisoners. there are political prisoners in the country. term on libel charges that he and his support- Police said some 2,800 people took part in Speakers at the rally also criticized what they ers considered to be politically motivated. He the rally, though opposition organizers said the called widespread corruption in the state gov- was originally arrested and charged with slan- figure for the number of demonstrators was ernment. dering a police officer. around 20,000. Ilqar Mammadov, the head of the opposition Huseynov has also alleged that he has been The National Council for Democratic Forces, REAL Party who was recently released from tortured while in prison. an umbrella group of opposition parties, orga- prison, said “if Azerbaijan was a true republic Rights groups and Western governments nized the rally. then the...serious problems of Azerbaijan would have urged the Azerbaijani authorities to Security forces said there were no violent be discussed in the [parliament].” release political prisoners for years, and have incidents at the event. Police checked partici- He also pointed out that Azerbaijan’s neigh- accused the government of fabricating criminal pants for weapons before allowing them to bors, Georgia and Armenia, had become pro- cases to stifle dissent and media freedom. attend the demonstration. gressively more democratic than Azerbaijan in Aliyev, who has ruled the oil-producing former Protesters held signs saying “Freedom For recent years. Soviet republic of almost 10 million people with an Political Prisoners” and “We Will Win,” among Calls for Huseynov’s release have intensified iron fist since shortly before his long-ruling father’s Mehman Huseynov (file photo) others. inside and outside Azerbaijan since he was tar- death in 2003, has shrugged off the criticism.

Hearst Names New Business Chiefs at Cosmo, Marie Claire, Women’s Health

as senior VP, publishing director and chief revenue newly launched beauty business. director, Michael Clinton, in a statement announc- By Greg Dool officer of Cosmo as well as Seventeen The moves are among the most significant since ing the changes. “We thank them for their signif- and Women’s Health, which had also been put the company’s former digital chief Troy icant contributions, extraordinary leadership and under Lagani’s oversight in recent years. Young took over as president of Hearst Magazines consummate professionalism, all of which position NEW YORK (Folio) — It’s a new year, and sev- For Berger, the move means a reunion last summer before tapping Kate Lewis to succeed the business they stewarded for the future, and we eral Hearst magazines are kicking it off under new with Cosmo’s current editor-in-chief Jessica Pels, Joanna Coles as chief content officer. Another wish them the very best.” publishers. who was tapped to replace Michele Promaulayko early course of action was taking Seventeen digi- With approximately $1 billion in assets, the Cosmopolitan publisher Donna Kalajian Lagani last year after shifting over from Marie Claire, where tal-only (apart from intermittent stand-alone Hearst Foundations, comprised of The Hearst is stepping down after 23 years to take on a new she had served as digital director since 2014. issues) in November. Foundation, Inc. and the William Randolph position within the Hearst Foundations effective The change atop Cosmo’s business side was one “Donna [Lagani] and Kate [Kelly Smith] are two Hearst Foundation, have made over 20,000 phi- February 4, the company announced Wednesday, of four moves revealed Wednesday. Elsewhere of our industry’s shining stars,” said Hearst lanthropic grants since their founding in the January 9. within the company, Town & Country VP and Magazines president of marketing and publishing 1940s, according to the company. publisher Jennifer Levene Bruno has been given additional oversight of the company’s design group, which includes House Beautiful, Veranda and Elle Decor. Bruno replaces Kate Kelly Smith, who intends to retire in March after eight years running the group, according to the company. Smith first joined the company in 2006 as VP and publisher of House Beautiful after arriving from Women’s Health, which was owned by Rodale at the time. Succeeding Berger as publishing director of Marie Claire will be Kevin O’Malley, currently senior VP/publishing director of Elle, who will now run both titles. O’Malley joined Elle in 2011 after eight years atop Esquire as publisher and chief revenue officer. Elle associate publisher Blair Hecht has been elevated to publisher of Marie Claire as a result, where she will presumably con- tinue reporting to O’Malley. Donna Kalajian Lagani On the editorial side, Leah Wyar Romito, chief beauty director for some 12 titles including Cosmo, Elle, Good Housekeeping, Harper’s Nancy Berger, VP and publisher of Marie Bazaar and Marie Claire, resigned last week to join Claire since 2009, will shift over to succeed Lagani Dotdash, where she’ll head up that company’s

Spain Arrests 15 Connected to Armenian Tennis Match-Fixing Gang MADRID (Deadspin) — Spanish police arrest- led to the Armenian group. ed 15 people, and said another 68 have been According to the Civil Guard, which investi- investigated, as part of probe into tennis match- gated the corruption along with Europol and fixing by an Armenian criminal gang. Spanish tax authorities, the match-fixing group In a statement released on Thursday, January had been operating since at least February 10, the Spanish Civil Guard said that 28 of 2017, generating millions of dollars in profit. those 83 people are professional tennis players, During the operation, police searched 11 one of whom took part in the last US Open. addresses in Spain, finding 167,000, a hand- € The statement doesn’t name any of the individ- gun, stolen identity documents, jewelry, more uals who have been investigated or detained. than 50 electronic devices, and five luxury vehi- The statement said: cles. Law enforcement froze 42 bank accounts. “A group of Armenian individuals used a profes- As has been repeated in numerous reports sional player who served as the link between them and investigations into corruption in tennis, and the other members of the network. Once the match-fixing is rampant in lower levels of profes- bribe had been paid, the Armenians went to the sional tennis where many thousands of players match venues to use their imposing muscle to don’t make any money. Last month, yet another make sure that the player kept their end of the deal. report from the Independent Review Panel, They then gave the order for bets to be laid both which was tasked with finding ways to clean up nationally and internationally.” the sports after Buzzfeed and the BBC pub- The Civil Guard said that the operation had been lished a report in 2016 that revealed widespread prompted by complaints from the Tennis Integrity match-fixing, recommended that there be no live Unit, the sport’s anti-corruption body. Law enforce- streaming, or scoring data provided, at low-level ment began to investigate a Spanish player, which professional tennis tournaments.