FEBRUARY 8, 2014 MirTHErARoMENr IAN -Spe ctator Volume LXXXIV, NO. 29, Issue 4323 $ 2.00 NEWS IN BRIEF The First English Language Armenian Weekly in the United States Since 1932 Armenians Wounded in Czech President Aleppo Explosions ALEPPO, Syria (Armenpress) — On February 3 two Says That Ottoman Armenians were wounded in the result of the explo - sions in the New Village district of Aleppo. Sources Killings Constitute from Aleppo told Armenpress that the injuries are not serious and, that Armenians are not among the ‘Genocide dead. The source also stated that about 13-15 explosions were heard in the New Village district PRAGUE (RFE/RL and Armenpress) — and the damages are mainly material. Czech President Milos Zeman said this Another Armenian was slightly wounded as a week that the mass killings of Armenians in result of the explosions on February 2. Concerning Ottoman Turkey amounted to “genocide.” the current situation in the city, our source noted “Next year it will be 100 years since the that explosions sound but relatively less. genocide of the Armenian people in the During the Syrian conflict the number of the vic - year of 1915, when 1.5 million of tims has reached 120,000, including more than 70 Armenians died,” Zeman said during Armenians. Armenian President Serge Sargisian’s offi - cial visit to Prague on January 30. The Czech Republic, a member of the Tobacco Production in European Union and NATO, is not among Armenia Increases YEREVAN (Armenpress) — The production and export of tobacco have registered a considerable growth in Armenia in 2013. In 2013 the volumes of the production, in comparison with the previous year, have increased by 25.6 percent. In 2013 7.7 billion cigarettes were produced in Armenia. In 2012 the production of the cigarettes made 6 bil - lion, the National Statistical Service report. The cigarettes, produced in Armenia, are export - ed to more than 20 countries of the world — Iraq, William Saroyan Turkmenistan, Georgia, Syria, Russia, United Arab President Serge Sargisian in Prague with Emirates, etc. During the nine months of the pre - Czech President Milos Zeman vious year about 4.5 billion pieces of cigarettes were exported from Armenia. the 23 countries that formally recognize Meg Ryan to the mass killings as genocide. Canonization Zeman took office last year. Direct Film Czech Senator Jaromir Stetina welcomed Committee in Antelias the statement of the Czech president about Meg Ryan BEIRUT — From January 27 to 29, with the bless - the Armenian Genocide. He has regularly Adaptation of ing of Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and advocated for the recognition of the Catholicos of All Armenians, and Aram I, Armenian Genocide at the course of his Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, the activities. Saroyan’s Human Comedy Canonization Committee of the Armenian In a conversation with Armenpress, NEW YORK (Guardian) — Meg Ryan is directing her first feature film, “Ithaca,” Apostolic Holy Church convened in the Mother Stetina said that he intends to introduce a an adaptation of the 1943 William Saroyan novel, The Human Comedy . Cathedral of the Great House of Cilicia. Prior to the declaration on the recognition of the She will also star in the film alongside Sam Shepard and Melanie Griffith, while meeting, the members of the Canonization Armenian Genocide to foreign relations and Tom Hanks, whom Ryan memorably starred alongside in “Sleepless In Seattle” Committee met with Aram I, receiving his blessings defense committees of the Parliament of and “You’ve Got Mail,” will be executive producer. Also starring will be Meg and appreciation for their efforts. Czech Republic on the occasion of the Ryan’s son Jack Quaid. During the meeting they discussed and made 100th anniversary of the Armenian The Human Comedy , written for the Ryan version by Band of Brothers pro - decisions on canonization conditions, service, Genocide. “The declaration will be intro - ducer Erik Jendresen, is about a teenage telegram delivery boy in small-town canon of hymns devoted to the Genocide victims, duced in 2015 ahead of the 100th anniver - America during World War II witnessing the impact of the conflict on those he the service and date of the liturgical commemora - sary of the Armenian Genocide. I would like delivers messages to. The novel was originally written as a screenplay by Saroyan, tion, as well as issues relating to the preparation of Czech Senate to join the civilized parlia - before he was fired from the project; he swiftly turned it round into a novel and their relics and icons. The committee also made an ments which have recognized the published it before the film came out, which starred Mickey Rooney. agreement to complete the whole canonization Armenian Genocide. Preparatory work Production is set to begin this summer. process in 2015. Appropriate assignments were activities towards the declaration will made in this regards. The meeting was closed with launch in late 2014,” Stetina stated. prayers. see CZECH, page 4 The next meeting of the Canonization Committee will be convened from May 25 through 30, in the Mother See of Holy Echmiadzin. Komitas Chants Sung at Metropolitan Museum Hayastan All-Armenian Fund Provides Ongoing Museum of Art, the glorious and soulful By Florence Avakian chants of Komitas were sung by the Hilliard Support to Syrian- INSI DE Special to the Mirror-Spectator Ensemble. These were a few of the sacred Armenians compositions, ranging from the ancient to the modern, performed by this masterful YEREVAN (Armenpress) — The NEW YORK — In the magical setting of quartet of male singers, in a memorable Hayastan All-Armenian Fund continues to Nail Buff the Temple of Dendur at the Metropolitan program on Wednesday, January 22, titled, assist the Syrian-Armenian community, “Arkhangekos: A Millenium of with financial contributions made by vari - Music.” ous fund affiliates since the beginning of to Stars The program had been made 2014 as well as proceeds from the fund’s possible, in part, by Arax 2013 Telethon. Armenpress reports, cit - Page 5 Simsarian, who noted in the ing the official website of the Hayastan written program that it was “in All-Armenian Fund that a total of 100,000 recognition of composer Euros raised by the French affiliate will Komitas Vardapet.” This gener - benefit various Syrian-Armenian-relief pro - INDEX ous benefactor, now 91, had jects through the Catholicosate of the Arts and Living ...... 9 established, while at Aetna, Great House of Cilicia. Contributions by Armenia ...... 2 where she worked, a fund to ben - the fund’s German affiliate, totaling Community News...... 5 efit Armenian culture. 35,000 Euros, have already been trans - Editorial ...... 13 More than 650 people braved ferred to the Syrian-Armenian Emergency International ...... 3,4 The Hilliard Ensemble frigid, icy weather to attend this and Rehabilitation Committee. see HILLIARD, page 16 see SUPPORT, page 2 2 S ATURDAY , F EBRUARY 8, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARMENIA News From Armenia First Armenian Tablet Officially Launched

YEREVAN (Public Radio of mony. It won the “Best Multimedia Prime Minister Tigran Sargisian. Lake Sevan Foundation Armenia and Armenpress) — The first Project” and “Software of the Year” Welcoming the initiative, the Prime Armenian tablet, ArmTab, was offi - awards at the GITI 2013 conference in Minister noted that “a virtual revolu - Gets New Director cially launched on Tuesday, February Tbilisi. The mass production of the tion has taken place in the world, and 4. The Ministry of Educational and Armenian tabs will be launched in the we are a participant of it.” YEREVAN (Hetq) — Armenian Prime Minister Science and the Technology and coming months. Armenpress reports that Tigran Tigran Sargisian has appointed Vahan Davtyan Science Dynamics Company signed a ArmTab Company actively cooper - Sargisian stated that the present executive director of the Lake Sevan Restoration, world cannot imagine itself without Preservation and Development Foundation. the information technologies. “The Davtyan had been serving as the head of the Republic of Armenia thus finds one of Chemistry Division at the Ministry of Energy and the most important economic special - Natural Resources’ Department of Development. ization sectors,” said the prime minis - ter, adding that the field of informa - Armenia’s Defense tion technologies is in the center of attention of the government. Minister Hosts CSTO Sargisian expressed gratitude to the founders of the program and high - Secretary General lighted the introduction of the infor - mation technologies in the education YEREVAN (Armenpress) — The administrative com- system. plex of the Defense Ministry of the Republic of In the coming three years the Armenia on February 4 held the meeting of the Technology and Science Dynamics Defense Minister of the Republic of Armenia Inc. is expected to produced 10,000 to Seyran Ohanyan with the Collective Security 50,000 tablets with the unit price of Treaty Organization (CSTO) Secretary General $180. The government of the Nikolay Bordyuzha and CSTO Joint Chief of Staff, Prime Minister Tigran Sargisian holds the Armenian tablet. Republic of Armenia allowed the pro - Lieutenant-General Alexander Studenikin. ducing company to function in the The Department for Mass Media and Public Free Economic Zone. The software Relations of the Defense Ministry of the Republic Memorandum of Understanding, ates with local organizations. In par - and hardware design of the tablets is of Armenia reported that the Chief of the General under which the ArmTab will be ticular, the Arax operating system carried out in Armenia. The tablets Staff of the Armed Forces of the Republic of introduced in the Armenian educa - developed by Instigate Design are assembled in the United States Armenia, Colonel-General Yuri Khatchaturov and tional system from 2015. Company, the educational applica - and Hong Kong. It is considered to the first Deputy of the Defense Minister Davit The idea of ArmTab was presented tions of the Locator, Bitlis-MEN start the mass production and sale of Tonoyan attended the meeting. at the DigiTech Expo in 2013, Companies and the Regional the Armenian tablets on January- At the course of the negotiations the interlocutors founder of the Technology and Mobile Application Laboratory will be February 2014, involving 25-50 top discussed current and prospective issues related to Science Dynamics Company Vahan installed in the tabled. Armenian experts of the realm in the the development of CSTO military component. Chakaryan said at the official cere - The ceremony was attended by production. Armenian Companies to Participate at Photonics Armenian Ombudsman Reveals Bribery ‘Price List’ West 2014 Exhibition YEREVAN (RFE/RL) — Armenia’s from $500 to $10,000 at courts of first ry and slammed it as “antigovern - YEREVAN (Armenpress) — Armenian companies judiciary is reeling from a report detail - instance, from $200 to $15,000 at the ment.” will participate in Photonics West 2014 exhibition ing unbridled corruption in the courts. Court of Appeals, and from $10,000 to “This report based on unfounded to be held in San Francisco, USA. This is the pre- According to findings published on $50,000 at the Court of Cassation.” judgments represents a serious threat mier photonics and laser event. Among the December 9 by the country’s human Andreasian’s team reached its con - to the stability of the state and to pub - Armenian companies participating in the event are rights ombudsman, Karen Andreasian, clusions after conducting interviews lic order,” the union said in a state - “LT-Prikal” CJSC, “Spectraluys” CJSC, and “Astra bribe-taking is so rampant in Armenian with some 120 lawyers, judges, and ment on December 11. Cristals” CJSC. courts that judges even use an unoffi - prosecutors, and analyzing all the rul - On the same day, Prosecutor- The Armenian Development Agency reported that cial price list for kickbacks. ings handed down over the past seven General Gevorg Kostanian demanded with more than 1,250 companies, this exhibition The amounts paid as bribes can years by the Court of Cassation and that the ombudsman present evidence continues to be the flagship event to find the latest allegedly go up to $50,000. the Council of Justice — an oversight to substantiate his allegations. products, tools, and applications for your research “The data obtained through our body headed by the president, the Justice ministry spokesman Arsen or business needs. interviews shows that the bribe prosecutor-general, and the justice Babayan has also sought to cast doubt Photonics West 2014 is the largest and most amounts to 10 percent of the cost of minister. on the report by questioning its fair - influential event for the laser and photonics com- the lawsuit,” Andreasian’s deputy, The report has sparked angry reac - ness and accuracy. munity in North America: 20,000 attendees, two Genya Petrosian, told a news confer - tions from judicial authorities. Attorneys, however, overwhelmingly exhibitions, 1,250 exhibiting companies, a wide ence on December 9. “The majority of The Council of the Union of Judges back the claims leveled by the ombuds - range of papers on biomedical optics, biophotonics, our interviewees said bribe rates fluc - has accused its authors of spreading man. translational research, industrial lasers, optoelec- tuate within the following range — “wrong ideas” about Armenia’s judicia - One lawyer, Tigran Hayrapetian, said tronics, microfabrication, optical MEMS, and more. that it was impossible to imagine a “better or more reliable report.” Armenia’s PM Hosts New Armenian lawyers have long com - Hayastan All-Armenian Fund Provides plained of corruption in their coun - Ambassador of Italy try’s judiciary. Ongoing Support to Syrian-Armenians More than 500 lawyers held a one- YEREVAN (Armenpress) — The Prime Minister of the day-strike last year to protest what Republic of Armenia Tigran Sargisian received the SUPPORT, from page 1 the following amounts in assistance to they described as pervasive irregulari - newly appointed Ambassador of Italy to Armenia In addition, of the funds raised the Syrian-Armenian community. One ties at the Court of Cassation. Giovanni Ricciulli on January 30. His office reported through the 2013 Telethon, 15 million hundred thousand euros raised by the Attorney Hayk Alumian says he that Sargisian congratulated the Ambassador on the Armenian drams will be allocated for French affiliate, 12,000 Euros from the knows of many cases where judges appointment and wished him efficient activity in our continuing support to address the German affiliate, and $100,000 from the asked for bribes in return for favorable country. In addition, the prime minister noted that social, healthcare, and education needs Lebanese affiliate have been used essen - court decisions. long-term Armenian-Italian friendly relations have of Syrian-Armenian families currently tially to pay the salaries of teachers at Alumian believes that authorities been based upon the rich historical and cultural ties. residing in Armenia. The assistance will Aleppo’s Armenian schools. are in no rush to crack down on the Tigran Sargisian stated that he is hopeful that the include the defrayal of student tuitions Contributions from the Brazilian, practice, which he says allows them to Ambassador’s activity will serve a new impetus for as well as the costs of surgeries and Argentinean and Swedish affiliates have manipulate judges to their advantage: those relations. funerals. Program beneficiaries are been used to cover the tuitions of 110 “Judges have become vulnerable In turn, Ricciulli expressed his gratitude to the selected by the Ministry of Diaspora. Syrian-Armenian students attending both to prosecutors and security ser - prime minister for warm reception, assuring that Reminding that Armenia-based and various colleges and universities in vices,” he says. “It is now very easy to during his term in office he will spare no effort for Diaspora benefactors and organizations Armenia; to pay for the heart surgeries control a corrupt judge, and the pres - strengthening and expanding cooperation in vari- that have contributed to the cause of six Syrian-Armenian individuals; and ence of such judges suits authorities.” ous areas. include Hirair Hovnanian, Ara to cover the cost of funerals for three The ombudsman’s team says no Among other things the interlocutors touched Abrahamyan, Petak LLC, others. The amount of 10,000 dollars judge has been brought to justice yet upon the prospects of cooperation in both bilater- HayRusGasArd CJSC, the Raffi raised by the US Western Region affili - in Armenia for taking bribes. al format and within the framework of the EU as Galustanian Charitable Center, Judges ate has been donated to Yerevan’s Corruption watchdog Transparency well. The head of the government praised the EU’s of the Republic of Armenia, RA NAS Kilikian School, which has opened its International describes the judiciary as technical and financial assistance for the realiza- Institute of History, Banants Football doors to children from Syrian-Armenian one of the most corrupt sectors in tion of reforms in the country. Sargisian empha- Club, Kara-Murza State Musical College refugee families. Armenia. sized that Armenia is interested in the expansion of of Gumri, Turvand LLC and others. As for contributions made by indus - This year, the country’s judicial sys - ties with the EU and expects Italy’s active assis- The fund has used the contributions trialists Hirair Hovnanian and Ara tem scored 4 on a 5-point scale (with 5 tance in that issue. to implement a range of healthcare, edu - Abrahamyan, they have been used to indicating the highest level of graft) in cational, and social-assistance projects. pay for refugee flights between Aleppo the organization’s annual Global As of June 2013, the fund has provided and Yerevan. Corruption Barometer. S ATURDAY , F EBRUARY 8, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 3 INTERNATIONAL Rwanda Genocide Trial Opens in France International News

