JUNE 30, 2012

THE ARMENIAN

Mirror -Spe ctaItn Ouor Mirror -Spe ctatror 80th Year Volume LXXXII, NO. 50, Issue 4245 $ 2.00 NEWS IN BRIEF The First English Language in the United States Since 1932 By Nancy Kalajian Mirror-Spectator to Special to the Mirror-Spectator Austrian President Visits , Close for Holiday WATERTOWN, Mass. — The Armenian Mirror- Spectator will close for two weeks in July for its annual summer holiday. Discusses Karabagh Issue The issue of June 30 will be the last before the summer break. The issue of July 21 will be the first upon return. (Hetq and Armenpress) — Visiting Austrian President Heinz Fischer this week declared in Yerevan that the IMF to Lend Armenia Karabagh issue cannot be solved through force and violence. $50.7-Million Loan for Fischer made the statement at a joint ‘Solid Growth’ press conference with Armenian President Serge Sargisian after the two leaders met at YEREVAN (ArmeniaNow) — The International the Presidential Palace. Monetary Fund (IMF) offered a cautiously-positive “We see no alternative to the peaceful economic outlook for Armenia as it announced the talks within the scope of the OSCE Minsk release of $50.7 million in fresh loan tranches to Group,” Sargisian said, adding that the authorities last week. “’s recent bellicose statements The two installments are part of a three-year create tension both at the line of contact lending program for the country worth $404 mil - between the armed forces of Nagorno lion that was launched by the IMF in June 2010. President Serge Sargisian, right, with Austrian President Heinz Fischer Karabagh and Azerbaijan and at the Their disbursement raised to almost $270 million of Armenian-Azerbaijani border.” the total amount of low-interest funds allocated to “The provocations of the past weeks have dent noted. Minsk Group co-chairing countries, urging the Armenian government and Central Bank under claimed the lives of servicemen, and the sit - Sargisian recalled the Los Cabos state - the parties to maintain the ceasefire regime that scheme. uation remains tense,” the Armenian presi - ment issued by the presidents of the OSCE and underlining that the conflict should be In a written statement, the IMF praised the settled on the basis of the principles of the Armenian authorities for adhering to macroeco - Helsinki Final Act, namely non-use of force nomic policies favored by the Washington-based or the threat of force, the right of peoples fund. It said that they have translated into “solid to Drop Sanctions on France over Genocide to self-determination and territorial integri - growth” and falling inflation. “The outlook for 2012 and the medium-term is ANKARA (AFP) — Turkey this week relations, which hit a low over French objec - ty. positive, but not without risks, particularly stem - praised the positive attitude adopted by the tions to Turkey’s bid to join the European “We are ready to move forward on the ming from Europe and affecting Armenia via new French president toward relations with Union and legislation in France seeking to basis of those principles, and the sooner Russia,” read the statement. Ankara, saying that sanctions imposed on make it a crime to deny the Armenian the issue is settled, the better. The rapid Paris would no longer be implemented. Genocide. resolution of the issue stems from the inter - “Sanctions will drop from the agenda Turkish-French relations deteriorated ests of the peoples of Armenia and Nagorno Armenia’s Ambassador thanks to this new stance adopted by under Hollande’s predecessor, Nicolas Karabagh. I think the international France,” Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Sarkozy, who angered Ankara when he see KARABAGH, page 2 To UN Raises Issue of Davutoglu said in a televised interview, pushed ahead with a bill to criminalize adding that he would be visiting Paris next denial of the Armenian Genocide in 1915. Azerbaijani Occupation month. After the contentious bill passed in the NEW YORK (Hetq) — Armenia’s Permanent Newly-elected French President Francois National Assembly in December, Turkey Senate Foreign Representative to the United Nations (UN), Garen Hollande promised to open a “new page” in see SANCTIONS, page 3 Nazarian, raised the issue of the Azerbaijani occu - Relations Committee pation of Artzvashen, Shahoumyan and Getashen during his speech this week at the Security Approves Morningstar Council. As Ambassador to UN Secretary General Ban-Ki moon and more than 50 representatives of UN member-states were Azerbaijan present at the discussion regarding the protection of civilian populations in conflict zones. Sen. Boxer Expresses Concerns Nazarian also underscored the responsibility of Over Azerbaijan’s Hostile Actions Azerbaijan in violating the ceasefire and shooting civilians in the Karabagh conflict, as well as tram - WASHINGTON — This week, the Senate pling the rights of hundreds of thousands of Foreign Relations Committee voted to Armenian refugees. approve a number of ambassadorial nomi - Nazarian said that as a result of the conflict, nees, including Richard Morningstar, whom entire Armenian communities had been destroyed, the Barack Obama administration desig - including Artzvashen and the northern Artsakh nated to serve as ambassador to Azerbaijan, Republic communities of Shahoumyan, Getashen reported the and 18 other villages which remain under Armenian Assembly Azerbaijani occupation. of America. Morningstar’s nomination comes INSI DE Samuel Wurzelbacher, better known as “Joe the Plumber” amid Azerbaijan’s June 4 cease-fire vio - lation. Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA) stated ‘Joe the Plumber’ Links Deaths of Holocaust, this week that it was Women Genocide to Gun Control, in Campaign Video “absolutely critical Sen. Barbara Boxer that Ambassador (D-CA) TOLEDO, Ohio (AP) — The Ohio congressional candidate known as “Joe the Morningstar use his Writers Plumber” is running a campaign video in which he suggests that Nazi gun control position to respond contributed to deaths during the Holocaust because Jews didn’t have firearms to to and counter the Government of Page 10 defend themselves. Azerbaijan’s escalating acts of aggression The ad drew strong rebukes from Democrats and Jewish organizations. and threats against Armenia and Nagorno In the video, Samuel Wurzelbacher loads a shotgun and fires at lemons and toma - Karabagh.” Responding to Boxer’s ques - toes placed on wooden posts. “In 1939, Germany established gun control,” he says. tion submitted for the record, Morningstar “From 1939 to 1945, 6 million Jews and 7 million others, unable to defend them - pledged that “if confirmed, I will make the INDEX selves, were exterminated,” he said before ending the video by saying “I love case that irresponsible rhetoric is unaccept - Arts and Living ...... 10 America.” able and undermines our efforts to achieve Armenia ...... 2 Community News...... 5 Gun control opponents have long held that Adolf Hitler was able to seize power a peaceful settlement of the conflict. I will urge the Azerbaijani government to show Editorial ...... 14 in Germany in part because of controls on firearms. International ...... 3, 4 see GUNS, page 4 restraint in its rhetoric and to prepare its people for peace, not war.” see BOXER, page 6 2 S ATURDAY , J UNE 30, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARMENIA News From Armenia President of Mer Doon Receives Medal From Minister of Labor and Social Affairs

Lithuania Interested in ECHMIADZIN — On Monday, April 4, doors in Echmiadzin, in October 2006. Closer Ties Tigranuhi Karapetyan, president of Our Mer Doon provides a loving and com - Home-Mer Doon, received a gold medal passionate family environment for dis - YEREVAN (News.am) — Armenian-Lithuanian polit- from the Republic of Armenia’s minister advantaged young women who have ical relations should be used to boost economic of labor and social affairs, Artur outgrown their orphanage. Sadly, most ties, Armenian Foreign Minister Eduard Nalbandian Grigoryan. This recognition is the highest emancipated orphans in Armenia end and Lithuanian Foreign Minister Audronius Aubalis award of the Ministry of Labor and Social up living on the streets, unskilled, min - said. affairs and honored Karapetyan as an imally educated and unprepared for Nalbandian welcomed his Lithuanian counterpart outstanding example for her many years adulthood. Many fall prey to lowly stressing that positive relations are developing. of service to the orphaned and disadvan - opportunists who offer them some form During last week’s meeting the ministers dis- taged children in Armenia during an of shelter, claim ownership over them cussed regional and bilateral issues, talks on the event organized by Mer Doon, titled “You and exploit them. Mer Doon offers association agreement and strengthening of Are A Mother, A Woman, A Creator.” these young adults a chance at an edu - Armenia-EU relations. Special guests included the head of cation, a home and a much brighter Nalbandian underscored Lithuania was the first the Department of Family, Women, and future. For many of these young adults, to recognize Armenia’s independence and the first Baltic state to open an embassy in Yerevan. In his turn, Aubalis stressed that political rela- tions must serve a basis to promote economic ties Tigranuhi Karapetyan accepting the adding several Lithuanian companies intend to Golden Medal from Artur Grigoryan work in Armenia. Other fields of concern are education and cul- ture. Controversial Former Fish Species Yerevan Mayor Gets On Verge of Extinction Position in New SEVAN (Arminfo) — Due to illegal fishing, the Government native fish species of Lake Sevan are on the verge of extinction, Bardukh Gabrielyan, director of the YEREVAN (RFE/RL) — Gagik Institute of Hydroecology and Ichthyology of the Beglarian, the controversial former Armenian National Academy of Sciences, said at a From left, Nonna Sargsyan, Qochar, Nune Yesayan, Lala Ghazaryan and Tigranuhi Karapetyan with the young women of Mer Doon mayor of Yerevan, has been appointed press conference this week. to Armenia’s government as minister of Gabrielyan said that in the 1980s, the total fish transport and communications, more reserves in Lake Sevan was approximately 28- Children Issues of the Armenian Mer Doon is the first family they have than 18 months after being forced to 30,000 tons, whereas now it is below 20 tons. Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, ever known. resign because of reportedly violent Gabrielyan said that due to illegal fishing, fish such Lala Ghazaryan, singer Nune Yesayan, Mer Doon is currently providing for conduct. as the barbel and khramulya, which are included in Yes Magazine editor-in-chief, Ani 10 young women, each furthering their Beglarian stepped down as mayor in the Red Book, are at risk for extinction. Meanwhile, Qochar, and friend of Mer Doon, Nonna education and pursuing a useful skill or December 2010 after President Serge the whitefish, whose numbers are critically low, are Sargsyan. The Mer Doon Board of vocation. In addition, the girls receive a Sargisian effectively confirmed still openly sold in the markets. Directors congratulated Karapetyan for religious education, learn French, Beglarian’s involvement in an assault For four years, experts have suggested to the gov- this honor and thanked her for her Russian and English languages in- on an official at the presidential admin - ernment to forbid the catching of all fish, except steadfast commitment and dedication house and are trained by staff in per - istration’s protocol unit. crucian carp, he said. “After long efforts, the gov- to the organization. sonal and social skills. According to media reports, an offi - ernment has finally paid attention to this problem Established in 2005 by Karapetyan To learn more about Our Home-Mer cial, Aram Kandayan, incurred and has taken measures to restore the trout popu- and US-based co-founder Julie Doon, visit www.mer-doon.com. Beglarian’s ire after asking the latter’s lation in the lake. However, the problem is evident: Ashekian, Mer Doon first opened its — Noushig Hovhannesian wife not to sit next to the president dur - the state allocates money, purchases juvenile fish, ing the November 2010 concert of releases them into the lake, however, the fish do Spanish tenor Placido Domingo, in not manage to grow because of illegal fishery,” Yerevan. Such seats have traditionally Gabrielyan said. been reserved for Armenia’s prime min - He said that it is necessary to implement a pro- Austrian President Visits Armenia, ister, parliament speaker and the gram consisting of both environmental and socio- supreme head of the Armenian economic components to preserve the fish reserves Discusses Karabagh Issue Apostolic Church. in the lake. Beglarian, who did not attend the KARABAGH, from page 1 the Armenian community there seeks concert, allegedly drove Kandayan to Expedition Hosts French community has had an opportunity to to achieve recognition of the Genocide. one of his properties in Yerevan and get convinced of this,” the president In addition to discussing the beat up the young official there the Ambassador stated. Nagorno-Karabagh conflict and the next day. He was never prosecuted for “While formally agreeing to the three Genocide, the two presidents discussed what a presidential spokesman con - YEREVAN (Arminfo) — French Ambassador Henri above-mentioned principles, Azerbaijan ways to expand cultural ties. Fischer demned as an “unacceptable and intol - Reynaud earlier this month visited the ancient actually only accepts one of them – ter - said that Armenia’s rich history makes erable” behavior. Erebuni Fortress located in Armenia’s capital. ritorial integrity, rejecting the princi - it a natural partner for Austria. Beglarian, who is also a wealthy busi - The Armenian-French archeological excavation, ples of the right of peoples to self-deter - “Armenia has more than two millen - nessman, remained a senior member of which resumed at the fortress on June 5, is funded mination and the peaceful settlement of nia of history. It was the first country the ruling Republican Party of Armenia by the Erebuni Historical and Archaeological conflicts,” Sargisian said, emphasizing that adopted Christianity as its state (HHK). He was reelected to the HHK’s Museum-Reserve and the French Ministries of that the conflict will be solved only religion, which paved the way for the 20-member executive body during a Foreign Affairs and Culture. when the parties are ready to accept all development of Christianity throughout party congress held in March. The ambassador toured the excavation site, of the above-mentioned principles. the world” Fischer noted. Sargisian appointed Beglarian as according to the Museum-Reserve. Fischer accompanied with Armenian Fischer also presented his country’s transport minister on Saturday as part Speaking with reporters, Reynaud said that thus Foreign affairs minister Eduard history through the ages, telling them of a cabinet reshuffle resulting from the far he is only familiar with Erebuni due to the Nalbandian and Yerevan Mayor Taron how Vienna was originally a township May 6 parliamentary elections. Prime wealth of Armenia’s ancient settlements, but he Margaryan on June 26 visited the in the Roman Empire, which later Minister Tigran Sargisian introduced said that he is planning on visiting other monu- Memorial to the Armenian Genocide became a major capital. him to senior officials at the Ministry of ments in the near future. victims . Sargisian thanked Fischer for the Transport and Communications on The French expedition team leader, Stéphane Armenpress reports that he put flow - assistance of Austrian government dur - Monday. Deschamps, noted that the Erebuni Fortress is an ers at the memorial and with a minute ing 1988 earthquake, as well as for the “I want to congratulate Mr. Beglarian interesting ancient settlement, both in terms of of silence stood to honor the memory of establishment of Austrian Children’s on his ministerial appointment and architecture and archaeological objects. He consid- the victims of the Genocide. Then Hospital and the construction of an express confidence that he will manage ered Erebuni as an important archaeological mon- Fischer visited the Armenian Genocide Austrian district in Gumri. to smoothly ensure continuity in the ument for the entire Middle East. Museum-Institute of National Academy “We are also grateful for the launch [ministry’s] work,” the premier said. During her talk with the French ambassador, of Science of Armenia where he got of development programs under the “The projects that we have launched Armenia’s Deputy Minister of Culture acquainted with the documents about auspices of Austria, in the context of will be brought to a logical conclusion.” Samuelyan underscored Erebuni’s importance. the Armenian Genocide. He signed the which the signing of intergovernmental Beglarian became Yerevan’s first Erebuni Historical and Archaeological Museum- guest book, “I don’t find words to agreement of development pro - elected mayor in more than a decade Reserve Director Gagik Gyurjyan informed the describe the great human tragedy grams. Armenia appreciates the sup - after leading the HHK to a landslide vic - ambassador that they are already working with which happened to the Armenian port and attention shown towards the tory in disputed municipal elections their French partners toward holding a joint exhi- nation.” Armenian community and Armenian held in May 2009. bition. The president of Austria planted a fir cultural heritage in Austria, including Beglarian has long held sway in a tree in the memorial park. Austria is the maintenance of the Mkhitarist largely blue-collar section of the district among the countries which have not Congregation in Vienna,” said the notorious for election-related violence recognized Armenian Genocide yet but Armenian president. against opposition activists. S ATURDAY , J UNE 30, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 3 INTERNATIONAL AGBU Young Professionals of Toronto International News

