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AUGUST 3, 2019 Mirror-SpeTHE ARMENIAN ctator Volume LXXXX, NO. 3, Issue 4596 $ 2.00 NEWS The First English Language Armenian Weekly in the United States Since 1932 INBRIEF Sanders Says He Will Deputy Prime Minister, Parliament Speaker, Acknowledge Armenian Ambassador to US Address Boston Armenians Genocide LOS ANGELES (Armenpress) — US presidential ARAM ARKUN PHOTO candidate Senator Bernie Sanders said he is ready By Aram Arkun to recognize the Armenian Genocide. During a round-table discussion with ethnic Mirror-Spectator Staff media on July 26 in Los Angeles, the US presidential candidate vowed to address it as such during WATERTOWN — On July 19, Deputy Prime the annual presidential address on April 24, unlike Minister Tigran Avinyan and Speaker of the previous Presidents who have failed to uphold their Armenian Parliament Ararat Mirzoyan, promise, Massis Post reported. accompanied by Armenian Ambassador to Asked “will you stand up to the Turkish govern- the US Varuzhan Nersesyan, appeared at a ment and officially use the word genocide,” the public event held at the Armenian Cultural Senator said: “Yes, I think the debate [on the and Educational Center (ACEC) in Genocide] is now over.” Watertown. Dr. Ara Nazarian served as mas- Bernie Sanders is currently a co-sponsor of ter of ceremonies. This event was part of the the Armenian Genocide Resolution S.Res.150, visit of the high-level Armenian state officials spearheaded by Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) and to several cities in the United States (see Ted Cruz (R-TX). accompanying articles). Dr. George Bashirians, president of the ACEC, spoke words of welcome, and was Armenian Soldier From left, Amb. Varuzhan Nersesyan, Speaker Ararat Mirzoyan, Deputy Prime Minister followed by Amb. Nersesyan, who explained Tigran Avinyan (Aram Arkun Photo) Killed Near Border that Mirzoyan came from participating in Washington at the House Democracy With Azerbaijan Partnership Forum. This was the first time to participate in meetings of foreign minis- new level of strategic dialogue, and that Armenia was invited to participate in this ters organized by US Secretary of State these meetings are one indication of this. YEREVAN (RFE/RL) — An Armenian soldier was important conference, and met with Mike Pompeo on religious freedom. Mirzoyan, speaking in Armenian, killed near the border with Azerbaijan on July 28, Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Majority Leader Meanwhile Avinyan participated in a UN exclaimed that just a few minutes ago he a Defense Ministry spokesman announced. of the Senate Mitch McConnell. conference and held various meetings. and the other politicians visited the According to Artsrun Hovannisian, Arman Simultaneously, Armenian Foreign Minister Nersesyan concluded that Armenia’s rela- Hairenik archives and the documents about Bulghadaryan, a 24-year-old soldier serving in the Zohrab Mnatsakanyan was in Washington tions with the US this year have reached a the first Armenian republic and the Armenian armed forces under a contract, was hit on Sunday by a bullet from the Azerbaijani side at the ARAM ARKUN PHOTO ARAM ARKUN PHOTO Armenian Revolutionary Federation reminded him, a historian by training, of northeastern section of the highly militarized border. the lessons of the past. More immediately, No further details have been provided. he said, for 20 years, he and his colleagues Earlier, on Saturday, the Armenian military were striving to create a truly democratic reported another incident at the Armenian- Armenia and last year finally through a Azerbaijani border in which an Armenian contract mass movement a peaceful change of soldier was wounded. regime presented the opportunity to In a statement released then Armenia’s Defense achieve this. Among the first concrete Ministry accused Azerbaijan of seeking to escalate achievements of the new regime were the border situation. increases in the wages of soldiers and “Another provocative action by the Azerbaijani teachers, and pensions of retirees. Some side once again proves that the enemy continues to pensions were previously lower than the brazenly violate the ceasefire regime and consis- minimum sum necessary not to starve. tently escalate the situation on the border. It is Deputy Prime Minister Parliament Speaker Tours While he could not tell what will happen in Azerbaijan that bears full responsibility for the the future, he said two things were certain. escalation of the situation,” it said. Avinyan Focuses on the US, Touts Contacts With US First, the political team in power today does Economy Officials all in its power to have a good Armenia. Armenian Youth Killed Secondly, possibility and hope exist now in By Aram Arkun By Alin K. Gregorian Armenia. In Aleppo Mirror-Spectator Staff Mirror-Spectator Staff Avinyan then spoke in English, declaring ALEPPO, Syria (Armenpress) — A 17-year old CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — Deputy CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — Ararat that after independence from the Soviet Armenian youth, Shant Keoshkerian, was shot Prime Minister of Armenia Tigran Mirzoyan, the speaker of the Union, Armenia mostly failed in building its dead in Aleppo on July 29, the Arevelk website Avinyan visited New York and National Assembly and its leader,, new institutions, as the democratic frame- reported, citing its own sources. Boston in mid-July. The main goal of recently concluded a tour of the US work was absent. In December 2018, Keoshkerian was shot on Martin Street. The the trip was to participate in a with Deputy Prime Minister Tigran Armenia became a democratic state, he Police was able to apprehend the suspect. The United Nations high level political Avinyan. stressed, after fair and democratic elec- motives of the murder are under investigation. forum on sustainable development, On Saturday, July 20, during his stay tions. Despite all the tensions of the revo- On July 17, an Armenian woman, Syuzan Der but he also held many meetings with in Boston, Mirzoyan sat down for a lution and several elections, the economy Karkur, was stoned to death in Syria’s Idlib province. official colleagues at the UN as well press conference with staff of Armenian closed with 5.2 percent GDP growth, which as members of the Armenian com- newspapers in the Boston area, the he said was unprecedented. This year, munities of both cities. Armenian Mirror-Spectator, Hairenik Armenia with a 7.1 percent GDP growth is see AVINYAN, page 14 see MIRZOYAN, page 15 the champion of Europe. Probably, Avinyan see VISIT, page 2 INSIDE Famous International Lawyer Just Call This Benjamin Ferencz Joins Aurora Prize Taxi GG NEW YORK — The Aurora Humanitarian Initiative announced this week that Benjamin Ferencz, noted peace and human rights activist, has joined the Selection Committee of the Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity as its honorary co-chair. The Page 12 well-known Romanian-born American lawyer, who has been promoting the establishment of an international rule of law for many years, will be a global ambassador of the Aurora Prize. “We are delighted to welcome Benjamin Ferencz, whose persistent efforts to secure INDEX justice for the victims of crimes against humanity have made our world a better place. Arts and Living ...... 13 During his career he has defended human decency and our common humanity against Armenia ...... 2,3 persecution and genocide. We are happy to have him join the Aurora Prize Selection Community News...... 6 Committee as its honorary co-chair,” said Vartan Gregorian, Aurora Humanitarian Editorial ...... 18 Initiative co-founder and president of Carnegie Corporation of New York. International ...... 4 see AURORA, page 20 2 S ATURDAY, AUGUST 3 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARMENIA News From Armenia Deputy Prime Minister Avinyan Speaks at Armenian Business Network Cambridge Event

(ARAM ARKUN PHOTO) 300 Special Needs Armenians in the world should feel that By Aram Arkun the Armenian state, the Republic of Students to Transfer to Armenia, is a part of them, and they are Mirror-Spectator Staff a part of that country. Because the Mainstream Schools Armenian state, the Republic of YEREVAN (Armenpress) — The City Hall of CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — Deputy Prime Armenia should be the center for all Yerevan is transferring nearly 300 students from Minister of Armenia Tigran Avinyan Armenians.” The government, he said, three special schools under its jurisdiction to public appeared at an evening event in is ready to implement all the drastic and ones. Cambridge’s Sheraton Commander painful reforms that need to be done to Yerevan City Hall Director of Public Education Hotel hosted by the Armenian Business make Armenia a strong and resilient Department Anna Stepanyan sat at a press confer- Network (ABN) on July 18 to briefly country which will be a center for all ence on July 30 that the special schools will soon be speak and answer questions from the Armenians. re-organized into support centers. community. Avinyan then took questions from “We still have a lot to do, but I can already confi- The event was sponsored by Michael the audience, with the assistance of dently say that Yerevan is ready to completely trans- Guleserian and the Sheraton Jack Antounian of the ABN. The ques- fer to inclusive education,” she said. “Inclusive edu- Commander Hotel, which hosted him tions were wide-ranging in nature, cation has been carried out for many years in 54 of and all visiting officials from Armenia. including agricultural reforms, educa- Yerevan’s 155 schools. Today, these schools already Avinyan and Speaker of the Armenian tion, barriers to female investors, the have much experience. We began the process from Parliament Ararat Mirzoyan, accompa- effect of Syrian Armenian refugees, and last year when the government passed the decision”. nied by Armenian Ambassador to the Deputy Prime Minister Tigran Avinyan, supporting the high-tech sector. Some According to the City Hall official, this year they US Varuzhan Nersesyan, had a public with Jack Antounian seated concerned personal problems or pro- are focused on training the teachers, as well as sup- event on July 19 (see accompanying posals for business in Armenia. port from parents. article). At the end, instead of a question, She said training courses have been organized in The visit of the officials, including tory taught that dinosaurs would die Afeyan, in the audience, made an appeal 65 schools in Yerevan sponsored by the Bridge of various advisors, was coordinated local- eventually. So the movement of the for full participation of diasporan Hope organization. Minister of Education, Science, ly by a committee composed of Velvet Revolution only helped to speed Armenians in Armenia, confirming that Culture and Sports Arayik Harutyunyan had earlier Anthony Barsamian, Dr. Ara Nazarian its demise. corruption has been largely rooted out announced that the city of Yerevan and the provinces and Arman Manoukian. James In 2018, despite the movements in with the Velvet Revolution. All the of Shirak and Aragatsotn will shift to universal inclu- Kalustian, president of the Armenian the street, preventing work and school, (ARAM ARKUN PHOTO) sive education starting from September 2019. Heritage Foundation, organized a visit and repeated elections, that would to Armenian Heritage Park, while seem to indicate economic instability, Noubar Afeyan arranged for visits to Avinyan said the gross domestic prod- Row Between Armenia, the Massachusetts Institute of uct of Armenia grew at a rate of 5.2 per- NKR Leaders ‘Settled’ Technology and a meeting with MIT cent. In the first quarter of 2019, economist Daron Acemoglu. The offi- Armenia had a 7.1 percent rate of YEREVAN (RFE/RL) — The leaders of Armenia cials also visited Holy Trinity Armenian growth, which is the highest rate of and Nagorno-Karabakh have normalized their rela- Church in Cambridge and St. Stephen’s GDP growth in Europe. tions following a recent public spat, a senior official Armenian Apostolic Church in In 2019, Avinyan continued, the gov- in Yerevan insisted on Friday, July 26. Watertown. ernment collected 150 million dollars “The relationship between Yerevan and Barsamian made introductory more in taxes than expected. Its Stepanakert is in a very good state at the moment,” remarks at the ABN event. Carolyn approach is an inclusive growth mode, said Armen Grigoryan, the secretary of Armenia’s Atinizian welcomed Avinyan on behalf which includes infrastructure and Security Council. “There were some problems but of the Armenian business community, human capital. Consequently, this those problems are now a thing of the past.” while Sheriff Peter Koutoujian, who money was spent on growth, including Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan charged in May helped with the logistics of the visit of on education. He said in practically that unnamed “forces representing the former cor- the Armenian delegation, briefly every sector new initiatives are flour- rupt system” are intent on provoking a war with praised the new Armenian government ishing. Engineering labs, he said, and the organizers of the event. From left, Jack Antounian, Deputy Prime Azerbaijan, losing “some territories” and blaming already exist in 30 percent of Armenian Minister Tigran Avinyan, Anthony that defeat on Armenia’s current government. He Avinyan spoke in fluent English schools already, and by next year they Barsamian effectively pointed the finger at Karabakh’s leader- about the changes in the Armenian gov- will be in all schools in the country. ship. ernment over the last year. He said that This year, health care was also expand- In early June, Pashiniyan accused the authorities the popular movement developed in the ed by the government to include all chil- other issues in Armenia are not excus- in Stepanakert of spreading false claims about sig- background of years of negative devel- dren from birth to 18 years old. es, he said, since Armenia will not fix nificant territorial concessions to Azerbaijan opments. When Avinyan returned from The annual GDP of Armenia is 12 bil- itself before the diaspora engages. He planned by his government. Bako Sahakyan, the his studies in London in 2014 and met lion dollars. Avinyan said that probably pointed out that the degree of access to Karabakh president, was quick to deny that. Nikol Pashinyan, he said they had a a group of the richest Armenians in the the new government was very high— The secretary of Sahakyan’s national security short discussion about what to do, and diaspora would have the same amount after all, the audience right there was council, Vitaly Balasanian, was relieved of his duties Avinyan told Pashinyan that even if of resources. He said “We need a deep interacting with a deputy prime minis- a few days later. Balasanyan had publicly scoffed at they did nothing, the existing system in change in the way we think about our ter, something which few people can Pashinyan’s confidence-building understandings Armenia was a “big dinosaur” and his- state [and] treat our state. All the usually do in other countries. reached with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev late last year. Government Evacuates Deputy Prime Minister, Parliament Speaker, Tourists From in Egypt Ambassador to US Address Boston Armenians YEREVAN (RFE/RL) — Armenia’s government hired a passenger jet on Friday, July 26, to evacuate VISIT, from page 1 new attitude towards each other,” tion, needed to have high level officials more than 100 Armenian tourists stranded at an said, by the end of the year Amrenia will Avinyan said concerning the relations involved, he said. Garbage collection Egyptian Red Sea resort because a Yerevan-based have double digit growth. between the diaspora and Armenia. He was outsourced by the municipality of travel agency had not bought them return tickets. However, Avinyan said, the govern- said, “My dream is to have an Armenian Yerevan to a private company, and one The tourists were due to return from the Hurghada ment of Armenia has other goals state that is so strong that it can sup- of its owners, a high-level politician, resort on Wednesday. However, their flight orga- besides GDP. The most important is the port each and every Armenian in the took his portion of investment in the nized by the A & R Tour agency was cancelled. well being of the citizens of the coun- world.” The only way we can achieve company, the large garbage trucks, and According to the Armenian Embassy in Egypt, A & try. The most vulnerable groups are at that is through collective effort. We sold them after the revolution. This left R Tour failed to make a payment to a Greek airline the focus of the government’s atten- need to understand how to institution- the private company at half capacity which was due to fly out the passengers. Flights from tion. He said, “We have raised the alize that collective effort. and there was no alternative to it. Yerevan to another popular Egyptian resort, Sharm salaries of the teachers, we have raised During an extensive question and Instead, Avinyan said, the municipality el-Sheikh, arranged by the same agency, were also the salaries of the military.” Pensions answer period, all sorts of topics were is buying new trucks to organize cancelled this week. will be raised next year. This approach raised, including mining, transitional garbage collection in places where The government paid the Greek airline of the government is called the inclu- justice (Mirzoyan said it has not fin- there are issues, and in several months, Ogrange2Fly 47 million drams (about $100,000) to sive growth mode, with a lot of input in ished), relations with the US and Russia he said he believes the issue will be bring the 130 or so stranded holidaymakers back. human capital and infrastructure. (one does not preclude the other, said closed. They arrived home on Friday evening. Additional tax money obtained this year Mirzoyan), high tech industry, econom- Perhaps the most unexpected ques- A second Hurghada-Yerevan flight will be carried is mainly being spent on education, ic progress, investing in human capital, tion was by a local Armenian who pro- out on Monday. According to a spokesman for health care and infrastructure. In 284 and the algae in Lake Sevan (increasing duces cannabis products. He asked Deputy Prime Minister Tigran Avinyan it will bring schools we will be installing engineer- the water level and waste management whether Armenian would consider home more than 100 other A & R Tour customers. ing labs this year. Next year they will be will help, said Avinyan). legalizing farming cannabis like its whose holidays end next week. in all schools in Armenia. The best The question of accumulating neighbor Georgia, as it is said to be The Armenian police said, meanwhile, that they resource we have is human capital and garbage in Yerevan was raised, and quite profitable, and Avinyan responded have launched a preliminary investigation. that is why we place a lot of emphasis Avinyan linked this ito the issue of cor- that Armenia was looking into this. on its development. ruption. During the prior regime, all Afterwards many audience members “I have a feeling that we need a new major businesses related somehow to took “selfies” and further chatted with restart…I think we need a completely the public sector, like garbage collec- the visiting officials during a reception. S ATURDAY, AUGUST 3 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 3 ARMENIA

around the world. While suc- First-Ever cess stories like the one in Armenia are gradually becoming more universal, efforts must be sustained to combat International deforestation that continues to plague so many areas globally. The conference will offer sight- Forestry Summit seeing tours to Dilijan National Forest and ATP’s Mirak Family Reforestation Nursery in Heading to Margahovit Village, where attendees can observe reforestation work in action. Yerevan “There have been many conservation and restoration initiatives in Armenia and the YEREVAN —Armenia Tree Project (ATP) and the wider region for decades, and American University of Armenia (AUA) Acopian Center A forest in Lori (Jason Sohigian photo) this Summit will enable us to for the Environment recently announced plans for an review this experience, learn upcoming conference which will bring global leaders in from mistakes and successes, forest conservation and restoration to Yerevan, Armenia establishment in 1994. Since the group’s inception, more and plan for the future,” says Alen Amirkhanian, director this October. than 5.7 million trees have been planted across the country of the AUA Acopian Center for the Environment. “The Forest Summit: Global Action and Armenia will be held and hundreds of jobs have been created through tree-relat- AUA Acopian Center has been on the forefront of orga- from October 20-23 at the American University of Armenia ed programing. nizing such policy discussions and debates. The Summit and will feature three days of discussion and collaborative “While we are very proud of our work in Armenia over is an example of our deep commitment to open and dialogue on the conservation and reforestation efforts the past 25 years, we recognize that our next 25 years are multi-stakeholder deliberations on critical environmental much needed in countries across the world. equally important,” says Jeanmarie Papelian, ATP’s execu- issues.” The inaugural conference will showcase successful con- tive director. “This summit with reforestation leaders from Further details on speakers and programming will be servation and reforestation projects and their respective around the world will provide us the platform to share our announced in the weeks ahead. In addition to hosting the champions, bringing together the world’s best minds to col- best practices, learn from other nations, and continue to conference in October, ATP will celebrate the planting of its laborate on effective practices and industry innovations make the planet a more verdant place.” six millionth tree in Armenia this fall. For more information that help save trees and forests around the globe. The October conference will provide a first-hand look at about Forest Summit: Global Action and Armenia, ATP has helped protect Armenia’s environment, empow- the success of reforestation accomplished to date, and the American University of Armenia, or Armenia Tree Project, er its citizens, and invigorate local economies since its work that lies ahead in Armenia and in other countries visit http://forestsummit.am. Pashinyan Concludes Tour of Vietnam, Singapore