PARIS (Guardian) — The first trial in killed when his plane was shot down in including a 2004 documentary on the France over Rwanda‘s genocide has 1994. Thousands of ethnic Tutsis and genocide called Kill Them All. French Justice Minister opened two decades after a killing spree moderate Hutus were killed in reprisals The trial could be the first of many. that left at least a half a million people in what has been called the 20th centu - Another 27 cases linked to Rwanda’s Confirms Genocide dead. ry’s fastest genocide. genocide have been lined up by the Pascal Simbikangwa, a 54-year-old for - Civil parties to the case allege that Paris court’s war crimes unit, including Denial Law in the Works mer intelligence chief, faces charges of com - Simbikangwa, who came from the same one focusing on Hayarimana’s widow. PARIS — On January 29, the day marking the plicity in genocide and complicity in war town as Habyarimana and was allegedly The UN tribunal on the Rwanda geno - anniversary when France recognized the Armenian crimes. He could face a life sentence if con - a relative, incited the army to identify cide and several western countries Genocide in 2001), the Coordination Council of victed after the seven-week trial in Paris. and slaughter Tutsis. including Belgium — a former colonial Armenian Organizations of France (CCAF) orga- The defendant, who uses a wheelchair Critics say that France was slow to act overseer of the African country — have nized a dinner, under the patronage of Charles after an accident, was brought into the out of a combination of self-delusion brought scores of Rwandans to justice. Aznavour, attended by many French personalities courtroom then transferred by gen - and unwillingness to face up to bad The United Nations international crimi - in the arts, politics and the press, as well as reli- darmes into a glassed-in area. decisions. Before the killings, French nal tribunal in Arusha, Tanzania, will gious figures. He identified himself to the court as troops armed and trained the Rwandan close later this year, and is now only During the celebration, the official logo that will Pascal Safari,” a combination of his real army. During the genocide, they alleged - hearing appeals, officials say. be used to mark the 100th anniversary of the name and his alias, Senyamuhara Safari, ly helped radical Hutus flee. Later, Documents from the Tanzania tri - Armenian genocide was displayed for the first according to court documents. France took in a number of exiles who bunal show France over the years hand - time. The case has highlighted criticism of were allowed to live freely. ed over only three suspects — a fraction During the event, French Minister of Justice France’s reaction to the genocide, and A French trait for “ill-founded self-cer - of the number of cases waiting in Christiane Taubira confirmed that the “French gov- the slow progress of justice after the tainties” that engulfed “the administra - French courts. ernment is working on a legal instrument con- slaughter of at least 500,000 people tion, the army and the diplomatic demning the denial of the Armenian over 100 days. corps” was to blame, according to genocide. (Jean Eckian) “Today’s trial in Paris … will be an French former foreign minister Bernard important moment in the global fight Kouchner, who made repeated trips to Argentinean-Armenian against impunity,” Leslie Haskell, the Rwanda during the genocide as a Activitst Blogger international justice counsel for Human humanitarian aid activist. Businessman to Buy Rights Watch, said in a statement. He Simbikangwa’s defence lawyers Nisanyan Jailed noted the creation of a special war planned to argue for an acquittal, but 21 Greek Airports IZMIR (Hurriyet) — The Turkish-Armenian writer crimes unit in the French justice system have expressed concern the hearing will and linguist Sevan Nisanyan started serving a two- in 2012. be lopsided in part because of the diffi - DAVOS, Switzerland (Armenpress) — Argentinean-Armenian billionaire year sentence on January 2 after he was convicted “France now has the tools it needs to culty in finding witnesses who will of an illegal construction project in Izmir. ensure [that] perpetrators of the world’s speak out in their client’s defense. Eduardo Eurnekian, owner of the air - port management company The court of appeals upheld the decision. most serious crimes don’t escape justice More than 50 witnesses including Nisanyan completed the construction of a house or find a safe haven in the country,” journalists, historians, farmers, security Corporacion America, is apparently expanding his investments in southern in irince town despite the court decision, ruling he Haskell said. guards and intelligence officials are should not enter the area, which is natural site. France had close ties to the govern - expected to be called to testify, nearly Europe, taking advantage of the lower prices resulting from the crisis. Nisanyan is one of Turkey’s leading linguists. He ment of Rwandan president Juvenal all by the prosecution. During the pro - has penned columns for the Turkish-Armenian Habyarimana, an ethnic Hutu who was ceedings, several films are to be shown, “Our holding will enter the sector very actively, since the crisis has opened weekly Agos and daily Taraf. a lot of opportunities for us,” said Martin Eurnekian, head of Corporacion Former Prime Minister America and Eduardo’s nephew, in an interview on January 22 here. “Our mis - Gets Back Georgian Chess Champ Aronian Defeats sion is to expand in America and Europe, focusing on the Mediterranean. Citizenship World’s Top Player in Zurich We have always invested in projects TBILISI (PanARMENIAN.Net) — Georgia’s top which allow us to retain the control of court has ruled to restore the citizenship of former ZURICH (Armenpress) — Levon Aronian, the leader of the Armenian the management,” he added, Prime Minister and billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili national men’s chess team, this week defeated world champion Magnus Armenpress reports, quoting grre - more than two years after it was revoked by presi- Carlsen in the Zurich Challenge chess tournament. Carlsen still managed to porter.info. dential decree, according to RIA Novosti. win the overall tournament with the most number of points, with Aronian In parallel, in his statement the busi - The Supreme Court of the former Soviet state coming in second. nessman noted that Corporacion said in a statement late Monday that it had decided On the last day of the tournament the participants measured forces in the America, which has annual revenues of to cancel a 2011 decree issued by then-President rapid chess. In the first round, Aronian bested Vishy Anand, while Carlsen $1.2 billion, currently had no financial Mikheil Saakashvili that stripped his political rival defeated Boris Gelfand. Hikaru Nakamura was then defeated by Fabiano needs which should be covered by the Ivanishvili of Georgian citizenship. Caruana. bond market. “In 2010, the company Ivanishvili, 57, who founded and formerly headed In the second round Aronian defeated Magnus Carlsen with obvious advan - used its revenues from issuing bonds the Georgian Dream coalition, was originally grant- tage. Nakamura defeated Anand, while Gelfand- Caruana couple shared the worth $300 million in order to renew ed Georgian citizenship in 2004 – in addition to his point. Ezeiza Airport in Buenos Aires. existing Russian citizenship – but it was revoked Zurich Chess Challenge was launched on January 29 and will end today on Furthermore, the Brazilian after he received a French passport in 2010. February 4. Development Bank BNDES funds it at a Georgia allows dual citizenship, but Ivanishvili Aronian, as of May 2012, was ranked number 2 in the world by the World low price,” he added. was stripped of his Georgian citizenship on the Chess Federation (FIDE), he was ranked number two in the world and had According to Bloomberg, the compa - grounds that he could be a citizen of three coun- an Elo rating of 2825, making him the third highest rated player in history. ny is expected to submit offers for 21 tries. Cheering him on in the Zurich tournament was Charles Aznavour. Aronian Greek airports to the Agency for Public The tycoon gave up his Russian citizenship in the Tweeted a picture of the two having a meal, writing, “Today’s game is dedi - Private Property. run-up to the 2012 parliamentary election. cated to our legend Charles Aznavour, who was so gracious to visit me here The Greek Agency for Public Private in Zurich.” Property is carrying out an open inter - national competition for two groups Group Tries to Disrupt consisting of 14-20 provincial airports via providing their operation to private Genocide Program investors. The rest of the provincial air - ISTANBUL (Today’s Zaman) — A group of young ports will be transferred under the pro - Turkish nationalists attempted to foil a conference visions of the law of the Company for organized by the Irkçiliga ve Milliyetçilige DurDe management of regional airports, which (Say no to Racism and Nationalism) initiative is 100-percent state owned. in Turkey. The sector of regional airports in During the conference titled “Why states do not Greece consists of 39 airports, including apologize,” which was held in Istanbul and ahead those in Thessaloniki, Rhodes, Kos, of the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Corfu, Zakynthos, Santorini, Lesvos, Genocide, a group of youth from the Workers’ Samos and Mykonos, as well as in Party of Turkey — which is led by Armenian Chania on Crete. In the coming days, Genocide-denying Turkish politician Dogu Perincek Corporacion America will acquire 23 — entered the conference hall and began chanting, percent of the airport in Pisa, Italy, and “Genocide is a lie and a US project!” Marksist.org is planning to integrate the airports in of Turkey reports. Tuscany by adding the airport of In response, the conference participants began Florence. The holding manages 51 air - chanting, “Go out!” and “We are all Hrant [Dink], ports worldwide. we are all Armenians!” Besides Greece, it will also submit After leaving the conference hall, the nationalists offers for airports in Peru, Colombia went on to chant in front of the building. and Chile. According to Forbes maga - But the conference continued despite the inci- zine, 81-year-old Eduardo Eurnekian is Levon Aronian dining with Charles Aznavour dent. considered to be the second richest Argentinean with personal wealth amounting to 1.8 billion euro. 4 S ATURDAY , F EBRUARY 8, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR INTERNATIONAL

New Russian Law Has Consequences for Armenian Migrant Workers of Aygeshat village, Armavir province. He sup - much would we have to earn to be coming Civilnet. By Gayane Mkrtchyan ports his six-member family by working in back to Armenia every three months? We are Would joining the Customs Union provide Russia. Grigoryan says before, when their visa now looking for employment here, and there for exceptions for Armenian citizens on the would expire they would go to the Ukraine or isn’t much, but still it’s better to stay; at least part of the Russian authorities? Armenian YEREVAN and MOSCOW (ArmeniaNow) — Kazakhstan for a day to just cross the border we are home,” says Koryun Gyulnazaryan, 24. Foreign Minister Eduard Nalbandian told the Upon returning to Armenia from Pemz, and then go back to Russia again, however According to Gagik Yeganyan, head of the press that it is a procedure adopted by Russia Russia a week ago, migrant worker Garush the new law provides for return to the for - State Migration Service of Armenia, any new and it has to be respected, just as any other Grigoryan learned that he cannot return to eigner’s native country (or the country s/he approach such as this one adopted in Russia country’s similar decision. Russia for three months later. had come to Russia from). Armenian men liv - after July 2013, is meant to restrict people’s “What exceptions might apply to Armenia Grigoryan and thousands others are sub - ing off migrant labor are in panic now. Many entry to that country. “If before the citizens and whether those would be connected to ject to a new law passed by Russia that among those who had come to Armenia to of none-visa countries were allowed to stay the Customs Union is hard to say… The restricts return travel to Russia for anyone spend the holiday season with their families for 90 days in 365, it has now been cut down Customs Union is more related to economic, who has resided there for at least 90 days. are now trying to decide whether it makes to 180 days. If before those having no resi - than those kinds of issues. However, I do not “If they at least had told me when crossing sense to go back under the new conditions. dency status could cross the border on the rule out that during further negotiations and the border… I left my car there, have a salary “My father and brothers worked in Moscow 90th day and get a residency status, we see considering our ally relations with Russia cer - to receive, and now how can I sit and wait for with me. We were big cargo truck drivers, and these new changes to the laws as aimed at tain processes might be possible,” said three months?” says Grigoryan, 51, a native now we have decided not to go back. How stopping that practice,” Yeganyan told Nalbandian. Procedure of Georgia PM Garibashvili in Sochi Warning to Russia

Providing Political Georgia has had no diplomatic ties with on our territory,” Garibashvili argued. “And this By Chris Morris Moscow since their brief war in 2008. is Georgia.” Asylum to Tbilisi already expressed deep concern about Hundreds of protesters rallied in the Russia’s decision last month to expand its Georgian capital on Saturday calling for a Azerbaijani Family BRUSSELS (BBC) — Georgia has warned it Olympic security zone into Abkhazia, which is Games boycott will take action if Russia makes any move to less than 40 kilometers (25 miles) along the At the age of 31, Garibashvili is the youngest In Armenia bolster the independence claims of two break - Black Sea coast from Sochi. democratically-elected head of government in away Georgian regions during ceremonies at “It was a tough decision not to boycott the the world. But he has a lot on his plate. the Winter Olympics in Sochi. Games [in the first place],” Garibashvili said dur - He admits that he has been watching events Launched Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili said he ing an interview on a visit to Brussels, where he in Ukraine closely and “with extreme concern.” hoped there would be no official welcome for has been meeting EU and NATO leaders. Under pressure from Moscow, the Ukrainian YEREVAN (Armenpress) — The five- the “so-called Abkhazian and South Ossetian “But if there are any surprises we will of government changed course last year and aban - member Azerbaijani family that sought authorities.” course react adequately,” he warned. doned a wide-ranging trade and co-operation political asylum in Armenia has already Russia is one of a few countries that recog - There have been demonstrations in the deal with the European Union, triggering the submitted an application to the Migration nize the regions’ independence. Georgian capital Tbilisi calling for a boycott of recent protests. Agency of the Ministry of Territorial the Games, but the prime minister said he was But Georgia is determined to continue pur - Administration of the Republic of trying to take a constructive approach. suing a path of closer relations with the EU, Armenia asking to provide them with a “We offered to co-operate with Russia on and membership of NATO. It hopes to formally political asylum. The head of the Merkel Reiterates security as well,” he said. “I don’t want to sign its own partnership deal with the EU later Migration Agency, Gagik Yeganyan, said believe there will be any surprises, [but] this this year. that the process has been launched Germany Reluctant on conflict issue remains the biggest concern.” That is why many in Georgia are braced for a though he could not provide any other If the leaders of Abkhazia and South Ossetia lot more pressure from Russia on this issue information about the dates and the Turkey’s EU Membership are given prominence at Sochi, domestic pres - once the Winter Olympics are over. process, as the information is confiden - sure to withdraw Georgia’s small Olympic team Garibashvili himself strikes a note of defiance, ISTANBUL (Today’s Zaman) — German tial. will intensify. while trying to hold out an olive branch. Chancellor Angela Merkel has expressed reser - The External Relations Associate at the Garibashvili refused to be drawn on how “We are less dependent on Russia - [it] does - vations about Turkey’s EU membership bid, Armenian Office of the United Nations exactly he would respond, but the option of n’t have so many political or economic lever - reiterating her long-held position that Turkey High Commissioner for Refugees withdrawal clearly remains open. ages on us,” he said. should do more if it wants to join the 28-mem - (UNHCR) Anahit Hayrapetyan informed Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov “[But] we have to convince Russia that ber bloc. that the family is under the auspices of argued recently that the problems between the Georgia’s Euro-integration is not a threat. In a press conference on Tuesday, Erdogan the UN Yerevan Office. According to two countries stem from Georgia’s refusal to Russia should be interested in having a strong, and Merkel spoke about bilateral relations as Hayrapetyan, the organization asked the recognize realities on the ground. reliable and democratic neighbor.” well as positions of their respective countries Armenian authorities to deal with the “The reality is that there is only one country issue in compliance with the internation - on the issues of EU membership, assimilation al norms and the Armenia’s national leg - and regional policies. The news conference islation standards and control the process came after a bilateral meeting between the two maintaining the international protection leaders. mandate. Merkel reiterated her country’s position on Czech President Says That Ottoman “We welcome the maintenance of the Turkish membership, noting that she believes non-return principle on the Armenian- the accession negotiations are an “open-ended” Georgian border, as well as the fact that process and that she has some reservations Killings Constitute ‘Genocide about Ankara’s full membership with the bloc. the Armenian authorities applied alterna - CZECH, from page 1 Republic, which introduces a natural bridge for She expressed her backing of the negotiations tive measures towards the Azerbaijani the Armenian-Czech relations and several other but gave a cold shoulder for the full member - family instead of detention,” Hayrapetyan He said he strongly hopes that the official visit subjects. ship. said, adding that the UN Refugee Office of the President of Czech Republic to Armenia Among other things the both sides empha - Turkey’s talks on joining the 28-nation bloc does not provide any confidential infor - by the invitation of the President of the sized that the friendship of the Armenian and began in 2005 but are barely moving — mainly mation to the media about individual Republic of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan will great - Czech peoples is a firm basis for the develop - due to Turkey’s dispute with EU member Greek cases, based on its global policy provi - ly contribute to the adoption of the declaration ment and strengthening of interstate ties. Cyprus and unease about admitting a populous, sions. on the recognition of the Armenian Genocide. Sargisian expressed his gratitude and stressed largely Muslim country. According to the National Security Czech Senator also assessed positively the that the Armenian people remembers with Merkel said that she supports opening those Council, Javid Orujov, born in 1976, along meeting of the President of the Republic of acknowledgement the names of the worthy sons sections of Turkey’s membership negotiations with his wife and three children, applied Armenia with the spiritual leader of the Czech of the Czech people, such as President of that address justice and human rights “as soon to the Armenian-Georgian Bagratashen Republic, Archbishop of Prague Dominik Duka Czechoslovakia Tomas Masaryk and his contem - as possible.” checkpoint on January 29 to ask for a who supports the recognition of the Armenian porary, Czech author and humanist Karel Hansa, Both leaders also discussed the issue of political asylum in Armenia. Orujov told Genocide. whose humanistic and socio-political activity Turkish community in Germany, with Erdogan that he was exerted pressure by Zeman hosted a state dinner in honor of spread light on the Armenian Genocide, which forcefully assuring the German leader that Azerbaijani law-enforcement agencies as Sargisian, during which the latter offered a was the first genocide of the 20th century. Ankara has no policy of telling Turks not to his wife Roya Mirzoyeva has Armenian toast to the Czech Republic, the prospects of EU powers and NATO members France and integrate into the mainstream German society. origin. Not enduring the inhuman oppres - closer ties, historical relations of the two peo - Germany are among those who have recognized He, however, rejected policies of assimilation. sion, Orujov agreed to cooperate with the ples, the Armenian community of the Czech it as “genocide.” Azerbaijan’s special services and through Merkel also commented on the integration the relatives of his wife living abroad, he issue and said she is everybody’s chancellor in found some data about Armenia and the Germany and that this includes the Turkish Armenian Diaspora. Realizing the danger - minority living there as well. The German gov - ous situation for him and his family, ernment is not against the dual citizenship for For Your Internal News of Armenia Orujov tried to settle in a European coun - Turkish people living in Germany, Merkel try, after the extradition from which the added. Log on to pressure upon him by the Azerbaijan’s Merkel also stated that judicial system was special services became more intensified. mentioned during the meeting, noting that Having appeared in a hopeless situation they discussed the independence of judiciary, www.AZG.am and feeling the real danger for his family, including the selection criteria of the judges Javid Orujov decided to ask for a political and prosecutors. “We also talked about the asylum from the Armenian authorities. reforms made in the field law,” Merkel said. S ATURDAY , F EBRUARY 8, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 5 Community Ne ws