Seminar Draws Large Crowd PACE Committee Accepts

TORONTO — Aspiring entrepreneurs Report on Political here are now armed with expert advice and critical insights into the business Prisoners in Azerbaijan world thanks to a dynamic panel discus - STRASBOURG (Armenpress) — The Parliamentary sion on Entrepreneurship and Innovation Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) had a hosted by the AGBU Young Professionals full agenda on June 26, especially in the commit- of Toronto (YPTO). Sponsored by the tees, member of the Armenian delegation to PACE, Toronto-based specialty store Dolce & Naira Zohrabyan said. Gourmando, the event, part of a popular According to her, two reports were under discus- series of professional development semi - sion in the PACE Committee on Legal Affairs nars being organized this year by YPTO, and Human Rights from the morning, first of which featured a range of speakers with diverse concerned the formulation of “political prisoner,” backgrounds, which attracted 75 young and the second concerned the presence of political attendees to the AGBU Toronto Center on prisoners in Azerbaijan. June 3. From left, Simon Aznavour, president of Aznavour Ventures Inc.; Seta Danielian, “The Azerbaijani delegation exerted unprece- The panel’s four speakers, each accom - founder of Dolce & Gourmando; Shant Mardirosian, owner of The Burger’s Priest; Ari dented efforts to unite its lobbyist MPs at PACE, to plished entrepreneurs in their respective Balabanian, president of Data Document Solutions, and Talar Sahsuvaroglu, YPTO bring them to the committee, so that the two fields, delivered interactive presentations, Co-director of Educational Outreach, at the AGBU Young Professionals of Toronto reports were thrown down and especially the sec- entrepreneurship and innovation seminar including Simon Aznavour, president of ond one. They had brought a great number of lob- Aznavour Ventures Inc.; Ari Balabanian, byists, who shamelessly lied,” said Zohrabyan. She president of Data Document Solutions; also noted that both reports were accepted at the Seta Danielian, founder of Dolce & retail and venture capital, each speaker realities of how to launching a business. committee. Gourmando, and Shant Mardirosian, addressed fundamental questions on the Amidst the economic slowdown and a owner of The Burger’s Priest. Drawing nature of entrepreneurship, debunking competitive job market that increasingly from their varied experiences in direct the myths commonly associated with values innovation, the timing of the Madras Church Bells marketing, food services, investment, business ownership and delving into the event could not have been more appro - priate. As YPTO chair, Karen Papazian, Ring Every Sunday explained, “Entrepreneurs are creative MADRAS, India (Hetq) — Not a single day passes forces in society, and young and ambi - without Trevor Alexander lighting a candle at the Dink Family Lawyer Addresses tious minds are the most cognizant of altar of the Armenian Church in Chennai (Madras) the potential opportunities that can be India. Letter to CoE Ministers developed in any economy. In order to As caretaker, Alexander lives on the premises of for them to succeed, it is most important the church in the busy streets of George Town in ANKARA (PanARMENIAN.Net) — taken, ongoing trials and investiga - that they first have a strong understand - the city. The lawyer representing Hrant tions not yet complete, but [it] ing of the risks and challenges of busi - Unfortunately, the church is left without a priest Dink’s family, Fethiye Çetin, wrote a divulged no concrete information ness ownership. No one could be more and there has been no Sunday service in the last letter to the Committee of Ministers over the execution of the [European qualified to share that knowledge and six decades as there are no Armenians in the city. of the Council of Europe, arguing Court’s] verdict on Dink or a renew - wisdom than those who have been Alexander, however, makes it a point to ring the that the Turkish government had al of the trial,” Çetin said in her let - through it all,” highlighting the decades church’s huge bells every Sunday. failed to implement any serious or ter. of experience between the participants. The Armenian Church is funded by the Armenian concrete steps to execute the verdict “The government did not choose In addition to value creation, risk man - Apostolic Church and maintained by the Armenian issued by the European Court of to opt for remission to execute the agement, and competition, the speakers Church Committee of Kolkata. Also called the Human Rights (ECHR) and that it verdict, failed to bring those respon - also explored themes of business psy - Armenian Church of Virgin Mary, it was built by instead rewarded the responsible par - sible before justice and continued its chology and the mindset of entrepre - Armenians from Persia and is considered to be one ties rather than trying them in a rhetoric and actions [intended to] neurs, prompting audience members to of the oldest churches in India. court of law, Bianet reports. pave the way for new violations by reflect on different approaches to pursu - The church was built in 1712 by Armenians who The Turkish government updated reproducing the [same] structure ing their career paths. Talar arrived here as traders. It was reconstructed in its action plan from June 27, 2011 that spawned the violations [in the Sahsuvaroglu, the YPTO co-director of 1772. once again on October 19, 2011, due first place],” she said. Educational Outreach who moderated The bodies of 350 Armenians are buried at the to the finalization of the European The ECHR had convicted Turkey the evening, noted, “What makes these church’s cemetery. Rev. Haroutiun Shmavonian, Court’s verdict on December 14, of violating the second article of the seminars relevant and meaningful for our who founded the world’s first Armenian periodical 2010, she said, adding that both European Convention on Human constituency is that it gives them the , is buried here. action plans included contemporary Rights over the right to life, the 10th chance to connect not only with the The church is famous for its belfry adjacent to developments under the titles of article on the freedom of speech and guest speakers but with their inner the main church. The six large bells are rung every independent and general measures the 13th article over the right to an selves. Our discussion themes often cross Sunday at 9:30 a.m. by the caretaker. and ongoing trials rather than the effective remedy in the lawsuit filed industries and professions, and our aim verdict’s execution. by the Dink family. is to ensure that no one leaves the room “The written [contents] of the gov - A court had sentenced Dink’s mur - without a good piece of advice,” which Iran Urges Calm over ernment’s action plan clearly indi - derer Ogün Samast to a total of 22 proved true of this event, given the posi - Downed Turkish Jet cate [they] took no concrete or seri - years and 10 months in prison on tive feedback from all who attended. ous steps to execute the verdict. The charges of “premeditated murder” The YPTO Entrepreneurship and TEHRAN (AFP) — Iran urged Ankara and Damascus government did not attempt any - and “possession of unlicensed Innovation panel was one of many that to show “restraint” over Syria’s shooting down of a thing positive since the time of the weapons.” Sahsuvaroglu, in collaboration with Turkish fighter jet, Iranian state media reported on last action plan either,” Çetin said. Yasin Hayal also received a life sen - YPTO Co-director of Educational Tuesday, June 26. Turkish-Armenian journalist Dink, tence, while Erhan Tuncel was Outreach Aren Sarikyan, will continue to Tehran “asks both sides to show calm and the chief editor of the weekly , acquitted. All the defendants, howev - organize in the coming months. In addi - restraint and hopes that with tact and tolerance was shot dead on January 19, 2007 er, were acquitted of charges of mem - tion to seminars, YPTO is launching and dialogue, this issue will be evaluated and in broad daylight before his office in bership in an illegal organization due industry-specific networking events to through a peaceful resolution, tranquility and sta- ’s Sisli district. to lack of evidence and a number of create support structures for those seek - bility will be preserved in the region,” Foreign “The [action] plan elucidated at officials implicated in the affair also ing advice and guidance in their fields. Minister Ali Akbar Salehi was quoted as saying. length over measures allegedly received promotions. To learn more about YP Toronto and Iran is the staunchest ally of Syria, which is its upcoming events, visit www.ypto.ca. embroiled in a 15-month conflict UN officials fear has become a civil war. Turkey, a NATO member, sits on the other side as a critic of Syrian President Bashar al Assad’s crack- Turkey to Drop Sanctions on France over Armenia down on the unrest. A Syrian anti-aircraft battery near the Turkish SANCTIONS, from page 1 A Turkish foreign ministry diplomat disrespected, it takes necessary steps in border on Friday shot down a Turkish Phantom retaliated by suspending military and said that whether sanctions against return to protect its nation’s honor and warplane that Damascus said violated its airspace political cooperation with Paris. France would be dropped would depend national interests.” by flying in low and fast from the Mediterranean. But France’s top constitutional court on the upcoming meeting. On Wednesday, Turkey’s Prime Turkey has taken care not to inflame the sensi- struck down the bill in February, saying Davutoglu will stay an extra day in Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan met tive incident by admitting that its aircraft may have it violated freedom of expression, in a Paris where he will participate in the with Hollande on the sidelines of a UN entered Syrian territory, though it suggested it ruling welcomed by Ankara. Sarkozy third “Friends of Syria” meeting on July meeting in Brazil, when the two leaders could have been unintentional. vowed to launch new legislation but was 6, noted the diplomat speaking on con - agreed to turn a “new page” in rela - Still, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip defeated at the polls first. dition of anonymity. tions, the Anatolia news agency report - Erdogan said Ankara would “announce its final During the interview, Davutoglu said Turkey and France have the strength ed. position and take necessary steps with determina- he soon would pay an official visit to to overcome problems in their bilateral Erdogan also invited Hollande to tion after the incident is entirely clarified.” Paris for talks with French officials. relationship, said Davutoglu. make the first official visit to Turkey by Syria and Turkey said their navies were coordi- “After the talks on July 5, this stagna - “We have a clear attitude. The a French president in 20 years and nating a search for the Phantom’s two pilots. tion in bilateral ties will hopefully be Turkish republic respects all nations if it received a positive response, Anatolia over,” he added. is respected by all,” he said. “But if it is said. 4 S ATURDAY , J UNE 30, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR INTERNATIONAL Historic Armenian AGBU Swiss School Building in Chapter Annual Istanbul to Become Fundraising Hotel