YEREVAN (Armenpress, ARKA) — Early in etc. We have agreed to hold a business forum Nikol Pashinyan pointed out that the state symbol of Singapore. The President of July, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan traveled to on the sidelines of the sitting in order to pro- Armenian government is keen to deepen the Singapore expressed support for the two gov- Vietnam and Singapore. mote the development and expansion of trade ongoing cooperation with Singapore, and went ernments’ efforts, aimed at the furtherance of Pashinyan on July 6 met with Vietnam’s and economic ties,” Pashinyan said. on to note that the two peoples are bound by bilateral relations. The parties noted the impor- National Assembly Speaker Nguyen Thi Kim After the protocol photo session, negotia- strong ties of friendship. As an example, the tance of cooperation in the frame of interna- Ngan, after meeting with the country’s premier, tions were held in narrow and extended for- Prime Minister cited Ashkhen Hovakimyan, tional organizations and touched upon prob- Nguyen Xuan Phuc. mats. who created the Wanda Miss Joachim orchid lems of regional significance. “We are closely following the ongoing devel- The prime minister of Vietnam personally variety, which became the national flower and a opments in Armenia and congratulate you on welcomed Pashinyan’s delegation. the achievements you have made in terms of Following the talks, the governments of enhancing Armenia’s position in the interna- Armenia and Vietnam signed an agreement on tional arena. I am aware that yesterday you had cooperation in the field of education and sci- effective and open discussions with our coun- ence. try’s Prime Minister,” Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan Pashinyan then traveled to Singapore, where Definitive Answers Sought said, noting that the National Assembly of he met with President Halimah Yacob. Vietnam would contribute to the development Yacob noted that the small Armenian com- To Identify Purpose of of bilateral ties. munity of Singapore enjoys a good reputation Thankful for the warm welcome, Pashinyan and is fully integrated into the local society. The noted that he had had fruitful talks with his President of Singapore stressed that as a result, Armenian Stonehenge Vietnamese counterpart, at which specific they have the St. Gregory the Illuminator agreements were reached. Church and Armenia Street in the center of YEREVAN (Armenpress) — Bnorran Historic-Cultural NGO and the Institute of “A wide range of issues will be discussed at Singapore. Archaeology and Ethnography (National Academy of Sciences) are teaming up to joint- the forthcoming meeting of the intergovern- “Your visit is very important in the context of ly study the mysterious Carahunge, the prehistoric archaeological site near the town mental commission due to be held this fall in strengthening friendly relations between our of Sisian in the Syunik Province of Armenia. The two organizations signed an agree- Yerevan. Decisions will be passed on visa facili- countries, as well as the development of eco- ment to that end on July 30. tation, tourism development, double taxation, nomic ties,” Yakob said. The two institutions have long had differences regarding the structure, and now they are joining forces to find out what Carahunge, also known as Zorats Karer, was: an ancient astronomical observatory or a settlement which has a mausoleum status. Carahunge is often internationally referred to as the Armenian Stonehenge. The Armenian Judges Asked to Analyze construction date of the structure is unknown — presumably sometime between the Middle Bronze Age and Iron Age, between 2000 and 1200 BC. Bnorran Member of the Board Arevik Sargsyan said they believe Carahunge was an European Court Rulings ancient astronomical observatory. “We think Carahunge, where more than 200 stones are located, with 80 having YEREVAN (RFE/RL) — Armenia’s Supreme troversial redevelopment projects in Yerevan or holes in them, is an ancient astronomical observatory, which was studied by Paris Judicial Council (SJC) sent letters to all court controversial mine development projects in the Herouni, with other experts having made similar opinions before that,” she said, refer- chairmen on July 30, asking them to submit an regions. ring to the late physicist’s views who dated the megalithic structure to 5500 BC and analysis of the rulings against Armenia issued Before ordering the massive compensation to argued that some of the stones mirror the brightest star of the Cygnus constellation, by the European Court of Human Rights the Armenian citizen, in 2016 the ECHR ruled Deneb. (ECHR). that Armenian courts and other entities violat- “According to another opinion, Carahunge isn’t an astronomical observatory. It is The move comes days after the Strasbourg- ed articles of the European Convention on simply an ancient site, a settlement, which has a status of a mausoleum,” she said. based body ordered Armenia to pay as much as Human Rights guaranteeing the right to a fair Director of the Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography Pavel Avetisyan and 1.6 million Euros ($1.8 million) in compensa- hearing and protection of property. Besides, it archaeological expedition team leader Ashot Piliposyan said not a single astronomical tion to an Armenian man whose house and land was stressed that the then chairman of the tool has been discovered during excavations at the site, and moreover, some of the had been expropriated during a controversial Court of Cassation Arman Mkrtumyan did not stones also have holes in the lower parts, which aren’t directed at the stars. redevelopment of downtown Yerevan in the show an objective position. Piliposyan emphasized the uniqueness of the monument in the entire early 2000s. Mkrtumyan, who was appointed chairman Transcaucasia. “We need to understand what systemic gaps of the Court of Cassation by the decree of “It requires studies in all aspects. We discussed many issues during the signing of we have,” SJC member Hayk Hovannisyan said. Armenia’s third President Serzh Sarkisian in the agreement, we even considered that maybe in the future it will be possible to build “Basically, [in ECHR rulings] we deal with 2008, resigned in July 2018 two months after a museum near the monument to display all materials regarding the ancient site,” either a violation of the right to a fair trial or a the change of government in Armenia. Piliposyan said. violation of the right to property,” said Despite the opinion expressed by the Both parties have agreed to suspend excavations at Carahunge until a joint seminar Hovannisyan, adding that most ECHR rulings Strasbourg-based court, the SJC today has no of experts takes place to develop a plan and conduct research. against Armenia concern the protection of jurisdiction to raise the issue of Mkrtumyan’s these two fundamental rights in cases like con- lack of impartiality. 4 S ATURDAY, AUGUST 3 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR INTERNATIONAL International News Yerevan Music Students Win in Rimini

Armenia to Take Part in By Muriel Mirak-Weissbach Caspian Economic Special to the Mirror-Spectator

Forum RIMINI, Italy — Everyone was amazed YEREVAN (Armenpress) — Armenia’s governmen- at the excellence displayed by the young tal delegation will take part in the First Caspian musicians from Armenia. They partici- Economic Forum in Turkmenistan on August 10-14. pated in the International Artistic Days The delegation will be headed by deputy prime Italia, a festival and contest held in minister Mher Grigoryan. Rimini from June 24-27. The youngsters The Armenian delegation will include deputy min- from Yerevan won several prizes in the ister of territorial administration and infrastructures competition, four first prizes and seven Hakob Vardanyan, deputy minister of high techno- second prizes, to be precise. The chil- logical industry Gegham Vardanyan, deputy minister dren and youth are all students at the of economy Avag Avanesyan and chairwoman of the Aleksey Hekimyan Music School in Civil Aviation Committee Tatevik Revazyan. Yerevan, and flew to Venice on June 21, then continued by bus to the magnifi- cent renaissance city, Florence, accom- Putin Restores Visa-Free panied by teachers, including Lusine Regime with Turkey MOSCOW (Panorama.am) — The Kremlin announced new measures on Thursday, July 25, making it easy for many Turkish citizens to visit Russia, Anadolu Agency reported. Under a decree signed by President Vladimir Putin, Turkish holders of special and service pass- Yeva Antonyan and Adelina Mikayelyan won second prize ports paying short-term visits to Russia will no longer need to obtain visas. Putin also ordered the Foreign Ministry to send a Italian language selections. Teacher and notification to Turkish officials about this partial opera singer Lusine Arakelyan also per- restoration of visa-free travel. formed a short song at the conclusion The measure is valid on a reciprocal basis, the Garnik Hayrapetyan won second prize of the program, “Il Bacio” (The Kiss) by decree added, and goes into effect as of its publica- Luigi Arditi. All were rewarded with tion. warm and prolonged ovations. Russia had suspended the visa-free regime in late The International Artistic Days are 2015, amid tensions over the downing of a Russian sponsored by several Italian agencies, jet along the Turkish-Syrian border. like the municipalities, regional and provincial governments, the Italy-Russia Friendship Association, diplomatic rep- Armenian Combat resentatives of Russia, Kazakhstan, San Marino, and of course the Italian Engineers Clear Mines Ministry of Culture. The events take In Syria place in these and other countries, and bring together young musical talents Kristina Zakaryan won second prize YEREVAN (Tass) — Armenian army engineers from all over the world. making part of Yerevan’s humanitarian mission to Syria removed mines on a territory of about 8,534 square meters on June 8-July 22, the Expert Mine- Georgi Kantanidis won second prize Clearing Center reported on Monday, July 22. “From June 8 to July 22, the Armenian demining experts cleared 8,534 square meters of mines. Over Arakelyan. In Rimini it was music, this period, the mission’s doctors rendered medical music, music, and in addition to the fes- assistance to 597 nationals of that country,” the tival, they also performed in a concert in Center issued a statement. San Giovanni Valdarno, organized by On February 8 this year, a group of specialists the municipality. from Armenia’s Defense Ministry arrived in Syria on Arakelyan beamed with pride that all a humanitarian mission. The group includes mine- the students from her school won clearing and security specialists and medical staff. prizes, and said they had earned the Russia rendered assistance in their delivery to Syria. admiration of their audiences for their skill and joy in music. The concert audience was excited about the performance Simferopol Airport level of the youngsters and marveled at Luiza Arakelyan won second prize Anna Nazaryan won second prize Hosts Aivazovsky the correct pronunciation in their Exhibition SIMFEROPOL, Crimea (Panorama.am) — An exhibition marking the 202nd birthday anniversary of Russian-Armenian seascape artist Hovhannes (Ivan) OSCE Rep Calls on Turkish Authorities to Aivazovsky has opened at the Simferopol International Airport in the Crimea. The exhibition, titled “Aivazovsky and Traditions Identify all Involved with Dink Murder of Seascape Painting,” features reproductions of eight paintings by the world-famous artist, as well as VIENNA — The Organization for of the prominent Turkish-Armenian Ersin Yolcu and Ahmet Iskender each painting reproductions of his students and followers, Security and Cooperation in Europe journalist, Hrant Dink, is a positive received jail terms of just under two TASS reported, citing the airport’s press service. (OSCE) Representative on Freedom of step forward, but more needs to be years for their role in the murder, while The airport was renamed for Hovhannes the Media, Harlem Désir, welcomed on done. I remain hopeful that all others Tuncay Uzundal and Zeynel Abidin Aivazovsky in May this year to honor the great artist. July 19 the court decision in Turkey involved in this murder will face jus- Yavuz were sentenced to more than ten Aivazovsky was born in 1817 to an Armenian fam- handing down prison sentences to tice,” Désir said. years in prison. Two defendants were ily in the city of Theodosia in the Crimea (Russian seven people over the murder of The court ruled that the murder was acquitted. Empire). His father was a modest Armenian trader, Turkish-Armenian journalist Hrant an ‘organized crime’, and sentenced “After twelve years, Hrant’s family, while his mother was a traditional homemaker. Dink. Erhan Tuncel to 99 years and six friends and fellow journalists deserve to Aivazovsky traveled to Europe and lived briefly in Hrant Dink, the founder and editor-in- months in prison for his connection to know the full truth behind this heinous Italy in the early 1840s. He then returned to Russia chief of the Armenian-Turkish language Dink’s murder and being a member of killing. It is therefore of utmost impor- and was appointed the main painter of the Russian weekly Agos, was shot dead in front of an armed group. Yasin Hayal, who was tance that the Turkish authorities iden- Navy. He had close ties with the military and politi- his office in Istanbul on 19 January previously sentenced to life for instigat- tify and bring the masterminds of cal elite of the Russian Empire. He was sponsored by 2007. Twelve years after his murder, a ing the murder, received seven years Dink’s murder to justice,” Désir said. the state and was well-regarded during his lifetime. Turkish court announced verdicts and six months in prison for forming The Representative will continue to The saying “worthy of Aivazovsky’s brush,” popular- against nine defendants, whose case and leading an armed group. The assas- monitor developments as the trials of ized by Anton Chekhov, was used in Russia for files were previously separated to pre- sin, Ogün Samast, who was previously further suspects continue. “describing something ineffably lovely.” vent a possible violation of the statute sentenced to 22 years and ten months, The OSCE Representative on of limitations. received another two years and six Freedom of the Media observes media “The court decision convicting months in prison for membership of an developments in all 57 OSCE partici- seven people in relation to the murder armed group. pating States. S ATURDAY, AUGUST 3 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 5 6 S ATURDAY, A UGUST 3 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Community News

Jewelry Company Alex LA Community And Ani Sues Bank Of America For $1.1 Billion Members Meet with In Gender Discrimination LA Supervisor Lawsuit Kathryn Barger