California State Jessica Vartoughian Assembly Passes Nails Award from Armenian Genocide Glamour Mexico Curriculum Bill MEXICO CITY, Mexico — Glamour Magazine Mexico honored Jessica SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Despite heavy oppo - Vartoughian, CEO and founder of Jessica sition by pro-Turkey lobbying groups, the Cosmetics, Inc., with a Glam Award at its California State Assembly voted unanimously 15th Anniversary Gala here in October. on Jan. 29 to pass Assembly member Adrin The Glam Award recognizes the achieve - Nazarian’s bill, AB 659, encouraging schools to ments of industry leaders who have use oral histories when teaching about the inspired readers of the magazine. The Armenian Genocide. AB 659 will now move on recipients of this award are typically to State Senate for consideration. those who have worked hard to turn “The unanimous passage of AB 659 sends a their dreams into reality, and maintain an strong message that California officials cannot immense passion for life. be bought or bullied into denying truth and Vartoughian, dubbed the “First Lady justice. The ANCA WR [Armenian National of Nails,” received the award at a glam - Committee of America-Western Region] com - orous gala and the award winners were mends Assembly members Nazarian and featured in the December issue of Achadjian for spearheading through this Glamour Mexico. important genocide education legislation and Other recipients included Eva looks forward to working with them in garner - Longoria, Demi Lovato, fashion designer ing similar support in the State Senate,” stated Rolando Santana, and jewelry architect Elen Asatryan, executive director of the ANCA- Bishop Armash Nalbandian, Armenian Primate of Damascus speaking about the Daniel Espinoza. plight of Christians in Syria at the Heritage Foundation. WR. “Glamour Magazine has always been “AB 659 has enjoyed overwhelming support a fashion and beauty bible for young from my colleagues in the Assembly,” com - women,” says Vartoughian. “They have mented Nazarian, following the vote. “I look Plight of Christians, Armenians in championed the Jessica brand since my forward to continuing to work with the ANCA- WR to garner support from our counterparts in the Senate. The personal testimonies of Syria Focus of Panel Discussion Genocide survivors will give educators a pow - WASHINGTON — This week, the Heritage Foundation held a panel discussion erful tool to engage students in the subject titled “Marked for Destruction: The Plight of Syria’s Christians with Syrian matter in ways they have never been taught Christian Leaders.” The panel featured Rev. Adib Awad, General Secretary of the before. If we expect to stop the genocides of National Evangelical Synod of Syria the future, it is important that we strengthen and Lebanon, Bishop Elias Toumeh, the teaching mechanisms on past genocides.” the Orthodox Bishop of Pyrgou- Joining Nazarian as co-authors AB 659 were By Taniel Koushakjian Syria, Rev. Dr. Riad Jarjour, state Sen. Mark Wyland (R) and Assembly Presbyterian clergyman from Homs, members Katcho Achadjian (R), Steve Fox (D), Syria and the former General Secretary of the Middle East Council of Churches Mike Gatto (D), Scott Wilk (R) and Cheryl (1994-2003), Bishop Dionysius Jean Kawak, Metropolitan of the Syrian Orthodox Brown (D). Other members of the State Church and Bishop Armash Nalbandian, Primate of the Armenian Church of Assembly who spoke in support of the measure Damascus. during the floor session today were Assembly The discussion was co-hosted by the Westminster Institute and Barnabas Aid members Tim Donnelly (R) and Diane Harkey Fund, who was represented by International Director Dr. Patrick Sookhdeo. (R). Bishop Julian Dobbs of the Anglican Church of North America made introducto - Achadjian, principal co-author on AB 659, Jessica Vartoughian ry remarks, while Becky Norton Dunlop, Heritage Vice President of External worked closely with his Republican colleagues Relations, opened and closed the program. to secure broad bipartisan support for the mea - To explain the current situation in Syria, the panelists provided a historical con - sure, noted, “I am proud to be a principal co- distributors, Mario Del Duca and Ioanna text of centuries-long persecution and massacres of Christians in the greater author of AB 659. Part of ensuring a better Alvarez launched the range in Mexico in Middle East. Speaking first was Rev. Dr. Riad Jarjour, who talked at length about world for our children includes educating them 2010. What made this a heartfelt the “indigenous Christians” of Syria. He expressed the uncomfortable feeling reg - about the past. We must take the initiative to moment is that the readers voted! It was istered among Christians, especially since Ottoman times, directly citing “what recognize such tragic acts of violence in order such a magical evening.” happened to the Armenians.” Jarjour went on to state that Christians in Syria to prevent such events from happening again. Along with Jessica, the award was pre - today do not feel safe “in the land they were born.” He then reflected on current It encourages teachers to educate our students sented to such luminaries as Eva events, highlighting the kidnapping of priests and nuns, the confiscation of on the Armenian Genocide.” Longoria, Demi Lovato, fashion designer churches, and the brutal beheading of Armenians all by Al-Qaeda/Al-Nusra Front Earlier this month, AB 659 was unanimous - Rolando Santana, fashion designer and other extremist groups. “At least 80 people have been used as human shields ly adopted by the State Assembly Education Carolina Herrera de Baez, and innovative in Homs,” said Jarjour, “they are not allowed to leave the city.” In a plea to all and Appropriations Committees. Education jewelry architect Daniel Espinoza to Syrians, Jarjour warned of the consequences of a “Syria without Christians,” shar - Committee Chairwoman Joan Buchanan name a few. The recipients share a pas - ing his view that not only will the Christian community of Syria loose, but that explained, “It is important for California stu - sion for life, and a dream that became a Syria’s Muslims will also loose a very significant segment of their society. dents to understand and learn from the lessons reality to enliven the public. Bishop Dionysius Jean reflected on specific episodes of Christian persecution in of history, including the atrocities of genocide As CEO, founder and creator of JESSI - the Ottoman Empire. He mentioned the massacres of Christian Armenians “since around the world. I am proud to support AB CA Cosmetics International Inc., 1860 and 1895,” the latter a direct reference to the Hamidian Massacres that 659, which encourages schools to include the Vartoughian brings her experience and served as a precursor to the Armenian Genocide. Armenian genocide in our history courses.” expertise in beauty to nail care profes - Rev. Abid Awad called attention to “terrorists” in Syria “from 83 countries” that Once adopted by the State Senate and sionals and consumers with a complete he said were “armed, supported and funded by Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey.” signed into law by the governor, AB 659 would color and treatment line that allows In an expression of solidarity, with all the various religious groups in Syria, encourage the incorporation of oral testimony women to achieve healthy and beautiful Nalbandian warned against heeding the calls of Islamaphobes. Nalbandian and teacher training, such that the Genocide natural nails. The brand is available in explained the uniqueness of the Armenian situation. “After the Armenian may be more comprehensively taught in more than 54 countries. Genocide, Syrian Muslims accepted us, welcomed us,” Nalbandian said. California’s public schools. Her clients, both men and women, are Nalbandian differentiated between secular Syrian Muslims who want peace and The Genocide Education Project (GenEd), a a who’s-who of Hollywood elite, from the foreign extremists who are kidnapping and killing Christians. non-profit organization based in San Francisco Drew Barrymore to Michael Douglas. Addressing the panel from the audience, Archbishop Vicken Aykazian, Diocesan which has developed model resources for high The Romanian-born Vartoughian is Legate of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern) stated, “Three close allies of the school teachers regarding the Armenian well known for her philanthropic efforts United States, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey, are supporting terrorist groups in Syria. Genocides, hailed the measure. “With the prop - and her commitment and dedication to What can America do to hold countries like Turkey accountable for supporting extrem - er materials and training, teachers can incor - serving both the Armenian and ists in Syria,” he asked. The dignitaries tried to avoid delving into politics. porate the Armenian Genocide into their social American community. There are a number of steps that the US can take, such as a drastic reduction studies curriculum in a meaningful way,” said Vartoughian founded Jessica Nail and/or full cessation in the transfer or sale of US military aid and equipment to Roxanne Makasdjian of The Genocide Clinic in 1969 in Los Angeles. Being the such countries. It’s not about dismissing the US-Turkey relationship; it’s about Education Project. “This resolution reminds first nail salon of its kind then and now, putting the relationship on an honest footing — be it Turkey’s inexplicable cam - education administrators across the state of Jessica Nail Clinic remains a center of paign to deny the Armenian Genocide or its blatant support of Islamic extremists California’s commitment to the inclusion of the natural nail care with its unique mani - whose efforts run counter to US values. Armenian Genocide as an essential part of its cure technique and exceptional treat - courses on world history, genocide, and human ments created by her. rights.” 6 S ATURDAY , F EBRUARY 8, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR OBITUARY

He then joined the Pullman Corporation as Jamal was an Amrenian in his heart and soul. Victor J. Jamal their vice president and managing director of H was a gentle, caring man, both interested and Pullman Swindell Iran, Inc., in Tehran. interesting. NEW YORK — Victor J. Jamal was born on During his career, he was granted six US He leaves his wife, Sweetlana; his niece, May 17, 1921, in Tabriz, Iran, the son of an patents for various engineering designs. Patricia Meloni and her husband, Ronald; Assyrian father, Joseph Jamal, and an Armenian He was a member of many professional nephews Robert Abrahamyou and William mother, Arpen Aftandilian. He died on groups, including the National Society of Jemal; sister-in-law Dorothy Jemal as well as by September 13, 2013, in Bronxville, NY. Professional Engineers, New York Society of all the Jamal, Jemal, Aftandilian, Yaldaei, He attended an Armenian elementary school Professional Engineers and the American Garabedian, Nazarbekian, Voskanian, and then continued his education at the Society of Mechanical Engineers. Sarkissian, Paulissian, Karam and Tamimi fami - American Presbyterian Alborz College. His He belonged to the Grand Lodge of Free and lies. father, an influential government official, Accepted Masons in the state of New York and He was predeceased by his parents, brother exposed young Victor to important political, was a longtime member of the New York Emile and his sister Emma. social and economic issues. Athletic Club. In 1945, Jamal immigrated to the Untied States, where he served as a consultant for Iranian importers at the Iranian Consulate Lillian Jingozian General in New York City. Following this, he received a master’s degree from the University WATERTOWN — Lillian (Harutunian) of Michigan in mechanical engineering. He was Jingozian of Watertown on January 27, 2014. the senior development engineer and project She was 84. Victor J. Jamal manager for diverse assignments at Union She was the wife of the late C. Robert Carbide. Jingozian. She leaves her children James, David, Michael Jingozian and Robert Jingozian and his wife Maria; eight grandchildren and siblings Harold, Ruth, Abraham and John Arthur Rochambeau Anthony Herosian Harutunian. One sister, Mariam Kavonian, predeceased SILVER SPRING, Md. — Rochambeau her. Anthony Herosian of Silver Spring died on She was a guidance counselor at Watertown Friday, December 6. He was 92. public schools for 20 years. She was the former He leaves his wife, Pauline Herosian; children superintendent of the Sahag Mesrob Armenian Arthur Charles (Vicky) Herosian and Eleanor School of St. James Armenian Church. Mae Hughes; grandchildren Dawn Renee She was a member of St. James Women’s (Aaron) Aumiller; great-grandchild William Guild. Aumiller; step-grandchild Andrew Jung and Services were held at St. James Armenian brother Edward (Ann) Herosian of Falmouth, Church, 465 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown on Mass. One brother, George Herosian, prede - Friday, January 31. Interment was in Ridgelawn ceased him. Cemetery, Watertown. The funeral was on Thursday, December 12, Expressions of sympathy may be made in her at the Collins Funeral Home, 500 University memory to WCI-Work Community Boulevard, West, Silver Spring. Interment will Independence, 135 Beaver St., Waltham, MA Lillian Jingozian take place at Arlington National Cemetery at a 02452. later date. Memorial contributions in his memory may be made to Breast Cancer Research Foundation, 60 East 56th St., 8th Floor, New Rochambeau Anthony Herosian York, NY 10022. Nardolillo Funeral Home Est. 1906 John K. Najarian, Jr. John Garabedian Rhode Island’s Only Licensed Armenian Funeral Director BELMONT, Mass. — John K. Garabedian of 1278 Park Ave. Cranston, RI 02910 (401) 942-1220 Belmont died on January 29, 2014. He was 82. 1111 Boston Neck Rd. Narragansett, RI 02882 (401) 789-6300 He was an Armey veteran who served in Korea. He leaves his wife, Helen (Boghosian) www.nardolillo.com Garabedian; children Mark Garabedian and his wife Ann of Billerica, Jennifer Andonian and her husband Samuel of Lincoln and Gregory Garabedian of Belmont; grandchildren Telephone (617) 924-7400 Alexander J. and Sammy J. Andonian and Kyle J. Garabedian; sister Mary Carpenter and her husband Elwood of Belmont. Aram Bedrosian A visitation period was held in the parlor of the First Armenian Church, 380 Concord Ave., Funeral Home, Inc. Belmont on Monday, February 3, followed by a funeral service. Interment was in Belmont Continuous Service By The Bedrosian Family Since 1945 Cemetery, Belmont. MARION BEDROSIAN Expressions of sympathy may be made in his 558 MOUNT AUBURN STREET PAUL BEDROSIAN memory to the First Armenian Church or the WATERTOWN, MA 02472 Armenian Missionary Association of America LARRY BEDROSIAN (AMAA), 31 West Century Rd., Paramus, NJ 07652. John Garabedian Arrangements were made by the Giragosian Funeral Home. Arshalous (Vanian) Bezjian GF UiNrEaRgAoL sHiaOMn E WATERTOWN — Arshalous (Vanian) Bezjian of James “Jack” Giragosian, CPC Watertown passed away on January 28, 2014 at Mark J. Giragosian home in Watertown with her family by her side. Funeral Counselors She was the wife of the late Harry Artin 576 Mt. Auburn Street, Watertown, MA 02472, TEL: 617-924—0606 Bezjian. www.giragosianfuneralhome.com She was the mother of Nigol Bezjian of Lebanon, Raffi Bezjian and his wife Silva of Watertown and Njteh Bezjian of Watertown; grandmother of Nareg Bezjian; sister of Alice Mikaelian of Boston and Arsine Baboian of Edward D. Jamakordzian, Jr. d/b/a Lebanon. The funeral service was held on Thursday, January 30, at St. Stephen’s Armenian Church, 38 Elton Ave., Watertown. Interment was in Edward D. Jamie, Jr. Ridgelawn Cemetery, Watertown. Funeral Chapel In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Serving the entire Armenian Community St. Stephen’s Armenian Church or to the Any Hour • Any Distance • Any Location Homenetmen, 47 Nichols Ave., Watertown, MA Call (718) 224-2390 Toll Free (888) 224-6088 02472. Arrangements were made by the Giragosian Arshalous Bezjian Bus. Reg. 189-06 Liberty Ave., Hollis, NY 11412 Funeral Home. Consultation Office: 217-04 Northern Blvd., (Suite 23), Bayside,NY 11361 S ATURDAY , F EBRUARY 8, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 7 COMMUNITY NEWS Alfred of Wessex and Gagik of Vaspouragan: A Regal Study at Ararat-Eskijian Museum

MISSION HILLS, Calif. — Dr. Anne claims concerning political authority. She will Century; Liturgy, Law and Self-Representation the UCLA Historic Armenian Cities and Elizabeth Redgate will present an illustrated reflect on the similarities between King Alfred (Edwin Mellen Press). Provinces series and other articles. She is espe - lecture on “Portrait and Representations: and King Gagik, the importance of the Redgate is Lecturer in History at Newcastle cially interested in the period between 300 and Alfred of Wessex and Gagik of Vasouragan: Amatunis to the Artsrunis and some links University in the UK, where she has taught 1100 AD, in questions of national identity, ver - Progress and Prospects,” on Sunday, February between Amatuni Ptghni and King Gagik’s Anglo-Saxon history, Armenian history and nacular liturgy, heresy, the use of artistic 10, at 7 p.m. at the Ararat-Eskijian Museum, early-10th-century Church of the Holy Cross on world history. She is the author of The imagery as a medium of political expression and Sheen Chapel. Aghtamar, Lake Van. These are the foundations Armenians (Oxford: Blackwell Publishers, 1998) comparative history. The event is sponsored by the Ararat-Eskijian for her next book, whose working title is and Religion, Politics and Society in Britain, For more information contact the Ararat- Museum and the National Association for Christian Kingship in England and Armenia 800-1066 (in press, Routledge). She has made Eskijian Museum at ararat-eskijian-muse - Armenian Studies and Research (NAASR). from the Late-Ninth to the Mid-Eleventh contributions to conferences and volumes in [email protected] or NAASR at [email protected]. In this lecture Redgate will present her work comparing the early-10th-century King Gagik Artsruni of Vaspurakan with his near-contem - porary, the late-ninth-century King Alfred of Wessex (in southern England), and their ideas Armenian Bar Association Accepting Applications for Ninth Scholarship Program about kingship. Both kings commissioned works of art and historical writings, and the LOS ANGELES — The Armenian Bar an approved law school in the United States, The Scholarship Program is primarily funded comparison draws on these. She will also dis - Association announced recently that it is accept - Armenia or elsewhere. Recipients must demon - by donations and by fundraising events hosted cuss her most recent work on the sculpture that ing applications for its Ninth Annual strate an outstanding academic record as well by the Armenian Bar Association. decorates a window at the seventh-century Scholarship Program. The program is designed as a strong commitment to the Armenian com - In addition to the Scholarship Program, the Armenian church of Ptghni and the family of its to support meritorious students of Armenian munity, particularly in humanitarian and/or Armenian Bar Association supports Armenian founders, the Amatunis, and their ideas and descent attending, or accepted for admission to, law-related endeavors. law students through its varied programs and events including the mentorship and internship programs and presentations by legal scholars. Students interested in applying for an Donations Armenian Bar Association scholarship should obtain an application at the group’s website The Armenian Mirror-Spectator received a donation of $100 from Ruth and Wil Swisher (www.armenianbar.com). The application dead - of Newington, Conn., in memory of her mother, Siranoush Hovsepian, aunts Esgouhi and line is March 31. The application must either Sirvant Simonian and Godmother Maritza Ohanesian. be postmarked by March 31, or if e-mailed, it should be received no later than midnight The Armenian Mirror-Spectator received a donation of $250 in memory of longtime read - (PST) of March 31. er Victor J. Jamal, from his widow, Sweetlana Jamal. The Armenian Bar Association is the largest organization of Armenian lawyers in the world. In memory of Arsen Demirdjian, Tomas T and Armine Fermanian Webb of Asheville, NC The Armenian Bar Association performs many donate $500 to the Armenian Mirror-Spectator . functions on behalf of the Armenian communi - ty, such as responding to the press or media about topics relating to Armenians, educating American-Armenians regarding their legal rights, and advocating the rule of law in Armenia, all of which are important aspects of advancing both the economic and the humani - Tekeyan Cultural Association tarian well-being of Armenia. The Armenian presents… Bar Association also has engaged in many cross-national efforts between the United States Entertainment Fridays and Armenia, such as hosting Armenian attor - and Saturdays neys and judges in the United States and pro - Family Movie Night moting Armenian-American attorneys’ involve - ment in the Armenian business and legal world, featuring both as educators and as advisors. “Lost and Found in Armenia” with Jamie Kennedy, Angela Sarafyan and Dave Sheridan in a delightful light comedy. Announcing the Home of Watertown’s Newest Law Center, A vacation in Turkey meant to help an American tourist get Gregory H Arabian & Associates, LLC over a recent breakup goes seriously awry when he ends up in Armenia accused of spying. Luckily for the tourist, he also 124 Watertown Street – Suite 3A West meets a beautiful Armenian woman who risks her safety to Watertown, MA 02472 save him. 617-744-6778 Rated four out of five stars by average customer reviews. Facsimile 781-744-0368 [email protected] Friday, February 7th at AGBU School, www.gregarabianlaw.com Southfield, Mich. Please join us for the movie, snacks and fun Doors open at 7 pm – movie begins 7:30 pm promptly $3 admission includes movie and two refreshment tickets.