Gala Dinner ISTANBUL (Hurriyet Daily News) — An his - toric Armenian school, Mesrobyan School in GENEVA, Switzerland — On Saturday, June the Gedikpasa district, is being transformed 2, the Armenian General Benevolent Union into a hotel. (AGBU) Swiss Chapter held its yearly Gedikpasa Surp Hovhannes Church fundraising dinner at the Restaurant Parc Foundation head Harutyun Sanli, who is also des Eaux Vives, a mansion in a park over - the general secretary of the Armenian looking Lake Geneva. Foundations Solidarity Platform, said the During the past 20 years, the Swiss main reason they took this step with courage Chapter has been active in cultural and edu - From left, AGBU Board members Jilda Demiryan, singer Leyla Saribekyan, Taline Avakian, was the moderate policies the government cational activities in Switzerland and also has Seta Essade Seraydarian and Viken and Zela Bayramian had adopted in recent years. helped other projects all over the world be it “Before 2008, we could not even hammer a for AGBU or others where it thought help nail on the property we owned, but since was necessary. 2008, everything has changed. With the new For a number of years, funds were raised Foundation Law passed last year, we can for the Armenian Social Investment Fund reclaim our property and have the ownership projects as the community contribution of 10 returned to us,” he said. percent, required by the World Bank, in many The building that is to be transformed into villages all over Armenia, helps to bring water a hotel dated back to the early 1900s, said and refurbish schools and community cen - Sanli, adding that the building served as a ters. school until 1983 but had to be closed down In the last couple of years, the funds raised because there were no students left. It is from the annual dinner were to help AGBU located in the historic district of Istanbul and schools in Beirut, the Armenian school in was used as a shoe manufacturing shop for Baghdad; this year’s funds will be donated to years. the Tufenkian Foundation’s Women’s Shelter The revenue generated by the hotel will be Project in Yerevan. transferred to Armenian establishments in Along with all these contributions, the Istanbul and will be used to support people in chapter often is solicited for scholarships, need. mainly from Armenian students from Sanli said they believed the hotel would be Armenia, studying in Switzerland. in high demand because of its location. The chapter also participates in or orga - “I hope that the administration will soon nizes other annual events, including the com - From left, Irma Khanjian, Ara and Silva Aharonian from Paris, Taline Avakian and Ethiopian decide also about the Tokatliyan Hotel in memoration of the Armenian Genocide, as Ambassador to the UN Mission Minelik Alemu Getahun Beyoglu which is in ruins so that this hotel is well as independence day celebrations. transformed back into the glorious hotel it used to be.” If Tokatliyan is also renovated like the hotel in Gedikpasa, then the Armenian community US, Russia, France Urge New Push for Karabagh Peace would be free of financial problems, Sanli said. “Now, we have difficulty raising funds for our churches, schools and families in need. We LOS CABOS, Mexico (RFE/RL) — The presi - Cabos. The summit did not produce a breakthrough, are trying to make ends meet with donations dents of the United States, France and Russia “We regret that the presidents of Azerbaijan however, with Armenian officials blaming the and funds raised at certain events,” he said. last week promised more joint efforts to resolve and Armenia did not take the decisive steps fiasco on last-minute changes in the text of the Tokatliyan Hotel on Istiklal Street in the Nagorno-Karabagh conflict and urged that our countries called for in the joint state - peace agreement demanded by Aliyev. The Beyoglu hosted several leaders when it oper - Armenia and Azerbaijan to iron out their differ - ment at Deauville on May 26, 2011,” they said. Azerbaijani side did not explicitly deny this. ated, first and foremost Atatürk, and many ences on a framework peace accord drafted by The Deauville statement was issued by Aliyev and Sargisian pledged to accelerate prominent international figures. the three mediating powers. Obama and his then-Russian and French coun - the search for a mutually acceptable peace for - Because the administration of the “The parties to the conflict should not fur - terparts, Dmitry Medvedev and Nicolas mula last January when they held fresh talks Tokatliyan Foundation, which is the richest ther delay making the important decisions nec - Sarkozy, ahead of a key summit held by hosted by Medvedev in another Russian city, foundation of the Armenian community, has essary to reach a lasting and peaceful settle - Presidents Serge Sargisian of Armenia and Sochi. However, prospects for an Armenian- not changed for the past 30 years and ment,” Presidents Barack Obama, Francois Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan in Kazan, Russia. Azerbaijani peace deal have not increased since because they have rejected all projects, the Hollande and Vladimir Putin said in a joint Sargisian and Aliyev were close to agreeing on then and there are growing ceasefire violations community has sued the administration of statement issued during a G20 summit in Los the latest version of the Basic Principles. in the conflict zone. the foundation. “We call upon the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan to fulfill the commitment in their January 23, 2012 joint statement at Sochi to ‘accelerate’ reaching agreement on the Basic ‘Joe the Plumber’ Links Assyrian, Greek, Armenian Genocide Principles for a Settlement of the Nagorno- Karabagh Conflict,” Obama, Hollande and Deaths of Holocaust, Monument Unveiled in South Australia Putin said. “As evidence of their political will, Genocide to Gun they should refrain from maximalist positions in SALISBURY, Australia (Assyrian of the three organizations. the negotiations, respect the 1994 ceasefire Control International News Agency) — Sunday, May 20, Hermiz Shahen, deputy secretary general of agreement and abstain from hostile rhetoric marked the official unveiling of the Armenian, the Assyrian Universal Alliance, thanked mem - that increases tension.” GUNS, from page 1 Assyrian and Pontian Greeks genocide monu - bers of the Monument Project Committee who The three leaders added that their nations, Ohio Democratic Party Chairman Chris ment in South Australia. worked hard to bring the project to reality. which co-chair the Organization for Security Redfern said the video was “incredibly The memorial was conducted by three broth - “Today’s unveiling of this extraordinary mon - and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Minsk offensive.” He called on Republicans and er organizations: the Pontian Brotherhood of ument, which honors the victims of the Greeks, Group, “will continue to work closely with the Democrats to condemn “the despicable South Australia, the Armenian Cultural Assyrian and Armenian genocide, is a signifi - sides” in trying to broker a peaceful settlement. actions of this very desperate man.” Association of South Australia and the Assyrian cant event in the life of the three nations and “However, peace will depend ultimately upon “Using the memories of the 6 million Universal Alliance-Australian Chapter. our communities in Australia and abroad; com - the parties’ willingness to seek an agreement Jews killed in the Holocaust to make a The genocide perpetrated against the Christian munities that have been established as a direct based on mutual understanding, rather than political point is never appropriate, under population of Anatolia claimed the lives of 1.5 mil - result of the continuous assaults on their one-sided advantage,” they warned. any circumstances,” said David A. Harris, lion Armenians, half a million Pontian Greeks and nation,” he said. Both Baku and Yerevan welcomed the state - president of the National Jewish 750,000 Assyrians, a shameful act by the Elena Harrison, president of the Armenian ment, saying that it is in tune with their posi - Democratic Council. Ottoman Empire in its final years. Cultural Association of South Australia in her tions on the Karabagh dispute. Wurzelbacher also said in the video Commemoration began with a mass in mem - address, made reference to the dramatic story “Armenia is united and determined with the that gun control laws in Turkey preceded ory of victims of the Armenian, Greek and behind the construction of the Genocide co-chairing countries in seeking a solely peace - the deaths of 1.5 million Armenians from Assyrian genocide, which was held at St. Memorial in Yerevan, Armenia and how patrio - ful solution to the conflict,” Foreign Minister 1915 to 1917. Dimitrios Greek Orthodox Church of Salisbury. tism and pain united people. When the Kremlin Eduard Nalbandian said in a statement. He He defended his statements last week, Conducted by Bishop Nikandros of Doryleon finally agreed to have a Genocide Memorial insisted that the Kazan summit ended in failure saying that he did not say that gun control and Rev. Christos Tsoraklidis and Silouan built, the Soviet Union allotted minimal finan - because of Azerbaijan’s “destructive and maxi - caused the Holocaust. He accused liberals Fotineas, the event was attended by more than cial assistance and a short time to build such a malist position.” of twisting his words for political gain. 20 representatives from the local, state and fed - large memorial. Nalbandian also said that Baku continues to Wurzelbacher, running as a Republican eral government. People came from different regions and reject mediators’ proposals aimed at bolstering in Ohio’s 9th district, became known as The formal proceedings began with the cities of Armenia in order to help. Most of the ceasefire regime. Those include the with - “Joe the Plumber” after questioning Australian, Greek, Armenian and the Assyrian them were descendants of Armenians who drawal of snipers from the frontlines and the Barack Obama about his economic policies national anthems, followed by speeches. Finally, had lived in different regions of Turkish adoption of a mechanism for joint investiga - during the 2008 presidential campaign. the monument was unveiled by representatives Western Armenia. tions of truce violations. S ATURDAY , J UNE 30, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 5 Community Ne ws

