FEBRUARY 25, 2012 MirTHE rARoMENr IAN -Spe ctator In Our 8 Volume LXXXII, NO. 33, Issue 4227 0th Y$e2a.r00 NEWS IN BRIEF The First English Language Armenian Weekly in the United States Since 1932 French-Armenians to Pay Tribute to Sumgait Akçam at NAASR Talk Pogrom Victims Discusses Istanbul Trials PARIS (Armenpress) — Commemoration events on the occasion of the 24th anniversary of the Of Genocide Perpetrators Sumgait pogrom will be sponsored by the Coordination Council of Armenian Organizations BELMONT, Mass. — Prof. Taner Akçam spoke to a packed in France and Nagorno Karabagh Republic’s mis - audience at the National Association for Armenian Studies and sion in France, according to Nouvelle d’Armenie . Research (NAASR) on A holy liturgy will be chanted on February 26 in the post-World War I Saint John (Hovhannes) Armenian Apostolic By Alin K. Gregorian trials of Genocide per - Church, after which participants will lay flowers in Mirror-Spectator Staff petrators in Istanbul front of the statue of Komitas, honoring the mem - and other cities in ories of the Sumgait victims. Ottoman Turkey, part A demonstration condemning the Sumgait of a promotional tour of his new book, Judgment at Istanbul , pogrom will take place near the mayor’s office on a collaboration with Prof. Vahakn Dadrian. February 27. The trials, which were astonishing when they took place, have Prof. Taner Akçam with Prof. James Russell at NAASR confirmed what international scholars have known: that the Azerbaijanis Destroy Genocide and the forced marches of the Armenians were ordered by the government and that they were carried out at the suggesting that the British High Command had pressured the Armenian Monuments orders of a central authority and not haphazardly, as many sham trials to take place as part of Turkey’s punishment being denialists maintain. However, almost immediately after they took in the losing side of World War I. In Nakhijevan place, the Young Turk government distanced itself from them, see AKÇAM , page 17 YEREVAN (Armenpress) — No Armenian monu - ment has remained in Nakhijevan, expert Argam Ayvazyan told a news conference this week. He said the issue affects everyone. “The intellectuals, state Sargisian Participates in Convention Presidential Report officials, public figures have no right to be indiffer - ent. It is even unknown in which conditions the Backs Probe into monuments were eliminated,” Ayvazyan said. Of Homeland Defenders Union Public Officials for He said Azerbaijan vandalizes Armenian monu - ments and the issue is under the spotlight of the YEREVAN — President Serge Sargisian the convention, the president of Armenia Role in Dink Murder Ministry of Culture. The cross-stones registered dur - participated this week at the ninth conven - made a statement: ing different periods were eliminated primarily dur - tion of the Volunteer Homeland Defenders I am obligated to structure all my speech - ISTANBUL (Today’s Zaman) — A new ing 1998-2006. Union, which took place at the Karen es according to the accepted standards, to report from the country’s top office is He suggests the public demand the preservation Demirjian Sport and Concert Complex. At take into consideration how an official expected to put much-needed support of the Armenian culture and voice their concern in statement will be received by the behind judges and prosecutors who are the international court. most diverse audiences so that currently conducting investigations into words addressed to the one do several public officials for their role in not indirectly upset or hurt the the murder of Turkish-Armenian weekly Georgian MP Charged other. I have also to consider Agos editor Hrant Dink. With Coup Attempt every protocol nuance. To keep in The State Audit Institution (DDK), line, today I should have started which started the investigation into the TBILISI (News.am) — A former member of parlia - like this, “I salute the delegates issue last year in January and posted it ment was detained while attempting to cross the and guests of the ninth on the website of the presidential office Armenian-Georgian border, Georgian Ministry of Convention of the Volunteer on Monday, has stated that a threat Internal Affairs informs. Homeland Defenders Union.” against Dink’s life was known by the According to the report, Valery Gelbakhiani was However, I will not do that, police and gendarmerie officials who detained on Monday. He has been on a wanted list because 25 years of shared path failed to take the necessary measures in since February 2008, after he was charged with a make me speak and start in a dif - light of early warnings and tips about coup attempt. ferent fashion — like this: Folks, the plot to kill Dink. Gelbakhiani was head of the headquarters for it’s good to see you again. The report also noted that the serious - presidential candidate Badri Patarkatsishvili. Vazgen Sargisian used to say, ness of the actions of public officials in Gelbakhiani fled the state after criminal proceed - “Homeland defenders are one of the run up to the murder has not been ings against him in 2008, Novosti-Gruziya reports. our greatest achievements, if not understood and the link between their He circulated a letter earlier this year asking secu - the greatest. They shielded with actions and the murder could not be rity guarantees in order to visit his sick mother. their bodies, with their blood the established, leading to the failure of all of borders of our country and it was the investigations into public officials. their blood that spearheaded cre - The DDK report has come out at a ation of the Army of this coun - time when there is a secret investigation INSI DE try.” Vazgen was right. It is true into several public officials who alleged - that homeland defenders are not ly had roles in preventing the murder of President Serge Sargisian border troops — they are the Dink, who was shot dead by an ultra- see VETERANS, page 20 nationalist teenager in broad daylight. Kévorkian Dink was convicted in 2005 for “insult - ing Turkishness” in a newspaper article, Lecture Armenian War Veterans Pledge despite an expert report that he had not committed the said charge. He received threats from extremist rightist groups Story on page 13 Election Support For Sargisian and ultranationalist circles until he was murdered, causing outrage among many YEREVAN (RFE/RL) — A once-powerful organization uniting thousands of Turks who joined a massive demonstra - Armenian veterans of the Nagorno-Karabagh war has pledged to support President tion on the day of his funeral. Serge Sargisian in the upcoming national elections four years after effectively back - The 650-page report stated that the INDEX ing his most formidable political foe, Levon Ter-Petrosian. DDK’s authority is limited in conducting Arts and Living ...... 13 The Yerkrapah Union reaffirmed its allegiance to Sargisian during a weekend con - such an investigation, and it should Armenia ...... 2,3 gress that reelected General Manvel Grigorian, a former deputy defense minister, as avoid influencing the judiciary, but it Community News...... 5 its chairman. evaluates the situation in the face of the Editorial ...... 18 “We must actively participate in all upcoming elections,” Grigorian told the high- European Court of Human Rights International ...... 4 see PLEDGE, page 20 (ECtHR) ruling, which declared in see REPORT, page 4

Benefit for the Armenian Mirror-Spectator Celebrating 80 Years and Beyond Thursday, May 24, 2012 2 S ATURDAY , F EBRUARY 25, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARMENIA News From Armenia US Congressmen Visit Armenia

Armenian Students May YEREVAN — A 15-member Congressional delegation from the Study in Poland US House of Representatives headed YEREVAN (Armenpress) — The Ministry of by Chairman David Dreier met with Education and Sciences have announced a compe- President Serge Sargisian and tition to win a scholarship to study in Poland in the Speaker of Parliament Samvel 2012-2013 academic year for all professions, except Nikoyan on February 19. Sargisian medicine and art. hosted a dinner for the delegation, The press office of the ministry said the studies which included five members of the would be conducted in Polish; those who do not US House of Representatives and know the language must take a one-year course. Ambassador John Heffern. Graduates of secondary schools and universities Dreier, chair of the House may participate in the competition. Democracy Partnership (HDP), high - The deadline for the submission of applications is lighted the importance of the upcom - March 2. ing parliamentary elections to the bilateral relationship and urged the government and all the political par - World Bank Stands by ties to “do everything in their power to ensure free, fair and credible elec - President Serge Sargisian meets with the members of the delegation. Growth Forecast tions.” The delegation expressed YEREVAN (RFE/RL) — The World Bank still interest in developing closer ties to support the development of inde - CA); Rep. James Moran (D-VA); Rep. expects the Armenian economy to grow by more between the National Assembly and pendent, democratic legislatures. Joe Wilson (R-SC); Rep. Adrian Smith than 4 percent this year despite the risk of “exter- the US Congress. This was the second visit of the HDP (R-NE); Rep. Kenny Marchant (R-TX) nal shocks” that could slow its recovery, the head The HDP is a bipartisan, 20-mem - to Armenia. and Rev. Patrick Conroy, chaplain of of the bank’s Yerevan office, Jean-Michel Happi, ber commission established by the The delegation included Dreier (R- the House of Representatives. said last Friday. US House of Representatives in 2005 “Today our baseline scenario still projects growth in the range of 4.2 percent for 2012 and 2013,” Happi told a news conference. But he cautioned that this and other economic projections could be New Crowd Control Rules Approved for Armenian Police revised later this year “in the light of the ongoing crisis in Europe.” YEREVAN (RFE/RL) — Security handled by police officers during the violent crowd. But they are not “Obviously, Armenia, given the openness of its forces should avoid using force against March 2008 post-election clashes in allowed to open fire when there are economy, is still exposed to external shocks, which peaceful protesters and resort to Yerevan, which left eight opposition “substantial concentrations of people” may indeed affect those projections, whether firearms only in case of extremely vio - protesters and two police personnel carrying a high risk of injuring inno - through depressed prices of its main export com- lent riots, according to new rules for dead. Four of the civilian victims are cent civilians. They should not use modities, slower foreign direct investment or crowd control adopted by Armenian believed to have been killed by such force at all if a demonstration pro - reduced remittances,” he said. police. capsules. The others were shot dead ceeds peacefully, according to the doc - The Armenian government agrees that Europe’s The detailed “guidelines” for riot by live rounds fired by security forces. ument. financial troubles could have negative conse- police were elaborated with expert The March 2008 events were the “The purpose of such changes is to quences for the domestic economy. Finance assistance from the Organization for worst street violence in Armenia’s his - minimize all those cases where a Minister Vache Gabrielian spoke earlier this month Security and Cooperation in Europe tory that still reverberates on the local police officer could act in an inade - of “considerable macroeconomic risks emanating and approved by Vladimir Gasparian, political scene. The Armenian authori - quate way,” Artur Osikian, a deputy from the euro zone.” Still, he said the government chief of the national police, late last ties insist that they used deadly force chief of the police, said. But he would has no plans yet to revise downward its macroeco- year. to end “mass disturbances” organized not say if they are specifically aimed at nomic outlook. The guidelines specify the types of by close associates of opposition pres - preventing a repeat of the 2008 blood - Armenia was already hit hard by the last global “special means,” which the police can idential candidate Levon Ter-Petrosian shed. financial crisis. Its Gross Domestic Product shrunk use to deal with “armed resistance” with the aim of forcibly toppling the Nikol Pashinian, a senior HAK fig - by 14 percent in 2009. Economic growth resumed and demonstrations that turn violent government. Ter-Petrosian and his ure who spent about two years in in 2010 and accelerated last year. and “endanger public safety.” Those Armenian National Congress (HAK) prison for his role in that unrest, dis - Another consequence of that recession was a include batons, electric-shock guns, vehemently deny the official theory, missed the guidelines, saying that sharp increase in the country’s external debt that stun grenades and rubber bullets. saying that the authorities deliberate - their absence in 2008 was not the currently stands at roughly $3.8 billion. More than There is no reference to Russian- ly killed people to enforce the results main reason for the loss of life. “These 40 percent of this sum is owed to the World Bank. made tear gas capsules that were mis - of a fraudulent presidential election. guidelines say nothing about what The new police guidelines stipulate should be done if the authorities that police officers can use firearms themselves organize mass riots to use Prime Minister Visits only if the conventional riot gear and force against a peaceful demonstra - Mesrop Mashtots Tomb US Embassy Donates other “special means” fail to contain a tion,” he said. YEREVAN (Armenpress) — Prime Minister of Equipment to Police Armenia Tigran Sargisian laid flowers on the tomb Educational Complex of the creator of Armenian alphabet, Mesrop Protesters Reoccupy Yerevan Park Mashtots. An event dedicated to Mashtots and the YEREVAN (Armenpress) — On Armenian alphabet took place at the seminary with February 21, US Ambassador to YEREVAN (RFE/RL) — More than several opposition parliamentarians, the participation of pupils of Mesrop Mashtots Armenia John Heffern visited and 100 young environmental activists they stood there until late evening and senior school. toured Armenia’s Police Educational broke through a police cordon on pledged to thwart the construction on a In 1999, United Nations Educational, Scientific Complex, where he met its director, Lt.- Monday to reoccupy a public park in daily basis. and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) proclaimed Gen. Hovhannes Varyan, and donated downtown Yerevan and again halt the Robert Melkonian, a deputy chief of February 21 as International Mother Language approximately $50,000 of classroom construction of several shops there. the Yerevan police, was quick to arrive Day. Armenia has marked the occasion since 2005. computer equipment. The equipment The action came three days after at the scene and call the protest illegal, will be used for education and training police used force to drive a smaller num - threatening to end it by force. “I can Sergeant Arrested for of police personnel, the press office of ber of protesters out of the construc - detain those who organized this,” the embassy reported. tion site. It remained cordoned off by Melkonian told several young activists. Serviceman’s Death in Donated by the US Department of riot police over the weekend. “But I don’t want to do that. So get the State’s Bureau of International The Yerevan municipality authorized people out of here so we can talk calm - Karabagh Narcotics Control and Law the construction after ordering the ly.” Enforcement Affairs, the equipment is shop owners to relocate their business - Through loudspeakers placed on a STEPANAKERT (news.am) — A sergeant is being intended to enhance the educational es mainly selling clothing from large police van, the protesters were then given blamed for a serviceman’s death in Nagorno Karabagh. and training resources for police in kiosks that stood elsewhere in the city 20 minutes to disperse or face police Sgt. Arthur Zakaryan was arrested in connection Armenia. The equipment includes desk - center until last month. They were dis - action. The police avoided using force with the death of serviceman Karlen Baghdasaryan top computers, printers, projectors and mantled along with hundreds of other after the warning was ignored, however. at one of the units in the Nagorno-Karabagh Armed scanners. sidewalk kiosks across the Armenian The activists reoccupied the park Forces contact line with Azerbaijan. He is blamed This current donation is part of the capital. after demonstrating outside the for using excessive force, which led to the latter’s US government’s law enforcement assis - Environment protection and other Yerevan Mayor’s Office and demanding death on February 2, the Armenian Ministry of tance program that aims to strengthen civic groups condemned the choice of a meeting with Mayor Taron Markarian. Defense reported. the ability of Armenian law enforce - a new location for the shops, saying The 33-year-old mayor left it to his chief Baghdasaryan was injured and died en route to ment structures to combat crime effec - that it would inflict further damage of staff, Sergei Makarian, to talk to the the hospital. At first police thought that the case tively and to administer criminal justice on Yerevan’s green areas that have protesters. was a suicide, however, an investigation showed fairly. shrunk significantly over the past The outcry over the shop construc - that it was an alleged murder. The US government annually sup - decade. tion reflects growing anger among plies approximately $3 million in law The protesters pushed through lines politically active Armenians with the enforcement and criminal justice assis - of police officers and metal barriers, shrinkage of public parks across the tance to Armenia. chanting “The park is ours!” Joined by city. S ATURDAY , F EBRUARY 25, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 3 ARMENIA State Pedagogical University Rector Discusses Goals

