MAY 26, 2012

THE ARMENIAN

Mirror -Spe ctaItn Ouor Mirror -Spe ctatror 80th Year Volume LXXXII, NO. 45, Issue 4240 $ 2.00 NEWS IN BRIEF The First English Language Armenian Weekly in the United States Since 1932 Events Dedicated to Armenia Barton at Genocide Museum-Institute Boycotts YEREVAN (Hetq) — On May 23, upon the initiative of the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute (AGMI) and with the support of the US Embassy, events dedicated to Clara Barton, the founder of NATO the American Red Cross, took place at the museum. Hayk Demoyan, the director of the AGMI, John Heffern, the US ambassador to Armenia, and Kevin Summit Patti, an American historian, spoke at the event. The program included the presentation of the YEREVAN (RFE/RL) — Armenia boy - English and Armenian editions of Clara Barton’s cotted a North Atlantic Treaty Organization American Relief Expedition to Asia Minor under (NATO) summit in Chicago this weekend in the Red Cross report. The translation and publica - protest against a declaration adopted by the tion of the Armenian edition of the report was leaders of the alliance’s 28 member-states made possible through the US Embassy. referring to the unresolved conflicts in The AGMI will also house a temporary exhibition Nagorno-Karabagh as well as Georgia and in honor of Barton. Moldova in a long list of security challenges The event concluded with a ceremonial burial of facing the West. It seems to single out terri - soil from Barton’s grave and placing of the plaque torial integrity of internationally-recognized at the Memorial Wall of the complex. states as the guiding principle for their peaceful resolution. “We remain committed in our support of Armenian Church, the territorial integrity, independence, and School Attacked in sovereignty of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and the Republic of Moldova, and Syria will also continue to support efforts towards a peaceful settlement of these DAMASCUS, Syria (PanARMENIAN.Net) — An regional conflicts, based upon these princi - Armenian church and school were attacked in the ples and the norms of international law, the Syrian city of Homs on Saturday, May 19, by mem - United Nations Charter, and the Helsinki bers of the Syrian opposition, Asbarez reported. Final Act,” it says. The representative of the local Armenian com - The document makes no references to munity, Nazareth Elmadjian, said the Isahakian The abstract sculpture at the heart of the Armenian Heritage Park (Jirair people’s right to self-determination, which School attacked by the opposition works under the Hovsepian photo) has been championed by the Armenian side auspices of Armenian Apostolic Church’s Syrian in the long-running international efforts to Prelacy. resolve the Karabagh conflict. A combina - The school is located in Hamidia district of tion of this principle and territorial integrity Homs, which is mainly populated by Arab Heritage Park Dedicated see SUMMIT, page 2 Christians. The opposition forces seized the school and church, which will be used by them as a hos - sented the city and the state as well as pital and convalescence center. By Alin K. Gregorian the Armenian community. Finally, the Mirror-Spectator Staff abstract sculpture, a split dodecahe - Papken Megerian Serge Avetikian to dron designed by architect Donald Tellalian, the labyrinth and the reflect - Receives Ellis Island Portray Paradjanov BOSTON — The almost decade and ing pool all had come together at their a half of work for a park dedicated to permanent home on the Rose Medal of Honor YEREVAN (Armenpress) — More than dozen docu - the Armenian people culminated with Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway. mentary films have been made about artist, writer a one-two punch celebration on Under rainy skies, surrounded by and film director Sergey Paradjanov. However, a Tuesday, May 22, which marked the colorful bobbing umbrellas, a plethora By Florence Avakian new film based on his life is being made, starring dedication and official unveiling of the of dignitaries spoke or were present to Special to the Mirror-Spectator French-Armenian actor and filmmaker Serge Armenian Heritage Park. The event lend their support. Originally, Avetikian. featured dignitaries from both the US Titled “Paradjanov, Lover of Beauty,” the film is Armenia’s president, Serge Sargisian, ELLIS ISLAND, N.Y. — With his family and Armenia and speakers that repre - see DEDICATION, page 11 currently shooting, with Avetikian playing watching proudly, entrepreneur and philan - Paradjanov. thropist Papken Megerian was one of 104 The actor said this is a hard project, as he has distinguished recipients, (including eight been a fan of the late filmmaker and had met him Banquet Kicks off Heritage other Armenian-Americans) of the Ellis several times. Island Medal of Honor on Saturday, May 12 The film, like may of Paradjanov’s films, will con - Park Opening Celebration at Ellis Island at its 26th annual ceremony. tain dialogue in Russian, Armenian, Georgian, This award is given yearly to individuals Farsi, Georgian and Ukranian. BOSTON — A reception at the By Alin K. Gregorian Renaissance Hotel on Monday, May 22, kicked off the celebra- Mirror-Spectator Staff tion of the opening of the INSI DE Armenian Heritage Park, during which the community and dignitaries from Armenia and the US came together in a show of support and gratitude. The event was hosted by the Armenian Embassy in Celebrate Washington, the Armenian Heritage Foundation and the local Armenian community. Heritage The sold-out gala was emceed by Registrar of Motor Vehicles Photos Pages 10-12 Rachel Kaprielian, who as a for- mer state representative, was Papken and Anahid Megerian actively involved in helping pave the way for the creation of the park along the Rose Fitzgerald who “represent the very essence of the INDEX Kennedy Greenway. Nubar Berberian and Archbishop American way of life, having greatly con - Arts and Living ...... 15 Her former colleague, Middlesex Khajag Barsamian (Jirair Hovsepian tributed to its national identity while pre - Armenia ...... 2, 3 County Sheriff Peter Koutoujian, Photo) serving the distinct values and heritage of Community News...... 6 see BANQUET, page 10 their ancestors, individuals who took the Editorial ...... 18 American dream from just a hope and made International ...... 4,5 it a reality.” see MEDAL, page 20 2 S ATURDAY , MA Y 26, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARMENIA

News From Armenia Recent Seismic Activity Worries Public

a while,” recalled 21-year-old Gumri resident Naira Armenia Ranked 59 in By Gohar Abrahamyan Gevorgyan. “We were very scared, but we couldn’t go World Economic Forum’s outside at that hour.” At a press conference in Yerevan on Monday Global Trade Report YEREVAN (ArmeniaNow) — Dozens of relatively Director of the National Service of Seismic strong quakes and aftershocks that have hit the Protection (NSSP) Hrachya Petrosyan said that their YEREVAN (News.am) — Armenia is ranked 59th in region in general and Armenia in particular in the analysis shows the entire region is now in the seismic the World Economic Forum’s Global Enabling past several months have caused anxiety among the regime activation phase. Trade Report 2012. Armenia registered regress as population here where many remember the devasta - “We have a certain deficit in seismic energy release, compared with the report issued in 2010 when it tion and massive loss of life brought about by a pow - which may recover with one magnitude 7-8 earth - was 52nd. erful tremor more than two decades ago. quake or through a series of weaker seismic shocks The report on 132 states focuses on measuring Seismic protection agency specialists, however, do that are more likely to occur in the territory of whether economies have in place the necessary not see a cause for panic, discarding all short-term Azerbaijan in the zone of recent tremors,” said attributes for enabling trade and where improve- predictions of a powerful earthquake as false. Petrosyan, adding that weak tremors typical of recent ments are most needed. Earthquakes in the region (Georgia, Azerbaijan, days are not excluded in the time to come. Enabling Trade Index is calculated based on four northern Iran, eastern Turkey) have been more fre - According to Petrosyan, the NSSP works in a 24- factors: market access, border administration, quent and intense since last October when a magni - hour mode to study in detail the data received from transport and communications infrastructure, and tude-7.1 earthquake occurred near the city of Van, seismic stations located in the territory of Armenia business environment. now within the borders of Turkey. In May alone, seis - and Nagorno Karabagh and monitoring the changes The most problematic factors for Armenia’s trade mic monitoring agencies have so far registered about in underground waters, the geophysical magnetic are burdensome import procedures, corruption at two dozen earthquakes in the region, with seven in field and others, as well as other phenomena that the border and others. Armenia. could predetermine earthquakes so as to take appro - Singapore topped the index, followed by Hong Some of the most powerful of the tremors were reg - priate preventive measures. Kong SAR, Denmark and Sweden, placing third and istered in Azerbaijan, where panic started among the A few days ago one of the local seismologists told fourth, respectively, showing excellent performance population of some western areas in recent days amid media that “a strong earthquake is expected in based on their strong business environments, effi- vast destruction caused by the quakes. The most pow - Armenia”. That word spread quickly among the pop - cient border administrations and highly-developed erful of the tremors, measuring 7 at the epicenter, ulation, causing great concerns and even panic. The infrastructures. occurred near the Azeri town of Zakatala last Friday. Ministry of Emergency Situations, however, refuted Armenia left behind many Commonwealth of In Armenia, a number of tremors occurred in the the information, urging the public to “keep calm and Independent States, including Azerbaijan, which is small hours of May 21. A magnitude 3.2 earthquake pay no attention to false statements made by panic- ranked 81st and Russia, 112th. Georgia is ranked 38. hit Armenia’s second largest city of Gumri, and then mongers.” magnitude 2.7 quakes followed in the Shirak region’s “Different types of disasters have different time - Fire Extinguished in Ashotsk and Amasia areas, raising concerns about a frames for forecast. No seismic station in the world, possible heavy strike similar to the one that razed no scientist or agency can yet make a grounded short- Republican Party Central whole towns and villages to the ground in northern term forecast of earthquakes. Only long-term fore - Armenian provinces in 1988. About 25,000 people casts of seismic activity are possible,” said deputy Office Building were killed then in Gumri (then named Leninakan), head of the Emergency Situations Ministry’s Rescue Spitak, Vanadzor (then named Kirovakan) and other Service Nikolay Grigoryan. He added that as part of YEREVAN (Panorama.am) — The fire was extin- towns and villages of Armenia. The devastation a program being jointly implemented with Japanese guished in the central office building of Republican caused then still remains a social concern in Armenia specialists, citizens in Armenia will soon be informed Party of Armenia (RPA) at 6:40 p.m., the as some who lost their homes in that earthquake still through text messages to their mobile phones about Emergency Channel Information Center of Ministry have to live in makeshift housing today. earthquakes in their area within minutes after their of Emergency Situations said. “It was at 3.10 in the morning [Monday], we felt a occurrence. Parliament speaker, Republican Samvel Nikoyan, strong shake that woke us up. The glass of the book - “Thus, being aware of the situation, members of watched firefighters extinguishing the fire. case was trembling and the chandelier hanging from the public will be less likely to fall victim to misinfor - It was reported at 5:45 p.m. that the roof of the the ceiling started swinging and went on swinging for mation and unnecessary panic,” said Grigoryan. RPA central office building in Yerevan had caught fire. Ten fire brigades and an ambulance rushed to the site. Author Antonia Arslan YSU to Raise Level of Caucasus Studies

Attends Book Reading in YEREVAN (ArmeniaNow) — prepare researchers, but also diplo - the study of the language and culture Yerevan Yerevan State University (YSU) offi - mats who could work in the countries of neighbors. Today there is a prob - cials say that in the next academic of the Caucasus region and withstand lem in Armenia in terms of preparing YEREVAN — On April 24, Italian-Armenian novelist year Caucasus studies will become competition. This is particularly specialists in Georgian studies, as the Antonia Arslan met with readers at the Zangak available for undergraduate students. important given that our neighbors, average age of existing specialists bookstore. Arslan’s first novel, whose name trans- In launching the course the Caucasus particularly Georgia and Azerbaijan, today is above 60,” said Margaryan, lates into Lark Farm, concerns the Armenian Studies Department of the Faculty of keep committing large-scale falsifica - adding that the study of the Genocide and has been translated into 20 lan- History at YSU considers the impor - tions of history,” said Minasyan. Armenian language at the Tbilisi guages. In Italy alone, where the Armenian com- tance of studying the language, histo - Doctor of historical sciences, Prof. State University has always been at a munity only has 2,000 members, it has sold more ry and culture of Armenia’s neighbor - Hayrapet Margaryan thinks that very high level and the establishment than 300,000 copies. In 2012, the Zangak publish- ing countries, including Azerbaijan. although great efforts have been also has the Armenian studies chair. ing company released the Armenian translation of Dean of the Faculty of History Edik made in Armenia to set up a Caucasus Margaryan said that Azerbaijan has the sequel to La Masseria delle Allodole, La Strada Minasyan said this week that in 2011 studies school, the Armenian side is had more resources for organizing di Smirne (The Road to Smyrna), and reissued the the faculty admitted eight students still far behind its neighbors in this Armenian studies as many ethnic Armenian translation of Lark Farm (translator for the new specialty. Beginning next field. According to the scholar, it is Azeris who moved to Azerbaijan from Sona Harutyunyan, editor Sona Seferian), which September, 50 slots will be allocated very difficult to find professionals in Armenia during the years of the was first released in 2007. for bachelor’s degree studies, with Armenia who could also give lectures Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict had an The event was attended by experts in the field of lit- five students to attend the courses in this field of study. Therefore, he excellent command of the Armenian erature (Vazgen Gabrielian, Zhenya Kalantaryan, without a fee and an additional place said, “the need for specialists in language. Meanwhile, those who Ludwig Karapetyan, Abgar Apinyan and Aelita to become available for a demobilized Caucasus studies is obvious.” moved to Armenia from Azerbaijan in Dolukhinyan), historians (Nikolay Hovhannisyan and army conscript. “The multitude of political prob - the 1990s could only speak the basic Clement Harutyunyan), linguists (Sona Seferian and “Today, in conditions of indepen - lems that exist in the region makes it Azeri and, therefore, could not teach Lalique Khachatrian), the president of the Fridtjof dence, it is very important not only to a necessity to pay more attention to the language. Nansen Foundation, Felix Bakhchinyan and other cul- Although it has been four years tural figures. Bakhchinyan spoke about the role of since the Azeri language has been Nansen in the rescue of the Armenian people during taught at YSU’s Department of the Genocide, thanked Arslan for the mission that she Oriental Studies as a separate subject assigned to herself and awarded her with the Fridtjof Armenia Boycotts NATO Summit for third and fourth year students at Nansen Foundation gold medal. Masha Mnatsakanyan the Turkish Studies Chair, specialists of Zangak presented her with the History of SUMMIT, fro page 1 tlement in [Organization for Security say more attention will be paid to it as Armenian Art. has been at the heart of Karabagh and Cooperation in Europe] OSCE part of the Caucasus Studies The Zangak meeting was just one of the many peace proposals made by mediating Minsk Group format.” Department. events that took place during Arslan’s visit to powers, notably the United States and “Apart from harming Karabagh peace The Azeri language will be taught Armenia. Hours before the meeting, the novelist France, over the past decade. talks, this may pose a threat to the pre - with the aid of a textbook that was received the Movses Khorenatsi Medal from President Foreign Minister Eduard Nalbandian, carious stability in the South Caucasus recently published by the Turkish Serge Sargisian for her outstanding contributions to who represented Armenia at the sum - region in view of the unprecedented Studies Chair of YSU’s Department of Armenian culture. On April 23, Arslan presented her mit, said the NATO summit aims for the boosting of military spending and aggres - Oriental Studies. The author of the works at the Cafesjian Center of the Arts. adoption of a common assessment of sive statements by Azerbaijani authorities. textbook, Lilit Movsisyan, who teach - This was Arslan’s fifth trip to Armenia, but her- conflicts in Moldova and the South Considering this, Armenian President es at the same department, said at the first on April 24. Caucasus that “run counter to the prin - resolved not to participate in Chicago presentation of the textbook last ciples of international mediation man - meeting,” Nalbandian said, according to week that they avoided political date on Nagorno Karabagh conflict set - the Foreign Ministry statement. issues in drawing up the texts. S ATURDAY , MA Y 26, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 3 ARMENIA AUA Announces Dean and Associate Dean Appointments

.YEREVAN — Interim Provost Armen Der Kiureghian announced three senior academic appointments to coincide with the Armenian University of America’s (AUA’s) new academic restructuring into three colleges: Dr. Aram Hajian, dean of the College of Science and Engineering, Dr. Thomas J. Samuelian, dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, and Dr. Catherine Buon, associate dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences for General Education. Hajian received his PhD in engineering sci - ences from Harvard University in and a bache - lor’s in mechanical engineering from Stanford University. He joined AUA in the summer of 2007 as the assistant dean of the College of Engineering, becoming interim dean in 2008 and dean of the same college in 2010. He has served as chair of the Faculty Senate and of the Undergraduate Task Force and as member of several other academic governance bodies, including the Curriculum Committee and the WASC Steering Committee. The author of a number of publications on mechanical models From left, Dr. Thomas J. Samuelian, Dr. Catherine Buon and Dr. Aram Hajian of human grasp, Hajian has taught several courses to students in both industrial engineer - ing and systems management and computer international law in Washington, DC, Almaty Samuelian is team leader for the award-winning, guage reading and writing, curriculum design and information science programs of the col - and Moscow. He is founder and managing part - www.arak29.am portal. Arak-29 features free and teaching methods. lege of engineering. He has also served as a ner of Arlex International CJSC, which has han - Armenian language learning and linguistic After teaching French as a foreign language technical reviewer and member of several dled many of Armenia’s largest complex invest - tools, Armenian language-learning software pro - and English as a second language at the under - Armenian Government-appointed committees ment transactions and contributed to legal grams, spell-checkers, Armenian cultural litera - graduate and graduate levels for many years in related to large-scale national engineering reform and the development of the legal pro - cy educational software, Genocide reparations US universities, Buon’s professional career took development projects, including the prime min - fession. He is a licensed member of the databases, translations and articles on econom - her around the world teaching English as a for - ister’s Committee for the North-South Road Armenian bar. He joined the AUA Law faculty ic, literary, cultural policy and environmental eign language in the Middle East and Cyprus; Corridor Investment Program. Hajian is a co- in 1998 and has served as the Dean of the AUA issues. He has served as president of the US- training EFL teachers in Singapore, Vietnam, founder and member of the Board of Directors Law Department since 2006. In 2011, he was based Armenian Bar Association, president of Thailand and Indonesia; and now in Armenia. of the Chess Academy of Armenia and has orga - appointed Accreditation Liaison Officer, guid - the American Chamber of Commerce in She joined the AUA faculty in 2010 as assistant nized several international chess tournaments, ing AUA’s strategic planning, re-accreditation Armenia and as one of two international dean in the Department of English Programs including the Grand Prix Events in Jermuk and new program accreditation process. experts for Armenia’s Anti-corruption Strategy. and has served as interim dean since January (2008, 2009), the Karabagh International tour - Samuelian is the author of a number of books, He also headed the Ministry of Education 2012. naments (2004, 2005) and in 2004 the first articles, reviews and translations in the field of Committee for the 2011 English Language The promotions of Hajian, Samuelian and elite-level Internet-based team tournament. He Armenian language, literature and history, Olympiad. Buon will become effective with the university’s is a member of the Armenian Chess Federation, including an English translation of St. Gregory Buon was born and raised in Northern new academic structure on July 1. heading its Computer/IT committee. of Narek’s Book of Prayers: Speaking with God France. She earned a bachelor’s in the English The American University of Armenia (AUA) is Samuelian has been in academia for more from the Depths of the Heart (www.stgregory - language and literature at the Université a private, nonsectarian, independent university than three decades, beginning his teaching ofnarek.am), a two-volume Course in Modern d’Angers, France, where she also obtained a located in Yerevan, Armenia. Founded in 1991, career at the University of Pennsylvania, where Western Armenian, Dictionary of Armenian in bachelor’s in teaching French as a foreign lan - AUA is affiliated with the University of he earned his PhD in linguistics in 1981. He has Transliteration and Cultural Ecology and guage. After moving to the US, she earned a California. Through teaching, research, and also taught at Columbia University and St. Gorbachev’s Restructured Union, 32 Harv. Intl. master’s in French and Francophone public service, AUA serves Armenia and the Nersess Seminary. In 1991 he earned his juris L.J. 159 (1991). At the Arak-29 Foundation, a Literatures and a PhD in applied linguistics region by supplying high-quality education in doctorate from Harvard Law School. After serv - Yerevan-based foundation dedicated to from Louisiana State University. Her research seven different major fields, encouraging civic ing as a clerk in US federal court, he practiced Armenian cultural and economic renewal, interests lie primarily in the areas of foreign lan - engagement and promoting democratic values. Bredolab Spammer Author Sentenced to Four Years in Prison