By Will Yakowicz By Kevork Keushkerian

NEW YORK (Forbes) — Alex and Ani, the PASADENA — An Armenian community Rhode Island-based charm bracelet company round table meeting was organized by the founded by multimillionaire Carolyn Rafaelian, Western District Committee of the Armenian alleges in a lawsuit that Bank of America, one General Benevolent Union to introduce Los of its lenders, is violating federal law by engag- Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger. It ing in gender discrimination against the was held on Friday, July 19, at the AGBU cen- women-led company. ter in Pasadena. The lawsuit, filed in the Southern District of Barger serves the residents of Los Angeles New York on Thursday, July 25, seeks $1.1 bil- County’s 5th Supervisorial District, the coun- lion in damages and claims that Bank of ty’s largest (2 million), spanning 2800 square America’s “gender bias and greed” poses an miles, which includes 22 cities and 70 unincor- “existential threat” to Alex and Ani’s business. porated communities in the San Gabriel, San According to the lawsuit, Bank of America Fernando, Crescenta, Santa Clarita, and falsely declared in December 2018 that Alex Antelope Vallies. Cities with an abundant and Ani defaulted on its $170 million loan, Armenian population like Pasadena, Glendale, which it took out to buy a factory, and then cut Ani Minasyan - Ester Ajemian student and Burbank are in the 5th District. off its access to a $50 million revolving line of Present at the meeting were Father Armenag credit. Alex and Ani did default a few times, but Bedrossian from the Armenian Catholic Bank of America waived the default and amend- Eparchy, Western District Director of the ed their agreement, the company says. (A Fund for Armenian Armenian Assembly of America Mihran lender and borrower can come to an agreement Toumajan, Roy Boulghourjian from the to avoid a default.) Pasadena Unified School District Board of “For more than six months now, Bank of Education, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge America has been both driving Alex and Ani Relief Scholarship in Armenui Amy Ashvanian, Kevork Keushkerian towards bankruptcy and milking it for literally from the Tekeyan Cultural Association, Harout tens of millions of dollars in fees,” the lawsuit Markarian from the Western Diocese of the reads. “The endgame is clear: Bank of America Armenia Creates Armenian Church, Asbed Tatoulin from St. wants the women out of power at Alex and Ani. Gregory Armenian Church in Pasadena and It wants to bring back the good old days, when many others. a male Alex and Ani CFO let Bank of America Lifeline to the Future AGBU Wester District Committee Chairlady charge whatever it wanted for BofA’s putative Talin Yacoubian welcomed the guests and ‘services.’” briefly dwelled upon the history of AGBU, the Bill Halldin, a spokesperson for Bank of YEREVAN — Education has been called the bedrock for a country’s future. world’s largest Armenian non-profit organiza- America, denies the gender discrimination alle- For Benjamin Franklin, it was “an investment in knowledge that pays the best tion, which promotes education, cultural, and gations. He says that BoA served as adminis- interest.” sports activities to preserve the identity of our trative agent on the company’s credit facility for And for Nelson Mandela, he wrote that it has been “the most powerful youth in the vast Diaspora. She then invited a group of seven banks, which have taken the weapon which one can use to change the world.” moderator Steve Samuelian to introduce appropriate steps to enforce the terms of that The wisdom of these legendary leaders has been incorporated in the schol- Barger. agreement. arship programs of the Fund for Armenian Relief (FAR) since the late 1990’s. Samuelian said that Barger has been working Alex and Ani alleges in the complaint that It is one of ten different scholarship with the former Supervisor Mike Antonovich after cutting off its revolving line of credit, programs managed by FAR. for the last 28 years, until she was elected to Bank of America started charging the company By Florence Avakian “We give opportunities to pursue replace him, when he decided to retire. She had for an unused revolver fee every month, a dream of higher education to more started in that office as an intern and gradual- increased the interest rates on all the loans, and than 460 young people annually. No ly rose to the rank of Supervisor, two and a half required the company to hire and pay for a chief one comes closer to this record of giving this kind of opportunity than the years ago. He then asked the Supervisor to pre- restructuring officer, who is male. This cost Fund for Armenian Relief,” declared Margarit Piliposyan, FAR Armenia sent her achievements so far and lay out her Alex and Ani over $1.1 billion in expenses, lost Programs Director. plans. revenues and lost market value, the company Generous philanthropists have donated up to $400,000 a year. Ninety per- Barger noted that not only the Board of claims. cent of the scholarships have been given to students from families living below Supervisors commemorate the Armenian The suit also puts forth an additional theory to, or close to the poverty level. Genocide every year, but they also allocate a for its financial troubles that feels like it was The goal has always been to provide education to the talented youth of whole month every year to celebrate the con- cooked up by a conspiracy theorist: Warren Armenia to live a dignified life, tributions of Armenian in the community. She Buffett, whose Berkshire Hathaway is the and to influence them to live then mentioned that she was instrumental in largest shareholder in Bank of America, alleged- and contribute in their home- the decision of the Board to donate one million ly invested, the complaint says, in a Chinese land. dollars to the Armenian Museum in Glendale. jewelry company that makes Alex and Ani During each year, 50 to 75 She further said that she has a good working knockoffs. Warren Buffett could not be reached students are selected after a relationship with State Sen. Anthony for comment at press time. very tough selection process, Portantino, who also managed to contribute a Rafaelian, who is 52, started spiritual bracelet following a widespread adver- sizeable amount of money from the State of company Alex and Ani from her father’s jewelry tisement in Armenia’s media, California to the Armenian Museum in see LAWSUIT, page 7 said Mane Khachatryan, the scholarship program’s Glendale. Education and Science Talking about her plans for the future, she Program Coordinator. said that her priority was to work hard to alle- Heading the FAR viate the homeless problem in the county of Scholarship Program is the tire- Los Angeles. She wants to work with the mem- less and dedicated Eduard bers of the Los Angeles City Council to find Karapetyan, FAR Armenia solutions to the drug addiction problem that is Deputy Director who arrives spread throughout the city and the county. Her daily at the FAR Armenia office other immediate concern is the mentally illness in the early morning, and does- crisis and, to that end, she wants to add more n’t leave until late at night. beds in the hospitals to take care of the men- Applicants go through a vig- tally ill. She is committed to measure H, which orous selection process which will be on the ballot next year. This will provide includes an admission exam for the necessary funding for seven years to help the selected outstanding short the homeless and the mentally ill people. student list, the required eco- Barger emphasized the notion that elected nomic standing credits of the Mary Mkrtchyan – Berberian student officials should not be concerned about politics see FAR, page 8 and reelection, rather to help people in their Carolyn Rafaelian districts. In that effort, she said that she wants see BARGER, page 7 S ATURDAY, A UGUST 3 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 7 COMMUNITY NEWS Major International Conference on Armenian Diaspora Will Mark the Society for Armenian LA Armenians Meet with Kathryn Barger BARGER, from page 6 Saturday, July 27, with her Chief Deputy, Studies 45th Anniversary to implement an Italian village model, Anna Mouradian. where people take care of people. This is Answering a question about the number LOS ANGELES — Scholars from Italy, and played a leading role in examining the especially true in the homeless popula- of homeless in her district, she said that Mexico, France, Armenia, England, Portugal, Armenian Diaspora from a theoretical perspec- tion, where people feel neglected by the there were 56,000 homeless people in the Holland, Germany, and the United States will tive. general public. She also wants to improve County of Los Angeles, 6 percent of whom gather on October 12-13 at the University of The SAS 45th Anniversary Banquet, spon- the foster home system. are in her District 5. This amounts to California, Los Angeles (UCLA) to participate in sored by the Organization of Istanbul She is looking forward to taking over 3,360. a major conference, “Diaspora and ‘Stateless Armenians, will be held on Saturday, October Power’: Social Discipline and Identity 12, at the Organization of Istanbul Armenians Formation across the Armenian Diaspora dur- Banquet Hall located at 19726 Sherman Way in ing the Long Twentieth Century,” marking the Winnetka. During the Banquet the Society for 45th anniversary of the founding of the Society Armenian Studies will honor its past presidents: for Armenian Studies. The two-day conference Nina Garsoïan, Avedis K. Sanjian, Richard G. also honors, the preeminent scholar of Hovannisian, Robert Thomson, Ronald G. Suny, Diaspora Studies in general and the Armenian Kevork Bardakjian, Dickran Kouymjian, Robert Diaspora in particular. Hewsen, Dennis Papazian, Joseph Kechichian The conference is free and open to the public and Barlow Der Mugrdechian. and will take place in Rolfe Hall, Room 1200 on “We are looking forward to this major event,” the UCLA campus. commented Prof. Bedross Der Matossian, presi- The conference is co-sponsored by the dent of the Society for Armenian Studies and Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, the Richard associate professor of history at the University Hovannisian Endowed Chair in Modern of Nebraska-Lincoln. “The conference will be an Armenian History (UCLA), the Narekatsi Chair outstanding event bringing together scholars in Armenian Studies (UCLA), the Meghrouni from around the world to discuss the latest Family Presidential Chair (University of approaches to the field of Armenian Diaspora California, Irvine), the Institute of Armenian Studies founded by Khachig Tölölyan. I hope Studies (University of Southern California), the that the community will attend this outstand- Armenian Studies Program (California State ing event and understand why Armenian University, Fresno), the Armenian Studies Diaspora Studies is a crucial field that needs to Kathryn Barger, sixth from left, sits with members of the Armenian community. Program (California State University, be supported.” Northridge) and the National Association for “This will be a unique occasion to honor and the chair of the Board of Supervisors in At the end of the question and answer Armenian Studies and Research (NAASR). thank the past presidents of the SAS who December, when she will be able to set the session, Mihran Toumajan presented The themes covered during the conference worked relentlessly in the past four decades agenda of the Board and tilt its direction Barger a book by Dr. Hagop Martin include Armenian Immigrants in the with limited resources to keep the flame of towards solving problems pertaining to Deranian, entitled President Calvin Transnational Context, Social Memory and Armenian Studies alive,” added Der Matossian. items of her priority. Another item on her Coolidge and the Armenian Rug. A recep- Cultural Production in the Armenian Diaspora; “The torch has passed today to the third and agenda that she is looking forward to is tion followed a group picture taken for Institutions, Governmentality and the Shaping fourth generation of young scholars who con- her upcoming trip to Armenia, on the archives. of Armenian Diasporic Diversities; Armenian tinue in the path of their predecessors.” Communities in the Middle East, and (Soviet) The SAS was established in 1974 by a group Armenian-Diasporic Relations. A special panel of scholars including Richard Hovannisian, is dedicated to the Armenian Diaspora Survey Robert Thomson, Nina Garsoian, Dickran Project organized by the Calouste Gulbenkian Kouymjian and Avedis Sanjian. The SAS is an Jewelry Company Alex And Ani Sues Bank Of America Foundation. Tölölyan will deliver the keynote international body, composed of scholars and For $1.1 Billion In Gender Discrimination Lawsuit speech titled “From the Study of Diasporas to students, whose aims are to promote the study of Diaspora Studies.” Armenian culture and society, including history, LAWSUIT, from page 6 Ruda, who has turned 28, explained how she Tölölyan is one of the founders of the field of language, literature, and social, political, and eco- factory — where her father made American flag had experience as a CFO. According to Ruda, diaspora studies and the founding editor of the nomic questions; to facilitate the exchange of pins and costume jewelry — in Providence, RI, the bankers interrupted her: “Maybe that’s prestigious journal Diaspora: A Journal of scholarly information pertaining to Armenian in 2004. true, but if you were getting surgery, would you Transnational Studies, a Zoryan Institute publi- studies around the world; and to sponsor panels The jewelry firm, which is named after rather have the doctor that’s done the surgery cation. Initially published by Oxford University and conferences on Armenian studies. Rafaelian’s two older daughters, employs a few times, or has done it for years?” Press, Diaspora is currently published by the For the complete conference program go to 1,500 people and distributes through 100 of Ruda also says that the restructuring consul- University of Toronto Press. Tölölyan estab- the SAS website at: SAS Diaspora Conference its own brick-and-mortar stores, plus depart- tant treated her like a secretary and asked her lished the basis of Armenian Diaspora Studies Program ment stores like Neiman Marcus and to do administrative tasks, including printing Nordstrom. The company, which has been documents and booking car rides. struggling in recent years, has been more “It was shocking, given my role,” Ruda told focused on online sales lately. Still Forbes Forbes. estimates that sales dropped from $550 mil- Bank of America and Alex and Ani have had lion in 2017 to $500 million in 2018. For cal- a long relationship. In 2014, Rafaelian was fea- endar year 2019, revenues are expected to tured in a Bank of America ad as part of the drop to $420 million, the company says. bank’s campaign to supporting women-owned Rafaelian’s net worth has tumbled as well; companies. Forbes pegged her fortune at $1 billion a But the bank has a history of legal entangle- year ago. Now we estimate it to be $450 mil- ments having to do with gender. Bank of lion or less than half of that, based on trail- America has settled a swath of employment- ing sales. Her net worth will likely fall further relatedgender bias and discrimination lawsuits as sales continue to decline. over the years, with settlement fees totaling The lawsuit claims that the relationship more than $210 million. between Alex and Ani and Bank of America was The complaint filed by Alex and Ani alleges “comfortable” between January 2016 and that Bank of America has “two time-tested” val- December 2017, which is when the company’s ues: “greed and sexism.” CFO was a man. Under the male CFO, who last- After Bank of America terminated the com- ed only a year, Bank of America “raided” Alex pany’s revolving line of credit in January, Alex and Ani by charging bloated fees and “nonsen- and Ani was unable to purchase seasonal inven- sical” consulting arrangements and gave exten- tory, which greatly reduced its revenues so far sions on its credit lines, the lawsuit says. In this year and the company couldn’t pay its exist- December 2017, Andrea Ruda, a 26-year-old ing vendor bills, according to the complaint. woman became CFO and started cutting costs The company says that not having the revolving and renegotiating contracts to help save Alex line of credit had a negative sales impact of $80 and Ani money. That’s when the relationship million and the company’s valuation dropped turned “vindictive, obstinate and petty,” the by nine figures. company claims. Bank of America spokesperson Hallidin said In December 2018, Bank of America, which in a statement: “As the complaint itself notes, serves as the administrative agent for the group the company has faced serious financial chal- of seven banks that provides loans to Ani and lenges for nearly two years,” Halldin said. “The Alex, sent the company a letter to inform it that banks have worked closely with the company it defaulted on its loan. By January 2019, Bank during this time. Bank of America’s demon- of America sent another letter outlining how it strated record of support for diverse businesses was hiking interest rates, ceasing its revolver is well-noted and widely recognized.” credit line, and requiring that Alex and Ani hire Alex and Ani’s lawyer, Harmeet Dhillon, dis- outside consultants to help restructure the agrees, claiming the company’s executives were company. treated differently because they are women. During a meeting March 2019 between Bank “This is the type of thing [that] women in every of America’s team, which was composed of all industry in America have experienced and it’s men, and Alex and Ani’s leadership team, all 2019 and it’s beyond time for this to be done women, the bankers allegedly smirked while and in the past,” says Dhillon. 8 S ATURDAY, A UGUST 3 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS Fund for Armenian Relief Scholarship in Armenia Creates Lifeline to the Future

FAR, from page 6 Gulamerian Scholarship and Vocational Training Antranig Berberian Scholarship recipient is in family, and an interview. In just one of the mul- Program, Antranig Berberian Scholarship her first year studying Informatics and Applied tiple FAR’s Scholarship Programs, ten out of Program, Edna Galo, Scholarship Program, Avedis Mathematics at Yerevan State University. the final 25 candidates on the short list are and Arsho Baghsarian Scholarship Program, Originally gravitating towards the humanities, selected for each scholarship. This whole Niksarli Scholarship, Halajian Scholarship, and law and international relations, she became process lasts two months. many more. attracted to the technologies when she started After each six-month semester, the Selection Ani Minasyan, graduated from Yerevan State attending the TUMO Center for Creative Committee comprised of FAR members and one University in journalism. In 2016, the 24-year old Technologies. or two alumni from previous years, evaluates the started her Master’s degree financed by the “In the 21st century, the tech sphere is results for both undergraduate and graduate Esther Ajemian Scholarship Program. becoming more and more important. Specialists students. “Within the FAR framework, I have partici- in this sphere are in high demand.” But it was Seventy five percent of these scholarship pated in several social programs, including the not the high demand, or high salary that attract- recipients have found jobs in Armenia. In the Vanadzor old age home, and participating in ed her. Information Technology field, 100 percent of the apricot harvesting in Yervandashat,” she said. For her, “because of the conflict with FAR’s Gyumri IT Center students have found Currently, she works at the Public Radio of Azerbaijan, the Armenian soldiers who defend positions. In the course of their studies and Armenia news department. Her special interests our state borders, will probably need assistance upon graduation, FAR scholars must engage in include new technologies, social and cultural from experts who are specialized in unmanned volunteer work in Armenia for the rest of their events. “Since working in this field since I was aerial vehicles. Also, technology provides very lives. 18, I conducted interviews for the Youth crucial and needed information.” Her future Mostly, students pursuing majors in interna- Foundation of Armenia relating to youth and includes working either in the TUMO Creative tional relations, political science, finance, man- student life. Later, I worked for the TV project, Technologies Centre or PicsArt Armenian orga- Anush Mkhitarian – Anoush Mathevosian student agement, economics, linguistics, journalism, law, “Unknown Yerevan” as a scriptwriter.” nization. engineering, public service and information She prefers radio to TV because it “conveys “Without this scholarship, I would not be able technology are recipients of FAR scholarships. as a math modeler and researcher. what you want, what you see and feel since you to study and have the profession of my dreams. They study at various State Universities of She now works as an Administrative Assistant have only one means on the radio – sound. Besides the financial support, it has given me an Armenia, like the Yerevan State University, the in Yerevan’s FAR office. In the future, she hopes In September, she will start teaching Radio opportunity to do good deeds,” she revealed. Yerevan State Institute of Economics, the to find a position in an international organiza- journalism to second year students at Yerevan In the future, she may want to be acquainted Yerevan State Engineering Institute, National tion. State University. She hopes to improve her pro- with new methods of teaching abroad, “but not University of Architecture and Construction of Besides the Matevosian Scholarship, the lists of fessional skills abroad, and be an international for more than a year. I love Armenia, its unique Armenia, etc.. grants include Ester Ajemian Scholarship Program, journalist for a period of time, but that does not nature, culture craft, food, and especially its This summer, this writer visited the FAR head- Armine and Garabed Zambak Scholarship mean “migrating from Armenia.” courage in struggle. I am so proud to be an quarters in Yerevan, and spoke with four worthy Program, Jerar Matevosian Scholarship Program, Eighteen-year-old Mary Mkrtchyan, an Armenian!” recipients of different scholarship projects offered by FAR. The first of these noteworthy programs has been the Matevosian Scholarship Program named after the long-time FAR benefactor Anoosh Matevosian which covers tuition costs on a need-basis throughout the four-year undergraduate curriculum for outstanding students admitted to a university. TH Twenty-year old Julieta Hovhannisyan, a current Anush Matevosian scholarship student at the Armenian State University of Economics, is in her third year studying accounting and audit- ing. She has always “loved dealing with num- 19 SPONSOR A TEACHER IN ARMENIA AND ARTSAKH

Since its inception in 2001,

Julieta Hovhannisyan - Anoush Mathevosian stu- the TCA Sponsor A Teacher dent Program has raised $709,500 and reached out to 6,427 bers”. Like her parents and grandparents, she was teachers and school staff born in Armenia. Following her graduation, she in Armenia and Artsakh. wishes to climb the accountant job ladder, eventually working either in “banks, large companies or big factories.” “Thanks to the Matevosian scholarship, I got financial support (starting from her second student year), which would have caused many diffi- culties for my parents to afford. The program also afforded me to find new friends,” she said. “Together with them, I am engaged in different volunteer activities”. R R R R Another Matevosian Scholarship recipient and alumna, 27 year old Anush Mkhitarian who was born in Yerevan, and was motivated by her fam- $200 $400 $600 $Other______ily to study mathematics, related her experience at Yerevan State University where she studied Mathematical Methods of Economics. “During my two years of studying, 50 percent of my tuition was covered by the Anoush Matevosian scholarship.” Achieving excellent grades, she continued studying without fees, but she still received FAR grants for the next two years. The scholarship enabled her to complete her master’s program. Concurrent with her studies, she worked at the analytic center “Amberd” S ATURDAY, A UGUST 3 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 9 OBITUARY Actor David Hedison Appeared in Two James Bond Films

LOS ANGELES (BBC) — David Hedison, the When the series ended, Hedison moved to actor best known for playing Felix Leiter oppo- London. “I liked London very much,” he later site two James Bonds, died on July 18 at the said. “I just wanted to go and spend a couple age of 92. years there ... It’s two years I’m not sorry for. He first played 007’s CIA ally in 1973’s “Live The problem was, when I came back to the US, and Let Die,” the late Sir Roger Moore’s first it was more difficult getting work then.” Bond film. Hedison guest starred on “Journey to the He returned to the role 16 years later to Unknown,” “Love, American Style,” “ITV appear alongside Timothy Dalton in 1989’s Sunday Night Theatre,” “BBC’s Play of the “License to Kill.” Month,” “The F.B.I.” and “The New Perry He was also turned into an insect in the 1958 Mason.” He could be seen in “Kemek” (1970), film “The Fly” and starred in 1960s submarine “A Kiss Is Just a Kiss” (1971), “Crime Club” TV series “Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea.” (1973), “The Cat Creature” and “The Man in Seven years after “Live and Let Die,” he the Wood.” He was most proud of doing an David Hedison and Roger Moore in “Live and Let Die” appeared with Moore again in the 1980 oil adaptation of “Summer and Smoke” with Lee rig drama “North Sea Hijack.” The friends Remick. were reunited once more in 2007 when Hedison toured with Barbara Anderson and can do is perform it with a simple reality ... It Alexandra Hedison has appeared in “L.A. Hedison delivered a speech at the unveiling Anita Gillette in Neil Simon’s “Chapter Two” in was running around, bang bang, getting wet, Firefighers” and “The L Word.” She is married of Moore’s star on the Hollywood Walk of 1979 and 1980.[16] screaming and yelling, and all kinds of fun, but to actress and director Jodie Foster. Fame. Hedison appeared in the West Coast premiere not serious acting.” He once remarked: “When I know they’ll be When Hedison returned to the world of of “Forty Deuce” in 1985. His parents were Albert David Hedison on TV I have a dinner party and invite my James Bond for “License To Kill,” his character “I think in this kind of film, it won’t lead to (Heditsian) Sr. and Rose Boghosian. He and his friends over so they can’t see them.” survived being fed to a shark by a drug lord other work unless you do something stand-out wife Bridget were married in London on June Hedison’s death was announced by his who also murdered his new bride. with a really wonderfully written scene,” added 29, 1968. Bridget Hedison died of breast cancer daughters Alexandra and Serena, who paid trib- His many other credits included “The Hedison. “Otherwise you’re just doing a job, on February 22, 2016. They had two daughters, ute to his “warm and generous heart.” Colbys,” “The Love Boat,” “The Fall Guy” and part of the ensemble. And in this case, I have actress/director/photographer Alexandra “Our dad brought joy and humor wherever “Dynasty.” lots of action scenes, but no one scene that is Hedison and editor/producer Serena Hedison. he went and did so with great style,” they said. Hedison was sanguine about his career, memorable ... Felix is a fairly one-dimensional admitting that most films he had appeared in character, you never get into any depth. You do were “pictures you never want to see again.” what you can. There’s not much to play. All you Jacob (Jack) Pilibosian

ARLINGTON, Mass. — Jacob (Jack) Pilibosian of Arlington died on July 22. He was the son of the late Simon and Haygouhi Pilibosian and brother of the late Harold Pilibosian and his wife Joanne. He was the husband of Audrey (Hamamjian) Pilibosian for 56 years. He leaves his children Julie Ann Ballentine and her husband Scott of Exeter NH, and Jeffrey Pilibosian and his wife Heather of No. Hampton, NH; grandchildren Kaitlyn and Jacob Ballentine, and Jack and Ryan Pilibosian; brother- and sister-in-law Larry and Alice Pahigian of North Andover; nieces Beth Richards and husband Jack, Pam Pahigian, and nephew Cary Pahigian and wife Barbara and many grand- nephews and grandnieces. Pilibosian was a graduate of Boston Technical High School 1952 and Northeastern University 1957. He retired in 2017 after 60 years in the life insurance industry. He was an active member of the Armenian community. He was a former parish council member and diocesan delegate of St. James Armenian Church in Watertown. He sat on the Board of Directors of the Armenia Museum of Funeral Service were held at St. James Armenian America. He was a past president of the Council Church, 465 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA on of Armenian Executives. He was also a member Thursday, July 25 and interment followed at Mount of the Masons and the Shriners. Pleasant Cemetery, Arlington.