schools for children with special needs. We have period. And here I deem it possible to point out, By Gourgen James Khazhakian also serious cooperation plans with Finland that although we in fact were “the most well-read (within the World Bank-sponsored educational nation in the world”, we used to have an incred - program), as Finland is leading the world in edu - ibly low level of culture, both domestic and indus - YEREVAN (Azg) — The very first question that surplus of specialists in those professions, no cational innovation. We expect that the Finnish trial. Somewhere in Sweden, perhaps, people we addressed to the newly-elected rector of the matter how prestigious the professions in ques - experts will introduce the most progressive read less, but the level of culture was immeasur - Khachatour Abovian Armenian State tion might be? I am proud to point out that our methods of teaching suited for teacher-training ably higher. Pedagogical University, Prof. Ruben University has managed to preserve capability to curricula. When I speak of “industrial” culture, in our Mirzakhanian: What allowed you to raise salaries prepare teachers of all the subjects taught at Seven leading European Universities involved case, in education, the level of culture is mea - of the faculty and personnel up to 40 percent? school. But we did not only preserve, we have in with TACIS and organized by the British Council sured by the teacher’s behavior. And when you His answer is: “Fortunately, the higher educa - fact added a new course (due to the fact that are expected to initiate with us a joint program say that in the last 20 years the level of culture tion establishments in Armenia today enjoy suf - senior high school is being introduced) so that in the field of Museum Studies, starting in has dropped, I have mixed feelings, as in the ficient independence to allocate available funds teachers for senior high school would have September. And, as I have already mentioned, a USSR the level of the industrial culture was as they deem fit. The priorities of the rector are Master’s degrees in their subjects. Another nov - laboratory for growing artificial crystals will be already low, and now it fell even more. The mat - another matter. One rector may decide to repair elty is introduction of distant-education courses opened with two French Universities. There are ter is that in those years Armenia was a part of a and renovate the campus buildings, another sees leading to Master’s degree in the Armenian lan - teachers of French and English from France and superpower with a highly developed military- construction of a new building as a priority. As guage and literature, elementary school teaching the US, respectively, who are already teaching industrial complex (MIC), there were many for me, I am convinced that in today’s conditions, and history and law. our students thanks to the help from the French plants and R&D establishments which worked when prices for food, medicines, basic goods are Quite recently Editor-in-Chief of the University of Armenia and other French organi - for the Soviet MIC. Naturally, scientists, techni - getting higher, the priority for a Pedagogical “Komsomolskaya Pravda” newspaper Vladimir zations, as well as the US Embassy. cians, even common laborers had to possess a University is to pursue a socially-oriented policy, Sungorkin and the well-known political scientist, Q: Let me ask you as an expert on the history certain level of the industrial culture imposed by which dictates a pay rise. Having said that, I must Director of the New York branch of the Russian of culture and the former dean of the Culture the conditions of high-technology industrial pro - admit, unfortunately, that even after introducing Institute of Democracy and Cooperation, Faculty of the ASPU. It is evident that the level duction. the pay rise, the level of income of the faculty Professor Andranik Mihranyan lectured at our of culture in Armenia within the last 20 years has There is another aspect to the problem of the and other employees remains low”. University. I think you will agree that such events plummeted, in all respects. Don’t you think that lowering of the level of culture in our society. Mirzakhanian added that during November held systematically will considerably increase the the best weapon in the warfare against aggres - Even in those years when we used to be “the and December 2010, five monthly salaries were prestige of our University. sive lack of culture is education? most well-read nation in the world,” what did our paid to every member of the faculty and every Taking up your remark on the traditionally A: Yes, indeed! But it is also important not to parents aspire to? Did they dream of us really employee of the University, and as of March 1, high proportion of rural youth admitted to our neglect traditions, determined by history, peo - acquiring knowledge or did they want us to get 2011 all professors who hold doctorates was a university, let me remind you that Yerevan ple’s mentality and habits. a diploma? This, I dare say, “tradition” has trans - raise in their salaries of 40 percent, and all the accounts for about 200 schools only out of total As a historian I have great respect to Armenia ferred itself to us today. As one MP ironically other members of the faculty and employees had 1,404 schools of the republic, and probability at the time of rein of Tigran the Great, 95-55 B.C., remarked, “we are the rarest nation in the world, their salaries raised by 10 percent every month that our graduate, born and bred in the coun - to the Armenian state of the early and the late where parents actually pay for their children (for four months in a row). We must note that we tryside, will return to work in his native village is Middle Ages. But let us be honest: What we, NOT to receive education!” Just think — there is are speaking about 1600 persons employed by much higher than that of a city youth taking up Armenians, were like in the 18th, 19th, 20th cen - no other nation with such an attitude! the University — from janitors and cleaners to a teaching position in a remote corner of the turies? Which city was the center of the That is what comes from our “ancient culture” professors and the rector himself. But the rector country motivated purely by his patriotic feel - Armenian culture in the last decades of the about which we, Armenians, are so fond of talk - points out that each individual salary is calculat - ings. Russian Empire? Tiflis (Tbilisi), which could be ing about, regardless of relevance or irrelevance ed depending on a whole number of factors, such Q: What is your attitude towards opening of considered, in a way, an Armenian city, but it was of such exclamations. as possession of a degree, length of service, posi - schools in Armenia where teaching is to be con - situated in Georgia, not in Eastern Armenia. … I am convinced this will pass. I do not know tion, etc, etc, which is in direct contrast to the ducted in foreign languages? Many of our traditions are rooted in the Soviet when, but I am sure it will pass! Soviet-era approach. A: I do not understand the fuss created by that Q: Corruption in Armenian colleges and development. My opinion stems from my own Universities has become a trite cliche. And even experience — in the 1960s, when my parents, a 40-percent rise, alas, cannot radically change unlike many others, held the view that schooling the situation... in Armenia must be in the Armenian language, I A: Let me answer your question with another graduated from school # 114 in Yerevan, spe - question: What factors determine the rating of a cializing in English, and my children graduated college or a University, its prestige? It is deter - from the same school. The right for education is mined by who teaches at that university and who one of the 10 main human rights, and the lan - its alumni are. guage of schooling is determined by the child’s Six months ago only one member of the parents, not by the state or anybody else, for that National Academy of Sciences was teaching at matter. There is no doubt that schools main - our university, and today we have six academi - tained by the state must provide teaching in the cians and one corresponding member of the Armenian language, but if somebody decided to Academy of Sciences among our staff; we often open a privately-funded school with teaching in a invite, let’s say, “cutting-edge” scientists to lec - foreign language there is absolutely nothing ture here. wrong with that. I am not inclined to see this approach as a Q: And what about scientific research in the panacea, but I am confident most people would university? agree that such most qualified members of the A: We are taking part in the preparatory work faculty are least susceptible to corruption. And I and soon, together with the Yerevan Physical return to your assertion that even a 40-percent Institute, the State Committee for Science and pay rise cannot solve the problem of corruption two French Universities we intend to establish a — you see, well-qualified lecturers agree to read laboratory dedicated to growing artificial crys - courses at our university for many reasons, one tals. 2010 participants stop to pose for a picture during a team-building exercise. of which is financial, and attractiveness of work - With special pride I refer to the fact that today ing here will substantially increase within this such an established authority in behavioral sci - year, I can assure you. ences as Academician Georgy Brutyan is reading Q: When we were students, it was thought a course of lectures in psychology at our GLOW (Girls Leading our that people choosing to study at the Pedagogical University. And we intend to establish an Institute did so in order to acquire a diploma, and International Institute of Logic and such applicants were either village school gradu - Argumentation, to be headed by Academician World) 2012 Thrives ates or young girls wishing to enhance their mat - Brutyan. rimonial prospects... And as we are speaking Great attention is being paid to scientific pub - STEPANAVAN, Armenia — Girls Leading our World (GLOW) is a 12-month leadership about prestige, let me ask you: what are you as lications; we have now four journals in print. Our program for young Armenian women ages 13-16. The program begins with a seven-day the newly-elected rector doing to introduce the journal, Issues of Psychology and Pedagogics , residential summer school, giving 50 participants the opportunity to work in a team- so-called prestigious professions such as law, the editorial board of which is chaired by Prime based setting to explore topics such personal development, career-planning, leadership, management, etc? Minister Tigran Sargisian, who also presides over volunteerism, team work, gender, health and human rights. After the summer school par - A: We have reached an agreement with the the council of the ASPU, has a good chance to ticipants hold peer education sessions in their communities, contribute to the GLOW Yerevan State Economics University (YSEU) to become an international publication. I want to newsletters and help organize regional seminars during the year for other young women. jointly run a program preparing for master’s emphasize that the university has accumulated A partnership between the Stepanavan Youth Center and American Peace Corps volun - degree in education management. In accordance much that is definitely positive, and we must fur - teers, GLOW started in Armenia in 2008 and will celebrate its fifth year when the sum - with the Bologna process, students will attend ther develop what we have accumulated. mer school kicks off this June 16 in Stepanavan. courses in economic disciplines at the SEUA, and Q: We are witnessing noticeable intensification For participants, GLOW summer school offers the unique opportunity to spend a week in education and psychology studies - at our of the international ties of the ASPU... with other young women from different regions learning, working together on team pro - University, and we shall have Masters in both of A: Quite recently two of the leading Ukrainian jects and having fun. Says Gayane Mkrtchyan, a 2011 participant from Vardenis, those fields as a result. You see, any Headmaster establishments of higher education, the Medical Gegharkunik Province, “The school left a huge impression on me. We came from many must not only be a good educationist, but a good Academy and the Pedagogical University, signed parts of Armenia and all left armed with knowledge that I use now in my everyday life. manager as well. Of course, it is true, today law, with us an agreement on joint research in the I am thankful to have had the opportunity to test my strength and abilities, I am now economics and management are considered pres - sphere of dolphins’ influence on human beings, more confident in my actions.” tigious. With all due respect to those important in particular on children with delayed develop - Asked to describe GLOW in one word she says, “educational.” Mkrtchyan, 16, hopes occupations, I would like to ask a rhetorical ques - ment problems. You know that we have three to return to GLOW this summer as a junior counselor. tion: Is not there today in our small country any special departments for training teachers for 55 4 S ATURDAY , F EBRUARY 25, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR INTERNATIONAL International News AGBU Central Board Meets in Geneva

GENEVA — The Armenian General activities. Among the events was a Armenia and the diaspora is obvious Buenos Aires Mayor to Benevolent Union (AGBU) Central dinner hosted by the Hagop Topalian as was their appreciation for the hos - Board of Directors just completed two Foundation, a Swiss-based AGBU affil - pitality of the local Armenian commu - Attend Armenian days of meetings here, where board iate, where local Armenian community nity here in Geneva.” Printing Anniversary members discussed a host of topics, leaders had the opportunity to meet AGBU was incorporated in Lausanne including new programs and projects, and speak with the AGBU leadership in 1924 and it serves as the holding BUENOS AIRES (armradio.am) — Armenian education initiatives and Ambassador to Argentina Vladimir Karmirshalyan upcoming events across the had a meeting with Mauricio Macri, the mayor of globe. Also attending the Buenos Aires. The ambassador invited the mayor to meetings were representa - participate in Yerevan’s celebratory events dedicat- tives of AGBU Council of ed to the 500th anniversary of publishing in Trustees, AGBU Europe and Armenia and the proclamation of Yerevan as World the Strategic Advisory Book Capital 2012. Council to the Board. Macri said the visit to Yerevan would strengthen “It had been the practice the ties between the two sister-cities. and tradition of the Central Earlier the Armenian ambassador met with the Board to hold its meetings Minister of Culture of Buenos Aires Ernan from time to time in Lombardi to discuss the details of the Argentinean Switzerland, where the delegation’s participation in the events. worldwide organization has been incorporated since 1924. In addition, Geneva Turkey Refuses to provided an ideal location for Finance French Race Board members from around the world to convene, report Because of Genocide Bill on projects underway and break ground on new initia - ANKARA (News.am) — Turkey refused to finance a tives,” said AGBU President prestigious sailing race because of France’s deci- Berge Setrakian. “With sion to approve a bill criminalizing the denial of Armenia, Karabagh, our AGBU Central Board members during the 86th General Assembly in Buenos Aires, Argentina in genocides, including the Armenian Genocide. church and the diaspora all 2010 Inset: AGBU Central Board member Vahe Gabrache of Geneva The Europa Race was scheduled to start in at critical junctures, the Istanbul on May 5 and end in La Rochelle in France work of AGBU and our chap - on June 3, Hurriyet Daily News reports. ters on every continent has never been on issues specific to the Geneva com - company for most of AGBU’s assets in Gaetan Gouerou, an Executive Board member of more important.” munity, as well as Armenia and the Europe and the Middle East. Vahe the International Monohull Open Class Association Central Board member and repre - diaspora. “To have all these talented Gabrache serves as its “administrateur (IMOCA), said he was shocked by the decision. sentative of AGBU in Switzerland, professionals from diverse back - délégué” and legal representative of the According to him, the boats were ready for the Vahe Gabrache of Geneva, coordinat - grounds and geographies come to organization in Switzerland. AGBU car - race, but the event has lost its major financing, ed the weekend meetings and discus - Geneva was gratifying,” said Vahe ries its activities in Switzerland through therefore they would consider an alternative race. sions, and with his spouse, Huguette Gabrache. “Their commitment to its affiliate organization, the Topalian Gabrache, helped organize the social AGBU and its many programs in Foundation. French Official Banned From Event in Gallipoli ANKARA (PanARMENIAN.Net) — The French mili- Report Backs Probe into Public Officials for Role in Dink Murder tary attaché was banned from the annual meeting REPORT, from page 1 therefore, all the separate cases should was appealed as both the prosecution Turkey hosts honoring the memory of those who September 2010 that Turkey failed to be combined. One example of that is in a and lawyers on behalf of the Dink fami - perished in the Gallipoli Campaign during World fulfill its duty to protect the life of Dink separate case in Trabzon in which a pub - ly believe the killers are affiliated with War I. and included a reference to possible lic official was punished with a prison the Ergenekon network, whose suspect - The ban resulted from the French Senate’s adop- links between the 2007 murder of Dink sentence of six months for dereliction of ed members currently stand trial on tion of the bill criminalizing the Armenian and Ergenekon, a clandestine terrorist duty. However, the lawyers of the Dink charges of plotting to overthrow the Genocide denial, according to Turkish media out- group accused of plotting a military family say if that case was part of the government. lets. coup against the government. main murder trial, then it would be pos - The gunman, Ogün Samast, and 18 “Two Turks in uniform requested the French rep- “In that context, there is a decision to sible to ask for this official’s punishment others were brought to trial. During the resentatives to leave the conference hall,” Milliyet evaluate laws and regulations criticized under Articles 83 and 220 of the Turkish process, lawyers for the Dink family and reports. in the European Court of Human Penal Code [TCK]. the co-plaintiffs in the case presented Rights ruling in relation to the prosecu - Article 83 relates to malicious murder evidence indicating that Samast was not Civil Aviation Recognized tion of the public officials,” the report by dereliction of duty. And Article 220 acting alone. Samast stood trial in a stated, adding that only a part of the clearly states that if someone con - juvenile court because he was a minor As Best in CIS report — the conclusion with some parts tributes to organized crimes intention - at the time of the murder, and he was covered with black — was made public ally, then that person needs to be tried sentenced to 22 years in prison. MOSCOW (Armenpress) — Head of the government- because of an ongoing investigation by and punished accordingly. The report by the DDK made a refer - affiliated Civil Aviation Department Artyem the prosecution into some public offi - “We don’t know yet if the DDK report ence to Samast — who was pho - Movsisyan was in Kiev February 14-16 and in cials. “The first point is that it is under - goes further to reveal organizational tographed after being captured, posing Moscow on February 17. stood that there are structural problems links of the public officials in the mur - in front of a Turkish flag and holding Movsisyan participated in Kiev in the event orga- in the security sector related to the fail - der,” Halavurt said. “The team from the another flag next to security officials, nized by the Transport Corridor Europe Caucasus ure to protect the life of Hrant Dink. DDK worked well. They called us for indicating that he was given the hero Asia organization. “In this framework, in the murder of submission of many documents. But we treatment — saying that it is necessary On February 17, Movsisyan participated in the Hrant Dink and in similar events, there don’t know yet how far they went. We “to confront with marginal understand - official event dedicated to the 20th anniversary of were problems in institutional struc - expect to receive the full report from ings that gave a flag to the killer of the creation of the Inter-State Aviation Committee tures and practices in relation to the col - them. And as this report comes from the Hrant Dink.” in Moscow where the Armenian aviation depart- lection and evaluation of intelligence top office of the Turkish state, judges In a separate trial, two gendarmerie ment was considered the best in the and providing individual security; there - and prosecutors should feel the courage officers were convicted on charges of Commonwealth of Independent States countries fore, there is a need to touch on the to reveal all the facts, all of the wrong - “dereliction of duty” in the run-up to and was granted an award. ‘need for reform,’” the report stated. ful acts of public officials.” the Dink murder. Cem Halavurt, a co-plaintiff lawyer for The Dink case was closed last month Another suspect, Yasin Hayal, was Cartoonist’s Works to Be the Dink family, said that there are sev - in the five-year-long murder trial with a given life in prison for inciting Samast eral positive elements in the DDK verdict saying that the suspects had no to murder. Displayed in France report, and there are some unknowns ties to a larger criminal network but “The DDK report presents new oppor - due to the secrecy of some parts. acted alone — even though government tunities,” said law Prof. Hakan Hakeri. PARIS (news.am) — The works of Armenian car- “The report made the point that we officials, politicians and commentators Since opinions in the Turkish press toonist Krikor Amirzayan will be exhibited in have long been making in regards to Law have asserted that this cannot be true. indicate that a new investigation should Valence, from February 24 to 26, according to 4483, which protects public officials,” he Even Judge Rüstem Eryilmaz, who be started into the murder of Dink, he Nouvelles d’Arménie magazine. said. “It also makes another point that we delivered the verdict, said — amid grow - added that it is not technically possible Amirzayan is a recognized cartoonist in Armenia have long been making, and it is that ing outrage over the trial that many feel to start another investigation into the and his works have been displayed worldwide. This public officials who are suspects can be has failed to shed light on alleged offi - suspects because the case is under past summer, renowned French cartoonist Plantu tried in accordance with the Turkish cial negligence or even collaboration — review by the Supreme Court of invited him to an international exhibition being Penal Code’s related articles.” that while he personally cannot deny Appeals. held within the framework of the Cartooning For Lawyers for the Dink family have been the murder was the work of an orga - “However, if the top court overrules Peace initiative. saying that in order to solve the murder nized network, the evidence submitted the verdict, then a new investigation can Amirzayan is also Armenia’s representative for of Dink, the whole picture should be to the court was not sufficient to issue be possible. Additionally, with the DDK the Federation of Cartoonist Organizations. seen, and this cannot be done with one such a ruling. report, investigations can be started separate case in Trabzon, another in The trial ended with conviction of the against people who have never been Samsun and yet another in Istanbul; assassin and his instigator. The ruling investigated before,” he said. S ATURDAY , F EBRUARY 25, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 5 Community Ne ws

