AUGUST 6, 2011 MirTHE rARoMENr IAN -Spe ctator Volume LXXXII, NO. 4, Issue 4198 $ 2.00 NEWS IN BRIEF The First English Language Armenian Weekly in the United States Pallone Bemoans Lack Erdogan Of NKR Assistance Tekeyan Centre Fund Creates WASHINGTON — Rep. Frank Pallone Jr. (D-NJ) on Monday wrote House Appropriations Committee Summer Magic for Students Chairman Harold Rogers to express his concerns Demands regarding reports that the subcommittee has bro - ken precedent by failing to provide funding for humanitarian and development assistance in Nagorno Karabagh. In past years, funding for Apology Nagorno Karabagh had broad bi-partisan support. Pallone expressed concerns about the repercus - sions this lack of funding would have in the region. “Since 1998 USAID and other agencies have From been providing funds for humanitarian and other assistance programs in Nagorno Karabagh as a result of the Appropriations Committee’s work. The decision to provide no funds to Nagorno Armenia Karabagh in Fiscal Year 2012 is a break with the practice of the Appropriations Committee, under both Democratic and Republican control,” Pallone ISTANBUL (RFE/RL) — Turkish Prime wrote in the letter. Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan demanded late last Wednesday that President Serge Sargisian withdraw and apologize for Aykazian Speaks on remarks which he claimed amount to Capitol Hill Regarding Armenian territorial claims to Turkey. Tekeyan students learn traditional dances at the camp. The president’s office quickly denied that Debt Ceiling claim and accused the Turkish government WASHINGTON — Archbishop Vicken Aykazian, the of distorting the VAHAGNADZOR, Armenia — How beautiful the nature of Lori is — mountains Eastern Diocese’s director of Ecumenical Relations, statements made covered with forests, gorgeous sunsets and picturesque scenery. In this lovely joined religious leaders this week in urging law - by Sargisian at a spot, on the bank of the River Debed, in Vahagnadzor village, is where the chil - makers on Capitol Hill to resolve the question of July 23 meeting dren’s camp, Gugarq, is located. From July 15 to 25, Gugarq hosted 85 Tekeyan the debt ceiling before the August 2 deadline and with students schoolchildren and their teachers. to arrive at a solution that takes into account the from Armenia see CAMP, page 16 and the diaspora. needs of struggling people. Sargisian also The daylong meeting on Wednesday, July 26, released the text included sessions with House Minority Leader of the comments. Nancy Pelosi and Assistant Leader James Clyburn, and staff members of House Speaker John Recep Tayyip Erdogan “Sargisian com - Menendez Holds up Appointment of mitted a serious Boehner, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and blunder,” New US Ambassador to Armenia Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. Erdogan said during a visit to Azerbaijan. “To ensure a fair budget, it is very important that “He himself confirmed his historical blun - WASHINGTON (RFE/RL) — Sen. Robert Heffern refused to describe the mas - we remember the most vulnerable: the elderly and der.” Menendez, (D-NJ), has delayed congression - sacres as genocide during the July 13 com - children, as well as those who are poor, sick, hun - “He must apologize and correct his blun - al confirmation of a diplomat nominated by mittee hearing. He said “the characteriza - gry or disabled,” Aykazian said. “It is our moral der,” he said at a joint news conference with President Barack Obama to serve as the tion of those events is a policy decision that responsibility to take care of these people.” Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev. next US ambassador to Armenia. is made by the president of the United Christian, Jewish and Muslim leaders took part in Erdogan referred to Sargisian’s answer to The nominee, John Heffern, had his first States and that policy is enunciated in his the day’s program. a question asked by one of the Armenian confirmation hearing at the Senate Foreign April 24 Remembrance Day statement.” Aykazian delivered a prayer during an afternoon students in the resort town of Tsaghkadzor. Relations Committee two weeks ago. The com - Obama declined to use the word geno - press conference organized by the group. The latter wondered whether Armenians mittee was scheduled to continue the consid - cide in that statement, contrary to his will ever be able to reclaim lands in what is eration of his candidacy late last Tuesday. promises given to the influential Armenian- Ambassador Holds now eastern Turkey, which many of them The discussion was postponed until the American community during the last US call “Western Armenia.” next committee meeting, expected in presidential race. Meetings in Lebanon The area for centuries formed a part of September, at the request of Menendez. Menendez openly expressed his dissatis - Armenian kingdoms before being con - The Armenian Assembly of America faction with Heffern’s remarks on the sen - BEIRUT (armradio.am) — On July 23, Armenian quered by the Ottoman Empire. Its indige - (AAA) quoted Menendez as telling its lead - sitive subject. “This is an inartful dance Ambassador to Lebanon Ashot Kocharian met with nous Armenian population was massacred ers that he needs more time to review that we do ... We have a historical knowl - Chairman of the Lebanese Parliament Nabih Beri. or deported en masse during the Genocide. Heffern’s answers to his questions regard - edge of the facts which we accept that During the meeting, the two discussed the “It depends on you and your generation,” ing the World War I-era slaughter of some would amount to genocide, but we are domestic situation in Lebanon and the current Sargisian replied to the student. “I believe 1.5 millions Armenians in Ottoman Empire. unwilling to reference it as genocide,” he state of Armenian-Lebanese relations. that my generation has fulfilled its task: The AAA said the lawmaker “remains trou - complained on July 13. On July 25, Kocharian met with Foreign Minister when it was necessary in the beginning of bled by the administration’s wordsmithing In separate statements, the AAA and the Adnan Mansur. The ambassador conveyed Armenian the 1990s to defend a part of our father- regarding US affirmation and recognition Armenian National Committee of America Foreign Minister Eduard Nalbandian’s good wishes. see ERDOGAN, page 3 of the Armenian Genocide.” see MENENDEZ, page 16 Mansur hailed the role of the Armenian community in the political life of Lebanon. Torch for Pan-Armenian INSI DE Games Is Lit in Gandzasar Zartonk STEPANAKERT (Armenpress) — The ceremony of lighting the torch during the fifth Pan-Armenian Honored Games took place in Gandzasar’s Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist. The games will be held August 13-24 page 9 in Yerevan. Before the torch-lighting ceremony, Nagorno Karabagh President Bako Sahakian addressed the par - ticipants, emphasizing, “Today we are partaking in a INDEX very important and symbolic event. In a few minutes Arts and Living ...... 11 at the Gandzasar’s Cathedral of St. John the Baptist Armenia ...... 2 the torch of the fifth Pan-Armenian games will be lit. Community News...... 4 During the last 20 years Artsakh has become the sym - Editorial ...... 14 The Karabagh political leadership looks on as the torch is lit inside Gandzasar bol of consolidation of the world-spread Armenians.” International ...... 3 Cathedral, ready to be taken to Armenia for the games. see GAMES, page 2 2 S ATURDAY , A UGUST 6, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARMENIA News From Armenia Armenia Tree Project Creates New Green Spaces in 112 Communities Throughout Armenia This Spring Nora Armani to Make a YEREVAN — Armenia Tree Project (ATP) has partnered with 112 communi - Film in Armenia ties throughout Armenia to plant 30,047 decorative trees, shrubs and fruit trees YEREVAN (PanARMENIAN.Net) — Armenian- this spring. The work was led by the flag - American actress Nora Armani is presently working ship Community Tree Planting Program, on two films, one of which she plans to make in which has been operating since ATP’s Armenia next summer. founding in 1994. Armani withheld details as the film is still a work “Each season, we try to involve as in progress, however she said that she is starring in many new communities as possible, and the film and, possibly, will produce it as well. Gnel this past spring 25 out of the 112 com - Nalbandyan will be the screenwriter. The film will munities were new ATP partners,” be about a foreigner who arrives at an Armenian Arthur Harutyunyan, head monitor of village where he does not like anything, but at the ATP’s Community Tree Planting end of the film, he becomes attached to it and its Program, said. habitants. ATP has planted trees in more than Armani said she is also working on a book about 800 sites throughout Armenia, and her family, particularly, her grandmother and three every year more communities apply to sisters. ATP for trees. Armani played one of the leads in the feature film Tree planting was implemented this “Snowed in LA.” She said that Armenia has a huge year in the regions of Aragatsotn, Students from the Hovnanian School in New Jersey planted trees this spring with potential in the area of film production. Ararat, Armavir, Gegharkunik, Kotayk, their peers from Yerevan School No. 168 as part of ATP’s Building Bridges environ - Lori, Shirak, Syunik, Tavush and mental education program. Opposition Leader Vayots Dzor, as well as in Yerevan and Artsakh. ‘Confident’ about Fresh ATP participated in a number of cer - Building Bridges environmental educa - ATP. In the past 17 years, ATP has emonial plantings this spring, including tion program, students from the planted trees around hundreds of Elections a tree planting with United Nations Hovnanian School in New Jersey met church yards and surrounding areas. Department of Public Information, their peers from Yerevan School No. YEREVAN (RFE/RL) — Nikol Pashinian, a leading Armenia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs 168 to plant trees around the school. member of the opposition Armenian National and the Avan administrative district of Before getting to work, the students Congress (HAK), claimed last Thursday that the Armenian PM Unsure Yerevan. The event was dedicated to made friends by introducing them - authorities will agree to hold fresh presidential and Earth Day and it was organized in the selves, playing name games and learn - Of Political Future parliamentary elections before the end of this year. framework of the UN’s International ing more about each other. This was fol - “Either pre-term elections will take place as a Year of Forests. After a brief lesson on lowed by a short training by YEREVAN (RFE/RL) — Prime result of the [government-HAK] dialogue … or pre- how to plant a tree, government offi - Harutunyan about how to plant a tree. Minister Tigran Sargisian has declined term elections will take place under popular pres- cials, ambassadors and representatives After the planting, the local students to dismiss speculation that the unfold - sure,” Pashinian said. of the international community planted showed the guests around their school ing dialogue between Armenia’s gov - Pashinian, who is also the editor of the pro-oppo- 420 trees and established Park of and spent some time together. ernment and leading opposition force sition daily Haykakan Zhamanak, reiterated HAK Friendship in the Avan community. Tree plantings were organized at sev - could put his continued tenure at risk. leaders’ warnings that the opposition bloc will pull ATP also collaborated with local and eral other schools, churches and Sargisian was the main target of ver - out of its ongoing talks with President Serge international organizations operating orphanages around Armenia this bal attacks from representatives of the Sargisian’s ruling coalition if they yield no agree- in Armenia. “Our partnership with spring. Sites that were beautified by Armenian National Congress (HAK) ment on the issue by early September. HSBC Bank Armenia has become a ATP include Yerablur Military during the last rally held by the opposi - “If the possibility of achieving pre-term elections long-standing tradition to create new Cemetery, boarding schools in Yerevan tion alliance on June 30. This fact through dialogue is deemed exhausted, the HAK urban green spaces,” noted and Artik, a scout camp in Yerevan, the prompted suggestions that the HAK will have nothing to do in those negotiations. It Harutyunyan. “This spring, HSBC Armenian United Cross NGO in might ease pressure on President Serge will have something to do in Liberty Square Bank joined ATP in organizing tree Echmiadzin, a senior center in Lori and Sargisian if the latter sacks his instead,” he said. planting events in the center of Yerevan the SOS orphanage in Ijevan. ATP also reformist prime minister. Some senior HAK figures have threatened the and in the Nor Nork community. HSBC provided fruit trees to families in Asked whether he thinks his job may authorities with a campaign of “civil disobedience.” staff and their families joined local resi - Berdzor and Tsitsernavank in Artsakh. indeed be on the line now, Tigran Still, the bloc’s top leader, Levon Ter-Petrosian, dents to plant nearly 300 new trees.” Greening Armenian churches has Sargisian said, “God knows.” He would spoke out against another standoff with the gov- Within the framework of ATP’s always been a major program area for not comment further. ernment in his speeches delivered earlier this year. Sargisian has been dogged by rumors Coalition leaders have repeatedly rejected HAK of his impending sacking throughout demands for fresh elections. A senior member of his three-year tenure. Parliament Sargisian’s Republican Party of Armenia (HHK) Speaker Hovik Abrahamian, widely called them “nonsense” on Wednesday. Cousteau’s Followers: Armenian regarded as the 51-year-old premier’s “Right now the authorities can’t cope with popu- main government rival, fanned those lar pressure,” insisted Pashinian. He said that is the Divers Set World Record rumors when he questioned the main reason why they have made a series of con- Armenian government’s socioeconomic cessions to the opposition in recent months. Lake Titicaca in the Southern record in April. Sargisian laughed off By Siranuysh Gevorgyan Hemisphere (South America) in the resignation talk at the time. Judge Fired Despite 1959. Sargisian acknowledged that he is The expedition was organized by challenged not only by opposition lead - Lawyers’ Protests YEREVAN (ArmeniaNow) — the Ayas Nautical Research Club and ers but also some government figures Armenian divers have managed to the Armenian Extreme NGO. The and factions. But he insisted that this is YEREVAN (RFE/RL) — President Serge Sargisian set a world record in the Northern divers were international-category a “normal” phenomenon characteristic has sacked a district court judge in Yerevan, a move Hemisphere. They were able to instructor Rafael Mkrtchyan, Ayas of democratic countries. which Armenia’s national bar association considers explore the bottom of a lake at club chairman, Kilikia Ship captain a serious bloc to judicial independence. Aragats mountain, located 3,207 Karen Balayan and Emergency The judge, Samvel Mnatsakanian, was relieved of meters above sea level. Situations Ministry special diving Torch-lighting his duties this week upon the recommendation of Although the three Armenian group commander Artak Elmasakyan. the Justice Council, a state body overseeing the divers went only 12 meters deep in The event took place on July 21. Ceremony Of 5th courts. Stone Lake, it does not diminish During the dive, the temperature of The council, headed by Arman Mkrtumian, chair- their victory. Member of the the lake water on the surface was Pan-Armenian Games man of the Court of Cassation, sent a correspond- Armenian Extreme NGO plus-five degrees Celsius, and only ing petition to Sargisian late last month. The court Chairmanship Board, Armine plus three on the bottom. The divers In Gandzasar has refused to publicize the document or comment Harutyunyan, who participated in stayed underwater for 80 minutes, GAMES, from page 1 on the drastic measure since then. the organization of the expedition, although they had originally According to Sahakian, such events Nor has the presidential administration given any said at a meeting with media that at planned to stay there for 40 minutes. are proof of the connection between reasons for Sargisian’s decree. Mnatsakanian has that kind of altitude, diving that According to Armenian Extreme Armenia, Artsakh and the diaspora. also declined a comment. deep in a lake can be considered to organization doctor Gevorg “We highlight the role of the Pan- The Armenian Chamber of Advocates believes be “extreme” for any diver, as the Shahsuvaryan, the divers were sub - Armenian games from the very view - that the judge was fired because of granting bail to human body is not accustomed to jected to a medical examination point of continuous strengthening of a criminal suspect contrary to prosecutors’ wishes. such high pressures. before and after the dive, adding this trinity. These games are not just Its chairman, Ruben Sahakian, and dozens of other (The world record in scuba diving that their bodies returned to normal competitions, but also another expres - lawyers staged an unprecedented demonstration is 127 meters). within an hour. sion of our national solidarity and unity. outside the Court of Cassation last week to protest According to Armenian divers, Armenian divers highlight the The victorious spirit must always be against Mnatsakanian’s impending sacking. before that, in similar conditions, an importance of the expedition in the strong in every Armenian and accompa - Sahakian denounced the Justice Council’s decision attempt at diving was made by sense that it opens the way for all ny us on our unbroken way,” he said. as unfounded. famous French ocean explorer researches to be made in difficult More than 100 athletes from Artsakh Jacques-Yves Cousteau’s team at conditions in the future. are expected to participate in the games. S ATURDAY , A UGUST 6, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 3 INTERNATIONAL Medvedev Praises Russian-Armenian Defense Pact International News