GiragosianF UNERAL H OME James “Jack” Giragosian, CPC Mark J. Giragosian Funeral Counselors 576 Mt. Auburn Street, Watertown, MA 02472, TEL: 617-924—0606 www.giragosianfuneralhome.com

Telephone (617) 924-7400 Nardolillo Funeral Home Aram Bedrosian Est. 1906 Funeral Home, Inc. John K. Najarian, Jr. Rhode Island’s Only Licensed Armenian Funeral Director Continuous Service By The Bedrosian Family Since 1945 1278 Park Ave. Cranston, RI 02910 (401) 942-1220 MARION BEDROSIAN 1111 Boston Neck Rd. Narragansett, RI 02882 (401) 789-6300 558 MOUNT AUBURN STREET PAUL BEDROSIAN WATERTOWN, MA 02472 LARRY BEDROSIAN www.nardolillo.com 10 S ATURDAY, A UGUST 3 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS

The Grand Convocation group photo Knights and Daughters of Vartan Host 101st Grand Convocation

University of Armenia, the Yerevan State By David Medzorian University and the National Polytechnic University of Armenia. In addition, funds were allocated to remove the last of the land mines LAS VEGAS — The Knights of Vartan’s 101st in Artsakh by 2020. The following projects will Grand Convocation and Daughters of Vartan’s continue to be funded: Partnership with CASP 79th Grand Convocation were celebrated with (Children of Armenia Sponsorship Program) to more than 230 members and their families, July benefit needy children in Tavush region; the 10-13th, at Harrah’s Hotel and Resort. Armenian Schools Support Project in Armenia This year’s Grand Convocation was hosted by in partnership with the World Bank; Grants Fresno, California’s Yeprad Lodge No. 9 and from the Knights of Vartan Fund for Armenian Alidz Chapter No. 8 with help from other Studies; and the Annual Times Square California lodges as well as those from Chicago Armenian Genocide Commemoration in New and Washington D.C. One purpose of the Grand York. Convocation was for delegates from each Lodge The fun continued well into the night as the and Chapter to discuss and vote on proposals Richard Hagopian Band got everyone onto the and measures that will affect the Knights and dance floor during KEF Night Las Vegas. The Daughters of Vartan in the coming year. dancing followed a delicious buffet meal and Another was to install the new leaders of both the gathering of all the attending Knights and organizations and pay tribute to the outgoing Daughters for a Grand Convocation group pho- leadership. The Grand Convocation brought tograph. together Knights and Daughters of Vartan from The last day of the Grand Convocation began across the country in a spirit of brotherhood with the final business sessions for both the and sisterhood. Knights and Daughters. The first of the That spirit began for many on Wednesday, Installation Ceremonies was held, installing July 10 when past and present leaders of the Alice Kalustian from Gayane Lodge in San Knights and Daughters of Vartan met in a Fernando Valley as the new Grand Matron of series of meetings to discuss topics to be the Daughters of Vartan. addressed during the next 12 months. While Grand Matron Alice was born in Boston, grew meetings were getting underway, the registra- up in Pasadena and was married to Past tion desk was a flurry of activity as the staff led Commander (PC) Martin Kalustian. They by then Past Commander Steve Adams and his The Narge-Shavarshan Lodge of Greater Detroit received a special award. moved to the San Fernando Valley in 1963 wife Past Matron Salpy Adams, welcomed where they were active at St. Peter church. She guests and handed them materials they would has served as Sunday school superintendent, need for their meetings. Grand District Representative Past Commander came together once again early that evening for on parish council, ACYO sponsor, Youth Thursday morning was a time for workshops Jacob Bournazian, who provided real life exam- a reception hosted by Grand Commander Dr. Activity Council, Diocesan delegate and is still for both Knights and Daughters. The ples on how members could become more Gary Zamanigian and Grand Matron Diana active in the church choir. She has also served Daughters of Vartan heard from Past Matron active participants and better leaders in their Tookmanian. on the board of the Diocese Choir Association Dr. Lisa Vartanian from California, who inter- respective lodges. During the afternoon, the Both groups got down to work on Friday, (AACCWD). acted with her fellow Daughters in an inspira- men and woman came together for a presenta- July 12, as their respective tional discussion about sisterhood. The Knights tion on the plans for the Armenian Genocide Business Sessions began of Vartan workshop featured Southeastern Museum to be constructed in Glendale. They at 9 a.m. Delegates representing the attending Lodges discussed and at times debated various proposals before voting on them. During the mid- day break, The Daughters of Vartan hosted a luncheon honoring Tookmanian which gave her the opportunity to thank her fellow Daughters for their dedication and support throughout her two-year term. Luncheon organiz- Person of the year Peter Abajian, at left ers also prepared some fun for their guests in the form of a room sized version of Monopoly She has been a member of Gayane Lodge which they cleverly named DOVOPOLY. since 1972. She has held almost every lodge The Knights and Daughters of Vartan appro- position several times and has served as matron priated financial support for certain key initia- three different years; also as ritual and by-law tives: the Fuller Center for Housing Armenia, advisor. She was Grand Treasurer during Past the Armenian Charitable Lighthouse Grand Matron (PGM) Asien Surmeian’s term as Foundation, Scholarships for Armenian Grand Matron and Grand District Registration for the Knights and Daughters American Students, and Scholarships for Representative during PGM Agnes Sahagian’s Students in Armenia attending the American term. S ATURDAY, A UGUST 3 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 11 COMMUNITY NEWS

She volunteers as assistant treasurer and has California to the position of Grand Commander served on the advisory board for House of of the Knights of Vartan. Grand Commander Hope- Mer Hooys, a home for disadvantaged Steven Adams was born and raised in Fresno, girls in Armenia since its inception in 2008. CA, attending local schools and graduating Her installation was followed by that of the from California State University Fresno with new Grand Council: Associate Matron (Past Bachelor and Master’s Degrees in Physics with Matron) PM Lucille Farsakian; Chaplain a minor in Mathematics. He also earned his Armine Liberatore; Secretary PM Nancy standard teaching credential and later his Hammoudian; Treasurer Norma Oganessian; administrative services credential. Grand Commander Steven taught math, chemistry, and physics in local high schools and eventually going into administration. He retired from Clovis Unified School District in 2016 as their Administrator for Assessment and Accountability. He now serves as a consultant to school districts throughout California in the areas of spatial and data analysis. Grand Commander Steve grew up in the Armenian Church and began serving on the altar at St. Paul Armenian Church in 1971 and was ordained a Deacon in the church in 1980. He has served as a delegate to the Diocesan Assembly over The Mamigonian Lodge of Brooklyn also received a special award. 20 years during that same time, also serving as an officer of the Assembly for The final event of the Convocation was the also served as both director and deputy execu- more than half of those Grand Banquet on Saturday evening, emceed tive director of the Armenian Assembly of Grand Commander Steven Adams years. Adams joined Yeprad by Southeastern Grand District Representative America. Grand Matron Alice Kalustian and Lodge #9 of the Knights of Jacob Bournazian. Vocalist Narée Asherian led Grand Commander Steve Adams wrapped up Vartan in 1980, served in the audience in the singing of the American the evening’s program by thanking the Knights Mistress of Ceremonies PM Barbara Tchalikian different positions up to a member of the Grand and Armenian National Anthems. Knight Rev. and Daughters for their dedication and support and Sentinel PM Nadya Verabian. Council. Yeghia Hairabedian from St. Gregory the and for making the trip to Las Vegas. They also Following a lunch break, the Knights and Adams said “The development of our spiritu- Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Church in looked ahead to a future where the Knights and Daughters heard from Communications Liaison al, cultural and moral heritage must come from Gohar Palyan, who traveled from Armenia to within us, there is no outside group who will attend the Grand Convocation. She updated preserve and grow what we have inherited. members on the operations of the While we no longer face the imminent destruc- Communication Office in Yerevan, thanked tion of our people, the principles laid out by our members for their many contributions to the Founding Fathers can and should still be our digital and print publication, the Avarayr guiding light. We no longer face extermination, newsletter and using photographs, showcased but the culture we have inherited needs to be some of the projects which Lodges across the preserved and now in the new light of indepen- United States are supporting in Armenia. dence, needs to flourish in the spirit of a new Following the Communication Liaison’s presen- Armenia.” tation, Grand Commander Dr. Gary Zamanigian Members of new Grand Council were also presented awards and honors to lodges that installed. It has seven officers, including Grand have made a significant contribution to the Commander, and during 101st convocation the Knights of Vartan during the past year. This newly selected officers were: Grand year, a “Senior Knight Recognition Award” was Commander PC Steven Adams, Lieutenant presented to Past Commander Sam Sassounian Grand Commander PC Kevork Oflazian, Grand of Los Angeles for his numerous contributions Chaplain PC Raffi Karayan, Grand Treasurer to Armenia. PC Garo Istanboulian, Grand Recorder PC Once the honors were bestowed, the second Thomas L. Adams, Grand Master of Ceremonies Installation Ceremony began, which installed PC Dennis Shamlian, and Grand Sentinel PC Steven Adams of Yeprad Tahlij No. 9 in Fresno, Ara Karkazian.

Daughters of Vartan Woman of the Year, Adrienne Krikorian, Esq. from California and Immediate Past Grand Matron Diana Tookmanian

Fowler, California gave the invocation. The Daughters of Vartan would play an even greater Grand Convocation Committee was introduced role on behalf of Armenians both in the United by its General Chairman, Past Commander States and in their homeland. Mark Der Matoian of Yeprad Lodge No. 9. It was only proper that since this year’s Richard Hagopian again took out his oud and Grand Convocation was held in Las Vegas that with some assistance from his son on the dumbeg, performed a handful of traditional Armenian melodies. Immediate Past Grand Matron Diana Tookmanian introduced the Daughters of Vartan Woman of the Year, the Hon. Adrienne Krikorian, Esq. from California. Judge Krikorian is a co-founder of House of Hope, which funds a residential educational program in Armenia for young girls from poor back- grounds. She also serves as Diocesan Council Chairman for Kef dancing the Western Diocese, the only female to ever hold that position. Immediate Past Grand Commander Dr. Gary an Armenian priest from the neighborhood Zamanigian then introduced the Knights of would close the program. That priest was Very Vartan Person of the Year, Peter Abajian of Rev. Sasoon Zumrookdian of St. Giragos From left, Immediate Past Grand Commander Dr. Gary Zamanigian and “Senior Knight Recognition California. He is the executive director of the Armenian Apostolic Church in Las Vegas. After Award” recipient Past Commander Sam Sassounian Paros Foundation, which raises money for the prayer, the pastor urged everyone to make humanitarian projects throughout Armenia. He sure to be in church the following morning. 12 S ATURDAY, A UGUST 3 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS Co-Founder of Armenian Taxi Company Talks Entrepreneurship with AGBU

By Nicholas Zoraian Special to the Mirror-Spectator

WATERTOWN — Armenia General Benevolent Union (AGBU) summer interns in the Boston area had a chance not only to work in various offices and learn on the job, but to hear from other professionals about their own stories in the world of business. One of those was the co-founder of GG Taxi, an app-based car service, similar to Uber and Lyft, which started in Armenia and now operates in Russia, Georgia and California. Khachatur Grigorian gave advice about business and leadership, while speaking with pride about the evolution and future of GG. His June 24 presentation was part of a series of workshops for summer interns and other young members of the Armenian community. “When you want to start something, everything begins from [your] dream. Following the dream is belief. After that,” Grigorian said, “comes hard work.” He added, “As a leader, you Khachatur Grigorian with AGBU Summer Interns in Boston on June 24 should have all of these things in your heart and mind.” GG is a holding company that has embarked By 2016 the taxi service was filling 3,000 to all of the usual options you would find on Armenian drivers, the fact that there are so on many different projects. Since 2014, the orders per day. Now, he proclaims proudly, “GG the Uber app such as regular cars, luxury cars, many Armenians in the area gives him a head company’s focus has been on its app-based taxi is filling more than 20,000 orders per day in all and even exotic cars. start in brand recognition. service. Grigorian co-founded GG Taxi in 2014 its locations, a 700-percent increase from 2016.” GG is currently operating in 15 different Similar to his business model, Grigorian, in Yerevan. According to Grigorian, in 2015, Grigorian also admitted that the company is cities throughout Armenia, Georgia, and himself, has more than one base; he lives in one year after its launch, GG was filling about losing about 20,000 orders per day due to can- Russia and is in the process of expanding Yerevan, Moscow, and Los Angeles. He is 300 orders per day. He joked that GG’s drivers celations and other issues. into the United States. Grigorian talked extremely involved in the development and were earning more money than the company Grigorian proclaimed that “GG plans to solve about his plan to launch GG taxi service in expansion of the company, as he is constant- itself. He explained that the taxi service was all Armenian public transportation problems in Glendale, Pasadena, North Hollywood, and ly traveling to different GG office locations to struggling to the point where GG was investing the coming years.” Venice, all areas where there are dense popu- make sure everything is running smoothly. lations of Armenians. To learn more about GG visit their website at When asked about the challenges of trying to www.ggtaxi.com or their Facebook page GG. infiltrate a huge market like California, as Uber and Lyft dominate the transportation network industry, Grigorian con- fidently says GG’s “customer service will be the best in the area.” He added that he is certain that GG Taxi can outperform other big companies in the customer service department. He claims that GG will be at an advantage because “the acquisition cost to get Armenian drivers in this area is much cheaper.” In other words, he is saying that GG won’t have to spend as much money on acquir- ing new drivers and getting people to recognize the brand as non-Armenian companies would. He will easily be able to hire the Armenians in the area as they will already know what the company is. From there, the brand Opening Ceremony of GG Moscow on March 4, 2018 will start to become more and GG’s Yerevan office in January, 2017 more recognizable. He continues on to say that “the main all of its money from other projects back into What makes GG Taxi unique is the types of problem for a company is if their brand isn’t (Nicholas Zoraian is a summer intern at the the GG taxi service because, he said, “we transportation it offers. It has vans, moving known.” Armenian Mirror-Spectator, through the believed in our future.” trucks and vehicle transport trucks in addition Though he doesn’t plan on hiring only AGBU.) South Texas Teen to Participate in Pan Armenian Games

annual Pan Armenian Games. Held between playing over here and over Armenian Diaspora spread us By Jake Kobersky once every four years in Armenia’s there,” Bledsoe said. “Also just meeting around the world from the capital city of Yerevan, the games all kinds of new people from all over Armenian Genocide, so there are bring athletes from Armenia and of the world will be awesome.” groups of Armenians all across the BOERNE, Texas (KSAT) — Armenian descent together for com- Playing at the international level world. Whenever we can find each Basketball is Nate Bledsoe’s passion. petition in over 17 different sports. is one thing, but doing it in the other, it’s really cool and we just “I want to go as far as I can take Bledsoe will be on a basketball country of his ancestors is another. kind of stick together.” it,” the soon-to-be Boerne team from Los Angeles. At 15, he’s Bledsoe is Armenian on his mother The 2019 Pan Armenian Games Champion sophomore said. the youngest on a roster full of play- Ripsime’s side. She was born in kick off August 5 with closing cere- Next month, Bledsoe will literally ers with collegiate and professional Armenia and hasn’t been back since monies taking place August 17. travel halfway across the globe to experience. Still, he’s undaunted. she was an infant. Bledsoe’s appearance at the play the sport he loves, lacing up for “It’s going to be really exciting to “We’re such a small group, but games will also benefit a great non- Nate Bledsoe an American team at the seventh play overseas and see the differences we’re resilient,” Bledsoe said. “The profit called Hoops for Hayastan. S ATURDAY, A UGUST 3 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 13 Arts & Living