YEREVAN (IDG-News-Service) — The creator of the intention of selling it and distributing mali - National Assembly on May 26, 2011, the prose - which resulted in damage to the company’s net - the Bredolab malware received a four-year prison cious software. cutor’s general office said. working equipment and service downtime for sentence in Armenia on Monday for using his bot - However, all of those charges were dropped One of the attacks that Avanesov was found around 192 of its customers, the prosecutor’s net to launch DDoS (distributed denial-of-service) because of a decree of “General Amnesty on the guilty of took place on October 1, 2010, and tar - general office said. attacks that damaged multiple computer systems Occasion of the 20th anniversary of the inde - geted a Russian telecommunication company Avanesov is the first person to be jailed in owned by private individuals and organizations. pendence declaration of the Republic of called Macomnet. Avanesov instructed 25 per - Armenia for offenses related to cyber crime, G. Avanesov was sentenced by the Court of Armenia” that was adopted by Armenia’s cent of his botnet to hit a Macomnet IP address, RFE/RL reported. First Instance of Armenia’s Arabkir and Kanaker- Zeytun administrative districts for offenses under Part 3 of the Article 253 of the country’s Criminal Code — intentionally causing damage to Plastic Waste Collecting, Recycling Program Launched in Armenia a computer system with severe consequences, the Office of Armenia’s Prosecutor General said. YEREVAN (News.am) — Dafina Gercheva, Hrazdan, Alaverdi, Sevan, Tsakhkadzor, local authorities responsible for solid waste According to local media reports, Avanesov’s resident coordinator of the United Nations Ararat, Charentsavan and Dilijan, resulting in management and private companies with full name is Georgy Avanesov, sometimes spelled Development Programme (UNDP), and Dr. the recycling of nearly 30 tons of polyethylene capacities to buy and recycle PET waste. as Georgi Avanesov, and he is a 27-year-old Jatinder Cheema, United States Agency for terephthalate (PET) waste. The project will “Armenia has begun to develop new pro - Russian citizen of Armenian descent. International Development (USAID)/Armenia install 300 additional bins in the towns of jects and strategies to foster industrial Avanesov was arrested in October 2010 at mission director, visited the city of Ararat last Ararat, Artashat, Ashtarak, Echmiadzin and growth, national competitiveness and to Zvartnots airport in Yerevan, a day after the month to tour the waste collecting and recy - Armavir by June. address environmental concerns with particu - Dutch High Tech Crime Unit disrupted the cling activities of the USAID-UNDP plastic “One of the main objectives of this initiative lar attention to municipal solid waste. It is Bredolab botnet and seized 143 servers that recycling program, which recently installed 60 is to create stimulating conditions for time when urgent action for improvement and were used to control it. plastic waste bins in the town. Armenian private sector to invest in high level modernization is required to ensure sustain - The Bredolab botnet was primarily used to Gercheva and Cheema also launched the recycling of PET waste. Proper management able and eco-friendly performance in the send spam emails and launch DDoS attacks. The local public awareness campaign that featured and recycling of this toxic material is not only future. This project will have direct impact on Dutch authorities estimated that over 30 million lessons on environmental protection in two urgent from the environmental point of view, raising awareness of the need to reduce pol - computers had been infected with the malware. central schools of Ararat. but it also carries an essential potential for lution, will improve public health and will During pretrial questioning, Avanesov report - In order to address Armenia’s environmen - delivering currently unrealized economic ben - engage local communities in ensuring a clean - edly admitted having created the Bredolab mal - tal challenges, USAID and UNDP launched a efits,” said Gercheva. er and less polluted environment,” Cheema ware, but claimed that he passed it on to an joint initiative in March 2011 — the Collection During the initial phase of the project, said. unknown individual without knowledge of the and Reuse of Plastic Refuse (CRPR) project — UNDP provided special bins for PET waste, Based on the results and proved interest latter’s criminal intentions, Radio Free to improve potable water sources in Armenia. balers and compactors in the target commu - and support of the authorities and communi - Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) said. The program also sought to spur private sec - nities for separation of PET bottles and plas - ty residents, the project plans to expand to Avanesov was also initially charged with alter - tor investment in the recycling of plastic tic products at the first stage of the waste col - other towns of Armenia, including Yerevan, ing information stored on a computer system waste. As of December 2011, a total of 600 lection cycle. The project then helped design where around 3,000 tons PET waste is still through means of unauthorized access, stealing special bins were installed in Vanadzor, and implement partnerships between the thrown in landfills each year. computer data, creating hacking software with 4 S ATURDAY , M AY 26, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR INTERNATIONAL International News Story of Armenian Jerusalem to Eurovision Row Escalates As Iran Withdraws Come to Life in Feature Film Ambassador JERUSALEM — The story of the circa 100-150 BCE. answer the question: what makes the Armenians of Jerusalem, a fascinating It is unclear whether Tigranes did actu - Armenians of Jerusalem tick?” BAKU (Reuters) — Iran has withdrawn its ambas- tale of courage, hope and endurance, ally seize Jerusalem, with the argument Hagopian states. sador from Azerbaijan in a row about the sprinkled with the inevitable grains of weighted heavily against the assumption Hagopian will be writing the script Eurovision Song Contest. turmoil and tragedy, is planned to be that he did not. However, when the main and is thinking of directing the film. Iran’s withdrew its envoy for consultations in told, for the first time in a feature film. body of his great army left on its mission “I don’t think we will aim at an arm - Tehran after the two countries accused each other While there have been previous of further conquests, he left behind size - chair travelogue,” he confides. “We will of meddling in each other’s affairs, as secular attempts to tell part of the story in a able garrisons and colonists some of be telling a story that compels the audi - Azerbaijan prepares to host the hugely popular book or a film, the focus has always whom eventually made their way to the ence and holds it spellbound.” international talent show in Baku. been too narrow to encompass the provincial Judean city. But before the first frame is shot, The annual song contest has been condemned by whole gamut of the Armenian presence They settled in the land of milk and Hagopian must secure the funds neces - some Iranian clerics and MPs who referred to it as in this city regarded by many as the cen - honey and prospered. When some four sary to cover the cost of production. rife with homosexuals. ter of the world. centuries later Armenia became the first “We are confident there is sufficient One senior Iranian cleric, Ayatollah Sobhani, has Countless newspaper and magazine nation in the world to accept interest not only in the Armenian or urged Muslims in the region to protest against articles have been written about this Christianity as its state religion, their Christian world, but everywhere else what he called anti-Islamic behavior by Azerbaijan’s dynamic community, which gave the numbers were augmented by the where this enchanting city is revered, government. land its first photographic studio and throngs of pilgrims who made the ardu - for sponsors and backers to come for - printing press and the great musician ous journey from the mountains of the ward and provide the finance for the Armenian Envoy in Ohan Durian. But, again, these essays motherland, to come and pray at the film,” Hagopian says. touched only the periphery or pinpoint - birthplace and tomb of Jesus. Hagopian imparts a sense of urgency Japan Meets Deputy ed only passing or intriguing milestones The newcomers built churches and to the project because of the relentless along the journey. monasteries, embellishing them with attrition in the number of Jerusalem Foreign Minister Those who hold Jerusalem dear to the breathtakingly-crafted mosaics, some of Armenians, particularly the elderly who TOKYO (PanARMENIAN.Net) — On May 21, heart are fond of saying this is where which still survive, resplendent in their know and have lived the stories. Armenia’s newly-appointed ambassador to Japan, history is said to have begun: for the undying colors. The latest, fortuitous, “A few years ago, we lost the last of Hrant Poghosyan, handed his credentials to Armenians of Jerusalem, their story discovery was only made a few years the Armenian matriarchs of Jerusalem. Japanese Deputy Foreign Minister Kenichiro Sasae. began more than 2,000 years ago, ago, in the Musrara quarter outside the There are so few of them left now, there Sasae congratulated the envoy on his appoint- before the advent of the Christian era. Old City, when workmen stumbled upon is a real and perceived danger that if we ment, voicing hope for further strengthening and Australian-Armenian journalist/foreign the ruins of another Armenian do not tap the bank of memories of expansion of Armenian-Japanese ties during his correspondent Arthur Hagopian, the for - monastery. these living chronicles now, then when term of office. mer press officer of the Armenian On a medallion, (the archaeological they are gone, we will be left with pre - Poghosyan expressed his appreciation for the Patriarchate of Jerusalem, who has been term for a circular mosaic), installed at cious little,” Hagopian warns. warm welcome, noting that Armenia has always acting as consultant on a 3D IMAX film its entrance, the artist priest had “If we don’t tell our story now, it will considered Japan a friend. currently being shot in Jerusalem inscribed a humble plea: be too late later,” Hagopian worries. (www.jerusalemthemovie.com), is heading “I, Yevsdat (Eustacius) the priest, built “For who will be left to tell it? Besides, the project to bring the story of the this mosaic. You who enter here, Jerusalem is changing in more ways Charles Aznavour Armenians of Jerusalem to the big screen. remember me and my brother Ghougas than one: architecturally, demographi - “I have already had talks with leading (Lucas) to Christ.” cally, politically. Celebrates 88th film production companies and key play - “Armenians have left an indelible “In the cobble-stoned Armenian ers in the motion pictures industry, and mark on the annals of the golden city of Quarter of the Old City, every tile has a Birthday they are ready to jump on board,” Jerusalem,” Hagopian remarks. “Their tale to tell. We plan to cajole those tales PARIS (Arminfo) — World-renowned French Hagopian says. “They have the chutz - history is one of unbridled vigor and out of the past, relive halcyon days of Armenian singer Charles Aznavour celebrated his pah, connections and expertise neces - depthless vitality as manifested, for innocence and simplicity,” he adds. 88th birthday on May 22. sary to bring this project to life.” example, in the monuments they erect - Hagopian says it is still early days to Aznavour is known for his unique tenor voice: A few years ago, Hagopian launched a ed and the art they produced. The venture an estimate of the costs clear and ringing in its upper reaches, with gravel- website project (http://arthur-hagopi - Cathedral of St James is unarguably the involved. The project, code-named ly and profound low notes. He has appeared in an.com/Armenians/Kaghakatzis/index most magnificent Christian edifice in “Cobblestones,” will be administered by more than 60 movies, composed about a thousand .htm) aimed at preserving and maintain - Jerusalem while their ceramics and pot - a new company to be incorporated in songs (including 150 at least in English, 100 in ing the history, culture and traditions of tery are incomparable in their artistry.” Sydney. Italian, 70 in Spanish and 50 in German) and sold the “Kaghakatzi” (native/city dweller) “We are planning to tell our story “Who knows? We might even get an well over 100 million records. Armenians of Jerusalem, one of the through the medium of a feature film offer from a leading Hollywood studio, In 1998, Aznavour was named Entertainer of the three groupings of Armenians in the that will delve deep into the soul of this or actor, eager to take an active role in Century by CNN and users of Time Online from city. The “Kaghakatzi” bear the distinc - unique segment of humanity and the project.” around the globe. He was recognized as the centu- tion of being the first Armenians to set - ry’s outstanding performer, with nearly 18 percent tle in Jerusalem, staking out the of the total vote, edging out Elvis Presley and Bob Armenian Quarter of the OId City as Dylan. He has sung for presidents, popes and roy- their choice of domicile. The other Foreign Minister Nalbandian Meets alty, as well as at humanitarian events, and is the major grouping are known as the Representatives of the Zoryan Institute founder of the charitable organization Aznavour “Vanketzi.” They are mainly Genocide for Armenia along with his long-time friend impre- survivors or their descendants and live TORONTO — On April 25, Nagorno-Karabagh issue. sario Levon Sayan. within the confines of the convent Armenian Minister of Foreign Nalbandian also mentioned the In 2009 he was appointed ambassador of (“vank”) of St James, seat of the Affairs Eduard Nalbandian met with positive reviews the Institute is Armenia to Switzerland, as well as Armenia’s per- Armenian Patriarchate. the president of the Canadian receiving from renowned academic manent delegate to the United Nations at Geneva. The “Kaghakatzi” project is also trac - Zoryan Institute, Greg Sarkissian, institutions and media outlets. He started his new Aznavour en Toute Intimite ing and cataloging the ancestry of the and Executive Director George The representatives of the Zoryan tour in 2011. denizens of the Armenian Quarter, a Shirinian. Institute presented the foreign min - community that is a genealogist’s Welcoming the guests, Nalbandian ister with the activities of the insti - dream: every single “Kaghakatzi” is stressed the importance of the tute and their future projects. Estonia to Support related to every other “Kaghakatzi,” Zoryan Institute’s decades-long activ - Possibilities of further cooperation either directly or indirectly, in an unbro - ities and its input in raising aware - between the Ministry of Foreign Armenia in European ken chain that goes back centuries, ness of the international community Affairs and the Zoryan Institute were Integration according to Hagopian. on the Armenian Genocide and the discussed in detail. The “Kaghakatzi” enterprise has so TALLINN (PanARMENIAN.Net) — On May 22, far netted more than 3,000 names, Armenian Ambassador Ara Ayvazian handed his culled from the official “domar” credentials to Estonia’s President Toomas Hendrik (records) of the Armenian Patriarchate, Ilves. personal recollections and the odd doc - A discussion of development prospects, as well as ument or two: but at its peak, the whole cooperation between the two countries toward Armenian contingent in Jerusalem, the international organizations were the focus of the “Kaghakatzi,” “Vanketzi” and the small meeting, the Armenian Foreign Ministry press ser- number of Catholic converts, totaled vice reported. more than 15,000. Stressing the importance of progress in Armenia- That number has shrunk alarmingly EU relations, Estonia’s leader voiced his country’s over the years, the first major loss deple - readiness to further extend necessary assistance. tion occurring in 1948 in the wake of a Regarding the Nagorno Karabagh conflict settle- mass reverse exodus to Armenia. ment, Ilves noted that official Tallinn sees the prob- Historical records are scant, but some lem resolution exclusively through peace talks. scholars trace back the beginnings of From left, George Shirinian, Greg Sarkissian, Edward Nalbandyan, Tigran the Armenian presence in Jerusalem to Mkrtchyan and Tigran Balayan the days of the empire of Tigranes II, whose armies had swept into the region S ATURDAY , M AY 26, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 5 INTERNATIONAL