MOSCOW (RFE/RL) — President Dmitry Medvedev has again defended a Armenian Juniors Win at Russian-Armenian agreement extending Russia’s military presence in Armenia, Math Olympiad saying that it contributes to peace and AMSTERDAM (Armenpress) — Armenian juniors stability in the volatile South Caucasus. returned from the 52nd International Mathematical The agreement signed during Olympiad for high school students in Amsterdam, Medvedev’s official visit to Yerevan in where they won medals and certificates. August 2010 extended Russia’s lease on Karine Alexanyan, head of the preliminary and a military base headquartered in Gumri secondary education department of the Republic of by 24 years, until 2045, and upgraded Armenia Education and Science Ministry, said that its security mission. Armen Vardanyan received a silver medal, and Mher The deal took the form of amend - Mnatsakanyan, Artyom Kosyan and Arshak ments to a 1995 Russian-Armenian Minasyan were awarded certificates. defense treaty. The Armenian and Russian parliaments ratified it earlier this year. 23 Wounded in Church “The decision to prolong the presence of the Russian military base in Armenia Attack in Northern Iraq was made because Russia is interested SULAIMANIYAH (Today’s Zaman and AP) — A car Signing documents on August 20, 2010 in maintaining peace and stability in the bomb outside a Christian church wounded 23 peo- region,” Medvedev told an Azerbaijani ple on Tuesday morning, police said, as security business magazine in an interview pub - forces found and disabled vehicles packed with lished over the weekend. Armenian military with modern expressing hope that the presidents of explosives outside two other parishes in northern “The military base is tasked with weaponry. Armenia and Azerbaijan will continue to Iraq. ensuring peace and order, maintaining Armenian officials say this will dis - meet on a regular basis. The bombing and the two averted attacks in the peace and reducing difficulties that we courage Azerbaijan from acting on its “Those have been important discus - northern city of Kirkuk signal continued violence have today,” he said. growing threats to resolve the Nagorno- sions during which the parties noted against Iraqi Christians, nearly 1 million of whom Medvedev gave similar assurances to Karabagh conflict by force. Some of the existence of a number of difficulties have fled since the war began in 2003. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev them have gone as far as to claim that in that process,” he said of about a “The terrorists want to make us flee Iraq, but when he visited Baku last September. the Russian military will openly support dozen Armenian-Azerbaijani summits they will fail,” said the Rev. Haithem Akram, a He insisted that the Russian-Armenian its Armenian ally in case of renewed war hosted by him since 2008. priest of one of the churches that was targeted. defense pact poses no security threat to in Karabagh. Russian officials have not “But in any case, these efforts are pro - “We are staying in our country. The Iraqi Azerbaijan. confirmed this, though. ducing results and negotiations are con - Christians are easy targets because they do not The pact commits Moscow to defend - In his interview, Medvedev also tinuing,” added Medvedev. “In my opin - have militias to protect them. The terrorists want ing Armenia’s entire territory against touched upon his personal involvement ion, the intensity of these contacts to terrorize us, but they will fail.” possible aggression and supplying the in the Nagorno-Karabagh conflict, should not decrease.” The parish’s leader, the Rev. Imad Yalda, was the only person inside at the time of the blast and was wounded. Israel-Turkey Reconciliation Mutually Beneficial: Analysts Sargisian Hits back at site. rent regional isolation, which he said ‘Anti-Armenian Slur’ By Adam Gonn Analysts speaking to Xinhua on has increased as the Arab revolts have Monday said that a return to past levels made governments more responsive to BAKU (RFE/RL) — President Serge Sargisian took of relations would be good for both their peoples. a swipe at his Azerbaijani counterpart Ilham Aliyev JERUSALEM (Xinhua) — The publi - sides. However, normalization doesn’t “However, it will not have fully last Thursday after the latter said that “something cation of the United Nations Palmer solely depend on the political leaders, smooth and normal relations with is missing” in the brains of Armenia’s leaders. Report on the Israeli raid on last year’s but also on the will of the two peoples, Turkey until Turkish public opinion is Aliyev made the remark at a joint news confer- Gaza-bound flotilla has been delayed a they averred. satisfied that Palestinians are getting a ence with Turkey’s prime minister, Recep Tayyip third time, reportedly so that Israel and Hugh Pope, director of the fair deal,” Pope concluded. Erdogan, in Baku last Wednesday. He backed Turkey may continue reconciliation Turkey/Cyprus Project with the Over the years, Israel and Turkey Turkish allegations that Sargisian voiced Armenian talks. International Crisis Group, believes that have established good economic rela - territorial claims to Turkey last week. Headed by former New Zealand both Israel and Ankara would benefit tions, and, despite the fact that Israeli “I am well informed about [Sargisian’s] way of Prime Minister Geoffrey Palmer, the greatly from reconciliation. vacationers in Turkey have declined thinking. In effect, this demonstrates the aggres- report was originally set to publish its “For Turkey, restoration of relations over the last couple of years, trade in sive essence of Armenia,” Aliyev said. “But to have findings on August 20, covering the will do much to bring back the sense of 2010 grew by 30 percent, according to territorial claims to Turkey? This simply means that events of May 31, 2010, when Israeli the country as a neutral regional power, the Israeli-Turkish Business Council. something is missing in the heads of these people.” naval commandos boarded the Turkish able to talk to all sides, which did so In 2010, Turkey climbed from eighth Sargisian hit back by questioning Aliyev’s sanity. ferry Mavi Marmara, the flagship of a much to improve its image until 2008,” to third place as Israel’s largest export “Was that a statement by a normal person, let six-ship convoy that planned to break Pope said. He added that the primary market, Ynet recently reported. alone, the head of a state?” he said at a joint news Israel’s maritime blockade on Gaza. reason for the deterioration of the rela - Defense equipment has in the past conference with Poland’s visiting President Nine Turkish activists aboard the ship tions prior to the flotilla incident was been a significant part of the trade. Bronislaw Komorowski. died in confrontation with the comman - “Israel’s aggressive actions against Gaza Following the signing of a cooperation dos. in 2008-2009.” agreement in 1996, Israeli defense firms The deaths lead to a sharp decline in “A secondary effect will be to clear have won several multimillion-dollar NATO to Turkey: Don’t Israeli-Turkish relations, and Turkish away much of the problems Turkey cur - contracts for the Turkish military Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan rently faces with the US Congress, including the upgrading of fighter jets Buy Chinese, Russian has demanded that Israel apologize for which is very sensitive to the highly crit - and tanks. The two countries closed a Missile Systems the killings. According to a report by ical tone of some Turkish leaders deal for 10 Israeli Heron drones worth the Turkish paper Hurriyet Daily News towards Israel,” Pope told Xinhua. $180 million in 2010, despite Turkey’s ANKARA (PanARMENIAN.Net) — Ankara would this week, ties may be further down - He argued that for Israel, restoration pullout from annual joint military exer - have to operate without NATO’s intelligence infor- graded should Israel refuse the demand. of relations would break some of its cur - cises with Israel. mation on incoming ballistic missiles if it chooses Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin to buy Chinese or Russian systems for its national Netanyahu on Sunday convened his air and missile defense program, officials of the eight top ministers to discuss the possi - Western alliance have warned Turkey, according to bility of Israel issuing a formal apology. Erdogan Demands Apology from Armenia Hürriyet Daily News. However, several ministers publicly Participating in the ongoing competition to win opposed such a move, among them ERDOGAN, from page 1 told young Armenians to be ready for a Turkey’s national air and missile contract are the Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman, land — Karabagh — from the enemy, we future war with Turkey. “What Serge US partnership between Raytheon and Lockheed who heads Yisrael Beiteinu — the sec - did it.” Sargisian did is a provocation, an attempt Martin, with their Patriot air defense systems; ond largest party in the coalition gov - “If you, boys and girls of your gener - to instill spite and hatred in his country’s Russia’s Rosoboronexport, China’s China Precision ernment. ation, spare no effort, if those older and youth,” charged the Turkish premier. Machinery Export-Import Corp. and the Italian- The opponents to an apology argue younger than you act the same way, we The Turkish Foreign Ministry con - French Eurosam. Turkey is planning to make its that it would mean that Israel is taking will have one of the best countries in demned Sargisian’s remarks in similarly selection late this year or early next year. responsibility for the deaths, and, the world,” he said. strong terms earlier this week. Many Western experts say that since the Russian instead, prefer saying that Israel Sargisian stressed at the same time Armenia’s Deputy Foreign Minister and the Chinese systems are not compatible with “regrets the loss of life.” that a country’s international standing Shavarsh Kocharian rebutted Ankara’s NATO systems, their selection might provide them Meanwhile, Israeli Attorney-General is often “not conditioned by its territo - attacks, saying that the Turks did not with access to classified NATO information and, as Yehuda Weinstein believes the UN inves - ry. A country should be modern, it read the Armenian leader’s answer in a result, may compromise NATO’s procedures. tigation might yet prompt lawsuits should be secure and prosperous, and full or are “simply saying what they But despite this criticism, Turkey so far has ruled against Israeli soldiers who took part in these are conditions which allow any want to say.” against expelling the Chinese and Russian options, the operation. He recommended that nation to sit next to the respectable, “In any case, this hysteria is not only saying there is no need to exclude them from the Netanyahu try to reach an understand - powerful and reputed nations of the artificial but should also make many Turkish competition. ing with Turkey, even if it meant issuing world,” he said. people draw conclusions,” Kocharian an apology, according to the Ynet news In Erdogan’s words, Sargisian thereby said in a statement. 4 S ATURDAY , A UGUST 6, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Community Ne ws

Applications Submitted Diocesan Legate Addresses Reformed For New Church Church in America at Campus in San Diego SAN DIEGO, Calif. — The Trust Fund Its Annual Gathering Committee of St. John Garabed Armenian Church announced that it has submitted the GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Archbishop Conditional Use Permit (CUP) application to Vicken Aykyazian, legate of the Eastern create a new church campus on its site. San Diocese and director of Ecumenical Diego City staff is currently reviewing the appli - Relations, addressed the annual meet - cation, and initial comments are expected by ing of the Reformed Church in America the end of July. The Carmel Valley Community on June 14. Planning Board and its Regional Issues During the gathering, the Reformed Subcommittee are also conducting a review of Church in America welcomed its newly- the project. It is anticipated that the application installed general secretary, Tom De process will take approximately two years. The Vries, and honored its outgoing leader, purpose of this ambitious project is to create a Wes Granberg-Michaelson. Some 500 new center for the Armenian community in San people were present for the proceed - Diego for its spiritual, social, educational and ings. cultural enrichment. Aykazian conveyed the blessings and Harry Krikorian, Trust Committee congratulations of the Eastern Diocese Pictured at top, from left, Antranig Kasbarian and Ani Aivazian; bottom, from left, Entitlement chair, explained, “We expect to and Diocesan Primate Archbishop Joan Agajanian Quinn, Diana Hekimian and Diane Cabraloff build the campus in stages over a period of Khajag Barsamian and went on to many years with the church and banquet facili - speak on the mission of the ecumenical ties being our first priority. Our entire commu - movement. nity needs to be involved by showing its sup - While the modern ecumenical move - Tufenkian Foundation and AIWA port during this critical approval period. This ment was born in the mid-20th century, can be accomplished in many ways, such as Aykazian explained, the Armenian Plan Event Supporting Women’s speaking positively to city officials and the lead - Church has played a significant role in ers of various stakeholders in the Carmel Valley inter-church gatherings and communi - Shelter in Armenia Planning Board, as well as attending key meet - cations throughout its history. ing and always putting forth a positive image of He noted by way of example the LOS ANGELES — The Tufenkian Foundation and the Armenian International the Armenian Church and community.” Council of Nicaea in 325 AD, which The proposed church campus consists of a resulted in the Nicene Creed, “one of Women’s Association (AIWA), Los Angeles Affiliate, have joined together to host a cocktail reception and presentation supporting shelters for abused women in church sanctuary, state-of-the-art social hall, cul - the deepest points of contact between tural center and library, youth center, classrooms our two churches.” Yerevan, Armenia. This event will be held on Thursday, September 15, 6-9 p.m. at the residence of Ara Tavitian, MD. for Sunday and Armenian School, gymnasium, Aykazian went on to describe the Armenian heritage park, picnic and meditation “spirit of ecumenism” encapsulated in The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Tufenkian Foundation and AIWA sponsored the Zangakatun (Belltower) Women’s Support space and abundant parking. The centerpiece of the words of the 12th-century the heritage park will be a monument named the Armenian Catholicos St. Nersess the Center in Yerevan and have worked closely together in developing support and raising awareness of the program. This project was created in 2001 by the Tufenkian “Dr. Same Markarian Plaza,” to honor the trust Graceful: “Unity in essential matters. fund’s major benefactor and his family. It will fea - Diversity in secondary matters. Love Foundation in response to Armenia’s social and economic problems, which left more and more families dislocated, vulnerable or facing looming poverty. During the past 10 ture stunning, original representations of over all.” Armenian faith, culture and language, including He expanded on each element by cit - years, Zangakatun Social Services NGO has worked with over 900 Armenian families, helping them overcome extreme poverty and return to functional and productive lives. three majestic khachkars . One of the khachkars ing examples from the Bible. On the will be named for descendants of Musa Dagh for theme of unity, he stressed the impor - Presently, and with partnership support from USAID and AIWA, the Tufenkian Foundation has expanded the program to assist victims of domestic violence and is the generous donations from Musa Dagh com - tance of cohesiveness among patriots. Christians. developing a program to create women’s shelters in Armenia — to house, support and protect victims and their children from their attackers. On October 1, the Trust Fund Committee will Regarding diversity, he spoke about host the unforgettable “Bridge to the Future” the uniqueness of national churches, The purpose of the September 15 event is to raise funds to launch the women’s shelter program in 2011-12. The Tufenkian Foundation has received an offer of Gala Dinner and Dance at the Grand Del Mar such as the Armenian Church, a Hotel. The gala will be the first major fundrais - “church whose mission is framed for a matching funds from USAID to further this project. Along with AIWA, the founda - tion is working closely with other organizations in the Los Angeles area, including er for the new church project. Headlined by particular people. In the deepest sense, famed attorney Mark Geragos as master of cer - a national church is an expression of the Armenian Bar Association, Armenian Relief Society and Armenian Youth Federation, among others, to generate awareness and increase support for the event emonies, with guest of honor, Archbishop humility: it sets a natural limit on the Hovnan Derderian, the gala promises to be church’s aspiration — and therefore by attracting their circles of supporters to donate and attend. The evening’s program will include a summary of the project and its issues, as well as an opportunity for extraordinary, complete with VIP attendees, does not promote an appetite to domi - popular entertainer Koko Hayitian and his nate, centralize or cause disorder on a questions and answers. For more information, visit www.TufenkianFoundation.org or http://www.facebook.com/WomensSupportCenter. band, silent and live auctions and fine dining. universal scale.” For information about the gala or sponsorship He continued, “The flip side of this is To get involved or RSVP to the event, contact Zori Marc Eurdekian: zeur - [email protected]. levels, contact Ani Lanuza or e-mail sjgs - that a certain diversity and difference [email protected]. among other Christian churches is see SAN DIEGO, page 5 expected, tolerated and even welcomed.” As an example, Aykazian spoke about the work of Armenian Christians in China. Having arrived there in the fifth US House Acts to Protect of Christian Heritage in Turkey century, Armenians preached the gospel and established a broad WASHINGTON — Last week, the House Lehtinen were the original cosponsors of H. Res. Religious Persecution Now.” Christian Church, welcoming all to Foreign Affairs Committee approved the 306. However, in a stunning retreat, chair - Armenian-American and Greek-American embrace Christ’s message. Berman-Cicilline Amendment, which expresses woman Ros-Lehtinen withdrew her co-sponsor - organizations supported passage of the On love, Aykazian discussed the the sentiment of Congress that Turkey should ship on July 13, a week before the Committee Berman-Cicilline Amendment. In a letter sent to importance of the consciousness of end all forms of religious discrimination and vote. Sources close to the committee indicated all Committee members prior to the vote, the God’s love for his children and the return confiscated church properties, as part of intensive lobbying efforts on the part of the Armenian Assembly of America, along with the intensity of love for God, the “most pre - H.R.2583, the State Department-Foreign Turkish Embassy in Washington, DC. Eastern and Western Diocese of the Armenian cious things we hold in common.” Relations Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012. “The South Florida Armenian-American com - Church underscored the plight facing the “By the very nature of that love, we The Berman-Cicilline Amendment was munity thanks Chairwoman Ros-Lehtinen for Christian community in Turkey and the urgent are drawn together into something offered by House Foreign Affairs Committee her vote in support of the Berman-Cicilline need for Congress to act. greater than our individual communi - ranking member Howard Berman (D-CA) and Amendment,” stated 18th Congressional dis - “Florida Armenians were pleased to see this ties.” David Cicilline (D-RI), both members of the trict resident Raffy Yaghdjian. “At the same issue raised and we thank Chairwoman Ros- The Reformed Church in America has Armenian Caucus. The measure was adopted by time, our community remains concerned when Lehtinen, Congressman Deutch and all of our about 250,000 members in the US and a vote of 43-1. our elected officials flip-flop on human rights Florida representatives for supporting this Canada, which originated in 1628 as Voting in favor of the amendment were all six and freedom of religion issues,” Yaghdjian told important measure,” stated Very Rev. Nareg the North American branch of the Florida representatives who serve on the com - FLArmenians. Berberian, pastor of St. David Armenian Dutch Reformed Church. It is a found - mittee, namely, Chairwoman Ileana Ros- Bilirakis is the only member of the Florida Church (Eastern Diocese) in Boca Raton, Fla. ing member of several ecumenical Lehtinen (R-FL), Representatives Connie Mack delegation that is currently a cosponsor to H. “We live in an era where nations are in search groups including the National Council (R-FL), Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), David Rivera (R-FL), Res. 304 or H. Res. 306, the Armenian of expressing their unique and distinctive social, of Churches, the World Council of Ted Deutch (D-FL) and Frederica Wilson (D-FL). Genocide resolution and the churches bill, cultural and spiritual freedom. In every nation, Churches and Christian Churches The bipartisan amendment is modeled after H. respectively. Recently, Bilirakis delivered religious minorities, particularly Christians in Together. Res. 306, introduced by Rep. Ed Royce (R-CA) remarks on stopping religious persecution at a Turkey who have shaped its history and culture, and Berman (D-CA). Earlier it was reported that conference sponsored by the International must be granted the right to worship and pray Florida Representatives Bilirakis and Ros- Coalition for Religious Freedom, titled “Stop in their own churches,” concluded Berberian. S ATURDAY , A UGUST 6, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 5 COMMUNITY NEWS Banquet Honors Fr. Arshag Khatchadourian of LA’s St. James Church