Free Legal Workshop ABMDR President Held for Armenian- Dr. Frieda Jordan to Owned Businesses Receive St. Nerses In New England The Graceful Medal WATERTOWN — On June 19, the Armenian Business Network (ABN), in association with LOS ANGELES — Dr. Frieda Jordan, president the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights & of the Armenian Bone Marrow Donor Registry Economic Justice, Mintz Levin and the (ABMDR), will be honored with the St. Nerses the Northeast Chapter of the Association of Graceful (St. Nerses Shnorhali) Medal, which was Corporate Counsel, hosted a free workshop and bestowed on her by Karekin II, supreme patriarch clinic where business attorneys provided an and Catholicos of All Armenians. overview of legal issues many small businesses The medal, accompanied by a pontifical encycli - face today. Following the presentation, the cal, will be presented by Archbishop Hovnan attorneys met one-on-one with individual Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian business owners to assist them with Armenian Apostolic Church, on Sunday, July 8, their specific issues. In addition, if an individual upon the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy at St. met predetermined criteria and qualified, they Leon Armenian Cathedral, in Burbank. were referred to a law firm for pro bono, formal, 2012 Assembly interns with Armenian Caucus Co-chair Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D- The St. Nerses the Graceful Medal is being con - legal representation. NJ). ferred on Jordan in recognition of her outstand - The event was held at the Armenian- ing service to the Armenian nation since 1999. American Social Club — Papken Suni Agoump That year, Jordan co-founded the ABMDR, in — and was well attended by Armenian, small order to help Armenians worldwide survive life- and large business owners representing a threatening blood-related illnesses by recruiting diverse group of businesses. Assembly Interns Discuss potential bone marrow donors, matching donors ABN’s charter is to provide a platform, to those who require bone marrow transplants resources and the inspiration for Armenians to US Foreign Policy, Funding with and raising public awareness of critical health support Armenians, first. The online group (on issues. LinkedIn and Facebook) provides its members Derderian, who had recommended to the with programs that promote community net - Armenian Caucus Co-Chair catholicosate to confer the St. Nerses the working in an effort to facilitate sharing of Graceful Medal on Jordan, said, “Dr. Jordan, along knowledge and contacts. Rep. Frank Pallone with ABMDR’s corps of selfless volunteers, has For more information on upcoming ABN helped mobilize Armenian communities through - workshops, networking events, online forums WASHINGTON — Last week, as part of the Armenian Assembly of America’s out the globe to advance the life-saving mission of and support programs, visit Terjenian-Thomas Internship Program, the 2012 intern class met with Armenian the registry. Moreover, thanks to Jordan’s persis - http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=368579 Caucus Co-Chair Rep. Frank Pallone Jr. (D-NJ). tent efforts, the registry was able to establish a 8&trk=hb_side_g or In providing an overview of US policy in the South Caucasus region, Pallone PHOTO COURTESY OF THE ARMENIAN BONE MARROW DONOR REGISTRY https://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/27710 shared his concern regarding the recent ceasefire violations on the Armenian- 1062320644/. Azerbaijani border and expressed his disappointment that the State Department To join ABN (membership is free) contact: did not do more publicly to condemn Azerbaijan’s latest assault. [email protected] or Pallone also discussed the Nagorno Karabagh peace process, noting that such [email protected]. acts of aggression by Azerbaijan did not help facilitate a peaceful settle - ment but rather served to under - mine the mediation efforts of the PhD Candidate Kristin OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs. “...we appreciated Turning to current legislative Allukian Receives items, in addition to the Armenian the fact that the Awards for Excellence Genocide resolution, Pallone also discussed his ongoing concerns GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Kristin Felice with H.R. 2362, the Indian Tribal Congressman not Allukian, the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Trade and Investment Myron Allukian Jr., recently received two Demonstration Act. honors as a PhD candidate in English lit - The bill aims to give Turkey pref - only addressed erature at the University of Florida. She erential access to tribal lands and won the 2012 Association for Academic give Turkish enterprises an unfair current issues, but Women Lockhart advantage here in the United Dissertation States. “While there is no disagree - Dr. Frieda Jordan addressing the European Fellowship competi - ment that the United States gov - also helped us to ernment should seek measures to Federation of Immunogenetics conference in tion for her compre - Yerevan, November 2011 hensive disserta - invigorate the economy and pro - tion on women’s lit - mote economic development in better understand erature and for her Indian Country, providing monop - first-of-its-kind Stem Cell Harvesting Center in achievements and oly access to Turkey only gives the actions that we Yerevan, and last year Armenia became the first promise in her field. them a pass on their actions which country in the Caucasus Region to host an inter - The award was pre - run counter to US interests,” stated national meeting of the European Federation of sented during the Pallone. must take in order Immunogenetics. Given these accomplishments Women’s History Kristin Felice Allukian Pallone encouraged those pre - and the fact that she tirelessly helps expand the Month celebra - sent to continue to remain involved ranks of ABMDR, Jordan personifies the highest tion at the home of the University of in the Assembly’s advocacy efforts to aid future ideals of humanitarian service.” Florida president. and also to help educate others on After the Western Diocese announced that Allukian also received the O. Ruth the issues facing Armenia and Jordan was to receive the St. Nerses the Graceful McQuown Scholarship, given to an out - Karabagh. progress in Medal, she stated, “This is an extraordinary standing graduate student on a competi - “The Armenian Caucus plays an honor, and one that I will cherish with the entire tive basis for exemplifying high values, important role in helping to ABMDR family of volunteers and supporters.” strengthen the US-Armenia rela - Armenia” achievements and a commitment to social –Alissa Tabirian Jordan continued: “I convey my profound grat - issues, including fostering opportunities tionship,” stated Alissa Tabirian, a itude to His Holiness Karekin II as well as for women, minorities and those with a Russian and East European Studies major at Emory University in Atlanta, Ga. Archbishop Derderian, whose exceptional sup - low socioeconomic background. “The meeting was insightful and we appreciated the fact that the Congressman port of the registry is an ongoing source of inspi - Allukian’s major academic research and not only addressed current issues, but also helped us to better understand the ration for our entire community. By informing interests include 19th-century American actions that we must take in order to aid future progress in Armenia,” added congregations about the ABMDR mission, high - literature, women’s literature and feminist Tabirian. lighting our work during special Days of Prayer, theory. Allukian is a graduate of Boston The Terjenian-Thomas Assembly Internship Program was created by the encouraging us to make presentations before the Latin School and has a bachelor’s degree Memorial Fund established by Aram Terjenian, Annie Thomas and Florence public, and facilitating our recruitment efforts at from Mount Holyoke College, a master’s Terjenian of Belmont, Mass. Additional support comes from the Richard Tufenkian Diocese churches, Archbishop Derderian contin - degree in English from Trinity College Memorial Fund, the John Hanessian Scholarship Fund, the Armen Astarjian ues to be a genuine pillar of our cause.” and a graduate certificate in women’s Scholarship Fund, the Ohanian Memorial Fund, James and Connie Melikian and The Divine Liturgy, which starts at 10:30 a.m., studies from the University of Florida. the Knights of Vartan. will be celebrated by Rev. Khajag Shahbazyan, pastor of St. Leon Cathedral, located at 3325 N. Glenoaks Blvd., Burbank. 6 S ATURDAY , J UNE 30, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS St. James Armenian Church Sunday School Graduates 18 Students WATERTOWN — St. James Armenian Church gram and reception followed, during which celebrated the graduation of 18 young adults guests listened to addresses by Valedictorian from the St. James Sunday School on Sunday, Aaron Campbell, Salutatorians Aroyan and June 3. This year’s graduates were: Zachary Minassian, Superintendent Marsha Alabachian Abdalian, Armen Andonian, Garni Aroyan, and Graduating Class teacher Yn. Natasha Christine Bahtiarian, Matthew Bejian, John Aljalian. Bogosian, Aaron Campbell, Ani Chilingirian, The graduates have grown through the years Natalie Eskici, Matthew Kapilian, Amanda and been enriched through the St. James pro - Luniewicz, Suzanne MacMillan, Rebecca gram and curriculum, which focuses on the Minasian, Vartkes Moushigian, Jonathan teaching of and application of faith, on out - Raposo, Ari Shirinian, Lauren Trimble and reach, service and fellowship. The graduates Chloe Zeytoonian. also participated in the parish’s Junior Parish In the church sanctuary, at the end of Trustee program, in which the students of the Divine Liturgy, the graduates received their Sunday School serve the role of Parish Council diplomas from the Eastern Diocese of the members on the last Sunday of each Armenian Church. Rev. Arakel Aljalian, pastor month. The graduates will return for their ser - of St. James, offered words of congratulations vice year to St. James during the 2012-2013 The graduates of the St. James Sunday School with Rev. Arakel Aljalian and encouragement to the graduates. A pro - Sunday School year.

Azarian Scholarship Fund Extends Deadline Much to my surprise and pleasure, upon first From Philly to Chicago entering the league, I saw and spoke with Papken Megerian and Hagop Vartivarian, two MIDLAND PARK, N.J. — The John M. self-sacrificing patriots, on the road, far from Azarian Memorial Armenian Youth comments by the Primate of the Diocese of the home, encouraging functions such as this (and Scholarship Fund has extended the dead - Armenian Church (Eastern), Archbishop later in Boston as well) with their attendance. line to submit applications for the 2012- By George S. Yacoubian Sr. Khajag Barsamian and prelate of the Prelacy of This is perhaps the fourth time I have visited 2013 academic year to July 13. To down - the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), Chicago in one capacity or another. And I must load an application and all other necessary CHICAGO — On May 19, I traveled to Chicago Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, while Foreign say I have always been well received — a tribute forms, visit azarian - to attend a banquet honoring the president of Minister Eduard Nalbandian provided a com - to the hospitality and graciousness of the local group.com/scholarship.html. Armenia, sponsored by both the Embassy of the prehensive review of issues germane to the community. The John M. Azarian Memorial Republic of Armenia to America and the security and economy of the Republic. The (George Yacoubian Sr. is a longtime contrib - Armenian Youth Scholarship Fund was Chicago-Armenian community. entire evening was orchestrated by the soft-spo - utor to and supporter of the Mirror-Spectator , formed in 1976 following the death of Grouped at a table reserved for The Society ken Ambassador to the United States Tatoul who sometimes writes a column titled, “Tongue John M. Azarian Sr. by his wife, Barbara. for Orphaned Armenians (SOAR) and the Markarian. in Cheek.”) The purpose of the fund is to award schol - Knights of Vartan were Ashod Baboorian; Mr. arships to students of Armenian descent and Mrs. David Baboorian; Cometas Dilanjian who demonstrate compelling financial and his fiancé Deborah McAlister; Mr. and Mrs. need, academic achievement, Armenian David Galovich and Dr. and Mrs. Levon Saryan. Church-related activities and are attending Due to a diplomatic demarche, guest of a college or university in the United States honor President Serge Sargisian (along with in pursuit of an undergraduate degree. President Vladimir Putin of Russia) did not It is the goal of the fund to assist deserv - attend the scheduled NATO conference and GF UiNrEaRgAoL sHiaOMn E ing students with the hope that they will thus was absent as well at the banquet. And James “Jack” Giragosian, CPC one day return something beneficial to the while regrettable, the entire evening, shared by Armenian community. Mark J. Giragosian almost 300 friends at the prestigious Union Funeral Counselors League, was memorable. The program included 576 Mt. Auburn Street, Watertown, MA 02472, TEL: 617-924—0606 www.giragosianfuneralhome.com Senate Foreign Relations Committee Approves Morningstar as Ambassador to Azerbaijan ENNIS M. EVENEY & ONS BOXER, from page 1 mounting purchases of offensive weapons. Both During last week’s confirmation hearing, Morningstar and his predecessor designee, D D S Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ) also raised seri - Matthew Bryza, have been active in facilitating Cemetery Monuments ous concerns about Azerbaijan’s cease-fire vio - negotiations over pipeline deals transporting lations that coincided with Secretary of State Caspian oil to the West. Specializing in Hillary Clinton’s June visit to the South “The Armenian Assembly continues to be Armenian Designs and Lettering Caucasus region, and asked the ambassador- deeply troubled by Azerbaijan’s incessant war- designate a series of pointed questions about mongering, including reports by RFE-RL that a 701 Moody St. Waltham, MA 02543 the resulting escalation of tensions and US pol - kindergarten in the village of Chinari was pep - (781) 891-9876 www.NEMonuments.com icy to restrain Azerbaijan’s bellicosity. pered with bullets by Azerbaijan’s June cross- Morningstar stated in response that there is border incursion,” stated Assembly Executive no higher US priority in the region than “the Director Bryan Ardouny. “This is simply unac - peaceful solution of the Nagorno Karabagh ceptable,” Ardouny added. Telephone (617) 924-7400 conflict.” In addition, the nominee pledged: “I In the Assembly’s letter to all members of the will do everything that I can to discourage” Senate Foreign Relations Committee as well as inflammatory language or any “actions that its June 4 letter to Clinton, the Assembly urged Aram Bedrosian bring about loss of life,” and create increased that the aggression by Azerbaijan be “roundly tensions or instability. condemned” and stated that all options must be Funeral Home, Inc. Other senators have also expressed concerns on the table, including “fully enforcing Section whether US policy is tilted toward Azerbaijan in 907 of the Freedom Support Act” as well as Continuous Service By The Bedrosian Family Since 1945 view of its oil resources, which finances its “ceasing all US military assistance to Azerbaijan.” MARION BEDROSIAN 558 MOUNT AUBURN STREET Responding to the Assembly’s letter on PAUL BEDROSIAN behalf of Clinton, Assistant Secretary of State WATERTOWN, MA 02472 LARRY BEDROSIAN Dave Cowens Signed for European and Eurasian Affairs Philip Gordon stated that “the United States has Basketball Donated urged the parties to refrain from the use or threat of force, [and] as a co-chair of the OSCE Edward D. Jamakordzian, Jr. d/b/a CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — During the 85th Minsk-Group, we remain committed to work - anniversary gala of the Armenian Mirror- ing with the sides to achieve a peaceful settle - Spectator on May 24, Gary and Hasmig ment.” In addition, the letter stated that US Mardiros donated a basketball auto - “security assistance to the region is carefully Edward D. Jamie, Jr. graphed by Celtics Hall of Famer Dave considered to ensure it does not undermine Cowens for bidding. efforts for a peaceful settlement in Nagorno- LicensedFinuNneweYrorak landCNhewaJperseey l The highest bidder was 12-year-old Karabagh.” 217-04 Northern Blvd., (Suite 23), Bayside, NY Kevork Atinizian II. Having cleared the Senate Foreign Relations 11361 The proceeds will help the Mirror- (718) 224-2390 or toll Committee, the next step in the nomination Service any hour, Spectator . process is for the full Senate to approve any distance free (888) 224-6088 Morningstar’s nomination. S ATURDAY , J UNE 30, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 7 ADVERTISMENT 8 S ATURDAY , J UNE 30, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS Diocesan Women’s Guilds Gather for 26th Annual Assembly