Montevideo Chapter Looks Back ‘Complementary’ Maneuver: Armenia On Decades of Work in Uruguay Trying to Get Security from Russia, while MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay — This April, Economically in celebration of AGBU’s 106th anniver - sary, the AGBU Montevideo Chapter Integrating with Europe brought together several distinguished guests to its center’s Cristal Hall. There, YEREVAN (ArmeniaNow) — The conflict they looked back on decades of the orga - between Russia and the West is apparently nization’s work in Uruguay, enjoying first - becoming the main dividing line in the domes - hand accounts of its history as told by tic politics of Armenia. The split along this line Verquine Bedikian, an Honorary Member occurs both within the opposition and pro-gov - and former chapter chair, whose book, ernment forces. Memories of AGBU in Uruguay: 1938- Aram Sargisian, the leader of the 1998, was the central focus of the evening. Hanrapetutyun party, who was number three The event, which took place on Friday, on the proportional list of the opposition April 20, was attended by Lilian Armenian National Congress (ANC), gave up his Kechichian, Uruguay’s Minister of Tourism mandate in parliament and announced its and Sports; Ruben Aprahamian, the hon - departure from the ANC. As it turned out later, orary consul of the Republic of Armenia; the main disagreement with the ANC was Archbishop Hagop Kelendjian, Primate of around the relations between Armenia and the Diocese of Uruguay; and Ruben Russia. Kechichian, AGBU Central Board member In an interview with RFE/RL, Sargisian said and chairman of the AGBU Buenos Aires that only pro-Russian forces now remain within Chapter, who was in town for the occasion. the ANC. “I consider myself a citizen of Guests were welcomed by AGBU Armenia. I see the future of my country linked Montevideo Chapter Chairman Haigazun to Western standards. I do not see anything we Moumdjian, who highlighted AGBU’s pro - can learn from Russia,” said Sargisian. grams both worldwide and locally, before Hovhannes Hovhannisyan, the leader of the distributing grants from the AGBU Liberal Party of Armenia that also left the ANC, Scholarship Program to the local AGBU Haigazun Moumdjian, AGBU Montevideo Chapter chairman, addresses supporters and is also known to be an advocate of Armenia’s Alex Manoogian High School alumni pur - friends at the chapter’s 106th anniversary celebration. pro-Western orientation. suing their college degrees. Following his Experts believe that the ruling coalition in remarks, Ruben Kechichian addressed the Armenia is also being formed in accordance audience of friends and supporters, Verquine Bedikian’s publication was the English coordinator of the local AGBU with the attitudes of political forces towards describing the warm relationship that the main attraction of the event. In a special Nubarian School and an active member of Russia and the West. Immediately after the neighboring Chapters have always shared. presentation, Cristina Takessian, the both the AGBU Youth Committee and May 6 parliamentary elections President scouts program, spoke of Verquine Serge Sargisian left for Moscow where he Bedikian’s various accomplishments, and attended the summits of the CIS and the roles she played in the Armenian commu - Russia-dominated Collective Security Treaty nity as the daughter of immigrants, a Organization (CSTO). However, he stopped mother, and a working professional who short of making statements about the inten - contributed greatly to AGBU’s growth over tion of Armenia to join the Eurasian Union, the years. Carlos Hergatacorzian, the for - an emerging reintegration alliance proposed mer chairman and honorary member of by Russian President Vladimir Putin. the Montevideo Chapter, then spoke, prais - Moreover, Armenian Prime Minister Tigran ing Bedikian’s publication for extensively Sargisian simultaneously published an article in one of Russia’s leading periodicals, argu - ing that while joining the Eurasian Union would give Armenia some benefit, a qualita - tive change for the nation’s economy was only possible with European integration. And on April 27, before the elections in Armenia, the Russian Rossiyskaya Gazeta pub - lished an interview with the leader of the Prosperous Armenia Party (PAP) Gagik Tsarukyan. In that interview Tsarukyan clearly pronounced in favor of the Putin idea of the Eurasian Union. “We have already stated that we are ready to work actively towards the dis - semination of the idea of a Eurasian Union. The evidence of this is the international forum “The Role of NGOs in the formation of a Eurasian Union” that we are holding in Yerevan these Verquine Bedikian (left), who was honored at the AGBU Montevideo Chapter anniversary days jointly with the Russian Eurasian event, gathers with Ruben Kechichian, AGBU Central Board member and Chairman of the Cooperation Development Fund,” he said then. AGBU Buenos Aires Chapter and Cristina Takessian, coordinator at the local AGBU Nubarian The fact that while in Moscow President School. Sargisian was not received by President Putin was also evaluated by experts as the sign of Russia’s discontent with the results of the Armenian elections that gave a landslide victo - ry to Sargisian’s Republican Party. In fact, in 17 Turkish Soldiers Accused of the May 6 elections Moscow supported the PAP and the second president of Armenia, Robert Executing PKK Rebels Kocharian, who is believed to stand behind the PAP. Moreover, according to media reports, ISTANBUL (PanArmenian.Net) — Seventeen Turkish soldiers, including three offi - Kocharian is in Moscow these days. It is not cers, were arrested May 23 on charges of summarily executing two militants and one Carlos Hergatacorzian spoke at the clear whether his current visit to Moscow is con - civilian in a military operation, Hurriyet Daily News reported. banquet. nected to politics or his business interests. Two militants from the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) and one civilian, However, not everything is as straightforward whom the militants had taken hostage after taking shelter in his house, were killed as it might seem at first glance. Unlike Georgia, in a shootout with soldiers near Bugulukaynak village in the eastern province of Van documenting the history of the Chapter. which sharply terminated its relationship with in 2009. His words were echoed by Kelendjian, who Russia and made a turn towards the West, An investigation was launched after a soldier who took part in the operation wrote the book’s prologue and commend - Armenia is trying to get security guarantees as claimed that the militants and the civilian were not killed in a firefight but were sum - ed Bedikian for her commitment to AGBU. part of its relations with Russia and within the marily executed by the soldiers. Ruben Topalian, the chapter’s secretary, CSTO, while relying on the European direction A prosecutor questioned 17 soldiers related to the incident, including the com - brought the event to a close. He discussed for economic integration. It is not yet clear mander of the Van Provincial Gendarmerie Regiment at the time, retired Col. Vecihi the ways in which, since its founding, whether such a “complementary” maneuver Halil Iyigün, Maj. Hakan Basakligil, Lt. Mulis Çolak, one non-commissioned officer AGBU has strengthened the Armenian will work, but it is now patently clear that and 13 specialist sergeants. diaspora, and how it continues to remain Armenia does not want to mix economy and The suspects were then sent to a courthouse in Van’s Ercis district, where they flexible to meet the changing needs of its security. were arrested on charges of voluntary manslaughter. members today, while anticipating changes it will experience in the years to come. 6 S ATURDAY , MA Y 26, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Community Ne ws

Former State Dept. Armenia Fund USA Diplomat Asks for Meets Growing Justice for Demand for Armenians at Western-Style Southfield Talk Physician Training

SOUTHFIELD, Mich. — Dr. Sandra Bunn- WINCHESTER, Mass. — Exposing Armenia’s Livingstone, international lawyer and former physicians to Western-style practice of medicine diplomat at the US State Department, was has quickly become a favorite project for many keynote speaker on the 97th commemoration Armenia Fund USA donors. They recognize of the Armenian Genocide at St. John Armenian that quality health care starts with well-trained Church. The church hall was filled with local professional staff. They have seen how the Armenian Americans including scholars and fund’s initiatives in health care are already sav - writers, eager to hear Livingstone present a ing the lives of stroke victims through its neu - new approach for US recognition of the rosurgeon training program. And they under - Armenian Genocide. stand that helping talented, dedicated doctors Livingstone’s credentials include nine years From left, board members, Lynn Kojamanian, Rich Apkarian, Gary Reizian, Greg gain direct access to some of the top hospitals as a professor at Cambridge University in inter - Jamian, Norm Messelian, Dr. Gary Assarian, Edmond Azadian and Dicran and doctors in America will pay many dividends national law. She received a PhD in law from Haidostian for communities in the homeland for years to Cambridge University. She participated in a pre - come. sentation at Pepperdine University on genocide Building on the success of the neurosurgeon and religion as part of a panel including Israel training program organized by Armenia Fund Charny and Richard Hovannisian. As a former Manoogian Manor to Expands its USA board member Dr. Arthur Grigorian, member of the US State Department she was Armenia Fund USA is now facilitating training informed on the Nagorno-Karabagh peace talks Memory Care Units, Begin in emergency medicine. At present, patients and is well-versed on the history of the region. without access to an ER are treated at a poly - She began her presentation with the moving General Renovations clinic. If they are victims of trauma, they go statement, “Make them responsible,” and then directly into surgery without the benefit of diag - segued into how she felt that the court of inter - LIVONIA, Mich. — For more than 40 years, Manoogian Manor, an assisted nostic tests. Or, they are sent to another hospi - national law does offer solutions for the recog - living facility, has been serving the needs of the Armenian community of tal, using up precious time critical in emergency nition of the Armenian Genocide. She outlined greater Detroit. This year, the facility will begin a major renovation and expan - care. existing in-depth historical evidence of the sion to better serve the needs of seniors and their families, Manoogian Manor Emergency medicine is one specialty particu - Armenian Genocide and referred to the Hague Board Vice President Greg Jamian said. larly urgent in Karabagh and, all the more so, Convention of 1899 as well as the Treaty of The assisted-living facility accepts residents 60 years and older and is for when doors open to new health care facilities, Sevres 1920 that cite “crimes against humani - people who need additional help in day-to-day living. Three meals a day are pre - such as the Martuni regional hospital, which ty” as cause for action against Turkey. Based pared; house keeping services are provided and there is a medical staff, said will boast a state-of-the-art emergency room. on her experience in the international court she Norman Messelian, board president. “What good is all that new technology, if suggested ways to approach the court for The current facility was built through the support of Alex Manoogian, the there isn’t the skilled, properly-trained medical action and recommended pursuing an advisory founder of Masco Corp., headquartered in Taylor. The facility is not only team on hand to use it?” asked Irina Lazarian, opinion. Ending her remarks with a reminder expanding, but also receiving a renovation of the current common areas. “The executive director of Armenia Fund USA. that “while justice can be slow, it is within reach style of assisted-living facilities have changed since Manoogian Manor was The recipient of the first such “observership” and that all Armenian Americans living today built years ago. Our goal is to give the facility new and modern amenities while in emergency medicine is Dr. Mher Musaelian of should demand from Turkey, the four r’s: recog - expanding the living area to accommodate the additional needs of residents the National Health Center in Stepanakert, the nition, responsibility, reparations and remem - who are challenged with dementia and or Alzheimer’s conditions,” said capital of Karabagh. Thanks to the efforts of brance.” Jamian, a healthcare executive in Michigan and also the lead project manager. another Armenia Fund USA board member, Dr. Livingstone stayed overnight in the metro Plans for the renovation include a new entry and reception area that will be Armen Arslanian, Musaelian is now visiting Detroit area to be hosted at a breakfast on April welcoming while maintaining a rich, traditional look. The dining and lounge Winchester Hospital in Winchester, for a four- 25 to meet with local scholars and representa - week observership program. tives from the legal community for further dis - Dr. Gregg Ciottone, chief of disaster medicine cussion on how action could be taken in the of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center International Court of Law. The breakfast held (BIDMC), visited Armenia years ago and came at the St. John Armenian Church was put back with many fond memories. Therefore, he see MICHIGAN, page 7 helped arrange for Musaelian to shadow hospi - tal physicians for various shifts at the BIDMC ER for trauma exposure. Musaelian will have ample opportunities to observe procedures, surgeries, patient histories and physical exams. He will also attend patient rounds, teaching conferences and have use of the hospital’s med - ical research library. While the program itself is free of charge, Armenia Fund USA helped facilitate the visa process with an official letter of invitation as well as reached out to the community for in- An artist’s rendering of a proposed new renovation kind support. The family of Albert Hovanessian of Winchester is hosting Musaelian while he is in the program. Upon arriving in the US a short time ago, areas are scheduled to be renovated, including vaulted ceilings and more nat - Musaelian, said: “The medical community in ural lighting. The new addition to the Manoogian Manor will include the first Karabagh has been very eager to adopt the of two wings specifically designed to accommodate memory care, one of the standards used in the US and Europe. Our goal fasting growing segments in the health care industry. Board member Edmond is to produce better outcomes for our emer - Azadian stated, “As our society ages, we must keep up with the new trends in gency patients. New diagnostic equipment in senior residential care including better programming and updating our older the ER, such as a CT scan, is a big step forward. facilities to meet the needs of our growing elder population.” But we also need to upgrade the administrative Jamian said, “We are grateful for the generosity of the Richard Manoogian side. I look forward to learning how a quality family as they saw the need to underwrite this new and exciting project while ER service should be organized and equipped working closely with the board members who have spent countless hours mak - to run efficiently and effectively. Everything I ing this community gem a reality!” learn here, I will share with my colleagues back After interviewing many architectural firms to head up the design and plans in Karabagh.” of the building project, the board unanimously approved and contracted with Lazarian also pointed out that, “Most Edmund London & Associates a firm that specializes in the design and con - patients from these struggling communities sulting of Senior Assisted Care Facilities, said Messelian. usually wait until their symptoms or chronic Groundbreaking should take place in early summer with the project set to condition become a health crisis. While we are be completed by late fall. To arrange a site visit or for general inquiries, call trying to change that behavior, we are chal - Manoogian Manor. lenged to give them the best possible emer - Dr. Sandra Bunn-Livingstone at the podium gency care. Our hope is that with Western see TRAINING, page 8 S ATURDAY , MA Y 26, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 7 COMMUNITY NEWS Armenian Bar’s Annual Meeting Makes Rousing Return to Glendale

GLENDLALE — The Armenian Bar the heart of Glendale, featuring classic have had the honor of leading for the last two Armenia to combat poverty, foster education, Association 23rd Annual Meeting and Weekend Armenian dishes. years, includes the rededication of our talents protect the natural environment and renew took place May 18-20, at the Glendale Hilton. The Saturday panel discussions was reflective and expertise to our Homeland and its citizens. national, civic, cultural and religious values and The hotel’s appointments and accommodations of two of the organization’s cornerstones, with But, in fact, it is we — the volunteer lawyers and works in Karabagh to promote resettlement, were the setting for a series of thought-provok - each topic allotted two hours for in-depth dis - judges of the Armenian Bar Association — who infrastructure, health care and other develop - ing and galvanizing presentations on legal and cussion and dialog. The first dealt with initia - are the real beneficiaries of our outreach ment projects to repopulate these areas. civil rights issues both in the United States and tives to embed the respect and rule of law in the efforts. Little compares to the satisfaction that The second discussion harkens back to the Republic of Armenia. Republic of Armenia and the second concerned comes from knowing that our programs have another of Armenian Bar’s central and defining These interactive discussions were comple - efforts to protect and uphold constitutional touched even a single life and have opened new characteristics: the protection of the interests mented by activities culminating in a lavish din - rights in the United States. possibilities for a better collective future,” stat - of Diasporan communities, by providing pro ner banquet on Saturday, May 19, which fea - Since its inception more than 20 years ago, a ed Armenian Bar Chairman Edvin Minassian. bono and educational services and, more tured local and state jurists, lawyers and politi - primary focus of Armenian Bar’s work efforts The Saturday morning panel, titled “Human recently, by weighing in on federal and state cians. The keynote speaker at the gala banquet has been the establishment and institutional - Rights, Civil Liberties and Social Movements in proceedings in which Genocide-related rights was Los Angeles City Council President Eric ization of the rule of law and the respect of indi - Armenia,” featured investigative journalist Edik and interests have been seriously, and unfortu - Garcetti. vidual rights in Armenia. Baghdasaryan, who is best known for his sto - nately sometimes successfully, challenged. Annual meeting weekends are known and To that end, the organization has partnered ries exposing government corruption in Armenian Bar Vice Chair Garo Ghazarian, remembered as much for their camaraderie and with Armenia’s governmental, professional and Armenia. who has been at the forefront of the associa - friendliness as they are for their interesting top - educational sectors in bringing to fruition on- Former US Ambassador Marie Yovanovitch tion’s efforts to safeguard the civil liberties of ics of discussion. the-ground projects aimed at helping to build recently bestowed the Defender of Armenia the local community and its members, under - That warmth and good cheer got an early and maintain civil society. Freedom award on Baghdasaryan, who serves scored the importance of legal activism to pro - start on Friday night at Phoenicia Restaurant in “The mission of this organization, which I as Hetq Online’s chief editor and as president of tect fundamental rights. He said, “The deepen - the Investigative Journalists NGO. Yovanovitch ing of our relationships and influence with var - noted, “Due to the unprecedented work of Edik ious law enforcement and public agencies has Baghdasaryan, it has been possible to uncover helped to turn back the tide of the disparate cases of corruption, human rights violations and disparaging treatment of Armenians.” and human trafficking, today’s version of slav - Ghazarian added, “And when the esteemed ery.” courts of our own country sometimes get it Receiving the award, Baghdasaryan com - wrong and issue decisions denying the descen - mented that he would have preferred not to dants of Genocide victims a United States judi - have earned it and would like, instead, to see a cial forum to pursue rightful claims against world where such awards didn’t exist “since it is insurance companies, we will be prepared to extremely difficult to sit and ponder the fact think and act intelligently and effectively, pool - that people are being persecuted and arrested ing our considerable resources and legal where - in your own country merely for their political withal.” convictions, when you reflect that 30 percent of The afternoon panel explored as a case study children are malnourished and go to bed hun - the recent Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals deci - gry. … Sadly, in Armenia today, the same situa - sion in Movsesian v. Victoria Versicherung AG, tion holds true when it comes to other rights as which declared unconstitutional a California well, starting from environmental rights to the statute that had allowed for the filing of law - right to a decent education.” suits for unpaid life insurance claims brought Joining Baghdasaryan on the morning panel by the descendants of victims of the Armenian was Sara Anjargolian, a Los Angeles-based Genocide. Leading the discussion was trial attorney and photographer who has lived and attorney David Balabanian of Bingham worked in Armenia and has been engaged in McCutchen, which filed, on a pro bono basis, civic activism, including those addressing unac - amicus curiae briefs on behalf of the Armenian counted for killings of young conscripts in Bar Association. Parishioners gather for the blessing of the new khachkar at St. Mary Church. Armenia’s armed forces and the ruination of Balabanian guided a candid examination of forests and the resulting environmental disas - the potentially negative consequences of the ters; Ursula Kazarian, Esq., president and continuing and largely unsuccessful pursuit of founder of Armenian Environmental Network, Genocide recognition, of missed and misun - New Khachkar Unveiled at who for nearly 10 years has worked to increase derstood legal arguments and a realistic public awareness and to encourage civil dis - assessment of the decision’s broader ramifica - course about urgent environmental issues, and tions. The panel was composed of, among oth - St. Mary Church Dr. Antranig Kasbarian, executive director of ers, Armenian National Committee of America the Tufenkian Foundation, which works in Government Affairs Director Kate Nahapetian. WASHINGTON — Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), visited St. Mary Church of Washington, DC, on Sunday, May 13, where he ordained altar servers and blessed the church’s new khachkar . During the celebration of the Divine Liturgy, the Primate ordained Alexander Calikyan as a sub-deacon. Armen Chubukian, Haik Hakobyan, Virab Khachatryan, Aras Mermer, Former State Dept. Diplomat Asks for Ruben Turner and Edwin Tilimian were ordained acolytes. Parish pastor the Rev. Hovsep Karapetyan assisted the Primate during the ordinations. Justice for Armenians at Southfield Talk Also during the service, Andre Alexandrian, Ashot Hovhannisyan, Jirair Kalayjian, Ruben Karapetyan and Hovsep Seferian received special blessings from Barsamian. MICHIGAN, from page 6 hope for a resolution that could bring about At the conclusion of badarak , Barsamian presented the St. Sahag and St. Mesrob medal together by local Armenian activists Paul recognition of the Armenian Genocide — a and pontifical encyclical to parishioner Arsen Sayan, founder and conductor of the Kulhanjian, Edward Korkoian and John genocide that is not reflected in history books church’s Ani Armenian Choral Group. The group sang the hymns of the Divine Liturgy Yavruian, included an informative question and and 97 years later, even though 43 states and that day, and later took part in the afternoon program. answer session. numerous foreign governments have recog - Archbishop Barsamian led a procession to the newly-installed khachkar on church The Armenian Diaspora has worked tirelessly nized it, remains unacknowledged by the US grounds. The khachkar was carved and donat - for US recognition but progress has been slow government and the successors to the Ottoman ed by Armenian artist Ruben Nalbandian. It is and Livingstone’s presentation injected new Turk perpetrators. dedicated to the memory of the deceased parishioners of the community. Costs involved in transporting the khachkar to St. Mary Church were covered by donations made in memory of the late Vartkess Balian, a longtime parishioner and benefactor of the church. “Our new khachkar is a witness to our her - itage and faith,” said Karapetyan. “Having this beautiful memorial in our nation’s capital makes us very proud.” The artist, who is on a visit to St. Mary Church, received a certificate of appreciation from Barsamian on this occasion. An afternoon reception concluded the day’s program. Some 400 people took part in the events, including Archbishop Vicken Aykazian, the Diocese’s ecumenical director; the Rev. Vertanes Kalayjian, the parish’s for - Archbishop Khajag Barsamian presents mer pastor; Robert Avetisyan, permanent rep - the St. Sahag and St. Mesrob medal resentative of Nagorno Karabagh to the and pontifical encyclical to parishioner United States; Col. Mesrop Nazarian, Arsen Sayan. Armenia’s defense attaché in Washington and From left, Fr. Garabed Kochakian and Dr. Sandra Bunn-Livingstone with members from the metro- other embassy officials. Detroit legal community 8 S ATURDAY , MA Y 26, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS

JK HOV ANNES PHOTO Armenia Fund USA Meets Growing Demand For Western-Style Physician Training

TRAINING, from page 6 “Doctors at the top of their game like Dr. -trained physicians, patients and families will Grigorian and Dr. Arslanian are demonstrating feel comfortable about seeking treatment. They their dedication to the Armenian homeland by will have all the right elements in place: a clean, so generously giving of their time, knowledge, safe environment, the latest diagnostic testing expertise and networks to the next generation and doctors and nurses up-to-speed on quality of health professionals” stated Khoren health care delivery.” Bandazian, chairman of Armenia Fund USA. “It With so many established Armenian- has often been said, that a healthy nation is a American medical specialists, Armenia Fund wealthy nation,” he said. “Our physician train - USA benefits not only from their professional ing programs can help bring our homeland ever connections but also their generosity. closer to that ideal.”