Peter Musurlian Speaks of AMAA to Celebrate Armenian Genocide After Century of Founding at Winning a Third Los October 19 Boston Angeles Area Emmy Banquet LOS ANGELES — Independent journalist Peter Musurlian won his third Los Angeles Area Emmy on July 27, at the Academy of By Florence Avakian Television Arts and Science’s Saban Media Center in North Hollywood. PARAMUS, N.J. — “We’ve got to do some- The 52-minute documentary, “Holocaust thing,” they said, and they did, and continue to Soliloquy,” ran on Los Angeles PBS station do so, declared Zaven Khanjian, executive KLCS in May 2018, winning the Emmy in the director and CEO of the Armenian Missionary Independent Programming Category. Association of America, (AMAA). Earlier this year, Musurlian, who shot, wrote, The “they” are the dedicated couple, John and and edited the entire film, won a First Place Michèle Simourian, who with “commitment, good- Los Angeles Press Club Award for Best will and action” took devoted action and inspired Videography, beating out two entries from the the members of the AMAA to help the survivors of powerhouse KCET team. the 1988 earthquake in Armenia 30 years ago. The documentary can be found on the web- This couple has continued to dedicate their site: www.peterfischl.com and a link to Musurlian’s efforts for four decades to the values and work of Emmy speech has been uploaded to the AMAA, an outstanding Christian non-sectar- YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3 ian organization. WRYgRuKP9E 2018 was also the 100th anniversary of the Musurlian won his first Emmy in 2012, for a founding of the AMAA, a very symbolic date for 30-minute (solo) documentary, “Burbank’s this noteworthy organization that has been the African Sister City,” which he shot, wrote, nar- “Good Samaritan” to many needy people - rated, and edited. In 2016, Musurlian, and a orphans, widows, the poverty-stricken sick and team from The Burbank Channel, won Emmys grieving around the world. for their various roles in the production of the Their vital and dynamic work for more than Mayor’s State-of-the-City video. 100 years will be celebrated in grand style at a Musurlian, who was born in Wisconsin and Vahakn Arslanian and Michele Ekizian by Gorky’s Aviation Murals at Newark Museum banquet in Boston, MA, on Saturday evening, raised in Torrance, received his bachelor’s October 19. Co-Chairs of the banquet are John degree from the University of Southern and Michèle Simourian. California, and master’s degrees from Baylor In a brief telephone conversation, Michèle University, American University, and the ‘Gorky’s Dream Garden’ to Hold Simourian said, “Out of our great respect for its University of Redlands. He has had 10 Emmy sterling reputation, and what it stands for during nominations since 2002 and has won 24 Preview on September 7 at the past 100 years, it has been a privilege to be involved with the AMAA. Also our intense love Newark Museum of Art for our Armenian ancestry has played a huge role in working for our people.” NEW YORK — “Gorky’s Dream Garden” will be performed at the Newark The AMAA Orphan and Child Care Program, Museum of Art in a site-specific Love Songs Showscape chamber preview on “a birth-child of the earthquake,” has continued Saturday, September 7 at 2 p.m. (with a pre-concert spectacle at 1:30 p.m.). The to serve the impoverished children of Armenia exclusive 80-minute show will take place at the museum’s elegant Billy Johnson and Artsakh,” stated Khanjian. Theater and will be free with museum admission. Michèle Simourian, an AMAA Board member, Created by award winning composer Michelle Ekizian, “Gorky’s Dream Garden” and founding co-chair of the program, has “vig- comes to life with a cast of performers from Broadway, opera, film and dance. orously led and served it” for more than 25 years. The opera is based loosely on the story of the visionary artist Arshile Gorky, Last year the AMAA celebrated its Centennial whose Newark Airport Murals are a part of the Newark Museum’s collection. in Armenia by inaugurating the new AMAA Born Vostanig Adoian in Van, Turkey in 1904, the artist died in Connecticut in Community Center and Sanctuary in Gyumri 1948. He was a child witness to the horrors of the Armenian Genocide of 1915. He which was the epicenter of the earthquake. “It Peter Musurlian came to America in 1920, and fabricated the persona of Russian royalty, and as a celebrated the revival of Armenia’s historical epi- nephew of Maxim Gorky. Concealing his Armenian identity and his inner laments center of cultural heritage and intellectual trea- and hopes from all, except his sister through letter correspondences, he captured a sure,” declared Khanjian. Golden Mikes from the Radio & Television young society, Bostonian wife and a slice of the American Dream. He became a The center “will bring joy, add a smile on the News Association of Southern California. founding father of New York’s dynamic abstract-expressionist art movement of the faces of its children, and bring honor to God,” he Growing up, Musurlian attended St. James 1930s and 40s. added. Armenian Apostolic Church. In 1983, he Despite loss and misfortune (fire, cancer, marital infidelity, car crash), and his John Simourian, a long-time member of First interned at ABC News in Washington, DC, as untimely death at age 44, Gorky’s groundbreaking abstract and figurative paintings Armenian Church of Belmont, and past trustee, part of the Armenian Assembly Intern transitioned darkness and pain into color and light. His art is an everlasting repre- will serve as Master of Ceremonies of the ban- Program. And, from 2006 to 2009, he sat on sentation of the enigmatic complexities of the Genocide survivors. quet. He revealed that he had become involved the Board of Directors of the Armenian In this first-ever concert-event of the new musical theater opera “Gorky’s Dream with the AMAA through association with his National Committee, Western Region. Garden,” virtuoso musicians, dancers and actors will be enhanced by visuals craft- “wife’s leadership.” Among more than 20 Armenian-themed pro- ed especially for its performance site. This is “a wonderful and far-reaching organi- jects Musurlian has produced over the last 20 Gorky was assigned by the Federal Art Project to create his 1936–37 cycle of zation, going strong for more than 100 years. It years are: “The Long Journey from the NFL to murals: Evolution of Forms Under Aerodynamic Limitations. Now, the cycle’s only responds to the physical and spiritual needs of Armenia” (2006), “Historic two surviving panels—excavated and restored in 1978 after being presumably lost the helpless and the homeless,” he commented. Armenia” (2015) and “The 100-Year-Old during some 35-years covered under coats of paint at the Newark Airport—are in He said he was “looking forward” to his role Survivor” (2015), all of which ran on KLCS in permanent display at the Newark Museum. as banquet MC, working with the Banquet Los Angeles. Gorky’s murals are among the earliest abstract murals to be created in the United Committee members and developing an interest- Among certain members of the Armenian States. When the installation was previewed in 1937, the Newark Star-Ledger coming program for the October 19 celebration.” Community, Musurlian is perhaps best known pared it to “a hangover after an Atlantic City convention.” Khanjian said, “Our task as the blessed recipi- for his hard-hitting coverage of Members of Still standing tall today and rising above to greet the museum’s guests with fan- ents of those who walked before us is set, and we Congress Jean Schmidt of Ohio and Steve tastic verve, Gorky’s two Aviation Murals are ironically like the resilient survivors are ready to embrace the future. With added Cohen of Tennessee, as well as California of the Armenian Genocide of 1915. resources, expanded services and multiplied Assemblyman Mike Gatto, who all, to varying Ekizian, who composed the book, score and lyrics, creates hybrids of large-scale vigor, a brighter future is on the horizon of the degrees, exhibited hostility toward Armenians works crossing the boundaries of classical, rock, musical theater and opera. mission of the AMAA.” and/or Armenian issues. Created in sections over a course of two-decades, “Gorky’s Dream Garden” has A former congressional aide, Musurlian has been hailed as “a blaze of color...passion and spiritual force... (San Francisco worked at television stations in Montana, Chronicle on previewed excerpt). Texas, Burbank, and Washington, DC. He also She is a recipient of a Prix de Rome from the American Academy in Rome, served for eight months as a US Army broad- Guggenheim Fellowship, National Endowment for the Arts Grant and a Doctorate cast journalist in Central Europe in the late in Music Composition from Columbia University. 1990s, where he met his Hungarian wife, For the September 7 preview, Ekizian and her team have staged a portable pro- Szilvia. duction that will make full use of not only the post-modern architecture of the He is editing his latest documentary, museum’s Billy Johnson Theater designed by the late Michael Graves, but its “Genocide March Revisited,” while working gallery space by Gorky’s murals. and living in Northern Virginia with his wife see DREAM, page 16 and teenage daughter, June Petra, the 2017 John and Michele Simourian Los Angeles County Spelling Bee champion. 14 S ATURDAY, A UGUST 3 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARTS & LIVING Deputy Prime Minister Avinyan Focuses on the Economy

AVINYAN, from page 1 party and fully involved in its political activities. established there but they have received a new those born in 1976 and after paying from their As deputy prime minister, Avinyan’s fields of impetus in certain spheres after the Velvet salaries and the state supplementing that coordination include economy, nature protec- Economy Revolution of 2018. He said: “I cannot insist they amount, dates from 2014, and Avinyan called it tion, agriculture, energy infrastructures and nat- Avinyan said that the privatization carried out are working as serious defenders of workers “a great achievement for the Armenian state.” ural resources, transport, communication and IT, under the government of Levon Ter Petrosian rights, but this is something that the government The amounts of contributions may still be sub- nuclear security, statistics and urban develop- after the collapse of the Soviet-style economy is encouraging.” ject to discussion but this is a technical point, he ment. He spoke about many of these topics at his was too rapid and led to the entire industrial said. Armenian community events and during an complex being destroyed. He said, “It was not Issues Another field important for the well-being of interview with the Mirror-Spectator. possible to do worse because the result was Environmental concerns have been raised for citizens for which the government is planning zero.” There were a few positive advances in many years about mining in Armenia, and in par- reform is the healthcare system. The Soviet on- ARAM ARKUN PHOTO fields such as energy, which was restored, but if ticular in Amulsar, as well as issues of corruption. demand system to a certain extent still operates, the advanced production capabilities of Soviet All mines in Armenia belong to the state which and the ministry of health has done well in ren- Armenia and the transmitted knowledge was leased them out to investors under the prior gov- ovating their old programs in the current frame- modernized with slower steps and new markets ernments. Avinyan said that in order to find out work, but Avinyan said the system will be found they might have bene preserved. the truth about the situation, a new investiga- changed to a health insurance system. Some During the following two presidencies of inde- tion was initiated by the current government pilot programs have already been carried out. pendent Armenia, there were some positive with international specialists. He said that At this point, the only question that remains is advances in certain fields though the overall experts who were previously sent by environ- of choosing a model. The German or Israeli mod- legacy is not a positive one. As an example, mentalist groups stated that the mining was els have greater state involvement and the US is Avinyan pointed to fairly intensive work in the risky but could not provide certainty about the more private based. During the next 4-5 years it last ten years on digitization of public services risks. will become clearer which type of model is appro- and making them easier of access (e.g. cadaster), Avinyan said, “It was very normal, very natu- priate for Armenia, taking into consideration its but these are very small achievements, he said, ral, that the environmental movements fought population and size. compared to the negative effects of the lack of against mines. It is very understandable since the However, “If we talk about the battle against democratic elections and democracy in general. history of mining in Armenia has a scandalous poverty in general,” Avinyan said, “it is only pos- Avinyan declared that the ideal economic history, so that created a situation in which con- sible through the development of the economy.” model for Armenia would be the free market but fidence is lacking.” He continued, “I think involv- Unemployment must be reduced, and possibili- life shows that comparatively poorer countries ing independent experts was an important pro- ties of education and the possibility of self-real- would incur greater losses than profits since they cess also for us. To receive answers to these ques- ization provided. To help achieve these goals, the do not have sufficiently developed human capital tions was very important.” cabinet developed a program called Work and a knowledge economy with which to com- He said the motives of the environmentalists Armenia, which was launched in mid May this pete with developed countries. was understandable, “but I think the govern- year. He said that all “isms” or traditional ideologi- ment must work to keep a certain balance…one- It is composed of three principles. cal approaches to the economy today are com- sided approaches cannot be a guidepost for the Development of human capital is the first. This bined. In other words, in the same economy government because in our country in all cases Background will provide workers to sectors of the economy there are some spheres in which the market must the supremacy of the law must be applied inde- that need them, and will require fundamental Born in 1989, Avinyan received his bachelor’s be freely allowed to take its course with no inter- pendently of everything.” educational changes. Women also must be degree in 2009 from the Russian-Armenian vention, in the way the British political The final decision regarding Amulsar will be brought into active sectors of the economy. (Slavonic) university from the Department of economist David Ricardo envisioned. On the made after the results of the expert internation- Second is stimulation of employment in Armenia Applied Mathematics, and in 2011 received a other hand, there are spheres in which very strict al assessment will be ready. Avinyan also noted through concrete methods, and third is funda- master’s degree in mathematical modeling from arrangements must be made, with very severe that there will be fundamental reforms made to mental institutional reforms. the same university. He went abroad afterward to interventions, which directly contradict the logic mining laws, including some limitations, along “If we are very frank with each other,” London for a one-year program to obtain a mas- of a free market. Avinyan declared, “This mixed with privileges to those companies ready for pro- Avinyan related, “we can say the educational sys- ter’s degree in finance from the University of policy approach is what is effective today and this duction. tem is very inefficient.” There are schools with 22 Queen Mary in 2014. model is what we rely on.” Mining is one of those economic areas, teachers for only 5 children. Despite some Aside from obtaining fundamental knowledge Furthermore, to speed up Armenia’s econom- Avinyan said, in which the state must carry out changes in several universities, or TUMO’s in finance which helps him even today in his ic growth, Avinyan said, there are two strategies. some interventionist policies. Aside from envi- extracurricular programs, he said, “what we have work, he became familiar with many cultures and The first is to look to your comparative advan- ronmental issues, there is the question of creat- now is still the heritage of the Soviet Union.” In nationalities there for the first time. He tage and strengthen or increase what you do well ing added value in the country. That would mean the following years, teachers must be educated exclaimed, “London is a city where during my already. For Armenia, that would include agri- that raw materials not be exported but refined or better and efficiency improved. The salaries of first three days I heard more languages than dur- culture, because of great weather, water and suit- worked on in Armenia. Avinyan said the appro- teachers, which are really low, he admitted, are ing the rest of my life.” able soil. However, he said, “I don’t know any priate conditions for this must be established. going to be raised starting in September. Avinyan worked at the business lending divi- country that has done well and become rich by Nuclear energy is another issue which raises As far as private schools are concerned, sion of Armenian Development Bank after promoting agriculture too much.” In Armenia, environmental and safety concerns. Avinyan said though there are positive developments and obtaining his bachelor’s degree, and in 2010 agriculture composes around 15 percent of the that the government understands that the examples, Avinyan said that the Armenian con- founded an irrigation systems installation and gross domestic product (GDP), which implies, he Medzamor 400 megawatt nuclear station is in a stitution provides the right of citizens to educa- landscape design company. In 2014-16 he was a said, a not so developed infrastructure. seismically dangerous zone but has taken all pos- tion, and must be secured through public consultant for digitization systems at Shirak The second approach is emulation of success- sible protective measures. He declared, “We are schools. Technologies and completed several digitization ful industries in developed countries. GDP is pro- persuaded that atomic energy producing stations On the university level, a major issue pointed projects for Contour Global, while in 2014-18 he duced, he said, mainly through industries. You must form an indivisible part of our energy sys- out by Avinyan is that there are too many grad- managed an Armenian software company called must find the technology, bring it to Armenia tem.” After ending the use of Medzamor a new uates in liberal arts such as philosophy or histo- CyberVision. and start production. Avinyan took as his model nuclear plant must be brought on line. ry. A large portion of the unemployed today have He began to be active in civil movements in the so-called Asian tiger economies. He gave as However, he said that energy diversification such degrees, whereas there is a need for work- Armenia from 2008, when the presidential elec- one example high tech industry in Armenia, policies were being followed, including solar, ers trained in other fields like electricians or IT. tion led to mass protests. When he returned to which has been growing for an average of 28 per- wind and water based. A few weeks ago an agree- The universities ideally should therefore change Armenia from London in 2014, he enrolled in cent annually over the last 7 to 8 years. That of ment was made with a company in the United their focus and decrease the numbers of liberal the Civil Contract civil movement. He met Nikol course also means Armenia now has the com- Arab Emirates to invest jointly with an Armenian arts field graduates. Pashinyan for the first time in this period. When parative advantage in this industry. Armenia, he state fund in a 500megawatt renewable energy The money for the various aforementioned the Civil Contract turned into a political party in said, must look at other niches or industries that field. Solar energy can produce eventually up to state programs and increases in salaries is avail- 2015, Avinyan became one of its founders and a could be emulated in countries like Singapore, 20-25 percent of energy needs and by 2036 at able because of unexpected tax revenues in the member of its executive. He began to participate Korea, the European Union and the US. For this least 4,000-megawatt solar energy stations are budget. This is, Avinyan said, a result of a suc- more intensively in the political process and elec- reason, Armenia is negotiating with the US to planned, which will allow export of electricity. cessful fight against corruption, which will hope- tions. An electoral victory in a village in Ararat increase its access to a lot of technological Hydroelectrical plants are being modernized fully continue to bring in new revenue. He said, Province in 2016 inspired them, and Avinyan knowhow in the trade framework. and thermal energy stations with high efficiency “There is a huge grey economy in Armenia and became a member of the Yerevan Council of Avinyan said that in general the government are being built with Italian firms. There are even we still have a lot of places to disturb them [tax Elders (city council) from the Yelk Faction in advocated the second approach, but in certain some explorations continuing for gas and oil evaders] and bring them to the new culture of 2017-18, but, he said, the leaders of the party fields still followed the first, as a single approach deposits. paying taxes.” realized that only revolution could achieve glob- cannot be applied throughout the economy. He al change in Armenia. added that the approach to agriculture would be Eliminating Poverty and Improving Quality Faith in the Future Consequently, in 2018 they began the march changed through the application of new tech- Of Life At the July 19 public event in Boston, from Gyumri to Yerevan which ended with the nologies. The government no longer just pro- “The fundamental goal of the revolution,” Avinyan was asked by an audience member change in regime. The idea came from Mkhitar vides assistance for maintaining agriculture, Avinyan said, “is the formation of a human-cen- when would the economy improve so that peo- Hayrapetyan, but Avinyan was the leader of the which is ineffective, but instead subsidizes capi- tered and citizen-centered society. This is a ple would not have to emigrate. He said that organizing group. They planned what route to tal investments in fields like drip irrigation, inten- longer-lasting process which we are working this requires changes that take longer than take and all the actions were carefully deter- sive gardening and smart farms. towards.” political ones, which can shift on a dime. mined. Avinyan said that though they took the He noted that tourism was an important sec- The new government has taken some short- Armenia has to deal with 20.6 percent unem- first step, it was the populace that was ready to tor of the economy that grows practically on its term measures. It raised the minimum for pen- ployment, over half of its women being inactive, act already. The fact that the goals of the Civil own if the infrastructure is renovated. A general sions and benefits. It raised the level of the value and many people being forced to leave Armenia Contract party were based on the single idea of strategy is being developed for this sector, which of the basket of minimum consumption to for seasonal work. However, significantly, he constructing a powerful and stable republic, and last year had 16-17 percent growth and this year 25,500 dram, which, Avinyan said, is still a very said that he believed that it is possible to that their leaders were very pragmatic and real- possibly more. However, Avinyan stressed again low sum. Nonetheless, those who received pen- change conditions in the Armenian economy istic, measuring their strengths correctly, led to that “We need to focus on industry…industry sions below this level now will receive this within five years so that people will no longer the success of their movement, Avinyan said. should be the main basis for the economy of amount. There are also some modest raises being emigrate. He concluded by declaring that the On May 11, 2018 Avinyan was appointed as Armenia.” made to teachers starting in September and sol- most important thing that has happened after deputy prime minister. Today, while in office, he When asked about the role of labor unions in diers’ salaries. the revolution is that the people have begun to is still a member of the governing board of the Armenia, Avinyan replied that they are not well The creation of the new pension system, with believe in the future of Armenia. S ATURDAY, A UGUST 3 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 15 ARTS & LIVING Parliament Speaker Tours US, Touts Contacts With US Officials