LOS ANGELES — The Parish Council of St. the program to celebrate and honor Catholic Charities, The Armenian Refugee State Park, the neighboring fire station open - James Armenian Apostolic Church will honor Khatchadourian. Resettlement and LA Armenian at the Dodgers ing across from St. James Church, the Rev. Dr. Fr. Arshag Khatchadourian and celebrate his A highlight of the banquet will be the first Stadium, singing for the Roman Catholic pon - Martin Luther King, Jr. Drew Hospital, among 50 years of ordination and 33 years of pastoral performance of a special musical program, pre - tiff, John Paul II during his visit to Los Angeles others. service on August 21. Archbishop Hovnan pared and arranged by Khatchadourian. He has on September 16, l987. During the pontifical Khatchadourian received pontifical blessings Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese, will organized a quartet, which will be joined by visit of the late Catholicos of All Armenians from Karekin II, catholicos of All Armenians, on celebrate the Divine Liturgy that morning and four singers and one flautist. They will perform Vazken I, to California, on November 10, 1987, September 10, 2003, elevating him to the rank officiate at the gala banquet following at 1 p.m. a musical rendition of Matins or Nocturnal of Khatchadourian was granted another pectoral of archpriest, upon the request of Archbishop in the John Gogian Hall. the Armenian Church in four parts with four cross from Bishop Anthony, Greek Primate, by Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western George Mardikian, chair of the Banquet movements; the St. James Church Choir will the hand of Vazken I. The presentation was Diocese of the Armenian Church. Committee, states that a capacity crowd is antic - join on the third and fourth movements, with made at the ecumenical gathering at St. Sophia Khatchadourian will continue to devote his ser - ipated. “This is a well deserved tribute to our Prof. Levon Aprahamian as conductor. Greek Orthodox Church in recognition of vice in the Western Diocese. Derederian has parish priest,” stated Mardikian, “and we are Lily Balian, chair of the Parish Council, Khatchadourian’s planning of the first Greek presently appointed Khatchadourian as a visiting reports that a commemorative booklet is being and Armenian church vesper service. priest every other week to the Armenian Church of prepared. Along with serving his parishioners, Khatchadourian worked closely with Las Vegas. Khatchadourian will also serve as the Khatchadourian has accomplished and Kenneth Hahn, former member of the city’s visiting priest to Idaho, Utah, Alaska and Hawaii. assumed many duties at St. James Armenian Board of Supervisors, and continued his rela - For information regarding sponsorships Church. Within the past 33 years he has con - tionship with present Board of Supervisors and/or banquet reservations, call the church ducted more than 3,000 baptisms, weddings, member Michael Antonovich, attending and office, George Mardikian, Lily Balian or Bob funerals, hokejashes and cemetery blessings. participating in events at the Baldwin Heights Melcon. This does not include attending countless meet - ings with church affiliated organizations. In Khatchadourian’s own words: “The God- given fulfillment of a priest is the love shown to those who are sick, needed help, and above all, Southern California Restaurant Writers Choose instill in them faith in God and His Holy Church, showing compassion and understand - Ara Kalfayan Entrepreneur of the Year ing, inviting the faithful to approach the Sacraments of Confession and Holy LOS ANGELES — Ara Kalfayan, owner of Communion every Sunday to our wonderful the Phoenicia Restaurant in Glendale, was rec - community.” ognized by the Southern California In 1992, Khatchadourian established a website Restaurant Writers Association as for St. James, http://www.armenianchurchla.com; owner/entrepreneur of the year for 2011 on email: [email protected], which gave March 20, at the annual award banquet where impetus to record available sacramental he received his certificate and medal for the “Distinction” Award. Fr. Arshag Khatchadourian archives starting from 1942. Beside the Oshagan monthly publication, Khatchadourian Phoenicia Restaurant is a restaurant cele - has been writing bilingual articles for publica - brating one of the world’s most beautiful cul - proud to have the opportunity to express our tion in Armenian newspapers. One of his tures with refined cuisine, spirited music and gratitude for his spiritual guidance and leader - favorite projects for the past eight years has sensual dance. Situated between the East and ship throughout the years to our parishioners been to create the colorful Sunday Bulletins the West, Lebanon is and always has been a and the Armenian faithful in the community.” containing information and activities regarding culinary and cultural crossroads and the cui - Special guests attending the event will the Armenian church calendar, saints and sine of modern day Phoenicians is the epitome include: George Deukmejian, former governor major feast days of the Mediterranean diet; fresh, diverse, fla - of California; Michael Antonovich, member, Los Khatchadourian has served on the Diocesan vorful, simple and delicious. Angeles County Board of Supervisors; Very Council, serving two years as secretary and par - Phoenicia is the latest venture of Kalfayan Rev. Alexei Smith, president of Southern ticipated in joint Eastern and Western Diocese who is known for his expertise in a variety of California Ecumenical Council (SCEC) and the Council meetings; he has attended the international cuisines and fine wines. representative of the Roman Catholic Diocesan Summer Camp, organized the Phoenicia’s spacious dining room is elegantly Archdiocese; Abba Tsigedengel Degefaw, parish Western Diocese Choir Association and assisted appointed. There’s a stage at one side for the priest, St. Mary’s Ethiopian Orthodox in establishing parishes, i.e., Santa Barbara. weekend entertainment which includes belly Ara Kalfayan Tewahedo Church; Rev. Albert Cohen, execu - Within the past year, he has visited different dancing. The main attraction, however, is the tive director of SCEC; Rev. Virgil Jones, pastor, parishes numerous times, including Vancouver, food that is offered in quantity and amazing Calvary Baptist Church; Rev. Elizabeth Steela, British Columbia; Albuquerque, NM; San assortment. The menu provides a variety of further this objective, the organization interim pastor, Knox Presbyterian Church; Diego, Calif. and Washington to celebrate choices for a true Lebanese feast. bestows awards upon restaurants and individ - Nazar Ashjian, chairman, Board of Trustees, Divine Liturgy and conduct Bible Studies. Phoenicia Restaurant is located on 343 N. uals whose standards of quality and service Ararat Home of Los Angeles and Armen He presently serves on the Board of the Central Ave. (corner of Lexington), Glendale. deserve special recognition. These awards are Hampar, chair of the Diocese Council of the SCEC. Through the SCEC he became an active Southern California Restaurant Writers, presented at an annual ceremony and pub - Western Diocese. Many members of the clergy member of the Interfaith Peace Sunday, Los Inc., was formed in 1975 to improve the quali - lished for the general public. The members of in the Western Diocese will also be attending to Angeles Earthquake and Disaster Board, The ty of the restaurant industry in this region. To the Southern California Restaurant Writers meet monthly over dinner to share informa - tion about new restaurants and industry activ - ities. One member is then appointed to write a brief review of the evening. Sponsor a Teacher in Armenia and Karabagh 2011 The annual awards winners are were chosen from among restaurants stretching from Santa Barbara to the Mexican border, that were eval - uated by members during the year. All were Since its inception in 2001, TCA’s ‘Sponsor judged on food, service, ambiance and appro - priate beverages, according to the organiza - a Teacher’ program has raised over $477,750 tion’s standardized score sheets, which have a scoring range of 1 to 100 points. and reached out to 3,700 teachers and school workers in Armenia and Karabagh. Applications Submitted for £ New Church in San Diego SAN DIEGO, from page 4 K Yes, I want to sponsor teachers in Armenia and Karabagh to continue In 2008, the Trust Fund Committee of St. helping them to educate the children, our future leaders. I would like to have John Garabed Armenian Church of San Diego the teacher’s name and address. purchased almost 14 acres of premium property near Del Mar, Calif. In less than one year, a total K $160 K $ 320 K $ 480 K other $ ————————— of $360,000 has been donated to the fundraising Name campaign, Bridge to the Future. The objective of Address the first phase is to raise $2 million to secure per - City State Zip code mit approval and finalize land acquisition. The Tel: new property is located at 13860 El Camino Real, San Diego. It is east of the 5 freeway on El Make check payable to: Tekeyan Cultural Association – Memo: Sponsor a Teacher 2010 Camino Real between Del Mar Heights Road and Mail your check with this form to: Via de la Valle. TCA Sponsor a Teacher For more than 30 years, St. John Garabed 5326 Valverde, Houston, TX 77056 Armenian Church has been at the heart of Armenian community life in San Diego. Under Your donation is Tax Deductible. the leadership of Rev. Datev A.K. Tatoulisan, St. John Garabed is a vibrant parish. 6 S ATURDAY , A UGUST 6, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS Government of Armenia Honors Archbishop Barsamian

YEREVAN — Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, noted Barsamian’s “work to strengthen state In addition, the Fund for Armenian Relief — protection and economic development. Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church and church relations” and “his contributions to which was established by Archbishop Torkom Barsamian also has been a great supporter of of America (Eastern), was recognized earlier the education of Armenian youth.” Manoogian, Kevork Hovnanian and Dr. Edgar Holy Echmiadzin, and with the blessings of the this month by the government of the Republic Under the leadership of Barsamian, the Housepian in the aftermath of the 1988 earth - Mother See, has represented the Armenian quake in Spitak and Gumri — has grown under Church on various ecumenical and interreli - Barsamian’s guidance to become the home - gious boards worldwide, helping to raise the land’s leading humanitarian organization, offer - profile of the Armenian Church on the national ing programs in education, health care, child and international levels.

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To subscribe to this service, please fill out the following and mail it along with your check of $50 made out to the: Prime Minister Tigran Sargisian presented Archbishop Khajag Barsamian with an award earlier this month. Armenian Mirror-Spectator, 755 Mt. Auburn Street, of Armenia on the occasion of his 40th anniver - Eastern Diocese and its parishes have extended Watertown, MA 02472 sary of ordination into the holy priesthood and spiritual and material outreach to Armenia and his 60th birthday. Nagorno-Karabagh. In the past two decades, Prime Minister Tigran Sargisian personally pre - the Diocese has spearheaded a number of ser - sented the award and proclamation to Barsamian vice and exchange programs, pilgrimages, pub - H Yes, Please e-mail me the Armenian Mirror-Spectator on July 13, during the Primate’s visit to Armenia. lications and other initiatives to build connec - Sargisian expressed his gratitude to tions between the Armenians in the United every Thursday. Barsamian for his efforts to help the Armenian States and their brothers and sisters in the people. The prime minister’s proclamation homeland. My E-mail address is ______Name and Last name ______Holy Ascension Sponsors Golf Tournament You can also e-mail your request to [email protected] TRUMBULL, Conn. — The Armenian event features contests, food and good golf. Church of the Holy Ascension announces Registration begins at 10 a.m. with lunch fol - for faster service that its Annual Golf Tournament will take lowing. The shotgun start is scheduled for place on Monday, August 22, at the Harry B. noon. A reception will precede a five-course Brownson Country Club in Huntington. dinner at the Awards Banquet. An all inclusive Armenians from the tristate region are invit - tournament fee of $160 includes: lunch, a ed to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the round of golf with cart, reception and banquet. church’s foundation. There will be numerous prizes, including a Telephone (617) 924-7400 All levels of golfers, from low handicap to chance to win a brand new Audi A4 sedan. novice golfer, are welcome to participate in a To register, contact Mardy Azarian or e-mail Aram Bedrosian low-key and fun day of fellowship. This year’s [email protected]. Funeral Home, Inc. OBITUARY Continuous Service By The Bedrosian Family Since 1945 Robert H. ‘Bob’ Janigian Sr. MARION BEDROSIAN 558 MOUNT AUBURN STREET PAUL BEDROSIAN CRANSTON, R.I. — Robert H. “Bob” Janigian chairman of the Husenig Foundation, Inc., a WATERTOWN, MA 02472 LARRY BEDROSIAN Sr., 76, of Whitewood Drive, died on Saturday, charitable organization founded by his father July 2, at home. and several relatives more than 50 years ago. He was the husband for 53 years of Louise He assisted many young people from Armenian (Boloyan) Janigian. immigrant families in preparing applications for Born in Providence, he was the son of the college and obtaining scholarships. late Movses and Azniv (Nahigian) Janigian. Family was foremost in Janigian’s life, as After graduating activity with his children and grandchildren Central High School, brought him immense enjoyment. Another of GF UiNrEaRgAoL sHiaOMn E Janigian entered his great loves was traveling around the world Bryant University with his wife. James “Jack” Giragosian, CPC and received a bache - In addition to his wife, he leaves his children, Funeral Counselor lor’s degree in busi - Dr. Robert H. Janigian Jr. and his wife, 576 Mt. Auburn Street, Watertown, MA 02472, TEL: 617-924—0606 ness administration. Marianne, and Marc S. Janigian and his wife, www.giragosianfuneralhome.com He served in Korea Krista, all of Cranston; grandchildren with the US Army for Christopher, Nicholas, Matthew, Michael, Greta, two years, and later Lily and Leo; and sister Dorothy Masoian and accepted a position her husband, Steve, of Cranston. Robert H. “Bob” with Equifax The funeral service took place on Thursday, Janigian Sr. Services, an interna - August 4, at Sts. Sahag & Mesrob Armenian Nardolillo Funeral Home tional business infor - Apostolic Church, Providence. Interment with mation services firm military honors followed in Swan Point Est. 1906 where he held a management position for 35 Cemetery. John K. Najarian, Jr. years until retiring in 1991. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may Rhode Island’s Only Licensed Armenian Funeral Director He was an active member at Sts. Sahag & be made to: Sts. Sahag & Mesrob Armenian Mesrob Armenian Apostolic Church where he Apostolic Church, 70 Jefferson St., Providence, 1278 Park Ave. Cranston, RI 02910 (401) 942-1220 served on the Parish Council for 20 years and RI 02908 or The Husenig Foundation, Inc., P.O. 1111 Boston Neck Rd. Narragansett, RI 02882 (401) 789-6300 served as a Diocesan delegate for eight years. Box 72626, Elmwood Station, Providence, RI He was a member of the Knights of Vartan 02907. Online condolences may be left at www.nardolillo.com and was named Knight of the Year in 2005; www.nardolillo.com. S ATURDAY , A UGUST 6, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 7 COMMUNITY NEWS Human Rights Review Praises Zoryan’s Genocide & Human Rights University Program as Model for Educating New Generations