WINDSOR, Conn. — During the 26th annual expressed his appreciation to the Women’s Women’s Guild Assembly, held here last month, Guild for their dedication to the Armenian the organization held elections, approved a Church and for the many programs they orga - budget for the coming year and honored a long - nize across the Diocese throughout the year. time member. Some 30 delegates representing The Women’s Guild assembly was chaired by 17 chapters across the Diocese attended the Cynthia Messikian of St. George Church of Hartford, Conn. Zita Butler of Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Church of Providence, RI, served as vice chair, and Nancy Kassabian of St. James Church of Watertown, Mass., served as secretary. On Saturday afternoon, the Women’s Guild spon - sored its third annual Woman of Wonder (WOW) Appreciation Luncheon. The More than 30 parish guild members came together for the two-day meeting, which went forward day’s honoree was Julie concurrently with the 110th Diocesan Assembly, hosted by the St. Mark Church of Springfield, Mass. Ashekian of St. George Church of Hartford, Conn., as on other Diocesan committees. The election results were the following: who was recognized for her Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Diocesan • Women’s Guild Central Council: Barbara dedication to the Armenian Primate, presided over the luncheon. He con - Haroutunian (St. John Church, Southfield, As part of its business, the Women’s Guild Assembly elected a new Church and for her work in gratulated Ashekian for her longtime pioneer - Mich.); Rita Oscherician (St. Leon Church, Fair Central Council, to guide the organization’s Diocesan-wide activities helping the children of ing service to the Women’s Guild and for her Lawn, NJ); Manooshak Penrose (St. Kevork in the coming year. Armenia through CASP and commitment to improving the lives of children Church, Houston, Texas); Charlotte Sevazlian Mer Doon programs. and young adults in Armenia. (St. Peter Church, Watervliet, NY) and Janice assembly, which was held concurrently with the A founding member of both endeavors, The luncheon was co-chaired by Charlotte Kavjian (alternate, St. James Church, 110th Diocesan Assembly, hosted by St. Mark Ashekian is also an active member of the St. Sevazlian, Zita Butler and Meline Grigorian. Watertown, Mass.) Church of Springfield, Mass., May 3-5. George Church Women’s Guild and has served The Women’s Guild will make a donation to • Nominating Committee: Elizabeth Orsi The meeting opened on Friday, May 4, with on the Women’s Guild Central Council, as well Mer Doon in Ashekian’s honor. continued on next page the Very Rev. Simeon Odabashian, diocesan vicar, presiding. Reports were presented by the Women’s Guild Central Council (WGCC) and representatives of the organization’s Children of Armenia Sponsorship Program (CASP). Meline Grigorian gave a report on the Saintly Women’s Day activities of the previous year. Elections were held for the Central Council, Nominating Committee, Proposals Committee, and Auditing Committee. Also on Friday, Women’s Guild delegates took part in the Diocesan Assembly session on lay ministry and joined diocesan delegates in roundtable discus - sions. On Saturday, May 5, the Rev. Sahak Kaishian, interim pastor of St. Mark Church of Springfield, Mass. led the opening prayer. Anna Garabedian, also of the host parish, delivered welcoming remarks. Proceedings continued with the Proposals Committee report given by Yn. Patricia Buttero. Kathy Mekjian gave the Central

This year’s honoree at the “Woman of Wonder” luncheon was Julie Ashekian, of the St. George Church of Hartford, Conn., with Diocesan Primate Archbishop Khajag Barsamian.

Council’s financial report and Manooshak Penrose presented the Women’s Guild dues report. Rita Oscherician gave an overview of the fall symposium held at the Diocesan Center in New York in October 2011. Titled “God’s Call, Your Response: Lay Leadership Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow,” the daylong gathering featured presentations, an art exhibit and a luncheon. Auditing Committee members Adrienne Damian, Mary Connors and Julie Ashekian shared their findings for the WGCC and the CASP. Before closing the meeting, Odabashian S ATURDAY , J UNE 30, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 9 COMMUNITY NEWS One Sunday, Three Priests: A Family Celebration at St. John

resurrection. Movsesian added that God has By David Luhrssen already given us the ultimate miracle, life, along with general instructions on how to lead it. MILWAUKEE, Wisc. — One of the founding Addressing the long list of names from the families of St. John the Baptist Armenian morning’s requiem service, Movsesian was Church, the Kaishians, had a two-part reunion reminded of how those individuals accepted which began with participation in the church the challenges of life and how the Armenian

From left, Rev. Vazken Movsesian, Rev. Sahag Kashian and Rev. Nareg Keutelian of St. John the Baptist Armenian Church with deacons at the church

service and later a celebration, on Sunday, June people overcame the ultimate threat to exis - 24. Joining parish pastor, Rev. Nareg Keutelian, tence: genocide. He referred to a Turkish offi - during the service, was Rev. Sahag Kashian, cial who boasted that one day there will be and a Kaishian by marriage, Rev. Vazken only one Armenian in the world and he will Movsesian, of St. Peter Armenian Church in be in a museum. The survival of the Glendale, Calif. Movsesian’s three sons were Armenian faithful is a miracle, a sign. “The also on the altar as deacons. families that the mothers and fathers of the In his sermon, Movsesian focused on the Genocide created in the New World — isn’t morning’s Gospel reading from Matthew , the this a miracle?” story of the Pharisees asking Jesus for a sign. In keeping with the meaning of family at “Jesus tolerated everything but hypocrisy,” St. John the Baptist Armenian Church, those he said, explaining Christ’s terse response to attending the sevice were invited to join the their request: there will be no sign but the Kaishians for their reunion that afternoon.

Diocesan Women’s Guilds Gather for Annual Assembly

from previous page Leslie Movsesian (Holy Trinity Church, (Church of Our Saviour, Worcester, Mass.); Cheltenham, Penn.); Yn. Patricia Buttero Dolly Shamlian (St. Peter Church, Watervliet, (Church of the Holy Resurrection, New Britain) NY); Merle Santerian (Holy Trinity Church, and Beatrice Babgouni (alternate, St. David Cheltenham, Penn.); Naomi Zeytoonian (St. Church, Boca Raton, Fla.) Mesrob Church, Racine, Wis.); Lucy Morton (St. • Auditing Committee: Connie Alchian (St. Peter Church, Watervliet, NY) and Karen David Church, Boca Raton); Linda Keljik (St. Hovsepian (alternate, Sts. Vartanantz Church, David Church); Judy Khachadourian (St. David Chelmsford, Mass.) Church); Rose Killian (alternate, St. David • Proposals Committee: Milka Jeknavorian Church) and Rose Reynolds (alternate, St. (Sts. Vartanantz Church, Chelmsford, Mass.); David Church).

ADVERTISE IN THE MIRROR Delegates pose with Diocesan Armenian Studies coordinator Gilda Kupelian (seated, center), who spoke to the assembly on great figures of Armenian history 10 S ATURDAY , J UNE 30, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Arts & Living

Atom Egoyan on The West Memphis The Writer as Three and ‘The Benefactor YEREVAN — Dr. Diana Devil’s Knot’ Hambardzumyan is best known in Armenian circles for her translations of Kurt Vonnegut and William Faulkner. By Barbara Chai The author of a number of short stories and novels, Hambardzumyan is a member of the Writer’s Union of Armenia. She NEW YORK (Wall Street Journal Speakeasy currently works as a professor of English Blog) — Atom Egoyan is straddling the worlds at the Yerevan State Linguistics of opera and film these days. University named after Valeri Brusov. The director is bringing his Chinese opera, Dr. Lusine Mueller is a literary critic “Feng Yi Ting,” to the Lincoln Center Festival best known for her work with the texts of in New York next month, after it premiered to Michael Arlen. Her first book, Michael critical acclaim at the Spoleto Festival in Arlen and His Artistic World (Yerevan: Charleston earlier this summer. But he won’t Zangak-97, 2012), was hailed as one of actually be in New York when it comes: he will the best literary critiques of the year. be on set for his new film, “The Devil’s Knot,” Mueller currently works as an adjunct about the West Memphis Three case, which professor of literature at Mount St. Mary’s begins production soon. University and at Penn State Mont Alto. “I was just doing camera tests with Reese Recently the two sat down together, [Witherspoon] this morning and looking at all where Mueller asked Hambardzumyan the locations and the last-minute casting. That about her life and the contributions of swirl which is filmmaking,” Egoyan said recent - writers. ly in an interview. “I was doing ‘Salome’ around From left, Lola Koundakjian, Nora Armania, Lucine Kasbarian and Aida Zilelian-Silak the time I was finishing ‘The Sweet Hereafter,’ Lusine Mueller: When I think of writ - so that was the last time the two worlds kind of ers from the past, from the 19th and 20th collided, but that was a long time ago. Normally centuries, I think of people who defined there’s some sort of a buffer.” national identities, created genres and In “The Devil’s Knot,” Egoyan will reinterpret Contemporary Armenian advanced culture. But I also think of peo - the story of the West Memphis Three — the ple who were often unappreciated in their famous case of three Arkansas teenagers who own time. So I am curious, in your opin - were convicted in 1994 of killing three boys. Women Writers Read their ion, who is a writer? They claimed innocence while spending 18 Diana Hambardzumyan: I am. years in prison, but were set free last August Works in New York (Laughs.) No, that sounds a bit immodest. after agreeing to an Alford Plea — when a party Let me see, how does one measure the accepts a guilty verdict while maintaining inno - WOODSIDE, N.Y. — On Thursday, April 12, at the Armenian Center here, four volume, which you call a writer? I use the cence. The stunning turn-of-events came after female writers of the diaspora presented their works at Literary Gems and Wine — word “volume” on purpose because, for new DNA evidence found at the crime scene a program sponsored by the New York Chapter of the Hamazkayin Cultural me, a writer is somebody very much like excluded the three men as the source. Association. an encyclopedia, with one difference: the Egoyan says his film will be a work of fiction Nora Armani, Lucine Kasbarian, Lola Koundakjian and Aida Zilelian-Silak shared writer knows not only a huge amount of based on these true events, and that “The writings that explored the rich complexities of the human condition. The collective things but also knows how to share his or Devil’s Knot” will focus on two other charac - result was an eclectic compilation of vocal pieces that reflected a poignant and con - her knowledge with those in need of it. ters: the mother of one of the murdered boys, templative look at life in the diaspora. The writer is the greatest benefactor in played by Reese Witherspoon, and the private In her introduction, program organizer, rare book librarian and literary devotée the world. I’ve made great use of that investigator who worked for the teens’ defense Arevik Caprielian expressed her satisfaction in showcasing accomplished Armenian benevolence in my life, since it is the only team, played by Colin Firth. “creatives.” “These writers need not be heralded beyond the Armenian milieu in benevolence in the whole world that one There have been many recent documentaries on order to be recognized as credits to the global Armenian nation,” she said. “While can take advantage of without first or the extraordinary case, drawing support for the Hamazkayin remains true to its mission of preserving and disseminating Armenian simultaneously needing a friend, money, a West Memphis Three from celebrities including traditional literature and arts, it also moves forward with the times and inevitable dealer or high-level connections. Johnny Depp, Metallica, Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vedder changes in diaspora,” she continued. “Therefore, it embraces contemporary authors LM: Some people write because they and Natalie Maines of the Dixie Chicks. But writing in various languages, considering them contributors to the body of are moved by love or sorrow or some Egoyan takes on the first feature film on the sub - Armenian literature.” Caprielian concluded by affirming, “A nation maintains its dis - other passion. Others write because they ject, calling the West Memphis Three “a piece of tinction through arts and literature.” are following their dreams. Still others American mythology now.” Actress and storyteller Armani read, in English, the opening chapter from an unti - write out of compulsion or need. Why do Speakeasy caught up with the director to dis - tled novel-in-progress. She also read an excerpt from her unpublished novel, The you write? cuss the film — his first since “Chloe” in 2009. Armoire , about four Armenian sisters flung to the four corners of the earth, and a DH: For a long time, I have been think - What follows is a question-and-answer session short story, “Waiting to Arrive,” about journeys, memories and being, published in ing about this question, “Why do I write?” with Egoyan. an anthology called In Our Own Words: A Generation Defining Itself . To close, she Particularly, I have been thinking about Speakeasy: You cast relative unknowns to played a musical recording whose lyrics contained her poem about exile. Armani the trinity of writing-printing-reading and play the teenagers in the West Memphis Three, acted in, directed and co-produced the award-winning play, “Sojourn at Ararat.” the stickiness peculiar to them, which is see EGOYAN, page 11 This year, Armani co-stars in the CBS television pilot program, “Golden Boy,” and so fascinating, especially for us her film, “Moving Stories,” was screened in the Short Film Corner at the Cannes Armenians. Today in Armenia almost Film Festival. everybody — the old and the young, every - Writer and political cartoonist Kasbarian read, in English, two short stories. The one able or unable to write — manages to first, “A Subway Tautology,” explored the social and philosophical underpinnings of write and publish books. Years ago, I hap - an absurd train travel incident. The second, “Elixir in Exile,” chronicled her sus - pened to say in one of my interviews: penseful quest to locate an ancestral family recipe, and will be published in r.kv.ry “Everyone who does not become some - Literary Journal . Her latest published work is an illustrated children’s book, The one famous in another area of life makes Greedy Sparrow , an Armenian folktale retold which will be performed at children’s literature a shelter in which to hide and literature workshops and a children’s book festival. write without stopping.” Later I thought Poet and artist Koundakjian read several works in Armenian and English, includ - it over and came to the conclusion that, ing “Kalov Antsyalin” and “Mazerut,” describing times spent with loved ones. She unfortunately, even those who have then read a thought piece called, “In search of Rilke at the Metropolitan Museum become somebody suffer from this ail - of Art,” and “Anonk Meran,” memorializing those lost to mass murder. Her tribute, ment, too. Nonetheless, there is a limit, a “Three Armenian Artists in New York City” recalled Arshile Gorky, Reuben Nakian portion of fanaticism beyond which writ - and Marcos Gregorian. And her inspiring, lyrical prose poem, “Khurad Hay ing becomes a disaster for the writer, let Panasdeghdzin,” counseled writers struggling to find their muse. Koundakjian’s lat - alone the reader. It’s a pity that the limit est published work is a collection of poems called The Accidental Observer . is defined by the writer; that is why the Founder of the Dead Armenian Poets Society, she is also the curator of the disastrous cases are so innumerable. As Armenian Poetry Project, which presents classic and contemporary Armenian poet - for me, I write with the slightest hope ry and other writings on Armenian topics. that whatever I say through writing will New York writer and editor Zilelian-Silak read, in English, her short story, “He’s do a favor to somebody. I don’t know the One For Her.” This narrative piece deconstructed the ambitions of a young when, for whom, or how it will do good, I Armenian woman searching for an elusive, Armenian-speaking mate, and first just hope it will, or else I wouldn’t write. see WRITERS, page 11 see INTERVIEW, page 13 Atom Egoyan S ATURDAY , J UNE 30, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 11 ARTS & LIVING Armenian Author Recalls Journey From Azerbaijan to the US