Gulgulian Feted Fundraiser at Zov’s Bistro Tustin to Highlight Abuse In Honor of 25th Against Women Anniversary of TUSTIN, Calif. — Paros “Lighthouse Charitable Foundation invites the Armenian community to “Sunday Afternoon in Springtime” on March 11, Ordination from 3-6 p.m. at Zov’s Bistro Tustin. Guests will enjoy good cuisine and help support Paros Lighthouse Foundation’s work assisting victims By Lisa Manookian of domestic violence with safe shelter and profes - Special to the Mirror-Spectator sional supportive services in Armenia. Renowned attorney Mark Geragos, Esq. will be the honorary guest speaker. Tickets are $50 per WYNNEWOOD, Penn. — On Sunday, person. One hundred percent of the proceeds will February 12, the parish community of St. go to the Foundation, due to Zov’s Bistro, which Sahag and St. Mesrob Armenian Church came is underwriting the cost of the event. together to celebrate its pastor’s 25th anniver - Paros Lighthouse Foundation is the torchbear - sary of ordination to the Holy Order of the er in the fight against domestic violence in Priesthood. The newly-renovated hall looked Wilmington High students continue to be vigilant when it comes to human rights and Armenian Genocide education. Armenia. Last year, it opened a 13,000-square-foot regal with more than 320 parishioners, com - shelter/women’s center in the village of munity members and friends in attendance to Ptghounk. Fifteen fully-appointed rooms safely congratulate the Very Rev. Oshagan Gulgulian house and feed neglected mothers with their on this milestone. Former parishioners came babies as well as pregnant women. For women in from as far as Connecticut, Florida and Virginia Genocide Education immediate danger, it has established an emer - for the occasion. gency hotline number, “20-80,” which can be Master of Ceremonies Steve Barsamian intro - called from anywhere in Armenia, is free of duced the head table as each walked in and Gaining Momentum in charge for the caller and connects directly to the remarked that it was the first time in the histo - foundation’s office. ry of the parish, that three “Barsamians” were Other foundation programs include vocational at the head table, referring to Archbishop Merrimack Valley training, psychological counseling and therapy, Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Eastern sewing and cooking classes, women’s health ser - Diocese of the Armenian Church of America vices with an on-site OBGYN physician, dental (who presided over the celebration, as well as WILMINGTON, Mass. — Students throughout the Merrimack Valley have not health services with an on-site dentist, feeding the the Divine Liturgy, which preceded the ban - only shown a huge interest in Armenian Genocide education, but they are attend - poor and elderly, supporting a local kindergarten, quet), his aunt, Elizabeth Barsamian, banquet ing commemorations, theatrical productions and lobbying for recognition with a weekly Bible study and donations of essential co-chair, and of course, himself. surge of letters to their members of Congress. goods to the needy in Armenia and Artsakh. Karinne Andonian began the afternoon with This is a contrast to three years ago when many students knew little or nothing Zuhrab and Seta Ghazarian have been provid - renditions of the American and Armenian about the Armenian Genocide. ing assistance to the poor in Armenia since 2000. national anthems, followed by an invocation Much of the change has been induced by members of the Merrimack Valley The idea of Paros was established by friends and from Archbishop Yeghishe Gizirian. Committee Armenian Genocide Education supporters of the Ghazarian family and grew out Co-chair Sarah Selverian welcomed everyone Committee, which has been making a of their concern for Armenian women and chil - By Tom Vartabedian visible presence inside area high dren as well as the integrity of the Armenian fam - schools and colleges. ily. Paros “Lighthouse” Armenian Charitable “We’re making big strides,” said Dro Foundation USA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, public Kanayan, chairman. “Compared to what it was say three years ago, these students benefit corporation registered in the State of are turning into activists and goodwill ambassadors for the Armenian people. California and Republic of Armenia. Their teachers have been mobilized on the issues.” For reservations and information about the lun - At Wilmington High, students are ingrained in a curriculum provided by Facing cheon, email [email protected]. For History and Ourselves. There has been such a demand for the class, a waiting list information about Paros, visit is in effect. www.parosfoundation.org. Zov’s Bistro Tustin is Students have attended Armenian Genocide observances throughout located at 17440 E. 17th St. Merrimack Valley, gone to lectures in Boston and are preparing to see the new the - atrical production by Joyce Van Dyke, titled “Deported/ a dream play.” Each was asked to prepare a paper about their feelings on genocide, and the fol - lowing are some highlighted excerpts. “Stop living in a world of denial,” wrote John Grealish and Derek Mayo. “You’re Armenian Studies Program only going to put your soul on trial. All the steps you can’t retrace. Extermination Very Rev. Oshagan Gulgulian and Archbishop of an entire race.” At Fresno State to Hold Khajag Barsamian cut the cake in honor of the They went on to compose a narrative listing other abused nations. Why remem - 24th Annual Banquet occasion. ber the Armenians? “Because they were forced to live with a scar for nearly 100 years,” writes Zach FRESNO — The Armenian Studies Program Anderson. “They were a martyred nation and many countries like the United of California State University, Fresno, will hold and offered a toast on the occasion, followed by States haven’t recognized this act of atrocity.” its 24th Annual Banquet on Sunday, March 11, greetings from Parish Council Chair Laraine “Turkey wants to move past its crimes and not have the country appear in a neg - at the Fort Washington Golf and Country Club. Ballard. Ballard spoke of Gulgulian’s outreach ative light,” Krishna Raval reports. “It’s obvious that what happened to the This year’s banquet will recognize and honor to the entire community and the many events Armenians in 1915 was genocide.” Dr. Richard G. Hovannisian, AEF Professor he has helped to initiate working side-by-side At Haverhill High, students were so touched about the Armenian Genocide dur - Emeritus of Modern Armenian History at with the parish organizations. She also spoke of ing a presentation last year that they launched a Human Rights Club that meets UCLA. Hovannisian has a career of more than the admiration of many for his knowledge of after school. 50 years in the field of Armenian Studies, Armenian history and church doctrine, which One student indicated the club’s goal was to make a positive difference in the excelling in scholarship, teaching and commu - have greatly enriched his sermons and lectures. world. Members are raising funds to join Habitat for Humanity in building a home nity service. He is a founding member of the Guests feasted on dinner prepared by in- inside a Third World country. Armenia is among the countries in consideration. Society for Armenian Studies. house chefs and served by the ACYOA Juniors Chelmsford High School devoted six hours to studying the Armenian Genocide, The Armenian Studies Program will also be and Seniors who also assisted with the room compounded by a panel discussion. Four classes reaped the benefits. Instructors celebrating its 35th anniversary at the Banquet. set-up. there say it has become such a popular class, it has become difficult to sustain the Armenian courses have been taught at Fresno A beautiful program filled the afternoon, fea - demand. State since the 1960s, but Dr. Dickran turing vocal and choral selections and dancing, Meanwhile, attention has also turned to area colleges where UMass-Lowell will Kouymjian established the modern program in interspersed with inspirational remarks. present a panel discussion on April 24 and Northern Essex Community College 1976-1977. Accompanied by Ballard, Andonian per - (Haverhill) opted for both a panel discussion featuring other maligned countries More than 50 student recipients of Armenian formed heartfelt vocal renditions of Komitas and an address to members of the Contemporary Affairs Club. Studies scholarships and grants for 2011-2012 Vartabed’s Keleh Keleh and D. Tchouhadjian’s “My department is sponsoring an effort to have students write about important will be recognized at the banquet, as well as stu - Karoon . The Junior Choir, under the direction human rights issues,” said faculty advisor Steve Russell. “We consider it a very dents who are graduating this year with a of Khoren Mekhanejian and Andonian, having vital theme on campus.” minor in Armenian Studies. only rehearsed for a few weeks, performed three Meanwhile, schools outside the Merrimack Valley have also expressed a solid The Armenian Studies Banquet brings selections: the hymn, Soorb Asdvadz and two interest. Both Melrose and Newton South High School have visits lined up. together Fresno State students, faculty, admin - popular Armenian patriotic songs – “The reason why it has proven so successful is the diversity of our presentation,” istrators and the community, to celebrate the Zeytoontseener Kaylerk and Artsakh . And the adds Albert Movsesian, a speaker. “We offer a blend. Genocide is usually achievements of the program and its students. Hamaskayin Meghry Dance Group of The reception will begin at 5 p.m. followed by Philadelphia performed two dances under the see EDUCATION, page 12 the banquet at 6 p.m. direction of Tovmas Harutunian. For more information about the banquet, see ANNIVERSARY, page 12 contact the Armenian Studies Program. 6 S ATURDAY , F EBRUARY 25, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS Cory Garabedian Healing, Thanks to Friends, Supporters

coach, it will be with the AYF, church or some believe the limb was missing.” I had a great support system that reached out By Tom Vartabedian other Armenian sports team. I’d like to give Garabedian said he watched movies and read extensively.” back what the Armenian community gave me about people missing body parts, never think - Meanwhile, funds continue to trickle in for growing up.” ing he would be victimized. Garabedian’s medical expenses, adding to the PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Seven weeks after los - Words from Garabedian’s Facebook page as “Some nights, I’d lay there in tears thinking $6,000 raised at the Providence “Varantian” ing a leg in a near-fatal auto accident Christmas he left the hospital are bound to uplift friends: my life was over,” he said. “After being dis - Ball. Other events have also taken place Eve, Cory Garabedian walked out of Rhode “Today is the day when my hospital nightmare charged, I definitely have some huge adjust - throughout the community as Armenians have Island Hospital. ends. I’m going home and never looking back. ments to make like negotiating a shower or a rallied around this young man. With stark memories of that horrific mishap To everyone, just take life day by day because car, even my own bedroom.” (Those interested in helping can contribute still swirling in his head, the 23-year-old seems you never know when it’s going to be your last.” Garabedian credited his mom (Leslie) and to: Friends of Cory, c/o Sovereign Bank, attn. determined to put the past behind him. According to Garabedian’s physicians, he may younger brother (Humberto) for their ongoing Ryan Purcell, 184 Taunton Ave., East never have survived such an motivation to heal, along with their constant Providence, RI 02914.) ordeal had it not been for his surveillance. The adjustments were slow and A fundraiser on his behalf is planned for strong physical condition agonizing at times. March 1, at Ladder 133, located at 133 Douglas and uncompromising faith. He whiled away the hours watching television Ave. in Providence, a block from where his His liver, elbow, leg and when guests were not present. Garabedian’s grandfather grew up inside the old Armenian lungs all incurred injuries. mom and AYF coach/advisor Steve Elmasian neighborhood. He was on a respirator and never missed a day, often joined by his aunt “Cory came out of his coma and hasn’t feeding tube for weeks. Kristen Garabedian and grandmother Frances looked back,” Elmasian noted. “He has to deal “Much of my recovery had Garabedian. with the loss of a leg but is focusing on the to do with the military and “My aunt from Minnesota [Janine fact he’s still alive and thankful to God for the discipline of how to deal Garabedian] heard what happened and flew out that. He told me to look around and see oth - with adversity,” he said. immediately to spend a week with me in ICU,” ers who needed more help than himself. That Although basketball and Garabedian said. “Throughout my hospital stay, says it all.” track were his forte, the star athlete was named Most Valuable Player in a Division Edward D. Jamakordzian, Jr. d/b/a 4 Super Bowl for his high school football team before Cory Garabedian, center, is flanked by good friends Shant all his AYF and ACYOA Janesian, left, and Ara Vartanian, as he leaves Rhode Island friends who showed up with Edward D. Jamie, Jr. Hospital where he spent the past 49 days recovering from injuries their tricolors to cheer him suffered in a horrific automobile accident December 24. on. LicensedFinuNneweYrorak landCNhewaJperseey l Garabedian often thought 208-17 Northern Blvd., Bayside, NY 11361 of those halcyon days while Plans to enroll in Dean College and play quar - Service any hour, recuperating at the hospital. The fact he was any distance (718) 224-2390 or toll terback on the football team are being put on seldom without visitors, whether it was his hold, as are a lot of other things on peers or clergy from different churches, made free (888) 224-6088 Garabedian’s personal agenda. For now, thera - the recovery process more tolerable. py remains the top priority and learning to walk “When I awoke from a coma, I had no idea all over again with an artificial leg. what had happened to me or where I was,” he “If I master the prosthetic, then maybe I’ll try said. “After gaining consciousness, only then and get involved with sports again, even if it’s did I realize that part of my right leg was miss - Nardolillo Funeral Home on the coaching side,” he said. “If I should ing. I immediately looked down and couldn’t Est. 1906 OBITUARY John K. Najarian, Jr. Rhode Island’s Only Licensed Armenian Funeral Director Shaké Charlotte Koondakjian Ajamian 1278 Park Ave. Cranston, RI 02910 (401) 942-1220 1111 Boston Neck Rd. Narragansett, RI 02882 (401) 789-6300 PHILADELPHIA — On Monday, January 30, riage: one in mind, body and soul. She was a www.nardolillo.com a bright light went out in Philadelphia with the mother of four, grandmother of 10 and great- passing of Shaké Charlotte Koondakjian grandmother of one, whose love nourished her Ajamian. household and whose devotion to her heritage An inspiration for many, Ajamian was a and faith enabled her to face many burdens and remarkable woman with a great sense of humor challenges with grace and courage. who loved life and excelled in everything she She was especially delighted to become a did — especially in the way she uplifted others. great-grandmother in January 2011 to Noelle And it was many of those she uplifted through - Srbouhi, daughter of her eldest grandson, GF UiNrEaRgAoL sHiaOMn E Deacon Justin Ajamian. She was a friend and confidante to anyone James “Jack” Giragosian, CPC who needed an ear to listen. She made every - Mark Giragosian one she came in contact with feel special, Funeral Counselors important and valued and never forgot to 576 Mt. Auburn Street, Watertown, MA 02472, TEL: 617-924—0606 remember an anniversary or birthday. www.giragosianfuneralhome.com And then there was the Armenian Church, the pillar of her strength, which, in turn, allowed her to become a pillar to many. Ajamian devoted countless hours of her time and talents Telephone (617) 924-7400 to St. Nersess Armenian Seminary in New Rochelle, NY, as well as to the parishes of Holy Martyrs Armenian Church in Bayside, NY, and Aram Bedrosian St. Sahag & St. Mesrob Armenian Church in Wynnewood. As the chair of the Women’s Guild Funeral Home, Inc. at St. Sahag & St. Mesrob, she was instrumen - tal in reaching out to a younger generation of Continuous Service By The Bedrosian Family Since 1945 women, caring and nurturing them as if they were her own daughters. MARION BEDROSIAN Ajamian is survived by her husband, Chuck; 558 MOUNT AUBURN STREET PAUL BEDROSIAN her brother Albert, and his wife, Marilyn; her WATERTOWN, MA 02472 LARRY BEDROSIAN four children Greg (Betty), Ara (Margaret), Vartan (Denise) and Shake (Boghos); her 10 Shaké Charlotte Koondakjian Ajamian grandchildren Maria, Justin (Hasmik), Alex, Paul, Andrew, Courtney, Brandon, Sarah, Derek, and Meliné, and her great-granddaugh - ENNIS M. EVENEY & ONS out the years who came to pay homage to her ter, Noelle Srbouhi. Services in her memory D D S memory and celebrate with her loved ones the were held on Saturday, February 4, at St. Sahag beautiful memories she left behind. & St. Mesrob Armenian Church with Cemetery Monuments She was born in Astoria, NY, in 1936, to par - Archbishop Yeghishe Gizirian officiating and Specializing in ents Avedis and Aghavni. She grew up in several clergy from throughout the Eastern Astoria, and at the age of 15, met Herman Diocese participating. In lieu of flowers, the Armenian Designs and Lettering Ajamian, who she lovingly renamed Chuck. family has requested that all memorial contri - 701 Moody St. Waltham, MA 02543 They married five years later. butions in Ajamian’s memory be made to St. She was the perfect wife. Married to Chuck Sahag & St. Mesrob Armenian Church and St. (781) 891-9876 www.NEMonuments.com Ajamian for 55 years, they had the model mar - Nersess Armenian Seminary. S ATURDAY , F EBRUARY 25, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 7 COMMUNITY NEWS

Milwaukee’s Poon Paregentan Dance a Success

By David Luhrssen

MILWAUKEE, Wis. — One hundred and twenty people crowded the Culture Hall at St. John the Baptist Armenian Church for this year’s Poon Paregentan celebra - Participants of the Men’s Society overnight retreat, February 3-4 tion. The featured attraction at the big party before the beginning of Great Lent was MidEast Beat, a band from Racine. Although its members are all Armenian Men’s Retreat by St. John Church Encourages Camaraderie American, the group drew from a tradi - tional repertoire common to Anatolia and SOUTHFIELD, Mich. — The Men’s Society of the Eastern Mediterranean. St. John Armenian Church had an overnight “Sometimes the lines get blurred in this retreat the weekend of February 3-4, at the part of the world and you will find songs Livonia Embassy Suites. The theme of the recorded in Greek, Armenian, Arabic, and retreat was “You Expect Me to Do What?” The not know where the origin is,” explained weekend was facilitated by Fr. Tateos Abdalian, guitarist and singer Kai Kazarian. “Think director of Mission Parishes of the Eastern about an Armenian writing a song in Diocese. English in this country. Is it Armenian? Of the 20 attendees, 16 were members of the We have these questions all the time.” Men’s Society, three were non-members, round - The band, whose core members include ed up by Abdalian. The men met for dinner and Jim Hardy on clarinet, Vahan Kamalian on then an evening session ensued with George oud and Michael Kamalian on dumbeg , Saboonjian’s opening remarks on the aspects of picked up the music by hearing it per - what shapes us spiritually, “The Love of God formed at Armenian picnics and by rum - and the Love of Thy Neighbor.” Fr. Garabed maging through old 78 recordings at Kochakian introduced Abdalian, whose mission their grandparents’ homes. There was no was to build the faith of the attendees by sheet music and no study guides when instructing them to listen, learn, go and do. MidEast Beat first organized in the early From left, George Saboonjian, Christopher Korkoian, Fr. Garabed Kochakian and Fr. Tateos Abdalian The attendees were required to take the 1980s. Discovering and learning the old Grade 11 Sunday School exam. Discussion and music was hard work that has paid off for bonding was much easier for everyone as a the band, whose February 18 perfor - result of the test. And, of course, the evening mance at St. John’s Poon Paregentan ended with a homework assignment. event filled the dance floor and enter - Saturday morning began with a breakfast. tained an appreciative audience . Discussions of John 9, verses 1-41, Matthew 28, A buffet dinner included desserts pre - verses 16-20 and a short movie, titled “Martin pared by the members of St. John’s. the Cobbler,” brought about the discovery that each of the attendees now had a purpose for the future: to be the light of our Church. The theme’s question, “You Expect Me to Do service interesting, enabling the attendees to What?,” was mentioned more than a few times understand what the words parishioners say during the retreat. The group learned that the during the service actually mean. When ques - Gospel of John is about going from darkness to tions were asked concerning expectations and light and the attendees were enlightened often outcomes, the answers varied, but many were throughout the presentation. Abdalian made profound. All agreed that they were looking for - learning about the different parts of the church ward to another retreat. Lenten Season Begins

During Lent people are like athletes in training to “fight the good fight” and “finish the race” as St. Paul expressed it. What one does externally can affect him or her spiritually. Thus, an outward discipline is taken on to balance the inward discipline of Lent. Part of that outward discipline is fasting. The church’s rules prescribe that for the 40 days of Lent (this year starting on February 22) one should abstain from all animal products: meat, poultry, eggs and milk. One should also refrain from parties, movies and frivolous entertainment. Many find this difficult, but every faithful Christian can do the following to remain in the spirit of Lent: 1. Keep Wednesdays and Fridays as fast days; 2. Cut down on outdoor activities; 3. Put aside a reg - ular and consistent amount of time daily for private prayer and for reading the Bible and spiritual books; 4. Attend all Lenten church services faithfully; 5. Receive the sacrament of Penance by self-examination, confession, repentance and positive decisions, and 6. Make a family effort to incorporate these things into each member’s life during Lent. The Diocese of the Armenian Church of American (Eastern) also has some ideas for this Lenten season. An alternative six-week approach, called “Love-Giving for Lent,” provides a more positive view of this Lenten tradition. It is based on the idea of giving love to others, as if offering it to Christ. By following this path, the blessings of Easter are multiplied. Week 1: Share your love for Christ by writing at least two notes telling the recipients how much you appreciate them. Include someone you might not normally think to say this to. Also, smile a lot — at everyone. Week 2: Telephone or visit with two or three people just to chat. Tell them what they mean to you and say “Thank you” or “I’m sorry” if needed. Make an effort to include some - one you wanted to contact in the past few months but never got around to. Read 1Corinthians 13 several times. Week 3: Take a small gift to a neighbor or shut-in. It can be as simple as a pie, a flower or a trinket. Or, do an errand for an elderly person. The important thing is to offer yourself gladly. Read Corinthians 13 again. Week 4: Make a list of 10 people to pray for each day. Include people you don’t get along with very well. Forgive them if they have wronged you and ask forgiveness if you’ve wronged them. Read John 4:7-21 several times. Week 5: Pray for yourself this week. Ask God to search your heart and reveal changes you need to make in your life. Vow to do it with his help. Read John 4:7-21 again. Week 6: Do something special with your family. Live an abundant life of love in Christ. 8 S ATURDAY , F EBRUARY 25, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS Cruising Armenian Style Armenian Heritage Cruise XV-2012