From left, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Chookasian, her Yale University singing protégé, then 19-year-old Kimako Trotman and the Rev. Garabed Kochakian at “A Night at the Opera,” at the Armenian Diocese, on May 7, 1993. Remembering Lili Chookasian (1921–2012) NEW YORK — Lili Chookasian, the Metropolitian Opera contralto, who died April 10, at age 90, made one of her last New York onstage appearances at the Armenian Diocese’s presentation of “A Night at the Opera,” on May 7, 1993, in conjunction with the 25th anniversary of St. Vartan Cathedral. Appearing with her on the stage of Kavookjian Auditorium were fellow Met Opera stars, soprano Lucine Amara and tenor Vahan Khanzadian, with Loren Toolajian, as JK HOV ANNES PHOTO host-interviewer. The show was produced by George Maksian. “Lili,” as she was affectionately Thanks to the efforts of Dr. Armen Arslanian, Dr. Mher Musaelian is visiting Winchester Hospital in called by her many fans and col- Winchester, Mass. for a four-week observership program. leagues, retired from the Met after almost 25 years in 1986, and spent another quarter of a century as professor of music at Yale University. She died at her home in Branford, Conn., on April 10, 2012. Her husband of many years, From left, Vahan Khanzadian, Lili Chookasian George Gavejian, died in 1987. GF UiNrEaRgAoL sHiaOMn E and soprano Lucine Amara being interviewed Before moving to Branford, James “Jack” Giragosian, CPC by Loren Toolajian at “A Night at the Opera,” Chookasian and her family (the Mark J. Giragosian at the Armenian Diocese, on May 7, 1993. couple had three children: John, Funeral Counselors Paul and Valerie), were longtime 576 Mt. Auburn Street, Watertown, MA 02472, TEL: 617-924—0606 residents of Tenafly, NJ. www.giragosianfuneralhome.com Chookasian was a great lady and a great talent. She will be sorely missed. — George Maksian Nardolillo Funeral Home OBITUARY Est. 1906 Isabel Torigian Bedrosian John K. Najarian, Jr. Rhode Island’s Only Licensed Armenian Funeral Director NEW YORK — Isabel Torigian Bedrosian died Society, was secretary of the Parish Council of 1278 Park Ave. Cranston, RI 02910 (401) 942-1220 on May 16 at New York University’s Langone St. Stepanos Church in Elberon and was voted Medical Center, where she had been hospital - Mother of the Year by the church. 1111 Boston Neck Rd. Narragansett, RI 02882 (401) 789-6300 ized for pneumonia. The couple were members of the Armenian www.nardolillo.com Born in Watervliet, NY, on July 1, 1921, she Studies Advisory Council, established in 1977 was the youngest of four children born to by the Trustees of Columbia University, which Aghavni (née Postoian) Torigian and Hayrabed raised the funds required to establish a chair of Torigian. Armenian Studies in the (then) Department of Telephone (617) 924-7400 After graduating from Watervliet High Middle East Languages and Cultures. Several School, where she was fashion editor of the years later, their son, Robert, received his PhD school’s newspaper, she worked for the depart - from this program. Aram Bedrosian ment store Montgomery Ward as a typist. She was pre-deceased by her husband in On May 4, 1941, she married Alvin (Askanaz 1985 and for the next 15 years she managed a Funeral Home, Inc. Der) Bedrosian of Troy and the couple moved book company, Sources of the Armenian to Port au Peck, NJ, where they both worked at Tradition, which published English translations Continuous Service By The Bedrosian Family Since 1945 Fort Monmouth — Isabel Bedrosian as a secre - of Classical Armenian historical texts translated tary and Alvin Bedrosian as an engineer in the by her son, Robert. MARION BEDROSIAN US Army Strategic Research and Development In 2000, Isabel Bedrosian was diagnosed with 558 MOUNT AUBURN STREET PAUL BEDROSIAN Laboratory. After the birth of their daughter, dementia and eagerly participated in various WATERTOWN, MA 02472 LARRY BEDROSIAN Karen, in 1946 and son, Robert, in 1949, the cognitive remediation programs and family moved to Long Branch, NJ, where they arts/therapeutic programs available for people lived until 1954. with dementia and their caregivers, living the Upon Alvin Bedrosian’s appointment as liai - last 10 years of her life with her daughter. Edward D. Jamakordzian, Jr. d/b/a son officer for the US Army’s Scientific Liaison Despite the increasing limitations imposed by Office at the Massachusetts Institute of her condition, she never stopped trying and Technology (MIT) in Cambridge, Mass., the fam - was eager to please and to show her apprecia - ily moved to Belmont, Mass. tion and affection for those who helped her, Edward D. Jamie, Jr. There, Isabel Bedrosian worked part-time as a which made her beloved by all. secretary for the head of the Nutrition She is survived by her children, Karen LicensedF inu Nnewe Yrorak la ndC Nhewa Jperseey l Department at MIT and served as den mother Bedrosian-Richardson and Robert G. Bedrosian. 217-04 Northern Blvd., (Suite 23), Bayside, NY 11361 for her son’s cub scout group. Funeral services will be held at St. Peter (718) 224-2390 or toll After Alvin Bedrosian retired in 1975, the Armenian Apostolic Church in Watervliet, NY Service any hour, couple moved back to Long Branch, NJ, where (100 Troy-Schenectady Road) on May 30 at 1 any distance free (888) 224-6088 Isabel Bedrosian joined the Armenian Relief p.m. S ATURDAY , MA Y 26, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 9 Ne w York M E T R O Prof. Richard Hovannisian Lectures in New Jersey

FAIR LAWN, N.J. — On the occasion of the While showing the photographs of the ruins 1,050th anniversary of the proclamation of Ani of Ani, he stressed the fact that a millennium as the capital of Armenia, Prof. Richard G. ago Ani, known as the City of 1,001 Churches, Hovannisian prepared an illustrated presenta - was the capital of the Armenian Bakratuni HovannisianLecture 5-26 tion, titled “The Changing Landscape of Kingdom and it was the largest city in the world CN Historic Western Armenia: Reflections on a of its period with more than 100,000 inhabi - Journey into the Past.” On May 11, Hovannisian tants. Moreover, churches, fortresses, palaces Captions: was invited to give this lecture to the commu - and public buildings of Ani were among the nity at St. Leon Armenian Church. most technically- and artistically-advanced Prof. Dennis Papazian On behalf of the organizing committee, Ara structures in the world at that time. In fact, he Araz welcomed the audience of more than 200 suggested that the Cathedral of Ani built by Prof. Richard Hovannisian before attendants and invited Dr. Dennis R. Papazian architect Trdat was a masterpiece, which served a map of ancient Armenia to introduce Hovannisian. as a prototype to the European Gothic archi - Papazian, who taught history at the tecture. (Photo Credit: Linda Harutunian) University of Michigan-Dearborn for more than With brief explanations, he allowed the audi - 40 years, was named professor emeritus by the ence to take glimpses of photographs taken in U-M Regents, and retired from active faculty sta - Sebastia, Amasya, Agn, Elazig, Palu, Dersim, tus in 2006, proved to be the right person to Bitlis, Merzifon, Malatya, Gurun, Diyarbakir (Dikranagerd), Igdir, Kars and Sarikamis. Finally, he covered Cappadocia and Cilicia, Kayseri (Gesaria), Everek, Hajin, Adana, Mersin, Kolikos, Dortyol, Musa Dagh, Kolikos, Vakif, Antep, Zeytun and Marash. Prof. Richard Hovannisian addresses the audience. He said he has been teaching history for 50 years, but he had not realized the full magni - tude of the loss of the Western Armenian civi - Armenian and Near-Eastern history at the PowerPoint presentation, he said although he lization until he worked for the publication of University of California, Los Angeles since had never been to Turkey before, as soon as he the books about those provinces. Along with 1962. He has organized the undergraduate and landed in Istanbul on his first visit, everything the destruction of churches, there were schools, graduate programs in Armenian and Caucasian was familiar to him: the food, the smells, the dramatic art groups, orchestras, fine arts, pub - history. Hovannisian was appointed the first drinks, the sounds, the music, the movements, lishing houses, libraries, little school children holder of the Armenian Educational the culture. with their white-collared uniform. No one can Foundation Endowed Chair in modern The order of the photographs shown followed put a price on the loss of that advanced civi - Armenian history at UCLA. Throughout his the order of his three trips: starting from the lization. career, he has continuously produced an over - Black Sea to Erzurum, Bayburt, Erzincan, Hovannisian concluded his presentation, whelming amount of scholarly works on Kharpert, Mush and Van. He said his group was “The first time I went to Istanbul, I saw Hrant Armenian history and culture. masochistically compelled to follow the same Dink in person at his office. This time I went Prof. Richard Hovannisian Referring to his three trips to historic deportation routes of the Armenians in 1915 back to Istanbul, I could only hold his sculp - Armenian, Hovannisian said, “The knowledge and go to the places where mass murders were tured marble head placed on his grave.” that Ani was not lost a thousand years ago, but committed. It created an eerie feeling when he This function was co-sponsored by the draw a brief professional sketch of Hovannisian. within the last century by the invasion of showed the photograph of the gorge of Armenian General Benevolent Union, Armenian He admitted that Hovannisian did not need Turkish forces led by Mustafa Kemal in 1920, Kemaliye on the upper Euphrates River where Human Rights Advocates, Armenian National much introduction, but he stressed the fact that has been very painful.” He reminded that the women and children marching from Trabzon Committee of NJ, Knights of Vartan, National 50 years ago, the study of Armenian history had region encompassing Ani, Kars, Ighdir and and other eastern provinces, surrounded by Association for Armenian Studies and been dismal and Hovannisian has initiated the Mount Ararat was within the borders of the Kurdish mobs and the Turkish Special Research, New York Armenian Students explosion of scholarly research in that field. A First Armenian Republic (1918-1920). Organization (Teskilati Mahsusa), were thrown Association, St. Leon Armenian Church and native of Tulare, Calif., he has been professor of During his introduction before the into that gorge. Tekeyan Cultural Association. Picnic Kicks off St. Nersess Summer Programs

NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. — Dancing to tra - The John Berberian Ensemble will provide ditional Armenian music, feasting on hours of musical entertainment combined Armenian food, hearing the laughter of chil - with DJ Sayat’s talents between sets. dren enjoying games and activities and pur - Activities for children and teens will be chasing great finds at an attic treasures sale offered throughout the day, including a — that is what one can expect on Saturday, magician and face painting, as well as a mid- June 16 by attending the St. Nersess Picnic. afternoon book reading by children’s author, This annual event to begin the summer Talene Dadian White. She will read from one season will be held from 12-7 p.m. on the of her rewritten takes on a classical fairy tale grounds of the Seminary’s New Rochelle with an Armenian twist. Her books will also campus. Meals are available throughout the be on hand to purchase. day, with activities offered in the afternoon Baykar Dervishian, better known as “The for the whole family. Armenian Vendor,” will be selling his goods

A team of young volunteers assist at the picnic.

ranging from CDs to jewelry, artwork and directly benefit the ongoing mission of St. general giftware. Nersess Armenian Seminary, which is to pre - “The St. Nersess Picnic is the perfect fam - pare leaders in ordained and lay ministries ily day out activity. There is so much to do through graduate degree and continuing for all ages in one place,” said Very Rev. education programs. Daniel Findikyan, seminary dean. “Plus, you Also, the seminary has again launched a will be supporting the seminary and its Super Raffle with winners being announced efforts to prepare church leaders all while the day of the picnic. Only 300 tickets are enjoying an afternoon filled with fellowship, available for this raffle, with each ticket cost - fun and the peaceful beauty of our semi - ing $50. The three cash prizes awarded will nary.” be $3,000, $1,500 and $500. To purchase General sponsorships are being secured to tickets, call the seminary office. The St. Nersess Picnic has become a family tradition to kick off the summer season. help underwrite the cost of this event so that For information about the St. Nersess all proceeds on the day of the picnic will Summer Picnic, visit www.stnersess.edu. 10 S ATURDAY , MA Y 26, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS Banquet Kicks off Heritage Park Celebration

BANQUET, from page 1 All Photos by Jirair Hovsepian who was honorary chairman of the project, brought forth the Middlesex County Color Guard, who tant enough to warrant the presence of the top opened the banquet carrying the flags of leadership of the republic. The ancient tree that Armenia, the US and Massachusetts. is the republic can now see the effect of the The program highlighted both the unity of young branches in countries around the world, the Armenian community in working through he said. the tortuous road to creation and execution Afeyan, the founder, CEO and managing part - and the ties between Armenia and the diaspo - ner of Flagship Ventures, as well as a senior lec - ra. turer at Massachusetts Institute of The theme of unity came up again and again. Technology’s Sloan School of Management, Koutoujian said the park was a great example of how the community can work together. He also thanked some of the many non-Armenians in the community who helped the project

A group shot of the party

Foreign Minister Eduard ly inappropriate for our interests,” he said, Nalbandian, on behalf of praising the president for not attending the President Serge Sargisian: NATO summit in Chicago. James Kalustian, the presi - He said he had been disappointed about the Barbara Tellalian, left, with Carolann Najarian dent of the Armenian absence of the president from other scheduled Heritage Foundation, who has helmed the park pro - ject for a decade; play - wright Dr. Hrant Anahid, Aurelian and Vartan Mardiros Markarian, founder of the Hamazkayin theater along, including the Massachusetts Council of group in New York, and editor and Tekeyan Churches, the Boston-American Jewish Cultural Association stalwart Dr. Nubar Committee and the Rose Kennedy Greenway Berberian. Conservancy, as well as the residents of the In his remarks, Dr. Noubar Afeyan referred to North End. the reason for the absence of the guest of During the program, three persons who have honor, Armenian President Serge Sargisian. “In made great contributions to the community international diplomacy, Turkey and Azerbaijan received the Movses Khorenatsi medal from put pressure on Nagorno Karabagh. It is whol -

Rev. Arakel Aljalian, standing, with Rev. Antranik Baljian

events in the US, on the heels of the Chicago paid tribute to Boston, a city he first arrived in summit. But, he said, once he started thinking to study. He praised the city — as well as the about the chain of events, he saw the silver lin - state as a whole — as a center for business, edu - ing. He said it takes strength for Sargisian and cation, politics and innovation, noting that in the race for the president of the US, a former governor of the state is running against a sit - ting president who attended law school here. Afeyan also spoke enthusiastically about the changes in Armenia, saying it is slowly but sure - ly aiming to compete in the region, Europe and the rest of the world in terms of tourism, health - care and information technologies. He praised Registrar Rachel Kaprielian, left, and Conservancy Executive Director Nancy Brennan the government and the Luys Foundation for sending about 100 top students annually to some of the top-10 schools in the world to study and return to their homeland. He characterized all Armenians as “origi - nals,” people who will not be stifled or silenced

Architect Donald Tellalian, right, with Hasmig and Gary Mardiros

Armenia to take such a stance. Afeyan noted that the park is a “beautiful way of saying thank you” to Boston by the local Armenian-American com - munity. The project also “will usher in a new movement in our community,” he said, one in which the past will be remembered, while channeling that pain into creating positive, Middlesex County Sheriff Peter Koutoujian Jr. (right) with Rep. Ed From left, Eduard Nalbandian, Houry Boyamian and Diaspora Minister Hranush Hakobyan forward-thinking projects. Markey (D-MA) The park, he said, is impor - S ATURDAY , MA Y 26, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 11 COMMUNITY NEWS Armenian Heritage Park Dedicated

DEDICATION, from page 1 was slated to be the main speaker, but international politics inter - vened. (See story on page 1.) The tone was two-fold: celebrating immigrants and their success by making this $6-million gift to the City of Boston, while remem - bering the victims of the Armenian Genocide. Mention was made that the site is behind the North End neighborhood of Boston, which in the last century in particular was home to working-class Italian immigrants, as well as a statue of Christopher Columbus. The theme of the community’s unity was also stressed again and again. Nigoghos Atinizian and Rev. Krikor Sabounjian The theme was referenced again and again throughout the day, during which both the participants and the audience were clearly touched. and who really come into their own in times of Master of Ceremonies Middlesex County Sheriff Peter crisis. Referring to the paramount place of The abstract monument at the Armenian Heritage Park Koutoujian, the project’s honorary co-chair along with current Ararat in the hearts of many Armenians, he said the story of Noah’s Ark is more than one about the few senior elected officials who has pairs of animals on a ship; that it is about tenac - backed his words in deeds,” and has had a ity and survival. “We’re damn good survivors,” “courageous commitment” to get recogni - he said. tion for the Armenian Genocide, Kalustian He said, in fact, he was so delighted with the said. Armenian Heritage Park in Boston that he Patrick soon got the crowd swooning thinks the 10 million or so people that are fully when he said, “brothers and sisters, we are or part Armenian around the world should all Armenians today.” He noted, “This is a come together and help build a similar heritage tribute to the resilience of the Armenian park in Armenia, tying it to communities of spirit, the immigrant spirit and the human Armenians worldwide. spirit. … This shows the triumph of the Among the dignitaries representing Armenia idea of America.” He said America is were Nalbandian, Ambassador to the US Tatoul From left, Barbara Tellalian, Donald Tellalian and unique in that its population is not united Markarian and Diaspora Minister Hranush Ani Hovsepian in ethnicity, but around the ideals of oppor - Hakobyan. The latter offered words on behalf of tunity, equality and fair play. the president. She praised the local Armenian

James Kalustian

Registrar of Motor Vehicles Rachel Kaprielian, who has been involved with the project in one way or another for the entire length of its gestation, was clearly touched, even getting choked up toward the end. He stressed that it is immigrant families that are celebrat - ed by the project, as part of the Armenian and American experiences in this historic city. He credited Misak Barsoumian with getting the ball rolling, talking to a state official on cre - ating a park for Armenians in the late 1990s, and James Kalustian, the Armenian Heritage Foundation presi - dent, for seeing the project through. He noted that the foundation has 38 Nishan Atinizian and Foreign Minister Eduard Members of the Knights of Vartan pose with Foreign Minister Eduard Nalbandian and Ambassador board members representing practical - Nalbandian to the US Tatoul Markarian, standing in the first row, fourth and fifth from the left. ly every Armenian organization in the state, all of whom saw the big picture and collaborated fully. Kalustian, who could barely contain his joy, stressed that the park is a “gift from our community” to the city of Boston, and has a value exceeding $6 million, including an endowment for main - taining it. He referred to his grandparents, who escaped the Armenian Genocide, and praised the “triumphant spirit” of the Armenians who made Massachusetts their home, including Arshile Gorky, Alan Hovhaness, Yousuf Karsh and Moves Gulezian.