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Reporter Wanted ! The is seeking an assistant editor, *! !) !!"$!&#$!*!#( #&! &# !$ # !$$#( (&!*$&!$&! Armenian Mirror-Spectator $# #!)#!$&$$&&&!)* #!*!( &!&! !#(($& &!!)&! working 20-25 hours a week. %##() &! #$!&&&$#!$# '# *!#!(#!$$*& *# !#! (*((  !*$# '# *!!%$!$# #!)#! &( $&!#!#$$&#$&! !)&! The ideal candidate should have a good grasp of journalism and %& #!*!(#&! #* # !&!"$*&( *!)&# )!*)#(&(&!+#( !&! be willing to cover a variety of subjects. Some editing will also " # !# # *!#!"$* (! # !!'*( # !'&( $ !,&(*#&$ &!#! be required. )*$%&$-! *($&# *!! $!+*$(&!&&&$#!)&! ! *((#&$!*! & (*! %&*.'!"*!/001!#!&$#&!#!& (&! *((#&$!*!20! *!%&*.'!"*!&! Salary commensurate with experience. # &!* $! 3 $! Send resumes and writing samples to [email protected]. !""#$%&'()$&*(!$ %! 8 S ATURDAY , F EBRUARY 8, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS Joe Almasian’s Olympic Experience Was One Remarkable Journey

dream. process, our press conference was between Swiss but ahead of seven other sleds. The By David Pevear To meet Olympic qualification standards, Tonya Harding’s and the Italian skier Alberto Jamaicans, inspiration for the movie “Cool Almasian and Topalian needed to obtain Tomba’s. Those who had their front-row seats Runnings” released the year before, finished Armenian citizenship and compete in at least for Tonya Harding wanted to keep them for last, disqualified for an overweight sled. WESTFORD, Mass. (Lowell Sun) — He still five international races on three different Tomba.” “My boss had told me he’d let me take a leave has never set foot in Armenia, under whose red, tracks over two seasons. The only two tracks But Almasian and Topalian were a story. of absence to go to the Olympics, but ‘you’ll blue and orange flag he proudly competed in in North America at that time were in Lake The New York Times ’ Ira Berkow wrote about have to beat the Jamaicans,’” says Almasian the 1994 Winter Olympics in Lillehammer, Placid and Calgary. So for their final qualifi - with a smile. “In fact, Norway. cation step they raced in St. Moritz, we did beat the Westford resident Joe Almasian hopes to visit Switzerland not long before the Olympics. Jamaicans ... but with his ancestral homeland someday. “I think we gained one World Cup point for an asterisk.” “It’s on my bucket list,” says the 46-year-old finishing last,” says Almasian. In the blink of an father of three and youth soccer coach who Varadian handled the politicking to secure eye, as they crossed plays in an Over-the-Hill temporary Armenian citizenship for the bob - the finish line on Soccer League on sledders, which required a decree by their first run, Sunday mornings in the Armenia’s then-President Levon Ter- Almasian and fall. Petrosian. Almasian recalls it being 2 1/2 Topalian noticed two Never on his bucket weeks before the Opening Ceremonies in Armenian flags being list was driving a two- Lillehammer when they got the green light. waved above them by man bobsled for any They were nearly joined on that first-ever a group of proud country in the Winter Armenia Olympic team by one other athlete. Norwegian- Olympics. But their spirit Arsen Harutyunyan, an Alpine skier from Armenians. of adventure and deep Armenia, fell short on a qualification techni - Almasian’s wife respect for their cality but carried his country’s flag at the Kim, his fiancee at Joe Almasian Armenian heritage 1994 Opening Ceremonies and skied in two the time, flew over to pulled Almasian, a future Olympics. Lillehammer to sur - mechanical engineer An eight-member Armenia Olympic delega - prise him. Almasian’s who grew up in Sherborn, Mass., and his tion, featuring Almasian and Topalian as its only regret is that brakeman Kenny Topalian, who ran an auto only participating athletes, marched at the the return flight he repair shop in Pawtucket, RI, to Lillehammer Opening Ceremonies in Lillehammer. “It was booked brought him 20 years ago to establish an Olympic foothold held in the ski-jump area. It was freezing cold. home before the for a newly independent Armenia. They did so The stands held only about 3,000 people,” Closing Ceremonies. with a second-hand bobsled rented from the recalls Varadian. “I remember Kenny saying, He has not been in American Samoans for $1,500. ‘Gee whiz, this is no big deal.’” So Varadian a bobsled since Both were athletic. Almasian, 26 at the pointed to a nearby television camera. “See Joe Almasian (front) and Kenny Topalian prepare for the start of the bob - Lillehammer 1994. time, had played soccer and run track for the that,” he told the two bobsledders, “that is sled competition at the 1994 Winter Olympics. Armenia has sent University of New Hampshire. Topalian, then one billion people.” teams to every 30, had been a hurdler in high school. They They marched not far behind “America” Olympic Games since grew up participating in athletic and cultural (countries march in alphabetically, according the two hoping someone in Armenia, “where Almasian and Topalian paved the way. The activities within the Providence chapter of the to the host country’s native tongue), so a the electricity and gas aren’t working and peo - country has won 12 medals at the Summer Armenian Youth Federation (AYF). glimpse of the Armenian flag was seen on ple are cold in their homes and food is scarce,” Games, none yet in the Winter Games. Their talents were known to Paul Varadian, CBS’ telecast to the United States. knew of what they were doing and felt proud. Almasian has never received any official a former Providence AYF member and US “The sad part is we had everybody back What began for Almasian as a quest to acknowledgment from Armenia for his Olympic bobsledder with strong Olympic connections, home pumped up to watch us,” says Almasian. honor his grandparents, who escaped their service. He and Topalian after returning from determined to plant Armenia’s flag on the “I think my boot enters the screen, and then homeland following the 1915 Armenian Lillehammer were presented with Olympic rings Olympic stage after independence was secured they cut away to something else.” An Genocide perpetrated by the Turkish govern - made by a jeweler of Armenian descent living in with the breakup of the Soviet Union in 1991. Armenian reporter, serving as the team’s ment (which has denied it occurred), gained a Canada. Almasian kept his racing helmet and “The quickest entry was through the sport press attaché, arranged a press day for any competitive edge. “There was the Armenian- suit. He brings them out on occasion when of bobsledding, which I was familiar with,” reporters who might want to interview spirit side of me, for sure,” says Almasian. speaking at church and civic-group functions. says Varadian, 60, who lives in Newton. “I Almasian and Topalian. “We figured at least a “But the athlete in me wanted to be as com - He also has the medallion given to all the par - reached out to them because they were both couple of guys would be there,” says petitive as possible within our knowledge of ticipants in Lillehammer (along with a silver athletes and both nearby and they were will - Almasian. the sport.” cheese slicer with the Olympic logo). ing to give it a shot.” The two were shocked to arrive to a room At Least They Weren’t Last And he is proud to have been an Olympian. Almasian remembers being at work at EMD packed with media. In Lillehammer, Almasian and Topalian suc - “It’s fun to tell the story to people who know Millipore in Bedford (where he still works) “We were happy to sit there and take ques - cessfully completed their four bobsled runs me, but don’t know that part of my history,” when Varadian called sometime around tions,” says Almasian. “Come to find out later, over two days. They finished 36th, an aggregate says Almasian, who has lived in Westford for 10 Thanksgiving 1992 with his Olympic idea. though, just randomly through a scheduling nine seconds behind the gold medal-winning years. “For me, it was a proud moment.” “While I appreciate sports and athletics, and very much love participating in them, I can honestly say it was never my dream to become an Olympic bobsledder,” says Almasian with a smile. Not long after that phone call, Almasian was speeding down a bobsled run at a beginners’ camp in Calgary, where he and Topalian became properly licensed. “Because you actu - ally need a license to drive these,” says Almasian. In the beginning, they started each run from halfway up the track, reaching 50 miles per hour, about 30 mph slower than competi - tion speed. “We didn’t die, so we agreed we’d give (the Olympic quest) a try,” says Almasian. Every Friday night thereafter during the winter of 1992-93, Almasian and Topalian drove six hours to Lake Placid, N. Y. They stayed at a motel or at the Olympic Training Center. The bobsled run was open three hours each morning on Saturday and Sunday. They borrowed 1960s-vintage sleds which they welded back together after each bumpy learning run. They eventually hired a coach, Jim Hickey, a former US bobsledder who lived in the Lake Placid area. Hickey would remain their coach through the 1994 Olympics. Almasian and Topalian shared Hickey with the Greek and American Samoan teams to spread the costs. They spent nearly $20,000 of their own money on their Olympic adventure. “We say we had two sponsors,” says Almasian. “I sponsored Kenny, and Kenny sponsored me.” There were no guarantees their investment would all pay off. The Olympic dream Almasian never dreamed still seemed a wild S ATURDAY , F EBRUARY 8, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 9 Arts & Living

Zareh – Transforming Pianist Armen Universal Issues and Donelian to Awareness into Art Present ‘Sayat- By Ditta Triwidianti Nova’ Album

LOS ANGELES (LA Splash) — Zareh began NEW YORK — Pianist, composer, ban - to draw at a very young age. As a child, he used dleader and educator Armen Donelian to draw animals, portraits and other subjects. and his trio will perform music from Drawing or painting has always been an outlet “Sayat-Nova: Songs of My Ancestors” at that makes him feel alive. Art is a temple that two CD release shows in April: at Tenri he has created in which his soul dances freely, Cultural Institute of New York (April 4, his imagination is welcomed and his desires and 7:30 p.m.); and Castle Street Café, Great emotions are expressed. The movements of his Barrington, Mass., (April 27, 4 p.m.), hand when he draws help him to release and the New York Armenian Students transform his energy and his thoughts. These Association announced. through pencils, paints and media, in turn, Donelian has carved out an enviable transform and become images of his artwork. career spanning four decades, including Some artwork contours are blended, smudged seminal stints with Jazzmen Sonny and multiplied, creating a feeling of motion and Rollins, Billy Harper, Chet Baker and a relationship with the surrounding. Mongo Santamaria. But two other Born in Aleppo, Syria, in 1956, he moved streams — Classical and Middle Eastern with his family to Lebanon in 1963. During the — have influenced Donelian’s artistic Lebanese Civil War of the 1970s, Zareh studied direction. His new double album, art at Beirut’s Al Kaslik University. The atroci - “Sayat-Nova: Songs of My Ancestors,” Stefan Martirosian (also spelled Stepan Martirosyan) with actress Catherine Zeta Jones ties of the war, followed by the breakdown of his 10th release for Sunnyside, which tolerance and civility between quarreling com - will be released on April 1, combines munities, had a profound effect on the sensitive these divergent paths into a work of young artist. What he witnessed in those years stunning cohesion and sonic beauty would start to define the core concerns and Drugs, Diamonds, International and further elevates Donelian’s status attributes of his art, expressed at turns through as an improvising artist of the highest sorrow, apprehension, and explosive outrage at Intrigue — You Won’t Believe order. manifestations of social and political injustice. As both a solo pianist and leader for After moving to the United States in 1983, Two Hollywood Producers’ nine years of a working trio (heard on Zareh dedicated himself to create his artwork Oasis, also on Sunnyside) with David Clark and George Schuller, Donelian Crazy Backstory focuses here on the quintessential and LOS ANGELES (LA Weekly) — Remington Chase and Stefan Martirosian (also exquisite songs of the 18th-century spelled Stepan Martirosyan) should be on top of the world. In the last two years, Armenian troubadour, Sayat Nova they have produced a dozen films, including “Lone Survivor,” starring Mark (1712-1792). Sayat Nova’s verses have Wahlberg as a Navy SEAL fighting for been compared to Shakespeare’s and his life in Afghanistan. Two years ago, his melodies rank with those of the By Gene Maddaus no one in the industry had heard of greatest European composers. For gen - them, but now they mingle with A-list erations, Sayat Nova has been revered stars. By their own estimate they have throughout the Middle East as a musi - become the biggest independent financiers in the business, plowing $100 million in cian, composer, poet and even philoso - cash into production, plus another $200 million in bank loans. pher. In the week before Christmas, just before the premiere of “Lone Survivor,” they’re “As a child,” Donelian says, “the Painting #28 Untitled 1991 Acrylic and ink on having coffee at Urth Caffé in Santa Monica — and sitting down for their first in- sounds of Middle Eastern, European paper 19 ½ X 25 ½ inches depth interview. Classical and American Jazz records But Chase and Martirosian aren’t here to talk about the bravery of the Navy were continually present in our multi - SEALs or about working with Peter Berg. Instead, they want to quash a story about cultural household. These three threads with much of his output designed to raise pub - their pasts. form the tapestry of “Sayat-Nova: Songs lic awareness of universal issues such as envi - And no wonder. Their backgrounds include convictions for cocaine trafficking; ties Of My Ancestors.” Integrating them ronmental degradation, globalism and its dire to the Russian oil business, the Armenian government and the African diamond into a single coherent work is the real - consequences for disenfranchised societies, and trade — and stints as federal informants. Most disturbing are allegations that they ization of my lifelong aspiration. I am human-rights violations. The memories and orchestrated a contract killing in Moscow — allegations that the Moscow police took proud to present it to a broader public.” influences of the past come to life in his work. seriously enough to investigate. Preserving every detail of Sayat These very influences interact with his present Chase and Martirosian say they can explain everything. (They’ve brought along a Nova’s melodies, Donelian further rede - experiences and continually change. Hollywood publicist to help.) But they are deeply worried that if information about fines them both as a solo performer and Many of Zareh’s critically-acclaimed exhibi - their pasts comes to light, they will lose their financing, which will ruin their movie with his cohorts, with one CD fully ded - tions, such as “The Red Trees of the Armenian careers. icated to each musical format. Using an Genocide” and “Marry the Priest,” have been After nearly 30 years in America, Stefan Martirosian still speaks with a thick alchemy of contemporary Jazz harmony featured in the US media, including the Los Armenian accent. A mop of dark, black hair falls over his eyes. and exuberant polyrhythm, Donelian Angeles Times, La Opinion , KTLA and others. Remington Chase is a hefty man, with sandy hair and glasses. As a kid in LA, he polishes his 21st-century interpreta - Some projects were performance pieces, which got bit parts on TV shows. Now, among other things, he is a helicopter pilot with an tions with an elegant and spacious were publicly displayed on the streets of Greater interest in aerial photography. While Martirosian projects Eastern European charm, Classical aesthetic that has identified Los Angeles area. Chase brims with intensity. his distinctive pianism and artistic “Existence is a collective experience. The By their account, they met at a tourism conference in Moscow in 1979. vision since his 1975 debut with feeling of existence is a sense of being different. Martirosian had come there as a student from Armenia, which was then a republic Santamaria. Differences engender reaction and reaction of the Soviet Union. Chase says he was there “on an interest in Moscow.” They One explanation for the trio’s pro - leads to change. Life is the change. Changes became friends. When Martirosian immigrated to Los Angeles in 1985, the two went found affinity for Donelian’s music is bring awareness of time and movement. into business together. that he shares significant history with Differences enable us to compare and measure. The nature of that business is not entirely clear — they maintain that their first these players. His collaboration with Measure and proportion are the logic of mind. venture was a dollar store in Moscow — but it is probably no coincidence that both veteran bassist David Clark stretches Completion and perfection do not exist. Reality were ensnared in separate drug stings in Jacksonville, Fla., in 1993. back to 1993, when they first met as is not absolute, it is relative. Art is an expression It wasn’t Martirosian’s first brush with the law. In April 1989, he was on a bus that colleagues at the Interplay Summer relative to environment and period.” Zareh also was stopped at the Border Patrol checkpoint in Sierra Blanca, Texas. Questioned by Jazz Camp. While touring with the enjoys exploring the commonality and the dif - a Border Patrol agent, he said he was a Soviet citizen with legal residency in the 1980s Middle East-Jazz fusion group, ferences of living things. He likes to combine, United States, but he did not have his resident alien card. Night Ark, led by oudist Ara Dinkjian, change and transform them into art. As Martirosian was being taken off the bus, the agent spotted a duffel bag above Donelian met drummer/producer “Sometimes, simplified organic forms, dots, an his seat. Inside were four kilos of cocaine and a Russian newspaper. George Schuller whose group, Orange outline and geometric forms intricately accom - To this day, Martirosian says the bag was not his. “I’ve never seen any cocaine in Then Blue, shared the same concert pany the realistic execution of my art.” my life,” he says. “I’ve never touched it.” stage. Zareh’s artwork is an act in which time and see HOLLYWOOD, page 10 transformation seek existence in movement, see ZAREH, page 12 10 S ATURDAY , F EBRUARY 8, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARTS & LIVING Drugs, Diamonds, International Intrigue — Two Hollywood Producers’ Crazy Backstory