MIRZOYAN, from page 1 in Armenia. He replied that some of the critics the diversification of energy is.” Certain movements started in Artsakh after and the Armenian Weekly, at the Sheraton were unfamiliar with the various bodies in the US “We get gas from Russia and Iran, and we can’t the Velvet Revolution, but he said that the Commander Hotel. and perhaps did not realize the import of the allow ourselves the luxury of not buying gas from Armenian government was cautious not to During a lengthy talk, Mirzoyan, 40, spoke meetings. Iran. We don’t pay for our gas from them but give encourage any change in the government there, about his background, his goals for Armenia as He said during the visit, they were able to meet them electricity in return,” he said. since they deal with ongoing attacks from well as the results of the tour of the US. with Sen. Mitch McConnell and House Speaker He added that he explained the country’s posi- Azerbaijan and need to be ready. His affinity with the US goes back a long way. Rep. Nancy Pelosi and many other leaders in the tion to the Atlantic Council and told other offi- “We have great relations with the Artsakh lead- He is a historian whose doctorate was on the offi- US. cials at smaller meetings what the position of ership. I relish the chance to go there as often as cial recognition of the Armenian Genocide in the In addition to various leaders, they met with Armenia and that they seemed to understand it. I can,” he said. “I look at friendly relations with US from 1915 to 2003. He also worked for a time House Democracy Partnership members, a bipar- “I am optimistic,” he said. respect,” he said, noting that Artsakh President at the Armenian Genocide Museum and tisan group of US Representatives that works “The world is not black and white. Everything Bako Sahakyan is a good friend of former Memorial, under the leadership of Lavrenti directly with partner countries around the world in politics and the world are tied together with Armenian president Robert Kocharyan and for- Barseghyan. His master’s degree focused on the to support the development of effective, indepen- many small strings,” he replied, when asked mer Prime Minister Serzh Sargsyan. defense of Van and Vaspurakan. dent, and responsive legislative institutions. They about the increasingly cozy relationship between “The people of Artsakh have to decide for them- The transition from academic to member of had invited Armenian representatives for the first Russia and Turkey. selves what direction they wants to go,” he said. government was fairly smooth. time. They also met with members of the Atlantic “We have peace, economic, etc. ties with In a separate issue facing Artsakh, he denied While he was finishing his doctorate at Yerevan Council, a conservative think tank, and members Russia,” he said. “And maybe that might open that there were more attacks by Azerbaijan on State University, he was active in student politics of the Armenian-American community. In addi- some doors to Turkey for us, since they are Artsakh. and in 2004, was one of the organizers of large- tion, he and Avinyan met with representatives of blockading us.” Mirzoyan said that he did not agree that there scale anti-government protests. the International Foundation for Electoral Armenia has frequently stated that it is ready to is an increase in firing from Azerbaijan. “After that, I was active in various movement Systems and United States Agency for start relations with Turkey without preconditions. “In the past year, the number has gone down and the transition was very smooth. There was no International Development (USAID). Armenia, for its part, is now getting closer to sharply, as have the number of dead and wound- large solution because the solutions were very “If you don’t think they are important, then China also. “I think all countries have something ed,” he said. “Even one is too many as we don’t complex, all focused on the government,” he said. what is?” he asked rhetorically. to give each other, regardless of size. Everyone is want any victims.” The protests were regarding the rules in the “We need dynamic ties and constant contact looking for collaborators around the world. Not He said this is not enough and there is ongo- government for drafting those finishing universi- between the US Armenian community and only Russia, but Europe, United States…” ing effort by the Armenian government to reach ty who wanted to continue their education. Armenian government representatives,” he He added that Armenia is trying to expand its a permanent end to the war. Clearly, he had one foot in the past while one added. foreign policy focus in Asia and Africa. foot firmly in current politics. “It is possible to create ties with all other coun- Azeri Efforts “In 2013 it was clear to me that if you want Iran, Turkey and International Relations tries,” he added. A question was asked about the disappearing something to be done, you have to do it yourself, The topic turned to Iran, its antagonistic rela- In addition, he noted that his government is twinned towns in France and Artsakh, which meaning you have to participate in those move- tions with the US and its close ties to Armenia. making overtures to Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, President Macron now seeks to end. ments,” Mirzoyan said. Iran is the only neighbor of Armenia which has neither of which has ties with Armenia. Though (The French Administrative Court annulled the He connected with current Prime Minister exports to and imports from Armenia. Two other neither has yet borne fruit, he said he is opti- declaration on friendship between the French Nikol Pashinyan in 2013 and eventually the two neighbors are Turkey and Azerbaijan, both of mistic. city of Arnouville and the Shekher community of founded the political movement that toppled the which have blockaded the country. The third, Artsakh in June. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs government. Georgia, is not officially closed but from time to Artsakh Relations of Artsakh expressed its concern that it may He was a co-founder with Pashinyan of the time, they create problems for Armenian goods Since the Velvet Revolution in May 2018 which become a wrong political signal for Azerbaijan.) Civil Contract Party which was part of the Yelk entering the country. brought Pashinyan to power, there has been an “Azeri efforts in all fields internationally to bad (Way Out) Alliance in Parliament. When asked if the US officials with whom he underlying tension with the government of mouth the Armenian government or country is With his early introduction to and admiration was meeting pressured Mirzoyan to distance his Artsakh. Two former presidents of Armenia, not new. They need to understand that such for Pashinyan, it was easy to find a way into the country from Iran, he replied that no pressure Serzh Sargsyan and Robert Kocharyan, hail from efforts will not bear fruit and realize that they government. was exerted on him. Artsakh and were noted fighters in that country’s need to talk with the Armenian government to “I knew of Nikol Pashinyan’s writing and of his “We have had close relations with Iran for cen- war against Azerbaijan. benefit them,” he said. arrest and imprisonment, since 2008, but we were turies. This is nothing new. If we only look at the Mirzoyan down-played disagreements between “Yes, they can inflict small wounds,” he said, introduced in 2013,” he explained. economic factors, the Armenian economy has suf- the two republics. but nothing major. Mirzoyan responded to a question regarding fered much from blockades,” he said. “If we speak The republics and the people are headed in dif- The sister cities in France, he said, were criticism of the visit to the US from some outlets about gas, we need to understand how important ferent directions, Mirzoyan said. revoked by the courts by all the officials continue to keep warm relations, he explained. “In terms of strategy, they rarely bear fruit. Yes through dirty efforts, they can have small success but they are not winning the war,” he said.

Domestic Policies Mirzoyan said that the government is focusing on adding to the number of female parliamentar- Recipe ians. Currently, there is a one-fourth quota, which the elections have met. “We would like more women to participate,” he said. He also addressed the youth of many in power, including himself, and Avinyan, who is 30. Corner “It was the young people who were fighting for years. It was the youth, next to others, who fought. So why shouldn’t they participate? With no offense to the older generation, they are able to be free of the Soviet mentality and offer fresh by Christine Vartanian Datian thoughts. A new generation in politics is a good thing. The rules of the game are different now.” He then was asked about the courts, which the Patligan (Eggplant Moussaka) government seems to target, especially after the release on bail of former president Robert INGREDIENTS Kocharyan by a judge. 1 medium eggplant “The courts still play by the old rules. We were 1 lb. ground lamb or beef not talking about all the judges. There were 1 medium green bell pepper, chopped always just judges that had clear consciences. But 1 medium onion, chopped many were part of the old regime and they had Pinch of sweet basil (rahan) various motives. They need to go,” he said. 1 medium can diced tomatoes He said the government would like to offer early retirement to make room for new judges. 1 small can tomato sauce “Political and party decisions were made when 2 large cloves garlic, chopped that branch is supposed to be independent. We Shortening want to take back the ill-gotten gains. Those need Salt and pepper to taste to be returned to the people,” he said. And finally, he was asked about the continued PREPARATION cases of domestic violence there. Peel and slice eggplant in ¼-inch slices and sprinkle generously with salt. “We recognize domestic violence. There are Let stand 15 minutes. classes for the police and for them to approach Wash the salt off the eggplant with water. Squeeze lightly and dry. Set aside. the victims. In Armenia, from time to time, fami- Lightly brown meat in a tablespoon of shortening. Add the bell pepper, onion, basil, tomatoes and tomato sauce, garlic, and salt and ly violence takes place. We can’t stick our heads pepper, and stir. Cook for 5-10 minutes, tossing. Arrange eggplant in a prepared baking dish alternating with meat mixture, and top with in the sand and say it does not happen in meat mixture. Armenia. It happens there and sadly everywhere,” Bake in a 350-degree oven for 35-45 minutes, or until bubbly and golden, and eggplant is tender. he said. Serves 6. He added that in 2017 a law was adopted to recognize the plight of many spouses in domestic situations. 16 S ATURDAY, A UGUST 3 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARTS & LIVING ‘Gorky’s Dream Garden’ to Hold Preview on September 7 at Newark Museum of Art

DREAM, from page 13 evocative landscapes, Hrair Hawk Khatcherian. includes Hasmik Mekenejian, the Yerevan born Alwin Nikolais, performed last winter to critical Conceived as a spectacle of sight and sound, McCarthy, a Spring Lake, New Jersey art col- contralto and principal soloist of the St. acclaim the dance of “The Exiled Heart” from the presentation includes a pre-concert dance lector and gallery owner, has recently acquired Vartan’s Armenian Cathedral Choir in New the Gorky Opera on the celebrated Appel Room ritual, tableaux vivants, a procession of light a collection of lost works pointing to Gorky’s York City as Gorky’s martyred mother, stage at Jazz at Lincoln Center before the and a pop-up “wishing-tree” installation conjur- early and private art suggestive of his exile Shushan. Soprano Karen Lubeck as Gorky’s Association of Performing Arts Professionals ing East/West – ancient/modern, immigration, flight to America and assimilation that is now American ingenue wife, Agnes, attracts atten- (APAP) through the JKA Booking Dance otherness, innovation, resilience and under critical examination among the art tion as a promising artist with a beautiful voice, Festival. endurance. world. For the opera’s turning point scene, a intelligent musicianship, and thoughtful inter- With her dance captain, Janette Dishuk, The internationally represented visual artist riveting Dream Dance will be accompanied with pretation and made her Carnegie Hall debut Needle and Dishuk — both on the dance facul- Vahakn Arslanian has created the show’s the screening of the composer’s private music sharing the stage with trumpeter Arturo ty of Bergen Community College — will be panoply of indigenous birds harkening from video educating on the Armenian Genocide fea- Sandoval. joined by a trio of cutting-edge male dancers Gorky’s lost Armenian lands for the produc- turing the voice of the late Actors performing in quick-cutting voice who are as well, equally at home in classical bal- tion’s projections and its pop-up interactive Woodstock/”Freedom” legend, Richie Havens overs as the show’s “Art Whisperers” in tandem let, modern dance, hip-hop and Broadway. “wishing tree.” His collaboration with Julian in the opera’s role of its enigmatic Black Monk. with Ekizian’s luscious score will include Adela Needle’s and Dishuk’s portrayal of female icons Schnabel, “The Ones You Didn’t Write – The Here, Ekizian’s setting for the singer’s raspy Maria Bolet, also doubling as the artist’s eccen- representing “Mother Armenia” and “Holy Maybach Car,” was displayed on the Grand wail in her orchestration of a sublime ancient tric sister, Vartoosh). The Cuban-born actor of Breath” of Ekizian’s script will be joined by the Canal during the Venice Biennale. Armenian spiritual hymn is set against devas- film, TV and theatre and winner of the Best men performing the opera’s intriguing Deaf from birth, Arslanian is fascinated by tating flames and brutal historic photos of the Actress Latin America Theater Festival and Chekovian “Black Monk” (Michael Crawford), aviation, birds, candle flames and the chaotic Genocide’s death marches into the desert as a Revelacion ACE Entertainment Critics “The Artist as a Young Man” (Marcos beauty of shattered glass. Through these mira- timeless and worldly plea to rise above. Association Awards. Bolet will be joined by Valasquez) and a cross-over, transgender cles symbolizing some of life’s essential promis- Brent Barrett, the venerable Broadway lead- John Sannuto, New York theater veteran singer, “World” deity (M.A. Taylor). es of hope, Arslanian, like the artist Gorky in ing man, performs the role of Gorky. The actor dancer, director, and choreographer and The Palisades Virtuosi will function as the his overcoming the immediate trauma of the and bari-tenor is the winner of the Los Angeles Professor of Theatre and the Chair of the Dream Garden Lite Orchestra of piano, alto Genocide, found in his art both a route for his Music Critics Award, and a frequent star in Performing Arts Department at Long Island flute and clarinet. A mainstay on New Jersey’s imaginative vision and a means of exploring the international and Broadway productions of Universitys Brooklyn Campus. cultural landscape and beyond, the ensemble equilibrium between destruction and creation. “Phantom of the Opera,” “Chicago” and “Kiss The Art of Motion Dance Theatre, directed by featuring pianist Ron Levy, flutist Margaret In keeping with Ekizian’s layering of real, Me Kate” as well as in musicals and in concerts dancer/choreographer Lynn Needle, will cover Swinchoski and clarinetist Don Morkrynski has unreal and surreal through her opulent music with theaters, symphony orchestras, opera the show’s extensive dance sections portraying been hailed by Fanfare Magazine: “In terms of score and fast paced time traveling story line, houses, and concert halls around the world. He the physical and mental “fantasy of flight” intonation, articulation, and musical insight, the Dream Garden’s visuals are multifaceted. is the lead of the popular “Broadway Tenors.” evoked by Gorky’s Aviation. Needle, a disciple Palisades Virtuosi represent the best of our cur- Throughout, panoramic backdrops guided by Joining Barrett, the line-up of performers of the legendary American choreographer rent world-class standards.” Arslanian’s birds in flight offer vistas to frag- mented and montaged abstraction and nature captured respectively by Corbett McCarthy and Armenia’s foremost photo-journalist of its

Arman Hambarzumyan with sculpture Armenian Artists Show Works in Belgrade

By Muriel Mirak-Weissbach Special to the Mirror-Spectator

BELGRADE — The site was the National Gallery in Belgrade, Serbia and the exhibit featured young talents from many countries. “Art without Borders” was the title of the show that opened on June 25, with works by artists from Georgia, Serbia, Rumania, Armenia and Saudi Arabia. Arman Hambardzumyan, a young sculp- tor from Yerevan was there, with Guy Ghayanchyan, Aram Engibaryan, Hakob Vardanyan, Silvia Simonyan and Narek Aleqkyan. Also on display were works by four Armenians who were unable to be present personally: Romeo Melikyan, Zhora Gasparyan, Sarin Voskyan and Hayk Ghayaryan. Dragan Georgevich, a private gallery owner and art patron, organized the exhibition, which was well attended and drew media attention. S ATURDAY, A UGUST 3 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 17 ARTS & LIVING CC AA LL EE NN DD AA RR