Mayor Thomas Menino of Boston and Middlesex County Sheriff Peter Koutoujian

In Koutoujian’s words, Patrick is a “khenami” or in-law, of the Ruth Thomasian and Peter Koutoujian Sr. Armenians. Boston Mayor Tom Menino paid tribute to his city, saying it is a city of immigrants. He also praised Koutoujian and the rest of the community, saying “for us, the community of activists for “staying the course,” as well as the residents of the Boston is one of the most organized in the US. Rep. Edward Markey, Gov. Deval Patrick and Foreign Minister North End. “They wanted a ‘heritage’ park,” he said, because like We are proud that in the heart of Boston, there Eduard Nalbandian the Armenians, “they fought to come here.” will be an Armenian Heritage Park.” Referring to the dismal weather, he said, “God upstairs is sending holy She spoke about the advances in Armenia, water. I didn’t think they would have this much holy water.” thanking the Armenian Diaspora for its consis - Even more importantly, he said in Armenian, for this project the Rep. Ed Markey (D-MA), who represents the heavily-Armenian- tent support. ‘The roots are in Armenia and the community spoke with “one voice, one body.” In turn, he praised populated Watertown, instead characterized the rain as “tears of branches spreading over the world are bearing Koutoujian, as well as project architect Tellalian, and his wife, joy” from ancestors looking on from above. Markey said he could fruit,” she said. Barbara, with advancing the project, Aurelian Mardiros and his relate to the sentiments expressed, as he himself was the grand - Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of family who fabricated the statue, as well as the residents of the child of Irish immigrants who came to Boston at the turn of the the Diocese of the Armenian Church of North End and Wharf District. century, with a total net worth of $10. America (Eastern), offered the invocation. He Special praise was reserved for Gov. Deval Patrick. “He is one of see PARK, page 12 said he was proud to see a show of support see KICK-OFF, page 12 12 S ATURDAY , M AY 26, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS Armenian Heritage Park Dedicated

PARK, from page 11 From left, Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, He then recited Hitler’s quote about remem - Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Archbishop bering Armenians and said, “We remember the Vicken Aykazian and Rev. Arakel Aljalian Armenians. With this monument, we will never forget.” As for the Genocide resolution, which year after year fails to get passed, because “it is not the right time,” as he said opponents say, he From left, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, with Aurelian Mardiros, Dr. Mary Papzian, and Prof. Dennis Papazian

is a member of the House Caucus on Armenian Issues and is a regular supporter of issues fac - ing the community. A blessing service was jointly performed by Archbishops Khajag Barsamian (Primate, Diocese of the Armenian Church of America, Easters); Oshagan Choloyan (Prelate, Prelacy of the Armenian Church of America, Easter) and Vicken Aykazian (Legate, Diocese of the Armenian Church of America, Eastern). Representing Sargisian was Armenia’s minis - ter of foreign affairs, Eduard Nalbandian. He recalled seeing the site in 2010 when he had Anahid Mardiros watches in the rain. come to Boston and said he was “proud to see Diaspora Minister Hranush Hakobyan with Rep. the project come to life.” He said such a viscer - Edward Markey al representation of the experience of the suggested, “It is always the right time for the Armenians made the case of the Armenians Avak Deirmenjian truth and this congress must pass this resolu - stronger globally when it came to Genocide taken place in Istanbul and several other cities. tion.” He noted that the US cannot condemn recognition. He also said that in Turkey “our “I would like to express the hope that this will contemporary genocides in Darfur and Rwanda efforts are yielding results” in creating an inter - become the place for pilgrimage for all who are A reception for donors followed at the and then ignore the Armenian Genocide nal dialogue with regard to the Genocide, not - fighting to recognize genocides,” Nalbandian Millennium Hotel. because of political expedience. Markey himself ing that on April 24, commemorations had said. (All Photos by Jirair Hovsepian) Banquet Kicks off Heritage Park Celebration

KICK-OFF, from page 11 (Eastern) gave the benediction. “In this setting, from Armenia, as “for Armenians around the my heart is filled with pride,” he said. “Our her - world, a free and independent homeland is a itage is wealth that belongs to all our people.” dream come true.” He likened the nation to a He praised all the groups in the community phoenix that has risen out of the ashes of death that help foster pride in Armenian identity and and destruction. keep the young people tethered to the commu - In a tremendous mood of unity, Barsamian nity, be they schools, churches, social or sports said that as Armenians we should be as one. organizations. “This achievement [the park] belongs to all of “We are showing our heritage to Boston. It us,” just like the Holy Sees of Echmiadzin and was built with the sweat of our people. I am Antelias, to the applause of the audience. proud that we are Armenian Americans and we “Our spiritual and national heritage belong gave back what they gave us,” he said. Echoing to all of us,” he said. “Our divisions are far less Barsamian’s comments about Armenia, he said, important that the qualities that unite us. We “We grew up without seeing our land. We should embrace the great maturity and receive and give our present. It is our wish that advances in the course of the Armenian Armenian grows stronger and stronger.” nation.” The evening was sponsored by Nishan Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, the Prelate of Atinizian and family, Carolyn Mugar, Noubar the Prelacy of the Armenian Church of America and Anna Afeyan and Kalustian.

From left, Prof. Taner Akçam with Marianne and Robert Aram Kaloosdian

Genocide survivor Areka Der Kazarian, 100, Jirair and Ani Hovsepian and her son, Ed Kevork Atinizian S ATURDAY , M AY 26, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 13 COMMUNITY NEWS Clergy Gather for Annual Conference

WEST HARTFORD, Conn. — In the days sessions on the faith and practices of the Barsamian stressed that the badarak unites and Dr. Carl Fulwiler spoke about the priest’s prior to the 110th Diocesan Assembly, clergy Armenian Church. A discussion followed the all who take part in its celebration, and brings role in counseling and outlined resources avail - gathered at the Holy Family Passionist Retreat presentation. them closer to Christ. He said that all parts of able to clergy in addressing youth, marital, and Center, for the annual Clergy Conference, held The second day of the conference opened the service — from the hymns and prayers to bereavement issues. from April 30 to May 3. During the four-day with the reading of a message from Karekin II, the readings and litanies — are essential in cre - On Wednesday, May 2, diocesan vicar, Very meeting, clergy prayed together, shared advice the supreme patriarch and catholicos of All ating a connection among the faithful, and Rev. Simeon Odabashian, spoke about disci - and discussed important issues related to the Armenians, by Mangasaryan. “Remain tireless between the faithful and God. To that end, he pline in the church and the importance of mission of the Armenian Church. in your dedication to your ministry and encouraged clergy to pay special attention to maintaining church traditions with deep rever - Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of become stronger with new accomplishments in the Sunday service and to take advantage of ence. He also spoke about several ancient cere - the Diocese of the Armenian Church of your parishes,” Karekin II wrote. “You have to Diocesan staff to help train altar servers and monies observed by the Armenian Church, America (Eastern), presided over the meeting, be the spiritual father, the educator, and the choir members. such as the blessing of madagh and the Oil which was attended by 44 clergy. Through source of comfort to our people. May our Lord Turning to education, Barsamian outlined Bearing Service. daily prayer and fellowship they strengthened keep you steadfast in your calling.” the many programs offered by the Diocese, Talar Ishkhanian, a New York-based lawyer, their interpersonal connections and gained Clergy took part in small-group Bible study including summer camps, Armenian and gave an overview of immigration law and fresh perspectives on their ministry. on a passage from John 15:12-16, in which Sunday School resources, ACYOA retreats and answered questions on the topic. Ishkhanian The conference was co-chaired by the Very Christ calls upon his disciples to love one initiatives, St. Nersess conferences and lectures, has worked with the Eastern Diocese to serve Rev. Vazken Karayan and the Rev. Aved another and to serve each other selflessly. and other activities. He urged clergy to pro - the immigration needs of clergy arriving in the Terzian. Clergy reflected on their fraternal bond and mote these programs in their parishes and to United States from Armenia. Terzian introduced the Rev. Sahag Kaishian, how it nourishes their ministry. Later, again recommend parishioners who might benefit The Rev. Hratch Sargsyan made an appeal to interim pastor of St. Mark Church of working in small groups, clergy shared the suc - from enrolling. The Primate also underlined the clergy on behalf of the children of the late Springfield, Mass., which hosted this year’s cesses and challenges of their pastoral ministry. the availability of Diocesan staff to lead work - Rev. Haroutiun Dagley and the late Yn. Diocesan Assembly. Also welcoming the clergy In his message to the clergy, Barsamian shops and training sessions at the parish level, Patricia Dagley. The clergy collectively pledged was Edward Garabedian of St. Mark Church, expressed his appreciation for their dedication. and to train teachers of Armenian and Sunday $7,500 to assist with the college tuition fund of who oversaw the arrangements for the Clergy He reflected on their intergenerational cooper - Schools. Dagley’s children. Conference. ation, highlighting the ways in which young The floor was opened to suggestions about On Wednesday evening the clergy gathered Clergy welcomed a guest from the Mother clergy are learning from their senior brothers, ways clergy could achieve these goals and at St. Mark Church of Springfield, Mass., for See of Holy Echmiadzin, the Rev. Markos and more experienced clergy are guiding and encourage greater involvement and participa - vespers. Diocesan Council members and parish - Mangasaryan, who made a presentation on two supporting the newly ordained. tion in church life. ioners of St. Mark Church also took part in the programs developed by the Mother See for the The Primate spoke on two issues related to The Primate asked clergy to continue pray - service. A dinner and conversation followed. faithful in Armenia. The first program, titled ensuring the success of the mission of the ing for Archbishop Torkom Manoogian, the On Thursday, May 3, the Rev. Tadeos “One Day in a Diocese,” brings together clergy Armenian Church in the Eastern Diocese: the Armenian patriarch of Jerusalem and Barseghyan celebrated the Divine Liturgy. All in Armenia for a series of home blessings in proper celebration of the Divine Liturgy and Archbishop Mesrob Mutafyan, the Armenian the clergy at the conference took part in the local communities. The second program, titled the importance of educating parishioners on patriarch of Constantinople. service — standing in prayer with each other “Manna,” offers young people ages 18 to 35 the teachings of the Armenian Church. Later in the afternoon, Dr. John Madonna and again strengthening their fraternal bond. Kazarosian among Boston’s Top-rated Lawyers

With much of her father’s skills, along with The publication also recognized her in 1999 as Kazarosian. “We are selective in the cases we By Tom Vartabedian her own intuition, she has built a national prac - one of Massachusetts’ top 10 lawyers, noting accept because we want to be able to concentrate tice handling complex cases involving personal that she obtained one of the 10 highest jury ver - our energy and resources into getting the results injury, police brutality, family law and civil litiga - dicts in the Commonwealth that year. our clients deserve.” HAVERHILL, Mass. — When it comes to the tion. In recognition of her skillful advocacy, When asked what sets her apart from others, field of law, the Kazarosians keep the family cycle Joining the firm is her son, Marc Moccia, who Kazarosian has been recognized by the her colleagues say that if she feels she can right intact. appears to be a chip off his grandfather’s block Massachusetts Super Lawyers annually since a wrong, she is like “a dog with a bone.” First came the father, Paul Kazarosian, who and certainly a mother’s son who’s bent on keep - 2006. “Maybe it’s because I’m stubborn and not eas - maintained a venerable practice for 53 years in ing the family heritage intact. To put it succinctly, success keeps knocking on ily intimidated,” Kazarosian said. the city and was considered by many to be the The latest issue of Boston’s top-rated lawyers this Armenian’s door and she answers the call The list of Top Rated Lawyers was created by dean of lawyers in the Haverhill Bar Association. has the Kazarosians prominently listed among with fervor. Joining the practice are two other LexisNexis Martindale-Hubbell, the company He aptly handed over the reins to his daughter the best in the business — a role Marsha and her associates, Linda Little and Janet Dutcher. that has long set the standard for peer review rat - Marsha Kazarosian, now into her third decade as staff has aptly personified. “I think my dad would be very proud of the ings, sharing its list of local lawyers who have a successful attorney passionately advocating for Just last year, Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly way this law firm has evolved, especially with his reached the highest levels of ethical standards clients affected by injury, abuse or oppression. honored her as one of the “Top Women of Law.” ‘little grandson’ entering the business,” said and professional excellence. Like her dad before her, she has remained vibrant in the pursuit of truth and justice, often taking giant steps in meeting the needs of her clients with high-profiled representation. Her handling of a gender discrimination case Sponsor a Teacher in Armenia and Karabagh 2012 in 1999 involving Haverhill Golf and Country Club brought her national recognition. More importantly, it became a landmark case through - Since its inception in 2001, TCA’s ‘Sponsor out the country in protecting the rights of women and minorities in membership-based club settings, affirming her stature as a leading litiga - a Teacher’ program has raised over $518,000 tor in discrimination suits. Kazarosian represented one of the teenaged and reached out to 4,064 teachers and defendants in the 1990 murder of a young hus - band by his wife Pamela Smart, who conspired school workers in Armenia and Karabagh. with her teenaged lover to murder her husband for insurance money. The story became the basis £ of a subsequent television movie starring Helen Hunt. She also represented clients in a number of K Yes, I want to sponsor teachers in Armenia and Karabagh to continue high-profile criminal cases, once defending a helping them to educate the children, our future leaders. I would like to have member of Hell’s Angels Motorcycle Club in mul - the teacher’s name and address. tiple federal criminal indictments. K $160 K $ 320 K $ 480 K other $ ————————— Her legal skill was the subject of a cover story titled “The Power of Marsha Kazarosian” in a Name publication geared toward the legal community. Address Away from the office and courtroom, she is an City State Zip code excellent racquetball player who, like her three Tel: sons, has held rank against some of the best play - ers in the country. She shares her commitment Make check payable to: Tekeyan Cultural Association – Memo: Sponsor a Teacher 2010 to youth and the law by acting as a Mock Trial Mail your check with this form to: Judge for high school, college and law school stu - TCA Sponsor a Teacher dents. 5326 Valverde, Houston, TX 77056 She is the daughter of Margaret Kazarosian, a retired music teacher in the city who has Your donation is Tax Deductible. remained an advocate for many years with the local library. 14 S ATURDAY , M AY 26, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Ne w York M E T R O Nine Armenian-Americans Receive 2012 Ellis Island Award

when her name was announced. the ceiling and members of the American tinue her philanthropy. “I think of how my par - By Florence Avakian From California, the recipients were Joyce armed forces marching in precision. ents would have been so thrilled that their Special to the Mirror-Spectator Philibosian Stein (chair and trustee of the “This is hallowed ground, the ‘Isle of Tears,’” daughter is the recipient of this award. I learned Stephen Philibosian Foundation, which sup - said master of ceremonies, local TV reporter from my father to serve others in need, and I ports cultural, educational and humanitarian Marvin Scott. “Today celebrates the dreams of know my children will follow in our footsteps.” ELLIS ISLAND, N.Y. — Under an azure sunny projects); Nancy Arabian (co-owner of ARMS our forefathers, and today’s recipients of the Nercessian, who has donated his service to sky, 104 distinguished Americans and their fam - Providers, Inc.); Dalida Keuroghlian (CEO of prestigious Ellis Island Medal of Honor repre - many people in America and in Armenia, has ily and friends boarded ferries from Battery Park MK Designers, Inc.); Kevork Karajerjian, AIA sent a tapestry of America, comprising 17 dif - “always shied from recognition and honors. It in Manhattan to historic Ellis Island on Saturday (chief architect and CFO of Karabuild ferent nationalities. As each name was called, has been my responsibility to do whatever I afternoon, May 12, to receive the coveted Ellis Development, Inc.) and Alice Petrossian (presi - the recipient came forward and was decorated have done, and I will continue to do more for Island Medal of Honor. The celebration for this dent of the Association of California School with the Ellis Island medal hung on a red, white my people, my community, my church and my coveted award, which is given to individuals who Administrators). and blue ribbon. Following the impressive cere - nation. I believe strongly that the more you do, have “greatly contributed to the American mony, the awardees and their guests — more the more you receive,” he said quoting a well- national identity while preserving the distinct Armenian Greeters than 2,000 strong, celebrated with dinner in a known phrase. values and heritage of their ancestors,” had start - Landing on Ellis Island, the honorees and cavernous hall decorated with chandeliers and Gousouzian who said he is “proud to be an ed the night before at a reception at the their guests were greeted by several ethnic flower-bedecked tables. Armenian,” said he is “especially happy to be Smithsonian National Museum of the American bands, including an enthusiastic group of one of the nine Armenian-Americans receiving Indian at Battery Park. young students from the Holy Martyrs Lessons Reinforced this award. I admire the contributions the hon - Among the honorees were nine well-known Armenian Day School of Bayside, NY, dressed Megerian, whose philanthropy has benefited orees have given in their professions, making a Armenian-Americans who “took the American in colorful Armenian costumes and carrying many cultural and humanitarian organizations dent in the life of other people, without forget - dream and made it a reality.” They included welcoming signs. Guests of honor Armenia’s in America, Armenia and Artsakh (Karabagh) ting their roots.” from the East Coast, Papken Megerian (CEO of Ambassador to the United Nations Garen was “very honored to be one of the recipients Arabian considers it “an achievement that so Advanced MRI Center, LLC); Dr. Ohannes Nazarian and his wife, Nana, spent several min - of this award. Hopefully, I will continue, and my many Armenian-American women were receiv - Nercessian (associate clinical professor of ortho - utes encouraging the animated youngsters in contributions to the Armenian nation and the ing the award this year.” And for Keuroghlian, pedic surgery at the College of Physicians & their studies and took photos taken with them. many organizations. This honor has given me whatever talents she has, “have come from God Surgeons of Columbia University); Dr. Nishan As the thousands of guests took their seats the inspiration to do even more,” he pledged. and my parents. I will continue to make a dif - Goudsouzian (professor of anesthesia at the under a huge white tent, the military band per - For Stein, who with her husband, Joseph, has ference in the life of people.” Harvard School of Medicine) and, Helene Irma formed as the honorees marched down the cen - been a longtime supporter of the Armenian On the ferry ride back to New York at mid - der Stepanian (economic consultant, cultural ter aisle to their seats on the platform. For the Missionary Association of America, as well as of night, the sky lit up with fireworks, illuminating activist and NECO founding and board mem - next three hours, the hall turned into a many artistic and humanitarian programs, the the lady with the lamp who symbolically greet - ber), who was unaware that she was receiving pageantry of pomp and circumstance with patri - event reinforced the lessons she has learned ed all newcomers to this land — the Statue of this honor and received sustained applause otic anthems, many national flags hanging from from her father and her determination to con - Liberty.