Each guest received an AHC tri-color tote bag By Barbara Haroutunian and a cardholder as a gift from the ACAA and Travel Group International. All guests were also given a tri-color ACAA Heritage cruise cabin Armenian Heritage Cruise XV (AHC) sailed key card; this card granted each guest entry from Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. on Saturday, January into all the Armenian activities for the week. 21. This cruise proved to have the magic for - Without this AHC Card no entry to any mula of bringing over 1,300 Armenians from all Armenian event was allowed. Each morning the over the world to enjoy a week of sailing aboard daily activities were announced in Italian, the MCS Poesia. French, German, English and Armenian! This beautiful two-year-old ship truly proved We were honored to have onboard to be a “little Armenia” on the “Hye” seas in the Archbishop Yeprem Takabian who each morn - Caribbean. For one week, the passengers were ing conducted services. Participating in the immersed in pure luxury and fine dining. The Armenian morning services were the Rev. destinations were St. Thomas, San Juan, Puerto Yessayi Sarmazian and Rev. Hovanes Rico and Nassau, Bahamas. Sarmazian. Fellow Armenians from all over the world rep - Each morning there were Armenian conver - resenting many countries such as the United sation classes conducted by Ara and Arevig States, Armenia, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Caprielian. For those guests who needed a little Celebrating Armenian heritage with a lot of red, blue and orange Brazil, Canada, England, France, Germany, help on the dance floor, Margo Kaftajian taught Netherlands, Russia, Sweden, Syria, Uruguay basic Armenian Dances like the “Shourch Bar,” and Venezuela. “Tamzara,” “Haleh” and many others. Guests poolside, enjoying the tropical weather. Some tion; a book presentation was given by Justice Many people reunited with relatives, friends could register for Tavlou Tournament under people participated in activities such as jog - Armand Arabian on From Gravel to Gavel ; the and classmates after many years of separation. the direction of Antranik Boudakian and John ging, working out in the fitness center or just archbishop performed the traditional With tears in their eyes and smiles on their Jerikian and there was the Belote Tournaments relaxing in their rooms, watching 24-hour Kinezdon , a sort of baptism by wine for all new faces they all came together on the Armenian under the direction of George Basmajian and Armenian television programs on two channels. published books; comedian Kev Orkian enter - Heritage Cruise. The guests looked up at the Ara Papazian. There was a special table set up The evenings were filled with dancing and lis - tained with a one-man piano comedy perfor - tening to great music. Steve Iskenderian and mance, the second time he has performed on his band from Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., Kevork the Armenian Heritage Cruise; a book presen - Artinian and his band from Montreal, Canada, tation was given by Dr. Berge Minasian for The and the All-American Band featuring Jim Power of Choice ; Ken Hachikian, chairman of Kzirian, Richard Berberian, Mal Barsamian, the Armenian National Committee of America, Steve Vosbikian, Adelin Alexanian and Sahin discussed the challenges that Armenians face in Krikorian. Javakhk and what Diaspora Armenians can do On the first night there was an AHC welcome to help this region; a panel discussion on reception hosted by Marie Tavitian and Shakeh Turkish reparations was discussed with Dr. Basmajian. The cruise ambassadors were intro - Antranig Kasbarian, Hachikian, Appo Jabarian, duced and highlights of the week’s activities Dr. Ara Yeretsian and Boghos Kupelian; Fuller were announced. During this program, many of Organization had a presentation by Gohar the week’s entertainers gave a sampling of their Palyan on the Fuller Center, which is a non-gov - performances. On Sunday, the unmarried persons partici - pated in a Singles/Mingles Cocktail Party. On Wednesday the ACAA Gala Cocktail Party was sponsored by Travel Group International and the ACAA Armenian Heritage Cruise commit - tee. Those in attendance enjoyed the cham - pagne and hors d’oeuvres. That evening there was an Armenian dinner along with compli - mentary wine, which delighted the palate and Flying the flag for the Armenian Heritage Cruise satisfied the Armenian soul. Early Thursday morning, Barbara Haroutunian and her committee organized the Armenian Festival Day Pool Party. Prizes were awarded for the best Armenian tri-color outfit, red, blue and orange. Along with face painting, Margo Kaftajian’s dance class performed the Shourch Bar. There was an Armenian dance contest with prizes for the best Armenian tradi - tional dance. This has become an annual event and people came prepared with original design outfits and special dance steps to compete in the contest. To add to the festivities the ship prepared an Bedros Bandazian addresses the crowd. Armenian Buffet for lunch. The next day, the ship went to Charlotte Amalie, the capital of St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands, a port in the ernment charitable organization that supports Caribbean where white and pastel houses are community development in Armenia; heavily sprinkled against a background of emer - Mountainous Karabagh Issues were presented ald hills. A wonderful day was spent shopping by Kasbarian and Jabarian, executive publisher or swimming at one of the world’s most beauti - and editor of USA Armenian Life newspaper, ful beaches. discussed whether the Armenian Diaspora is The next stop was San Juan, Puerto Rico, ready to face the challenges ahead? with its Spanish charm and flavor that delight - The ACAA is a registered Armenian 501 (c) 3, Comic Kev Orkian dons a life jacket for laughs. ed everyone. non-profit corporation and donations are tax The last stop was Nassau, Bahamas, while deductible that primarily assists in cultural many went shopping at the duty-free stores oth - activities, research on Armenian topics, grants mast to see the Armenian flag of red, blue and for the Armenian Heritage Tour 2012 with ers went to the Atlantis Hotel on Paradise to Armenian newspapers, publications, intern - orange as it greeted everyone flying majestical - Maro Asatoorian, the ACAA liaison, for a 15-day Island. ships, depository guardian of the original gov - ly in the sky. guided tour of Armenia and Karabagh depart - Each day there were speakers and programs ernmental archives of the first Armenian This was a time for leaving the hustle and ing on September 10-24. about relevant Armenian subjects as well as per - Republic of 1918 and other Historic Armenian bustle of life on hold for one week and enjoying Each morning the ACAA Hospitality Desk formances including: Ani Dance Group from National documents. From all over the Unites beautiful sites, attending Armenian cultural was open to assist passengers where Faye Montreal, Canada, who dazzled the audience States dedicated individuals have volunteered programs, meeting new people, listening and Weissblum and Susan Wishneff of TravelGroup under the artistic directorship of Eva to work on this event. dancing to Armenian music, eating good food International were always present. Airapetian; the Armenian Relief Society pre - For information on next year’s cruise, contact and having fun in the sun in a profoundly With so many activities it can be difficult to sented a tea reception and presentation; Bedros C. Bandazian, chairman, Armenian unique Armenian way. Guests had one word to decide what to do. The Armenian Heritage Armenian patriotic songs were sung in concert; Heritage Cruise, 604 North Sheppard St., describe all the activities on the ship and that Cruise XV had something for everyone. the Knights and Daughters of Vartan gave a Richmond, Virginia 23221, or email: one word was, “Wow.” During the days at sea, cruisers spent time reception and presentation on their organiza - [email protected]. S ATURDAY , F EBRUARY 25, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 9 COMMUNITY NEWS Guluzian Mentors Future Leaders at Naval Academy

DG: Initially, I was attracted more to the steamy tank enough to clear the debris. By 6 tools and stock) to go with the work group. The By Harout Sanjian academy than I was to naval service. I wanted a.m. the engines were back operating at full group repaired the showers, fixed a small on- something different than the typical civilian col - speed making up lost time. The sailor did not site water purification system and painted the lege experience. The Naval Academy offered utter a complaint before going into the tank, entire facility. Our visit to Trincomalee was his - Armenians in American society readily cele - challenges in academics, physical fitness and did not hesitate to volunteer (certainly he rec - toric in that we were the first US warship to brate the success, achievement and philan - mental toughness. The school also hardened ognized that he was the best candidate) and visit the city in 30 years. Our young sailors and thropy of fellow Armenians. Personality traits my moral foundation set in place by my parents never asked for special compensation or recog - marines (most are 18-21) helped strengthen our that generally characterize the Armenian peo - and religion, developed leadership skills and nition after the fact. country’s relationship with Sri Lanka. ple (e.g. strong work ethic, industrious, creative allowed me to gain self-confidence. Maximum HS: Any thoughts on your time in command HS: Tell me about your current position at and intellectual and resilient — to name a few) effort and excellence was required in everything on a warship? And your ship’s work overseas? the Naval Academy. have lifted many Armenians to achievement and at Annapolis; I liked not having a prosperity. While prominent Armenian- choice about that. If I had gone Americans are recognized in business, athletics, to a different school, I might fine and performing arts, entertainment, sci - have allowed myself to be satis - ence and government, it occurred to me during fied with mediocre instead of a recent trip to visit my nephew at the United striving for excellence. States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., that As for serving in the military, I successful Armenian-Americans in the military asked myself this question: if not seem to receive comparatively less attention in me, then who? Ultimately, in an the Armenian press. all-volunteer service, if each citi - My nephew serves as a case in point. zen (despite understanding the Commander David Kevork Guluzian, USN is critical need for the military and stationed with his family at the Naval Academy national defense) says that mili - and serves as battalion officer (assistant dean of tary service is for someone else students). In May 1991, my wife and I attended and passes the responsibility Guluzian’s Annapolis graduation; this past along to the next citizen, then spring, we returned to Annapolis (where he is the force would quickly weaken now giving back to his alma mater) to celebrate and cease to exist. In contrast, if his 20 years of active duty service as a naval we force everyone to serve, then officer. we would struggle with motiva - Guluzian is a Navy Surface (Ship) Warfare tion and efficiency problems. As Officer with specialty training in nuclear for being a sailor, I guess it does - propulsion. He graduated from the Naval n’t hurt that I love ships, the Academy in 1991 with a bachelor’s in physics ocean and being out at sea. Lastly, I am humbled to work and later earned an MBA from the University of Commander Dave Guluzian on the bridge wing of USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52) in the Western Pacific. In the back - San Diego. He has served on seven different with the finest sailors and ground is the dry cargo replenishment ship USNS Amelia Earhart (T-AKE 6) and amphibious assault ship USS warships holding various leadership positions marines in the world. They, more Peleliu (LHA 5) in combat systems, operations and engineering. than anything, provide immense From August 2008 to August 2010, he was professional satisfaction. I have commanding officer of USS Pearl Harbor (LSD been repeatedly amazed by sailor ingenuity to DG: It was a privilege to serve the sailors and DG: As one of the six battalion officers (assis - 52) leading a 350-sailor crew and 450 embarked get the job done, determination to keep the marines on Pearl Harbor. Their safety, training tant dean of students), I am directly responsible marines on two wartime deployments to the ship fixed and war-fighting spirit in the face of and readiness had my undivided attention for the academic, physical, moral and profes - Western Pacific and Arabian Gulf. danger. One small example: in late 2008 when I around-the-clock. One of the most meaningful sional development of 750 of the 4,500 mid - I asked him to reflect on his time in the Navy. was in command of the amphibious landing tasks that we accomplished as a crew was to shipmen in the brigade (student body). I pre - Harout Sanjian: Did you have any particu - ship USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52), we were honor and maintain a relationship with the pare them for graduation and commissioning as larly favorite assignment early in your career? returning home to San Diego at the end of a six- Pearl Harbor survivors. We considered the sur - officers in the United States Navy or Marine David Guluzian: I really enjoyed my first job month overseas deployment. Three days from vivors of the December 7, 1941 attack to be the Corps. I also teach a class called “Ethics and right after graduating from the academy. I arriving home (somewhere in the Eastern “true owners” of the ship. the Military Profession,” which centers on served as Ordnance Officer on cruiser USS Pacific between Hawaii and California), I As for the overseas, the ship’s Navy/Marine resolving ethical dilemmas that one may face in Princeton (CG 59). I coordinated the onload received a call at 2 a.m. (for some reason, when - Corps team completed Theater Security the fleet (during war or peacetime). When I was and offload of weapons, supervised ship’s phys - ever something important breaks on a ship, it Cooperation and Humanitarian Assistance mis - a midshipman, some fleet-returned officers ical security, directed Tomahawk missile mis - seems to be at about this time) to inform me sions in Dili, East Timor and Trincomalee, Sri helped me (in academics, in keeping me out of sions and handled accounting records for all that a freshwater cooling tank for the main Lanka in the summer of 2010. While amphibi - trouble and in service selection); I am happy to ammunition. I had been onboard for a little over propulsion diesel engines had become contami - ous assault (landing) ships certainly train (and have the opportunity to give back. a year when the ship’s new supply officer nated with debris and its piping clogged. The are ready) to insert Marine troops onto a hostile HS: What’s next in your Navy career? arrived. His name was Richardson: I had no DG: Probably time at the Pentagon. Most of idea he was Armenian until a few days after he my career has been in San Diego; I have yet to checked in when I happened to be rushing past work on the Navy staff or in a joint service posi - him in the passageway — and he called to me, tion. If selected, I may have the opportunity to “eench bes ek?” I almost fell over! return to sea in command of a squadron of HS: Have you met any Armenian sailors? ships or of an amphibious assault flagship. DG: Not many; I think our small numbers Right now, however, it is nice to spend more are small. When I do run across a fellow time with my family. Ultimately, with how much Armenian sailor, without fail we immediately I have enjoyed working with our Navy’s future discuss our distinctively Armenian experiences officers, I may ask to command a Naval Reserve (especially food). As you can imagine, there is Officers Training Corps (NROTC) unit before I no boereg, lahmajoun or choereg cooking in retire. the ships’ galley. By the end of the conversa - The US Naval Academy is the premier under - tion, I’m usually thinking a lot about my moth - graduate college of the United States Navy. The er’s dolma . mission of the academy is to develop midship - HS: Tell me about your nuclear position men morally, mentally and physically to become training. professional line officers in the Navy and DG: I went through the same selection Marine Corps. Graduates earn a bachelor of sci - process and training regime as the Navy’s sub - ence degree and a commission as an Ensign in marine officers. Schooling consisted of a six- the Navy of Second Lieutenant in the Marine month post-graduate academic curriculum of Corps. math, physics, electrical engineering, chem - USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52) is the 12th and istry and reactor systems followed by six last Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship. Commander Dave Guluzian and Harout Sanjian at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, months of practical (“hands-on”) training and Dock landing ship support amphibious opera - MD qualifying in an operating reactor plant. While tions by embarking, transporting and delivering all submarine officers complete nuclear propul - combat troops and equipment on demand to a sion training, only 10 percent of surface (ship) hostile beach. The 610-foot long ship displaces officers attend the training. In addition to serv - casualty limited the ship’s speed to five knots shore, it is the humanitarian assistance capabil - over 15,000 tons, can read a speed in excess of ing in positions onboard conventionally-pow - (about six miles per hour) and threatened to ity that I find most satisfying and professional - 20 knots and is armed with various self-defense ered surface ships, nuclear-trained surface offi - delay our homecoming (360 sailors plus 420 ly rewarding. Sailors and marines together weapon systems. Ship-to-shore movement is cers are assigned tours in nuclear-powered air - marines onboard) by four days. The steel tank helped train local military forces in order to achieved through helicopters on the ship’s craft carriers operating the ship’s reactor plant was completely enclosed, about the size of a strengthen regional maritime security. In addi - flight deck or landing craft, which debark from and systems. I spent two years as a division offi - small bathtub, and has a very small access man - tion, we provided labor (in some cases, skilled) an internal well deck. cer on the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D hole cover. After the tank was drained (it was to clean, upgrade or repair local community Guluzian is the son of Kevork and Jeanette Eisenhower (CVN 69) and later was the main still hot — the temperature of the water in the facilities: hospitals, schoolhouses, orphanages, Guluzian of San Marino, Calif. He attended San propulsion assistant on the carrier USS Nimitz tank was about 95 degrees), one sailor, who etc. For example, in one project at a Boy’s Marino High School and the New Mexico (CVN 68) from March 2001 to July 2003 super - happened to be relatively small and was the Home in north-eastern Sri Lanka, I learned that Military Institute before entering the Naval vising 120 sailors in the maintenance and oper - only one who could slip through the access their area (a basic arrangement of piping and Academy in the summer of 1987. He is married ation of both main engine rooms. cover, entered the tank with a flashlight and nozzles outside in the backyard of the proper - to the former Karen Gordon of Mountain View, HS: What attracted you to serve in the Navy? some rags. Somehow, he managed to maneuver ty) had not been working for several months. I Calif.; they have two daughters, Sierra, 8, and What made you stay? and shift himself inside that hot, dark and included two of my ship’s welders (with some Aleena, 5. 10 S ATURDAY , F EBRUARY 25, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS Knights of Vartan Ani Lodge Vartanantz Day Celebration Highlights Current Conditions in Nagorno Karabagh

WASHINGTON — On Sunday, February 12, the Knights of Vartan Ani Lodge held a Vartanantz Day Celebration in Keshishian Hall at Soorp Khatch Armenian Church. More than 75 people attended the program celebrating Saint Vartan Mamigonian, who died in the battle of Avaryar in 451 AD. This year’s event focused on the housing conditions, trans - portation and water and sanitation infrastruc - ture in Artsakh (Nagorno Karabagh). The event featured Robert Avetisyan, representative of the Nagorno Karabagh Republic to the United States. Rev. Sarkis Aktavoukian presided and gave the opening invocation. Ani Lodge Secretary Taniel Koushakjian served as master of ceremonies. The Daughters of Vartan Dikranouhi Otyag, led by Matron Marge Satian, provided the hors d’oeuvres and refreshments to support the event. Ani Lodge Commander Jacob Bournazian welcomed the audience and spoke about the Knights of Vartan mission, the perseverance of the Armenian spirit and the challenges facing the diaspora and the homeland today. Members of the Knights of Vartan Ani Lodge #21 “Vartanantz Day is a time to commemorate the heroic efforts of our ancestors who fought to preserve and maintain our identity,” stated Bournazian also spoke about the founding of ment of Nagorno Karabagh since the 1991- jects. Bournazian. “It serves as a reminder of the the Ani Lodge in 1942, marking 70 years of ser - 1994 war with Azerbaijan, highlighting the The Ani Lodge raised more than $1,500 for power we have when we maintain our faith in vice to the Armenian-American community in installation of new roads, schools, health care the Ministry of Social Security to benefit the ourselves as Armenians and work together as Washington, DC. and housing facilities. “The first 20 years of social welfare of the citizens of Nagorno one community.” Avetisyan described the growth and develop - Artsakh’s independence have shown that the Karabagh. In 2011, the Knights of Vartan Ani tri-unity of Artsakh, Armenia and the diaspora Lodge contributed funds to Mer Doon, a chari - can bring unbelievable results,” stated ty supporting young women in Echmiadzin, Avetisyan. He continued, “Today, Artsakhtsis Armenia, the Armenian-American Medical are convinced that together 20 years later we Association of Greater Washington, the will witness many more new achievements and Armenian Wellness Center in Yerevan, a victories.” Avetisyan also discussed the demi - humanitarian project of the Armenian- ning efforts of HALO Trust, one of many orga - American Cultural Association and the HALO nizations that the Ani Lodge has supported in Trust’s project for removing cluster bombs and recent years. Following the presentation, mem - land mines on agricultural land in Artsakh. bers of the audience were able to engage in a Special thanks were given to the Soorp question-and-answer discussion on topics rang - Khatch Parish Council and Ladies Guild mem - ing from Azerbaijan’s military provocations to bers for hosting and assisting in Vartanantz water irrigation and other social welfare pro - Day.