HOLLYWOOD, from page 9 As for the president’s oligarch friend, Randall Emmett and George Furla. In 2012, when the alleged conversations about an armed Nevertheless, he pleaded guilty — and then Grigoriants, he has kept a low profile in Armenia another announcement boosted the fund to $525 robbery occurred. skipped out on his sentencing. Two months later, and Russia. He received some media attention for million. Nevertheless, Kele and his co-defendants were he was in Las Vegas to watch a boxing match with his role in funding a new Armenian cathedral in The announcements were not exactly true. set free. Kele was sent back to Vienna, where he his uncle. He says his attorney’s assistant spotted Moscow, but otherwise he is rarely mentioned. There was no “fund,” and the numbers were cho - remains a free man. Berkesi was interviewed by a him in a restaurant and turned him in. By that time, Martirosian had been overseeing sen for effect more than accuracy, according to Hungarian news outlet. He alleged the FBI had Back before a judge, Martirosian tried to with - Grigoriants’ enterprises in the United States for Grant Cramer, an executive VP at Envision. But tampered with evidence against him but acknowl - draw his plea. He claimed that he had only plead - at least a decade. According to a deposition he the pair was pumping serious money into pro - edged, “We are not angels.” ed guilty because he thought he would get pro - gave in a real estate bankruptcy case in 2010, duction. (In credits, Martirosian appears as Nothing ever came of the Moscow police and bation in exchange for providing information on Martirosian convinced Grigoriants to invest in Stepan Martirosyan. He said he changed his their “great international investigation.” KGB agents to the FBI. condo projects in California as a hedge against his name slightly to avoid having his cocaine case It’s unclear why. What is clear is that Kele was The judge denied his request, and threw the Russian portfolio. appear on Google.) the key witness in the investigation. But with the book at him for fleeing his sentencing hearing. Martirosian has invested Grigoriants’ money in Martirosian and Chase say they were majority threat of prosecution and lifetime incarceration He was ordered to serve 9½ years in federal real estate projects in California, Hawaii, Nevada, investors on many of their projects, funding 80 no longer hanging over him, he no longer had prison. Arizona and the US Virgin Islands. percent of “Lone Survivor,” 80 percent of “2 any incentive to cooperate in an investigation of His luck improved, however, when the case “It was bumpy, I have to say,” Martirosian tells Guns” and 50 percent of “Escape Plan,” the Chase — which might also ensnare himself. went to appeal. The appeals court found that he the Weekly. “We built condos we couldn’t sell. action film starring Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Reached by email, Kele blamed the FBI for had not been advised of the mandatory minimum One of the reasons we got into the movie busi - Schwarzenegger. incarcerating him for more than a year on phony sentence, overturning the conviction and the sen - ness was the uncertainty of real estate.” Martirosian was interested in having his picture charges. But he did not blame Remington Chase. tence. In 1992, he was released. In October 2010, a 70-year-old Hungarian man taken with movie stars. His IMDb page includes Instead, he claimed that he was duped by a A free man for the first time in two years, was arrested at his home in Vienna. Istvan Kele photos of himself with Robert De Niro, Bruce completely different person, who was only pre - Martirosian quickly turned around and offered to had a long criminal history, including the 1972 Willis, Jessica Alba, Nicolas Cage and many more. tending to be Chase. sell large quantities of cocaine to an undercover murder of a New Jersey bank guard during an If he was more star-struck than Chase, it may be “I believe I was making an impetuous conclu - FBI agent in Jacksonville. armed robbery. For that crime, he was sentenced because he grew up in the Soviet Union, watch - sion about being the same man,” Kele wrote to Court records tell the story. In May 1993, he to life in prison — but he was paroled in 1989. ing bootlegged American movies on video. the Weekly. “I am sorry, I cannot be of further arranged financing and traveled to Costa Rica to This time around, Kele and three other While the producers achieved commercial and help.” check on suppliers. Unfortunately for him, the Hungarians were accused of plotting to break critical success with one film — last year’s “End of The FBI declined to comment on the case. DEA had infiltrated the suppliers. Martirosian into the home of a Los Angeles jeweler, hold him Watch” — most of the rest have been dismal flops. Yvonne Garcia, the lead prosecutor, also declined agreed to help transport 800 kilos to St. to be interviewed. Augustine, Fla. They agreed that Martirosian Stefan Martirosian’s passion project is a film would send $200,000 from LA to Colombia, and about the Armenian genocide — the “Schindler’s that the cocaine would be shipped from Colombia List” of Armenia. He hired a writer to draft a to Costa Rica and on to Florida. Instead, in script and pitched it to Martin Scorsese. Though September 1993, he was arrested in a St. Scorsese said he was busy with other things, Augustine hotel room. Martirosian considers the conversation the high - Martirosian pleaded guilty and admitted the light of his career in movies. “I always thought of facts as outlined above. However, today he main - him as a gangster. ... I couldn’t believe how spiri - tains his innocence. tual he was. We discussed tragic things in Under the plea agreement, he was sentenced to Armenian history. He was really well informed.” nine years. He also agreed to help the govern - But the story becomes more difficult to fath - ment prosecute other cases. om when Chase tries to explain his earlier rela - Around this time, Martirosian called an old tionship to Kele. acquaintance, Michael Yamanis, a Greek busi - For that, he must back up 35 years, to when, he nessman who had recently been released from says, he began working for federal authorities. “I prison after running a massive marijuana-traffick - became friends with law enforcement,” he says, ing organization in the late 1970s and early ’80s. repeating this for emphasis. By the time he was 34, Remington Chase had He says that he has traveled the globe, on the been to several colleges without getting a degree, Remington Chase, left, and Stefan Martirosian, right, at Cannes in 2012 with Gerard Butler, who was government’s behalf, in pursuit of terrorists. and had gone by several names. At the time he to star in a film they were producing, about a felon seeking revenge on those who framed him. The Among his tasks was talking to Kele about his was primarily known as William Paul Elliot, but project was canceled before shooting. “Afghani friends.” he had also used William Elliot Westwood. “The most important thing about Kele was he Friends just called him Bill. was really close to an Afghani terrorist,” Then, in January 1993, he flew from Los at gunpoint and take $5 million in cash and jew - The Mark Wahlberg/Denzel Washington Martirosian says. Angeles to Atlanta, and then caught a connecting els from his safe. According to federal prosecu - movie “2 Guns” went over budget and underper - The entire relationship with Kele, in Chase’s flight to Jacksonville. He picked up two items at tors, Kele detailed his plan to a confidential infor - formed at the box office. “Broken City” cost $35 telling, was an elaborate ruse to try to get infor - the Delta ticket counter, went to his hotel and mant. million and grossed just $20 million. mation about terrorism. The only reason he went made a phone call. The informant was none other than Chase. “We were shocked, actually,” Martirosian says. to Africa with Kele, Chase says, was to explore That night, he and a friend boarded a yacht on Kele had met Chase a few years before, through “We had three great stars. Russell Crowe, connections between terror networks and gun- the St. Johns River. Inside, they met their contact, Martirosian. Kele and Martirosian went way back, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Mark Wahlberg. The running rings. “Every day we were with them in who told them he had $20,000 — the agreed pur - to their days in prison together at Terminal Island movie tanked. Very frustrating.” Africa, federal authorities were in the hotel room chase price for a one-kilo sample of cocaine. If the in Los Angeles in the early 1990s. When Kele was Among their projects now in development are next to us,” Chase says. deal worked out, Chase had agreed to fly with arrested, he realized that Chase had set him up. movies based on two Hasbro board games: The diamond deals were just part of the cover him back to L.A., where he would sell the contact As soon as he was extradited to Los Angeles, Monopoly and Hungry Hungry Hippos. story, he says. another 20 kilos. Kele called his old friend Martirosian from Kern Kele told the police that he’d been informed “We have no interest in diamonds,” Chase says. Chase and his friend returned to the yacht after County Jail and vowed to get even. That call was that Kalandarishvili was blackmailing Martirosian “We have no interest being in Africa. I don’t know midnight, with one kilo in two plastic bags. Their recorded and later obtained by the Weekly . and Chase’s Russian employer. He claimed not to shit about diamonds.” contact field-tested it, and then turned over Earlier in 2010, Chase had been arrested in know the employer’s identity. (On the jail call with Kele, Martirosian made $20,000 for Chase to count. Nevada after being indicted on charges of Social In his letter to the Russian Embassy, Kele said several references to diamonds. At one point, he Chase and his friend disembarked. But before Security fraud. While in custody, he had once he shot a lot of video of Kalandarishvili to prove claimed that Chase had lost thousands on a dia - they were even off the docks, they were in hand - again volunteered to cooperate with the govern - that he was working. mond deal in Africa. “He ripped me off for cuffs — accused of selling to undercover DEA ment. Chase was released within a few weeks and “I had always lied to them why the ‘killing’ $27,000,” Martirosian complained. “He lost my agents. According to his plea agreement, Chase eventually pleaded guilty to using a false Social could not be done,” Kele wrote. He also supplied diamonds in South Africa. ... You know what hap - quickly admitted his guilt and volunteered to Security number on a mortgage application. He the embassy with Kalandarishvili’s license plate pened to my f***ing money with the diamonds.”) cooperate. was given probation. number — an apparent show of proof that he was Asked specifically about the murder in Moscow, Martirosian and Chase might have spent the Kele believed that Chase had set him up in involved. Martirosian says he’s never heard the name rest of their lives getting in and out of legal order to reduce his own sentence. He blamed After several trips to Moscow, Kele said that Kalandarishvili. scrapes were it not for a wealthy Armenian friend. Martirosian for not warning him about it. Martirosian grew frustrated and called off the Throughout the conversation, Maxine Vitaly Grigoriants is an oil man who has supplied The businessman, Kasca Kalandarishvili, had killing. It was long afterward, Kele claimed, that Leonard, the publicist, has been quiet, occasion - the capital for their legitimate business ventures, been in the oil and gas industry, and Kele said he he discovered that Kalandarishvili had, in fact, ally looking down at her phone. But as the con - including their foray into film production. had run afoul of Martirosian’s Russian boss. been killed. versation progresses, her eyes grow wider and Martirosian met Grigoriants at Moscow State Kele claimed that he never intended to carry In correspondence with LAPD, Moscow police wider. Finally, she simply has to interrupt. University. In the privatization scramble that fol - out the murder, and that at some point seemed eager to follow up on the information. “Can I just stop right here?” she asks, in a very lowed the collapse of the Soviet Union, Martirosian and Chase called it off. Shortly thereafter, however, something very polite British accent. “This is all just kind of Grigoriants became one of Russia’s minor oli - Kalandarishvili had, in fact, been murdered on unusual happened. The US Attorney’s office incredible, amazing stuff. You don’t want any of garchs. He accumulated his wealth trading in oil a snowy street near his apartment, in a wealthy dropped the armed robbery case against Kele and this — nobody wants any of what I’ve been listen - and gas, and later moved into banking and real district of Moscow, in February 2009. According his associates. In their motion, prosecutors ing to for the last 30 minutes, anywhere in any estate. For the last 15 years, Martirosian says, he to Russian news accounts, the 47-year-old man explained that they were doing so because the kind of like print story about you guys being has acted Grigoriants’ point man in the United was out walking his dog just before midnight FBI wanted to protect their informant, Chase. involved in Hollywood making movies.” States, which has given him entree to elite circles when an assailant ran up and shot him in the Prosecutors believed they were required to They try to allay her worries, but she is not kid - in Moscow and Yerevan, the Armenian capital. head. hand over a copy of Chase’s hard drive to the ding around. For decades, Grigoriants has been a good In fact, Martirosian and Chase burst on the defense attorneys. The FBI believed that would “Any of this stuff coming out,” she says, “is hor - friend of the Armenian president, Serge Hollywood scene just six weeks later, in compromise Chase’s personal information, and ribly damaging.” Sargisian, who came to prominence in the early September 2011, with an announcement at the his safety. (This story has been abbreviated from its orig - 1990s as a commander of Armenian military Toronto International Film Festival. They had set What’s strange about that explanation is that inal version because of space constraints. To see forces during the Nagorno-Karabagh War. up a company, Envision Entertainment, along Kele and the other defendants were well aware of the story in its entirty, visit Following the cease-fire, Sargisian became the with a $250 million fund to produce films in part - Chase’s identity. Kele had known him for years, http://www.laweekly.com/2014-01- country’s defense minister. nership with two low-budget action producers, and he knew exactly whom he was talking to 02/news/remington-chase-stefan-martirosian/) S ATURDAY , F EBRUARY 8, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 11 ARTS & LIVING

to his listeners. On a whim, he told me 30 years ago, he said The Day the Music Didn’t Die over the air that “we must be in a time warp, because Buddy Holly had just walked through the door.” The Hatter then did a make-believe with an updated “flash” report from the US some poignant new songs. The most well- interview with Holly, played some of his records By Carl M. Cannon Weather Service showing that a 100-mile band known and talented of the touring stars in his and suggested a concert be held in his honor. of snow had appeared out of Canada, vastly group, Holly had big plans for his career. They Soon, the phone in the station was ringing reducing the ceiling he’d be flying into. included a new direction in his music, his own off the hook. “Are you going to do it?” they WASHINGTON (RealClearPolitics) — Let’s get Although he didn’t know it, Fargo’s airport was record label and appearances in the movies. To asked. So he decided to go for it. They held the this out of the way, because although it’s a closed by the time he took off because of the get them launched, he needed money and he show, naturally, at the old Surf Ballroom. It cliché, it’s an indelible one: February 3, 1959, blizzard conditions. put together some other rock-and-rollers for a eventually sold out, just as it had in 1959 and was not the day the music died. In addition, the four-seat Beechcraft Bonanza tour the promoters dubbed the “Winter Dance it’s been an annual happening in Northern Iowa Rock-and-roll was really just getting started that Peterson was flying was equipped with a Party of 1959,” playing venues in the upper ever since, even as the music industry has when the small airplane carrying Buddy Holly, new gyroscope, the Sperry F-3 Gyro, which had - Midwest to sold-out crowds of teenagers. changed. The radio station changed call letters Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper crashed in n’t been in the planes he’d used during his Holly’s dreams would come true, but only and owners, as did the Surf Ballroom, which is an Iowa cornfield. The music they had played instrument training. They displayed the hori - posthumously. Immortality would also accrue now owned by a non-profit dedicated to histori - earlier that night at the Surf Ballroom in Clear zontal pitch the opposite of what he was used to Ritchie Valens, the Mexican-American prodi - cal preservation. The Hatter himself ended up Lake can be heard in Iowa to this day — even at to. The plane taxied at 12:55 a.m. and Jerry gy from California. Both were the subject of fea - in Vermont, but not before being elected to the venue where the three doomed Dwyer, who owned the Beechcraft, watched it ture films about their lives. “La Bamba” helped Iowa’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. troubadours performed their last show — and in take off from the airport tower. Although introduced the world to Hispanic actors Lou In the meantime, Iowa has become known for every continent on the globe. Dwyer dismissed it as an optical illusion, he Diamond Phillips and Esai Morales, as well as something else, as well: the quadrennial politi - Actually, it didn’t even stop for even one day. thought at the time that he saw the plane the movie subject’s song-writing ability and tal - cal caucuses that kick off the presidential nom - The show must go on and this one did: “Winter “going down at a very slow rate of descent as it ent for cultural fusion. inating process. In 1984, as a slew of Democrats Dance Party” continued that night, February 3, went farther away from us.” On the flip side of his La Bamba single was vied for the dubious distinction of running in 1959, as the rest of the musicians on the ill- Sadly, he was right. Peterson apparently thought an even better song, Donna, which inspired a November against Ronald Reagan, I covered fated tour — Dion and the Belmonts, guitarist he was climbing when he was really descending and generation of Mexican-American artists ranging those caucuses. Tommy Allsup, bass player Waylon Jennings his plane hit the ground at 170 miles per hour, from Carlos Santana to Los Lobos. Yes, it seemed that President Reagan would and others — played their scheduled concert in killing all four aboard instantly. By the time the sur - Meanwhile, Waylon Jennings cast out on his be impossible to beat, but the caucuses held Moorhead, Minn. viving musicians reached their destination 360 own, gravitating first toward country and west - four year before showed that you never knew Montreal filmmaker Sevan Garabedian recently miles away, they knew what had happened. It was ern music and later, in rebellion against the what might come out of Iowa. Reagan was unearthed a photo of Jennings — who gave up his then that Waylon Jennings’ mind returned — and strictures of Nashville, he was at the vanguard essentially the presidential nominee-in-waiting seat on the doomed plane at the last minute — play - not for the last time — to his final conversation with (along with Willie Nelson) of a sound called for his party in 1980, just as Hillary Clinton ing before 1,100 fans at the Moorhead Armory. Buddy Holly. “Outlaw Country,” based mostly in Austin, seems to be today. But other prominent candi - “You can see the anguish on his face,” Garabedian The Bopper approached his good friend Texas. The enduring quality of that music can dates lined up to test Reagan, just as Clinton told a Minneapolis reporter. Waylon. “Man, I’ve been sick,” he said. “I have be measured by the fact that at this year’s will be challenged in 2016 and it was perhaps Waylon Jennings was haunted by the tragedy for the flu. I can’t get any rest at all. Would you Grammy Awards, Willie Nelson and Kris the least-feared of these contenders who tem - years and not just because he lost two friends from mind if I take your place on the plane?” Kristofferson played a tune made famous by porarily stalled Reagan’s coronation by defeat - Texas (Holly and the Big Bopper, whose real name “If it’s okay with Buddy,” Jennings replied, Willie and Waylon, Mammas, Don’t Let Your ing the Gipper in Iowa. The would-be usurper’s was J.P. Richardson) and not only because he sur - “it’s okay with me.” Babies Grow Up to Cowboys . name was George H.W. Bush. rendered his seat at Richardson request — or Holly understood, but he couldn’t resist needling The 2014 Grammy show also featured the Reagan eventually dispatched Bush, along because when Valens learned Jennings had given his bass player. “I hope your damned bus freezes up two surviving Beatles, which was fitting as well. with the other challengers, but he tapped Bush up his berth, he badgered Allsup into flipping a coin again,” he told Waylon with a grin. In 1958, Buddy Holly’s band, The Crickets, as his running mate. This led to an eight-year for the last seat on the plane. The problem for “Well,” Waylon quipped in reply, “I hope your played at The Palladium in London. Young run as vice president for Bush, a four-year stint Waylon was what he and Buddy had said to each ol’ plane crashes.” John Lennon couldn’t make the scene, but he as president — and a two-term presidency for other about it. By his own admission, it took Waylon watched on television and said later that he Bush’s eldest son. And today, another Bush It was cold that night and snow had begun Jennings many years to get over that. Yet he copied everything from having the lead guitar son, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, is emerging falling during the show. The three performers went on to a long and influential career. And he player sing, to being willing — as Buddy was — as a possible GOP hope for 2016. who were flying to the next concert were driv - wasn’t alone. The 15-year-old singer who took to wear glasses on stage. Lennon even said the Little of that was apparent back in 1984, en to the Mason City airport to meet up with a Holly’s place in Moorhead that night was name Beatles was a takeoff on The Crickets. when I was covering the Democrats in Iowa, 21-year-old newly married local pilot named named Robert Velline, who would later be “Holly passed it on via the Beatles and via but that’s the thing about politicians: Like musi - Roger Peterson. According to the subsequent known as Bobby Vee. us,” Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones once cians, you have to see them perform out on the accident report by the Civil Aeronautics Board, said. “He’s in everybody ... not bad for a guy road and listen to their tunes to really under - a precursor agency to the FAA, Peterson made Bye, Bye, Miss A m erican Pie from Lubbock, right?” stand their appeal. an “unwise decision” in taking off in such con - Buddy Holly had recently left his hometown And in American Pie , the 1971 hit by Don “Americans,” Ronald Reagan proclaimed in ditions. But the fault wasn’t entirely the young of Lubbock, Texas, resettling with his young McLean, their contribution was immortalized his first real campaign stump speech, “have a pilot’s. Inexplicably, Peterson wasn’t provided wife in a New York apartment where he taped for a new generation of music aficionados. rendezvous with destiny.” Conservatives loved A long, long time ago the sound of that, but Reagan was riffing off I can still remember how that music used to FDR, who said it first.