Bishop Vahan Hovhanessian, the Primate of the Deacon Ordained Armenian Church of Great Britain and Ireland and the former pastor of Holy Martyrs Church. Ghazarian was then presented with gifts from At Holy Martyrs the parish council. In addition to thanking his grandmother and par - Church ents, Ghazarian spoke about the “brotherhood” of altar servers at the church and reflected on his new BAYSIDE, N.Y. — On Sunday, April 29, role as deacon. “As a newly ordained deacon, I have Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the the honor and responsibility to serve not only God, Diocese of the Armenian Church of America but the people of our church,” Ghazarian said. “I (Eastern), celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the embrace this responsibility and I look forward to Church of the Holy Martyrs, where he ordained assuming the new role with humility.” Krikor Ghazarian to the diaconate. The program concluded with remarks from The ordination to the diaconate was the first Barsamian, who congratulated Ghazarian and pre - such service to take place at the parish in 35 years, sented him with a wooden cross. He spoke about and the entire community gathered to congratulate lay ministry and encouraged the younger altar Archbishop Khajag Barsamian ordains Krikor Ghazarian to the diaconate. the young altar server. The Rev. Abraham servers to continue their training. Malkhasyan assisted the Primate in the ordination. A banquet in honor of the newly-ordained deacon took place in the church’s Kalustyan Hall following services. A special program went forward under the direction of Dr. Lynn Cetin. After some heartfelt personal remarks and a thank you to Ghazarian’s parents, Hrair and Margaret Ghazarian, Cetin intro - duced a video highlighting the young man’s path to the diaconate. A congratulatory toast was offered by Parish Council Chair Bruce Ashbahian. Nune Melikyan and Filip Petkov offered performances on the violin and piano. Yn. Karine Malkhasyan, accompanied by Armine Vardanyan on the piano, sang Ambeetz Gorar . Congratulatory remarks by Arek Nisanyan on behalf of the Holy Martyrs Armenian Day School board followed. Ghazarian, a 2005 alumnus of the school, was presented with a certificate in honor of his continuing service to the Armenian community. Four young altar servers — Ara Arsenian, Armen Arsenian, Nicholas Calikyan and Vahe Gemdzian — approached the podium and spoke about their “big brother” Krikor Ghazarian. In Armenian and English, they thanked him for being a mentor to them. Senior Deacon Garbis Martayan spoke about Ghazarian and his service to the church. He added that the Holy Martyrs community is grateful to all the clergy, altar servers and choir members who have been instrumental in his preparation for the diaconate. Karine Kocharyan, a family friend and producer of the “Voice of Armenia” television program, recit - ed a poem in honor of Ghazarian. Hasmik Meikhanedjian, soprano, accompanied by Janet Marcarian on the piano, sang a selection of songs. Members of the Shnorhali Choir also performed, as did Samvel Nersisyan and Armine Vardanyan. A letter of congratulations was read from S ATURDAY , MA Y 26, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 15 Arts & Living

Egoyan Film to Explore Human Drama behind Newest Bohjalian Murder Case that Sent Novel Addresses Innocent Teens to Prison Armenian History VICTORIA, Canada (Victoria Times-Colonist) — No wonder Atom Egoyan breathed a sigh of relief when he learned “Devil’s Knot” got the By Daphne Abeel green light. Special to the Mirror-Spectator The Victoria-raised filmmaker has been hav - ing such a busy year that early uncertainty about the shooting schedule for his West Chris Bohjalian’s newest novel, The Memphis Three project starring Reese Sandcastle Girls, represents a departure Witherspoon and Colin Firth made him consid - from his recent books. He has barely er resorting to desperate measures. touched the subject of his Armenian her - When he realized he might be filming in New itage in most of his novels, but he has now Orleans the same time he was to stage Guo produced an historical novel, which deals, Wenjing’s Chinese opera “Feng Yi Ting” for the in large part with the lives of his grand - Spoleto Festival in Charleston, SC, he thought parents, his Boston Brahmin grandmoth - he might have to direct the singers via Skype er, portrayed in the novel as Elizabeth from the Big Easy. Endicott, and his Armenian grandfather, “Thank God that didn’t happen,” said Armen Petrosian, an Armenian soldier, Egoyan, laughing. “I don’t know what I was who joins the British army during the fate - thinking. That would have been ridiculous. It ful year of 1915. The novel has a double focus. One point was the first time I was double-booked,” “Ordination of the diaconate of Kalfayan nun Mother Mariam, November 2, 1955, recalled Egoyan, whose opera will move to New (From Prof. Roberta Ervine’s article with photos) of view is in the first person, that of Laura York’s Lincoln Center for its summer arts festi - Petrosian, a New York writer, who, with val after its North American première May 20. the death of her Armenian grandfather, The Oscar-nominated director was also recently has begun to look into her family’s past. showcased in his production of British play - The other vantage point is the story she wright Martin Crimp’s “Cruel and Tender” for discovers of Elizabeth and Armen, who Shepherds of the met in Aleppo, during the time of the the Canadian Stage Company. Thanks to delays in securing financing for deportations and death marches forced “Devil’s Knot,” which now begins shooting upon the Armenians by the Ottoman June 25 in Atlanta, Egoyan was able to direct Turks. his Chinese opera stars live in Charleston. Nation Elizabeth has come to Aleppo with her “I found it to be such a creative playground and I really wanted to be there,” said Egoyan, CHICAGO — I remember the first time I entered the Armenian All Saints now in pre-production on his film, based on Apostolic Church in Chicago. My parents, brother and I had recently immigrated to Mara Leveritt’s 2002 bestseller about the mur - the United States of America. As Displaced Persons (DPs) from Europe, we came der of three 8-year-old boys in Arkansas in 1993. on a battleship used for transporting It is being financed by Worldview immigrants. Church members intro - Entertainment, and shopped to foreign buyers By Knarik O. Meneshian duced us to the community and at Cannes by the Weinstein Co. other DPs. I was a kindergartener Two of the three teenagers released from and, therefore, “old enough to sit prison 18 years after being wrongly convicted — through church service,” my parents had said to me before we entered the church. Jessie Misskelley Jr. and Jason Baldwin — are I sat between my mother, who was cradling my brother in her arms, and my father. executive producers on the film, which explores There were rows and rows of pews and so many people sitting in them — ladies, the human drama behind the case, fraught with with scarves on their heads, some with hats, dressed in their Sunday best, men in legal complications. suites and children all dressed up. Some ladies, like my mother, were also cradling “It’s a really powerful piece of American mythol - babies in their arms. ogy,” said Egoyan, who helped rework the screen I gazed with wonder at the large, stained-glass windows that were on the right adaptation by Paul Boardman and Scott and left sides of the church. With the sun shimmering through them at different Derrickson (“The Exorcism of Emily Rose”). times, the windows were magical to me. I stared at the flickering candles slowly “It’s so interesting that two documentaries melting in the sand-candle-stands. I looked intently at the (Raphael) painting of the have come out [Joe Berlinger’s and Bruce Madonna and Child above the altar. It was large and hauntingly beautiful. I glanced Sinofsky’s ‘Paradise Lost’ film] and so great I at the paintings hanging on the walls just past the side altars, and asked my father get to do my dramatic take. It’s about a com - who the men depicted in them were. He pointed to the painting on the left wall and munity that loses three of its young sons and whispered, “He is Saint Sahag Bartev.” Pointing then to the one on the right wall, father, Silas Endicott, a wealthy Boston sacrifices its other children in the name of jus - he whispered, “And he is Saint Mesrop Mashdots.” Although the priest spoke in philanthropist, who is intent on bringing tice. It could happen in any community, so I’m Armenian, I didn’t always understand what he was saying, what the other men at aid, under the auspices of Friends of trying to make it seem as tangible and real as the altar assisting him were chanting or what the choir was singing. I only knew Armenia, to the refugees, who have possible.” that I liked the sights and sounds and scent inside this lovely place that made me arrived in the Syrian city, starving and “Devil’s Knot” will be a reunion of sorts, since feel so good. Although we lived far from the church, I liked coming whenever my dying. She is a graduate of Mount Holyoke Egoyan will reconnect with British actor Colin parents were able to attend. Sometimes we walked, which took such a long time College with a bit of training as a nurse Firth, his “Where the Truth Lies” star. Firth that I would get tired, so my father would carry me the rest of the way. Other times, and is intent on helping the people she plays Ron Lax, the private investigator who particularly in inclement weather, we took the bus, and then it was just a short walk finds in the most desperate straits. works pro bono for the defendants. He also to the church. Almost immediately upon arrival in reunites with longtime cinematographer Paul Eventually, when I was old enough and could walk or take the bus to church on Aleppo, Elizabeth is faced with the sight Sarossy, who the day after they wrap flies to my own, I would attend service by myself. Then one day, I joined the choir. I mar - of a crowd of naked, skeletal women in the Hungary to continue as director of photogra - veled at the sequined cape and slippers, the lace veil and the robe, the first time I city’s main square. One who catches her phy on Neil Jordan’s TV series, “The Borgias.” put them on. With hymnbook in hand, I was now a member of the choir and particular attention is Nevart, a woman in Witherspoon, who plays Pam Hobbs, the dev - remained so for a few years. Over the years, our church and community experienced her 30s who has taken under her wing astated mother of one of the victims who a number of changes, such as the church’s move from Chicago to Glenview, Ill., new Hatoun, an 8-year-old orphaned girl. begins to believe the teenagers were wrongly clergymen and more use of English to accommodate parishioners who did not Eventually, Elizabeth is able to arrange for convicted, is also reuniting with Firth a decade speak Armenian. Women were no longer required to cover their heads in church, lodging for the two at the American con - after they did “The Importance of Being except when they took communion. There were the periodic arrivals of new immi - sul’s house. Earnest.” grants and newcomers to the city and some who left. However, there were things Bohjalian, who conducted a great deal “She’s very interested in this role as a south - that remained the same, such as the church rituals and hymns, the paintings of the of research on the period, is able to sketch ern person,” said Egoyan, noting the New Madonna and Child and the two saints, the sand candle stands and stained-glass in the background the other characters Orleans-born actress spent a lot of time with windows. who make up his story with convincing her character’s family. “She has a very clear Until I was older, and had a family of my own, I did not give much thought to the detail. There are the German soldiers, one idea of who this person is.” importance of the clergyman’s role in the community other than he performed of whom is clearly modeled on the Because of delays, Egoyan has pushed film - church service and other church-related duties. At times, I wondered what it was German photographer, Armin Wegner, ing of his next project to 2013. that prompted these men to become clerics, because I had come to see that the path who try to document the sufferings of the Titled “Queen of the Night,” it is a psycho - they chose was not an easy one, whether serving in a city, a town or a village. When Armenians, although their camera is ulti - logical thriller about two detectives and a cou - I asked a few of them how it was that they chose to become clerics, one said that mately confiscated by the Turks. Most ple whose child has gone missing. he felt the calling to serve God when he was an altar boy; another said it came to important is the Armenian solider, Armen “It’s about the relationships between these see MENESHIAN, page 16 Petrosian, who has managed to arrive in four characters as the missing child re-emerges see BOHJALIAN, page 16 in a mysterious way.” 16 S ATURDAY , M AY 26, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARTS & LIVING

has been translated into “thirty-six lan - guages;” Mekhitar Kosh (1130-1213) was a celibate priest and “compiler of the first Shepherds of the Nation Armenian Corpus Juris or the Code of Civil and Canon Laws;” Mugrditch Khrimian, (1820- 1907), Catholicos, known endearingly as MENESHIAN, from page 15 who worked tirelessly, along with the Armenian beginning…), I began reflecting upon the mean - Khrimian Hayrig (Father), was a revered reli - him in a recurrent dream he had had when he Catholic nuns (the Armenian Sisters of the ing of the ancient hymn — The Hymn of gious leader of the Armenian Revolutionary was little and another, who was of a higher Immaculate Conception Order) in the villages in Vesting . Suddenly, I was distracted by a dull Movement, teacher, publisher and author; ranking, pensively explained that it came about Javakhk, Georgia. These humble and dedicated thump that came from the direction of the Karekin Servantzdiantz (1840-1892), a student because of the poverty into which he was born. clerics, and nuns, all had two qualities in com - stained-glass windows so iridescent and lumi - of Khrimian Hayrig, became a bishop, and was A celibate priest who had been working under mon — inspiration and guidance. nous in the light of the morning sun. As prayers a writer, preacher, patriot and collector and extremely difficult and harsh conditions in a The reflective and poignant homilies that and incense, chants and hymns, filled the compiler of Armenian allegories, anecdotes, remote and primitive Armenian village had were given in the Chicago Armenian communi - church, I recalled my first visit to Armenia. It fables and folk-tales, thus rescuing them from explained to me in his home there — a dank, ty over the years by the Prelacy’s Archbishop was during the days when God was banned oblivion; Maghakia Ormanian (1841-1918) was dim, spartan hut, “My brother, whom I loved Karekin Sarkissian, later Karekin II, Catholicos from that part of the world. One of my relatives a clergyman, patriarch of Constantinople, deeply, became gravely ill one day. We were chil - of the Great House of Cilicia, then Karekin I (of there had cautiously explained to me, after my scholar, teacher, writer, lecturer, and Komitas dren at the time and he was my best friend and blessed memory) Catholicos of All Armenians, visit to Holy Echmiadzin, that despite the dire Vartabed (1869-1935) was a renowned clergy - playmate. As I fearfully watched my brother Aram I, Catholicos of The Great House of consequences for non-compliance, there were man, teacher, vocalist, musician, composer and growing weaker and weaker by the hour, Cilicia, the Diocese’s Archbishop Khajag those devout souls who, in the refuge of their musicologist. despite the efforts of the doctor, and as I minds, still prayed and sang the Then, opening one of my folders to look watched my grief-stricken parents and the sharagans (hymns). One of those through some notes I had taken on the topic of whole family wailing and moaning at his bed - devout souls, who had expressed the Armenian Church, I came across a fragile, side day and night, I became terribly frightened. his religious feelings through some yellowed copy of an article I had saved titled Wanting to do something, but not knowing of his art, had been Vazgen “Women in the Armenian Church,” by Yedvard what, I began praying. I prayed with all my Surenyantz. Gulbekian, and published in the Armenian heart to God, beseeching Him to restore my My thoughts now turned to the paper Hye Sharzhoom in April, 1982. beloved brother to health. After many, many elderly woman who was sitting in Wanting to know more about this intriguing days of praying, God at last heard my prayers. the pew a couple of rows in front of topic, I contacted St. Nersess Armenian And so, in profound thankfulness, I offered my me. After painstakingly adjusting Seminary in New Rochelle, NY. Fr. Stepanos life to serving Him.” The priest had smiled as he her headscarf, she struggled to her Doudoukjian (now at St. Peter Armenian had joyfully uttered the last sentence. feet and laboriously walked down Church in Watervliet, NY), answered my ques - During my early, formative years, and even the aisle to receive communion. She tions and provided me with a copy of Fr. Abel in subsequent years, some of the clergymen reminded me of one of the Oghlukian’s book, titled The Deaconess In The who served our church, and some who served Genocide survivors I had inter - Armenian Church – A Brief Survey . Seminary the other Armenian churches in the Chicago viewed years earlier. Then, as the faculty member Prof. Roberta R. Ervine sent area, left deep and indelible impressions on choir sang the Aghotk Deroonagan me a copy of her article published in the St. me. As a result, they led me to understand (Lord’s Prayer), I wondered, as I Nersess Theological Review , titled “The better the importance of the Armenian cler - looked about me at the congrega - Armenian Church’s Women Deacons.” gyman’s role. In our church, one such priest tion, many of whom were descen - In his book, Oghlukian writes: “The develop - was the late Rev. Sahag Vertanessian, who dents of Genocide survivors, how ment of the office of deaconess in the Armenian had a reflective and congenial manner. such a downtrodden, Christian peo - Church can be divided into four historical peri - Another priest was the late Rev. Smpad Der ple, who had suffered great ods: 1) Greater Armenia in the fourth to eighth Mekhsian, who possessed a welcoming and tragedies through the centuries — centuries. There are uncertain references in the sunny disposition, gave exceptionally moving invasion, domination, persecution, canons to women who have a claim to be pre - sermons and had a smile and warm hand - slavery, mass murder and destruc - sent at baptisms. 2) Eastern and Cilician shake for everyone. His home-blessing visits tion — continued, and continues Armenia in the ninth to 11th centuries. There were always beautiful and extra-special occa - still, to maintain not only their iden - the term deaconess is employed in ritual texts sions for our family. tity, but their religion as well. What (mastoc) of ordination. 3) From the 12th centu - At the Armenian Evangelical Church, the is it that gave them, and still gives ry there are literary references and rites for the retired Rev. Barkev Darakjian was inspirational them, the fortitude to uphold the ordination of deaconesses in liturgical texts, with his gracious and amiable manner towards heritage of their forefathers? first in Cilicia and then in Eastern Armenia. 4) Stole of Deaconess Anna Mnacakanian, Astrakhan. (From The renewal of the female diaconate in the 17th both his parishioners and non-parishioners Prof. Roberta R. Ervine’s article with photos) As the days and weeks passed, I alike, and his promotion of Armenian cultural continued to consider the question I century.” and educational events. had that day in church. Then one In her article, Ervine includes the names of At the Saint James Armenian Church in evening, while sitting at my desk 23 deaconesses of the Armenian Apostolic Evanston, the late Very Rev. Varoujan Barsamian and the late Rev. Movses Janbazian, and looking through a collection of books, Church and details the religious communities Kabarajian left a deep impression on me with director of the Armenian Missionary booklets pamphlets and articles, I realized and various locations the deaconesses have his kind and encouraging manner, particularly Association of America (AMAA) filled me with that the answer lay in our historical figures served the Armenian Church from the 17th toward the youth — even those who were not an even greater reverence for my Armenian her - and their contributions, which through the century, and, in some places, where they con - members of his congregation. I was a high itage. All of these spiritual leaders spoke and ages have, knowingly and unknowingly, tinue to serve the church in the 21st century. school student at the time when I had men - interacted with the people in a humble, warm impacted us as a people and nation. Some of The names of the religious communities or tioned to the Hayr Soorp one day during a and attentive manner. these historical figures were: Krikor Bartev localities are: St. Catherine’s Nunnery, New casual conversation at a community affair that, Years have come and gone, and with them Bahlavuni, known as Saint Gregory the Julfa, Iran (founded 1623 and closed in 1954); although I knew how to read and write in many changes, but always one thing has Illuminator (circa 239-326), was instrumental St. Stephen/Saint Stepanos of the Holy Virgins Armenian, I wanted to improve my skills. He remained constant — the unassuming splendor in converting pagan Armenia to Christianity Church, Tiflis, Georgia; the Kalfayan nodded and then said with a smile, “You are of the Armenian Church. As I entered our and the first Catholicos of the Armenian Sisterhood, Istanbul, Turkey, founded in 1866, welcome to attend my Armenian language church in Glenview one Sunday, I took a seat Apostolic Church; Saint Sahag Bartev (348- “the ‘last’ currently in service, Sister Hripsime class.” behind a young immigrant family. The father 439) was Catholicos during Armenia’s Golden Sasunian, was ordained by Patriarch Snorhk The late Mkhitarist Fathers Luke (Arakelian), was motioning to his little boy and girl to sit Age of Literature (fifth century) and encour - Galustean in 1982”); Byblos, Lebanon; the George and Gregory happily and enthusiastical - quietly, while the mother was cradling their aged the creation of the Armenian alphabet by Cathedral of Holy Theotokos, Astrakhan, ly performed their duties at the summer camp infant in her arms — what a familiar, heart - Mesrop Mashdots; Saint Mesrop Mashdots Russia; the village of Seoleoz, Diocese of Bursa, for boys and girls they ran years ago in warming scene it was! As the choir sang (361-440) was the inventor of the Armenian Turkey; the Armenian community in Jazlowiec, Falmouth, Mass. One other person was the Khorhoort khorin, anhas anusgispan… (O pro - alphabet in AD 404 and opened the first Poland/Ukraine, and the Armenian community Armenian Catholic priest, Very Rev. Yeghia, found mystery, incomprehensible and without Armenian school; Ghevont Yerets (fifth centu - in Argentina. ry) was the valiant priest, who not only “For some of the women deacons,” Ervine preached the Gospel and translated holy writ - writes, “we have descriptions of the activities in ings, but fought and was martyred in the which they were engaged; for some, there are Bohjalian’s Newest Novel Addresses Armenian History Battle of Avarair — a struggle for religious free - data concerning their ordination; for others, the dom; Yeghisheh (fifth century) was a historian fact of their presence in a given moment or sit - BOHJALIAN, from page 15 as the Armenian Library and Museum of and celibate priest who authored the History uation is merely mentioned as something taken Aleppo, although he believes that both his wife, America (ALMA) to track down documents and of Vartanank , a book on the Battle of Avarair; for granted and requiring no elaboration… Karine, and their baby daughter have been photographs that will affirm their history. Movses Khorenatsi was a bishop and historian, Armenian women in the deaconate have offered killed or have died during the forced march Much of the strength of the novel comes author of The Genealogical Account of Great centuries of service both illustrious and humble from Van, their home. And then there is the from Bohjalian’s ability to sketch the historical Armenia , also known as The History of — and certainly various.” Turkish doctor at the local hospital, who background, to portray the reluctance of Armenia ; Ananiah Shirakatsi (seventh centu - Both the Armenian Deaconesses and the befriends Elizabeth and treats his Armenian Laura’s grandparents to ever discuss their dra - ry), referred to as Vartabet (celibate clergy - Armenian Catholic Sisters promoted education, patients, without regard for official rules. matic and tragic past and her determination to man) by Archbishop M. Ormanian, was an ran schools and orphanages and tended to the Elizabeth and Armen meet and although her discover the truth. astronomer, mathematician, scientific needs of the poor. The Armenian Sisters of the father is mildly disapproving of the relationship, This could be the story of so many Armenian researcher and author (among his works are Immaculate Conception continue to serve the romance ultimately blossoms, despite the fact families that the novel is bound to attract a the Book on Arithmetic and Astronomy and Armenian people. that Armen decides to join the British army and readership amongst the Armenian community Calendar ); Saint Grigor Naregatsi (950-1010) As I put away the books and material I had goes off to fight in the trenches where many are that many of his other novels might not claim. was a clergyman and author and among his been reading and looking through, I began shot and killed. While their love affair takes The story depends less on the intricate plotting greatest of works is The Book of thinking about the words Bishop Karekin flight, Armen is tragically unaware that his wife, and thematic thrust that are familiar hallmarks Lamentations , also known as The Book of Servantzdiantz had written: “Patriotism is a Karine, has also survived, and it is only through of Bohjalian’s previous books. The Sandcastle Prayers of Narek ; Saint Nerses Glayetsi, measureless and sublime virtue, and the real her self-sacrifice that the pair are able to Girls is a novel that presents the tragedies and known as Nerses Shnorhali (1100-1173), was a root of genuine goodness… It is a kind of virtue reunite. successes of believable human beings and may clergyman, composer, author of “ sharagans that prepares a man to become the most eager Laura, in her efforts to recover her grandpar - prove to be one of this prolific author’s most (hymns), canticles and lyrics…” His prayer, defender of the land, water, and traditions of his ents’ past, even visits familiar institutions such popular titles. Havadov Khosdovanim (I Confess with Faith) fatherland.” S ATURDAY , M AY 26, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 17 ARTS & LIVING Prof. Russell’s Lecture on May 31 at ALMA Will Commemorate Armenian Printed Book