LEXINGTON, Mass. — A newly-established publisher specializing in the publication of elec - tronic books, hybooksonline.com, released Nowhere, a Story of Exile , by Anna Astvatsaturian Turcotte as an ebook on June 17. The author lost her childhood to ethnic cleansing. In 1988, as a 10-year-old girl living in Baku, Azerbaijan, she had childhood aspira - tions, crushes and dreams. That entire life was swept away as the majority Muslim Azeri population drove the minor - ity Christian Armenians out of the country using terror and violence. Her family was forced to flee for NEW YORK — Belmont, their lives to Mass. resident Paul Armenia, a Boghosian, who produced neighboring Cover of “Tonya & Nancy: The Rock republic still Nowhere, a Story of Exile Opera,” recently attended reeling from a massive earth - the Tony Awards, includ - Author Anna Astvatsaturian quake and against the backdrop of the collapse of the ing a pre-Tony cocktail Turcotte unprepared for Soviet Union. party and a post-Tony cel - the hundreds of Turcotte came to the United States as an ebration for “The thousands of Armenian refugee from Baku, in 1992. She Gershwins’ Porgy and refugees fleeing Azeri-orchestrated pogroms. became a US citizen in 1997. She holds a law Bess.” In the picture on Once there, she found herself an outsider — a degree and was one of the very first Americans right, Boghosian congratu - stateless girl surviving in an unheated base - to clerk at the International Criminal Court in lates the Tony Award win - ment and facing discrimination again, this time The Hague, Netherlands, after observing its cre - ner for best actress in a by her own people. ation at the United Nations. musical, Audra McDonald. In the top photo, playwright Elizabeth Nowhere, a Story of Exile is a riveting, heart- Turcotte currently lives in the United States Searle (“Tonya & Nancy: The Rock Opera”) and Boghosian celebrate wrenching story told through a personal medi - and works in the financial industry. She is mar - um, the diary entries of a young girl docu - ried and has two children. “Porgy and Bess” receiving the Tony for best musical revival, with menting the organized terror in Baku, her life Copies of the book can be purchased on director Diane Paulus, center, of the American Repertory Theatre. as a refugee and her struggle to find herself, all Amazon.com or hybooksonline.com.

Atom Egoyan on the West Memphis Three and ‘The Devil’s Knot’

EGOYAN, from page 10 level of involvement? compared with Colin Firth and Reese AE: I think it’s really just to give their Witherspoon. Why? blessing to it. They read the script and Atom Egoyan: It’ll be an interesting mix, they’re prepared. I just think it’s a really right? I was looking at a lot of people in their important spiritual connection and also 20s and there was just a really different feel - allows them to own some of their own story. ing than actual teenagers. That was an impor - Speakeasy: There have been documen - tant part of the choice, to preserve. It was an taries about the West Memphis Three recent - intense search. ly but this is the first feature film. Speakeasy: Did you look at well-known AE: They’re part of the story. I mean what actors to play the teens? we’re focusing on is the two other characters AE: Yeah. And they’re really prized roles, — the mother of one of the boys who was we had the major agencies all presenting killed and this private investigator who was actors. There was sort of another way to go working for the boys’ defense team. It is a fic - with the casting, but we made this decision tion based on reality of course, but I consid - and I’m excited about it. er the West Memphis Three story a piece of Speakeasy: Jessie Misskelley and Jason American mythology now. After four docu - Baldwin (two of the real-life West Memphis mentaries and the way that story has persist - Three) are co-producers. What will be their ed, it has become a story that I think will be looked at and reinterpreted because it is one of the most exhaustively examined pieces of crime and certainly a murder story outside of a celebrity of president. I can’t think of any Contemporary Armenian other story that’s been unsolved, which Women Writers Read their remains at some level mysterious, and also which has been subject to such scrutiny. You Works in New York go on the Internet, and it’s kind of amazing, these sites that are devoted to every piece of WRITERS, from page ? testimony, every piece of evidence. It has lin - appeared in Ararat. Her stories have been fea - gered in the American consciousness in a cer - tured in journals such as Pen Pusher, Slushpile tain way, and I think it’s ripe for dramatic and Wilderness House Literary Review. Her retelling, a reinvestigation that’s not bound novel, The Hollowing Moon, was one of five by the orthodoxies of documentary. finalists for the 2011 Mercer Street Books Speakeasy: It’s been a few years since your Fiction Prize. Aida organizes an ongoing read - last feature film. Why have you stayed away? ing series she established in Queens, NY called AE: It has been time with opera, theater. Boundless Tales. I’ve also written a new film of my own which The writers can be reached at: noraar - I’m planning to shoot right after this. On a mani.com, lucinekasbarian.com, lolak - personal level, our son — it was our last year oundakjian.com and aidazilelian.com. with him before he went to university, so I In the future, the New York Chapter of just wanted to have that time. When you Hamazkayin hopes to launch an ongoing read - plunge into a film, as I am now, you really do ing series spotlighting contemporary Armenian leave your life behind. I wanted to enjoy that writers. last window with him. 12 S ATURDAY , J UNE 30, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARTS & LIVING

hummus maker, but she does her best for loyal customers to knowing where your ingredients are from.” who try to replicate her hummus at home. “People will come Being at the market also allows Dakessian to keep her fin - to me and say, ‘Seta, I tried making hummus like yours but it ger on the pulse, not just in terms of what is in season but Spilling didn’t come out.’” She’ll walk them through the steps and how well things are growing in a given year. She can walk they’ll try again. “Sometimes it just doesn’t work,” she says. around and see what farmers have to offer, and she orders “For me it’s easy because I make hundreds of pounds. It’s most of her veggies through the farmers around her. “Mother finding the right balance with all the ingredients. You want Nature sometimes dictates what I can do and cannot do. This one to complement another.” past year was a great year for eggplant so I made a lot of The Beans Dakessian’s five-ingredient rule makes it easier to achieve bruschetta and there was always a very large supply of baba that balance, and since she began selling at farmers’ markets ganoush .” two years ago, the positive response from customers has Dakessian’s menu is ever changing based on the dynamic assured her that she’s doing something right. “You can buy interaction between her improvisational style, the variability Seta’s Rules to Cook by hummus in 10 different flavors made by seven or eight dif - of the season and the inspiration and feedback that she gets ferent companies anywhere you go. But I’ve chosen to make from her customers. “One said, ‘You know Seta, I love your my hummus without any preservatives and in very small three bean salad but I would love it if you added a grain to it.” By Rebecca Hansen batches.” This means both a shorter shelf life and a higher And so, the spicy bulgur and chickpea salad was born, made price tag, but people keep coming back. Dakessian sees this with Swiss chard, onion, red pepper and a spicy mint dressing. Use no more than five ingredients to make a dish as a clear indication that people are looking for fresh, whole “I take bits and pieces of what I find at the market and what Buy from local farmers foods. “They want to know who’s making it, what’s being put my customers say and put it all together,” she says. “I’m Eat and cook within the season in it, and where the ingredients are coming from.” always trying to come up with new and creative ideas.” Keeping it local is also important to the average farmer’s Indeed, for Dakessian, it’s the relationships that have been BOSTON (EdibleBoston) — These are Seta Dakessian’s market customer, and to Dakessian. After finishing culinary the most gratifying thing about running her own business. “Rules to Cook By,” and they apply to every dish she creates school at Johnson & Wales, she worked in the kitchen at Meeting her customers face to face and seeing them come at Seta’s Mediterranean Foods. “It’s the way I eat it. It’s the Rialto under chef Jody Adams. “Working there really taught back every week has made her grateful for the support of the way we ate at home when I was younger,” says Dakessian. me the value of locally sourcing your food,” says Dakessian. community. “They have the opportunity to go to hundreds of “We always ate what was available in season.” In Adams’ kitchen, there was a strong emphasis on knowing stores but they choose to keep coming back and supporting Indeed, Dakessian grew up in an environment rich with where an ingredient came from, respecting the people who what I do.” Working with the local farmers has also given her both cooking and grow-your-own traditions. Her parents, who grew it and being careful in the cooking. a new appreciation for the challenges of the trade. “I do the ran an Armenian café and bakery in Worcester for 25 years, These ideals built upon the values that she learned growing best I can with whatever ingredients they give me because I also had a vegetable garden and canned produce to use dur - up, and when the time came to start her own food business, realize the amount of work and labor that has gone into grow - ing the winter months. “Nothing ever went to waste,” she she knew that farmers’ markets were the place. “I didn’t have ing these vegetables.” says. “If my father went to Sterling to buy two lambs, we’d use the capital to get a brick-and-mortar location, and it was also Dakessian hopes that the connections formed between cus - the wool for comforters. Every part of the animal was used.” the right environment because I very much believe in sourc - tomers, farmers and vendors like herself will continue to grow Dakessian also grew up in a kitchen without recipes. “My ing as many local ingredients as you can. Where else can you the local food movement, and that they will help people to mother still cooks and she doesn’t have a recipe. We don’t do that better than a farmers’ market?” reconnect with the simple joys of cooking. even use measurements for baking.” Her father, who worked Now, everything that Dakessian makes has at least one local “I feel like the whole country has gravitated toward fast as a baker in the Armenian Quarter in Jerusalem, did every - ingredient, often many more. Even her grape leaves are local. foods and things that are really easy, and suddenly cooking thing without a measuring cup. “When I was little I learned “We pick them anywhere we can find them,” she says, includ - has become this difficult task. It doesn’t have to be.” She how to make dough by touching it. If I touched it I knew if it ing people’s backyards — after asking, of course. “People points to resources like the Internet, but again it comes back was going to be a good batch or a bad batch.” aren’t going to do anything with them so we go and grab to the market. “I think that best resource is talking to any of She uses this same intuitive sense of “touch” in creating them.” Dakessian got plenty of practice growing up, when she the farmers or any of the vendors at the farmers market and dishes for Seta’s Mediterranean Foods, including market would pick grape leaves by the bag full as a Sunday chore. you’ll come up with a week’s meal plan.” If you’re not sure favorites like hummus and baba ganoush . “If the tahini is Her mother still helps her to prepare the grape leaves over the where to begin, just find Dakessian. She’ll be happy to get you roasted a little darker than usual I know it’s going to be a lit - summer. Together, they can roll about 1,200 in five hours. started. tle bitter and I have to modify what I do. You just know.” “Your hands hurt and your neck hurts, but it’s rewarding To find out where you can find Dakessian at markets this Such a sixth sense can be difficult to pass along to a novice because they are the best grape leaves. And again it goes back season, visit www.setasmediterraneanfoods.com. S ATURDAY , J UNE 30, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 13 ARTS & LIVING