make me smile In this way, politicians are more like musi - Tekeyan Cultural Association Of Greater NY/NJ And I knew if I had my chance cians and less like the journalists who cover TekeyanTekeyanTe keCulturalyan CulturalCultu Associationral AsAssociationsociation OfOf GrGreater Greatereater NYNY/NJ/ NJNY/NJ That I could make those people dance them. Plagiarism scandals are rarer in politics And maybe they’d be happy for a while and music than in the media for the simple rea - But February made me shiver son that in those professions imitation really is With every paper I’d deliver considered a sincere form of flattery. Yes, Bad news on the doorstep Bobby Vee filled in for Buddy Holly — and I couldn’t take one more step copied him, too — but Holly’s career was never I can’t remember if I cried the same once he opened for Elvis Presley in When I read about his widowed bride 1955 and neither was his sound. As for the But something touched me deep inside Crickets, their basic two guitars, bass and drum - The day the music died. mer formula was copied by the Beatles and It’s evocative writing, to be sure, but the countless other bands. music was very much alive — and mutating con - “I shamelessly do a tribute to Holly in just stantly. The Grateful Dead performed Holly’s hit about every show that I do,” Bobby Vee once Not Fade Away more than 500 times in con - told Minnesota journalist Pamela Huey. “He cert. This keeps happening to Holly’s music. was my Elvis. As much as I loved Elvis, Buddy Three-and-a-half decades after American Pie , a was the guy who spoke to me.” Buddy Holly song called Dearest , which was Thirty years ago, I dropped off the Iowa cam - F O U L E F E A S T recorded in his New York apartment sessions, paign trail briefly — although not as briefly as I !"#$%#&'()*& %&!"#$%#&&&'()* % was featured on the soundtrack to the hit indie thought — and drove from Des Moines to Clear F O U L E F E A S T ( &$& )"#&$%# *&%#)$"&& ( &&$ !"#$%#&'()*& %&!")"#$%# &#$%&&&'()#* * % &%#)$" && movie “Juno.” Thus was Buddy Holly’s music Lake. The Mad Hatter gave me an interview and introduced to a generation of young moviego - a nice perch at the Surf Ballroom where the $$ & $*$#%&$*#&##%#& #%& ##*%&$""&#& ))*%& &#%%# &$$ &&&&&&&&&&& $ ( &$& )"#&$%# *&%#)$"&& (*$# %&&$ $ *#)" ###% &#$%  #%# #*#*% &%#$"" #)$ )")*% && #%%#  ers who could have been his great-grandchil - bands played their nostalgic little hearts out.  dren. The kids in the audience weren’t kids anymore F O U *$&# $ &!"L*$ E&&&&&&# $  !"F &$&!#$%&&&$E!# $%A& S T $$ & $*$#%&$*#&##%#& #%& ##*%&$""&#& ))*%& &#%%# &$$ &&&&&&&&&&& $*$#% $!"#$%#&'()*& %&*# ##%#&&&  #%  ##*% $"" # ))*% #%%#  “I play Buddy Holly every night before I go — some of them had been at the 1959 show — !  but they sang and danced as if they were young *$&# $ &!"*$&&&&&&# $  !" &$&!#$%&&&$ !#$% & on,” Bruce Springsteen told Rolling Stone mag - ( &$& )"#&$%# *&%#)$"&&&& &"#$!"%&!%$'($)!"#$!!"%& %$'($) & ! && azine in 1978. “That keeps me honest.” again. On the fateful and snowy night that ! When Bob Dylan won a Grammy award in Buddy Holly was there, the teenagers didn’t '"%&'"%&& "($*&)(#* #&"($* )(#* # & $$ & $*$#%&$*#&##%#& #%& ##*%&$""&#& ))*%& &#%%# &&&&&&&&&&&&1998 for his album “Time Out of Mind,” he said want to let him leave the stage. And 25 years *"#*((&") %&+,&%-"$.&*"#$!"%&!%$'($)!"#$"#*((!!"%&&&&"&) %$' % +,($)%-"$. ! at the awards ceremony that he’d been in the later, in 1984, they didn’t want it to end, either.  & *$&# $ &!"&&&&&&'"%&'"%&& "($*&)(#* #&"($* )(&$&!#$%&&&#* # & audience when Buddy Holly performed in Outside, the wind had kicked up, leading to a /.'/.'&# &# %(*&&&# # %(* & Duluth on January 31, 1959. whiteout that would strand us in that town for *"#*((&") %&+,&%-"$.&*"#*((&&&&") % +, %-"$. ! 0120&0120& Dylan was being lyrical, but in Iowa this time days. Inside the Surf Ballroom, however, no one & 3 4!&&#&!"4!&& # &!" &&&(&5)$*$&$&6.%!7&'"89:-;8&( 5)$*$ &&$ 6.%!7 &'"89:-;8 & of year, when the wind kicks up and the snow knew that and we danced one last time to Peggy Sue. As the concert came to a close, the "#$!"%&!%$'($)!!!/.'/.'&# &# %(*&&&# # %(* ! & swirls, fans of the music find it easy to imagine the specters of the past. In 1979, in the run-up emcee shouted, “Buddy Holly lives!” So do they 0120&0120& '"%&&& "($*&)(#* #& & to the 20th anniversary of the crash, an Iowa all. 3 4!&&#&!"4!&& # &!" &&&(&5)$*$&$&6.%!7&'"89:-;8&( 5)$*$ &&$ 6.%!7 &'"89:-;8 & radio personality known as the “Mad Hatter” (Carl M. Cannon is the Washington Bureau *"#*((&") %&+,&%-"$.&&&&& (real name Darryl Hensley) was in the studio at Chief for RealClearPolitics.) a new FM radio station in Clear Lake gabbing & /.'&# &# %(*&&& & 0120&& 3 4!&&#&!"&& & &&&(&5)$*$&$&6.%!7&'"89:-;8& && & &

12 S ATURDAY , F EBRUARY 8, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARTS & LIVING Dr. Levon Chookaszian To Speak on Art of Armenians of the Crimea and Romania CC AA LLEENNDDAARR FRESNO — Dr. Levon Chookaszian, director of the UNESCO Chair of Art History at Yerevan State University, will give a presentation titled “The Armenians of the Crimea and Romania as Seen Through Their Art,” on Wednesday, February 12 at 7:30 p.m. The lecture will be MASSACHUSETTS held in the University Business Center, Alice MARCH 1 — Poon Paregentan Dinner-Dance. Sts.Vartanantz Peters Auditorium, Room 191, on the Fresno Armenian Church, Chelmsford, Annual Poon Paregentan State campus and is part of the Armenian Dinner Dance will be held at the church’s Kazanjian Ballroom, Studies Program Spring 2014 Lecture Series. 180 Old Westford Rd. Chelmsford. Children’s Activities, 5-6 The lecture is co-sponsored by the Virginia- p.m. Dinner, 6 p.m. Following dinner, non-stop Armenian and based Ararat Foundation, which was founded in Middle East music provided by the Ani All-Stars featuring: Vocals 1985 and promotes Armenian culture and and dumbeg, Jason Naroian; Joe Kouyoumjian, oud; Ara Christian faith, through lectures on Armenian Jeknavorian, clarinet; and Kevin Magarian, guitar. Paid advance subjects, seminars, literature distribution and tickets (February 23) are $25 for adults, $10 for children (6-12), research. The foundation has worked indepen - and 5 & under, free. At-the-door, $35 for adults and $15 for dently and in cooperation with other groups children. For reservations, contact Patty- 978-937-9379 or email and has sponsored more than 60 lectures, held [email protected] mostly in Washington DC. Dean Shahinian MARCH 8 — Revolt of February 18 anniversary by Lowell organized the foundation and has served as its “Aharonian” Gomideh, 6:30, ARS Community Center, 142 executive director since its inception. Liberty St., Lowell. Buffet dinner and program, “More Unknown The study of the artistic legacy of the Sites of Armenia” by Joe Dagdigian. Admission, $20 adults; $10 Armenians in medieval Crimea and Romania students. allows for the reconstruction and imagining, to MARCH 29 — Saturday, 7:30 p.m., Armenian Independent Broadcasting of Boston presents a Musical Evening featur - ing Janet Khalarian, with the participation of the Hamazkayin Erebuni Dance Ensemble, St. James Armenian Church, Mosesian Cultural Hall, 465 Mount Auburn St., Watertown. Donation $20. For tickets, call (617) 926-6268 or Meri Memirjian at (781) 273- 2770. On Saturday, March 29, at 7:30 p.m., MAY 14 — NEW DATE: Chefs Party for Our Park! Benefit for Armenian Independent Broadcasting of the Fund to Care for Armenian Heritage Park, Wednesday, 6:30 Boston presents a Musical Evening featuring p.m., Royal Sonesta Hotel Boston, Cambridge. Celebrate with Janet Khalarian, with the participation of the Boston’s Top Chefs presenting signature dishes inspired by par - Hamazkayin Erebuni Dance Ensemble, St. ents, grandparents or mentors for you to taste while you mix James Armenian Church, Mosesian Cultural and mingle. Advanced Reservations required. To receive the e- Hall, 465 Mount Auburn St., Watertown. invite, email [email protected] Donation $20. For tickets, call (617) 926- 6268 or Meri Memirjian at (781) 273-2770. NEW YORK

Dr. Levon Chookaszian FEBRUARY 9 — Tribute to the Late Abp. Torkom Manoogian, at St. Vartan Cathedral, 630 Second Ave. (corner 34th St.), New York City. Following Sunday Divine Liturgy and Requiem Auditorium. Donation is $50 per person. For information or to a certain degree, of a broader picture, a kind of (services start at 10:30 a.m.) in sanctuary. Luncheon & program reserve, contact Lynn Beylerian at (201) 848-7984 (lynnbeyleri - mosaic of the culture of immigrants from — “Patriarch, Primate, Poet: The Legacy of Abp. Torkom [email protected]) or Andrea Halejian at (201) 445-6882 (hale - Armenia. The Armenian churches, monasteries, Manoogian” — begins at 1 p.m. in Haik & Alice Kavookjian [email protected]). RSVP by Feb. 2. and illustrated manuscripts, are the main art works testifying to the presence of Armenians in medieval Crimea and Romania and their cul - tural activity there. Chookaszian will explore this rich, but for many, little-known cultural her - itage. Chookaszian is one of the leading authorities in the world on Armenian art. He is the author of two monographs: one on the art of 13th cen - tury Armenian miniaturist Grigor ( Grigor Tsaghkogh , 1986), and the other on the art of the painter Arshag Fetvadjian ( Arshag Fetvadjian , 2011). Chookaszian has taught at Yerevan State University since 1978 and is one of the founders of the department of art histo - ry. In 1996 he established the UNESCO Chair of Armenian Art History. Since 1992 he has delivered nearly 200 lectures at universities, libraries and museums across the world. The lecture is free and open to the public.

Zareh – Transforming Universal Issues and Awareness into an Artwork

ZAREH, from page 9 change, sequence, repetition, relation - ship and resemblance. His work conveys feelings, imagination, communication, struggle, relief and his marks of exis - tence. “My art on canvas has evolved and transcended to an outlet using our ever growing media, the issues of social injustice compelled me to utilize my expression of art as a voice to the mul - titude.” added him. To find most of his artworks and more information check Zareh’s website (www.artistzareh.com). S ATURDAY , F EBRUARY 8, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 13 COMMENTARY

THE ARMENIAN COMMENTARY Mirror Heroes or Villains?

One may be for or against political violence but the truth of the By Edmond Y. Azadian matter is that Turkey’s political establishment — long assuming the Spectator Genocide to be forgotten — only reacted to those acts and Turkey’s foreign minister at the time, Ihsan Sabri Caglayangil, invited the When Osama bin Laden was shooting Soviet Mig fighter planes leaders of the three political parties to Geneva, Switzerland — the in Afghanistan using shoulder-launched heat-seeking rockets sup - ARF, Hunchak and ADL — to explore the means of stopping the plied by the US, he was hailed as a hero, a freedom fighter strug - acts of terror. EstabElsisthabedlis1h9e3d2 1932 gling to defeat an atheist power occupying the Moslem land of The negotiations which began in Geneva were supposed to con - Afghanistan. And when Brezhnev’s army left Afghanistan, tails tinue in New York, when the foreign minister planned to attend the An AADnL APDuLb liPcuatbiloicn ation between their legs, bin Laden turned the muzzle of his gun against UN General Assembly session. his US allies, eventually bringing his violence to the American But the Turkish government had in the meantime done its shores and destroying the World Trade Center, the same voice homework and found out that the Armenian political parties no EDITOR which had credited him with heroism branded him overnight as a longer enjoyed their erstwhile organizational discipline which had Alin K. Gregorian terrorist. brought to justice the perpetrators of the Genocide earlier in the There is an Armenian saying, fire burns where it falls. century. The movement had gotten out from the hands of the ASSISTANT EDITOR Indeed, more than 3,000 families were burnt and they will never Armenian political parties and the young generation had joined Gabriella Gage forgive nor forget the acts which took the lives of their loved one. the worldwide political action movement. Therefore, the Turkish