TORONTO — “Educating a New Generation: International Institute for Genocide & Human genocide prevention.” Israel, remarked, “As an educator, a genocide The Model of the ‘Genocide & Human Rights Rights Studies (IIGHRS) (A Division of the As Apsel explains, it all started with the scholar, a Zoryan board member and someone University Program,’” an article by Dr. Joyce Zoryan Institute), as a model for educating a Zoryan Board of Directors’ vision to implement who has taught at the GHRUP, I am very Apsel, will be featured in the forthcoming issue new generation of scholars in genocide and a comparative educational program for stu - pleased to see this program touch the lives of of the Human Rights Review , describing and human rights studies. She supplemented her dents in higher education. The goal was to so many young people and help set them on a analyzing this innovative, higher-education personal experience with the program by con - study the Armenian Genocide, the prototype of path on which they may contribute to helping course. The journal is known for ducting a formal, written modern genocides, in a comparative and inter - prevent genocide. This is the responsibility of all providing a forum where human- survey of all students who disciplinary analysis with other cases of geno - of us as human beings, and my colleagues at rights issues and their underlying have attended the program. cide, in keeping with the spirit of Rafael the Zoryan Institute are to be congratulated for theoretical and philosophical As the GHRUP prepares Lemkin. This approach stresses the current rel - their contribution to this important mission.” foundations can be developed and to launch its 10th year evance of the study of the Armenian Genocide As Apsel states, the GHRUP is a training debated. It publishes articles and under the directorship of as a point of reference. ground for a new generation of students and essays from all academic areas Prof. Roger W. Smith, A distinctive feature of the GHRUP which scholars about the comparative study of the and addresses the many human Apsel comments, “Ten enhances the profile and quality of the course Armenian and other genocides and a range of rights issues that concern, or years is a long time and is that each summer some 10 scholars and spe - human rights issues. She notes, however, that ought to concern, the world quite an accomplishment cialists from different disciplines and areas of even after a decade of running the program, the today. for the Zoryan Institute...It concentration are invited from around the challenges are ongoing, from funding, to orga - Apsel is a historian and attor - actually is quite remarkable world to Canada to teach and share their nization, to how the GHRUP will continue inno - ney. She is also the founder and to see the development and research with students, scholars and activists in vative and critical educational approaches. The director of the non-profit Rights the added layers and rich - a seminar setting. program is expensive to run and tuition covers Works International, a former ness of the course as it has Now in its 10th year, with more than 250 only a fraction of the actual cost. president of the International Dr. Joyce Apsel evolved over the past graduates from at least 20 different countries, The Zoryan Institute is the parent organiza - Association of Genocide Scholars, decade.” the GHRUP strives to achieve multiple goals: to tion of the International Institute for Genocide the current president of the Commenting on the sig - encourage the development of a new genera - and Human Rights Studies, which runs an Institute for the Study of Genocide and a facul - nificance of the article, Prof. Herbert Hirsch, tion of young scholars to take up the study of annual, accredited university program on the ty member of the Genocide and Human Rights professor of political science at Virginia genocide professionally at an advanced level; to subject and is co-publisher of Genocide Studies University Program (GHRUP) for the past nine Commonwealth University, a specialist on geno - illuminate the causes of genocide, the way it and Prevention: An International Journal, in years. Her 2010 article, “Darfur: Historic cide prevention, an editor of Genocide Studies takes place and its devastating impact; to bring partnership with the International Association Processes and Regional Dynamics,” received & Prevention and one of the faculty members a measure of healing and relief to various com - of Genocide Scholars and the University of the Outstanding Article Award from the Peace, of the GHRUP stated, “It is so rewarding to see munities through the sharing of great trauma Toronto Press. It is the first non-profit, interna - War and Conflict section of the American that the GHRUP continues to gain recognition of many peoples; to study and teach in an inter - tional center devoted to the research and docu - Sociological Association. as it develops a critical network of students and disciplinary manner and to use this compara - mentation of contemporary issues with a focus Apsel draws on her experience as a master scholars worldwide who are informed, aware tive approach to identify the characteristics of on genocide, diaspora and Armenia. teacher in the Liberal Studies Program at New and active when it comes to genocide research, genocide so that it becomes predictable and in For more information, contact the Zoryan York University, where she received the 2008- publication, education, and prevention. This turn hopefully preventable. Institute at 55 Duncan Mill Road, Suite 310 2009 NYU Distinguished Teaching Award, to growing network fostered by the GHRUP cre - Yair , noted genocide scholar and professor in Toronto, ON, Canada M3B 3H9, analyze the unique design of the GHRUP, a ates a ripple effect of mobilized disciples, world - the Department of Sociology, Political Science [email protected] or course conceptualized and organized by the wide, all working towards a common goal — and Communication at the Open University of www.zoryaninstitute.org. $UPHQLDQ+HULWDJH3DUN Metropol-Residence 2QWKH5RVH)LW]JHUDOG.HQQHG\*UHHQZD\%RVWRQ Metropol-Residence 2 MashtotsIdeal Ave. for Family Yerevan. vacations Armenia Daily, weekly and monthly low rates, starting $65.00 per day/ residence The four star residences at the heart of Yerevan with a kithcen and private bathroom is an ideal place to stay for families and couples. This luxurious residence is convenient for what- ever purpose your visit is.

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AGBU Young Professionals of Los Angeles Award Scholarships To Mentees of the Generation Next Mentorship Program

Former YPLA Chair Sevana Melikian intro - By Aleen L. Khanjian duced the individual recipients, stating in her speech, “This is the first year YPLA awarded scholarships to youth in our community. We SHERMAN OAKS — On June 26, the AGBU were overwhelmed with the quality of appli - Young Professionals of Los Angeles (YPLA) cants and were so proud of what they had continued their philanthropic efforts and achieved at such a young age. We’re looking maintained their commitment to fostering forward to hearing about their future suc - the next generation of Armenian-American cesses throughout their college years and leaders, by awarding scholarships to eight beyond.” worthy participants of the AGBU Generation YPLA raised funds for these scholarships Next Mentorship Program (GenNext). These at a social networking event on June 23, at scholarship awards were based on academic Coda Bar & Lounge in Sherman Oaks. excellence, extracurricular involvement, YPLA Chair Yeghig Keshishian said, “The essays, recommendation letters and financial advancement of the Armenian Diaspora need. YPLA presented the awards at the starts with a proper education. All of us on Mentorship Program’s ninth annual GenNext the AGBU YPLA Steering Committee are Showcase. The showcase highlighted the var - committed in our resolve to advance the ious talents of mentors, as well as mentees. interests of our diaspora. The scholarships we Two hundred attendees enjoyed presenta - have allocated this year for GenNext mentees tions by the mentees, involving culinary arts, is just one example of how AGBU has contin - Generation Next Mentorship Program scholarship recipients during the June 26 event with mem - jewelry making and the visual and perform - uously promoted the social advancement and bers of AGBU’s Young Professionals of Los Angeles and administrators of GenNext ing arts. general welfare of its community.” AGBU Interns Visit Diocese, Meet with Primate

NEW YORK — Thirty-two AGBU interns, hail - Barsamian and have dinner together in a invited the group to ask him questions and Brazil, as well as from parts of the United States. ing from all over the world, visited the head - relaxed atmosphere. engaged them in a candid dialogue about the They have been placed in internships in quarters of the Diocese of the Armenian Church Addressing the group, Barsamian quoted Armenian Church, its history and people. diverse fields, including finance, law, public rela - of America (Eastern) and dined with Diocesan Vahan Tekeyan’s poem “The Armenian Church” The interns, who are in their seventh week of tions, marketing and medicine. Directing the Primate Archbishop Khajag Barsamian on to affirm that the mother church is “the birth - the eight-week Armenian General Benevolent program for the fourth year is Michael Wednesday, July 27. place of the Armenian soul.” Union (AGBU) program, come from Armenian Hovsepian, with Mariana Mekbekian and The evening continued a welcome annual tra - “The Armenian Church is home for all of us, communities around the world, including Stephen Terjimanian serving as the activities dition for AGBU interns to acquaint themselves because it is the birthplace of our soul and spir - Russia, France, Lebanon, Syria, Argentina and coordinators. with the Primate and the Diocesan complex. ituality,” said the Primate. “You are at your Following a tour of St. Vartan Armenian home here at the Diocese.” Cathedral, led by the Very Rev. Simeon Barsamian spoke about the founders of St.

AGBU interns with Archbishop Khajag Barsamian on the steps of St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral

Odabashian, diocesan vicar, the AGBU group Vartan Cathedral, themselves survivors of the gathered in the “tahlij” (or formal reception Armenian Genocide, who turned their vision of room) of the Diocesan Center, to meet with building an Armenian cathedral in New York into a reality. “The founders of this cathe - dral wanted future generations to remain Armenian Christians,” the Primate said. “And they were successful in their vision.” He called on the interns to continue the mission of these visionaries and to support the church. Barsamian also spoke about a recent pilgrimage he led to Jerusalem, with the participation of 35 young leaders from parishes across the Eastern Diocese. “It was a very inspiring pilgrimage for me as well as for the participants,” Barsamian said. “The youth saw the strong Armenian presence in the Holy Archbishop Khajag Barsamian presented interns with Land.” copies of the Divine Liturgy pew book and wooden The Primate asked each intern to intro - crosses from Bethlehem. duce him or herself and to tell where they are interning for the summer. He S ATURDAY , A UGUST 6, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 9 COMMUNITY NEWS Zartonk Legacy Celebrated, Vartivarian Award Given Out

BEIRUT — Members of the Armenian Democratic Liberal Party (ADL) and the Tekeyan Cultural Association (TCA), along with friends of the ADL Beirut newspaper Zartonk , gathered on June 16 in the Kersam Aharonian Hall of the Tekeyan Center in Beirut to celebrate Zartonk ’s legacy. ADL member Baydzig Kalaydjian, the editor-in-chief of Zartonk , told the audience, which included member of the Lebanese Cabinet Jean Oghasapian, the TCA Founders’ Body, the ADL Regional Executive, First Secretary Vartan Atamian of the Embassy of the Republic of Armenia in Lebanon, and Archbishop Nareg Alemezian, about the announcement on December 1, 1995 of the establishment of the Haigazoun and Anahid Archbishop Nareg Alemezian Baydzig Kalaydjian Vartivarian Zartonk Press Annual Prize. It was creat - Eordekian said that Zartonk served as a unique school for him, ed by Hagop and Arpi three decades were awakened within him. He said, “Our great ones with Kersam Aharonian as a teacher. Prof. Parounag Tovmassian Vartivarian in memory of again are walking about in front of my eyes. Not only did they build sent him to Armenia to learn Armenology 30 years ago. Several the former’s parents. this building, but they provided leadership throughout the diaspo - years afterwards, the lawyer Hracheay Setragian informed Kalaydjian pointed out that ra to people of the same ideology and the sympathetic masses. Eordekian that he had decided to send him to Argentina to edit Zartonk was proud of the While still young, we became followers of their words, actions and Sardarabad . These three great men played decisive roles in success of this award and national and political itinerary.” Eordekian’s life. His schoolteachers from Aleppo’s Armenian owed much as a newspaper General Benevolent Union (AGBU) Lazar Najarian-Caloust to the TCA Founders’ Body Gulbenkian School, Garabed Jouharian and Haig Barigian, had ear - and its administration. Vartan Atamian lier played an important role in awakening his interest in Armenian Hovig Eordekian won literature and the press, while he also learned much from the AGBU the award for 2010 thanks and its Armenian Youth Association in Aleppo and Beirut, as well to his activities beginning in the 1980s in the Lebanese-Armenian as from the ADL Mgrdich Portoukalian Chapter. and diasporan Armenian press. Young TCA intellectual Dr. Eordekian pointed out that Vartivarian served as the sponsor of Antranig Dakessian presented Eordekian’s work as a newspaper the publication of his Armenian-language books Hamarod badmu - reporter, philologist, editor and public figure. He noted that in 1980 tiun HRAG-i (A Concise History of the ADL), and RAG-i mamuli Eordekian began working as an assistant editor at Zartonk and khmpakirnere (Editors of the ADL Press). Eordekian concluded from 1985 to 1987, he served as editor of the ADL’s organ in South America, the weekly Sardarabad , and years later participated in the work of Yerevan’s Azg daily newspaper. ADL members Eordekian, Hagop Vartivarian and Hagop Kassardjian, chairman of the TCA Founders’ Body and former Lebanese parliamentary deputy, took to the stage next for the actu - From left, Hagop Kassardjian, Hagop Vartivarian and Hovig al presentation of the award, which was followed by Eordekian’s Eordekian comments. The latter said emotionally that memories of more than

From left, Aram Sepejian, Zaven Messrlian, Archbishop Nareg Alemezian, Hagop Vartivarian, Baydzig Kalaydjian and Prof. Hrair Hovivian

with his profound thanks to Vartivarian, the award’s patron, the award committee, the TCA Founders’ Body, Zartonk ’s editorial body, Lebanon’s ADL Regional Executive, and all those who orga - nized the event that night. Vartivarian took the stage to express his great respect and love for Zartonk , and officially expressed the congratula - tions of the TCA of the US and Canada for ADL mem - ber Hagop Kassardjian’s election as chairman of the TCA Founders’ Body, as well as to the other newly elected members. Vartivarian declared that Zartonk ’s website allowed it to exert its influence out - side of Lebanon, in the rest of the diaspora and in Armenia, and that he had personally witnessed how Hovig Eordekian great numbers of clerical and political leaders followed its news. In addition to disseminating news about the ADL, it also reported on the activities of the AGBU and its Armenian Youth Association throughout the world. Vartivarian concluded that Zartonk , as the ADL’s sole daily news - paper, must be cherished, along with its editor, Kalaydjian, and its other staff members. Kalaydjian’s dedicated work keeps the news - paper at the highest quality. Atamian spoke next, quoting Armenag Yegarian on the impor - tant role of the Armenian press in Armenian national demands. He wished continual success to Zartonk and to its award winners, greatly praising the newspaper’s patriotic and traditional direction. Archbishop Nareg Alemezian concluded the evening with his appreciation of the sacrifices made for Zartonk in the past, and added his praise of Eordekian and Vartivarian, whose work he got to know in Yerevan and New Jersey. He also added the name of his own mother’s uncle, Setrag Gebenlian, who served the Armenian press in Dörtyol, Alexandretta, Cyprus, Syria and Lebanon. After a final prayer, a reception was offered to those present.