Robert Avetisyan, Nagorno Karabagh representative to the United States of America

Ghevontiants Celebrated In Milwaukee

MILWAUKEE — On February 14, priests of the Armenian Church’s Eastern Diocese gath - ered from across Wisconsin and Illinois at St. John the Baptist Armenian Church, Greenfield. They came to celebrate Ghevontiants, a holiday in the church calendar especially dear to clergy for By David Luhrssen its commemoration of St. Ghevont and the priests who accompanied the Armenian freedom fighters at the Battle of Avarayr (451). While Armenia’s military commander at the battle, Vartan Mamigonian, is honored by the more familiar hol - iday of Vartanantz, Ghevontiants, which recognizes Ghevont the Priest (Ghevont Yerets), is a reminder that Avarayr was essentially a spiritual struggle, not a war for land or conquest. Seldom has any Midwestern Diocesan parish witnessed so many members of the clergy celebrating liturgy together as at Greenfield’s Ghevontiants commemoration. St. John’s pas - tor, Rev. Nareg Keutelian, was joined by Very Rev. Aren Jebejian (St. Gregory the Illuminator, Chicago), Rev. Yeprem Kelegian (St. Mesrob, Racine), Rev. Tavit Boyajian (SS. Joachim & Anne, Palos Heights), Rev. Paren Galstyan (Holy Resurrection, South Milwaukee, and St. George, Waukegan) and Rev. Hovhan Khoja-Eynetian (St. James, Evanston). Deacons Dikran Kelekian from Waukegan and Levon Saryan from Racine also took part. Khoja-Eynetian conducted the choir and gave a sermon on the enduring meaning of Ghevontiants, which, along with Vartanantz, marks the first battle in history fought for free - dom of conscience. Although Armenia lost the Battle of Avarayr, the persistence of the Armenian faithful against their oppressors eventually won the war. Without their victory, there might not be an Armenian Church (or an Armenian people) today. Following a requiem for the deceased clergy of the Eastern Diocese who served in the Midwest parishes, a luncheon was served in St. John’s Culture Hall. S ATURDAY , F EBRUARY 25, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 11 Ne w York M E T R O Sts. Vartanantz Day Celebrated in New York

BERCH MANUKIAN PHOTO NEW YORK — At New York’s Sts. Vartanantz and the Persians — and compared the docu - Day observance, young people read excerpts ment to the 13th-century Magna Carta — one of from St. Vartan’s stirring speech to his soldiers, the foundations for constitutional governance recited poetry and reflected on the legacy of in the Western world. They pointed out that the fifth-century Treaty of Navarsak, which 700 years before Magna Carta was issued, allowed the Armenians to freely practice their Armenians had found a way to ensure liberties Christian faith in the Persian Empire. against their Persian rulers. The commemoration at St. Vartan Armenian Grand Commander of the Knights of Vartan Cathedral on Thursday, February 16, went for - Dr. Dennis Papazian struck a complementary chord in his remarks, BERCH MANUKIAN PHOTO reminding the crowd that “We are required by God to remember our deliverance, how God saved us from being assimilated by the Zoroastrian Persians and losing our identity as Christian Armenians.” The Shnorhali The Rev. Arakel Vardazarian celebrated the Divine Liturgy at St. Vartan Cathedral. Choir of Holy Martyrs Church of Bayside, offered a fine perfor - Archbishop Yeghishe Gizirian offered the mance of vocal selec - evening’s invocation. Barsamian closed the pro - Khrimian Lyceum students made a presentation about the Battle of Avarayr. tions, under the lead - gram with his message and benediction. Genocide Essay ership of its director, The evening’s dinner was prepared and spon - Armine Vardanyan. sored by the Knights and Daughters of Vartan, Contest for High ward under the auspices of the Diocese of the Remarks were also made by Ruben Daglyan, Mid-Atlantic Lodges and Otyags. Armenian Church of America (Eastern), with chair of the Mid-Atlantic Lodge. Edward Parishes throughout the Eastern Diocese School and the participation of the Mid-Atlantic Region of Barsamian served as the master of ceremonies. also observed the distinctly Armenian feast day. the Knights and Daughters of Vartan. BERCH MANUKIAN PHOTO The evening began with the celebration of College Students the Divine Liturgy, with Diocesan Primate NEW YORK — High school and college Archbishop Khajag Barsamian presiding. students are invited to participate in an Celebrating the badarak was the Rev. Arakel essay contest to support the 97th anniver - Vardazarian, who is serving as an intern priest sary of the Armenian Genocide in April. at St. Gregory the Enlightener Church of White One winner and two runner-ups will be Plains. The St. Vartan Cathedral Choir sang selected by a distinguished panel of under the direction of Khoren Mekanejian, with judges. First-place winner will receive accompaniment by cathedral organist Florence $300, second-place runner-up will receive Avakian. $200 and third-place runner-up will A program and dinner in the Diocesan receive $100. Center’s Haik and Alice Kavookjian Auditorium The winners will also be recognized at followed services. the Armenian Genocide Commemoration Three students of the Diocese’s Khrimian at Times Square on Sunday, April 22, Lyceum — Chris Artun, Varujan Belekdanian which will take place from 2 to 4 p.m., and and Tamar Tokman — made a presentation depending on time constraints, may read about the Battle of Avarayr. In both Armenian their essays. and English, they read excerpts from the Those submitting essays should answer speech St. Vartan delivered on the eve of battle the question: “How can international and recited Vahan Tekeyan’s poem, “The recognition of the Armenian Genocide Mystery of Vartanank” (Khorhoort Vartanank). help prevent future crimes against The students then spoke about the Treaty of The Shnorhali Choir of Holy Martyrs Church of Bayside, NY performed. humanity?” Navarsag — signed in 484 AD by the Armenians Requirements of Essay: Word-docu - ment (.doc or .docx compliant), 800 words maximum, double-spaced, 11-point Arial type font, with each page clearly num - bered. At the top of each page, please Sponsor a Teacher in Armenia and Karabagh 2012 include the student’s full name and age, teacher’s full name and subject area, name of high school or college, graduat - ing year in school, hometown and state, Since its inception in 2001, TCA’s ‘Sponsor phone number and e-mail address. Deadline for submissions is Friday, a Teacher’ program has raised over $518,000 March 30. The three winners will be contacted and reached out to 4,064 teachers and directly and announced the week of Monday, April 9. school workers in Armenia and Karabagh. Co-sponsors of the contest include the Knights & Daughters of Vartan (www.knightsofvartan.org) and Facing £ History and Ourselves (www.facinghistory.org). K Yes, I want to sponsor teachers in Armenia and Karabagh to continue Founded in 1985 by former New Jersey helping them to educate the children, our future leaders. I would like to have resident Sam Azadian, who lost four sib - the teacher’s name and address. lings during the Armenian Genocide, the Armenian Genocide Commemoration at K $160 K $ 320 K $ 480 K other $ ————————— Times Square has honored the 1.5 million Name Armenian lives lost during the horrific Address events of the Genocide of the Armenians by the Young Turk Government of the City State Zip code Ottoman Empire. This annual event Tel: draws thousands of Armenians and non- Armenian participants to commemorate Make check payable to: Tekeyan Cultural Association – Memo: Sponsor a Teacher 2010 Mail your check with this form to: the solemn occasion. Submissions must be made via e-mail TCA Sponsor a Teacher to: Lucine Kinoian at 5326 Valverde, Houston, TX 77056 [email protected] Your donation is Tax Deductible. 12 S ATURDAY , F EBRUARY 25, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS TCA Arshag Dickranian School Shines in 28th KAHAM Table Tennis Tournament Keystone State Pastor to Keynote Central California Men’s Conference Team Wins Third Place each took third place, thus placing Arshag Dickranian School at third place in the overall FRESNO — A Pennsylvania pastor will keynote the 2012 Men’s Retreat of California’s LOS ANGELES — On Saturday, January 21, rankings of the tournament. oldest Armenian Church. the Tekeyan Cultural Association’s (TCA) Students Stepan Muradyan, Movses Mkryan, Rev. L. Nishan Bakalian, senior pastor of the Armenian Martyrs’ Congregational Arshag Dickranian School’s table-tennis team Armen Dayan, Mark Antossian, Mania Mgdsyan Church of Havertown, will address the Men’s Retreat of the First Armenian Presbyterian won third place in the 28th KAHAM Table and Michelle Dayan won first place in their sec - Church (FAPC) of Fresno. Tennis Tournament (California Armenian tions; Arsen Mazloumian, Ashot Nadjiarian, The retreat will take place March 2-4 at the 320-acre Hartland Christian Camp in the Students Athletic Games) held at the Narek Kltchian and Marine Sanosyan won sec - Sequoia National Forest. The theme of the weekend conference is “Invest Your Life: Homenetmen Club in Glendale. This is the ond place in their sections; Avetis Nahapetyan, Fulfilling the Great Commission Through the Generations.” Retreat reservations may be fourth time the team participates in this tour - Erick Gulyan, Tereza Arutunyan, Alec made by e-mailing [email protected]. nament and proves competent enough to com - Kourouyan and Harout Bambalyan won third A native of Pennsylvania, Bakalian studied instrumental music at Muhlenberg College pete against five Armenian schools including place in their sections; Daniel Boyadjian won in Allentown, the Berklee College of Music in Boston and the Philadelphia College of Vahan & Anoush Shamlian School, Alex Pilibos fourth place in his section. Performing Arts. He completed his undergraduate education at Ursinus College and graduate education at Lancaster Theological Seminary. During his seminary years, Bakalian won a fellowship to study in the Near East School of Theology in Beirut, Lebanon. Ordained in May 1984, Bakalian first served the Calvary Armenian Congregational Church of San Francisco (1984-1992) and then one of four Armenian Evangelical Churches in Beirut (1992-1995). He was next called to the pulpit of the Armenian Evangelical Church of New York City (1995-2000) and then back to Lebanon to serve as campus minister of Haigazian University. His duties included leading weekly chapel services, Bible studies, retreats, courses in the Old and New Testaments and leading three separate choral groups. He also joined the Armenian Christian musical group, Nor Yerk, (New Song), which recorded and performed extensively in Armenia, Iran, France, Australia and the United States. Since 2007, he has been senior pastor of his childhood church in Havertown, Penn. Bakalian is married to the former Maria Jizmejian and they have two sons, Armen and Sevag. Forty immigrants from Marsovan chartered the Fresno congregation in a rented hall on July 25, 1897. It is the boyhood church of authors William Saroyan and A.I. Bezzerides and filmmaker J. Michael Hagopian. The clergy includes: Rev. Mgrdich Melkonian, senior pastor; Rev. Mike Mekredijian, associate pastor; Philip C. Garo Jr., director of Children’s and Youth Ministries, and Edward V. Esajian, chair of the Committee on Men’s Ministries. FAPC is a member congregation of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC) and the Armenian Evangelical Union of North America.

Genocide Education Gaining Momentum EDUCATION, from page 5 Lisa Joy Desberg and Maura Tucker. “These stu - Coach Ara Aroyan with ADS Table Tennis Team intertwined with the history and culture of the dents want to make a difference. Hearing these Armenians. It’s important to review the her - testimonies from the outside has a dire effect itage and give students a sense of feel for our upon them.” country — how we persevered after the geno - In some school systems, having an Armenian Armenian School, AGBU Manoogian- The organizers, participants and attendants cide and what’s being done to recognize it.” administrator or teacher onboard has facilitated Demirdjian School, Ferrahian School and were all impressed by the performance of ADS’s After one unsuccessful attempt to get a the visit. Church pastors have also been invited Hovsepian School. players and their enormous progress in such a postage stamp minted by the US government, to participate, along with other community Arshag Dickranian School (ADS) table tennis short time. There were also instances when sev - another is being made by the students, who activists. Books on the Armenian Genocide team was composed of 18 students this year, eral ADS players were approached by members appear relentless in their efforts to invoke jus - have been donated to school libraries. ranging from the fourth to seventh grades. from Armenian athletic clubs inviting them to tice for the Armenian people. “Hopefully, what we’re doing in Merrimack Trained by coach Ara Aroyan, sixth-grader join their clubs. “With all the violence that’s taking place Valley will have a ripple effect throughout the Armen Dayan took first place in his age catego - For more information visit throughout the world today, education is a vital country,” added Kanayan. “Our work is just ry, while Mark Antossian and Alec Kourouyan www.dickranianschool.org. defense mechanism,” said Wilmington teachers beginning.” Gulgulian Feted in Honor of 25th Anniversary of Ordination

ANNIVERSARY, from page 5 the image of Holy Echmiadzin, which was hand - Rev. Hakop Gevorgyan spoke on behalf of made by Khosrof Pakhtigian. Gulgulian the five area Armenian clergy and shared of acknowledged the admiration of the many he his first encounter with Gulgulian when they has served and stated that he would still devote were both serving in Germany. Gizirian then his life to the priesthood, if he had to do it all spoke and praised the honoree’s devotion to over again. the church. Archbishop Barsamian spoke of Gulgulian’s Prior to Gulgulian’s address, banquet co-chair service to the Armenian Church and observed Barsamian presented him with a gift from the that this milestone served as an opportunity to parish — a pair of gold cufflinks embossed with bring the community closer.

The Primate gives Very Rev. Oshagan Gulgulian his gift, as Master of Ceremonies Steve Barsamian Very Rev. Oshagan Gulgulian addresses his guests as master of ceremonies, Steve Barsamian, looks on. looks on. S ATURDAY , F EBRUARY 25, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 13 Arts & Living

Raymond Kévorkian, Author of History of Walter and Laurel Karabian to Speak Armenian Genocide, On Ivan Aivazovsky To Speak at NAASR FRESNO — Attorney Walter Karabian BELMONT — Historian Raymond Kévorkian and his wife Laurel will present an illustrat - will give a lecture, titled “The Armenian ed talk on Hovhannes Aivazian/ Ivan Genocide: Writing the Complete History,” on Aivazovsky, at 8 p.m. on Friday, March 2, in Wednesday, March 14, at 8 p.m., at the National the University Business Center, Alice Association for Armenian Studies and Research Peters Auditorium, Room 191, on the (NAASR) Center, 395 Concord Ave. The lecture Fresno State campus. will be given in Armenian with translation pro - The Karabians own the largest and finest vided by Khatchig Mouradian. collection of Aivazovsky paintings in the Kévorkian, the director of the Nubarian Western United States, many acquired from Library in Paris, is the author of an exhaustive the two greatest collectors worldwide, and authoritative account of the origins, events Antranig Shahinian and Andreas Roubian. and consequences of the Armenian Genocide in They will discuss the life and career of the 1915 and 1916. Originally published in French Armenian artist. In a first for Fresno, the in 2006 as Le Génocide des Arméniens, The Karabians will display four works from their Armenian Genocide: A Complete History pre - private collection and show slides of other sents a detailed and meticulous record of the dramatic Aivazovsky paintings they own. A genocidal process, providing an authoritative reception will precede the lecture. analysis of the events and their impact upon the The presentation is part of the Spring Armenian community, as well as the develop - 2012 Armenian Studies Program Lecture ment of the Turkish Series and is co-sponsored by the Armenian state. The English- Students Organization at Fresno State. language edition will Aivazovsky was a world-renowned be available for pur - painter of Armenian descent, living and chase the night of working in the Crimea during the 19th cen - the lecture. tury. He is most famous for his seascapes, Drawing on a vast which constitute more than half of his array of published paintings. Aivazovsky is widely considered and unpublished one of the greatest seascape painters of all materials, including time. many eyewitness Aivazovsky gained international fame at Silhouette, Bar 81 Les, NY, archival pigment print accounts and materi - the age of 25 and was elected to five als from the European Academies and was awarded the Raymond Kévorkian Nubarian Library, medal of the French Legion of Honor. Kévorkian gives a vil - Eugene Delacroix referred to him in rever - lage-by-village account of what happened, who Kocharian Photo Exhibition ence, and William Turner called him a was captured and slain and how few survived. genius. According to V. Adasov, “Perhaps He examines the consequences of the violence no one in Europe has painted the extraor - against the Armenians, the implications of the To Be Presented at Robin dinary beauty of the sea with so much feel - deportations and the attempts to bring those ing and expressiveness as Aivazovsky.” who committed the atrocities to justice. This Rice Gallery Walter Karabian served in the State landmark book has taken its place as an indis - Assembly from 1966-1974 championing pensable resource to historians of the period, as various issues, including his emphasis on NEW YORK — The Robin Rice Gallery presents the second solo exhibition of pho - opening the doors of politics to young well as those wishing to understand the history tographs by Haik Kocharian. The opening reception will be held on Wednesday, of genocidal violence more generally. Latinos, his commitment to his Armenian March 14, 5:30-8:30 p.m. The show runs through April 29. heritage and various legislative contribu - Kévorkian’s books include important work Kocharian’s work focuses on the interaction of the individual and the surround - on early Armenian printed books, Catalogue tions such as the Species Preservation Act, ing nature: a forest, body of water or urban street. Just as nature transforms the the Ratification of the Equal Rights des “Incunables” Arméniens (1511/1695), Les environment, so does the object in the picture evolve, symbolizing an internal shift. Arméniens dans l’Empire Ottoman à la Veille Amendment and the California Invasion of The style is reminiscent of photojournalism forefathers, such as Robert Frank and Privacy Act. du Génocide (with Paul Paboudjian), La Cilicie Cartier-Bresson, yet with a Fellini-esque twist. (1909-1921): Des Massacres d’Adana Au He was born in Fresno. The Karabian This exhibition reflects one man’s journey in search of love, vacillating from mem - family arrived in Fresno in 1896 from Bitlis Mandat Francais, L’Extermination des ories to hope. The collection is a fusion of neo-realism and symbolism. It is the cen - Deportes Armeniens Ottomans dans les led by his great-great-uncle, Krikor tral figure’s relationship to the environment that elevates the images beyond real - Karabian, who was accompanied by his Camps de Concentration de Syrie-Mespotamie ism, representing the transformational power in nature and within ourselves. (1915-1916) and numerous scholarly articles. nephew, Hovsep Karabian, who was Walter The exhibit includes pho - Karabian’s grandfather. His grandmother In 2010 he was presented with the Presidential tographs from Kocharian’s Award from President Serge Sargisian in recog - was Haiganoush Simonian, also from Bitlis, expansive travels — from Turkish occupied Armenia. nition of his contributions as a scholar. immersing himself in More information may be had by e-mailing After graduating from Roosevelt High Montauk during School, Karabian attended the University [email protected] or writing to NAASR, 395 Hurricane Earl to a soul- Concord Ave., Belmont, MA 02478. of Southern California where he served as searching journey to India student body president. He also earned his to a humanitarian trip to law degree and a master’s degree in pub - Ethiopia. lic administration from the University of The invitational image, Southern California. He became a deputy “Promised Happiness,” district attorney for Los Angeles County was taken at Brighton in 1965 before winning a seat in the Beach during a rare dust California State Assembly in 1966 at the storm. One gazes at what age of 28. first appears to be a blind - By the time he left the Assembly in 1974, ing canvas of clouds but he had served as the youngest majority upon closer inspection, an leader in the history of the State Assembly. outline of the boardwalk Laurel Karabian graduated with honors and a lone figure are from Pomona College and earned her MBA exposed through the sand, Houston Street, NY, archival pigment print from the University of California at Los reflecting a brief moment Angeles. She is a management consultant of clarity in the storm. for various arts, education and humanitari - In “Suffocation,” soft an organizations; a member and past-presi - brown hues accentuate the raging hurricane-fueled whitecaps, fighting the power dent of the Los Angeles County Arts captured in the waves’ unique grainy texture and steel gray tones. In “Forgive Me,” Commission and serves on the boards of taken in Ethiopia, a cluster of trees is shown with their upper branches almost lost several charities, including the Armenian in the clouds. The rich, almost red tone of the soil draws the eyes downward to Library and Museum of America. remind one that the trees’ ancient roots are firmly planted in the ground. The Karabians reside in Los Angeles, see KOCHARIAN, page 15 where he practices law. Admission to the lecture is free. 14 S ATURDAY , F EBRUARY 25, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARTS & LIVING Armenian Faith, Culture Thrive at North Andover Church

St. Gregory Church, named for the man who By Paul Tennant brought Christianity to Armenia more than 1,700 years ago, is flourishing. During the last three years, parishioners have raised and spent NORTH ANDOVER, Mass. (Lawrence Eagle about $1 million on renovations, including the Tribune) — When Armenian immigrants, many new font and altar, according to Thomas of them survivors of a massive genocide, came Vartabedian, a longtime member. to the United States, they had nothing — except While most of the Armenian immigrants their faith in God, according to Archbishop came to America early in the 20th century, the Oshagan Choloyan. culture is alive and well at St. Gregory Church, That faith was expressed in a huge way even among the young people. Sunday, when the archbishop visited North Students in the Armenian and Sunday Andover to consecrate the new baptismal font School sang songs and read poetry from their and altar at St. Gregory Armenian Apostolic ancestral land, in both English and Armenian, Church. The altar included a painting by Ani during the banquet that followed the service of Khachikian of Peabody. consecration. It is generally estimated that 1.5 million The archbishop’s visit also marked the 42nd Armenians were murdered by the Ottoman anniversary of the founding of St. Gregory Turks in 1915. Before that mass slaughter, the Church. A few years ago, the parish contem - Armenians suffered many years of oppression plated moving to another location, “but we from the Ottoman Empire. decided to stay where we are,” Vartabedian said. Those who survived the Genocide escaped to “Our future is bright,” John Kulungian, chair - Lebanon, Syria and other countries before com - man of the church’s board of trustees, told the ing to America. Large numbers of those nearly 200 people who attended the banquet. Armenian immigrants settled in the Merrimack He urged parishioners to make St. Gregory Valley, with many of them working in the textile Church a “shining example” of what a Christian

The painting depicted John the Baptist with Jesus.

Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan blesses the altar and painting. mills of Lawrence and the shoe factories of congregation should be. Haverhill. “Above all else is spiritual growth,” he said. The textile mills and the shoe factories are Richard Shahtanian, chairman of the build - long gone, but the Armenian-American commu - ing committee that raised the money and got nity has stayed. the renovations completed, said it “wouldn’t “They started a new life in this country,” have been possible without God.” Choloyan said, and he noted that today, Shahtanian urged his fellow parishioners to Americans of Armenian heritage “flourish” in think about “our purpose as Christians,” which the United States. he noted includes “helping the less fortunate.” Hayk Demoyan to Speak at Ararat-Eskijian Museum

MISSION HILLS, Calif. — Dr. Hayk Armenian Kingdom, later flags and coats of Demoyan, director of the Armenian Genocide arms and modern-period symbols of the First Museum-Institute in Yerevan, Armenia, will Republic, Soviet Armenia and the national present an illustrated lecture in English, symbols and state awards of the Republic of titled “Armenian National Symbols, Flags, Armenia. and Coats of Arms,” on Wednesday, March 7, Demoyan is the director of the Armenian at the Ararat-Eskijian Museum, Hasmig Genocide Museum-Institute in Yerevan, a Mgrdichian Hall. position he has held since 2006. He is cur - The lecture is sponsored by the Ararat- rently also serving on a state commission for Eskijian Museum and the National coordinating events dedicated to the centen - Association for Armenian Studies and nial anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Research (NAASR). Demoyan was born in the city of Leninakan Demoyan’s lecture is will discuss his recent - (now Gumri) in Soviet Armenia. He received ly-published book, Armenian National his PhD from the Institute of Oriental Symbols, Flags, and Coats of Arms (in Studies at the National Academy of Sciences Armenian, 2012), a comprehensive volume of Armenia, and is a lecturer at the History comprising more than 1,500 illustrations Department of Yerevan State University. showing the evolution and history of the Demoyan is also a researcher and has writ - Armenian heraldic and national symbols from ten several books on such topics such as the antiquity until the present day. The book and Armenian Genocide, Turkish foreign policy the lecture will include sections on Armenian and Turkey’s involvement in the Nagorno- heraldry and state symbols of the Cilician Karabagh conflict of 1991-1994. S ATURDAY , F EBRUARY 25, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 15 ARTS & LIVING

Boyadjian Looks for Solidarity, Solace at Genocide Centennial Author/Attorney University and returned to music at Brandeis TV: How many times have you been to By Tom Vartabedian University studying composition and orches - Armenia? Michael Bobelian tration. My music appears on 13 CDs, includ - HB: Ten. I go there to visit my composer ing a solo on the Albany label. friends and honor a concert commitment. I To Speak at Saint LEXINGTON, Mass. — Let the music ring. TV: Your most provocative recording? also enjoy hiking in Armenia. For me, it’s the Let it ring loud and clear, uniting Armenians HB: Thirty-two Variations on Bach for piano beauty of the hike, not the destination. James Men’s Club across the universe. solo — a 40-minute piece that took a year to Between my wife and me, we’ve done the Hayg Boyadjian can’t think of a better way compose in between two other works. I work entire Presidential Range in the White WATERTOWN, Mass. — On Monday, to commemorate the Armenian Genocide cen - on multiple pieces most of the time, though Mountains of New Hampshire. March 5, Michael Bobelian, lawyer/ jour - tennial in 2015 than with music and an appre - deadlines and commissions always take prece - TV: Who might your favorite non-Armenian nalist from New York will be the speaker ciation for the arts. After all, he says, it is the dence. The Bach work will be performed this composer be? at the dinner meeting of the St. James universal language. October at the Gomidas Concert Hall in HB: This would be like deciding which of my Armenian Church Men’s Club. The topic The Lexington-based composer shared his Yerevan. It’s a complex piece that brings fingers to have amputated or which chocolate will be, “America and the Armenian thoughts upon his eminent career, which has Bach to the present. to choose from a box. Bach and Beethoven Genocide, from Wilson to Obama. resulted in 13 recordings over the past four TV: Biggest highlight in your career? are my pillars — the foundation of my music. Bobelian’s work has covered issues decades. More recently we sat him down fol - HB: An hour-long piece done in two sections, TV: What would society be like without ranging from corporate wrongdoing to lowing an Avak luncheon at St. Gregory called Oratorio — Time of Silence , for sym - music? foreign affairs. Upon graduating from the Church in North Andover after addressing a phony orchestra, choir, soprano and speaker. HB: Dormant. No purpose to live. Music stim - University of Michigan Law School, he large crowd. The subject is genocide. It was premiered at ulates us. It is food for the soul. When I lis - worked at a large law firm in New York Since immigrating here in 1958 from Sanders Theater in Cambridge with 60 musi - ten to a Chopin waltz, it rejuvenates me. If I before enrolling at the Columbia Argentina, Boyadjian has carved a prominent cians and a choir of 100. It was the last don’t cry during the last scene of “La University Graduate School of niche into the classical music world from cham - recording my father heard from me before his Traviata,” it’s time to give up Verdi. You Journalism. He currently writes for ber to symphonic. A number of his recordings death two days later. The piece found his way would have to be a piece of steel not to be Forbes.com and his articles have are available through the American Music to Yerevan and broadcast annually for many affected. appeared in American Lawyer Magazine, Center and online through Sibelius Music. years thereafter. TV: How do you feel about today’s music? Legal Affairs Magazine and the The 73-year-old lives in Lexington with his TV: Are you approached by Armenian HB: Some of it is real good with the likes of Washington Monthly. He has also wife, Brigette, and is currently working on an groups to compose music? Madonna and Lady Gaga. I also like Beyonce. Armenian suite. The couple has a daughter HB: Only twice over the past 40 years. One Michael Jackson was an incredible musician. and two grandchildren. When Boyadjian is not was for St. Vartan’s Cathedral in New York Instrumentally, I lean toward violinist Gil at the piano composing, he is tuning the City, dedicated to the martyrs, and again by Shaham and pianist Russell Sherman who instruments professionally. St. James Church when poet Hovhannes lives in my city. Pianist/conductor Daniel Tom Vartabedian: When did your love for Shiraz died in the 1980s, a piece for trumpet Barenboim is from Argentina: I heard him as music begin? and percussion which was later performed in a child and knew he’d make it. Hayg Boyadjian: As a 16-year-old growing Yerevan. I’m better received in the American TV: What are your impressions of Armenia? up in Buenos Aires. My father was a tailor. My community and this bothers me. HB: Economically, the conditions are difficult mother handled the sewing. We were four TV: Tell me about your newest work due to the lack of funding. If Armenia had an brothers, none of the others musicians. I began “Vientos” that has received critical acclaim. open border, this would work to its advan - listening to classical music and never stopped. HB: In Spanish, “vientos” means “wind.” tage. We’ve made big progress in terms of Spanish is one of my languages, along with lifestyle, compared to the previous genera - TV: How would you classify your music? French, Armenian, German and English. The tion. The arts are suffering. People don’t have HB: Modern classical works that cover this piece is original, incorporating my entire the resources to attend concerts. Performers century. background, and employs a constant shift in are underpaid. Good musicians leave to play TV: Is there a demand for this? direction with French, Italian and Armenian elsewhere. Tourism has been a lifesaver. HB: Limited. Even in Beethoven’s time, it visages to create harmony. The pieces are TV: You tune pianos? Michael Bobelian was limited. More people enjoy this music intermingled, much like a carpet being HB: Ever since 1960. On a busy day, I’ll tune today than in Beethoven’s time due to mass weaved, and runs 11 minutes. I wrote it for four instruments. Sometimes I’ll play bits of communication and the technology that’s the musicians performing it — a commission Mozart and Beethoven to test the sound. An appeared on C-Span’s “BookTV” and available. for guitar, violin and mandolin. average piano should be tuned annually. NPR. He teaches at the City University of TV: Why has it taken so long for people to TV: You are working on an Armenian suite? TV: Tell me something about yourself that New York and has delivered lectures recognize your music? HB: It was originally written four years ago might surprise others. about the Genocide at MIT, the HB: If you’re talking about the Armenian for piano and trombone after a woman from HB: I’m into astronomy. Hayg in Armenian University of California at Berkeley, Tufts community, people aren’t open to modern California commissioned it for her son. I later means “Orion” in the constellation — three and Columbia University. classical. If I was writing like Gomidas adapted it for the Rivers Music School in stars in a line portraying a hunter. I enjoy He is the author of Children of Armenia: Vartabed, people would know me. Because I Weston, featuring two oboes and piano, then studying the stars and find the entire uni - A Forgotten Genocide and the Century- use a language that’s very modern and diffi - adapted a third piece to include horn and verse amazing with its vast setting. Long Struggle for Justice, which was pub - cult to appreciate, my music isn’t recogniz - piano, which has yet to be performed. Now TV: How should we commemorate the lished by Simon & Schuster in 2009. able as an Armenian suite. If you listen I’ve orchestrated it adding an additional Genocide centennial in 2015? Children of Armenia breaks new ground enough and give it time, you’ll appreciate it. minute of music. The CD is in limbo waiting HB: With a multi-cultural event that involves by telling the story of the aftermath of the It’s challenging, yet stimulating. to be released. I was told this could be my sig - all Armenian churches and organizations Armenian Genocide. It recounts a struggle TV: What inspired you to become a com- nature piece. together that transcends our cause and for justice that takes readers from massive poser? TV: Who do you respect as a modern exposes us en masse to the Greater American demonstrations, to the halls of Congress, HB: I bought a piano at age 18, left Armenian composer? community. Let us turn our focus upon the to courtroom battles. Argentina two years later and had already HB: One would be Yerevan’s Tigran arts and music. Through these mediums, we During years of research, Bobelian started harmony and counterpoint. I attend - Mansurian. He’s the most prominent compos - can convey our feelings in a way that others interviewed more than 65 people — from ed the New England Conservatory in Boston, er of this generation. Another would be may embrace. They speak a universal lan - former presidential candidate Bob Dole got a degree in economics from Northeastern Levon Chavoushian, also from Yerevan. guage. to leading Armenian advocates — and investigated tens of thousands of docu - ments at the National Archives and pres - idential libraries to provide an insider’s account of this odyssey. Kocharian Photo Exhibition to Be Children of Armenia has been praised in several national publications, includ - Presented at Robin Rice Gallery ing the Washington Post, Foreign Affairs KOCHARIAN, from page 13 Magazine, the Washington Times and the Kocharian, also a filmmaker, brings a cinematic eye to his pho - Chronicle of Higher Education. tography. Walking through the exhibit one gets a sense of move - John Evans, former US ambassador to ment. For Kocharian, the photographic process is in many ways Armenia, wrote, “I heartily recommend like the aging of wine. He puts his heart and soul into shooting this book.” Former California Gov. George and then lets the images sit for months until he gets a sudden Deukmejian described the book as a “pow - urge to look at them. erful and gripping account.” Dr. Michael Born in Armenia, Kocharian has lived in New York City since Berenbaum, the former projector director 1993. He began his studies at the Armenian Theater Academy of the US Holocaust Memorial Museum in and continued his education in film directing at Brooklyn Washington DC, called the book “a pow - College. His solo exhibitions in New York include Galerie erful and provocative work.” And in his Mourlot, Robin Rice Gallery, 92 Y Tribeca and James Cohan review of Children of Armenia, UCLA Gallery. He was a finalist in the Smithsonian Magazine Photo Professor Richard Hovannisian simply Competition. said: “The book is captivating.” Kocharian also collaborates with various non-for-profits, Bobelian lives in New York with his including African Services Committee, Chodron Foundation and wife and two children. Self Help Africa. Kocharian has written and directed six short The social hour starts with appetizers films including “Charlie,” which won the Thirteen/WNET Reel at 6:15 p.m., followed by a complete din - 13 Shorts competition. He wrote and produced his first feature ner at 7 p.m. The dinner meeting will be film, “Manhattan Romance.” His new feature film as a writ - at the St. James Armenian Church er/director/producer, “Please Be Normal,” will be released this Charles Mosesian Cultural & Youth year. Kocharian is also a singer-songwriter; his upcoming album, Center – Keljik Hall, 465 Mt. Auburn St. “Children’s Album,” will be released this summer. Man in the ocean, Coast of Maine, archival pigment print Ladies are welcome. The museum is located at 325 W 11th St. 16 S ATURDAY , F EBRUARY 25, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARTS & LIVING Hewsen to Discuss Mekhitarist Contributions in Lecture at Ararat-Eskijian Museum

MISSION HILLS, Calif. — Prof. Robert center of Armenian culture worldwide. Armenian and Caucasian history under the pio - Hewsen will speak on Sunday, March 4, at 4 Mekhitar’s program for uplifting the neer Armenologist, Cyril Toumanoff. From p.m., at the Hasmig Mgrdichian Hall of the Armenian people consisted of three projects: 1) 1967 to 1999, he taught Russian and Byzantine Ararat-Eskijian Museum. The lecture, titled the unification of the Armenian with the History at Rowan University in New Jersey, “The Mekhitarist Contribution to the Armenian Roman Catholic Church; 2) the introduction of where he is now professor emeritus. He has Renaissance,” will be cosponsored by the muse - the new learning of the European taught Armenian history as a visiting professor um, the Armenian Cultural Visionaries and the Enlightenment to the Armenian people and 3) at numerous universities in the US and abroad, National Association for Armenian Studies and the presentation to Western scholarship of the lectured widely on Armenian subjects, and has Research (NAASR). The event is free and open achievements of Armenian culture. To accom - been a regular participant in Armenian Studies to the public. The lecture will be in English; a plish these goals Mekhitar placed his faith in panels at the annual Middle East Studies reception will follow in honor of Hewsen’s life - education and publication. The Mekhitarist Association (MESA) conferences. time of achievements as a scholar. Congregation, from its two monasteries in Hewsen is the translator of the seventh-cen - Between 1717, when Mekhitar of Sepastia Venice and Vienna, still operates a network of tury Armenian Geography of Anania Shirak- (1676-1749), born Gomidas Keumurjian and a schools in Europe, the Middle East, and the atsi and is the author of the landmark convert to Catholicism, arrived in Venice with Americas. The Mekhitarist monastery on San Armenia: A Historical Atlas as well as many seventeen followers, and 1816, when the Lazzaro remains one of the major centers of scholarly articles, reviews, and book chapters. Lazarian College was founded in Moscow, the Armenian culture in the world. For more information contact the Ararat- Mekhitarist monastery, established on the Hewsen received his doctorate from Eskijian Museum at Ararat-eskijian-muse - Prof. Robert Hewsen island of San Lazzaro in Venice, was the major Georgetown University, where he studied [email protected]. It’s De-Lovely! It’s De-lightful! It’s De-licious! NELO Opens 10th Season returns for this new show, including: June Baboian, choral director of with Cole Porter Revue Armenian Memorial Church; Kaja Schupper, a NELO audience favorite; award-winning BOSTON — The New England Light Opera cabaret singer Brian DeLorenzo and Morgan. (NELO) is opening its 10th season with a Joining the cast for the first time at the piano brand-new revue of the timeless songs of will be Margaret Ulmer. Cole Porter, called “Night and Day: A New The AMF which is in its seventh year has Cole Porter Celebration.” NELO’s perfor - collaborated with NELO with several of its mance on Friday, March 2 at 8 p.m. is being shows, including “My Favorite Things: A presented by the Andreassian Music Fund Richard Rodgers Celebration,” “Fascinating (AMF) at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 15 Rhythm: A George Gershwin Revue” among Newbury St. others. In addition, the AMF has presented “Back in 2004, we presented a new Porter classical artists such as, violinist, Emil revue we had created called ‘Night and Day,’” Altschuler, and guitarist, Gerome Moufe, (AM says NELO Artistic Director and Co-founder Duo) in concert, pianist, Karine Bagdasarian, Mark Morgan. “It went to have several runs as well as violinist, Sargis Karapetian, and Screenshot of the Eastern Diocese’s new iBook, The Story of Sts. Vartanants and was our most successful show to date. pianist, Noune Hacopian. For this, our 10th anniversary, we decided to As with other events hosted by the revisit Porter —there were so many great Andereassian Music Fund, the room will be songs we couldn’t include the first time.” set up with candlelit tables accommodating The new show features an en almost entire - New iBook from the Eastern Diocese six to eight individuals. The cost of admission ly new song list including such standards as, will include wine served during the perfor - Begin the Beguine, Just One of Those NEW YORK — The Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America announced mance and an elaborate post-performance Things and You’re the Top as well as rarities, recently the release of the first-ever Armenian Church iBook designed for the iPad. In dessert reception. such as, Heaven Hop and I’m Yours . The this publication, Hagop Nersoyan’s The Story of Sts. Vartanants is brought to life on the show is tied in with reminiscences of Porter Armand Andreassian says, “I like to create iPad with interactive features, including photo galleries, video and audio recordings, a in his own words. a party atmosphere where people can meet glossary and more. The original cast of “Night and Day” old and new friends.” Users can browse images of historic maps, listen to St. Vartan and St. Ghevont’s stir - ring speeches, look up new terms and highlight favorite passages as they read about the Battle of Avarayr. This digital book invites readers to revisit St. Vartan’s stand against the Persian army in defense of Armenia’s existence as a Christian nation. The iBook is the latest in a series of digital efforts at the Eastern Diocese. It comple - ments the Diocese’s mobile phone application, Vemkar, which is available for free down - load on the iPhone and Android platforms. To learn more about the Eastern Diocese, visit www.armenianchurch-ed.net.