ASSOCIATE EDITOR But, in addition to the pain of the victims and the survivors, the Foreign Ministry even did not bother to disinvite the party leaders. Aram Arkun story has a moral. The moral of this story is that the definition of Instead, they chose a more serious course; they approached the a hero or a terrorist depends mostly on the perspective of the per - Israelis and made a common cause with them as Armenian groups ART DIRECTOR son defining the act of violence and the actor. had made an alliance with the Palestinians with whom they were Marc Mgrditchian If an act of terror is in line with the party’s interest, then the per - training in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley. petrator is a hero. Conversely, if the violence is against that party’s When Ariel Sharon invaded Lebanon in 1982, his mission was interest, the perpetrator becomes a vile terrorist. to destroy the power structure of the Palestinians. That mission SENIOR EDITORIAL COLUMNIST: Acquisition and use of power can never be viewed neutrally since also included turning over the Armenian youth caught in the Edmond Azadian the 16th century when Niccolo Machiavelli published his seminal camps and all related documents to Ankara, so that the Turkish book on political philosophy, The Prince. Ever since, the word “Deep State” could do its job and bring a halt to political vio - CONTRIBUTORS: “Machiavellian” has become synonymous with deceit, despotism lence. Florence Avakian, Dr. Haroutiune Arzoumanian, Taleen Babayan, Prof. and political manipulation, although the author — a poet and a The ADL, as a conservative organization, has not espoused polit - Vahakn N. Dadrian, Diana Der playwright at the same time — was objectively describing the power ical violence outside historic Armenia. But it looks like the facts of Hovanessian, Philip Ketchian, Kevork of the rulers and the exercise of governing people. life sometimes defy ideologies. The 1970s and 1980s brought the Keushkerian, Sonia Kailian-Placido , Armenians being at the receiving end of that power throughout issue of the Armenian Genocide to the world political focus, Harut Sassounian, Mary Terzian, Hagop their history can better understand being the underdog under a whether positive or negative — that is an undeniable fact. Vartivarian, Naomi Zeytoonian hostile rule. Armenians, in their turn, have sometimes resorted to After four decades, in hindsight, some people may applaud the violence only to defend themselves. deeds of the Armenian youth, others may blame them and say they CORRESPONDENTS: This year marks the 41st anniversary of the beginning of such tarnished our reputation. To objectively assess those events, one Armenia - Hagop Avedikian violence, which shook the powerful state of Turkey and once again has to go outside the parameter of the Armenian thinking and find Boston - Nancy Kalajian Philadelphia - Lisa Manookian promoted the forgotten issue of the Genocide on the world politi - out the impact of those times on non-Armenians. One case in point Berlin - Muriel Mirak-Weissbach cal agenda after it lay seemingly forgotten in history’s waste bas - is the prominent Turkish writer Elif Shafak, who is an established ket. and outspoken Turkish author and columnist. The Free Contributing Photographers: Jacob Demirdjian, Harry Koundakjian, Jirair It began on January 27, 1973, when Gourgen Yanikian assassi - Encyclopedia qualifies her “as Turkey’s bestselling female writer. Hovsepian nated two Turkish consular officers, Mehmet Baydar and Baladir Shafak is a brave champion of cosmopolitanism, a sophisticated Demir, in a Santa Barbara hotel room in California. On the occa - feminist and an ambitious novelist who infuses her magical realist sion of this anniversary, the Assembly of the Turkish American fiction with big, important ideas …. Critics have named her as one Associations (ATAA), which seems to be the propaganda arm of the of the most distinctive voices in contemporary Turkish and world The Armenian Mirror-Spectator is published Turkish government, issued a statement reminding the Armenian literature.” weekly, except two weeks in July, by: public the “evil deeds of Marxist Secret Army for the Liberation of She was born in 1971, the period when Armenian political vio - Baikar Association, Inc. Armenia (ASALA) and neo-Fascist Justice Commandos of the lence began. She was the daughter of a Turkish diplomat and 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 Armenian Genocide (JCAG).” throughout her formative years, the word “Armenians” sent shiv - Telephone: 617-924-4420 According to the statement, these groups, who took over for ers down the backs of her and her family. FAX: 617-924-2887 Yanikian in the ensuing years, carried out 300 attacks killing 77 As she grew up, she was curious to find out the source of the www.mir ror spectator.com diplomats and civilians and wounding more than 700 people, Armenians’ anger. And when she read history — the real one and E-Mail: editor@mirrorspectator .com including non-Turks. not the one taught in her homeland — she became one of the most For advertising: [email protected] The ATAA has also published 48 pictures of the victims, mostly ardent sympathizers of the Genocide victims and in one of her nov - Turkish diplomats. els, The Bastard of Istanbul , she dealt with the issue of Genocide Looking at these pictures, a bystander may sincerely empathize only to find herself in front of a Turkish court, being accused of with these victims and their families, none of whom directly had a “insulting Turkishness.” SUBSCRIPTION RATES : hand in the Armenian Genocide. Another compelling case is the story of a Spanish journalist, Jose But the perpetrators of those acts of violence were motivated Antonio Gurriaran. On December 30, 1980, he left the building of and propelled by a deep wound and a never-ending sense of anger. the newspaper Pueblo in Madrid and entered a telephone booth to U.S.A. $80 a year Yanikian himself was troubled throughout his life by the murder of talk to his wife. When he put down the receiver, two bombs explod - his family members and the murder of an entire nation. Also, the ed in the nearby headquarters of Swissair and TWA. Nobody died Canada $125 a year youth who followed suit had a selfless dedication to a cause that but among the nine injured was Jose Antonio. While still in the Other Countries $190 a year they deemed justified putting their own lives in harms’ way to hospital, when he struggled to save both legs, he started to read carry the mission. books and materials about the case and the history of the The victims of the political violence had their own personal Armenians. He also interviewed ASALA members. Soon after the dreams, dreams for their families and for their nation. That is one incident, his book, titled La Bomba , was released, giving the first- © 2014 The Armenian Mirror-Spectator side of the equation. On the other side of the equation, a million hand account of a Spanish journalist and the tragic story of the Periodical Class Postage Paid at Boston, MA and a half Armenians had their dreams, they deserved to live their survival of a whole nation. and additional mailing offices. personal lives and enjoy a free and independent sovereign home - When asked whether it was worthwhile so much sacrifice and ISSN 0004-234X land. Since the Turks have reduced all the perished lives to a bloodshed, and were the fighters, heroes or terrorists, Armenians debate about statistics, then we may forgo the human aspect of the may never come up with an objective answer. It is a burning issue POSTMASTER : Send address changes to The Armenian Mirror-Spectator, P.O. Box 302, body count and conclude that the pain and loss of the Armenians and we will always have a subjective answer. Watertown, MA 02472-0302 outweigh the Turkish losses. Don’t forget that in addition to the Therefore the best way is to leave the answer to a prominent Other than the editorial, views and opinions loss of human lives, Armenians lost their homeland of 3,000 years. Turkish writer and a Spanish journalist. expressed in this newspaper do not necessarily eflect the policies of the publisher.

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In a preliminary decision on December 14, 2011, ECHR tic remedies (ECHR requirement) by applying first to found Sargsyan’s complaint to be partly admissible. The Artsakh courts prior to filing a complaint with ECHR, con - court rejected Azerbaijan’s contention that the case should sidering the further complication that Artsakh is not a rec - be dismissed because it covered events prior to ognized state? Azerbaijan’s ratification of the European Convention on Here are some thoughts about ECHR’s crucial role in My Turn Human Rights in 2002. Unfortunately, applicant Minas these two conflicting cases: Sargsyan passed away in 2009, but his two children are 1) Both complaints were filed with ECHR almost 10 By Harut Sassounian continuing the complaint. ECHR will further probe the years ago and cover alleged human rights violations that merits of the Sargsyan case during its February 5, 2014 had occurred over two decades earlier. Since the Armenian hearing. applicant and one of the six Azeris had died in the inter - European Court of Human Two weeks earlier, ECHR heard the rival case of vening years, neither one will ever see the justice that they Rights Intervenes in Artsakh “Chiragov and Others vs. Armenia,” in which six had sought from the European Court. As the popular say - Azerbaijani Kurds had filed a complaint against the ing goes, “justice delayed is justice denied!” Conflict Republic of Armenia. They claimed to be unable to return 2) ECHR’s obvious effort to take simultaneous action on It is noteworthy that the European Court of Human to their homes and properties in the Lachin district since these two separate yet opposing cases indicates that the Rights (ECHR) is holding simultaneous hearings on two May 17, 1992, having been forced to flee because of the Court might be trying to resolve not only these two com - rival lawsuits filed by Armenians and Azerbaijanis. Is this a Karabagh (Artsakh) war. plaints, but also lay the groundwork for the resolution of mere coincidence or an attempt by the court to intervene The Azeri complaint against Armenia was first filed with the Artsakh conflict, at least the refugees’ right to return in a thorny dispute that political leaders have failed to ECHR on April 6, 2005. In a preliminary decision on to their homes. resolve for over 25 years? December 14, 2011, ECHR agreed to take up the case, find - ECHR’s even-handed treatment of Armenian and This week, ECHR is hearing the case of “Sargsyan vs. ing that the ongoing negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijani applicants thus far would lead one to believe Azerbaijan,” dealing with Minas Sargsyan’s complaint Azerbaijan did not preclude the Court from dealing with that the Court would eventually rule in favor of both cases against the Republic of Azerbaijan, claiming that he was this contentious situation. ECHR held a subsequent hear - opening the door to thousands of additional complaints forced to flee his Gulistan home in the Shahumyan region, ing on January 22, 2014, to consider the following ques - from refugees on both sides who suffered a similar fate dur - after his property was destroyed by Azeri armed forces in tions: ing the Artsakh war. Since all member countries of the June 1992. The Sargsyan case was first filed with ECHR on 1) does Armenia exercise effective control over the terri - European Council are obliged to comply with ECHR’s deci - August 11, 2006. Interestingly, the Court held hearings on tory of Artsakh? sions, the Court may order that these refugees be allowed both the Armenian and Azerbaijani complaints on the 2) do the six Azeri citizens possess sufficient documen - to return to their native homes, thereby imposing a partial same day: it heard the “Chiragov and Others vs. Armenia” tation proving their identity and ownership of the claimed humanitarian solution on an intractable conflict that the case in the morning of September 15, 2010, and later that properties? leaders of both countries and international mediators have afternoon, the “Sargsyan vs. Azerbaijan” case. 3) should the Azeri applicants have exhausted all domes - been unable to resolve for over 25 years. Keep on Truckin’: Turkey and Al Qaeda in Syria

regarding the National Intelligence Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), now, the Turkish opposition also seems to have By Dr. Can Erimtan Organization (Law No. 2937, adopted in 1983), referred to as an “al-Qaeda splinter group.” In seized upon this opportunity by using the name which specifically prohibits criminal proceed - this way, the current war in Syria is presented Al-Qaeda to insinuate the AKP’s supposedly ings against MIT members and hence the real as another part of the supposedly never-ending nefarious goals in Syria (and possibly Turkey). In view of Turkey’s possible meddling in the contents of the truck have not been made pub - war against the enemies of civilization, centered The story surrounding the seizure of the “civil” war in neighboring Syria, news about a lic. Thus the allegations of the presence of around a mysterious organization known only truck headed for Syria has in this way become Turkish truck headed for the Syrian border “weapons and ammunition, bulletproof jackets as Al-Qaeda. another opposition argument against Tayyip appears rather uncomfortable for the ruling and electronic devices” could not be substanti - The main armed opposition in Syria initially Erdogan and his government, an argument that government in Ankara, already in the throes of ated. The Interior Ministry instead intervened was formed by the Free Syrian Army (FSA), directly links the AKP with the name Al-Qaeda, a corruption scandal. directly and allowed the truck to continue on heavily supported by the US and Turkey. But hinting at the existence of certain affinities and In the first days of the new year, Turkish its journey. the fighting over the past years has now led to sympathies that are clearly meant to create a media reported that a truck carrying aid for The government intervention apparently a remarkably different landscape, where Islamist wedge between the Turkish public and their Syria that had been collected by the by-now aimed at thwarting a serious investigation into and Jihadist groupings are now calling the openly pious prime minister. In contrast, the notorious Humanitarian Aid Foundation, or the affair ensured that the opposition eagerly shots. Just like the FSA, these latter factions are government has countered such reasoning by IHH, had been stopped by the local gen - grabbed hold of the truck and its alleged con - also heavily dependent upon outside support, inserting the Turcoman community living in darmerie of the Turkish province of Hatay bor - tents to attack the Prime Minster Tayyip notably from Saudi Arabia and Qatar, apparent - Syria into the narrative as an obvious appeal to dering Syria. Erdogan and his government. This truck affair ly funneling millions of dollars to these “rebels” Turkish nationalist sentiment, arguably to IHH garnered a lot of public attention in appeared on Turkey’s political scene in the mid - (or should they be classified as “terrorists” deflect attention from possible links to “Islamist 2010, as a result of Israel’s violent attack on the dle of a huge corruption scandal that has also instead, giving their clear anti-Western and groupings and/or Al-Qaeda affiliates.” Turkish ship Mavi Marmara delivering humani - been marred by government intervention. The Islamist credentials?) on a monthly basis. As such, some members of the Turcoman tarian aid to Gaza. Now, with war raging in leader of the opposition CHP (Republican In fact, this material support apparently went minority in Syria opposed to Assad have already Syria, it seemed that IHH again appeared will - People’s Party), Kemal Kiliçdaroglu, for exam - even a lot further in some case. For instance, in sought refuge in Turkey and even founded their ing to aid fellow-Muslims under threat, supply - ple, immediately made the pronouncement that the course of 2012, video footage emerged of own political organization last year, called the ing humanitarian aid to those in need. But Turkey was supplying weapons to Syria’s armed auctions held in Saudi Arabia where fathers Syrian Turcoman Assembly, led by Semir Hafiz. some days later, the journalist Fevzi Kizilkoyun opposition, elaborating that “[b]y means of offered their sons up as would-be suicide At the time, Hafiz even declared his intention to revealed in the popular daily Hürriyet that the sending weapons to the Syrian opposition bombers in exchange for substantial compensa - set up a number of Turcoman brigades to join truck had allegedly been carrying weapons and Turkey is saying as much as go kill your neigh - tion offered by the highest bidder. It needs to be the fight against the Assad regime, as the ammunition, bulletproof jackets and electronic bor.” stressed, though, that this footage was original - Turcoman community was caught in the middle devices, in addition to a number of survival Abdüllatif Sener, a co-founder of the AKP in ly aired by the Hezbollah-backed al-Manar TV, a of competing factions – Kurdish and Islamist, to goods. 2001, who left the party in 2007 and has since source that cannot be seen as a neutral party in be precise. When the gendarmerie moved the truck to joined the ranks of those critical of Turkey’s the Syrian conflict. In the end, however, the Given all the external meddling, the conflict their headquarters, a total of three individuals current government, appeared on the opposi - serious support received by these Islamist in Syria has become incredibly convoluted, and were detained – two Turkish and one Syrian tion television channel Halk TV claiming that groupings has now led to a shift in the focus of now that the Assad regime appears to be gain - national. IHH disowned the truck, and subse - Erdogan himself is personally responsible for the fighting – violence that has now led to more ing ground against the opposition, the media quently it was revealed that the truck in ques - Turkey’s current policy on Syria. He posited than 120,000 dead on the ground. tend to focus on the “Islamist groupings and/or tion actually belonged to Turkish National that the Free Syrian Army (FSA) was no longer The armed opposition has now become mired Al-Qaeda affiliates” active in Syria. In the end, Intelligence Organization (MIT) and that the active on the ground in Syria as is had been in serious infighting, a violent power struggle one cannot but wonder whether the Turkish detained individuals were to be freed on defeated by Islamist groupings, Sener calls “Al- that is currently pitting the FSA against ISIL. truck destined for Syria was carrying “weapons account of their special status as intelligence Qaeda” and literally stated that “there is a Already some three years ago I wrote that, in and ammunition” for so-called Al-Qaeda affili - officers. The MIT operatives then revealed that [direct] link between Turkey and [Al-] Qaeda this context, a phrase that “Al-Qaeda remains a ates, or logistical aid for the beleaguered the truck and its cargo had been part of an elements.” Sener even went on to say that the catch-all ghost entity” appears very helpful. At Turcomans of Syria. operation classified as a “state secret.” truck in question had been carrying “weapons the time I wrote that “the name Al-Qaeda is A few weeks have now passed, and on In this context, Turkish President Abdullah for Al-Qaeda, [and that it was going into] a used by the US to suggest the presence of a January 19 a grand total of seven more trucks Gül entered the fray to declare that “[certain] region controlled by Al Qaeda.” threat that is then employed to justify [possible headed for Syria were stopped near the Turkish very extreme groupings have emerged in parts In this way, one can see how the US war on US] military intervention. The flipside of that city of Adana – trucks also supposedly carrying of Syria close to the Turkish border. There terror, originally launched by George W. Bush stance is now that terrorists and like-minded humanitarian aid for the suffering people of exists a Turcoman entity that is being crushed in 2001, has now even entered the political dis - individuals opposing US dominance and inter - Syria. But again, mortar-shells, rockets and var - in the middle of these very hard conditions. It course in Turkey as a sure means to slander ventionism equally cite the name Al-Qaeda to ious other pieces of ammunition were also is [Turkey’s] duty to offer aid to Syria’s Tayyip Erdogan and his Muslim-democrat party, gain credibility, notoriety and media exposure.” found inside those vehicles. Turcoman [community]. They stated that this the AKP or Justice and Development Party. The Even today, the media persist in using the In response to these additional trucks being affair to do with this truck was [about] a vehi - war in Syria harbors a great many factions, name Al-Qaeda to hint at the existence of a investigated, the government has not revived its cle delivering aid to the Turcoman [community] some of which have clear Islamist leanings, with “global network” of Islamist fighters. In Syria, earlier-employed Turcoman argument in in Syria. I asked them about this truck [and] the Al-Nusra Front (ANF) being the most promi - this seems abundantly clear as well, as Al- defense. The fact that these trucks are being that is what I was told as well.” nent and notorious one till recently. The West Nusra’s current leader Abu Mohammad al- stopped now, as Turkey is mired in a corruption The fact that Turkey’s notorious intelligence easily call this group an “Al-Qaeda associate” Golani even proclaimed his allegiance to Al- scandal that has led the prime minister to organization MIT appeared directly involved led active in Syria. Another name that also seems Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri, conspicuously declare that his government is being attacked to the application of the 26th article of the law to have dominated the airwaves recently is the absent from the news over the past years. And see SYRIA, page 15 S ATURDAY , F EBRUARY 8, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 15 COMMENTARY A Closer Look at Philadelphia’s Armenian Presence