MA. Saturday, November 2 – NAASR 65th Anniversary MASSACHUSETTSARIZONA Gala, at the Royal Sonesta Hotel, Cambridge. 6 pm NOVEMBER 2-3 — ARMENIAFest at St. Apkar Reception, 7 pm Dinner and Program. Honoree Dr. Armenian Apostolic Church. Weekend food and cul- Vartan Gregorian, president of the Carnegie Corporation tural festival featuring traditional Armenian foods, bever- of New York; Master of Ceremonies David Ignatius, ages, exhibits, music and dance performances. 8849 E. columnist for the Washington Post and novelist; Cholla St., Scottsdale. Featuring renowned soprano Isabel Bayrakdarian, accom- NOVEMBER 16 — SOAR (Society for Orphaned panied by the Borromeo String Quartet, performing a Armenian Relief) Annual Golf Tournament. Saturday program of songs by Komitas. Further details to follow. 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Stonecreek Golf Club, 4435 E. Paradise NOVEMBER 16 — St. Stephen’s Armenian Elementary Village Pkway, Phoenix. This is a fundraising event for School 35th Anniversary Celebration. 6:30 PM Armenian orphans. For more information, contact Dr. Cocktail Reception, 7:30 PM Dinner and Program. The Alan Haroian, 603-540-1961. Westin Waltham - Boston, MA $150 per person. DECEMBER 6 and 7 — Friday and Saturday, Trinity MASSACHUSETTS Christmas Bazaar, Friday, 12 noon-9 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Holy Trinity Armenian Church of Greater AUGUST 4 and 11 — Sunday classes, 2-4 p.m., Learn Boston, 145 Brattle Street, Cambridge. For further infor- Traditional Marash Embroidery Technique! Armenian mation, contact the Church Office, 617.354.0632. Museum of America, Adele & Haig Der Manuelian gal- DECEMBER 15 — Christmas Holiday Concert – Erevan leries, 3rd floor, 65 Main Street, Watertown. Join Textile Choral Society and Orchestra, 3:00 p.m., Church Curator Susan Lind-Sinanian at the Armenian Museum The National Association for Sanctuary, Holy Trinity Armenian Church of Greater for a hands-on workshop (2 classes) to learn the unique Armenian Studies and Research Boston, 145 Brattle Street, Cambridge, MA. Save the tradition of Marash Embroidery. Marash Kordz (hand- (NAASR) will hold its grand opening date; details to follow. For further information, call the Church Office, 617.354.0632, or email [email protected]. work of Marash) was a form of embroidery popular and gala on November 1 and 2. The among the Armenians of Marash. Created by weaving a gala will be held at the Royal surface pattern through a lattice framework of two rows, MICHIGAN Sonesta Hotel, Cambridge, with it was originally used for decorating various household reception starting at 6 pm and dinner textiles, usually furnishings. Don’t miss out on this rare NOVEMBER 16 — The Knights of Vartan, Nareg- opportunity to learn this traditional technique and see and program at 7 p.m. Honoree Dr. Shavarshan Lodge #6 and the Daughters of Vartan, beautiful examples in the Museum’s collection! All mate- Vartan Gregorian, president of the Zabelle Otyag #12 will celebrate their respective 100th rials will be provided. Limit 12 students per class. Cost: Carnegie Corporation of New York and 70th organization anniversaries. Featuring: Kevork $60. Become a member to receive a 20% discount! $48 for whom the new building is named, Artinian and his All Star Band at St. Mary’s Cultural Hall, members. Register online or call Education Coordinator, will be present. 18100 Merriman Rd, Livonia. This is a fundraiser Garin Habeshian at 617.926.2562 Ext. 103 today! Dinner/Kef Dance to celebrate Knights and Daughters as AUGUST 6 — Book presentation by Adrienne G. well as a chance for future members to observe how our Alexanian editor of her father’s memoir Forced into community puts our heritage on display. All proceeds to Genocide: Memoirs of an Armenian Soldier In the fund renovation of school gymnasium, Knights of Vartan Ottoman Turkish Army, 7 p.m. Falmouth Public Library, Church Grounds and Charles and Nevart Talanian #106, Elementary School, Yerevan, Armenia. For Herman Foundation Meeting Room, 300 Main Street, Cultural Hall, Holy Trinity Armenian Church of Greater Reservations Contact: Laura Lucassian, (248) 376-3794, Falmouth. Book sale/signing following the presentation. Boston, 145 Brattle Street, Cambridge MA. Food, fun Cost $75 per person, $40 after 9:30 pm For information: Sue Henken (508) 457-2555 ext. 7 or and fellowship for all. Join us for an afternoon of deli- www.falmouthpubliclibrary.org cious Armenian food, Armenian music, children’s activi- NEW JERSEY AUGUST 11 – Annual Picnic, 12 – 5 p.m., Sts. ties, raffle drawing, and more. Blessing of the Madagh at Vartanantz Armenian Church, 180 Old Westford Rd., 4 p.m. For further information, call the Church Office, OCTOBER 25 — Banquet Honoring Dr. Taner Akcam Chelmsford. Music and dancing to the Jason Naroian 617.354.0632, or email [email protected]. Abajian Hall St. Leon complex Fair Lawn, NJ Ensemble. Shish, Chicken, and Losh Kebabs. Armenian SEPTEMBER 16 — Registration is now open for the 2019- Sponsored by Knights & Daughters of Vartan- Under the Pastries. Children’s Activities. In the event of rain, picnic 2020 sessions of the Abaka Dance Academy, 101 Auspices of His Grace Bishop Daniel Findikyan, Primate. will be in the Kazanjian Memorial Ballroom. Bigelow Ave., Watertown, MA. Principal/director Apo For Reservations please call Sona Manuelian 551-427- AUGUST 14 — Tea and Tranquility. Armenian Heritage Ashjian. Classes begin September 16 for grades Nursery II - 8763. $125 p.p. early reservations recommended. Park on The Greenway, Boston. Wednesday from Grade 10 students. Check the schedule and enroll today at 4:30-6 p.m. Meet & Greet. Walk the Labyrinth. Enjoy www.abakadanceacademy.com. For more info, email RHODE ISLAND refreshing Ice Teas, hosted by MEM Tea Imports and [email protected] or call 617-283-2010. dessert. Introduction to walking the labyrinth, mindful SEPTEMBER 18 — Celebrating Contributions of Our OCTOBER 20 — The Cultural Committee of Sts. Sahag and meditative walking at 4:45pm. RSVP appreciated Nation’s Immigrants – Gala Benefit for the Endowed and Mesrob Armenian Church, Providence Presents [email protected] Fund for Care of Armenian Heritage Park on The Meet With The Doctors - Questions & Answers. We invite AUGUST 14-23 — Wednesday and Fridays Summer Greenway Honoring Dr. Noubar Afeyan, Leader & everyone to avail themselves of this opportunity and Studio Art Classes for kids, Session 2. Armenian Philanthropist Recognizing Organizations Serving “Meet with our Armenian Doctors” Dr. Herman Ayvazyan Museum of America, Adele & Haig Der Manuelian gal- Immigrants & Refugees InterContinental Hotel Boston. Internal Medicine. Topic: New Trends in Primary Care leries, 3rd floor, 65 Main Street, Watertown. Artists are Advance Reservations only. For information, Medicine. Ara Boghigian, Moderator. Sunday, 12:30 explore the amazing objects in the galleries and create [email protected] p.m., Hanoian Hall, 70 Jefferson St., Providence. art from this inspiration. Ages 6–10: 11 am to 1 pm; SEPTEMBER 22 — Sunday Afternoon for Families and SEPTEMBER 20 — The Cultural Committee of Sts. Ages 11–14: 3 pm to 5 pm; Session 2 Dates: August 14– Friends. Armenian Heritage Park on The Greenway, Sahag and Mesrob Armenian Church, Providence will 23, Wednesdays and Fridays. Cost per student: $120. Boston. 2-4 pm. Wonderful afternoon with The Hye Guys host a book presentation, “The World of Konstantin Members (family or higher) $96! Individual drop-in class- Ensemble featuring Ron Sahatjian and Joe Kouyoumjian. Petrossian” (English and Armenian), Published by es can be purchased for $35. Members $28. A 10% dis- Hoodsies, Face Painting and more RSVP appreciated Institute of Arts National Academy of Sciences of the count will be offered for each additional sibling in the [email protected] Republic of Armenia, and Composers Union of Armenia. same course and/or class. For individual classes and sib- OCTOBER 19 — The Vosbikians are coming to the Friday at 7 p.m., Egavian Cultural Center, 70 Jefferson lings, please call Education Coordinator, Garin Habeshian Merrimack Valley. The Armenian Friends of America street, Providence. Details to follow. at 617-926-2562, ext. 103. proudly present their Annual HYE KEF 5 Dance, featuring SEPTEMBER 22 — The Cultural Committee of Sts. Sahag AUGUST 22 — Under the August Moon. Armenian The Vosbikians. The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Andover, and Mesrob Armenian Church, Providence Presents Heritage Park on The Greenway, Boston. Thursday MA. Tickets Purchased before 9/13/19 will include the Meet With The Doctors - Questions & Answers. We invite from 7:30– 9 p.m. Delightful evening for supporters, Great Venue, Outstanding Buffet, The Vosbikian Band and everyone to avail themselves of this opportunity and “Meet partners & friends featuring fabulous signature dishes, 5 Free Raffle Tickets Adults $75.00 & Students 21 & under with our Armenian Doctors” Dr. Martin Papazian, ear, nose hosted by anoush’ella and the Berklee Jazz Trio. RSVP $65 Specially priced AFA Rooms available through and throat specialist. Steven Zaroogian, Moderator. Sunday, appreciated [email protected] 9/17/19. For Tickets and more information, Contact: Lu 12:30 p.m., Hanoian Hall, 70 Jefferson St., Providence. AUGUST 25 — Armenian Church at Hye Pointe Picnic. Sirmaian 978-683-9121 or Sharke’ Der Apkarian at 978- 12 to 5 p.m., Armenian Church at Hye Pointe Picnic 808-0598 Visit www.Armenia-FriendsofAmerica.org WASHINGTON, DC to be held at our new Family Life & Cultural Center, 1280 OCTOBER 20 — Annual Banquet of Holy Trinity Boston Road (RTE. 125) Haverhill MA Music by the fabu- Armenian Church of Greater Boston, Celebrating the SEPTEMBER 16-17 — Armenian Assembly of America’s lous Jason Naroian Ensemble. Menu includes Lamb Shish, 58th Anniversary of the Consecration of Holy Trinity and National Advocacy Conference and Gala will take Losh, & Chicken Kebab Dinners, Kheyma, Pastries, & honoring Bruce Newell as the “Parishioner of the Year,” place in Washington, D.C. for two days, which will Beverages. Air Conditioned Hall. Bring your lawn chairs 12:30 p.m., Charles and Nevart Talanian Cultural Hall, include the Conference, Gala honoring Armenian for sitting outside. For more info visit www.hyepointear- 145 Brattle Street, Cambridge. Save the date; details to American Congresswoman Jackie Speier, Advocacy Day menianchurch.org or call (978) 372-9227. Take Rte. 495 follow. on Capitol Hill, and a Congressional Reception celebrat- N to exit 48, bear right at the end of the ramp and fol- NOVEMBER 1,2 — NAASR Grand Opening and Gala. ing U.S.-Armenia relations. Special room rates available at low the signs. Additional parking at Osgood Landing Friday, November 1 – Grand Opening & Ribbon The Wharf InterContinental Hotel. Visit with free shuttle bus to the picnic grounds. Cutting, NAASR Vartan Gregorian Building, at NAASR’s www.aimhye.com for tickets, sponsorships, special hotel SEPTEMBER 15 — Trinity Annual Picnic, 12 -5 p.m., new world headquarters, 395 Concord Avenue, Belmont, room rates, and more information. 18 S ATURDAY, A UGUST 3 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMENTARY

COMMENTARY Mirror Challenges to Armenia’s Judicial Reforms

by the previous parliament is no longer legal, then that shakes Spectator By Edmond Y. Azadian the foundations of the legality of the prime minister himself, who was elected by that same body. Pashinyan has his work cut out for him; he had assured the One of the major factors which precipitated the Velvet people that the Velvet Revolution would not lead to vendettas Revolution in Armenia was the deep-rooted lawlessness which and today he has a hard time keeping his promises because the benefitted the oligarchic system. hatred and rage among the public are so intense against the rep- EstablishedEstablished 1932 1932 People were sick and tired of the uneven application of the resentatives of the old regime. AnAn ADL ADL Publication Publication law, which often resulted in the loss of investment opportunities. At this point, no one is thinking about a truth and reconcilia- No investor, even with the best intentions, can have confi- tion commission to reduce polarization in the country. South dence in a country where his or her interests are not protected Africa was able to spare further bloodshed and dissension by the law. through that action. Injustices forced many citizens to leave the country even If you listen to Pashinyan’s partisans, there is no chance for a EDITOR Alin K. Gregorian when they had the work and income to support their families. compromise. The only solution they see is the resignation of Mr. The Velvet Revolution came to reverse this state of affairs. Tovmasyan. ASSISTANT EDITOR Nikol Pashinyan won a tremendous mandate by the voters to In a statement to the Azatutyun channel, the prime minster Aram Arkun bring about reforms and to place society on a course toward declared that the members of the Supreme Court “have acced- true democracy. ed to their current positions through legal manipulations. The ART DIRECTOR Marc Mgrditchian Although there is a long way to go, the rewards have already Armenia of 2019 deserves a Constitutional Court consistent started to emerge. Donald Tusk, the head of the European with the pre-requisites of 2019. This issue is a political one and Council, during his recent visit to Armenia, praised the strides has to be resolved. I am referring to the seven members of the of the country toward establishing democratic norms and Constitutional Court, including its president, Hrayr Tovmasyan.” assured the prime minister that the “EU welcomes the focus on Answering the prime minister, a former member of the SENIOR EDITORIAL COLUMNIST: creating independent, efficient and accountable judicial system. Supreme Court, Kim Balayan, said, “Mr. Pashinyan is not a Edmond Y. Azadian A solid judiciary is an essential element of a mature democracy lawyer and therefore he cannot use legal reasoning. He is a and for economic and social development. Also, here the EU will politician and has been making political statements. Before mak- CONTRIBUTORS: continue to support with expertise and mobilize further ing political statements, we have to take care of the legal aspects Florence Avakian, Dr. Haroutiun resources.” of the issue, I think that we are at a dead end.” Arzoumanian, Philippe Raffi Kalfayan, In addition, Federica Mogherini, vice president of the While the public is raging, Mr. Tovmasyan has taken further Philip Ketchian, Kevork Keushkerian, European Commission and its foreign affairs leader, has pledged initiatives to complicate the situation and to extend the crisis to Harut Sassounian, Hagop Vartivarian, $28 million in additional aid in the current year to build up the European judicial institutions. He has referred the case of Naomi Zeytoonian infrastructures in Armenia. former President Robert Kocharyan to the European Court of CORRESPONDENTS: Therefore, judicial reforms not only will enhance living condi- Human Rights and the Venice Commission of the Council of tions for the citizens but they will also attract resources from Armenia - Hagop Avedikian Europe, seeking their legal verdict. Boston - Nancy Kalajian Europe. Mr. Kocharyan has been accused of “overthrowing the con- Los Angeles - Taleen Babayan The executive and legislative branches of the government stitutional order” under Armenia’s criminal code. Berlin - Muriel Mirak-Weissbach have undergone dramatic changes, but efforts to reform the judi- There is no question that Armenia direly needs judicial reforms. But after Contributing Photographers: Jirair Hovsepian the takeover of the executive and legislative branches of government by The Armenian Mirror-Spectator is published Pashinyan’s Social weekly, except two weeks in July and the first Contract party, fears week of the year, by: have been arising Baikar Association, Inc. that the control of 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 the third branch of Telephone: 617-924-4420 the government, FAX: 617-924-2887 namely the judiciary, www.mirrorspectator.com may pave the way E-Mail: [email protected] toward authoritarian For advertising: [email protected] rule. Some actions by the government further exacerbate those fears, such as the arrest warrant issued for a judge SUBSCRIPTION RATES : recently. Indeed, the Supreme Judicial Council of Armenia, U.S.A. $80 a year satisfying a motion filed by the Canada $125 a year Prosecutor General’s Other Countries $190 a year office, has opened a cial system has been hampered by the remnants of the former criminal case against regime. David Grigoryan, a judge at Yerevan’s First Instance Court, who Prime Minister Pashinyan believed that he could break the had released Kocharyan from pre-trial detention. © 2014 The Armenian Mirror-Spectator stalemate through methods which he employed to come to Despite the fact that Pashinyan still enjoys unprecedented Periodical Class Postage Paid at Boston, MA power, namely mob action. Therefore, he ordered his supporters popularity, seven political parties have taken the risk of airing and additional mailing offices. to block the entrances to the courts and to keep the judges from their fears in a joint statement, which begins: “It is an absolute ISSN 0004-234X exercising their duties. But, he soon realized that resorting to necessity to preserve the independence and freedom of legisla- such mob mentality was not a cure all and therefore stopped. tive, executive and judicial branches to forestall the concentra- Today, there is a stand-off with the Constitutional Court, par- tion of power in the hands of one party. That is a prelude toward POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The ticularly with its president, Hrayr Tovmasyan. authoritarian rule. Pressure exerted by political authorities on Armenian Mirror-Spectator, 755 Mount Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472 In western democracies, when there is a change in an admin- the courts and judges is inadmissible.” The statement must have jolted the ruling party, which has Other than the editorial, views and opinions istration, that does not necessarily mean that the top judges in expressed in this newspaper do not necessarily the land have to step down before the end of their terms. For resorted to massive retaliation, through friendly media outlets. reflect the policies of the publisher. example, in the US Supreme Court, the justices are appointed All the commentators reading from the same text are insisting for life. that the parties are insignificant groups. The Pashinyan administration has no legal means of unseat- The public may ask why then such an overwhelming reaction ing Tovmasyan and therefore it has resorted to the tactic of was offered if those parties and their statements are so insignif- political pressure. Pashinyan’s government and loyal press have icant. After all, the Velvet Revolution took place to protect the Copying for other than personal use or been arguing that there is a constitutional crisis in the country rights of every citizen and political group to speak out without internal reference is prohibited without and it has to be resolved through political action. Mr. Tovmasyan fear of reprisal. express permission of the copyright insists there is no such crisis. Armenia needs and deserves judicial reform, which is one of owner. Address requests for reprints or The pro-government news outlets have been mobilized to con- the fundamental prerequisites of a democracy. But in today’s back issues to: vince the public that Hrayr Tovmasyan is a left-over relic from polarized atmosphere, it may take longer to carry out those the previous regime and he has to go. They forward the argu- reforms which could be brought in a deliberate atmosphere Baikar Association, Inc. ment that Tovmasyan was elected by the previous parliament, a where fear and political animosity have dissipated or toned 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472- double-edged sword that cuts both ways; if Tovmasyan’s election down. 1509 S ATURDAY, A UGUST 3 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 19 COMMENTARY

before selling it back to Venezuela. The [US Treasury] depart- alliance between the key NATO members is now essentially ment condemned Saab and his associates for ‘profiting from broken, according to two senior US officials.” starvation.’” Erdemir indicated that US Treasury’s sanction against the The State Department’s Special Representative for Turkish firm is just the first step. “The Venezuelan govern- Venezuela Elliott Abrams stated last week, “Venezuela has to ment’s gold mining company, Minerven, established a joint My Turn go to places willing to trade gold illegally — that’s Turkey and gold venture called Mibiturven with the obscure Turkish com- Iran.” pany Marilyns Proje Yatirim, which shares an address with By Harut Sassounian Earlier this year, Marshall Billingslea, US Treasury’s assis- Mulberry. Similarly, Grupo Iveex Insaat, a tiny Turkish com- tant secretary for terrorist financing, warned, “We are looking pany tied to Maduro that has capital of just $1,775 and no at the nature of Turkish-Venezuelan commercial activity, and refineries, was responsible for eight percent of Venezuela’s oil US Places Sanctions on Turkish if we assess a violation of our sanctions, we will obviously exports in April 2019.” Firm For its Corrupt Trade with take action.” His warning came “shortly after a visit to Turkey Erdemir concluded: “Under Erdogan’s rule, Turkey has by Tareck El-Aissami, Venezuela’s minister of industries and become a permissive jurisdiction for illicit finance and sanc- Venezuela national production, who is known for his links to Iran and tions evasion. The Turkish president’s solidarity with sanc- Hezbollah.” The US Treasury sanctioned El-Aissami in 2017 tioned countries such as Venezuela and Iran is part of his In addition to US and European Union punitive actions “for playing a significant role in international narcotics traf- overall pivot toward authoritarian and kleptocratic regimes against Turkey for various violations, the US Treasury ficking.” and his challenge to the US-led liberal international order. Department imposed sanctions last week against a Turkish Erdemir further reported that “Mulberry is just the tip of Unless Washington goes after the remaining elements of the company “involved in a global corruption and money-laun- the Maduro regime’s illicit network in Turkey. Since 2017, Maduro regime’s network in Turkey, Erdogan will see this dering network directed by Venezuelan strongman Nicolas with Erdogan’s encouragement, Venezuelan government inaction as a license for further transgressions involving not Maduro,” according to Aykan Erdemir, a former member of associates have established numerous front and shell compa- only Venezuela but other rogue regimes, as well.” the Turkish parliament and senior fellow at the Washington- nies in Turkey.” According to Bloomberg, in January 2018, One has to wonder how is it that the US Treasury Department based Foundation for Defense of Democracies. shortly after Venezuela’s President visited Turkey, an placed sanctions against a Turkish firm given the reluctance of This corrupt relationship is the result of Turkish President Istanbul-based mysterious Turkish firm [Sardes] sprang into President Trump to take any action against Turkey. Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s support for Maduro’s regime which action by importing $41 million of gold from Venezuela. The Could it be that President Trump was unaware of the could lead to more US sanctions against Turkish firms and following month, Sardes imported another $100 million of Treasury’s anti-Turkish sanctions, being too busy with send- officials. Venezuelan gold. “By November, when President Donald ing tweets against his political opponents and making racist Erdemir wrote that US Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Trump signed an executive order authorizing sanctions on comments about Black Members of Congress? Control “designated Istanbul-based Mulberry Proje Yatirim Venezuelan gold — after sending an envoy to warn Turkey off In a meeting with Republican US Senators last week, for facilitating payments made as part of a ‘corruption net- the trade, Sardes had shuttled $900 million of the precious President Trump asked for more time before implementing work for the sale of [Venezuelan] gold in Turkey.’ Mulberry’s metal out of the country. Not bad for a company with just $1 Congressionally-mandated sanctions against Turkey for pur- owner is an associate of Colombian national Alex Nain Saab million in capital, according to regulatory filings in Istanbul.” chasing Russian S-400 missiles. Moran, who has laundered hundreds of millions of dollars for Bloomberg added, “It’s not the first time that Turkey has Any inaction by President Trump on legally-mandated sanc- Maduro since 2009 by exploiting Venezuela’s food subsidy positioned itself as a work-around for countries facing US tions on Turkey would serve to encourage President Erdogan program, Local Committees for Supply and Production, or sanctions, potentially undermining Washington’s efforts to to further undermine US and NATO interests. Congress CLAP. Treasury also accused Mulberry of purchasing food in isolate governments it considers hostile or corrupt. Ankara should take decisive steps to force President Trump to imple- Turkey on behalf of Venezuelan clients and marking up prices has often tested the boundaries of US tolerance, and the ment severe sanctions against Turkey.