(Translated from Armenian, this article was previously pub - lished in Zartonk daily.) 10 S ATURDAY , A UGUST 6, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Ne w York M E T R O Young Church Leaders Strengthen Faith in the Holy Land

singing Der Voghormya — it’s just complete By Karine Abalyan humility.” Titled “Leadership in the Light of Our Lord,” the 10-day journey gave college stu - JERUSALEM and NEW YORK — Hours dents and recent graduates from parishes before daybreak, a group of young people across the Eastern Diocese a unique opportu - made their way through the Christian Quarter nity to experience the great sites of biblical of Jerusalem. In the hushed stillness of the history, learn about the Armenian presence in cool summer night — a rare moment of qui - the Holy Land and explore ways to strengthen etude in an otherwise bustling city — they fol - their leadership roles at the parish and lowed narrow cobblestone alleys, passed Diocesan levels. under ancient arches and arrived before a Diocesan Primate Archbishop Khajag grand structure that lies at the very heart of Barsamian led the trip, which was made pos - the Christian narrative. sible through a donation by Aso Tavitian, who It was here at the Church of the Holy joined the group for part of the program. Also Sepulchre — the site of Christ’s crucifixion, accompanying the pilgrims were the Rev.

The Rev. Mardiros Chevian distributes Holy Communion during the celebration of the Divine Liturgy at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.

ship, study and pray together. The cathedral is named for two of Christ’s “Every day we had Bible studies that relat - disciples — St. James, the son of Zebedee, and ed to the region we were visiting and made the brother of St. John the Evangelist, and St. this experience spiritual and meaningful,” said James, the brother of the Lord and the first Karen Dardarian of St. John Church of bishop of Jerusalem. Its walls are lined with Southfield, Mich. “We reflected on the verses distinctive hand-painted tiles and large icons, and how they related to our lives in today’s and at the center stands a rich, wooden altar world.” decorated with gilded ornamental work. Among the sites the group visited were the Archbishop Torkom Manoogian, the Mount of Olives, Mount of Ascension, Jordan Armenian Patriarch of Jerusalem and past River, Sea of Galilee, Nazareth, Bethlehem, Primate of the Eastern Diocese, welcomed the Mount Tabor, Jericho, Qumran and the Dead young people. Sea. “You are adding a new joy by visiting the In Jerusalem they also traced the footsteps Holy Land and praying in the holy places,” of Christ through the Way of the Cross — the Manoogian told the pilgrims. “I am happy that path he walked carrying the cross to his cru - your generation is active, and I hope you are cifixion. Arriving at the Church of the Holy enjoying your involvement in the church in Sepulchre, Chevian celebrated the Divine the name of Jesus Christ.” Liturgy. Karen Dardarian and Alex Ouzounian, both They also toured the Armenian sections of members of the ACYOA Central Council, pre - Pilgrims pose for a group photo outside the Armenian monastery in Bethlehem. the church, including the cave where St. sented Manoogian with a check for $2,000 as Helena is said to have found the True Cross of part of the organization’s annual contribution Christ, some 300 hundred years after the cru - to the Patriarchate. burial and glorious resurrection — that these Mardiros Chevian, dean of New York’s St. cifixion, and the Chapel of St. Gregory the The young leaders also met their counter - pilgrims, like millions of worshippers before Vartan Armenian Cathedral; Oscar Tatosian, Illuminator, where Armenia’s patron saint parts in Jerusalem, and spent several evenings them, encountered the power of a sacrifice chair of the Diocesan Council and Dr. Nicole spent several years in prayer and meditation. together in fellowship. “It was really inspiring that changed the course of history. Vartanian, an educator and senior administra - “We got to see that the Armenian identity to see that they’re so well connected with “We as Christians tend to fall away from tor at Hunter College. has a very strong presence in this place that is each other,” said Maral Arslan of Holy Cross Christ,” said Maral Demirjian, one of 34 young “As we learn more about our Lord, we will so important to people all over the world,” Church of Union City, NJ. “They were so open adults taking part in a Diocesan pilgrimage to also learn more about ourselves,” Barsamian said Christine Santourian of St. John Church to us and treated us like we were at home.” the Holy Land from June 1 to 10. “And yet, told the youth leaders. “We will recognize the of Southfield, Mich. Tatosian noted that the exchange was a when you’re standing there at his tomb, great potential that lives within each of us — Further, the group experienced the other “first step at building bridges between young which Christ wants to draw out of our hearts.” religions alive in Jerusalem by visiting the Armenians in the Holy Land and in our “This pilgrimage,” he went on, “is also an Jewish and Muslim quarters of the city. Diocese.” He added, “I hope these connec - opportunity to better understand our identity In Bethlehem, the pilgrims attended a ves - tions will continue to grow and bring new Women’s Guild Central as Armenian Christians. Here in this place pers service in the Armenian chapel of the energy to both Armenian communities.” Council to Host Fall where Armenians have lived and worshipped Church of the Nativity of Christ and descend - A similar theme was struck by Dr. Anoush for centuries, where our church still serves to ed into the Holy Grotto, where a silver star Nakashian, an author and lecturer, who spoke Symposium protect and preserve the holy sites of Christ’s marks the place where Christ was born. to the pilgrims on the importance of preserv - life, here we can recognize the true value and “To say that I’ve been there, to say that I’ve ing the Armenian identity in the face of glob - NEW YORK — The Women’s Guild the deep meaning of our distinctive Christian bowed down and kissed the star...is one of alization. “We have to be educated about the Central Council (WGCC) will host a fall identity.” those experiences I will take back and never past so that we know who we are today,” she symposium, titled “God’s Call, Your The Armenian influence was palpable from forget for the rest of my life,” said Allison reminded them. Response: Lay Leadership Yesterday, the very beginning of the trip, as the group Mamishian of the Church of Our Saviour of At the conclusion of the trip, participants Today and Tomorrow,” which will meet at visited the Church of the Tomb of the Blessed Worcester, Mass. brainstormed ways they could raise awareness the Diocesan Center here, on the week - Virgin to partake in their first Divine Liturgy. At the neighboring Armenian Monastery, about Jerusalem in their parishes and apply end of October 28-30. Barsamian celebrated badarak , with the par - the young people climbed to the building’s the leadership lessons they learned during the Building on this year’s Diocesan explo - ticipation of young sub-deacons and choir famous bell tower to take in panoramic views weeklong program. ration of lay ministry, under the theme members. of the city. “For this group to come to the Holy Land, “Ministry of the Faithful,” the WGCC “I’d never directed the choir before, but I and to see the sites that they had learned symposium will look at the ways women was ready to take on the challenge,” said Ari New Joy, New Energy about in their Sunday School classrooms and are advancing the Armenian Church’s Terjanian of St. Stepanos Church of Elberon, But perhaps what left the strongest imprint at St. Nersess Seminary, has made these mission today and brainstorm new trails NJ. “I won’t forget this experience.” of the centuries-old Armenian perseverance in lessons come to life,” Vartanian said. “Having to be blazed in the 21st century. The church, where Armenians hold services a region long beset by political turmoil was experienced these sites first-hand, they have so Aside from a roster of speakers dis - daily, marks the site where Mary was buried the Cathedral of Sts. James and the Armenian much they can bring back to their parishes.” cussing lay ministry, the program will by the apostles before her assumption into Patriarchate of Jerusalem in the city’s Tavitian shared his own professional jour - include a tour of the United Nations and heaven. It is adjacent to the Armenian-held Armenian Quarter. ney and emphasized how he had been helped the Armenian Mission to the UN. section of the Garden of Gethsemane — one of Led by the Very Rev. Samuel Aghoyan, the by the Armenian community during his for - Participants will have the opportunity to the original plots remaining of the garden group toured the Patriarchate’s 13th-century mative years as a student in Lebanon. He went meet with Garen Nazarian, Armenia’s where Christ spent the final night before his Church of the Holy Archangels, Sts. on to co-found the successful technology com - ambassador to the UN. arrest. Tarkmanchants School and the Calouste pany, Syncsort, and today supports a number The weekend will conclude with wor - “It’s truly amazing how such a small coun - Gulbenkian Library, which holds close to of philanthropic causes including a program ship at St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral in try as Armenia commands so much respect 100,000 volumes. to train young diplomats from Armenia at Manhattan. and power in the Holy Land,” said Arthur In the peaceful interior of Sts. James Tufts University’s Fletcher School of Law and For more information, contact Rita Sabounjian of the Holy Translators Church of Cathedral — where the only illumination Diplomacy. Oscherician at margheri - Framingham, Mass. comes from candles and lanterns hanging The participants expressed their gratitude [email protected]. Throughout their time in the Holy Land, overhead — the pilgrims joined the seminari - to Tavitian for underwriting the cost of the pil - the group had a number of occasions to wor - ans in a moving vespers service. grimage. S ATURDAY , A UGUST 6, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 11 Arts & Living

Celebrating Two Nights of Armenian Specials Jerusalem, in Planned for Fresno Stunning 3D PBS Station FRESNO — ValleyPBS presents two nights of Armenian-focused programming on August 9 By Arthur Hagopian and 12. On Tuesday, August 9, two back-to-back documentaries by filmmaker Hagop Goudsouzian will air. Then, on Friday, August JERUSALEM — Jerusalem of gold, Jerusalem 12, the documentary “Screamers” by director of light. The very name scorches the lips, “like Carla Garapedian will air, featuring the band the kiss of a seraph,” its stones golden in the System Of A Down, all to highlight the rich cul - sun, the “flower of the cities of the world.” ture, music and history of the local Armenian Ofra Haza sang of it as a solitary city with the community during this special time of year — scent of pines, and Feyrouz thrilled millions the holy celebration of the Assumption of St. with her lament, but for all of us, Jerusalem has Mary and the Blessing of the Grapes. always, and will always be, the center of the ValleyPBS is world. broadcast on 18.1 It has been said of this extraordinary city that over the air, Cable of the 10 portions of beauty God gave the channel 8, world, He reserved nine for Jerusalem. And of Comcast HD 708, the 10 portions of sorrow He bestowed upon Dish, U-verse and this planet, Jerusalem’s gift again numbered Direct TV channel nine. Armen Donelian 18. Throughout the millennia, people of all faiths On August 9, have celebrated Jerusalem in song and dance, local news anchor prose and poetry. and television per - Tens of thousands of books have been writ - sonality Stefani ten about this troubled patch, which has meta - Armen Donelian Has Booroojian, along morphosed into the spiritual fount of the with Prof. Barlow world’s three great monotheistic religions, Carla Garapedian Der Mugrdechian, Christianity, Islam and Judaism. New CD, ‘Leapfrog’ director of the Its story has been documented in countless Armenian Studies films and theatrical productions, but while the NEW YORK (Jazz-Quad) — Pianist, composer, bandleader and educator Armen Program at Fresno State, will host the evening. books and films have probed almost every tangi - Donelian has carved out an enviable career spanning four decades, including semi - “Armenian Exile” begins at 7 p.m., followed by ble aspect of the city’s undying allure, none has nal stints with Sonny Rollins, Billy Harper, Chet Baker and Mongo Santamaria. “Armenian Minstrels” at 8:30 p.m. so far ventured to portray it in the one untried His new album, “Leapfrog,” his ninth release for Sunnyside, due for release In “Armenian Exile” (2009), his second film, visually-astounding medium of IMAX 3D. September 13, should go a long way in rectifying his relatively unsung status as an Goudsouzian paints a self-portrait in which he Until now. improvising artist of the highest order. pursues a greater understanding of his For the first time in its illustrious history, Working with an exceptional band composed of Dutch tenor saxophonist Marc Armenian roots. In 1988, Nagorno-Karabagh’s Jerusalem will come alive once more in an ambi - Mommaas, guitarist Mike Moreno, veteran bassist Dean Johnson and drummer war for independence was in the headlines tious 3D visual reproduction. Tyshawn Sorey, Donelian focuses on his spacious, lyrically-charged compositions. worldwide. Halfway across the world in Canada, But the high-tech production envisaged is no “The inspiration for this music came from my reflections on where the world is Goudsouzian’s peaceful world was suddenly mere commercial enterprise aimed primarily at going these days,” Donelian says. “There’s so much regurgitation of older styles in shaken: “I had forgotten I was Armenian, until boosting bank balances. The 3D IMAX project, jazz today, I feel the need to carry the ball a little further. As Diz once said, it’s about I saw the courage of these people who had tailored for giant 22x16-meter screens, breaks keeping one foot in the tradition, and one in the future.” never forgotten who they were and knew what new ground with its determination to present a Determined to distill each composition to its essentials, Donelian has honed a they had to do.” Seeking clarity of both history new form of celebrating the world’s most group concept that flows from his belief that less is indeed more. “I like stating an and self, Goudsouzian reflects on Armenian famous and most loved city. idea and leaving space for listeners to absorb it,” Donelian says. “It’s especially identity, which is at the heart of all his films. The film is a co-production of Cosmic Picture important for band members to be mind - “Armenian (New York) and Arcane Pictures (London), with ful of space, so they can real - Minstrels,” the Jerusalem-based Highlight Films providing local ly hear each other. When newest film in backup and expertise and managing the stage. there’s too much happening Goudsouzian’s The producers, Taran Davies, George Duffield there’s not much listening trilogy of docu - and Daniel Ferguson, see the project as a going on.” mentaries show - “multi-year, multi-component project with a One explanation for the casing the vibrant compendium of educational materials and an band’s profound affinity for culture and rich outreach campaign designed to strengthen the Donelian’s music is that he history of impact and message of the IMAX film.” shares significant history Armenia, traces They believe it will encourage “greater public with these players and the long tradition understanding of Jerusalem’s extraordinary often helped shape them of folk music uniqueness: its universal cultural and religious during their formative through perfor - significance, the richness of its artistic and years. His collaboration Hagop Goudsouzian mances and inter - archaeological treasures, and the surprising with Johnson stretches views with musi - diversity of its inhabitants.” back to the 1980s, when cians and fans. And, hopefully, it will help bridge the gap Johnson was establishing Filmed in Armenia, “Armenian Minstrels” fea - between Jews, Christians and Muslims, promot - himself as an in-demand tures Prof. Tovmas Poghosyan, the Sayat-Nova ing “engagement” between these three great accompanist through his Cover of “Leapfrog” Minstrel Song Ensemble and impromptu inter - Abrahamic faiths on a historic scale, building work with Gerry Mulligan. views with well-known minstrels Andranik trust and respect among them by “showcasing Donelian met Mommaas Ujanci, Astghanush, Kochar and Makhmour, their common heritage” and inspiring them, while teaching at the Manhattan School of Music shortly after the saxophonist who sing and recount the critical role their and the public, to better understand each arrived in New York City from the Netherlands; they have developed potent band - songs and music play in keeping alive a once- other’s beliefs and practices. stand chemistry over the past decade. dying art form. The producers are confident the project will Donelian first met Moreno while teaching in the New School’s jazz program Born in Egypt, Goudsouzian is of Armenian support scientific and historical literacy by about 10 years ago, just as Moreno was starting his ascent to his current status as descent and currently lives in Toronto. In part - “exploring the various means through which one of the most esteemed young guitarists in New York. And he encountered Sorey nership with TVOntario TFO, he has produced we study and learn about Jerusalem: important as a standout high school student in the mid-1990s, a relationship that continued and directed a number of television and docu - eyewitness accounts, ancient maps and mosaics, when the drummer enrolled in William Paterson University, where Donelian is also mentary series. manuscripts, early photographs and the latest on faculty. “Screamers” will air on August 12, at 8:30 archaeological research will help expose the Born in Queens, NY in 1950 to Armenian parents, Donelian grew up in a multi - p.m. and features the multi-platinum, Grammy multiple layers of Jerusalem’s past and the cultural household, surrounded by classical and Armenian music. His first exposure Award-winning band System Of A Down as they ongoing process of discovery.” to jazz came at age 12, and as a Columbia University undergrad he studied music lend their music — and voices — to raise aware - “The film will promote collaboration between history, theory and composition; but his jazz studies commenced in earnest after ness about the Armenian Genocide, as well as leaders of the Semitic religions in Jerusalem, his graduation, when he fell under the sway of pianist Richie Beirach. other genocides that have followed, including and use the immersive nature of IMAX 3D to During that time Donelian apprenticed with a series of jazz giants, starting in Darfur. Garapedian will be in the studio with allow people of all faiths to experience other see DONELIAN, page 13 Leslie Davis and Prof. Sergio La Porta of the people’s rituals, Holy Days and sacred sites,” Armenian Studies Program, as the hosts for the they say. evening. see JERUSALEM, page 12 12 S ATURDAY , A UGUST 6, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARTS & LIVING Hats off to Project SAVE for 2012 Calendar