performed occasional religious services at the Protestant In 1941, the Diocesan loyalists, demonstrating a more compli - By George S. Yacoubian, Sr. Episcopal Church at 5th and Buttonwood Streets, the Odd mentary Armenian trait —resiliency — regrouped and purchased Fellows Hall on North Broad Street as well as at both the Old Elks the Marshall Street Church at Susquehanna Street. A new sanc - Hall at 232 North 9th Street and the Morning Star Hall at Vine tuary, Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church (1942-1964), was An anniversary is, by definition, an observation of a notable and Ridge Avenues. consecrated on December 26-27, 1942. event. The first Board of Trustees/ joint steering committee/Parish On May 11, 1946, St. Mark’s Armenian Catholic Church, now at When viewed through the prism of a church consecration, the Council was organized in 1902 by Father (later Archbishop) 6014 Market Street (1946-75), previously a vacant bank building, occasion, whether commemorative or celebratory, is an expression Hovsep Sarajian. Reflecting the ecumenism that defined that peri - was officially dedicated and blessed, while its consecration wasn’t of communion, devotion and pride. od, it comprised five men, two of whom were Protestant. scheduled until December 23, 1951. And so it is that four local Philadelphia Armenian churches will A later influx of compatriots prompted, however, a denomina - Once again, St. Sahag and St. Mesrob, requiring even greater have observed, beginning in 2013 and continuing through 2014, tional realignment. On July 18, 1907, The Armenian Evangelical capacity, in 1947, purchased land at 63rd and Locust Streets. significant anniversaries. As follows: Holy Trinity Armenian Church of Philadelphia for the Protestant Armenians was found - Having sold 6006 in September 1950, religious services were held Apostolic Church (June 1, 2014), its 80th Anniversary; St. Gregory ed. Services were held, at first, in the Central Congregational at the Episcopal Church at 56th and Markets Streets until a The Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Church (October 27, 2013), Church at 18th and Green Streets, and later, in the gymnasium of church hall (1951-61) was constructed. its 90th Anniversary as well as 46 years at its present location; St. the historic Holy Trinity Church on Rittenhouse Square. In 1913, In the interim, it became apparent that the schism within the Sahag and St. Mesrob Armenian Apostolic Church (October 19, a small church for the Apostolic, at the corner of Pike and Broad Armenian Church was both irrevocable and untenable. In 1957, 20, 2013), its 50th Anniversary at its present location; and St. Streets (1913-17) was consecrated (by one account) as St. Sahag the Catholicos of the Great House of Cilcia, responding to a reso - Mark’s Armenian Catholic Church (May 4, 2014), its 90th and St. Mesrob. lution passed at a gathering of the separated churches assumed Anniversary. Due in no small measure to the massacres of 1895/96, 1909 authority and jurisdiction over St. Gregory and their co-religion - Ironically, the one silent church — Armenian Martyrs’ and the Genocide of 1915, the number of Armenians in America ists. In 1959, the Eastern Prelacy (as it is known today) of the Congregational Church — is the oldest church in our region, hav - increased exponentially. Philadelphia was not excepted. Armenian Apostolic Church of America was established. ing celebrated its 100th Anniversary on December 2, 2007. The capacity at Pike and Broad was soon deemed inadequate. At about the same time, evolving demographics in West Given the confluence of these anniversaries, voices have sug - On March 21, 1917, a larger facility on Pine Street, near Broad, Philadelphia, as well as ingrained Armenian attributes for dili - gested a chronological history of Philadelphia’s five Armenian was acquired and on September 30, 1917, was consecrated as the gence, industry and thrift, rewarded many families with resources churches. The thought expressed is that such a study might well St. Sahag & St. Mesrob Armenian Apostolic Church, (1917-23). to escape their West Philadelphia row homes, inducing all three instill in the descendants of our founding fathers, an admiration That the consecration was performed by Archbishop Moushegh West Philadelphia churches- within walking distance of one anoth - for the religious fervor of those who were transplanted thousands Seropian, placed the parish firmly within the orbit of the Apostolic er- to seek suburban locations. of miles to a new world, confronted with prejudice and hostility, faith as well as the Diocese (as it is known today) of the Armenian The first to flee was St. Sahag & St. Mesrob. On February 19, stymied by a strange language, an alien culture-yet determined to Church of America (Eastern). 1961, acquisition of the Agnes Irwin School for Girls, on 630 both retain and nurture their cherished heritage. But the hereditary defect of Armenians for disputation, on this Clothier Road, Wynnewood, an 8 1/2 acre property, was approved. It was about 1830 that the first Armenian set foot in occasion a doctrinal struggle regarding faith and good works, The church was consecrated on November 24, 1963. Philadelphia. He was a young vartabed, Rt. Rev. Haroutune (alter - intervened. On March 7, 1920, a disaffected Protestant church, On May 5, 1963, Armenian Martyrs’ held yet another ground - nately Haroutiun) Vehabedian, who, upon completing his educa - The Armenian Congregational Church of Philadelphia, was breaking ceremony, this time at 100 North Edmonds Avenue, tion, returned abroad. Later he became an archbishop, Patriarch launched in Liberty Hall at the corner of Larchwood and 60th Havertown. The new sanctuary of The Armenian Martyrs’ of Constantinople (1885-1888) and Patriarch of the St. James Street and formally constituted on November 21, 1920. Given the Congregational Church was dedicated one year later, on Armenian Monastery of Jerusalem, (1888-1910). propensity of that denomination to diffuse, two other short-lived November 8, 1964. In the interim, services were held down the The Philadelphia Armenian population in our area, in the early congregations, The First Armenian Methodist Church in America street at the Seventh Day Adventist Church. 1900s, was numbered at about 120. Primarily male, they travelled and The Armenian Church of the Brethren, provided options. On December 7, 1975, St. Mark’s was dedicated at 400 North to America for employment. Many of them anticipated returning By 1923, the congregation of the St. Sahag and St. Mesrob Haverford Road, Wynnewood. With the creation of the Armenian home. Homesick and lonely, these few, bonded by ethnicity, lan - Church had sufficiently diverged demographically to require two Catholic Exarchate of North America in the month of July 1981, guage and culture with the Christian faith firmly embedded in churches, one in West Philadelphia and the other in North St. Mark’s acceded to its authority and jurisdiction while volun - their psyche, gathered together, regardless of denomination, to Philadelphia. The Pine Street church was sold-the name St. Sahag teering to host the Episcopal Seat for three years. As a result, St. worship. and St. Mesrob- assigned to the West Philadelphia parish. While Mark’s was subsumed within the Catholic community of North Itinerate clergymen, primarily Protestant, but Apostolic as well, the proceeds of $30,000 (after expenses) were to be equally divid - America. ed, one parish council temporarily administered both groups. The two churches to the north experienced circumstances not That same year, on December 15, 1923, with the arrival of Rev. unlike their westernbrethren. On December 1, 1964, Holy Trinity, Stephen Stepanian, the first Armenian Catholic Church in at Marshall and Susquehanna was completely destroyed by fire. America was launched in the basement of St. Columba’s Church But because, almost presciently, in 1956, 11 acres of land in Turkey and Al Qaeda in on Lehigh Avenue. Cheltenham had been acquired, Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic On September 5, 1924, the Armenian Congregational Church of Church, today, employing classical Armenian architecture, may be Philadelphia held a ground-breaking ceremony at 6029 Ludlow found at 101 Ashmead Road in Cheltenham; its consecration, Syria Street (1924-1962); the cornerstone was laid on October 5, 1924 September 18, 1966. and the church formally dedicated on the last Sunday in November St. Gregory The Illuminator was the one church to remain, albeit SYRIA, from page 14 1928. on its periphery, in Philadelphia. Sixteenth and Oxford was sold by a “parallel structure,” does appear to be significant. With the Pine Street church sold, the West Philadelphian during February 1966. But the parish had already previously In other words, Tayyip Erdogan is now claiming that the alle - Armenians held church services in St. George’s Episcopal Church decided to relocate. The Morgan Estate, a 7 1/2 acre property at gation that Turkey is in the process of smuggling weapons into at 61st St. and Hazel Ave. But by July 22, 1925, a large house and 8701 Ridge Avenue became available and on September 13, 1959, Syria is nothing but part of an organized smear campaign aimed adjacent lot at 6006 Walnut Street was purchased; its consecration a ground-blessing ceremony took place. Consecration of their at discrediting Turkey’s AKP government. As it is, ever since the as the St. Sahag and St. Mesrob Armenian Apostolic Church church, its structure of traditional Armenian architecture, was outbreak of violence in Syria, Turkey has spent about $200 mil - (1925-50), taking place in October 1932. held on May 20, 21, 1967. Many years later, in September of 2010, lion sending aid into Syria in hundreds of trucks. Iran’s Fars That same year, on August 25, 1925, confronting the futility of the church complex was enhanced by an adjoining Founder’s Hall. News Agency nevertheless reports that the apprehended trucks’ separatism, the two surviving Armenian Protestant congregations Despite all that has rippled through our region these many drivers “confessed that the terrorist groups are handed the merged; the surviving entity becoming The Armenian Martyrs’ years, it can be said, that today, fostered by a spirit of cooperation weapons in a border area they describe it as ‘a buffer zone’ . . . Congregational Church of Philadelphia. Their first united service and pride, the fabric of accommodation blankets our society. The Turkish drivers stressed that they deliver not only weapons was held on September 16, 1925. The creation of the Philadelphia Inter-Communal Committee in and ammunition to what they described as “the opposition,” but On April 5, 1926, St. Mark’s Armenian Catholic Church relocat - the early 1960s is a case in point. Three times a year, all five all sorts of goods with the knowledge of all Turkey’s officials.” ed to 142 North Robinson Street (1926-46). churches come together, alternating facilities, to commemorate Turkey’s prime minister visited Brussels some days ago, and in On March 2, 1927, the North Philadelphia Armenians, after hav - Sts. Vartanatz, Armenian Martyrs’ Day and October Cultural addition to having talks with the President of the European ing worshiped for the past four years in Episcopal churches locat - Month. Council, Herman Van Rompuy, he also took time to talk at a sum - ed at 12th and 18th Streets on Diamond, purchased the Memorial For over 30 years, PAND, Philadelphia’s Nor Daree -New Year’s mit organized by the Turkish business organization TÜMSAD. Church of Our Redeemer at the corner of 16th and Oxford Streets. Eve Celebration- has been hosted by a coalition, representative Addressing these businessmen, Erdogan managed to voice his The edifice was consecrated on April 1, 1928 and designated St. again, of all five churches. This spirit of cooperation has been tem - opinion on the apprehended trucks and Turkey’s relationship Gregory The Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Church (1927-1935). pered by the Armenian Sisters’ Academy. Its establishment 46 with Syria’s opposition: “Now, with the help of the ‘parallel struc - Once again, the inherent Armenian predisposition for implosion years ago has brought together children, parents and grandpar - ture’ there are some attempts to show that Turkey as a country erupted. The tragic events of 1933 and 1934, which plague us ents, who in all probability may not have, in any other circum - is supporting terrorism [in Syria]. Turkey‘s efforts to transfer even today, are beyond the scope of this study, but for those so stance, met one another, becoming acquaintances, colleagues, humanitarian aid [to Syria] have been prevented. While Turkey inclined, The Torch Was Passed , pp 27- 35, edited by Chris Zakian even friends. has been struggling with the [Kurdish terrorist groups, the] PKK and A History of the Armenian Holy Apostolic Orthodox Church Continuing, a broad-based Genocide Walk-A-Thon Committee, and the PYD, while it is struggling with the DHKP/C in the United States (1888-1944), pp 265-289, authored by (later confirms the commitment of 3rd and 4th generation Philadelphia [Revolutionary People’s Liberation Party/Front], al-Qaeda and al- Very Reverend) Oshagan Minassian are recommended readings. Armenians to the memory of our hallowed Martyrs. And while, Nusra, there are some efforts to show that Turkey is arm-in-arm Its repercussions, unfortunately, impacted the Philadelphia com - admittedly mundane, a group, however modest, of senior citizens, with terrorism [in Syria].” munity. Because a plurality, if not a majority, of the members of again representative of all five churches, come together on Were these trucks carrying humanitarian aid or were they fer - St. Gregory The Illuminator Church were determined to disassoci - Wednesdays for a meal and camaraderie. rying weapons to the Syrian opposition? The answer to this ques - ate with, once again, we know today as the Diocese of the In addition to the above, a series of ad hoc committees, prompt - tion may be a key to understanding whether Turkey’s govern - Armenian Church of America (Eastern), the parish was sundered. ed by extraordinary circumstances and cemented by shared values ment is being unfairly targeted by a nefarious cabal bent on dis - Those members faithful to the Diocese and Echmiadzin, in 1934, and tragedies, confirms the obligation of Philadelphia Armenians rupting the democratic process in Turkey or, conversely, these reorganized as Holy Trinity Armenian Church and rented facilities to one another. The Armen Ounjian Fund is one such example. trucks constitute a definite proof of Turkey’s complicity in the for worship. Those who were in opposition met at a Lutheran The Bicentennial Commemorative Committee culminating with ongoing war in Syria. Church at 22nd and Columbia Avenues. Possession of the vacant the statue Meher being donated to the City of Philadelphia was a (Dr. Can Erimtan is an independent scholar residing in (court ordered) 16th and Oxford facility became the subject of lit - second. And most recently, the successful drive to place an appro - stanbul, with a wide interest in the politics, history and culture igation which wasn’t resolved definitively until February 1935, priate memorial at the grave site of Khatchadour (Paul) of the Balkans and the Greater Middle East. This analysis origi - when it was awarded to the second group and reopened as an Garabedian, an Armenian Civil War veteran . nally appeared in Russia Times on January 31.) unaffiliated parish (1935-1966). In all, no small accomplishment. Perhaps there’s hope after all. 16 S ATURDAY , F EBRUARY 8, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR

‘Gift of Life’ Program Helps Fund Treatment of Children with Cancer

YEREVAN (Arka) — Children suffering from He said these children are being aided by lowed by bone marrow transplant, and it is Of 7,877 primary cancer cases reported in cancer in Armenia are treated with the latest the Armenian fund “Gift of Life,” chaired by the only method we do not have here. In such 2012 more than 50 were children, he said medicines, Grigor Badalyan, head of Pediatric First Lady Rita Sargisian. cases, the children should be treated abroad, denying allegations that this number was on Oncology and Chemotherapy Department at “The fund provides seek Armenian children however, it is not a treatment guaranteed 100 the rise. the National Oncology Center, said this week. with all the necessary medicines, even the most percent, “ he said. February 4 is marked by the World Health “We use all methods of cancer treatment — expensive,” he said, adding that only two or Badalyan also presented statistics, which Organization (WHO) as the Day against surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy three cases have needed medical care abroad. say that treatment effectiveness in developed Cancer. WHO forecasts that by 2020 the — to treat children suffering from cancer,” he “There is a group of children with very countries is 75-80 percent, and 20-25 percent number of new cases in the world will reach said to the press conference marking the severe type of the disease requiring extreme - in underdeveloped countries. He said this fig - 20 million, and the disease may become epi - International Day against Cancer. ly high dosages of chemotherapy to be fol - ure for Armenia is 65 percent. demic.

Komitas Chants Sung at Metropolitan Museum US Company Buys HILLIARD, from page 1 Christmas hymn Ov Zarmanali with seamless Armenian Theological Seminary in Jerusalem for Armenian Power Plants special program at the Metropolitan Museum phrasing, deep spirituality and understanding, four years, where he said he was “entirely sur - on January 22, to hear this famed a cappella together with perfect pronunciation. For the rounded by sacred music and spiritual life.” Both YEREVAN (Reuters) — US power com - quartet which is now on its farewell tour after last 10 years, the Hilliard Ensemble had become works are in the repertoire of Hilliard, as well as that pany ContourGlobal said it will acquire 40 years of performing to great acclaim across musical ambassadors, exposing the beauty and of Hover, and released in 2013 by LCMS on a CD, three hydroelectric power plants in the globe. Due to ice-strewn runways in New uniqueness of Armenian sacred music to such titled “In Search of Miraculous.” Armenia in a $250-million deal. York, the group had flown from performances huge audiences. The “most important value of Lord Who The company said it had bought the in North Carolina to Philadelphia, then had In addition to Komitas’ chants, the group Made the Spring Run ,” Sharafyan noted is its Vorotan Hydro plants for $180 million taken the Amtrak to New York, arriving just in also performed at the Metropolitan Museum “genuineness, when one does not just pretend and planned to invest an additional $70 time for the concert, this being their last per - concert, a piece, Lord Who Made the Spring to be, but really lives what he is saying, singing million, making it the largest single US formance in North America. Run, by Vatche Sharafyan, a 48-year-old com - or writing about. From this point of view, my private investment there. Before the start of the program, the perform - poser from Yerevan who has been associated piece is entirely exact, and should be sung by The deal may decrease Armenia’s ers revealed to WQXR reporter John Schaefer, with, and become well known through famed the Hilliard whom I really admire for this quali - dependence on Russia, Yerevan’s main host of the evening, that in November 2004, the cellist Yo Yo Ma’s Silk Road project. ty. They are perfect!” trading partner and biggest foreign group had been invited to Armenia to record In an e-mail communication, Sharafyan For 40 years, the Hilliard Ensemble has been investor. and perform some of the sharagans arranged revealed that he had first met the Hilliard known for their unique style and virtuosic musi - The Vorotan Hydro Cascade complex is by the legendary composer and musicologist Ensemble at the Komitas recordings in cianship in presenting both early and new a series of three hydroelectric power Komitas. The recording of these sharagans took Saghmosavank, organized by VEM radio studio. music. David James, the countertenor of the plants totalling 405 megawatts on the place in Saghmosavank, a 13th-century “The organizer asked me to compose a special quartet has commented, “As well as all the Vorotan river in southern Armenia. monastery which is situated on top of the piece for them, and I wrote one based on the music that we have discovered and enjoyed per - It accounts for about 15 percent of Khasakh river gorge, from where Mount fifth century hymn of Mesrob Mashdotz, The forming over the years, we want to embrace the Armenia’s power capacity and provides Aragats is visible. sea of our life is troubling me, for which I used important relationships and people that have energy for 250,000 homes. During the Metropolitan Museum perfor - three duduks together with the Hilliard. This contributed to some of the remarkable land - The long-term power purchase agree - mance, the members of the quartet, coun - piece was first performed and recorded by the marks and turning points in our career.” ment was signed on Wednesday between tertenor David James, tenors Rogers Covey- Hover Chamber Choir in Armenia together with At the end of 2014, the group will disband, ContourGlobal and the Armenian govern - Crump and Steven Harrold, and baritone Lord Who Made the Spring Run .” following performances in the US, Canada, ment. Gordon Jones interpreted the soulful Komitas Sharafyan related that he had composed this Australia, Austria, Germany, Italy, Switzerland sharagans , Hays Harg, Soorp Soorp and the piece “in one night” while he was a lecturer at the and the United Kingdom.