elections. It does not choose who governs and leads nor for how Velvety Artistic many terms. It will not implement transitional justice, nor will it Why Universal Basic hold trials to indict individuals responsible for widespread civil and political injustices. Income Is a Bad What art can provide is a platform for dialogue. The rise of polit- Representation at ical art as genre and the incensing number of contemporary artists associating themselves as activists, means the historical distinctions Idea Economically between art and politics have begun to dissolve. National pavilions have a special role in the world of political art. They made their and Politically Venice Biennale debut appearance at La Biennale di Venezia in 1907, and have since featured the greatest modern art hailing from every corner of the By Daron Acemoglu world. At La Biennale, there are no closed borders and territorial In May 2019, the Republic of Armenia presented “Revolutionary disputes. There is one exhibition, nearly one hundred participating One should always be wary of simple solutions Sensorium” at what is perhaps the most prestigious international countries, and an open space to communicate what message your to complex problems, and universal basic income art exhibition of our era — La Biennale di Venezia. The Armenian country wants to send to the world, and to its people. Here, art is (UBI) is no exception. The fact that this answer Pavilion was inspired by the 2018 Velvet Revolution, a historical a space for full, uncensored discourse, accessible to all. It is a space to automation and globalization has been met event that quickly became the subject of global media coverage and where artists can make otherwise marginalized cultural narratives with such enthusiasm indicates a breakdown not analyses, with particular attention attributed to its non-violent visible on a global scale. This is what Revolutionary Sensorium in the economic system, but in democratic poli- nature: not a single bullet was ever fired. does so brilliantly. tics and civic life. What lessons did we learn from the revolution, exactly? Armenia is a country reborn. The next few years will be vital to Owing to the inadequacy of the social safety First, it underscored the invaluable role of youth in leading resis- its establishment as a democracy. Last December’s elections reflect- net in the United States and other developed tance. The protests were almost childlike in nature. Following Serzh ed poorly on that establishment, with few women elected to parlia- countries, proposals for a UBI are gaining in pop- Sargsyan’s official resigna- ment. Women were an invaluable voice in the revolution, but are ularity. The gap between the rich and everyone tion, a group of teenagers now ignored in the decision-making process. Revolutionary else has expanded significantly in recent years, By Tina Chakarian brought back snow from the Sensorium is an immersive experience, yet its purpose is not solely and many fear that automation and globalization country’s mountainous ter- to rekindle the emotions we felt during the revolution. It is a will widen it further. rain to Republic Square, only reminder of solidarity and unity in the midst of uncertainty. It is a To be sure, if the only choice is between mass to start a snowball fight in front of parliament. Hundreds of young reminder that peaceful protest can ignite change and that women impoverishment and a UBI, a UBI is preferable. men and women held signs denouncing Sargsyan, comparing him and youth are indispensable to this process. Such a program would allow people to spend to Cheburashka — a Soviet cartoon character. The use of drones This is not Armenia’s first time participating in the Venice their money on whatever they value most. It and modern technologies in the revolution were indicative of a Biennale. In 2015, the Armenian Pavilion presented Armenity, would create a broad sense of ownership and a movement led by a new generation of Armenians, tired of outdated which won the Golden Lion Award for Best National Pavilion. Its new constituency to shake up the system of big- politics and Soviet-era politicians. theme honored the centennial of the Armenian Genocide and was money politics. Studies of conditional cash-trans- Second, women were at the forefront of the groups involved in based on the premise of the formation of nation characterized by a fer programs in developing economies the formation of organized, anti-government protest. To quote an dispersed identity. The artists featured in the pavilion were have found that such policies can empower article in Open Caucasus Media “on top of consistently being Armenians of the diaspora, descendants of the 1915 genocide sur- women and other marginalized groups. involved in the grassroots-organizing of social movements, they vivors. The pavilion commemorated the darkest hour in Armenia’s But UBI is a flawed idea, not least because it [women] also make up the majority of Armenia’s journalists.” It is history while shedding light on perhaps one of the most beautiful would be prohibitively expensive unless accom- women who form the majority of Armenia’s NGOs and media, and aspects of the Armenian nation — the Diaspora. In its portrayal of panied by deep cuts to the rest of the safety net. who had been leading the resistance through their civil activism, the diaspora as blossoming and flourishing in every corner of the In the U.S. (population: 327 million), a UBI of decades before the revolution took place. world, borrowing from its adopted cultures while staying connect- just $1,000 per month would cost around $4 tril- Last July, international art curator Ralph Rugoff announced ed to an Armenian motherland, Armenity sent a message to the lion per year, which is close to the entire federal the theme of the 2019 International Art Exhibition La Biennale world — we are among you. budget in 2018. Without major cost savings, U.S. di Venezia. He named it “May You Live In Interesting Times,” an Armenia will have the chance to represent itself again at La federal tax revenue would have to be doubled, ode to the ancient Chinese curse. In December, the Economist Biennale di Venezia in 2021. It’s a chance for us to support our which would impose massive distortionary costs named Armenia “Country of the Year.” The opening of La most talented artists in both the Armenian mainland and the dias- on the economy. And, no, a permanent UBI Biennale was to take place on May 9, 2019 — just two weeks fol- pora, allowing them to showcase art inspired by our country’s past, could not be financed with government debt or lowing the one-year anniversary of the revolution. And so, we present and future. This is not an easy initiative. To assemble a team newly printed currency. created Revolutionary Sensorium, a pavilion meant to recreate of artists, curator, development director, and producers takes Sacrificing all other social programs for the the events of April 2018 through video installations, artwork, months to plan and of course, requires adequate funding and sake of a UBI is a terrible idea. Such programs and live performances. resources. It can be done, but it’s up to our commissioner and spon- exist to address specific problems, such as the Following my announcement regarding the theme of this year’s sors to see that the Armenian Pavilion can create something capa- vulnerability of the elderly, children and disabled Armenian Pavilion, I was met with a recurring question which I had ble of actually effectuating the change we so often speak of. people. Imagine living in a society where chil- difficulty answering, “Can art really effectuate change?” Can (Tina Chakarian is an Armenian installation artist and business dren still go hungry, and where those with Revolutionary Sensorium truly honor the decades of work on the development specialist currently based in Yerevan. She is the devel- severe health conditions are deprived of ade- part of activists, human rights defenders and journalists who have opment director of the Armenian Pavilion at La Biennale di quate care, because all the tax revenue has gone selflessly fought against the corruption and authoritarianism Venezia. For information on the exhibit visit to sending monthly checks to every citizen, widespread in Armenia? After all, art cannot monitor free and fair Armenianpavilion2019.com.) see INCOME, page 20 20 S ATURDAY, A UGUST 3 , 2 0 1 9 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR US Punishes Turkey by Canceling Sale of Jets

were repeatedly scuttled. than expected. By Katie Rogers and Thomas Gibbons-Neff Ellen M. Lord, the Defense Department’s By March, Lord said, Turkey will be fully under secretary for acquisition and sustain- removed from the F-35 program. Still, she said, ment, said the S-400 and its radar systems the American military’s alliance with Turkey WASHINGTON (New York Times) — The pute between the United States and Turkey could compromise the F-35’s stealth capabili- remained strong, and Pentagon officials sought White House informed Turkey, a NATO ally, on over the purchase of Russian weapons, and it ties and jeopardize the fighter jet’s long-term to cast the F-35 dispute as a specific response Wednesday, July 17, that the United States heightened the possibility of long-threatened security. to a specific incident. would not sell it F-35 stealth fighter jets, in American sanctions against a fellow member of The F-35 program has already cost billions of The statement from Turkey’s Foreign retaliation for the country’s purchase of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. dollars more than what was budgeted for its Ministry, however, described it as “the lack of Russian S-400 surface-to-air missile systems. Throughout the dispute, Trump has insisted production, which was delayed years longer the will to resolve the issue in good faith.” President Trump had said a day earlier that that his personal relationship with President Turkey’s order for more than 100 American- Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey is intact, made jets would be canceled. The S-400 system despite Ankara’s pursuit of the Russian hard- is one of Russia’s most advanced antiaircraft ware. weapons and can target and attack aircraft at Trump has in the past praised Erdogan as an Hairenik Association Donates Rare an average range of roughly 155 miles, flying to ally in the fight against terrorism while ignor- an altitude of 82,000 feet. ing the Turkish leader’s authoritarian crack- Books, Periodicals to NAASR “The F-35 cannot coexist with a Russian intel- down on his own people. When Erdogan visit- ligence collection platform that will be used to ed the White House in 2017, the two hailed the WATERTOWN — Rare books from the of Congress standards for inclusion in NAASR’s learn about its advanced capabilities,” the arrival of a new era of relations after the presi- 1800s published by Armenian presses around catalogue of more than 29,000 rare volumes, White House said in a statement. “Accepting dency of Barack Obama. the world as well as precious bound volumes accessible online at www.naasr.org. the S-400 undermines the commitments all This week, Erdogan appeared ready to trade of Armenian newspapers from the early The Hairenik’s donation contains 28 boxes of NATO allies made to each other to move away on that relationship by suggesting that Trump 1900s and other hard-to-find treasures com- books dating from the 19th century to the pre- from Russian systems.” had the power to waive any sanctions that prise the notable donation in July from the sent, mostly in Armenian (Classical, Western, “This will have detrimental impacts on would arise over the purchase. Hairenik Association of Watertown to the and Eastern), English, Turkish, and Armeno- Turkish interoperability with the alliance,” the Asked on Tuesday whether he would National Association for Armenian Studies Turkish. The donation includes books pub- statement said. indeed impose sanctions, Trump deflected by and Research (NAASR). This collection rep- lished by Armenian presses around the world in Turkey accepted its first shipment last week blaming the Obama administration for failing to resents a significant addition to NAASR’s places such as Boston, New York, of its $2.5 billion purchase of Russian S-400 sys- sell the Patriot missile systems to Turkey. The Mardigian Library and will become accessible Constantinople (Istanbul), Tehran, New Julfa, tems. Obama administration did, in fact, consider sell- to the public after NAASR’s new Vartan Tiflis (Tbilisi), Cairo, Geneva, Vienna, Athens, It was the latest twist in a long-running dis- ing Patriot missiles to Turkey, but negotiations Gregorian Building opens on November 1, in Yerevan, Echmiadzin, Venice, Jerusalem, Belmont. Smyrna, Aleppo, Providence, Fresno, and more George Aghjayan, a member of NAASR’s — nearly all of them new to NAASR’s Mardigian Board of Directors as well as chairman of the Library. Famous International Lawyer Benjamin ARF Eastern Region Central Committee was Of special significance are the 48 oversized, key to making this donation possible. “I have bound volumes of Armenian newspapers and Ferencz Joins Aurora Prize been a member of NAASR for over 20 years periodicals from the early part of the 20th cen- and well understand NAASR’s importance and tury, including Azk and Paykar published in AURORA, from page 1 fighting for human rights and global peace, value to the Armenian community. As a library Boston; Pahak, published in Providence, RI; Ferencz was one of the investigators working making it his mission to promote the establish- and beacon of Armenian Studies, NAASR is the Razmik, published in Philippopolis (Plovdiv), to hold the Nazis accountable for the crimes ment of an international rule of law. natural place for this special collection of Bulgaria; Hayastan, published in Sofia, committed during World War II and acted as “I’m very impressed with the work Aurora is works,” said Aghjayan. Bulgaria; Azatamart, published in chief prosecutor for the US Army at the doing around the globe. We have a shared goal “These rare books and periodicals are an Constantinpole (Istanbul); Husaber, published Einsatzgruppen Trial held in Nuremberg, to create a more humane society under the rule incredible addition to NAASR’s rare book in Cairo; Horizon, published in Tiflis (Tbilis); Germany. of law, and I was pleased to accept the invita- library,” commented NAASR’s Director of and others. After graduating from Harvard Law School tion to join the Aurora Prize Selection Academic Affairs Marc Mamigonian. “We are The donated collection is especially strong in in 1943, he joined the Army and was deployed Committee as its honorary co-chair. My experi- truly fortunate to be on the receiving end of titles published by and about the Armenian to Europe where he participated in the libera- ence has taught me that creating a world of such a rich and diverse collection and now have Revolutionary Federation (Dashnaktsutiun) tion of the German concentration camps. That support and compassion takes a great deal of the privilege and responsibility of taking care of and other Armenian political groups, but also experience profoundly affected Ferencz, deter- time, commitment and effort, so I’m excited these materials and making them accessible to contains large numbers of historical and liter- mining the course of his future life and career. about being part of a community who has made researchers.” ary works, including titles by the 20th century Ferencz also helped develop and implement this its mission,” said Ferencz. Ani Babaian, NAASR’s library curator, spent women diasporan writers Rima Garone, Zaruhi rehabilitation programs for people persecuted The Selection Committee for the Aurora many days this summer at the Hairenik with Galemkearean, Ewgine Shahnazar, and Eliz by the Nazi regime and played a role in the Prize includes three Nobel laureates, several Mamigonian, examining the collection and Gampurean. negotiations that led to the Reparations former heads of state, high-level diplomats, and selecting materials that would augment exist- Another notable part of the collection are a Agreement between Israel and West Germany, other public figures and influential members of ing holdings. She has now started to catalogue number of pamphlets, most dating from the signed in 1952. He has dedicated his life to the international community. this significant donation according to Library late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Why Universal Basic Income Is a Bad Idea Economically and Politically

INCOME, from page 19 Contrary to popular belief, there is no evidence that work as Byzantine Empires — handouts to defuse discontent and mol- millionaires and billionaires included. we know it will disappear any time soon. Automation and lify the masses, rather than providing them with economic Although UBI makes for a good slogan, it is a poorly globalization are indeed restructuring work, eliminating cer- opportunities and political agency. designed policy. Basic economic theory implies that taxes on tain types of jobs and increasing inequality. But rather than By contrast, the modern social welfare state that has income are distortionary inasmuch as they discourage work build a system where a large fraction of the population served developed countries so well was not handed down by and investment. Moreover, governments should avoid trans- receives handouts, we should be adopting measures to tycoons and politicians. It aimed to provide both social insur- fers to the same people from whom they collect revenue, but encourage the creation of “middle class” jobs with good pay, ance and opportunities to people. And it was the result of that is precisely what a UBI would do. In the U.S., for exam- while strengthening our ailing social safety net. UBI does democratic politics. Ordinary people made demands, com- ple, around three-quarters of households pay at least some none of this. plained, protested and got involved in policy making, and the federal income or payroll taxes, and an even greater share In the U.S., the top policy goals should be universal health political system responded. pays state taxes. care, more generous unemployment benefits, better- The founding document of the British welfare state, the Besides, a more sensible policy is already on offer: a nega- designed retraining programs and an expanded earned World War II-era Beveridge Report, was as much a response tive income tax, or what is sometimes called “guaranteed income tax credit (EITC). The EITC already functions like a to political demands as to economic hardship. It sought to basic income.” Rather than giving everyone $1,000 per guaranteed basic income for low-wage workers, costs far less protect the disadvantaged and create opportunities, while month, a guaranteed income program would offer transfers than a UBI and directly encourages work. encouraging civic engagement. only to individuals whose monthly income is below $1,000, On the business side, reducing the indirect costs and pay- Many current social problems are rooted in our neglect of thereby coming in at a mere fraction of a UBI’s cost. roll taxes that employers pay for hiring workers would spur the democratic process. The solution isn’t to dribble out UBI advocates would argue that non-universal transfer pro- job creation, also at a pittance of the cost of a UBI. With high- enough crumbs to keep people at home, distracted and oth- grams are less attractive because voters will not embrace er minimum wages to prevent employers from freeriding on erwise pacified. Rather, we need to rejuvenate democratic them as enthusiastically. But this criticism is unfounded. workers’ tax credits, an expanded EITC and reduced payroll politics, boost civic involvement and seek collective solutions. Guaranteed basic income is just as universal as national taxes would go a long way toward creating worthwhile jobs Only with a mobilized, politically active society can we build health insurance, which does not dispense monthly payments at all levels of the income distribution. the institutions we need for shared prosperity in the future, to everyone, but rather benefits anyone who has incurred Equally important, these solutions leverage democratic while protecting the most disadvantaged among us. medical costs. The same is true of programs that uncondi- politics. The same cannot be said for a UBI, which is July 2019 tionally guarantee support for basic needs, such as food for parachuted from above as a way of placating the discontent- the hungry and unemployment insurance for the jobless. ed masses. It neither empowers nor even consults the people (Daron Acemoglu, a professor of economics at MIT, is co- Such policies are widely popular in the countries that have it aims to help. (Do workers who have lost their middle class author (with James A. Robinson) of “Why Nations Fail: The them. jobs want government transfers or an opportunity to get Origins of Power, Prosperity and Poverty” and “The Narrow Finally, much of the enthusiasm for UBI is based on a mis- another job?) As such, UBI proposals have all the hallmarks Corridor: States, Societies, and the Fate of Liberty” (forth- reading of employment trends in advanced economies. of the “bread and circuses” used by the Roman and coming from Penguin Press in September 2019). )