The Writer as Benefactor Providence Church Committee Recognizes

INTERVIEW, from page 10 ties can be put side by side with the help of a Priest’s First Anniversary at Summer Dance LM: How do you see life and literature con - literary critic’s skills. nected? LM: In the 20th century, writers helped to PROVIDENCE — Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Petrossian thanked Souin for his avid sup - DH: Life squats in the center of the circle of change the cultures in which they lived in very Armenian Church’s Cultural Committee port of all the committee’s events the past our knowledge and cognition. We enjoy it as positive ways. held a Summer Dance Fest on Saturday year. much as our senses allow and feel it moving far DH: As the saying goes: “No sooner said than evening, June 23, at the Egavian Cultural After the cake-cutting ceremony, Souin beyond the horizon, going to and fro and pro - done.” Every time people have changed the Center. expressed his gratitude to the Cultural ducing the narrowest delight. Who knows world, they started the task with a word and The featured attractions were two Committee and remarked how quickly his whether life has the slightest connection with ended it very often with a word, whether that renowned musical groups — the Steven first year had passed and how pleased he anything that germinates in a person’s mind word was “Eureka,” “Cheers,” “Bravo” or Tashjian Classic Groove that later becomes writing, embracing the page “Victory”! As long as we have such a powerful Band, with vocalist in a thousand and one seductive ways? These weapon as the word, we can’t be defeated. Karen Raneiri, and LM: If that is true, why are Armenians so apt John Berberian’s oud to leave their country, instead of staying and playing with his ensem - struggling for the country they dream of? ble. DH: The Armenians’ eagerness for wander - In addition, local ing all over the world is not a new thing. Today comedian TJ Curran Armenians leave their country first and fore - provided the comic most because they believe blindly that “the relief. grass is greener on the other side” and look for The audience was justice “on foreign and deserted roads.” They treated to a variety of hurry to sell their houses and possessions to Armenian and become servants to the foreigner, considering it American appetizers the only way in which they can jump over the accompanied by bottles ravine lying between their lives and the life they of wine at each table, dream of living as dignified citizens. Then peo - which were served by ple start leaving their motherland in flocks. And members of the it’s all within the state officials’ interests, as well Cultural Committee. A as the interests of small and big mafia clans, the selection of desserts Fr. Shnork Souin flanked by Shirley Ventrone, left, and Jean Ricci illiterate and the untalented. They don’t leave and coffee rounded out our country for anywhere else; they stay here. the evening’s fare. LM: Would you like to change your life? The dance floor was was with the warm welcome given to him DH: I would like to. For me, life itself is already crowded with both the Armenian and and his family by the Greater Providence a change. I don’t mean the path leading us from American bands alternately playing Armenian Community. nowhere to life and death. I mean the everyday life throughout the evening. The Summer Dance Fest Co-chairpersons of ours. A new idea, a new story and a new friend A surprise presentation of a cake honor - were Liz Kooloian, Jean Ricci and Shirley are changes in my life, and I live with them. ing Rev. Shnork Souin’s first anniversary as Ventrone, working with the other Cultural Unfortunately, a new suffering, a new burden and pastor of the church was met with a stand - Committee members, leading to a success - a new failure are changes that I live with, too. But ing ovation by the appreciative crowd. ful and memorable evening. I’d like to change my life so that I could steal a bit Cultural Committee Director Konstantin more time and I believe I will live it by writing. CC AA LLEENNDDAARR

NEW JERSEY

AUGUST 10-12 — Return to Asbury, Armenian Kef Weekend at the Beach. For tickets and information, visit returntoas - bury.eventbrite.com. The event is sponsored by the ASA. OCTOBER 5 — Save the date. His Eminence Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate, Diocese of Armenian Church, invites everyone to attend a tribute banquet in honor of Hrant Gulian. Details to follow. OCTOBER 21 — The Armenian American Suppor t and Educational Center, the Hye Doon, celebrates its 35th anniversary. Bergen County Academies, 200 Hackensack Ave., Hackensack, with the par - ticipation of Akh’Tamar Dance Ensemble of the Hye Doon, Arev Armenian Folk Ensemble of Hamazkayin of Boston and other talent - ed guest performers. OCTOBER 28 — Save the date. The Armenian American Support Entertainment Fridays and Educational Center, Hye Doon, celebrates its 35th anniver- and Saturdays sary. Felician College, Lodi. With the participation of Akh’tamar Dance Ensemble and other talented guest performances. Details to follow. NOVEMBER 17-18 — Musical theater presentation by TCA Mher Megerdchian Theatrical Group, Yervant Odian’s “Love and Laughter” (Ser yev Dzidzagh), directed by Krikor Satamian, with more than 20 actors participating. Dwight Englewood High School, Englewood Cliffs, 8 p.m., Saturday and 4 p.m., Sunday. $25, $35, $50. For tickets, call Marie Zokian or Noushig Atamian. NOVEMBER 18 — TCA Mher Megerdchian Theatrical Group Cast Party and tribute to Karnig Nercessian on the occasion of the 15th anniversary of the group. Special program and dinner, with On October 21, the Armenian American Support Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Armenian Diocese of and Education Center, the Hye Doon, will cele - the Armenian Church, presiding. St. Thomas Armenian Church, brate its 35th anniversary at Bergen County Tenafly. Donation, $30. For tickets, call Marie Zokian or Noushig Academies, 200 Hackensack Ave., Hackensack, Atamian. NJ, featuring performances by Akh’Tamar Dance Ensemble (pictured here) of the Hye Doon, Arev Armenian Folk Ensemble of NEW YORK Hamzkayin of Boston and more. SEPTEMBER 29 — Save the date. Armenia Fund 20th Anniversary Gala, 7 p.m. at Gotham Hall in New York City. 14 S ATURDAY , J UNE 30, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMENTARY

T HE A RMENIAN COMMENTARY Mirror- What Does Syrian Crisis Promise?

Armenians — have been enjoying a prosperous and secure life. By Edmond Y. Azadian Ambassador Ford admitted that arms are flowing into Syria and Spectator armed bands are being trained in the US and elsewhere to invade a sovereign country under the banner of democracy and human While the US news media is lulling the public with a profusion rights. In neighboring Turkey, when Kurds resort to arms to of coverage in the case of sexual abuse by assistant football coach defend their dignity and human rights, they are labeled terrorists. of Pennsylvania State University, Jerry Sandusky, another blood This is the irony of the situation. Established 1932 bath is in the making in the Middle East. The ambassador further elaborated on the US-Syrian policy, An artificial crisis has been concocted to topple the government adding that should Russia and China continue vetoing the pro - An ADL Publication in Syria. Recently, the US ambassador to Syria, Robert Ford, vis - posed resolutions against the Syrian government at the UN ited Detroit, a major hub of the Arab community in the US, to give Security Council, the US has no choice but to act outside the UN. an overview of the American government policy regarding the Any other country resorting to that option could be labeled an EDITOR Syrian crisis. He outlined the US goals under the following four international outlaw. Alin K. Gregorian points: 1) stop the violence; 2) start political transition; 3) produce Since all the outside interventions have not yet resulted in the a representative government with respect for human rights and 4) downfall of the Assad regime, Turkey has been assigned to pro - ASSOCIATE EDITOR make sure the Assad family leaves. “We are preparing a war crimes voke a border war with Syria by sending a warplane in Syrian ter - Aram Arkun trial,” he said. ritorial waters. ART DIRECTOR What is the guilt of the Syrian government or, for that matter, Now the shooting down of that warplane will constitute an Marc Mgrditchian its president, Bashar al-Assad? attack on a NATO ally to justify an armed response. Syria is one of the last bastions of Palestinian support, as Libya Russia is concerned the Arab spring is closing in on its borders COPY EDITOR Dilani Yogaratnam and Iraq are now out of the equation in supporting the rights of and its only naval base outside its territory is in Tartous, Syria, the Palestinian people. which is being endangered. Moscow also already sees the writing The other fault that the Syrian government has is its legitimate on the wall that this Western thrust towards its borders will have SENIOR EDITORIAL COLUMNIST: demand for a portion of its sovereign territory, namely the Golan a domino effect, because next in line will be Iran, which is a tough Edmond Azadian Heights, which was occupied and annexed by Israel. Those who nut to crack, with unforeseen ramifications in the region. are planning to topple the Syrian government overlook these Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, in turn, has outlined CONTRIBUTORS: issues while shedding crocodile tears for the lack of human rights his country’s policy in an article which appeared in the June 20 Florence Avakian, Elizabeth Aprahamian, of the Syrian people. Turkey has no better record on human issue of Huntington Post. Russia’s policy consists of the following Daphne Abeel, Dr. Haroutiune rights as the slaughter of Kurds continues, but selective justice is demands: 1) there should be a political transition, and Russia is Arzoumanian, Taleen Babayan, Prof. the order of the day in world politics. not committed to this regime; 2) this is not simple and no option Vahakn N. Dadrian, Diana Der Hovanessian, Philip Ketchian, Kevork Despite the partial withdrawal of the US troops from Iraq, the is perfect; 3) human rights issues are of grave concern and Keushkerian, Sonia Kailian-Placido , bloodbath there is continuing and the country is split in three Christian minorities are at risk if the regime changes the wrong Harut Sassounian, Mary Terzian, Hagop ways; Kurdistan is semi-independent, Nouri al-Maliki’s Shia regime way; 4) a civil war will be a catastrophe and 5) Russia does not Vartivarian, Naomi Zeytoonian is veering towards Iran, while a revenge policy of repression is in trust the UN resolutions, because they are used as pretexts for place in the Sunni section of the country. The Maliki regime, like armed intervention. In other words, he said, Russia is looking for CORRESPONDENTS: Hamid Karzai’s in Afghanistan, survives on the tips of US bayo - a transition which will not result in destabilization. Armenia - Hagop Avedikian nets. Two million Iraqis were killed during the war, many more During the recent G-20 Summit in Mexico, the Syrian crisis was Boston - Nancy Kalajian refugees fled the country, 4,500 US troops lost their lives and a hot-button issue agitating the leaders of the participant coun - Philadelphia - Lisa Manookian 50,000 veterans have been maimed and still, democracy is tries. It looks like Russia will initiate a conference, inviting Turkey Contributing Photographers: nowhere to be found. The Christian churches are routinely and the permanent members of the Security Council. Jacob Demirdjian, Harry Koundakjian, Jirair bombed and the Christian minority has been decimated. This is Meanwhile blood is flowing in many Syrian cities. Armed gangs Hovsepian the outcome of the Cheney-Bush policy. President Bush, who are involved in the mass murder of the innocent people to create claimed that he coordinated his policies with his Lord, most cer - panic among the civilian population. tainly will need to do a lot of explaining to his Lord. Armenians have been seeking refuge in neighboring Lebanon The Armenian Mirror-Spectator is published Libya is doing no better and is on the brink of territorial disin - and Armenia, and the last stable and culturally-organized diaspo - weekly, except two weeks in July, by: tegration, with rampant killings abounding. ran community in the region is being dismantled. Association, Inc. These two cases are enough to figure out what can and will hap - Meanwhile, “human rights” and “democracy” are marching over 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 pen in Syria, where Christian communities — and especially the pools of blood. Telephone: 617-924-4420 FAX: 617-924-2887 www.mir rorspectator.com E-Mail: editor@mirrorspectator .com For advertising: [email protected] Generations Educate Youth about Armenian Genocide

her teacher and said she hoped this would go Our efforts can only reach so far due to lim - through for all Armenians throughout the ited resources and manpower. Genocide educa - SUBSCRIPTION RATES : By Dro Kanayan world. tion should not be done in pockets of the coun - U.S.A. 2nd Class $75 a year • Chelmsford High School: Students were so try. It should be a national movement. As 1st Class $120 a year For those people who feel that our elders and moved about the presentation we made, that Armenians, we have been very fortunate to Canada the youth cannot work together, you may want they all made in donation to a charity in the have organizations like the Armenian National Air Mail $125 a year to stop and read this article. name of our cause. Committee and the Armenian Assembly push - All Other Countries For five years, myself and two of my peers • Haverhill High School: A student was so ing our issues through Washington and gov - Air Mail $190 a year (Albert Movsesian and Tom Vartabedian) have moved by the panel discussion on comparative ernments. However, we all need to take owner - Display advertising r at e: $7 per column inch been working together to have the Armenian genocides, that he asked his history professor to ship of our cause. All it takes is a little sacrifice Genocide included in the high school curricu - start a Human Rights Club, and the club is of our time, personal lives and learning how to lums on Human Rights in the Merrimack going to a Third World country to build homes work together. Valley. We are 41 years old, 71 years old, and 84 with Habitat for Humanity. The development of Armenian Genocide years old, and we have continued pushing for - • Newton High School: Deaf students learned teaching programs through Facing History & © 2011 The Armenian Mirror-Spectator ward with our efforts. We work well together as about the Armenian Genocide and our culture Ourselves and the GenEd project out of Periodical Class Postage Paid at Boston, MA we have a mutual respect for our thoughts, through sign language. California, as well as legislative rulings allowing and additional mailing offices. actions and personal lives. We come from dif - This is an endeavor that the entire the formalizing of a curriculum, provides us the ISSN 0004-234X ferent churches, political backgrounds and age Merrimack Valley has come together to sup - tools to push this through. However, tools are groups, yet have one mission: teach students port. All three local clergy have attended and only great if they are used, and we need to POSTMASTER : Send address changes to The Armenian Mirror-Spectator, P.O. Box 302, about the Armenian Genocide and our culture. participated in our events. Rev. Khachatur begin using them. Watertown, MA 02471-0302 And we are succeeding. Kessablyan from St. Vartanantz spoke at In some parts of the country the movement Other than the editorial, views and opinions We have been to more than 10 schools, pro - Chelmsford High School and as the high school is greater than others. In August 2011, the expressed in this newspaper do not necessarily viding individual classroom presentation and was up the road from St. Vartanantz church, California State Superintendent of Public eflect the policies of the publisher. panel discussions on comparative genocides invited the students to come to the school and Instruction appointed Murad Minasian to serve over the last 100 years. If anyone questions if view the Khachkar and tour the church. The as the office’s liaison to the Armenian American we’re making a difference, here are some high - students were thrilled. community. lights: Rev. Karekin Bedourian from St. We can all learn from each other. I am sure • Wilmington High School: The students Illuminator’s in North Andover spoke at Austin that Murad, myself, Tom, Al and any other per - Copying for other than personal use or began a letter writing and stamp-designing cam - Preparatory School, reinforcing the religious son who is working with the school districts internal reference is prohibited without paign to the Postmaster General for a com - issues surrounding the Armenian Genocide and would be happy to provide a guiding hand to express permission of the copyright memorative stamp recognizing the 100th other crimes against humanity, and Rev. Vart people who need help in starting this endeavor. owner. Address requests for reprints or anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. They Gyozalian from the Armenian Church at Hye All that has to be done is to ask. back issues to: also wrote their congressmen about supporting Pointe spoke at Northern Essex Community People will only know what they learn, and if Baikar Association, Inc. the Genocide resolution. Also when the French College about the effects on our culture. our cause is to continue to be moved in the 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 bill on criminalizing the denial of the Genocide This year we have extended our educational right direction, then we all need to be out there came about, a former student who graduated process to universities, colleges and middle educating the students and public about our two years ago and heard our lecture, emailed schools. cause. S ATURDAY , J UNE 30, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 15 COMMENTARY