The original cast of “Night and Day” returns for this new show, including: June Baboian, Kaja Schupper, Brian DeLorenzo and Mark Morgan.

The iBook as it appears in Apple’s iBookstore Advertise in the Mirror-Spectator S ATURDAY , F EBRUARY 25, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 17 ARTS & LIVING Akçam Speaks on Book on Istanbul Trials of Genocide Perpetrators

AKÇAM, from page 1 Prime Ministerial Archives in Istanbul and the sible for the massacres of Armenians there, Turkish dissent, as the book used Ottoman and Judgment at Istanbul , published by Military Archives in Ankara. Akçam said that ended with a guilty verdict and public hanging Turkish sources. Berghahn Books and supported by the Zoryan the former was open to researchers but that lit - of the accused. “We are all human beings and we need to Institute, for the first time presents in English tle of the material was catalogued at that time Sixteen defendants received the death penal - overcome [differences] as scholars, at least. and analyzes the indictments and verdicts of when research for the book was carried out. In ty, though most were in absentia, including the There is no Turkish perspective or Armenians the Turkish Military Tribunals. Two editions of 1922, he said, Istanbul was taken over by triumvirate who orchestrated the Genocide, perspective,” he said, only the truth. the book are out now, one in Turkish, which nationalists, who purged many archives, and Talaat, Enver and Jemal. He expressed optimism that the tide was runs to some 700 pages, and an English one, that the documents relating to the Istanbul mil - Several times during the talk Akçam referred turning in Turkey. “There is genuine interest in which is about half the length. (The reason for itary courts martial were likely transferred to to Guenter Lewy, whose work denies that what Turkey to work on this subject,” he said, espe - the briefer English edition is money, Akçam the military archive. However, that archive is was done to the Armenians is properly called cially in the aftermath of the assassination of said, as translation costs are very high.) largely closed to outside researchers. genocide, and his inaccurate claims about the his friend, Hrant Dink, the late founding editor “The idea for the book started with the first Akçam said that he and Dadrian took years to trials. For example, Lewy wrote that no wit - of Agos . “You may not know how Hrant Dink meeting with Vahakn Dadrian in 1990, my men - compile all the material from the official news - nesses were heard during the trials. Akçam changed Turkey. Since Hrant, in every court tor,” Akçam said. During a conversation, he papers covering the trials, from the early 1990s explained that, on the contrary, witnesses testi - case, at least 500 people show up. Turkey has said, they realized that between the two of to the early 2000s. It took that long because fied during the trials, with their testimonies not experienced such a thing.” them, they had the complete set of the Takvim- most of the newspapers were not archived. The detailed in the newspaper coverage of the trials. For the first time, he said, there is a “very i Vekâyi , the Ottoman official gazette, which newspapers, he said, covered the trials thor - In fact, Akçam said that they provided “primary strong civil society in Turkey,” adding that since documented the 12 Istanbul trials. oughly. However, after the government change sources that can enlighten us on 1915.” He 2008, no one has been arrested on charges of Soon after delving into the topic, he said, in 1919, while the trials still continued, interest noted that Turkish witnesses were preferred using the phrase “Armenian Genocide.” they realized that the trials did not take place in covering them waned. over Armenian ones, and added that in one He added that graduate programs for Turkish only in Istanbul, but all over Anatolia. “The trials were extremely extensive. They case, villagers testified about the rounding up students studying the Armenian Genocide The coverage of the trials show that cabinet are an important contribution for defining the and murder of Armenians in their village, as did should be supported. ministers, Young Turk party leaders and others Armenian Genocide as such,” he explained. lower-level military officers. Akçam holds the Robert Aram and Marianne were court-martialed by the Turkish Military He then proceeded to line up and knock The military police, however, were lax with Kaloosdian and Stephen and Marian Mugar Chair Tribunals in the years immediately following down the arguments the Turkish government security, allowing many of the prisoners to in Armenian Genocide Studies at the Department World War I. Most were found guilty and and its apologists use to dismiss the military tri - come and go at will during the day, trusting of History of Clark University in Worcester. He is received sentences ranging from prison with bunals. Among the objections they pose, he their sense of “honor” to return and not embar - the author of several books, including A Shameful hard labor to death. said, is that the Ottoman legal system offered rass their jailors. Many of them returned bring - Act: The Armenian Genocide and the Question of Until recently, knowledge of the trials was no basis for a fair trial, that the trials repre - ing big packages, Akçam said, and female visi - Turkish Responsibility . limited to those trials whose indictments and sented the justice of the victors, that the tors could come any time, without being Akçam was introduced by Prof. James verdicts were published by the Takvim-i accused were tortured and that no witnesses searched, thus disposing of evidence if needed. Russell, the Mashtots Professor of Armenian Vekâyi . Over the course of years of meticulous were presented at the trials. One prisoner who did not care about the Studies at the Department of Near Eastern research, Dadrian and Akçam discovered that Akçam said that the trials were in fact based embarrassment of his jailors, Dr. Reshid, the Languages and Civilizations at Harvard. Russell there were as many as 63 trials. In some cases, on European standards. He stressed they often governor of Diyarbekir, left for a bath and never began his introduction by inviting the audience very little information has been found about the included detailed documentation and evidence, came back and two others, Halil Pasha and to imagine an alternate history, in which Nazi trials. as well as witnesses. Kuchuk Bey, ran away as well. Germany, defeated in World War II, held trials Akçam explained that materials relating to One trial, that of Kemal Bey, the deputy gov - Akçam hope that the book would help shed of the Nazi officers who committed the the trials should be located in two archives: the ernor of Yozgat who was among those respon - more light on the Genocide and thus quell Holocaust, found them guilty, and then, through a change of fortune, got powerful again and denied the validity of the trials, sug - gesting that they were held under duress and that they were invalid and that indeed, Nazi Germany was innocent of any wrongdoing. Genocide, he said, is now a part of political C A LENDAR life. “The longer a crime is covered up, the C A LENDAR worst its effects become. What began as a sin became a policy of crimes, has become a part of the human psyche at large. ... Genocide has not merely changed politics but human nature.” He called Akçam “a champion of human lib - eration and truth” and said most importantly, MASSACHUSETTS he was proud to call him a friend. Judgment at Istanbul is available for sale at NAASR. MARCH 31 — AGBU New England District Presents: Per forming Artists in Concert, 8 p.m. Under the artistic direction of mezzo- soprano Solange Merdinian and conductor Aram Demirjian, the inau - gural program will feature young Armenian artists who are recipients Sayat Nova Dance of scholarships from AGBU in the performing arts. They will perform the works of both Armenian and non-Armenian classical composers. Scholarship Available Details to follow. MAY 24 — Celebrating 80 and Beyond, Benefit for the Armenian WATERTOWN — Sayat Nova Dance Mirror-Spectator. Royal Sonesta Hotel. Details to follow. Company (SNDC) announces that as part of its 25th anniversary celebration, it will introduce a new student dance scholarship. NEW JERSEY This scholarship has been designed to encourage dance education and provide a MARCH 8 — Hovnanian School Open houses The doors of your resource to Armenian students to put child’s future are open, come see for yourself from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. what they have learned through their at Hovnanian School, 817 River Road, New Milford. For information: dance education to practice. The applica - (201) 967-5940. Above is a scene from a production of the tion has been released for the 2012/2013 MARCH 31 — CARS presents Armenian singer Sibil from Istanbul musical comedy “The Flatterer,” by Hagop academic year. Applications must be sub - at 7 p.m. Special guest performance by Shushi Armenian Dance mitted by March 30. To learn more about Ensemble. Bergen County Academics, 200 Hackensack Ave., Baronian. On March 11, The Holy Martyrs Fundraising Committee will sponsor the the eligibility requirements and to apply, Hackensack. For information, call Hilda (516) 496-0248, Margit (914) visit www.sayatnova.com. 686-0840, Adi (973) 761-1544. Tickets, depending on seats: $50, Tekeyan Cultural Association Mher $30 and $25. Megertchian Theatrical Group’s “The MAY 19, 2012 — HMADS Gala Dinner Dance. Details to follow, June Flatterer,” at 3 p.m., at Cardozo High School, 25. HMADS 30th Commencement Exercise at 8 p.m., Kalustyan Hall. 57-00 23rd St., Bayside. Tickets are $35 and OCTOBER 28 — Save the date. The Armenian American Support $25. For info, call Bertha, (718) 423-8523. and Educational Center, Hye Doon, celebrates its 35th anniver- sary. Felician College, Lodi. With the participation of Akh’tamar Dance Ensemble and other talented guest performances. Details to follow. APRIL 28 — Rebirth Concert: dedicated to the 20th anniversary of NEW YORK both the Armenian National Military and Armenia’s membership to the United Nations. Organized by the Tekeyan Cultural Association of FEBRUARY 29 — HMADS Hye Bardez. Nursery and Kindergarten, NY/NJ. With the participation of renowned artists from Armenia and Grades 1-6, open house 9:15 a.m.-11 a.m. RSVP (718) 225-4826. the Philharmonic Symphonic Orchestra of Rhode Island, to take place HMADS 209-15 Horace Harding Expressway, Oakland Gardens. at 8 p.m.; the Merkin Concert Hall of Kaufman center, 129 West MARCH 11 — Holy Martyrs Fundraising Committee sponsors 67th St., New York City. Save the date. Details to follow. Tekeyan Cultural Association Mher Megertchian Theatrical MAY 12 — Shushi hosts a Gala Dinner Dance for an evening of Group’s “The Flatterer,” by Hagop Baronian, a musical comedy. 3 “Celebration,” 20th anniversary of Shushi’s liberation, Mother’s Day. p.m., Cardozo High School, 57-00 23rd St., Bayside. Tickets: $35 and Anniversary of Shushi Dance Ensemble, Kavookjian Hall, 630 Second $25. For info, call Bertha, (718) 423-8523. Ave., New York City. Details to follow. 18 S ATURDAY , F EBRUARY 25, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMENTARY

T HE A RMENIAN COMMENTARY Mirror- The Ugly Face of Provincialism

Armenia may serve other countries’ interests,” adding that his Spectator By Edmond Y. Azadian party is already taking measures to prevent people like Vartan Oskanian and Raffi Hovannisian from becoming presidential candidates. He concluded his remarks with the following toxic The parliamentary elections are ahead in Armenia and so it statement: “Armenia’s president must be a true Armenian is time for horse trading. The Republican Party, headed by whose ancestors are buried under the soil of our homeland.” President Serge Sargisian, is in an uneasy coalition with In Mr. Petrossian’s estimation, Oskanian and Hovannisian are Established 1932 Prosperous Armenia Party (Bargavach Hayastan), headed by an not “true Armenians.” oligarch, Gagik Zaroukian. Actually, the party was founded by If he considers himself a “true Armenian,” then Armenia can An ADL Publication former President Robert Kocharian, who still manipulates the only meet an ominous future. Petrossian is an opportunist. He group behind the scenes. The two parties formed a strong rul - was the dean of the Law Department at Yerevan State ing coalition, allowing a small share of power to fall to Arthur University where the gravy train stopped. When Armenia EDITOR Bagdassarian’s party, Country of Laws (Orinatz Yerguir). The declared independence, he became member of the first parlia - Alin K. Gregorian coalition worked well, even when the ARF (Dashnag) party quit ment representing the ADL (Ramgavar) Party. He was one of

ASSOCIATE EDITOR its partners. It worked because a Kocharian comeback was in the first to jump the train heading for greener pastures. Aram Arkun the offing. As soon as that comeback was endangered, cracks And today he has become the representative of the ruling began to appear between the coalition partners. Republican Party and the face of provincialism, which many ART DIRECTOR President Serge Sargisian has no intention of ceding his job Marc Mgrditchian had assumed was the legacy of Soviet culture. However, this to his predecessor and he is seeking a second term as president. attitude seems to have survived to this day to divide the PRODUCTION The official document, signed between the partners, to par - Armenian nation. Dilani Yogaratnam ticipate jointly in the forthcoming elections, was questioned Whether we like the policies of Oskanian and Hovannisian or from both sides. At this writing, nothing is certain — not even not, they were the ones who introduced the Western-style polit - if the coalition will survive internal squabbling. March is the ical culture in Armenia, at great personal sacrifices. Their alle - SENIOR EDITORIAL COLUMNIST: convention period; the platforms and tickets will be announced giance to Armenia cannot be questioned. Edmond Azadian at that time. Meanwhile speculations abound. This mentality is not endemic to Raffik Petrossian or the A political analyst, Marietta Khachatryan, writing in the daily CONTRIBUTORS: Republican Party. Unfortunately, patriotism in Armenia is skin Florence Avakian, Elizabeth Aprahamian, Azg , has covered this pre-election turmoil, reporting that the deep only. You don’t need to scratch hard to find the provin - Daphne Abeel, Dr. Haroutiune parties have already started the process of power sharing. For cialism. Arzoumanian, Taleen Babayan, Prof. example, the Republican Party has already taken over 25-30 In the early years of independence, one of the ruling mem - Vahakn N. Dadrian, Diana Der precincts, has ceded nine to the Prosperous Armenia and two bers of Pan-Armenian Movement (Hayots Hamazkayin Hovanessian, Philip Ketchian, Kevork to Country of Laws. She has also tried to come up with the Sharjun), Eduard Yegorian, was the proponent of this xeno - Keushkerian, Sonia Kailian-Placido , opposition’s share in the future parliament, asking cynically at phobic policy, who advocated that all the Diaspora Armenians Harut Sassounian, Mary Terzian, Hagop the end: “While parties are in the process of sharing the seats are needed for is to bring money to Armenia and mind their Vartivarian, Naomi Zeytoonian in the future parliament, no one gives a damn about the voters; own business in the diaspora. CORRESPONDENTS: after all, who is the voter to have a say in the elections?” It is such short-sighted provincialism that divides the Every day a new development is revealed. The latest one was Armenian nation. This ingrained attitude there causes the Armenia - Hagop Avedikian Boston - Nancy Kalajian the announcement of former Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian Diaspora-Armenians to lose one court case after the other, Philadelphia - Lisa Manookian joining the Prosperous Armenia Party. His long-term coopera - when they are trying to invest or buy properties in Armenia. tion with former President Kocharian could not lead him any - Some even lose their lives along with their money. Therefore, Contributing Photographers: Jacob Demirdjian, Harry Koundakjian, Jirair where else. This move will give political character to a party, no one in Armenia can blame Diaspora-Armenians if they Hovsepian which was thus far Kocharian’s shadow in the parliament, head - become hesitant to invest in the homeland. ed by an oligarch. Armenians are a divided and fragmented people; one faction Oskanian’s decision to join the Prosperous Armenia seems to cannot stand the other one and vice versa. But they cannot be have irritated the Republican ranks, which were already in a blamed for that; they have lived in different countries and The Armenian Mirror-Spectator is published restive accommodation with the latter. Raffik Petrossian of the weekly, except two weeks in July, by: under different political systems, which have shaped their Republican Party has criticized Oskanian’s move severely. He national identities in different ways. Baikar Association, Inc. has even pushed the envelope further to raise the ugly head of But they will be blamed if they cannot realize the divisive fac - 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 provincialism, which, unfortunately is rife in Armenia’s political tors, which have kept them apart and rise above the divide and Telephone: 617-924-4420 culture. Petrossian, who is a member of parliament represent - adhere to a paramount national identity, which can bring us FAX: 617-924-2887 ing the Republican Party, has “foreseen” a danger for Armenia together. www.mir rorspectator.com in Oskanian’s move. Worried that Oskanian one day may Unless we get rid of provincialism and marginalize spokes - E-Mail: editor@mirrorspectator .com become a presidential candidate, Petrossian has stated: people like Petrossian, we cannot move ahead nor build a pow - For advertising: [email protected] “Presidential candidates, who were not born and raised in erful Armenia.

SUBSCRIPTION RATES : LETTERS U.S.A. 2nd Class $75 a year 1st Class $120 a year Canada Embassy Wants to See Update on Veteran’s Story Air Mail $125 a year All Other Countries To the Editor: Ghahramanyan was granted an Armenian Editor’s Response: Air Mail $190 a year The article published in your weekly, titled passport by the Head of Police of Armenia Display advertising r at e: $7 per column inch “From Orphanage to Artsakh War,” dated himself. We appreciate the swift response and atten - January 21 immediately caught my attention Thus, the story, which created negative reac - tion by Consul Lilit Davtyan. While the story for the following reason. tion among the readers of the Mirror- ran in the January 21 issue, an update This story about a Karabagh war veteran Spectator weekly, exhausted itself even before appeared in the January 28 issue (page 2). The © 2011 The Armenian Mirror-Spectator who was denied an Armenian passport first it was published by you on January 21. I am story, which originally appeared on January Periodical Class Postage Paid at Boston, MA came out in Hetq online on January 14 sure you would agree with me that the readers 14, was in the press cycle of our January 21 and additional mailing offices. (http://hetq.am/eng/articles/9156), which I of your respectful magazine deserve to know issue and was updated in the very next cycle. assume was reprinted by you. about this positive turn of events. It is heartening to see that the Armenian ISSN 0004-234X However, I would like to inform you that the Lilit Davtyan, Consul, Embassy staff is taking an interest in a subject POSTMASTER : Send address changes to The issue was properly and efficiently resolved by Embassy of Armenia and contacting our newspaper, as our frequent Armenian Mirror-Spectator, P.O. Box 302, Armenian authorities, which was already — Washington DC phone calls seeking comments from the Watertown, MA 02471-0302 reported in Hetq Online on January 18. Igor AmbassadorResponse 2-25 embassy are seldom answered. Other than the editorial, views and opinions expressed in this newspaper do not necessarily eflect the policies of the publisher. (10 point or larger). Submissions that do not director. Photos will be returned only if a Notice to Contributors conform to these specifications will be self-addressed and stamped envelope is assigned lowest priority. included. — Articles sent by fax are acceptable, and e- — The will publish only one article The wel - mail submissions are encouraged. about Ma-nS upcoming organizational Armenian Mirror-Spectator Copying for other than personal use or comes articles, commentaries and commu - — All submissions should include the event. For major special events, excep - internal reference is prohibited without nity news from our readers. In order to name of a contact person and a daytime tions may be made only by special express permission of the copyright assure the accurate and timely publication telephone number. arrangement with the editors. owner. Address requests for reprints or of articles submitted, please note the fol - — Deadline for submission of all articles — Telephone numbers, ticket prices and other back issues to: lowing policies: and advertising is noon on the Monday of details (at the discretion of the editors) will Baikar Association, Inc. — All articles submitted should be typed, the week of publication. not be included in press releases, but should double (or triple) spaced and printed in a — Photos will be published without charge be reserved for calendar listings and adver - 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 type size large enough to be clearly legible at the discretion of the editors and art tisements. S ATURDAY , F EBRUARY 25, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 19 COMMENTARY