life,” Thomasian continued. “It’ll spark memo - nobody has brought greater focus to historic features we have come to accept as ordinary By Tom Vartabedian ries and conversations with others.” photography than Project SAVE and qualities of life. Combining the three elements Sponsorships are divided into different hat Thomasian. As historian, preservationist and into a chronicle of Armenian art is pure inge - categories, including a pompadour, lichaki and executive director, she, too, has worn many nuity. WATERTOWN, Mass. — My grandfather yasma . hats in her society — all of them snug. The hats and hairstyles of yesteryear were wore a fedora. Thomasian is a “calendar girl” of her own Her historic calendars are just one iota. provocative to say the least and defined the I can see him now strolling down the lane, these days, after being chosen to receive a Although they are a major source of income, it very soul and character of our heritage. cane in hand, tipping that hat to all the Nobody portrayed hands better than fine ladies who crossed his path. Good photographer Yousuf Karsh. He was a thing he wore a head covering. I remem - genius at it. ber him as bald as a cue ball but quite dis - I remember the story of when a hag - tinguished all the same. gard woman entered his studio in My dad wore a similar fedora. Where Canada and wanted a portrait taken for he inherited the hat remains to be her family. As Karsh was about to click seen. Unlike me, my father had a good the shutter, the woman timidly placed head of hair. As for my mother, many her hands behind her back with obvious pictures of her shown as a comely chagrin. young lady exposed a wide-brimmed Karsh stopped in his tracks, went to re- Gainsborough, much like Audrey position the woman’s hands, and noticed Hepburn or Sophia Loren might have they were severely chapped. She did not worn in their day. want her hands shown in the photo - Over the past 26 years, Project SAVE graph and Karsh wasn’t about to accept founder Ruth Thomasian has concocted “no” for an answer. a number of themes for her calendars, be “These hands represent a working they rugs, dancing, flags and weddings. woman’s hands,” he said to her. “They’ve Now, she’s added a new twist. “Hye Hats, cooked meals, did housework, changed hair and hands.” And she appears to have diapers and were the tools of life. To take been working on all cylinders. a portrait without showing them would Some might think it a bit premature to be unacceptable.” be plugging calendars in August but the The subject relented and what fol - deluge has already started from different lowed was a provocative sitting with the agencies. Already I’ve been sent four cal - hands neatly exposed, giving the endars from different agencies and sever - Armenian woman a perfect image. Her al more will be arriving before year’s end. hands were more striking in the photo Formal portrait of the Deradoorian family, Morenig, Kharpert, historic Armenia, Ottoman Empire - 1890 “It’s that time of year again and we than the woman’s eyes. (From the collection of Project SAVE Armenian Photograph Archives, Courtesy of Grace Deradoorian, hope you’ll lend a hand, let down your Waltham, Mass.) To amass such a collection at Project hair and throw your hat into the ring,” SAVE (more than 35,000 images), says Thomasian, who is actively seeking Thomasian spends hours interviewing sponsors. Vahan Cardashian Award from the Armenian is also a way of sharing a photographic trea - photo donors with stories about their lives, Depicted will be Armenians in the homeland National Committee of America (ANC) for her sure trove. If pictures could talk, they could fill ancestors and cultural data. Emphasis is also and throughout the diaspora. Included will be efforts toward the ANC and Armenian com - a library with stories and anecdotes. put onthe lives and works of Armenian pho - images showing people of all ages sporting munity at large since 1975. And to come up with 26 different calendar tographers. hats and hairstyles of the times and places in She will share that tribute with Merrimack themes is surprisingly another coup de grace A loved one in a certain hairstyle? Wearing which they made their homes. Valley activist Stephen Dulgarian at a dinner for her organization. It isn’t a job that gets a special hat? The touch of their hands? It is “From the fez to the fedora, page boys to pig - taking place in Boston on October 15. It is an done in a fortnight. And one that will not make the stuff of which memories are cherished and tails, pudgy baby hands to hard-working hands, honor richly deserved on both accounts. Thomasian rich, except in spirit. preserved. this promises to be a kaleidoscope of Armenian Over the past three-and-a-half decades, All three idioms — hats, hair and hands — are For information on the calendars, e-mail:

baha (hummus with chickpea and parsley) or Celebrating Jerusalem, in Stunning 3D munch on a hot, crunchy falafel or partake of the mouth-watering sweet kenafeh (a filo dough pastry with sweetened cheese in rose JERUSALEM, from page 11 IMAX films have a long shelf life, playing at the - misty embrace of incense and warm glow of can - water with a garnish of pistachios), you get a Production costs are reported to top $10 mil - atres for five to 10 years and often longer. Some dles, leaving their prayers in cracks in a wall, or sense of the tendrils of affection the world feels lion, with investment in the film coming from a of the most successful titles in the IMAX library keeping midnight vigil in expectation of the for what could have been a demi-paradise.” variety of international sources eager to pro - made 20 to even 30 years ago are still playing opening of the gates of heaven. “And then, despite the intifadas, the house- mote appreciation and understanding of in theatres today. It is not possible to talk of Jerusalem except demolitions and the relentless wrangle of politi - Jerusalem, as well as science and education. The film team plans to employ approximately in superlatives. cians and generals, you meet its amiable and Over the past two years, the production team 200-500 Israelis and Palestinians on the film over Jerusalem is not a city. It is an experience. friendly people in the street, and get a taste of the has been busy laying plans, writing the script, two years of filming as researchers, advisors, tech - “Although its back alleys are filthy, the gaucho camaraderie of Christian, Jew and Muslim visiting Jerusalem to establish contacts and nicians, costumers, construction workers, drivers, crowds noisy and pushy, the merchants impor - alike, and you realize this is a people who know touching base with researchers and key players security personnel, translators, artists, musicians, tunate and sometimes downright mendacious, the meaning of real and lasting friendship.” in the story, and setting up the apparatus nec - extras, caterers, pilots and designers. all is forgotten and forgiven when you stand This is the story of Jerusalem. It has been told essary to streamline the production process. What is it that makes Jerusalem “tick?” before the majestic Western Wall, climb up to over and over again, through various genres They have interviewed some of the world’s This is where history is said to have begun. the golden Dome of the Rock, or wonder at the and media, but never as breathtakingly stun - greatest minds in archaeology, theology, Indeed, every tile in its Old City’s cobble-stoned mysterious ladder at foot of the Church of the ning as three-dimensional IMAX. jurisprudence, law, politics and history and streets has a tale to tell — to regale you with sto - Holy Sepulcher,” one researcher and long-time (For a preview of what the finished film will signed up a score of consultants. They have also ries of glory and grandeur and a litany of dev - resident muses. look like, watch the trailer at met visited all the key sites of archaeological astation and despair and, ultimately, triumph. “And when you sit down to a plate of musab - http://vimeo.com/15034110.) interest in and around Jerusalem. For Jerusalem has earned the dubious distinc - Shooting is scheduled for 2012, and the film tion of being the perennial battleground of the is expected to be released sometime in the fall nations, an Armageddon designation that has of 2013. eclipsed the more sublime mantle of spirituality With the talents of this vast panoply of chron - it has been clothed with. iclers, archivists and researchers, from both You pass through its half-dozen portals, and local and overseas institutions, the producers walk in the footsteps of the prophets, the con - are confident “Jerusalem IMAX 3D” will more querors, the poets and the dreamers, the than meet their expectations. builders and the destroyers, and you wonder, Already, Davies and Ferguson’s collaboration what is it that makes Jerusalem so unique and on the IMAX film “Journey to Mecca” (which evokes such a plethora of feelings in one’s con - catalogued Ibn Battuta’s first epic pilgrimage to sciousness? Islam’s holy site) has won international acclaim It would be impossible to pinpoint a single and made cinematographic history, while aspect of Jerusalem’s ambience, except to Duffield’s recently released “The End of The remember that there is a universal conviction Line,” an educational film about over-fishing, that Jerusalem does not belong only to Arabs, was hailed by Greenpeace to have accomplished Jews or Christians: it belongs to the world. more on the subject of over-fishing in three It is, beyond doubt, the city’s special mark of weeks than they achieved in 10 years through distinction as a fount of spirituality that is the traditional outreach. lodestone for the millions of people from around Unlike television and feature-length films, the world who come here, seeking solace in the S ATURDAY , A UGUST 6, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 13 ARTS & LIVING Armenia Fest 2011 Exceeds Expectations

phone; Tom Zakarian, vocals, guitar; Mike By Betty Apigian Kessel Mossoian, classic dumbeg ; George Nigosian, clas - sic dumbeg and DJ Ronn. Local Armenian vendors offered crafts, art - DETROIT — It was a runaway success from the work, books, baked goods and music. Food lines first year, and the fourth annual Armenia Fest of popular caterer Gary Reizian of Uptown 2011 held Saturday, July 16, proved to have the Catering proved to move rapidly for guests want - same magic formula of bringing thousands from ing to enjoy kebabs , pilaf , stuffed grape leaves all over the beautiful state of Michigan to cele - and lamehjun . brate our glorious Armenian heritage. For the Each year you can count on an outstanding second year, the location was the spacious pavil - performance by the talented Hamazkayin Dance ion and outdoor spaces of the Royal Oak Troupe now under the direction of Lara Farmer’s Market in suburban Detroit. Zanazanian to perform traditional Armenian folk This year’s festival committee was under the dances dressed in authentic costumes. leadership of Corinne Khederian and David It takes imagination and dedication for a group Terzibashian, with the participation and leader - of Armenians representing the metro area to give ship of the Knights of Vartan. Emcee duties were the community the very special gift of honoring performed by Vaughn Masropian, host and direc - our past and the promise of the future in being tor of the weekly Armenian Radio Program. Armenian. No matter what amount of that blood Welcoming words were spoken by Irina runs in your veins, you can proudly declare, “Yes Lazarian, director of Armenia Fund USA, a non- Hye em . I am Armenian.” Metro Detroit Armenia Fest Committee, from left, standing, Paul Kulhanjian; Corinne Khederian, co- profit organization to which proceeds from this Attorney Kathy Ossian said, “Armenia Fest chair; Irina Lazarian, Armenia Fund USA; Madeline Thomasian; Edward Bedikian; Shirley Sarkisian; event will go for humanitarian projects abroad. allowed me the opportunity to connect with long- Ara Belian and Pam Coultis; front row, Ray Boujoulian, Agop Alexanian, Ken Khezarjian and David Others were Edmond Hagopian, Royal Oak time friends, make new acquaintances within the Terzibashian Mayor Jim Ellis, Oakland County Clerk Bill community and enjoy great Armenian music, cul - Bullard, state Rep. Chuck Moss and US House of ture, dancing and food.” Representative members Gary Peters and Sander At last year’s festival, Hagopian chatted with and I to attend the event even if it was a 140 miles Edward Bedikian, Ara Belian, Raymond Levin. friends and told us how he wanted Festival 2011 round trip.” Boujoulian, Pam Coultis, Ken Khezarjian, Paul The absence of visionary Edgar Hagopian, who to be bigger and better with additional attrac - An impressive, ever-growing ad book is given to Kulhanjian, Masropian, Shirley Sarkisian and passed away in April, was strongly felt. It was the tions. That same group, Mitch Kehetian, Edward attendees. It sends the message to support those Madeline Thomasian. brainstorm of this highly-successful businessman Haroutunian, Robert Kessel and myself again sat who place ads in it, thereby investing in the com - It is to the credit of the committee that its mem - that Armenia Fest first came to fruition. Together at the same table reminiscing the words spoken munity and supporting each other. bers circulated among the huge throng to assure with the Armenia Fest Committee, Edgar and the by our departed friend. He would have been In Detroit we are famous for building great guest satisfaction. It does not hurt to press the Hagopian Family Foundation founded, developed utterly proud of the event. automobiles and for the proud tradition of keep - flesh of those who make the event a huge suc - and sponsored the largest independent Armenian Armenian Relief Society member Sona ing Armenian heritage very alive and very cess. They were perfect hosts and hostesses. festival in the state of Michigan. Mishigian has this to say. “The festival was won - healthy. You can count on Detroit to always be in I told Hagopian last year in all sincerity that I Rubik Malian sang the American and derful, not only to see so many Armenians from a leadership role in continuing the legacy of our didn’t care if the festival was held in a garage, that Armenian national anthems. Metro Detroit but to also appreciate the under - ancestors. I would be there to support and enjoy. Let’s hope Detroit’s got rhythm aplenty. Outdoor musical taking and the preparations of such a large festi - Other dedicated committee members to whom next year we can again experience the same com - entertainment was under the leadership of val. It was the first time for my husband Avedis we all are grateful include: Hagop Alexanian, munity togetherness to the satis faction of all. Masropian on vocals and percussions, who along with the 2011 Armenia Fest Big Band All Stars had folks stomping to village and homeland music until 10 p.m., the conclusion of the festival. Other musicians were Sean Blackman, guitar; Donelian Has New Sunnyside CD, ‘Leapfrog’ Harry Hovakimian, violin; Kirk Kuchukian, oud; John Harotian, clarinet; Johnny Tosoian, saxa - DONELIAN, from page 11 Through the 1980s, Donelian led a series of as a 2002 Fulbright Senior Scholar. 1975 with Santamaria, where he presided over outstanding bands, culminating in his quintet An invaluable educator and international clini - the piano chair once filled by Herbie Hancock with Dick Oatts at the end of the decade, when cian, Donelian has written several authoritative and Chick Corea. “I learned so much about he feels that his music really came into its own. texts, including two volumes of Training the Ear time, professionalism and stamina,” he says of Donelian has consistently explored his and the forthcoming Whole Notes , a new book his time with Santamaria. “It was one of the Armenian roots in his music, and recorded for about piano playing. “Over the years I discovered greatest experiences of my life, to investigate several labels with the Middle Eastern jazz I had a knack for teaching and later a talent,” he Latin music from the inside.” ensemble Night Ark; he also co-produced (with says, “and beyond that a responsibility.” In the midst of his four-year tenure with legendary jazz producer George Avakian) Donelian’s quintet will be performing the music Harper’s band, he made his recording debut “Listen to My Heart,” a collection of jazz inter - from “Leapfrog” at two CD release shows in with 1981’s “Stargazer” (Atlas), a trio date with pretations of Armenian folk songs. Donelian September: September 23, Firehouse 12, New Billy Hart and Eddie Gomez, featuring his orig - has frequently traveled to Armenia to perform, Haven, Conn., 8:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. and September inal compositions. and taught at the Yerevan State Conservatory 24, Cornelia Street Cafe, 9 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. CC AA LLEENNDDAARR Entertainment Fridays and Saturdays MASSACHUSETTS On September 17, AUGUST 21 — Armenian Church at Hye Pointe Picnic will be held an opening recep - at American Legion Farm, 1314 Main St., Haverhill, 12-5 p.m. Music tion of the exhibi - by Jason Naroian Ensemble. Menu includes shish, losh and chicken tion “Karsh: kebab dinners, kheyma, pastries and beverages. Air-conditioned hall. Celebrating Bring your lawn chairs. Adults entrance donation, $1 pp. For more Humanity,” fea - info, visit www.hyepointchurch.org. turing the works SEPTEMBER 16 and 17 — A weekend of Art and Renewal with of Yousuf Karsh, The Armenian Library and Museum of America (ALMA), fea- will take place in turing the works of Yousuf Karsh. the Armenian • September 16 — ALMA will host a gala celebration at the Fairmont Library and Museum’s (ALMA) Copley Plaza, Boston, honoring the life and works of world- Bedoukian renowned Armenian-Canadian photographer, Yousuf Karsh, and the Gallery, 6:30-8:30 permanent collection of his portraits gifted by his wife, Estrella Karsh. p.m., at 65 Main Reservations can be made online by visiting ALMA website at St., Watertown, www.almainc.org or call (617) 926-2562, ext. 31. Mass. For info, • September 17 — Opening reception of the exhibition Karsh: contact ALMA at Celebrating Humanity in ALMA’s newly-designed Bedoukian Gallery, (617) 926-2562 or 6:30-8:30 p.m., 65 Main St., Watertown. Celebrate the new face of almainc.org. ALMA and the many faces of Karsh. For info, contact ALMA. 14 S ATURDAY , A UGUST 6, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMENTARY

T HE A RMENIAN COMMENTARY Mirror- Erdogan’s Apology Syndrome

met with indignation.” Spectator By Edmond Y. Azadian Of course lower-echelon functionaries allowed themselves harsher words. Göksel Gülbey, head of an organization engaged in falsifying Genocide history called “Committee to Fight Turkey’s Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan is angry against Armenian Allegations,” said, “We challenge Sargisian. again. He is rather furious this time around at Armenia’s presi - Let him come and take Agri. We are here.” dent, Serge Sargisian. Many people believe that Erdogan is a The specter of the Treaty of Sevres will haunt the Turks to Established 1932 master politician. But when his actions are analyzed, we find the end of history because deep down, they know the mountain An ADL Publication that, in fact, he is simply a juggler who can dramatize political does not belong to them. It will only continue to be an “agri” to situations to attain his goals. them. Mr. Erdogan is angry because of a statement made by The political fight also degenerated into street slogans, where

EDITOR Armenia’s president during the youth Olympics in Armenia, Turks demonstrated near Mount Ararat, hoisting banners, Alin K. Gregorian answering a young man’s question regarding when can we lib - which read “Sargisian! Criminal!” erate Western Armenia, including Ararat. This charade was staged by Erdogan and his government to ASSOCIATE EDITOR President Sargisian’s answer was extremely diplomatic, per - divert attention from mounting domestic and foreign pressures. Aram Arkun haps that further infuriated Mr. Erdogan that he could not Indeed, right after the June parliamentary elections, the ART DIRECTOR catch Armenia’s president red-handed. In answering the youth, Kurds declared autonomy in Diarbekir. Just a few days ago, the Marc Mgrditchian he said (translated verbatim): “That depends on you and your entire Turkish military brass resigned in protest. These two generation. Our generation defended Karabagh against its ene - events represented the two bookends of a tug-of-war raging in PRODUCTION Dilani Yogaratnam mies.” Turkey — and Erdogan’s government is caught in between. That statement has been distorted by Erdogan himself, the On the foreign front, the European Union elected the legiti - Turkish leadership and the sensationalist Turkish press, and it mate government of Cyprus to preside during 2012, angering has been reduced into a more interesting sound bite that “we Erdogan, who threatened retaliation. What particularly pertains CONTRIBUTORS: liberated Karabagh and your generation has to liberate Western to Armenians is the pressure exerted by the US State Elizabeth Aprahamian, Daphne Abeel, Dr. Armenia and Ararat.” President Sargisian’s words may indeed Department and the European Union to revive the stalled Haroutiune Arzoumanian, Edmond have meant that, but diplomacy required a more tactful Protocols. In recent months, the West was very vocal that the Azadian, Prof. Vahakn N. Dadrian, Diana approach, which Armenia’s president exercised. ball is in Turkey’s court. To stave that criticism, Turkey ignited Der Hovanessian, Philip Ketchian, The way the Turkish side dramatized and orchestrated the this diplomatic fireball, intending to corner Armenia diplomati - Kevork Keushkerian, Sonia Kailian- issue, driving it to the brink of a crisis, is indicative that Mr. cally. Placido , H arut Sassounian, Mary Terzian, Erdogan’s manufactured “anger” was long in waiting, to trigger When the Genocide bill was adopted in France, Turkey threat - Hagop Vartivarian, Naomi Zeytoonian, Taleen Babayan a diplomatic showdown to embarrass Armenia. But the Turkish ened to cancel its military contracts, but a few months later it prime minister’s bluff doesn’t always work and it didn’t this time was business as usual. around. Some cyber surfers have discovered that in the English sec - CORRESPONDENTS: Prime Minister Erdogan was on his way to Baku, to mend tion of Google alone, Erdogan’s name has been cited 17 million Armenia - Hagop Avedikian fences with the Azeris, since it was rumored that his relations times and out of those, 1.7 million refer to “Erdogan asking for Boston - Nancy Kalajian were getting tense with President Ilham Aliyev. Therefore, it was apology.” Philadelphia - Lisa Manookian a most appropriate prelude to that trip to assuage the Azeri Armenia is in good company when it comes to Erdogan’s Contributing Photographers: leader, make a macho announcement to an Azeri paper, and fur - demand for an apology. Of course, the crisis triggered by the Jacob Demirdjian, Harry Koundakjian, Jirair ther repeat and elaborate on his statement in Baku, during a Mavi Marmara incident is still simmering. Erdogan has been ask - Hovsepian joint press conference with Azerbaijan’s president. He also ing Israel to apologize for intercepting the Turkish boat and added to his comment that “Karabagh is occupied by Armenia killing nine Turks on board. The demand for an apology was for The Armenian Mirror-Spectator is published weekly, except two weeks in July, by: and we will pursue that issue to the very end.” the Mavi Marmara incident, which was coupled with a demand But the brunt of his “anger” was directed personally at by the Turkish government to lift the blockade around Gaza. Baikar Association, Inc. Armenia’s president. Indeed, in a condescending demeanor After winning some brownie points in the Arab world, Turkey 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 Erdogan pontificated: “It is not becoming of a statesman to has been soft-pedaling the Gaza blockade and is asking only an Telephone: 617-924-4420 mobilize the coming generations with sentiments of animosity apology for the Mavi Marmara incident, which is nowhere to FAX: 617-924-2887 and hatred… Does this mean that tomorrow Turkish and come. Israeli Foreign Minister Lieberman is dead-set against www.mir rorspectator.com Armenian youths will wage war against each other? We don’t that demand. E-Mail: editor@mirrorspectator .com accept all that. It is impossible to have that kind of presidential Last January, Erdogan clashed with Germany’s Chancellor For advertising: [email protected] behavior, nor policy. Sargisian has committed a grave mistake. Angela Merkel when the latter visited Cyprus and criticized Now he has to apologize and take back his words.” Turkey for occupying the northern third of the island. Erdogan New York/New Jersey Office Erdogan’s salvo reverberated throughout the Turkish politi - 560 Sylvan Ave. , Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632 began spewing fire and demanded an apology. Chancellor (201) 800-1164 cal hierarchy and the press, with a smooth orchestration, which Merkel not only ignored the apology demands, but she later vis - reveals it was part and parcel of a foreign policy agenda to score ited Ankara and in person proposed reforms and criticized points against Armenia. Turkey for being slow in implementing the EU agreements. SUBSCRIPTION RATES : Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Arinc echoed his master’s Erdogan bit the bullet and forgot about his previous demand for U.S.A. voice, adding some more sound and fury as he stated: “Turkey an apology from her, because he realized that beggars can’t be 2nd Class $75 a year is a powerful country. No one can set an eye on Turkey, nor to choosers; he needed Germany’s support in Turkey’s candidacy 1st Class $120 a year Canada our mountains, nor to our fields or waters. We own these terri - to the European Union. Air Mail $125 a year tories with the will of God. I warn Armenia’s President not to Recently, an article in the Jerusalem Post ridiculed Turkey by play into the hands of domestic politics. Look at Armenia — it is saying: “Today Israel is not alone. There is another country All Other Countries in economic trouble. One time they were starving and we gave which owes an apology to Turkey — that is, Armenia.” Air Mail $190 a year Display advertising r at e: $7 per column inch them wheat; let them sober up. Let them stop from talking Concluding that article, the Post asked this succinct question: about Agri.” (The Turks call Mount Ararat, Agri, which means “Very well, who will now ask Erdogan to apologize for occupy - pain, because Mount Ararat is indeed a pain in their necks.) ing Northern Cyprus?” The Turkish Foreign Ministry issued an official statement © 2010 The Armenian Mirror-Spectator We see that neither statesmen nor the press outside Turkey warning Armenia against making provocative statements and Periodical Class Postage Paid at Boston, MA take seriously Erdogan’s apology syndrome. Armenia can safely “educated” Armenia’s leadership in statesmanship through the and additional mailing offices. dump that demand in the dustbin of history, like Israel and following communiqué: “When peace efforts are in progress in Germany have done. ISSN 0004-234X the region, President Sargisian’s words indicate that he has And for Mr. Erdogan’s information, it is the duty of future POSTMASTER : Send address changes to The nothing to do with peace. Any peaceful individual wishing rec - generations of Armenians to fight for the liberation of historic Armenian Mirror-Spectator, P.O. Box 302, onciliation can learn a lesson from Sargisian’s words which were Armenia and Ararat, without apology! Watertown, MA 02471-0302

Copying for other than personal use or point or larger). Submissions that do not con - tor. Photos will be returned only if a self- internal reference is prohibited without form to these specifications will be assigned addressed and stamped envelope is express permission of the copyright Notice to Contributors owner. Address requests for reprints or lowest priority. included. back issues to: — 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 Baikar Association, Inc. comes aArrtimclens,iacnomMmeirnrotarr-Siepseacntadtocrommu - — All submissions should include the event. For major special events, excep - 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 nity news from our readers. In order to name of a contact person and a daytime tions may be made only by special assure the accurate and timely publication telephone number. arrangement with the editors. of articles submitted, please note the fol - — Deadline for submission of all articles — Telephone numbers, ticket prices and other lowing policies: and advertising is noon on the Monday of details (at the discretion of the editors) will not — All articles submitted should be typed, dou - the week of publication. be included in press releases, but should be Check us out at ble (or triple) spaced and printed in a type — Photos will be published without charge reserved for calendar listings and advertise - mirrorspectator.com size large enough to be clearly legible (10 at the discretion of the editors and art direc - ments. S ATURDAY , A UGUST 6, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 15 COMMENTARY

President Sargisian calmly responded: “It all depends on ers of Israel, Germany and Armenia now stands at three to you and your generation. I believe my generation fulfilled 0. Erdogan should not hold his breath waiting for Armenia its task when it was necessary in the early 1990’s to defend to apologize! Before making such an outrageous demand, a part of our homeland — Karabagh — from enemies. We Turkish leaders must first apologize for the 1.5 million vic - were able to do that…. My point is that each generation has tims of the Armenian Genocide and return all confiscated My Turn its own task, and it must be able to carry it out, and carry Armenian properties, including Western Armenia and Mt. it out well. If you and your peers spare no effort, and if Ararat, as suggested by this erudite student who deserves By Harut Sassounian those older and younger than you act the same way, we will to be honored by Armenian organizations as a role model have one of the best countries in the world. Trust me, a for the young generation. country’s clout is not always measured by its land mass. What was the real cause of the Turkish and Azeri hyste - Erdogan Inadvertently Publicizes The country should be modern, secure, and prosperous. ria? Did Erdogan have a bad translator or simply bad inten - Armenian Territorial Claims These are prerequisites that allow a nation to sit along with tions? It is probably the latter. He delivered his outrageous prominent, strong, and reputed nations of the world. We remarks while standing next to President Aliyev during a From Turkey should all fulfill our duties, be active, industrious, and press conference in Baku last week. Erdogan may have engage in good deeds. And we can accomplish that very wanted to impress his “junior brother” with his anti- Turkish Prime Minister Recep Erdogan’s hysterical out - easily. It would not be the first time in our history that we Armenian zeal and provide a false justification to the inter - burst at Armenia’s President last week had the salutary achieve it. I have no doubts about it, and I don’t want you national community for not keeping his word on the effect of publicizing to a worldwide audience Armenian ter - to have any doubts either. We are a nation like a Phoenix Armenia-Turkey Protocols and refusing to open the border ritorial demands from Turkey! that always rises from the ashes.” with Armenia. He may have also intended to be excessive - By distorting and exaggerating President Serge This simple exchange between the president and the ly harsh so that no Armenian official would ever again hint Sargisian’s remarks to a group of schoolchildren in young student was blown out of all proportion by Azeri and at territorial claims from Turkey. Dsaghgatsor, Armenia, on July 23, Erdogan created a Turkish officials. Journalists in both countries tried to This episode demonstrates that papering over historical gigantic mountain out of a molehill! Anyone who reads the outdo each other in their hysterical attacks on Armenia, injustices by pressuring Armenia to sign the defeatist Armenian president’s actual words would find it hard to accusing President Sargisian of “urging Armenian youth to Protocols will not eliminate the deeply-held grievances of a believe that they could be the cause of Erdogan’s foaming occupy Mt. Ararat and Eastern Turkey.” Insulting adjec - victimized people. The Armenian-Turkish confrontation at the mouth! tives were hurled at Armenia’s president by Turkey’s Prime will not be resolved until justice is done to the Armenian Krikor Hampartsumian, a Shahumian Middle School stu - Minister Erdogan, Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Arinch, nation. Pursuing justice is the task of all Armenians, this dent from the Ararat Region, asked President Sargisian: Minister Egemen Bagis, President Ilham Aliyev of generation and the next. There will be no peace for Turkey “…I would be interested in knowing whether our future Azerbaijan and the foreign ministries of both countries. To without justice for Armenians. would be reminiscent of a German diplomat’s description of incite the masses, protests were organized in Turkish cities In addition to their gratitude to the impressive youngster the Batum Agreement — they gave us enough room to where photographs of President Sargisian were burned. and President Sargisian, Armenians should be thankful to swim in Lake Sevan, but not enough room to dry up — or Incredibly, Erdogan had the audacity of demanding an Prime Minister Erdogan for his hysterical overreaction, which a future that would see the return of Western Armenia apology from President Sargisian. The Turkish prime min - helped bring Armenian territorial demands to the attention of along with Ararat?” ister’s score on failed demands for apology from the lead - the international media and the world community. The Perpetual Youth: A Tribute to Puzant Markarian