WATERTOWN, Mass. — Dr. James Russell, been re-mounted on ALMA’s third floor gallery Civilizations at Harvard and the Mashtots Professor of Armenian Studies at and opened there on Sunday, May 20. above organizations, with the sup - Harvard University, will lecture on poet “The Armenians and the Book” contains port also of the Armenian Studies Yeghishe Charents’ publication, Book of the items drawn from various Harvard libraries, the programs of Boston University and Way , on May 31 at 7:30 p.m. at the Armenian National Association for Armenian Studies and Tufts University. Library and Museum of America (ALMA). Research (NAASR), ALMA, the Armenian The title of Russell’s lecture, The lecture is part of the community’s cele - Cultural Foundation (ACF) and local private “Charents’ Book of the Way : Text bration of the 500th anniversary of the collections. It features Armenian prayer scrolls and Icon of a Soviet Armenian Armenian book publication and is offered in and magical manuscripts, the first Armenian Apocalypse,” reflects the signifi - conjunction with the exhibit, “The Armenians printed Bible, illustrated editions of Classical cance of this book published in and the Book,” sponsored by the Mashtots texts and rare literary works, as well as conver - 1933, shortly before the brilliant Chair in Armenian Studies and displayed at sation manuals, cook books and printed and popular Armenian poet was Harvard University’s Lamont Library during ephemera reflecting the Armenian immigrant arrested by the Soviet police. the first three weeks in April. The exhibit has experience in New England. It is sponsored by Charents died in prison in 1937, the Mashtots Chair in Armenian Studies in the one of the victims of Josef Stalin’s Department of Near Eastern Languages and Great Purge. “The Book of the Way (Girk’ chana - parhi) was the last book of Yeghishe Charents, his greatest, and a book that was burnt and became dan - gerous to own,” Russell explained. “It is also the most extraor - dinary work of graphic art in modern Armenian: Hakob Kojoyan and the poet collaborated closely on Mashtots Prof. James Russell in St. Petersburg, Russia the design, which encodes an extraordi - nary message of transformation Armenian and Iranian Studies, The Book of and apocalypse that is in plain Flowers, An Armenian Epic: The Heroes of sight, but has perhaps not been Kasht, Zoroastrianism in Armenia and deciphered hitherto.” Hovhannes Tlkurantsi and the Medieval The Charents lecture is spon - Armenian Lyric Tradition . sored jointly by ALMA, NAASR The May 31 lecture is open to the public free and the ACF. of charge and will be followed by a reception. In Russell has written widely on addition to the exhibit, attendees will be able Armenian literature, ancient, view ALMA’s own exhibit, “Bound for Glory: medieval and modern. He has been 500 Years of Armenian Printing from ALMA’s the Mashtots Professor of Collection,” on ALMA’s second-floor gallery. Title page of poet Yeghishe Charents’ The Book of the Way, Armenian Studies at Harvard since Further information is available by contact - which is the subject of a presentation by Harvard Prof. James 1992. His books include ing ALMA, NAASR or ACF. Russell at ALMA on May 31. Bosphorus Nights: The Complete The Armenian Library and Museum of Lyric Poems of Bedros Tourian, America is located at 65 Main St. CC AA LLEENNDDAARR

MASSACHUSETTS

JUNE 1-2 — Armenian Memorial Church Annual Fair (rain or shine); open Friday from 5-8 p.m., serving Armenian kebab meals; entire Fair open Saturday 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Armenian meals served all day, Saturday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; take out available; also Armenian vegetar - ian meals; Armenian delicacies table featuring paklava and more; silent auction of valuable gift certificates; sale of new gift and house - hold merchandise; Armenian Memorial Church, 32 Bigelow Ave., Watertown (off Coolidge Square) take Watertown bus from Harvard Square; admission free, wheelchair accessible; for more info, (617) 484-3176.

NEW JERSEY

OCTOBER 28 — Save the date. The Armenian American Support and Educational Center, Hye Doon, celebrates its 35th anniver- sary. Felician College, Lodi. With the participation of Akh’tamar Dance Ensemble and other talented guest performances. Details to follow.

NEW YORK The Armenian Memorial Church Annual Fair SEPTEMBER 29 — Save the date. Armenia Fund 20th Anniversary will take place, rain or shine, June 1 and 2, Gala, 7 p.m. at Gotham Hall in New York City. Friday from 5 to 8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., with Armenian meals served all day, RHODE ISLAND Saturday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. The event featuring, JUNE 2 — The Cultural Committee of the Sts. Sahag and Mesrob games, raffles and more, will be at the church, Armenian Church presents the 18th Annual Children’s Talent 32 Bigelow Ave., Watertown, Mass. For more Entertainment Fridays Show “Reflections of Armenian Youth” on Saturday. Egavian info, call (617) 484-3176. and Saturdays Cultural Center, 70 Jefferson St., Providence. Donation: $5 at the door. Children under 16 no charge. 18 S ATURDAY , MA Y 26, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMENTARY

T HE A RMENIAN COMMENTARY Mirror- Eight Decades on the Mission

were the pursuit of Genocide recognition and maintaining the By Edmond Y. Azadian coherence of the community in the new world. Spectator Individuals may come up with lively publications, which will fiz - zle out with their demise, but publications undertaken by an orga - As readers and friends of the Mirror-Spectator gather this week nization have a longer lifespan and may continue serving the pos - to celebrate the 80th anniversary of this publication, it is appro - terity. priate to pause for a moment and, with a retrospective flashback, However, there is a stigma attached to the publications spon - Established 1932 review the achievements of a journey extending over 80 years. sored by political parties. And sometimes the criticism may be jus - We can perfectly understand the dilemma of the founding fathers tified as the publication becomes self-serving. Yet, throughout suc - An ADL Publication of the paper — Prof. Elisha Chrakian, Bedros Norehad and others — cessive administrations and editors of ADL publications, and par - who had a solid command of the Armenian language, along with a ticularly the Mirror-Spectator , have tried hard to serve as an open mastery of English, to launch a weekly in English, reading the tides forum for many views and ideas, sometimes even in conflicting EDITOR of the future and bracing the youth for that future. patterns. Alin K. Gregorian It was a watershed departure from the past tradition, since the On the other hand, that stigma has not been reserved for pub - Armenian language media existed for more than 50 years in this lications sponsored by our religious, charitable and social organi - ASSOCIATE EDITOR country and the community conducted its business in Armenian. zations, which serve very narrow interests. Aram Arkun The youth were peeling away from the Armenian language and At one time, the Mirror was considered as an East Coast publi - ART DIRECTOR traditions. Therefore, the intellectual elite was at a crossroads; cation, and to be more specific, a New England publication, Marc Mgrditchian they had to give up the language to retain the spirit. It was not a although almost half of its subscription base was in New

PRODUCTION rupture with the past, it was rather a step to preserve and project York/New Jersey area. Thanks to new developments in informa - Dilani Yogaratnam that past into the future; in fact, it was a process to have that spir - tion technologies the scope of the readership has broadened and it survive in a new context. today we can proudly say that this publication has a global appeal. The initiative sounded like a dramatic departure from the past Its news coverage and analyses reach instantaneously to its SENIOR EDITORIAL COLUMNIST: but the impact was not as painful yet because next to the publi - readers around the world. Edmond Azadian cation of the Mirror in English its twin brother, the Baikar daily, Fortunately, readers react and the editors find out the diversity was well and alive and it survived many more years after the emer - and the geographic profile of its global readership. CONTRIBUTORS: gence of the Mirror in 1932. Professional excellence has been the hallmark of this publica - Florence Avakian, Elizabeth Aprahamian, In a way, the Mirror was a trendsetter in the Armenian media; tion and to continue to maintain that professional level needs the Daphne Abeel, Dr. Haroutiune later other publications followed through. Arzoumanian, Taleen Babayan, Prof. continued support of its readers, friends and benefactors. Vahakn N. Dadrian, Diana Der Had the leaders of the parent organization, the Baikar Thus far, the support has been very rewarding. The 80th Hovanessian, Philip Ketchian, Kevork Association, hesitated, or had refused to move forward, with a mis - anniversary celebration is an opportunity to sensitize our friends Keushkerian, Sonia Kailian-Placido , construed sense of patriotism and traditionalism, a generation or and readers about the challenges laying ahead and hopefully with Harut Sassounian, Mary Terzian, Hagop two would have been lost. They would be denied of the resources their continued support carry the vision and mission many more Vartivarian, Naomi Zeytoonian constituting the philosophy or the mission of the ADL, which decades into the future.

CORRESPONDENTS: Armenia - Hagop Avedikian Boston - Nancy Kalajian Philadelphia - Lisa Manookian Contributing Photographers: Armenia: A Blurry Line in Yerevan Between Jacob Demirdjian, Harry Koundakjian, Jirair Hovsepian Hate Crime and Defense of ‘National Interests’

The Armenian Mirror-Spectator is published weekly, except two weeks in July, by: that Tsomak and her ilk are destructive for subjected to minor attacks such as breaking By Gayane Abrahamyan our society,” he added. bottles, throwing eggs at the doors,” Baikar Association, Inc. A majority of Armenians most likely agree. A Margarian said. 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 2011 survey by the Public Information and For the past several years, one nationalist Telephone: 617-924-4420 Reactions to a recent arson attack on a gay- Need for Knowledge (PINK) organization, a organization, Meg Azg (One Nation), has post - FAX: 617-924-2887 friendly bar in Yerevan are raising concerns human rights group working primarily on ed posters on apartment buildings and bus www.mir rorspectator.com among civil liberties advocates that Armenia’s LGBT and other minority issues, in Yerevan, stops in Yerevan urging Armenians to “fight E-Mail: editor@mirrorspectator .com political establishment is indirectly encourag - along with the regional towns of Gyumri and against homosexuals,” warning that “homo - For advertising: [email protected] ing intolerance and violence toward lesbians, Vanadzor, found that 72 percent of the 1,189 sexuals are leading our country to destruc - gays, bisexuals and transsexuals. respondents believe that the state should take tion.” In 2011, PINK petitioned the Ministry of The DIY (Do It Yourself) Rock Pub, a hang - measures to “fight against homosexuals.” Justice to remove the posters; ministry repre - out owned by musician Tsomak (a play on the Many Facebook users in Armenia have sentatives responded that the posters are an SUBSCRIPTION RATES : Armenian word for “mosquito”), went up in turned the three alleged arsonists into heroes, expression of freedom of speech, Margarian U.S.A. flames in the early morning of May 8, when calling the trio’s actions “the only true way of said. “This means that such fascist, fanatical 2nd Class $75 a year three young men smashed a bar window and fighting against homosexuals.” Some users of and nationalistic extremist propaganda is 1st Class $120 a year tossed a Molotov cocktail inside. Two of the Canada the social network have also posted photos of acceptable on an institutional level,” she Air Mail $125 a year three, brothers identified only by their first Armine Oganezova — the real name of alleged. The ministry has responded that it can names (Arameh, 20, and Hambik, 19), were Tsomak. take no action against the posters since, it All Other Countries detained on charges of premeditated arson. Perhaps the show of popular support on claims, they do not violate the law. Air Mail $190 a year Display advertising r at e: $7 per column inch The third suspect has not yet been appre - Facebook explains why senior members of the PINK and the Women’s Resource Center co- hended. governing Republican Party of Armenia have sponsored what was billed as a Diversity The pair in custody, reportedly the grand - sided with the alleged arsonists. MP Eduard March on May 21 in Yerevan. The marchers sons of an Iranian diaspora member of the Sharmazanov, the party’s longtime spokesper - were met by roughly 100 counter-demonstra - nationalist Armenian Revolutionary son, called the attack “completely right and tors, some carrying placards with slogans like © 2011 The Armenian Mirror-Spectator Federation-Dashnaktsutiun party, was justified,” and claimed that those who support “Send Gays to Baku” and “Armenia without Periodical Class Postage Paid at Boston, MA released after ARF parliamentarians Artsvik the rights of LGBT Armenians “are perverting Gays.” At one point, counter-demonstrators and additional mailing offices. Minasian and Hrayr Karapetian came up with our society, are defaming the Armenian attempted to disrupt the march and scuffling 1 million drams ($2,530) for bail. national identity.” He dismissed human rights broke out. Some marchers suffered minor ISSN 0004-234X The accused face a fine of 50,000-100,000 activists as “trying to earn cheap dividends” injuries before police intervened. POSTMASTER : Send address changes to The drams ($125 - $253) in addition to compensa - from the attack, the gay-rights blog Unzipped Oganezova, the DIY club owner, claims that Armenian Mirror-Spectator, P.O. Box 302, tion for the damage, or a prison term ranging reported. since the May 8 attack various groups of Watertown, MA 02471-0302 from two months to two years. A trial date has Lara Aharonian, the director of Yerevan’s youngsters have warned her that such a bar Other than the editorial, views and opinions not been set. Women’s Resource Center, which addresses will never reopen in Yerevan. Since the bar’s expressed in this newspaper do not necessarily Rights activists say the maximum potential women’s rights issues, warns that such decla - opening a year ago, the suspects themselves, eflect the policies of the publisher. punishment is too mild for what they see as a rations might have a destructive backlash. whom she believes to be members of a small hate crime against a sexual minority, an act “The indifference and silence of society and underground nationalist group (seen on not covered under Armenia’s criminal code. state bodies [toward displays of hatred against Facebook wearing t-shirts bearing the name Amnesty International condemned the gov - LGBT Armenians] is giving a green light to “The Black Ravens of Armenia” and “The ernment’s response to the attack as “utterly such groups and it’s extremely dangerous,” Dark Forces of Armenia”), frequently pestered Copying for other than personal use or shocking” and a violation of Armenia’s com - Aharonian charged. “They think they can do her, she recounted. internal reference is prohibited without mitments “under international law.” whatever they want and get away with it After Oganezova’s band, the all-female punk express permission of the copyright owner. Address requests for reprints or In remarks to reporters, Minasian asserted unpunished.” rock group Pincet, staged a concert in Istanbul back issues to: that the young men “acted in accordance with PINK project coordinator Marine Margarian and took part in a gay pride parade there, Baikar Association, Inc. our society’s values and national ideology, and noted that the attack on DIY was not the first “they [the young nationalists] took it as high in an appropriate manner.” “It was wrong to in Yerevan. “Other clubs and pubs that are treason against our country and decided to 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 cause material damage, of course, and it will open to people of other nationalities and rep - punish me for it,” she claimed. be compensated, but I have repeatedly said resentatives of different cultures have been see HATE CRIME, page 20 S ATURDAY , MA Y 26, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 19 COMMENTARY Azerbaijani Government Awarded Gold-Field Rights to President’s Family

Novruz Allahverdiyev, 40, lives in a mud gist, Mirko Vanecek, the executive editor of house in the village of Chovdar, a small min - By Nushabe Fatullayeva, Khadija Ismayilova The Journal of Geosciences in Prague. ing town in the mountainous region near Meanwhile, back in Chovdar, locals are the border with Armenia. He is one of looking forward to a rumored visit by 800,000 internally-displaced persons from President Aliyev to mark the opening of an the war with Armenia that battered his by Japan’s Mitsui Mining and Smelting the companies had any history of mining ore refinery the consortium has built. native Nagorno-Karabagh region in the early Company — is listed as the official project and that the deal was contrary to “We have heard that president will come 1990s. supervisor, but has no ownership. Azerbaijan’s national interests. to the opening ceremony of this factory,” vil - Allahverdiyev and members of 60 other Of the four AIMROC owners, the only UK- During the hearings, deputy Valeh lager Paneh Huseynov says. “Please tell our displaced families found shelter and a place based company is Globex International, Aleskerov, chairman of the parliamentary president to come and visit us. Tell him we to farm in the mountains around Chovdar. which has an 11 percent stake, worth about Natural Resources Committee, defended the support his policies. We will not be allowed Like many in his predicament, Allahverdiyev $200 million. But Globex is actually owned deal. He said the creation of offshore com - to approach him. Please, we ask him to come is patriotic, and the walls of his poor home by three companies registered in Panama: panies was “a common practice around the and ask about our living conditions. Then are plastered with pages from an aging cal - Hising Management SA, Lynden world” and that no tender was issued he’ll see how we live and how we suffer.” endar featuring portraits of President Ilham Management Group, Inc. and Arblos because of the uncertainty about how much Villagers had no idea that the president’s Aliyev and his late father, former President Management Corporation. According to mineral wealth there was. Instead, he said, family owns part of the mine operator. “How Heydar Aliyev. Panamanian registration records, all three the government held talks directly with can the president be benefiting from this Allahverdiyev’s family now faces yet anoth - firms list President Aliyev’s two daughters — potential investors. production? ... All of the companies here are er problem. A British mining company has Leyla and Arzu Aliyeva — and Swiss busi - The Environment Ministry’s chief geolo - foreign. Englishmen are running the busi - taken over some of his land and has blocked nessman Olivier Mestelan as senior man - gist, Agamahmud Samedov, told RFE/RL ness here,” says one local who refuses to one of the two streams his village relies on agers. that the estimates of the other five fields are give his name. for water. Allahverdiyev is sure President Mestelan has long had close ties to the classified. He also declined to comment on Teacher Nureddin Ramazanov lost some Aliyev will help him and his community. Aliyev family. He has organized artistic AIMROC’s ownership or its lack of mining land to AIMROC. With a salary of just $130 But his faith may be misplaced. What events with them and, together with Leyla experience. per month, Ramazanov says his family is Allahverdiyev doesn’t know is that the presi - and Arzu, appears in the records of other When asked last month about AIMROC’s starving. dent and his family own a stake in the new Panamanian companies being used as fronts ownership, Aleskerov said, “Do you think “The company destroyed our road,” he mine. The UK company is actually a front for for businesses in Azerbaijan, including the the Azerbaijani government would contract says. “Geologists took our land. They paid us the first family. Azerfon cellular-services provider. Mestelan with someone unknown, with just anyone only 2,000 manats [$2,500] per hectare.… In two 2007 decrees, the state assigned declined to be interviewed for this story. from the street?” When asked if the Aliyev Now I don’t know how we’ll survive.” the right to develop the Chovdar gold field Aliyev’s office refused to answer questions family has any financial interest in the pro - Meanwhile, Karabagh exile Allahverdiyev and five other sites to a company called about his family’s business interests in the ject, Aleskerov said only “Shame on you!” says he is hoping to get a job at the mine. Azerbaijan International Mineral Resources gold fields. Presidential spokesman Azer and hung up. Locals say mining jobs pay the equivalent of Operating Company, Ltd. (AIMROC). AIM - Gasimov did not return phone calls and did Parsing the rest of AIMROC’s structure is $12 a day. So far, the mining site has hired ROC — which controls a 70 percent stake in not respond to questions submitted in writ - more difficult. Londex Resources and very few locals. the mines, while the Azerbaijan government ing. Fargate Mining are registered in Panama, Despite grinding poverty and the prob - controls 30 percent — has been building the AIMROC has been controversial from its according to documents obtained from the lems with the mine, most locals remain firm infrastructure for the Chovdar mine and is beginning. The consortium was formed by a Panama Registry of Companies. in their faith in Aliyev, whose omnipresent expected to begin production this year. 2006 presidential decree that identified The documents indicate that the compa - portrait gazes out over the people of But sorting out AIMROC’s structure is a Globex as part of the consortium. In 2007, nies are interrelated through a complicated Chovdar from the walls of shops and daunting task. While Chovdar locals blame AIMROC was awarded 30-year leases on the chain of company directorships. All three are schools. the “ingilis” (English) for their woes, the mineral fields. or were at one time owned by two compa - “The president knows nothing about this,” truth is quite different. AIMROC is a joint Chovdar alone is a lucrative parcel. nies registered at the same address on the says teacher Ramazanov. “Local officials say venture of four companies: Londex According to the Azerbaijani Environment tiny Caribbean island of Nevis: Casal the president ordered that our land be taken, Resources SA, Willy and Meyris S.A., Ministry, it contains reserves of 44 tons of Management and Tagiva Management. but I don’t believe it. He is a good person.” Fargate Mining Corporation and Globex gold and 164 tons of silver, worth about $2.5 Casal and Tagiva act or acted as the direc - International LLP. All four are shell compa - billion at current prices. tor for at least 20 companies in the United (This report was produced by the nies that, according to Azerbaijani officials, The contracts were awarded to AIMROC Kingdom, the United States and Panama. It Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting were set up specifically for this deal. It is hastily and over the objections expressed by is likely that the companies are professional Project [OCCRP] in cooperation with unclear if any of them have any mining expe - many members of parliament during hear - proxies used to hide actual ownership. RFE/RL’s Azerbaijani Service. OCCRP pro - rience or other mining projects. ings held in June 2007. Lawmakers com - According to a document of the Tax ject coordinator Paul Cristian Radu con - A fifth company — Mitsui Mineral plained that the consortium’s ownership was Registry of Azerbaijan, Willy and Meyris SA tributed from Bucharest, and RFE/RL cor - Development Engineering Co Ltd (MINDE - opaque; that the contract was awarded in (listed in some documents as Will and respondent Robert Coalson contributed CO), a mining-engineering company owned violation of bidding procedures; that none of Meyris SA) is represented by a Czech geolo - from Prague.)

and effort to hold a series of private meetings with properties throughout Turkey that must be returned to Armenians in recent weeks. their rightful Armenian owners. One possible explanation is that Turkish leaders are seri - An initial test of Turkish sincerity in pursuing ‘reconcili - ously concerned about the upcoming 100th anniversary of ation’ with Armenians would be putting an immediate halt the Armenian Genocide. Ankara may have realized that to genocide denial, eliminating Article 301 of the Turkish My Turn unless it took proactive measures, it could not stem the tide Penal Code, and ending all adversarial behavior toward of anti-Turkish publicity generated in 2015 by Armenian Armenia and Artsakh. By Harut Sassounian commemorative activities worldwide. In view of the fact that the Turkish government will not The second likely reason why the Turkish government willingly and unconditionally meet Armenian demands, and may want to talk with Diaspora Armenians is its long-stand - that all outstanding issues would have to be resolved some - How Should the Diaspora React ing interest in joining the European Union. As the newly- day through direct negotiations, Diasporan organizational To New Turkish Overtures? elected French President François Hollande warned, unless leaders should prepare for such an eventuality. In this Turkey recognizes the Armenian Genocide, France will regard, it is important to review the records of the 1977 I have been informed by reliable sources that Turkey’s reject its application for EU membership. meeting in Zurich, Switzerland, between Turkish Foreign Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu is continuing his efforts The third possible explanation for the Turkish overtures Minister Sabri Caglayangil and representatives of the three to initiate a personal ‘dialog’ with the Diaspora on is that Prime Minister Recep Erdogan has a freer hand in Armenian political parties. Armenian-Turkish issues. Earlier this month, Davutoglu tackling Armenian-Turkish issues at a time when his ruling Here are some preliminary thoughts to consider before met with Armenian-Americans, as follow up to the meet - party controls the Parliament and many of his hard-line mil - any further meetings or discussions are held between ings he held in Washington last March. itary adversaries are under arrest. Turkish leaders and Diaspora representatives: During their conversation in May, the Armenian inter - Regardless of why Turkey is reaching out to the Diaspora In the absence of an elected Diasporan representative locutors frankly advised the Turkish Foreign Minister that at this time, Armenians have to make their decisions based body, major Armenian organizations, with assistance from Ankara must address Armenian demands for genocide solely on their own national interest, as to whether this is experts in diplomacy and the art of negotiation, should start recognition and restitution before any ‘reconciliation’ could an opportune moment to test Turkey’s resolve to deal with drafting a common strategy and a list of demands from be achieved. The Turkish side reportedly indicated a will - the disastrous consequences of the Armenian Genocide. Turkey. No Armenian organization or individual should be ingness to discuss these thorny issues with Diasporan rep - However, before the diaspora’s leaders react to involved in separate negotiations with Turkey, to deny resentatives. Davutoglu’s persistent efforts for “dialog,” they should ask Ankara the opportunity to create disunity in the Diaspora. Despite the seeming openness of Foreign Minister Turkish officials to clarify their true intentions by making It is imperative that Diasporan representatives coordi - Davutoglu, Armenians have well-founded reasons to mis - some positive gestures, starting with the return of the Holy nate their negotiating positions with leaders in Armenia trust such overtures, given Turkey’s decades-long denial of Cross Church on Akhtamar Island to the Armenian and Artsakh to assure a common stand vis-à-vis Turkey. the Armenian Genocide and its antagonistic policies toward Patriarchate of Turkey. This historic church is currently In normal circumstances, Turkish diplomats would have the Diaspora, Armenia and Artsakh. Armenians also sus - designated as a museum belonging to the Turkish Ministry dealt with Armenian issues in direct negotiations with their pect that Turkish officials may exploit meetings with the of Culture and Tourism. Furthermore, the Turkish govern - counterparts in Armenia. However, given Azerbaijan’s Diaspora to score propaganda points with world public ment has to do much more than renovating a couple of obstruction of the Armenia-Turkey Protocols, pending the opinion. churches for touristic purposes and returning a handful of resolution of the Karabagh (Artsakh) conflict, Turkish lead - Nonetheless, one wonders why the very busy Turkish properties to the Armenian community in Istanbul. There ers are left with no choice but to reach out to the Diaspora Foreign Minister has invested so much of his precious time are thousands of confiscated churches and community and address its legitimate demands. 20 S ATURDAY , MA Y 26, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Papken Megerian Receives Ellis Island Medal of Honor

MEDAL, from page 1 the Diocesan Assembly for the past 24 years. As his wife, Anahid, and son, Dr. Garo A 44-year member with his wife in the St. Megerian, watched, Papken Megerian’s joy was Sahag and St. Mesrob Church of palpable. “I feel so deeply honored, and am so Wynnewood, Penn., he has served as chair - proud of my fellow recipients. They all deserve man and treasurer. this honor. It has given me the inspiration to Megerian’s active leadership in many contribute even more to the Armenian nation, Armenian organizations is well known. He is the Armenian community and organizations,” the co-chair of the ADL (Ramgavar) District he said. Committee of the eastern US and Canada, Megerian’s distinguished record speaks for and serves on the Central Committee of the itself. A prominent businessman and CEO of Tekeyan Cultural Association of the US and the Advanced MRI Center, he came with his Canada. He is also a trustee of the Society of wife in 1978 to the United States from Aleppo, Orphaned Armenia Relief and a longtime Syria, where he was born to Armenian parents member of the AGBU and the Knights of who escaped the Armenian Genocide. In his Vartan. new land, he quickly rose in the financial field, Papken and Anahid Megerian have donated becoming vice president of Philadelphia’s as well as raised funds for countless cultural, Fidelity Bank, managing the international educational and religious purposes, including banking department. In 1978, he launched an Birthright Armenia and the Guiliguian independent career, which included owning and Educational Association, frequently hosting operating several businesses. He is the manag - events in their home. ing partner of a real estate investment compa - In the last 10 years, Megerian has visited ny, 3 MB Partnership L.P., as well as a share - Armenia 25 times for purposes of business, holder and treasurer of Four Meg Inc. philanthropy and culture. In recognition of Papken Megerian and several of the Armenian greeters outside the ceremony Megerian’s support, Catholicos of All Devotion to Church, Community Armenians Karekin I decorated him with the And Nation St. Nerses Shnorhali Medal with a pontifical His record of service to his people is just as Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem, the thalmia/microphtalmia network, the encyclical in 1998. This was followed in 2009 exemplary. Megerian and his wife are co- Diocesan Center in Javakhk, Georgia and Our Philadelphia Art Museum and the Armenian with Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II founders of the Papken and Anahid Megerian Lady of Armenia Boghossian Educational Mirror-Spectator. awarding him with the St. Gregory the Family Foundation, which supports causes in Center in Gumri. He is also a contributor to Currently the treasurer of the Diocesan Illuminator Medal and encyclical, the highest the US, Armenia, Artsakh, Echmiadzin, the the international children’s anoph - Council, he has been a diocesan delegate to honor of the Armenian Church. Vladimir Putin Inaugurated as Russian President

MOSCOW (AP) — Vladimir Putin took the a successful Russia, which is respected in the office: openly and honestly in the interests of seen in public in recent years, attended the oath of office in a brief but regal Kremlin cere - world as a reliable, open, honest and pre - the people, doing everything I could so that inauguration ceremony. She was seated mony earlier this month, while on the streets dictable partner.” they would be free and would look toward the between Medvedev’s wife and the widow of outside thousands of helmeted riot police pre - During his time in office, Putin has overseen future with confidence,” Medvedev said. Boris Yeltsin, who chose Putin as his successor vented hundreds of demonstrators from protest - dramatic economic growth and restored a sense Putin, as promised, began his new presiden - in 1999. ing his return to the presidency. of national pride after the instability and humil - tial term by formally nominating Medvedev as Former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev also Putin, 59, has ruled Russia since 2000, first iations that followed the 1991 collapse of the his prime minister. The parliament, where the was in the audience, along with two former as president and then during the past four years Soviet Union. He also has retreated from the Kremlin party holds a majority, was to vote on European leaders who have developed personal as prime minister. The new, now six-year term democratic achievements of the 1990s and his nomination on Tuesday. friendships with Putin: Silvio Berlusconi of will keep him in power until 2018, with the imposed a political system that has stifled dis - Putin’s wife, Lyudmila, who has rarely been Italy and Gerhard Schroeder of Germany. option of running for a fourth term. sent. “I consider serving the fatherland and our Communist Party leader Gennady Zyuganov, people to be the meaning of my whole life and who leads the largest opposition faction in par - my duty,” Putin said, addressing 3,000 guests liament, warned that the government is radical - in the Kremlin. izing the protesters by refusing to take them Sunday’s protest turned violent when some seriously. demonstrators tried to march toward the “The government must understand that the Kremlin and riot police beat back the crowds split in society is getting wider, and the anger with batons and detained more than 400 peo - over unfair elections and the lack of normal dia - ple. More than 100 of those detained Sunday logue is growing. In this situation, radicalism is were men under the age of 27, and thus eligible inevitable,” Zyuganov said. “Any attempts to for military conscription, and at least 70 of shut people’s mouths with the help of a police them were ordered to report to draft offices. baton are senseless and extremely dangerous.” After taking the oath of office with his right Putin has dismissed the Moscow protesters hand on a red-bound copy of Russia’s constitu - as ungrateful, pampered urbanites and agents tion, Putin stated his commitment to democra - of the West. cy. Dmitry Medvedev, who served as Russia’s “We want to live and we will live in a democ - president for the past four years as Putin’s ratic country where everyone has the freedom junior partner, wrapped up his term with a and opportunity to apply their talent and labor, short speech at the inauguration ceremony. their energy. We want to live and we will live in “I worked as I promised in taking the oath of

Armenia: A Blurry Line in Yerevan Between Hate Crime and Defense of ‘National Interests’

HATE CRIME, from page 18 The Armenian Revolutionary Federation’s “They would show up periodically and spit on Central Committee in the US has condemned the door, make fascist remarks, say that we have the violence, calling the attack’s “root impetus no right to live, that we are perverting the of homophobia and intolerance” to be “repre - nation,” Oganezova said in reference to the sus - hensible.” Meanwhile, leader of the opposition pects. Heritage Party, Raffi Hovannisian, who attend - Because ARF-Dashnak representatives pro - ed a May 11 concert to raise money for rebuild - vided bail money for the accused, the political ing DIY, also asserted that “such things cannot party has come under suspicion of having some be done for the national interest.” sort of political connection to the incident. ARF The mother of the two young men detained members, however, have denied any involve - in the attack has similarly condemned the vio - ment with the Black Ravens, or any other such lence. “Their regretful act brought no honor to splinter group. “Dashnaktsutiun has no under - us,” she said, giving her name only as Ani. “We ground groupings. If and when we have things are really sorry.” to say or do, we do that explicitly, without hid - (Gayane Abrahamyan is a reporter for ing behind anything,” declared Vahan ArmeniaNow.com in Yerevan. This commen - Hovhannisian, a former presidential candidate tary originally was published by and parliamentary speaker. Eurasianet.org.)