minister has chickened out. After boasting that he would do is have the decency to keep his mouth shut until the gladly return to Switzerland to deny the Armenian Ottoman archives are fully open. Meanwhile, the archives of Genocide again, he facetiously declared that he would not other countries have been open for decades. go to Switzerland, since he has no money in Swiss banks. • Rattling off the witty Americanisms he picked up in The real reason for the minister’s abrupt change of heart is the streets of New York, such as “a day late and a dollar My Turn his fear of getting arrested should the Swiss prosecutor short,” Bagish told Euronews: “This is execution without rule that his diplomatic immunity does not protect him trial. Calling the 1915 events a genocide based solely on By Harut Sassounian from the crime of genocide denial. information we have right now comes from a lobby that How much longer can Prime Minister Erdogan tolerate nurtures malicious hatred.” Mr. Bagish’s clownish antics that make Turkey look like a • “Germany was a strong ally of the Armenians in 1915, Egemen Bagish: Turkey’s rogue state in the eyes of the world? Admiring his fluency so the Germans should open their archives and give docu - Minister of Genocide Denial in English, the prime minister had offered this 41-year-old ments to historians for examination,” Bagish told EU former New York college student a top ministerial post, not Enlargement Commissioner Stefan Fule, according to Even though all Turkish government officials routinely realizing what a liability his loose tongue would prove to Hurriyet newspaper. Bagis made two factual errors in one deny the Armenian Genocide, one particular minister has be! sentence: Germany was the ally of the Ottoman Empire, not turned denial into a full-time job. Ironically, as Minister for Just as President George W. Bush’s nonsensical state - Armenians, and the German archives have been open for European Union Affairs, Egemen Bagish has harmed ments became known as “Bushisms,” the world now has a years. Turkey’s prospects for EU membership more than any of rich collection of “Bagishisms.” Here is a sampling of his • “There’s no force that could bring about the arrest of its critics. preposterous remarks: any Turkish Minister,” Bagish bragged to journalists. Why Although Bagish has been making zany statements ever • “What happened in 1915 can’t be classified as geno - is he then afraid to waive his diplomatic immunity and then since his ministerial appointment two years ago, his recent cide as far as I’m concerned, but I was not around in 1915!” deny the Armenian Genocide in Switzerland? blunder in Zurich made headlines around the world. The • “I’m a politician. My job is to determine the future, not • Bagish keeps on repeating the falsehood that the Turkish Minister arrogantly dared Swiss authorities to the past!” Armenian government “did not have the courage to arrest him after boasting that “the events of 1915 were not • “In recent years, everyone has seen that more respond to Prime Minister Erdogan’s letter requesting the genocide!” Switzerland has a law that penalizes genocide Europeans are moving to Turkey than vice versa.” formation of a commission of historians to study the denial, similar to the law now pending in France. A Swiss • During a recent conference in Qatar, Minister Bagish Armenian Genocide.” In fact, the then President Kocharian prosecutor is investigating Bagish’s words and his diplo - became the laughing stock of the audience, when he proud - did answer, suggesting that all outstanding issues between matic status to see if charges could be filed against him for ly announced that “Europe” is a Turkish word! The Greek the two countries be resolved in the larger context of gov - genocide denial. ambassador to Qatar angrily responded: “Europa was one ernment-to-government relations. It was the Turkish prime Of course, it does not take much courage to hide behind of the lovers of Zeus in Greek mythology, everyone knows minister that did not respond to Armenia’s president. the cover of diplomatic immunity and make Don Quixotic that!” While Minister Bagish has diplomatic immunity, the rest statements, challenging the laws of other countries. If • Minister Bagish does not seem to realize that he is con - of Turkey’s population does not enjoy such a privilege. It Minister Bagish were truly a macho man, he would waive tradicting himself by asking other countries to open their may be a good idea to accord immunity to all 72 million his immunity, go to Switzerland and publicly deny the archives to see if there was an Armenian Genocide, while Turks in order to shield them from prosecution, when they Armenian Genocide. However, it appears that the feisty concluding that there was no genocide. The least he could utter the words “Armenian Genocide” in Turkey. The Other Denied Genocides From Turkey to Guatemala, Nations Deny Worst Crimes

als (including scholars) who would otherwise speak the By Daniel Jonah Goldhagen truth about it. Germany, for all its shortcomings, serves as a model of honesty for its political leaders and elites, in acknowledging the past, in its media’s extensive treat - ment of Holocaust themes, in its educational system’s ike the Holocaust itself, Holocaust criminalized the denial of the Turks’ genocide of the instruction and in making amends with the survivors. denial is a well-known if often misun - Armenians in World War I. A few days later, a While Germans have all been confronted repeatedly with derstood phenomenon. In its most Guatemalan judge ruled that the country’s former dicta - the truth about their countrymen’s perpetration of the naked form, it denies the historical fact tor, Jose Efrain Ríos Montt, the mastermind of much of Holocaust, most Turks have been fed lies by their gov - that during the Nazi period, Germans, the genocide of 200,000 Mayas in the early 1980s, must ernment, have never been exposed to how their country - helped by many other Europeans such face trial, despite the hegemonic denial movement in men exterminated Armenians and believe that claims as Ukrainians, sought to kill the Jews of Guatemala. The International Criminal Court in The about the genocide are merely attempts to blacken Europe and managed to slaughter Hague also ordered a trial for several of the Kenyan polit - Turkey’s name. L roughly 6 million of them. In somewhat ical organizers of the post-election eliminationist assault Survivors of all genocides say the same thing: We want less brazen forms, it denies not the Germans’ perpetra - that in 2008 took the lives of more than 1,000 people and the truth told. tion of the Holocaust in its entirety, but merely central expelled from their homes and ruined the lives of We want people to know what happened so that it will aspects of it, such as that they used gas chambers or that 600,000 more — violence that Kenyan leaders have false - not happen to others. I heard this again and again from they killed a number close to 6 million Jews. In a still ly insisted was simply spontaneous, local and ethnic flare survivors around the world when working on my film somewhat more attenuated form, Holocaust denial prac - ups. And Baltasar Garzon, the Spanish judge who had “Worse Than War,” including in Guatemala, where sur - titioners say little about the events themselves or about exercised the controversial legal doctrine of universal vivors also called for Ríos Montt to be put on trial. When the Germans or others who slaughtered Jews, and jurisdiction against mass murderers, was himself put on I interviewed Montt for the film, he defiantly said, “If I instead attack survivors or scholars, calling them frauds trial in what may be a political vendetta for his having was responsible, I would be in jail,” implying that his free - when they seek nothing more than to tell the truth about investigated the routinely denied crimes of Francisco dom proved his innocence. Now his claim rings even hol - what happened. Franco’s dictatorship, responsible for the death of per - lower. Now his surviving victims may get their wish. Now Holocaust denial consists of more than outright denial haps 200,000 Spaniards during the middle of the 20th the powerful denial movement in Guatemala, which for of the Holocaust. It includes a variety of attempts to cast century. decades obscured even the basic facts of the genocide, doubt on, cover up and confuse people about the Whatever their differences, these events are each should be powerfully counteracted. Holocaust, in essence to falsify the history of this period responses to, or the expression of, attempts to deny the We should honor the survivors’ wishes everywhere for and to fabricate a fictitious version, because it serves large-scale mass murder and eliminationist assaults that truth and justice, and this means that, whatever the many people in diverse ways, primarily politically, to have took place in each of these countries. momentary political costs, we must insist that the truth such a fictitious history become accepted. Defenders of Every denial movement is organized and led by politi - be told about all genocides, the Turks’ murder of the the name and honor of Germans or of Ukrainians or cal leaders, often at the helm of a state, who place enor - Armenians included. Those who fail to do so perpetrate other Europeans, anti-Semites, enemies of Israel, propa - mous obstacles to the truth being told or to justice done. a moral and human scandal, and cast a bad light on them - gandists of many stripes and sensibilities, all see the Denial movements cast doubt on, and confuse people selves and others when they rightly condemn and combat truth about the Holocaust to be inimical to their agendas. about, the Hutu mass annihilation of Tutsi in 1994, the Holocaust denial. In this sense, the original name that the Holocaust Serbs’ genocide of Bosniaks in the former Yugoslavia deniers gave themselves, “Holocaust revisionists,” is cor - from 1992 to 1994 and, in China, the colossal mass mur - rect insofar as the used a variety of strategies, many of ders perpetrated by the communists under Mao Zedong. which were not outright denial, to revise (albeit falsely) The Turks’ denial of their slaughter of 1.5 million (Daniel Jonah Goldhagen is the author of Worse Than the understanding of the Nazi period and what the Armenians is the oldest, most consistent and, probably, War: Genocide, Eliminationism, and the Ongoing Germans and others did to Jews. most effective large-scale genocide denial phenomenon. It Assault on Humanity, which is the basis of a PBS docu - If Holocaust denial is the best-known and most widely differs from Holocaust denial in that Turkey has actually mentary of the same name. His work can be read at practiced form of genocide denial, it is neither the only criminalized telling the truth about the Genocide and the goldhagen.com. This commentary originally appeared in one nor the oldest. Already this year, in the span of just Turkish state, whether under military or civilian, secular the February 15 issue of The Jewish Daily . Worse than a few days at the end of January, we saw a few potent or religious leadership, has continuously made falsifying War was reviewed by Daphne Abeel for the Mirror- examples of the pushback against those who would try to this history a central foreign policy stance, threatening Spectator in the January 9, 2010 edition of the newspa - bury the memory of mass murder. The French legislature and sanctioning and influencing countries and individu - per.) 20 S ATURDAY , F EBRUARY 25, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR

Sargisian Participates in Convention Of Homeland Defenders Union

VETERANS, from page 1 ers crashed the backbone of the enemy’s pha - too tall, salt-and-pepper already in his hair, organization, which is concerned with the border itself. The homeland defender is a par - lanx, brought the enemy to his knees and and it’s hard to believe that you’re facing a future of our country and our nation, which is ent who spread his wings over the fires, cov - enforced him into peace. man who inspired awe into the enemy during far away from opportunism and has its precise ered the blow with his own body as long as Homeland defender’s spirit and skills forged the Artsakh war years. The homeland defend - and principled stance on every critical issue was need for his child — the young Armenian at the battlefield became the Armenian Army. er participated also in the arduous job of the we face. Army — to grow up and mature. On Heroism of the brave, who fell at the battle - army building, giving his experience and con - Present in this hall are individuals, who at September 21 that very Army, its young and field, became a lesson of patriotism for the fidence to young soldiers and commanders. the time of danger showed no fear, for whom mature men and women marched proudly thousands of children who are being educated He was filled and filled the entire nation Armenia and Artsakh are above politics and down the Republic Square. It was thanks to everything else. I repeat, everything else. you, folks, thanks to all our folks and thanks Many of them are my fellow comrades in arms, to our nation, its struggle, deprivations, and and I am proud of it. unbending spirit. But the victory has not finished but has Honor and glory to them all, all those who given a start to a new task — building of a free are not here today. And certainly, honor and and just Armenia. glory to the folks who fell on the battlefield Today, there are processes underway in our and yet continue to bring up generations country, which will positively change the through their spirit and their example: country, providing it with characteristics that Everlasting glory to their memory befit a country of the 21st century civiliza - Long live those who reinforce the power of tion. This is a call of the times, and there is no our pivot. That pivot is created of the materi - other way for Armenia to develop. It’s a huge al, which makes the Armenian brand, the and strenuous task, but we will accomplish it. Armenian system of values. That pivot origi - We will accomplish it standing shoulder-to- nates from the depths of times. shoulder; united we will succeed. At the critical times for the Armenian Armenia is entering a new course of devel - nation, at the times of life and death chal - opment. We are building a new country, a new lenges, taut strings of the Armenian bows society and a new citizen. Discipline and free - were ringing again and again. And that calling dom, public order and democracy — they com - awakened the bearers of a rebellious and General Manvel Grigorian (L) addresses a congress of his Yerkrapah Union of Nagorno-Karabagh plement and condition each other. The citizen righteous Armenian character. In one night war veterans in Yerevan. of Armenia will be as free as law-abiding. that call turns the people of the most peaceful All strata of our society demand a free and occupations, most peaceful Armenian laborers just country; they demand also a rule of law, — teachers, farmers, journalists, tractor dri - and will be educated in the Armenian schools. with the confidence of his leader, the not in the future but here and now. And they vers and workers — into warriors and coura - Combat brotherhood of the homeland defend - Sparapet that “the beginning of the 21st cen - are right. geous commanders. They become an unbend - ers has become an anchor of social accord, tury will see the formation of the new type of Meanwhile, there are individuals among us ing and adamant willpower and rise against which would lend a hand to our society in Armenian, who will be become the carrier of who overestimate their abilities, who simply the enemy. That’s how it was from Hayots times of need. And such days have not been its national ideology, void of the inferiority abuse the difficulties; there are also impatient Dzor to Shushi, from Avarayr to Sardarapat, few in the last two decades. The hand was fears, daring, confident, with a glorious histo - and suspicious ones, whose faith has been from Vaspurakan to Bash Aparan and landed by the nation, which was standing at ry behind his shoulders, and with the hori - shaken because they met with injustice or law - Karvatchar. It will be that way again in the the brink of rift and which supported by this zons in front…” lessness. We have to continue to change, centuries to come, if the foe’s sudden sword unyielding pivot of values would conquer And this nation, which has countless cen - restoring our faith — faith in our own attempts to darken the Armenian skies again. every dividing line and re-find the road of turies to come, will remember for a long, long strength, our country and future for Armenia. At the end of the last century, the world had advancement. time the wisdom of the homeland defender, as The country is changing by day. Many neg - witnessed once again transformation of the The homeland defender came back home. he put it, “There cannot be a former home - ative phenomena, which were habitual yester - Armenian, who this time emerged as a volun - He returned to his peaceful work, his pen and land defender; if needed, for our fatherland we day, today are extinct. Some of negative teer defender of the homeland. When an shovel. The lecturer stood before his aban - Armenian volunteer was asked in bewilder - doned audience, the student occupied his sit ment, “You have five children, how can you go in auditorium. The homeland defender to war?” he responded, “I go to this war assumed the leadership of the country and because I have five children, so that they live rode his neglected tractor. Today, looking at a in a safe country.” scrawny and humble toiling peasant in a dis - The fist of the Armenian homeland defend - tant village somewhere in Tavush, who is not

Armenian War Veterans Pledge Election Support For Sargisian

PLEDGE, from page 1 ing the opposition to use his organization for profile gathering. “Dear comrades-in-arms, let “dishonest political purposes.” us welcome the president of the republic, Grigorian was sacked as deputy defense min - Serge Sargisian, who is present in the auditori - ister in April 2008, one month after the military um.” helped the Kocharian-Sargisian duo quell the “We believe and trust you and stand by your protests. Sargisian publicly accused him at the efforts to meet challenges facing our country,” time of refusing to obey Kocharian’s orders. he said. The Yerkrapah leader afterwards repeatedly From right, Vigen Sargsyan, chief of staff, Defense Minister Seyran Ohanyan, President Serge Speaking at an ensuing news conference denied having any links with the Ter-Petrosian- Sargisian and President of Volunteer Homeland Defenders Union General Manvel Grigorian Grigorian did not deny that the Yerkrapah lead - led opposition. In February 2010, he pledged ership will help Sargisian’s Republican Party of allegiance to Sargisian and made sure that vir - Armenia (HHK) win the parliamentary elec - tually all opposition backers are excluded from tions due in May. “We said nothing about the a new Yerkrapah board. and our friends are ready to put on our uni - trends expanded, some new have come into Republican Party. But the president is our com - Yerkrapah had enjoyed substantial political forms again.” (M. Grigorian). Dear Manvel, let existence. Changes will first of all be aimed at rade-in-arms and we will stand by him,” he said. clout in Armenia until the October 1999 assas - God grant us no necessity to do that. eradicating them. We have taken the course “Do not forget that he was our defense min - sination of its founder, Prime Minister Vazgen Being a non-political organization, the of Armenia’s comprehensive modernization. ister during the heavy fighting in 1993-1994,” Sargisian (no relation to the president). It has Union of Homeland Defenders in our society Modernization will affect our political and he added. “We executed his orders during the lost much of that influence since then. has been holding a social and even political legal structure, our industry, education and war. He didn’t leave us on the battlefield and we Levon Zurabian, a top aide to Ter-Petrosian, weight and role. Let’s admit that at times science. We have to become a modern nation, didn’t betray him, carrying out all of his pointed to Yerkrapah’s diminished role in there were also conflicting views about the which is competitive and is ready to face the orders.” Armenian politics as he commented on the elec - Defenders. A person returning from a war challenges of the current times. The remarks highlighted a dramatic turn - toral backing promised to Sargisian. “The fact has been having serious problems in all times Armenia is a country of victorious people. It around in Grigorian’s stance since Armenia’s that the authorities are trying to clinch state - related to the accommodation to a peaceful simply cannot be poor or backward. In a coun - last presidential election held in February 2008. ments from forces having zero role in politics life, problems related to finding a place and try of victorious people, the person’s dignity Many Yerkrapah members backed Ter- shows that the authorities are very worried,” role in the new milieu. These problems are cannot be abused. We see that everywhere in Petrosian, the main opposition candidate, and Zurabian said. psychological, as well as public and social. the world, almost every nation stood up for its actively participated in his post-election demon - Zurabian claimed that most war veterans con - Today, with the years’ experience before our dignity. We were among the first who did it strations. Grigorian was thought to have tinue to support Ter-Petrosian’s Armenian eyes, we can state that the Union of and have to achieve results faster. approved of that. National Congress (HAK) alliance. “Today all Homeland Defenders was predominantly able Distinguished Homeland Defenders, Ter-Petrosian publicly called the mustachioed individuals, senior commanders who participat - to solve this problem. Moreover, the People in this hall symbolize the human general a national hero and said the latter will ed in the war are with the [opposition] move - Homeland Defenders have always been digni - and national dignity at its best. You had gone make sure that the Armenian army is not used ment,” he said. fied as befits the soldier of the fatherland. to battle armed with that dignity. You live for suppressing the opposition street protests Yerkrapah’s stance was also criticized by Social and political behavior of the Union of with it. We are building a new Armenia, which against alleged vote rigging. Acting at the Armen Martirosian, a leader of the opposition the Homeland Defenders has been having its will personify our human and national digni - behest of outgoing President Robert Kocharian, Zharangutyun (Heritage) party. He said it is positive influence on our society. The atmos - ty. I have no doubt that we will succeed. To more than a dozen top Armenian army officers “unacceptable” for a supposedly apolitical orga - phere in our country is also shaped by their succeed, we have to believe. We have to terminated their membership in Yerkrapah in nization to openly side with one of the election civil position. believe to carry on with the changes. the following days, accusing Grigorian of allow - contenders. Today, in the form of the Union, we have an Stay firm, folks. I wish you every success.