Zareh Noubar club to our new center, with its friends with Alex, and this has continued now us, so much so that he henceforth participated By Hagop Vartivarian venerable newly-built, seven-story building, for half a century. We entered the ranks of the in our meetings. During our weekly party meet - open air and enclosed fields and its separate scouts together. Alex’s cousin, Levon, was also ings on Wednesdays, he always was with us. He garage. my classmate, while Noubar Nazarian’s daugh - planned our programs with us, the work we had He was one of the dominant figures in My acquaintance with the Markarians dates ter, Vera, was my brother’s classmate. This also to do, bringing to bear his decades of experi - Beirut’s Hay Yeridasartats Engeragtsutiun back further than this, however. My uncle’s became a cause for our social meetings with ence. And he was so happy about this, very [HYE, or in English, Armenian Youth wife, Lousin, while still a student at the nursing Puzant Markarian or the Nazarian family to be happy. Association]. I knew him while I was still an school of the American University of Beirut, frequent. During Lebanon’s good days, I and In those days, a wave of revulsion arose adolescent, inside the worn rooms of the Zareh was friends with Mari, and his mother-in-law, my wife, Arpi, joined the rally. They knew I had among us against those straying from Noubar club of Beirut, where he was a perma - Satenig Nazarian. Lousin welcomed the arrival become an ADL member, and they considered Armenian national principles. The closing of nent fixture. During that era of the 1960s, he of Puzant and Mari’s first son, Alex, to this having an ADL couple in the executive to be the Saddle Brook center and the fate of Cyprus’ had focused his Armenian national service with - world, and thereafter they remained friends. useful. I remember while in a circle of fellow Melkonian Educational Institute began to in the sphere of HYE’s “Asbedneru They were also connected to my father. My members at the new center of the Asbeds when worry us. These matters made us rebellious. Hamakhmpum [Assembly of the Knights].” This father would often visit the Nazarian brothers, Puzant would say proudly that not only was the Puzant was even more upset than us, as since organization was born at the end of January especially Garbis. Puzant, the sole son-in-law of new generation of HYE members joining the his own youth, he had had the dream of erect - 1957. It was for that generation of youth and the noted Nazarian family, had his special place Asbeds’ movement, but also the ADLers, who ing a youth center and meeting place. It was those reaching middle age who wished to con - in the company. In the future, he would estab - no doubt would be useful for the HYE. contrary to his internal world to close down tinue to support the 30-year-old HYE. The lish, as owner and director, his own business in Then came the Lebanese Civil War. The clubs and schools. Assembly gathered together a knowledgeable the port, at which primarily Armenian workers Lebanese Armenians already began to scatter in Puzant internally possessed a revolutionary and dynamic element which had passed and officials would work. 1977. Each one of us lived in a different place temperament, perhaps inherited from his par - through the ranks of HYE and had attained I met Puzant Markarian for the first time in during those days of uncertain fate and disas - ents, who had raised him with progressive prin - success career-wise. the summer of 1956, when the HYE had orga - ter. The wheel of fate brought me to New Jersey. ciples. He was able to join his voice of protest to At the beginning of the 1950s, Noubar nized its bazaar in the public gardens of Beirut. And I became surrounded by my kind old ours and to be with us. Alex also joined us in Nazarian came to New York as the representa - The president of the Republic of Lebanon, friends of the past, Alex, Berge (Setrakian, who the steps that we took, contrary to Nazar tive of his family’s commercial firm, and became Camille Chamoun, was present. Puzant was a already had become a son-in-law of the Nazarian’s cautious position. Levon Nazarian acquainted with the Knights of Vartan, which handsome, charming presence who had become Nazarians) and Levon. And from that day on, I shared our indignation in those days, but was founded at the beginning of the 20th cen - a measuring stick in those days for a pre - lived my life amidst the Armenian community remained a sympathizer of our sorrow, while tury. Upon his return to Beirut, he wanted to sentable and successful Armenian. He came to life of New Jersey and New York. Alex supported us practically. create a movement with the same spirit in our table to say hello to my father, uncle and Puzant Markarian lost his large and unique It must be said that Puzant was a reader of Lebanon. He assembled a group of idealistic Lousin. factory and finally came to New Jersey to join and believer in Zartonk ; he had a decade of pro - Armenians and became their leader. He also The AGBU Yervant Demirjian Elementary us. An enterprising and practical businessman, found respect for ADL members Kersam invited his brother-in-law, Puzant Markarian, School had newly been shut down, and already he began to set up his new establishment here. Aharonian and Prof. Parounag Tovmassian. and the latter’s wife, Mari, who in those days as a result of the first Lebanese civil war, the In those days, I was working as the director of Later, he became a reader of the Armenian was the chairwoman of the HYE Women’s internal church crisis had begun and polarized Nazar Nazarian’s textile firm. Mr. Nazarian Mirror-Spectator and Nor Or . Committee, to participate. the Lebanese Armenians. The chairman of the early one morning called me to his office and They had sold the Tekeyan Cultural The dream of these idealistic Armenians in Asbeds, Noubar Nazarian, was stabbed in front said, “My son, Puzant has finally settled in New Association (TCA) Youssoufian Center in New this association was to have their own center, a of his home by different Armenians, while Jersey together with my sister Mari and my York, but the TCA’s leaders of that time place for games where the association’s adoles - Nazarian’s father, Levon Efendi, was expelled mother. They took an apartment in Alex’s build - promised to allocate the resulting sum of cent, athletic, cultural and scout movements from St. Nshan Church, which he loved so ing. Look — do whatever he wants, give him money towards the purchase of a new center. could convene under one roof. Puzant much. Although the two secondary schools whatever merchandise he asks for…eh, he is our We are talking about a good-sized sum of Markarian’s contribution to this newly created Hovagimian-Manoogian and Tarouhi Hagopian Puzant.” These were Nazar’s sincere words. In money. The youth of New Jersey did not have a association was immense. The members pri - existed for his pro-Echmiadzin front, there was a short period of time, Puzant established his place in which to assemble. We decided at our marily organized social events in order to work no elementary school. But in 1957 the AGBU’s own company. In those days, I was in commu - Saturday meetings to look toward the Saddle towards the goal of a center for HYE. The initial Yervant Demirjian School opened and turned nication with him nearly on a daily basis. I saw Brook center, which had been placed for sale. idea of building a center on land in the Beirut into a gift of providence for us youths who in him a person who began a business from Its doors had already remained shut for several neighborhood of Sin el-Fil failed. Instead, the belonged to this front. scratch, an enterprising and ingenious manu - years. Armenian General Benevolent Union’s Levon G. My parents enrolled me in 1958 in this newly- facturer. The TCA Central Executive had a sum of Nazarian School came to stand on that spot. opened beautiful school and model kinder - In this fashion we became very close in New approximately $500,000 willed to it from the However, later the Alex Manoogian Cultural garten. A year later a respected figure in edu - Jersey. He was a perpetual youth and resisted late ADL member Nvart Youssoufian. The Center was created on land in central Beirut cation, Armenian Democratic Liberal Party when I called him Baron (Mister) Puzant. It was Saddle Brook center was for sale for $1.5 mil - thanks to the generosity of AGBU’s president, (ADL) member Onnig Sarkisian, came to be its difficult for me, but he turned into our beloved lion. In order to originally purchase this center Alex Manoogian, and the fund established by principal. And there I became classmates with Puzant. for the AGBU, Nazar Nazarian had made a large the Asbeds. Thus, in 1973, the dream of those Alex, and my brother Zareh with Alex’s younger After the AGBU’s Saddle Brook center was donation, in recognition of which its main hall years was finally realized, and we HYE mem - brother, Diran, who was as strikingly handsome closed, he grew closer to us Democratic was named the Nazar and Ardemis Nazarian bers moved from the humble rooms of the as his father. From that day on, I remained Liberals. He felt comfortable/hokeharazad with see TRIBUTE, page 16 16 S ATURDAY , A UGUST 6, 2011 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Tekeyan Centre Fund Creates Summer Magic for Students

CAMP, from page 1 culture and art. The The 10-day retreat for Tekeyan members seminars were con - was possible thanks to the Summer Camp ducted by the project implemented and funded by Tekeyan Tekeyan teachers who Centre Fund (Armenia). Compared to 2010, accompanied the stu - the project has doubled the number of partic - dents during their ipants as well as expanded the geography of summer holidays. schools involved. In 2011, the Tekeyan School They also gave vari - ous quizzes that were educational and infor - mative. The student took part in discus - sions on various top - ics, such as learning about first aid, healthy lifestyles and the historic monu - ments of Lori, etc. They also took part in cultural events devoted to great Armenian literary fig - ures Vahan Tekeyan Tekeyan students at the camp Gugarq Volleyball competition between Tekeyan schools and Hovhannes Toumanian. Tekeyan Centre Fund enabled the students to visit they felt the spirit of the poet; they also recit - anniversary of the Third Armenian Republic. of Berdzor (Karabagh) joined the fund’s per - Toumanian’s house-museum in Dsegh where ed some of his lyrics. It was wonderful to see The Tekeyan students also took part in the manent beneficiaries, i.e. the Tekeyan Schools how deep our younger generation is interest - ceremony performing beautiful dances and of Yerevan, Gumri, Stepanavan and Karbi. The ed in classical authors. patriotic songs. The Director of the camp Mrs. project participants were the excellent stu - Tekeyan students were excited with hiking Danielyan awarded certificates to all the five dents in grades 9-12 from the five schools. to the mountains, to the abandoned camp, to Tekeyan schools for their diligence, deep Tekeyan students spent 10 days in the the forest and the bank of the Debed. They knowledge and excellent behavior. After the majestic Lori region. Mornings started with also learned why the river flowed in the oppo - event they were interviewed by young jour - the sounds of the trumpet and exercises. site direction. The students also had an excur - nalists presenting various TV channels. Students also took part in everyday sporting sion to Haghpat Monastery where in the 18th The ceremony was followed by the tradi - activities and competitions; they were espe - century the famous Armenian bard Sayat- tional farewell campfire and speeches. It was cially excited about swimming in the pool and Nova used to live and create his masterpieces. difficult for the students to be parted from sunbathing. The Tekeyan members got to know the geo - their friends from Gugarq, which was called For 10 days, the Tekeyan students not only graphical position of the camp and its 50-year the “magic planet of childhood,” where only enjoyed a carefree life in the camp, but also Tekeyan students visit Hovhaness Toumanian’s history. love and kindness, peace and happiness songs enriched their knowledge in history and geog - house museum in Dsegh On the last day of the program, the camp and dances reigned. raphy, the Armenian language and literature, organized an event devoted to the 20th The Perpetual Youth: A Tribute to Puzant Markarian

TRIBUTE, from page 15 cooperation of the masses of the diasporan from the Soviet order. He had accepted the post members do not leave our father alone.” He Hall. In addition, Alice and Garbis Kirikian, the Armenians with the former two. of president of the parliament. Those were sad added that when he was with them, he well-known Armenians of New Jersey, donated While still very young, at the age of 20, dur - times... My Englewood home turned into a remained perpetually young. We loved him like the cost of the kitchen. ing World War II, the ingenious manufacturer meeting place for intellectuals, our party mem - a second father. During one of our meetings, we decided to had his factory producing tools and various bers and ideological comrades. On April 6, 2011 our beloved Puzant left this appeal to these two honorable Armenians and household objects. These were sold to the One day prior to the departure of Stepan world silently, leaving behind a pure name and ask that this center remain in our circles in English army, and then by expanding his busi - Demirjian, we organized a social farewell gath - reputation. On April 9, Tenafly’s St. Thomas order to be used by the youth. Puzant ness further with household and industrial ering in our garden. About 100 friends and Armenian Church (NJ) was full of mourners. Markarian agreed to speak with the two of tools, it became a unique establishment in the party members were present that evening. The Beirut that I knew was there, with all of them and persuade them that the center should Middle East. Puzant Markarian spontaneously asked to our circle. No one was absent…and we entrust - not be sold. They agreed, and Nazar Nazarian In 1995 his life partner of 40 years, Mari, speak. Usually he remained in the role of the lis - ed his body to the cold earth, in his wife Mari even offered to make renovations in the hall. passed away. He donated in her everlasting tener at such public gatherings. This was unex - and his mother-in-law Satenig’s grave. Unfortunately, the leaders of the AGBU at the memory a dormitory in AGBU’s Camp Nubar in pected for all of us. He spoke in a stormy and Again they were united…how distant from time did not want to sell to TCA but preferred upstate New York. moving fashion, urging all of us present to gath - Aintab, Aleppo and Beirut. instead to sell it to a non-Armenian charitable The 1988 earthquake in Armenia led Puzant er around our new republic and the Mother See Your memory will always be with me, beloved organization. This was a great loss for our com - and Alex to dedicate themselves to aiding of Echmiadzin in order to reestablish our peo - “enger” Puzant. munity at large. Armenia. Puzant wished to completely renovate ple’s direct support for them, as he believed The New Jersey Armenian community in gen - and modernize a school in Armenia, both its that they would become the substructure nec - (Translated from Armenian, this tribute eral, and our circle in particular, lost a golden structure and its educational level, as part of essary to reach our great dream of historical appeared originally in the Zartonk daily.) opportunity to secure an Armenian national this work. Armenia and Cilicia. My two late lamented house for our youth. However, from that time He invited me one day to his home in Fort party comrades, Antranig Poladian and Eddie on, our TCA group won the true friendship of a Lee, NJ, and asked that I participate in this Boghosian, quickly approached and said, wholehearted Armenian in the person of work actively. There was letter writing, commu - “Hagop, where is a recording machine?” But it Puzant Markarian. nications, and talking to be done. I could not was already too late. Puzant was inspired, and Menendez Holds up It is worth writing a few lines about Puzant refuse. Aside from the correspondence, Puzant inspired us all with his fatherly words. He also Appointment of New US Markarian’s biography in order to give a more needed an advisor who was familiar with the had quietly participated in our general efforts complete picture of his life’s vicissitudes. He realities of Armenia of that time. He always in New York during the Karabagh movement. Ambassador to Armenia was born in Aleppo on June 22, 1918 to Avedis believed in me, and wished that I remain close In this way, we remained together for years and Lousendzak Markarian. His family was by him. on the same front. Puzant encouraged all our MENENDEZ, from page 1 from Aintab, and he had two brothers and two On September 8, 2000 the inauguration of TCA events. He was present at our social affairs (ANCA) praised the senator. “The administra - sisters. His brother Garbis was himself a noted the 780-student Puzant and Mari Education and theatrical events. He often was the presen - tion should heed Menendez’s call and take the Armenian public figure in Lebanon’s AGBU and Center took place in Nor Aynteb in Armenia. ter of memorial placards to our talented actors next logical step to its stated position — HYE circles. Puzant went to Aleppo College What happy moments he lived each time he or industrious executive members. Aside from unequivocally reaffirming this crime against and at a young age enrolled in the ranks of the received a letter from the ministry of education this, he gave his financial donation to the TCA humanity as genocide,” said Ardouny, the AAA AGBU and HYE. As we noted, the foundation or the school administration. I too experienced because he believed in our mission. He knew executive director. for HYE’s Assembly of the Knights was estab - that happiness of being useful to an Armenian that in the metropolitan New York area, only “The painful spectacle of watching a senior lished on the initiative of Puzant, and Noubar school. Tekeyan was carrying on the exceptional work US diplomat forced to dance and dodge around Nazarian and Sisak Varjabedian. It became a ••••••• of national preservation, in accordance with our the plain truth ... undermines US interests and blessing for our organization. He held various During a summer vacation, I hosted Stepan traditions. Beyond that, he loved the poet compromises American values,” said Aram posts in the above-mentioned organizations, as Demirjian, president of Armenia’s People’s Vahan Tekeyan. Hamparian, ANCA’s executive director. well as in the Veterans’ Committee of the Party, with his family and his brother Samvel, We remained friends outside of Armenian Menendez already blocked in 2007 congres - AGBU. in New Jersey. They remained for more than national life, in our family relations. Those rela - sional confirmation of Richard Hoagland, Unlike some other respected Armenians of two weeks as guests in my home. Stepan’s tions were warm and sincere, those of true fam - another career diplomat nominated for the top the AGBU, he always had an interest in politics, father was assassinated in the Armenian parlia - ily. I was happy when he received medals from US diplomatic post in Yerevan, for the same rea - at the center of which was always Soviet ment together with Prime Minister Vazken Ellis Island and Catholicos Karekin II. And Alex son. The administration of then-President Armenia and the Mother See of Holy Sargisian. The late lamented Garen Demirjian frequently repeated to us that “my wife Sisia George W. Bush was forced to make another Echmiadzin and the close relationship and was one of the most accomplished state figures and I are so happy to see that your Tekeyan ambassadorial appointment.