only amount to obstruction of justice, but just as offering The scholars’ letter, organized by the David S. Wyman shelter to a fleeing bank robber constitutes a crime under Institute for Holocaust Studies in Washington, DC, was national law, so, too, would sheltering a fugitive from inter - sent to presidential advisor Dr. Samantha Power, who national justice be complicity in crime.” heads the recently-established Atrocities Prevention Board. Four US non-governmental organizations issued a joint The scholars reminded Power that in her Pulitzer Prize- My Turn statement in November 2009, criticizing the Obama admin - winning book, A Problem from Hell: America and the Age istration for refusing to protest the Sudanese President’s of Genocide , she had urged the US government to adopt By Harut Sassounian visit to Turkey. The NGO’s sought to ensure that “a want - “economic sanctions” to counter genocidal actions. Since ed war criminal does not continue to travel with impunity.” the proposed bill “does exactly that,” the 70 signatories Meanwhile, the Turkish prime minister not only allowed expressed the hope that Power and the White House would Congress May Cut off Aid to the Sudanese President to visit Turkey, but tried to absolve support Wolf’s amendment, particularly when it is brought Turkey For Hosting Sudan’s him of any wrongdoing by claiming that “Muslims don’t up for reconciliation between the House and Senate. commit genocide!” Making matters worse, Turkey contin - It is doubtful, however, that Samantha Power would Genocidal President ues to sell lethal weapons to Sudan, helping al-Bashir kill speak out in favor of this amendment. Since joining the more innocent people! White House staff, she has distanced herself from the A congressional committee adopted an amendment last To put an end to such irresponsible behavior by Turkey issues she had boldly advocated in her book. She has also month that would suspend US foreign aid to any country and many other countries, the House Appropriations remained eerily silent on President Obama’s unfulfilled hosting a visit by Sudan’s President Omar al-Bashir. Committee adopted on May 17, 2012, an amendment to a pledges regarding the Armenian Genocide. Power had Members of Congress intend to isolate this brutal leader State Department funding bill that would cut off non- issued several appeals during the last presidential cam - and help bring him to court for his crimes in Darfur. humanitarian aid to countries that do not comply with paign, seeking the Armenian-American community’s sup - Congress decided to take this action after several coun - ICC’s directive. The amendment sponsored by Rep. Frank port for Barack Obama’s candidacy. She had solemnly tries, including Turkey and Egypt, ignored the arrest war - Wolf (R-Va.) states that no economic assistance would be pledged that as president, Obama would acknowledge the rant issued by the International Criminal Court in March provided by the United States “to any country that admits Armenian Genocide after the election. 2009, charging the Sudanese President with genocide, war President Omar al-Bashir of Sudan.” So far, Armenian-Americans have not gotten involved in crimes, and crimes against humanity in Darfur. In contra - After reports began circulating that the Obama adminis - lobbying for the adoption of this important bill, most prob - vention of their international obligations, these countries tration is trying to block this proposed law, 70 leading ably because they were unaware of its introduction in hosted visits by al-Bashir, instead of capturing him and dis - Holocaust and genocide scholars signed a joint letter on Congress. Armenian scholars were also left out of this patching him to the ICC for prosecution. June 14, urging the White House to support the congres - issue, since no one had approached them to obtain their In November 2009, when the President of Sudan was sional amendment that would stop providing assistance to support. about to visit Ankara, Amnesty International warned: “It countries hosting Sudan’s President. Among the signato - An aide to Wolf advised this writer that the Congressman would be a disgrace for Turkey to offer him safe haven. If ries of the letter are Dr. Israel Charny of Jerusalem, Dr. would appreciate the Armenian-American community’s the Turkish authorities fail to arrest President Omar al- Irving Greenberg, former chairman of the United States support for this bill which would discourage Turkey and Bashir and hand him over to the ICC, this would be incon - Holocaust Memorial Museum, and Dr. Deborah Dwork of other countries from wining and dining al-Bashir and sistent with Turkey’s international obligations. It would not Clark University. would help bring this indicted criminal to justice.

New Perspectives for Armenian Genocide Studies in Germany

On June 6, two important cultural institu - Brandenberg, where Potsdam is located, is tions in Germany signed an agreement that By Muriel Mirak-Weissbach the only federal state where the historic cur - may break new ground in research on the riculum and textbooks at schools include the 1915 Genocide against the Armenians. The Armenian Genocide among state-organized contract signed by University of Potsdam’s hosted the MESROP Center since 1998, also scientific conference with international par - mass murders. Philosophy Department and the Lepsiushaus established a chair for Armenian studies ticipation is planned on the subject, Dr. Hosfeld, who succeeded Prof. Hermann for enhanced cooperation was anything but a (Armenologie), which deals with the “Johannes Lepsius, a German Exception.” Goltz after his death, studied German litera - bureaucratic act. If the two partners fully Armenian history, culture and philosophy. Dr. Johannes Lepsius, as the university’s ture, history, political science and philosophy exploit the potential in the deal, they could And, the Ruhr University in Bochum also has press release notes, was a “German protes - in Frankfurt and Berlin. As editor and author create the conditions for significantly an Institute for Diaspora and Genocide tant theologian, Orientalist, philosopher, he has published numerous articles and enhancing Genocide studies, which would Research, headed by Prof. Mihran Dabag. For mathematician and historian” who lived from more than 20 books. Among them is include the Armenian case. The Lepsiushaus the Lepsiushaus, as Dr. Hosfeld declared, the 1908 to 1926 in the house, which is now a Operation Nemesis: Die Türkei, Deutschland (“House of Lepsius”) in Potsdam is a muse - new level of cooperation will contribute to museum and research center. It was in und der Völkermord an den Aremeiern um and research center located in the former “anchoring [it] in the scientific landscape.” Potsdam in 1916 that he wrote his Report on (Köln: Kiepenheuer & Witsch, 2005/2009), home of Dr. Johannes Lepsius, the renowned The institutions plan to expand research on the Situation of the Armenian People in whose title refers to the Armenian under - theologian and scholar who documented the Lepsius’s work and more broadly the history Turkey. He was co-founder in 1914 of the ground organization which pursued and exe - 1915 Armenian Genocide. It was there that of the 1915 genocide. German-Armenian Society. Lepsius had cuted Turkish leaders responsible for the Prof. Johann Hafner, dean of the philosophy The Lepsiushaus already has a working founded a relief organization in Urfa to aid mass murder. As faculty and Dr. Rolf Hosfield, scientific man - agreement with Moses Mendelssohn Center, Armenian victims of the 1890s Hamidian wrote, “Hosfeld painstakingly describes the aging director of the Lepsius House, held the also located in Potsdam. This fall, they plan a massacres, and he tried to travel to Anatolia emergence of an aggressive Turkish national - official signing ceremony. conference dedicated to Franz Werfel, the again in 1915 upon learning of the renewed ism and its systematic annihilation policies Professor Hafner, speaking for the university, Jewish writer who in 1933 published The persecutions. He was prevented from travel - against the Armenians, which were protected said, “With cooperation in ‘Genocide Studies,’ Forty Days of Musa Dagh, a renowned saga ing inland by the Young Turk leadership, but under Turkey’s alliance with Germany during the Philosophy Department is making its mark on the genocide. Now, with the new arrange - did manage to collect hundreds of eyewitness World War I.” with a further special feature (or selling point) ment such activities will multiply. As Dr. accounts in from Armenian Professor Hafner studied theology and phi - on the German research and landscape.” Hosfeld put it, “We have achieved a lot, but survivors, diplomats and humanitarian aid losophy in Augsburg, Munich and in the He went on to explain that students will be we are not yet what we can be.” There is workers. The Report, though banned by the Phillippines. From 1998 to 2001 he was vis - able to make use of the Lepsiushaus facili - already a full calendar of seminars, work - censors and partially suppressed, was distrib - iting lecturer at the University of Dayton in ties, including rooms, archives and library. In shops, conferences, political podium discus - uted to political, ecclesiastical and media cir - Ohio, and has been professor of religion at addition, they “will be able to complete sci - sions, lectures and book presentations pre - cles in Germany and became a cause-celebre. Potsdam since 2004. In 2010 he became entific internships there, receive assistance pared for the next three years. The Lepsiushaus was officially opened in dean of the Philosophy Department. with their thesis work and participate in Prof. Hafner said the university was “extra - May of last year, despite longstanding resis - research projects, conferences and publica - ordinarily delighted that the house will be tance of the part of certain Turkish circles in (Muriel Mirak-Weissbach is the author of tions.” Finally, there are plans for the Human full of life.” The university, for its part, lends Germany. State and city funds as well as pri - Through the Wall of Fire: Armenia-Iraq- Rights Center, also located at the Philosophy professional and institutional support to the vate contributions served to finance the com - Palestine: From Wrath to Reconciliation . Faculty, to gain new momentum as a result work of ht e Lepsiushaus, cooperates on pro - plete restoration of the magnificent building, Her new book, Madness at the Helm: of this cooperation, with a chair from jects and makes available rooms for confer - which had fallen into decay under the East Pathology and Politics in the Arab Spring , “Cultural History of Violence.” This is the ences. At the end of September 2012, a joint German regime. It should be added that should appear soon.) new name for a chair instituted by the Military Historical Research Office, formerly known as the Chair for Military History. When a professor is named to occupy the newly-named chair next year, it is expected to Notice to Contributors work together with the Lepsiushaus and the The welcomes articles, commentaries daytime telephone number. Armenian Mirror-Spectator Moses Mendelssohn Center for European- and community news from our readers. In order to assure the accurate — Deadline for submission of all articles and advertising is noon on the Jewish Studies, for example, in comparative and timely publication of articles submitted, please note the following Monday of the week of publication. studies of the Holocaust and the Armenian policies: — Photos will be published without charge at the discretion of the edi - Genocide. This is not a chair for Armenian — All articles submitted should be typed, double (or triple) spaced and tors and art director. Photos will be returned only if a self-addressed Genocide studies as such, but the subject will printed in a type size large enough to be clearly legible (10 point or and stamped envelope is included. larger). Submissions that do not conform to these specifications will be — The will publish only one article about an upcoming organiza - be a point of emphasis in research. M-S When Dr. Hafner spoke of a “special fea - assigned lowest priority. tional event. For major special events, exceptions may be made only by ture” he was referring to the new focus that — Articles sent by fax are acceptable, and e-mail submissions are special arrangement with the editors. encouraged. — Telephone numbers, ticket prices and other details (at the discretion the Philosophy Department in Potsdam will — All submissions should include the name of a contact person and a of the editors) will not be included in press releases. place on research on the Armenian Genocide. The Halle-Wittenberg University, which has 16 S ATURDAY , J UNE 30, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR